News

Late Eze Ben Obi, Others to Receive Imo @50 Star Honours Tomorrow

Published

4 months ago

February 6, 2026

By PETRUS OBI

The Imo State Government has announced that the late traditional ruler, Eze Ben Obi, of Ubulu Ihejiofor,Oru West LGA, alongside several other distinguished personalities, will be honoured tomorrow as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee (Imo @ 50) celebrations.
This follows the approval by Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, for the conferment of Imo State @ 50 Star Honours on eminent sons and daughters of the state, both living and deceased, in recognition of their exceptional service and lasting contributions to the development and global image of Imo State.
According to the Special Announcement signed by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the honours are designed to celebrate excellence, sacrifice, innovation, leadership, and cultural heritage across generations.
Late Eze Ben Obi was listed among the posthumous recipients of the Star of Innovation Award (SIA), an honour reserved for individuals whose groundbreaking ideas, research, technological advancement, or philanthropic impact contributed significantly to societal progress. Others in the same posthumous category include Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu, renowned for indigenous automobile innovation, Dr. Basil Nnanna Ukaegbu, and Mrs. Maria Egu.
The event will also witness the conferment of honours on other late icons across different categories, including former governors, military officers, jurists, business leaders, cultural figures, and traditional rulers whose legacies helped shape Imo State.
The Imo State Government said the awards ceremony underscores its resolve to immortalise those who distinguished themselves in service to humanity and to inspire present and future generations to uphold values of excellence and selfless leadership.
The conferment ceremony is scheduled to take place tomorrow as one of the highlights of the Imo @ 50 celebrations.

Full list of awardees

A) Golden Star Governor of Imo State

(GSGI)

Reserved for serving or former Governors who extraordinarily distinguished themselves in service to Imo State

H.E. Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe (Posthumous)

H.E. Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON

B) Grand Service Star of Imo State

(GSSI)

For exceptional service and contribution to the growth and development of Imo State

H.E Major-General Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (rtd)

H.E. Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd)

H.E. Cmdre. James Aneke (rtd)

H.E. Chief Achike Udenwa

H.E. Chief Ikedi Ohakim

H.E. Senator Rochas Anayo Okorocha

H.E. Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha

Hon. Justice Chioma Egondu Nwosu-Iheme Ph.D, JSC

His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Emeka Kanu Uche, JP (Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria)

His Grace, The Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba (Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

Posthumous:

H.E. Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu

H.E. Admiral Adekunle Lawal

H.E. Brig. Gen. Sunday Adenihun

H.E. Cmdre. Amadi Ikwechegh

H.E. Cmdre. Anthony Oguguo

H.E. Chief Evan Enwerem

H. E. Col. Tanko Zubairu

Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, JSC

Chief Emmanuel C. Iwuanyanwu, CFR

Hon. Justice Ignatius Chukwudi Pats Acholonu JSC, CON

C) Distinguished Star of Imo State

(DSI)

For sustained impact in economic development, infrastructure, trade and investment

Prof. Michael J. C. Echeruo

Chief Leo Stan Ekeh

Prof. Maurice Iwu

Ambassador Kema Chikwe

H.R.H. Eze Godwin Osuji

Mr. Ernest Ebi, MFR

Chief (Dr.) John Enyiogasi

Sir Mike Okiro, IGP (rtd.)

Rev. Fr. Prof. Emeka Emeakaroha

Dr. Walter Ofonagoro

Posthumous:

Senator Arthur Nzeribe

Dr. Benjamin Uzoukwu Nzeribe

Prof. George Obiozor

Dr. Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe (K.O. Mbadiwe)

Chief Sir John Richard Anyaehie

H.R.H. Eze Pius Agwaramgbo

Chief Collins Obih

Chief Pascal Dozie

Chief Willie Anumudu

Nze Dr. Clement Maduako, MFR

Chief Emma Osigwe Nwogu

H.R.H. Eze Zeb Philips Nwosu

D) Art & Culture Star of Imo State

(ACSI)

For outstanding contributions to the arts, culture, heritage and social cohesion of Imo State

His Grace, The Most Rev. Anthony Valentine Obinna (Archbishop Emeritus, Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri)

Sir Christogonus Ezebuiro Obinna (Sir Warrior)

Mr. Anayo Modestus Kanayo (Kanayo O. Kanayo)

Ms. Genevieve Nnaji

Ms. Rita Dominic-Anosike

Mr. Dan Satch Opara-Godwin (Kabaka)

Posthumous:

Flora Nwapa

E) Star of Innovation Award

(SIA)

For breakthrough ideas, projects and impact in technology, research, development or philanthropy

Dr. Sylvester Ugoh

Posthumous:

Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu

Dr. Basil Nnanna Ukaegbu

H.R.H. Eze Ben Obi

Mrs Maria Egu

F) Star of Youth Leadership

(SYL)

Chiamaka Nnadozie

News

1966 Coup: Aguiyi-Ironsi family honours Fajuyi’s ‘supreme sacrifice’

Published

7 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The family of the late former Head of State, Maj Gen Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has paid tribute to the late Lt Col Adekunle Fajuyi, describing his death as a “supreme and heroic sacrifice” that remains one of the most defining symbols of loyalty and national unity in Nigeria’s history.

Son of the late head of state and former Minister of Defence, Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a letter of remembrance and solidarity written on behalf of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family to the Fajuyi family, marking the 60th anniversary of his death, said July 29, 2026, will be a solemn occasion to honour a soldier they described as “a war hero who offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity and integrity of the nation.”

The family recalled that Lt Col Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1966 when mutinous soldiers abducted him alongside Maj Gen Aguiyi-Ironsi in Ibadan during the military counter-coup.

They stated that Fajuyi, in a defining moment of conscience, chose honour over personal safety and refused to abandon his guest and superior, a decision the family said reflected the highest ideals of loyalty, integrity, and military brotherhood.

According to the statement, his action transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continued to inspire unity, courage, and selfless service.

The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also expressed sympathy with the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the enduring pain of their loss, while praying for continued strength, comfort, and peace.

It further appreciated Nigerians, institutions, and well-meaning individuals who had consistently honoured the memory of Fajuyi, describing such support as proof that “the sacrifice of a true patriot is never forgotten.”

The statement further stated, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”

The family called on government institutions, military authorities, and custodians of national memory to ensure sustained recognition and support for the Fajuyi family, stressing that his sacrifice remained a national responsibility to remember and honour.

It urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and death, noting that his legacy continues to challenge the nation to uphold unity, courage, honour, and selfless service.

Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi.

News

Anambra APP Celebrates Ugochinyere’s Emergence As Reps Minority Leader

Published

14 hours ago

June 4, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

The emergence of Chief Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere as the Minority Leader of the Federal House of Representatives has been described as a vindication of the fact that the Action People’s Party (APP ) represents the collective interests of the Nigerian masses.

Recall that recently, Ugochinyere was elected as the Minority Leader of the party in a keenly contested election of the Federal House of Representatives.

According to a statement by the Chairman Anambra state chapter of the APP Chief Chijioke Okeke, Ugochinyere had been consistent in offering himself as the voice of the people and that of the voiceless.

“It did not come to us as a surprise that our great leader High Chief Ugochinyere became the Minority leader of the Federal House of Representatives because he has always been consistent and focus towards providing himself as the only vent for the masses at the Green Chambers”

“We know his pedegre as a politician as well as a leader and he has remained focus in ensuring that the voiceless are heard and this is also a vindication of our party’s unflinching desire to provide a veritable platform in a democratic process”

Okeke further stated that the fifth columnists who had attempted to deregister the party have been put to shame adding that the party shall continue to champion the interests of the Nigerian people.

“They made failed attempt at deregistering our great party but they lost sight of the fact that the APP is firmely rooted on ground and has all that it takes to drive the wishes and aspirations of the Nigerian populace and with this recent development our traducers have been put to shame and our party is on the path of further greatness “. Okeke noted .

News

Rights Group Petitions IGP, Seeks Probe of Police Role in Controversial Enugu Land Disputes

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, over alleged abuse of office and misuse of police powers by officers of the Enugu State Police Command in connection with a controversial land dispute involving Ostara Farms Limited and the Okpogho Community in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In a petition dated May 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC accused the Officer-in-Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services, Enugu State Police Command, and other officers of allegedly interfering in ongoing land litigation, intimidating community members, and using criminal proceedings to influence a dispute that is already before several courts.

According to the organisation, the controversy centres on an agreement through which Ostara Farms Limited allegedly acquired about 2,000 hectares of communal land from individuals said to be acting on behalf of the community for a consideration of N50 million.

RULAAC said a significant number of community members have challenged the transaction, alleging that the agreement was entered into under questionable circumstances and contains terms that unfairly favour the company.

The rights group noted that several lawsuits concerning ownership and control of the disputed land are currently pending before courts in Enugu State, including Suit Nos. A/24/2025, AWH/41/2022, E/299M/2025, A/58/2025, A/59/2025, A/60/2025 and A/61/2025.

Despite the ongoing litigation, RULAAC expressed concern that police authorities have increasingly become involved in the matter through criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The organisation alleged that criminal allegations arising from the burning of a company-owned caterpillar by unidentified persons were being used to target outspoken opponents of the land transaction.

According to the petition, rather than identifying those directly responsible for the incident, the company allegedly supplied names of community leaders and critics of the land deal who were subsequently treated as suspects.

“If true, such actions amount to an abuse of police processes and a dangerous weaponisation of criminal justice mechanisms to suppress dissent, intimidate citizens and gain advantage in a civil dispute,” the organisation stated.

RULAAC further linked the matter to an earlier land dispute involving Obeagu Awkunanaw and Amechi Uwani communities and Private Estates International West Africa Limited (PEIWA), noting that both companies are reportedly associated with businessman Kingsley Tobechukwu Eze.

The organisation recalled that concerns over police involvement in the PEIWA dispute had earlier been brought to the attention of the IGP and referred to the Police Monitoring Unit at Force Headquarters.

It also referenced reports that Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited are facing criminal charges before the Federal High Court, Enugu, relating to the alleged forgery of a survey plan connected with the acquisition of ancestral lands in Enugu.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants were accused in Count I; “That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: forgery of the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 and thereby committed an offence contrary 3 (6) and punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

COUNT II

“That you Kingsley Eze, Chamberlin Mbachu and Private Estates International (W.A.) Limited, sometimes in 2009 or thereabouts, at Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did make or utter the Survey Plan titled “Permanent Site of Enugu State University of Science and Technology” of 1985 knowing same to be false or with intent that it may in any way be used or acted upon as genuine and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act…”

RULAAC also referred to findings reportedly contained in the Enugu State House of Assembly’s Special Committee Report on Land Matters and Disputes adopted in December 2024.

The organisation urged the IGP to direct the Police Monitoring Unit to immediately take over investigations and prosecutions arising from the Ostara Farms dispute, investigate allegations of misconduct against one CSP Justice Attah, the Officer-in-Charge, Directorate of Legal Services in Enugu, and review any criminal proceedings allegedly initiated for purposes of harassment or intimidation.

Meanwhile, in a separate petition dated May 28, 2026, the organisation called on the IGP to intervene in two criminal cases pending before the Federal High Court, Enugu, over the repeated failure of police authorities to produce defendants for arraignment.

The cases are Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/84/2025, IGP v. Kingsley Eze & 2 Others, and Charge No. FHC/EN/CR/222/2024, IGP v. Alex Ifeadi & 2 Others.

According to RULAAC, the charges were filed following investigations by the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, and the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu, indicating that investigations had been completed and prosecution was ready to proceed.

The organisation, however, lamented that despite the filing of the charges, the defendants have repeatedly not been produced before the court for arraignment, resulting in prolonged delays.

RULAAC said the cases came up before the Federal High Court on May 20, 2026, where the court reportedly expressed concern over the inability of the prosecution to present the defendants for plea.

The rights group warned that the continued delays could lead to the cases being struck out for lack of diligent prosecution, thereby undermining public confidence in the criminal justice system.

It urged the IGP to direct the FCID Annex, Enugu, and the FID Abuja, through the Directorate of Legal Services, to ensure the production of the defendants on the next adjourned date of June 18, 2026, and facilitate diligent prosecution of the matters.

RULAAC maintained that its intervention was aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the justice system and ensuring that police powers are exercised impartially and in accordance with the rule of law.

News

Police Declare 6 IPOB Members Wanted Over Protests Against Kanu’s Jail Terms

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

By Okey Maduforo Awka

Six members of the Indigenous People Of Biafra IPOB have been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police .

The six persons led by Mr Chukwuebuka Ohaechesi, include Emma Okonkwo, Jude Uwa, Gentle Okoro, Uchenna Dike, and Emmanuel Nwankwo who are said to be at large.

The were said to have fled to neighboring states in the South East hence signaling the other four Police Commands in the geopolitical zone to assist in the manhunt for them

The Police accused them of executing protests against the detaintion of the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving jail terms in Sokoto Correction Center.

According to a statement issued by the Abia Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eguavon Omokaro, the individuals are suspected members of IPOB who have allegedly participated in protests at various times and locations within the state.

The statement alleged that the protests were organised in connection with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and demands for justice through the judicial process.

The Police Command further stated that these protests have allegedly resulted in breaches of peace and disruptions to law and order in Abia State. Consequently, the Police Intelligence Department reportedly concluded that the named individuals were among the principal organisers and coordinators of the demonstrations.

The statement further alleged that; ;
“It should be noted that on every 30th day of May, these men and their cohorts convene for the so-called remembrance of Biafra, holding clandestine meetings at various locations in the name of the emancipation of the Biafran Republic and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

According to the police, the six individuals were invited on several occasions for questioning in relation to the allegations against them.

The statement indicated that the first invitation was issued on 18 December 2025, followed by a second invitation on 7 February 2026, and a third invitation on 3 March 2026.

The police alleged that the individuals failed to honour all three invitations.

The statement further asserted:
“These individuals were invited by the police on several occasions. Firstly, on 18 December 2025, they failed to honour the invitation. Again, they were invited on 7th February 2026 and failed to appear. Finally, they were invited on 3 March 2026, and they also failed to present themselves before the police.” It stated.

As a result, the Abia State Police Command announced that all six individuals had been formally declared wanted.

The police appealed to members of the public to provide any reliable information that could lead to their arrest and prosecution, stating that informants would be suitably rewarded.

The declaration of the six individuals as wanted persons is linked to allegations of their participation in pro-Biafra activities, demonstrations concerning the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and their alleged association with IPOB, an organisation that has been the subject of extensive scrutiny and security operations by Nigerian authorities.

News

Power Doesn’t Last Forever, It Has Expiry Date — VeryDarkMan Warns Wike

Published

2 days ago

June 3, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Social media activist and commentator, , popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticized the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , over comments he allegedly made concerning teachers protesting in solidarity with colleagues and schoolchildren affected by insecurity in Oyo State.

In a statement shared on social media, VeryDarkMan argued that Wike may not fully understand the pain and trauma experienced by parents of abducted children and affected teachers. He claimed that the minister’s children were educated abroad, away from the security challenges facing many Nigerian families.Nigerian entertainment news

The activist stated that insecurity, kidnapping, and attacks on schools remain serious national concerns and should not be dismissed or reduced to political issues. He stressed that the fears and frustrations of parents whose children face security threats deserve greater attention from public officials.

VeryDarkMan further warned that political power is temporary, urging leaders to remain accountable to the people and sensitive to the challenges confronting ordinary Nigerians.