Crime
Viral Post: Police Vow To Arrest persons Behind Fake Enugu/Opi kidnap Story
Enugu State Police Command has dismissed reports making the rounds on whatsapp that four persons were kidnapped along the Enugu/Opi road on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP DANIEL NDUKWE, the police described the report as misleading promising to fish out it’s originators.
According to the statement, “the viral WhatsApp post alleging that “four persons were kidnapped and taken into the bush on Tuesday evening at Api-Opi, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road” is false, malicious, and clearly intended to incite fear and panic. There was no such incident recorded on the said day and time along the road.
“Furthermore, the claim that the alleged kidnappers operated for over 30 minutes unchallenged on a well-patrolled road is not only baseless but also a product of misinformation. For the avoidance of doubts, the road is heavily monitored by security forces, making such an occurrence as peddled highly improbable.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), challenges the individual behind the post to provide verifiable proof of their claims or be prepared to face the full consequences of spreading false information. Consequently, he has directed the Command’s intelligence and tactical units to trace and apprehend those responsible for originating and circulating the misleading report, ensuring they are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”
This is as the abducted Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, in an emotion-laden voice in another viral video on Monday, begged Nigerians not to allow the government to deceive the world that bandits requested Sharia Law to be enshrined in the country for their release.
The coordinated abduction had taken place on Friday, May 15, 2026, around 9:30 a.m, while those whisked away had remained in captivity since then.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers ordered members across the state to commence a strike until the rescue of the kidnapped victims, while protests were held across the country last week.
One of the protesters, Kehinde Dahunsi, said, “What will it take for both the government at the centre and the state government to rescue our beloved ones since May 15. This is so pathetic.
“The former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu’s biological sister and her twin children (Peter and Paul), as heard on radio, television stations, and read in the pages of newspapers, were kidnapped early hours on Wednesday, June 3, and were rescued on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Just three days interval.
“But our people have been in captivity for 25 days now. Why shouldn’t governments also apply the same mechanism used to rescue the ex-minister’s sister and her two sons to rescue our family members?” he lamented.
In the now-viral video, Alamu, in a distress call from the kidnappers’ hideout, begged Nigerians to circulate the video and not play politics with their lives.
“Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place. And it seems that some people are making our problems complicated already.
“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people that abducted us requested the release of some people. They requested a billion naira; they requested that Sharia be enshrined in the country. These are not true. They are just trying to create a problem for us.
“We have been here since, we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for money.
“The single thing they are looking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us.
“Please, we are begging you, please, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please, help us to circulate this, let it go viral.
“They are not asking for Sharia law. It’s not true. They are not asking for weapons; they are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some people, and the government should negotiate with them and know those whom they will release for them.
“I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Please, Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Please, help us make it go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world.”
Victims of a violent attack in Umunkpumente Kindred, Ihie Autonomous Community, Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have called on Governor , the Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the incident.
The victims, numbering more than 10, were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs while holding a meeting at the residence of the late Fabian Okonkwo, who was allegedly murdered by unknown gunmen on April 16, 2026.
According to members of the kindred, the attack may be linked to their persistent demands for a thorough investigation into Okonkwo’s killing.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of Umunkpumente Kindred, Mr. Christopher Okonkwo, alleged that the crisis began after the kindred petitioned the Ebonyi State Government and the Police Command, requesting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Fabian Okonkwo.
He explained that prior to his death, Fabian Okonkwo had sought permission to bury his late in-law on family land located in Ekembe, Ihie Autonomous Community.
According to him, Okonkwo first approached the President-General of the community, Mr. Chijoke Ume, who allegedly opposed the request and warned him against proceeding with the burial.
“Late Fabian then approached the traditional ruler of Ihie Autonomous Community, Eze Gabriel Okoro, who granted approval after confirming that the land belonged to Fabian’s family and that his relatives had consented to the burial,” he said.
Mr. Okonkwo alleged that in the early hours of April 16, armed men invaded Fabian’s residence and shot him multiple times in the head.
“Nothing was taken from the house, which strongly suggests that the attackers came specifically to kill him,” he stated.
He further alleged that after several weeks with no visible progress in the investigation, members of the kindred petitioned the Governor and the Commissioner of Police, leading to the arrest and questioning of the community President-General, Chijoke Ume, and his secretary, Kenneth Kalu.
According to him, tensions escalated following the arrests.
He claimed that on June 3, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, contacted him and urged him to facilitate the release of the detained community leaders.
“I explained that the petition was not my personal decision but that of the entire kindred. However, I was repeatedly pressured to withdraw the petition,” he alleged.
Mr. Okonkwo further claimed that on June 5, a group of youths allegedly led by one Emeka Chukwuemeka invaded his residence in his absence and destroyed some of his property.
He said the attackers allegedly threatened him through a relative, giving him 24 hours to secure the release of the detained individuals or face consequences.
He also alleged that on June 7, while members of the kindred gathered at the late Fabian Okonkwo’s residence to discuss support for the deceased’s family, more than 100 youths from three neighbouring kindreds stormed the venue and attacked them.
“They injured about 10 persons, burnt one motorcycle, damaged two others and looted and destroyed a shop belonging to Mr. Onwulandu Mbazu,” he said.
Mr. Okonkwo urged Governor Nwifuru and security agencies to investigate what he described as repeated attacks against members of the kindred.
He recalled that a similar incident allegedly occurred on August 31, 2024, resulting in injuries and destruction of property.
Another victim and Financial Secretary of the kindred, Mr. James Ifeanyi, accused the Youth President of Ihie Autonomous Community, Mr. Kelvin Chukwuemeka, and a Special Assistant to the Local Government Chairman, Mr. Festus Nwafor, of leading the attack.
According to him, the assailants arrived armed with dangerous weapons and unleashed violence on members of the kindred.
“I know some of those who attacked us, including Kelechi Mkpa, Orji Ugochukwu and Orji Christian,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the attack was aimed at frustrating ongoing efforts to uncover those responsible for the murder of Fabian Okonkwo.
The victims appealed to security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into both the killing and the subsequent attacks, insisting that those responsible should be brought to justice.
Reacting to the allegations, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, confirmed that the murder of Fabian Okonkwo had been reported to the police and that investigations were ongoing.
Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the community President-General and his secretary, adding that normalcy had been restored in the area.
Ukandu expressed concern over the violence and protests that followed the arrests.
“It is unfortunate that people would resort to protests and attacks over the arrest and questioning of individuals linked to an ongoing murder investigation,” he said.
“The police have not concluded their investigation. Those involved should have allowed due process to take its course. If anyone suspects foul play, there are lawful channels through which complaints can be made.”
The police spokesman assured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring justice, maintaining peace, and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Commander of Operations for Agunechemba Security Squad Chief Chinenye Ihenkor has described his 30 Years of fighting insecurity in Anambra state as tough and hell on earth.
Ihenkor who disclosed this shortly after receiving the Peace and Security Legend Award presented to him by the management of Nigerian Radar in Awka Anambra state noted that in the past 30 that he has been in the job of fighting insecurity in the area it has been tough and hell on earth.
“This 30 years since my life has been committed to the security of lives and property in Anambra state but I must tell you that my days in the past 30 years has not been easy ”
“It has been tough 30 years of policing in Anambra state but with God all things are possible”
“We have passed through hell and through so many attacks and challenges to make sure that people of Anambra state and the residents sleep with their two eyes closed ”
“I have passed so many challenges but not withstanding the major thing is that I am alive ”
“I have had so many worse days in Anambra state and they are uncountable to tell you the truth”
“Any time or day that I go for operations it is a worse day to me any day that I deploy my personnel is a worse day so that is about 30 worse days” he said.
Reacting to the award , Ihenkor noted that though he wasn’t expecting it , he wasn’t surprise that it came which according to him is an indication that Anambra people are aware of his duties in the area.
“I cannot say that I wasn’t expecting the award because it has gone to show that the world is awear of what I am doing.”
“This award is a success story for the Udo Ga Chi and Agunechemba Security Squad specifically”
“I thank the organization that presented this award to me and charge them to keep it up in the discharge of their duties.l”
“Iwant to thank our Governor Charles Soludo because without him we would not have been here today doing this job and appreciate the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security Prince Kenneth Emeakayi for his leadership qualities in the fight against insecurity in Anambra state”
“This is because the job of security is not for one person alone and it is everyman’s duty no matter your position or level in the society” he noted .
Presenting the award the Publisher Chief Executive Officer of The Radar Magazine , Mr Anthony C Okwunebe explained that the organization has 50 outstanding personalities that have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour which have impacted positively of the lives of people a d the society adding that Ihenkor is one of them .
He charged men and women in positions of responsibility to see their respective positions as service to the masses and the society at large noting that their individual and collective efforts would serve as multiplayer effects on the country at large .
Senor Special Assistant to Governor on Security Mr Okechukwu Dominic described the award as a great tonic and impetus for the security operatives in the state to put more action in the discharge of their duties.
“We are not surprise that people are commending us for the job that we are doing and we are proud of the Director of Operations and the Special Adviser to Soludo on Community Security Prince Kenneth Emeakayi for his leadership roles in fighting security and above all we all thank Mr Governor for finding us warthiy to work under his administration” he said.
The abductors, who attacked schools in Esinele, Yawota and Alawusa communities on May 15, are said to be demanding the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
The two commanders whose release is reportedly being sought are Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, also called Mallam Mamuda.
The duo are leaders of Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan, JAMBS, also known as Ansaru — a breakaway faction of Boko Haram — and are alleged to have aided and abetted acts of terrorism in the country between 2013 and 2015.
They are also linked to the 2022 Kuje prison break.
They were arrested between May and July 2025 and are currently standing trial on terrorism charges before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025, with their trial commencing on January 15, 2026.
Usman was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on September 11, 2025, after pleading guilty to one count of illegal mining — which he admitted he used to fund arms procurement for terrorism and kidnapping.
He denied 31 other counts and remains in DSS custody pending trial on those charges.
Other reports indicate the ransom demand stands at ₦1bn, to be paid into a bank account in the Republic of Benin. PUNCH Online could not independently verify this figure.
Security analysts have warned that releasing the commanders would pose serious risks to national security.
A retired Brigadier-General, Bashir Adewinbi, speaking with Saturday PUNCH said the situation had put the government in a tight corner, warning that paying ransom or releasing terrorist commanders would embolden criminal groups and fund further attacks.
Another retired Brigadier-General, Peter Aro, urged the government to first establish proof that the abductees were still alive before taking any decision, noting that prolonged captivity posed serious risks, particularly for young children.
The Oyo State Government has declined to comment on the demands or the state of negotiations, with the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, saying it would be “unhelpful” to disclose the government’s strategy while efforts to secure the victims’ release were ongoing.
On May 17, two days after the attack, the abductors released a video showing the beheading of one of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, a mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele.
Governor Seyi Makinde confirmed the killing in a statement on Monday, May 18, describing it as deeply painful.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
A total of eight suspected fake Pastors were on Friday arraigned before the Awka High Court in Anambra state.
Recall that Governor Charles Soludo had at a church service in Awka announced that some suspected fake Pastors are already under the custody of the state government for activities that are unbecoming of their roles as servants in God’s Vineyard.
Recall also that at the peak of the clampdown on fake Native Doctors, the affected Native Doctors protested that the Anambra state government has been neck deep in selective justice contending that the fake Pastors obtain their powers from Native Doctors.
They queried why their colleagues are being arrested while their clients who are Pastors are left to walk the streets freely.
It was against this backdrop that the Anambra state government beamed it’s searchlight on the activities of some Pastors which led to the arraignment of eight suspected fake Pastors.
It was gathered that the alleged fake pastors violated the 2025 Homeland Security law established by the administration of Prof Charles Soludo.
The Senior Special Assistant to Soludo on New Media Sir Ejimofor Opara who confirmed the development said the Homeland security law was passed in February 2025 and it frowns at certain forms of religious practices that are deemed inimical to the public, especially as it pertains to creation of illegal wealth.
Last year, some native doctors who were promoting get-rich-quick practices (Okeite rituals) were also arrested and prosecuted accordingly with some of them serving jail terms while othere are currently undergoing trial.ls.
The names of those arraigned before the High Court include; Peter Chukwu, Chinedu Egwuonwu, Bishop Emeka Nwankpa, Ebele Nnachukwu and Ekeleme Chris Ugochukwu.
Others are Ndubisi Nnachukwu,
Miracle Iruoma and Chukwukadibia Ogwuama.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN, is leading the prosecution.
-
Politics4 days agoSenate: Enugu West Aspirant OAU Onyema Quits NDC, Alleges Manipulation of Party Primaries
-
Crime4 days agoPolice Arrest 3 Suspected Criminals, Recover Firearms, Ammunition, Drugs in Enugu
-
Crime4 days agoLocal Government Vice Chairman Remanded In Prison
-
News3 days agoControversial Enugu Centenary Land: Has A Daniel Truly Come to Judgment?
-
Crime3 days agoSchool abduction: Oyo Muslims demand for Sharia law as Schools shut in 33LGAs
-
Entertainment4 days ago‘My Safety Was Shaken’ — Emeka Ike Reacts to Alleged INEC Data Leak
-
News4 days ago1966 Coup: Aguiyi-Ironsi family honours Fajuyi’s ‘supreme sacrifice’
-
Good Morning Mr Governor23 hours agoGovernor Mbah’s Compassion Reaches Ikem as ENSOCU Identifies Indigent Persons for Life-Changing Support