The Nation Newspaper

Category: SouthEast

  • NDDC, partners launch anti-drug abuse campaign in Imo schools

    NDDC, partners launch anti-drug abuse campaign in Imo schools

    In a bold and strategic effort to combat the escalating menace of drug and substance abuse among youths, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified its intervention in Imo State through a large-scale, multidimensional awareness campaign. 

    Partnering with Bitoonda Nigeria Ltd and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the initiative aims to drastically reduce drug experimentation and addiction among secondary school students across the state.

    Launched in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, this proactive campaign is themed, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention, Break the Chain, Say No to Drug Abuse.” It highlights the urgent need for pre-emptive education as a cornerstone in safeguarding the well-being of young Nigerians effectively curbing the social, health, and economic consequences of substance abuse.

    The campaign’s broad scope involved awareness and interactive health talks, peer-led counseling sessions which focused on equipping youths with factual information about the risks of drugs, training them to recognize and resist peer pressure, and fostering communication channels that encourage open dialogue about drug-related challenges.

    Several prominent secondary schools across Imo, including Government Secondary School Owerri, Owerri City School, Girls Secondary School Ikenegbu, Emmanuel College Owerri, and Imo Government Girls Secondary School, have actively embraced and participated in this critical initiative. 

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    During the engaging school visits,the lectors delivered compelling presentations that detailed the severe implications of drug abuse on mental health, academic performance, and future career prospects. They reiterated that drug abuse is a complex societal challenge perpetuated by an illegal network of cultivators, traffickers, and users, necessitating a united, community-wide defense strategy.

    “It is deeply alarming to witness the surge in substance abuse among adolescents. This epidemic not only threatens their immediate health but also jeopardizes their long-term potential and the future development of our society,” the campaign speakers warned.

    They stressed that addressing the drug menace requires early preventive measures, sustained education, and the cultivation of a supportive environment that discourages drug use.

    Highlighting the pivotal role of youth as agents of change, the campaign calls on students to become advocates for drug-free lifestyles, encouraging peer support systems that amplify positive behavior and collective responsibility. The programme further encourages parents, teachers, and community leaders to remain vigilant and informed about drug abuse signs to facilitate timely interventions.

    School administrators expressed profound gratitude to the NDDC, Bitoonda Nigeria Ltd, and NDLEA for their visionary leadership and commitment to youth empowerment. They praised the campaign’s innovative approach in providing students with the tools to make informed choices, resist negative peer influences, and contribute meaningfully to a healthier society.

    Moving forward, the NDDC has pledged to sustain and expand this campaign through continuous monitoring, community partnerships, and the integration of technology-driven awareness programmes aimed at reaching even more youths across the states in Niger Delta and beyond.

  • Edo Assembly summons Tuface’s wife, Natasha over alleged misconduct

    Edo Assembly summons Tuface’s wife, Natasha over alleged misconduct

    The Edo State House of Assembly has summoned wife of Tuface Idibia, Hon Natasha Osawaru Irobosa, over a case of misconduct leveled against her.

    Hon Natasha, who represents Egor Constituency in the Edo Assembly, was accused of dragging the House into disrepute.

    Speaking during Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, said Tuface’s wife has been trending negatively in the media.

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    He said Natasha must appear before the House standing committee on Ethics and Privileges within a week to defend her self in respect of a case of misconduct.

    The Speaker noted that Natasha would also show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against her.

    He asked the Committee to report back to the House on its findings within two weeks.

  • Delta North lawmakers, council chairmen reject proposed inclusion of Anioma in southeast

    Delta North lawmakers, council chairmen reject proposed inclusion of Anioma in southeast

    …reaffirm commitment to South-South

    Lawmakers representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the Delta State House of Assembly, alongside the nine local government chairmen from the district, have firmly rejected proposals suggesting that a future Anioma State should be situated within the South-East geopolitical zone.

    In a jointly signed statement issued on Sunday, the legislators and council bosses reiterated their longstanding demand for the creation of Anioma State but insisted that the state must remain within the South-South region where the Anioma people are historically and administratively located.

    The leaders said their position followed extensive deliberations on renewed national discussions and ongoing legislative processes concerning the creation of new states across the country.

    According to the group, the agitation for Anioma State is “a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history,” championed by past and present leaders of the people.

    They described the struggle as a generational pursuit aimed at securing political identity, cultural preservation, and accelerated development for the Anioma nation.

    “Our quest for a distinct and autonomous Anioma State is not a fleeting political venture but a legitimate aspiration deeply rooted in history, championed by our revered forebears,” the statement read.

    “We are united in the belief that the creation of Anioma State is a matter of justice, equity, and a necessary step towards fulfilling the political and developmental destiny of the Anioma people.”

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    The leaders expressed “total and unequivocal support” for the creation of Anioma State strictly from the present nine local government areas in the Delta North Senatorial District.

    They listed the LGAs as Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Ika North-East, Ika South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, and Ukwuani, with Asaba proposed as the state capital.

    They pledged to deploy their “full political weight and mandate” to lobby and support every legitimate effort that will lead to the establishment of Anioma State.

    However, the group condemned what they described as attempts to drag Anioma into a merger with the South-East, stressing that such propositions contradict the historical and geopolitical identity of the people.

    “We vehemently oppose any proposed move or merger with any part of the South-East geopolitical zone,” the statement declared.

    “Anioma is, and must remain, in the South-South. The Anioma people are historically, geographically, and administratively aligned with the South-South. This position is deeply rooted in our heritage and is non-negotiable.”

    The Delta North political leaders assured constituents that they would remain steadfast in protecting the collective interest and identity of the Anioma nation, even as discussions on state creation continue at the national level.

  • A’Ibom community resolves land dispute with oil firm

    A’Ibom community resolves land dispute with oil firm

    The Obianga and Iko Nta communities in the Eastern Obolo local government area of Akwa Ibom state have resolved the lingering dispute over land with Ibom Developers Free Trade Zone (FTZ).

    ‎The peace deal was brokered after a tripartite committee set up by the state government concluded the first phase of a comprehensive relocation and development plan.

    The agreement addressed years of disagreements over land access, blocked waterways, the “Lagos” fishing settlement, and the relocation of residents affected by the company’s industrial expansion.

    ‎Chairman of Eastern Obolo local government area, Samuel Nteogwuijah, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and praised Governor Umo Eno for personally visiting the communities at the height of the conflict.

     He said the latest agreement is the result of months of negotiations, consultations, and concessions aimed at safeguarding community interests while supporting industrial development.

    ‎“After exhausting all observations and adjustments, both communities have agreed to this first phase of the relocation as directed by the Governor.

    “The Paramount Ruler has also endorsed it. This company has come to stay, and we must work with them for the development of Eastern Obolo and Akwa Ibom State,” he said.

    ‎The Village Head of Obianga, Chief Humphrey Oyet, also commended the committee for its transparency but cautioned the company to honour all aspects of the agreement.

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    ‎‎“We thank the committee for standing by us. But if the company does not keep to the agreement, the community will also not keep to its own bargain,” he warned.

    ‎Community leader and scholar, Prof. Gamaliel Harry, described the signing as an important but early milestone, urging stakeholders not to assume that all issues have been fully resolved.

    ‎“This is preliminary work. The fears of the community must not be allowed to become reality. Much more must be done,” he advised.

    ‎Ibom Developers FTZ, represented by Mr. Ahmit Gosh, appreciated the state government’s role in securing the peace deal and assured the communities of full compliance.

    ‎“We assure you that the concerns of the communities will be addressed. The company is fully committed to everything contained in the agreement,” he said.

    ‎Chairman of the Tripartite Committee, Dr. Nse Essien, declared that peace had been restored, commending all parties, especially the council chairman, village heads, and the company for their cooperation.

    He disclosed that the company has already proposed the construction of 200 new buildings as part of the resettlement scheme.

  • Enugu, EU deepen strategic ties, roll out new energy, education projects

    Enugu, EU deepen strategic ties, roll out new energy, education projects

    The Enugu State Government and the European Union (EU) have agreed to scale up their collaboration across key sectors, especially education, energy, health and youth empowerment.

    This emerged at the weekend during a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah by a high-level EU delegation at the Government House, Enugu.

    The delegation, led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, also included the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Pieter Leenknegt, and the Portuguese Ambassador, Mr. Paulos Martins dos Santos, among other senior diplomats.

    Mignot said the EU was committed to strengthening cooperation in ways that align with Mbah’s ambitious reform agenda.

    “The purpose of the visit is to meet you and talk about the partnership between the European Union and Enugu State, its potential, and your vision for the future,” he stated.

    READ ALSO: Delivering in despair: Why maternal deaths remain high in Cross River

    He highlighted ongoing EU-supported projects in the state, particularly in the energy and education sectors.

    “On energy, Enugu is one of seven states benefiting from the Solar for Health Project, under which we will provide technical assistance and funding for 20 solar microgrids that will power 20 primary health centres and 124 SMEs,” he said.

    The envoy also listed the Small Hydro Power for Agro-industrial Sectors Project, implemented by UNIDO, and the Nigeria Energy Support Programme executed by GIZ, which include electrification support, capacity building and funding for three interconnected mini-grids with a combined 1MW capacity for up to 1,000 beneficiaries.

    On education, Mignot announced that Enugu is one of the beneficiary states in the EU-UNESCO programme, Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria, Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS), which will train teachers in Smart Green Schools until June 2028.

    He further noted the EU’s partnership with the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival held annually in Enugu, saying the 2025 edition included grants and training for emerging filmmakers.

    Belgian Ambassador Leenknegt underscored Belgium’s longstanding economic ties with Enugu, particularly through Emenite Limited, a Nigeria–Belgium joint venture established in 1961.

    “They are delivering high-quality products and employing more than 300 people from the region. We will continue to foster this relationship,” he said.

    Portugal’s Ambassador, Martins dos Santos, highlighted his country’s interests in energy, infrastructure and agriculture, noting that “the footprint of the European Union in this country is huge and multidimensional.”

    Responding, Governor Mbah thanked the EU for its alignment with his administration’s developmental priorities, particularly in education, health and energy.

    “I have seen a huge alliance between our vision and the aims of the EU, especially regarding your programmes across Africa,” he said, noting that Enugu’s decision to allocate over 33% of its budget to education was to secure the state’s future competitiveness.

    Mbah invited EU member countries to explore new investment opportunities in aviation, gas and energy, disclosing that the state-owned carrier, Enugu Air, had been launched, and that the international wing of Akanu Ibiam International Airport would soon become fully operational.

    “That means more international carriers will fly from Enugu. We encourage you to speak to your home carriers to consider Enugu,” he said.

    He added that the state was working with the Federal Government to extend gas pipelines to Enugu to unlock economic opportunities in the gas subsector.

    “We are open for business and will continue to ensure that investments and businesses thrive in Enugu State,” Mbah assured.

  • Police recover bodies of two alleged kidnapped Cameroonians from Anambra river

    Police recover bodies of two alleged kidnapped Cameroonians from Anambra river

    Anambra State Police Command said it has recovered two female decomposed bodies suspected to be among three Cameroonian women kidnapped in the state.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this on Saturday, said the bodies were recovered in Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area by operatives in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers.

    He said both bodies had been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.

    Ikenga further disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, had ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.

    He said, “We wish to update the public on the ongoing investigation into the alleged kidnapping of three Cameroonian women in the State.

    “Recall that Police investigators had earlier arrested two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh ‘M’, 37 years old, and Kingsley Akpeh ‘M’, 44 years old, who are currently assisting operatives with vital information.

    “In continuation of these efforts, on the evening of 28th November 2025, Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers, conducted an intensive search along the Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area.

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    “During the operation, the team recovered two (2) female decomposed bodies believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident.

    “The operatives immediately contacted the family of the kidnapped victims, who positively identified the recovered bodies as his wife, Mrs Bognou Alice and his niece, Miss Sandra.

    “Both bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.

    “To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends, has ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim.

    “He has also directed all units involved to strengthen operational activities aimed at apprehending the third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, who is currently on the run, to ensure he faces the full weight of the law.

    “The Commissioner further reassures the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, maintaining security, and delivering justice.”

  • Anambra issues license to power firm for electricity distribution

    Anambra issues license to power firm for electricity distribution

    Anambra State government has issued an interim license to the First Power Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FPEDC) as the electricity distributor in the state.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman, Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Prof. Frank Okafor, said the transfer of power was to ensure steady power supply in every part of the state.

    According to him,  the Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration is committed to making the state a choice destination by way of making power less of a luxury in the state.

    While disclosing that the temporary license would last for one year, Okafor said the commission was optimistic about improved power supply.

    He promised to ensure thorough oversight over the activities of the company to ensure targets were met.

    “Today, history is made in our dear Anambra State. A journey to adequately regulate the energy sector, in particular, the Electricity Business in Anambra State, has commenced.

    “We thank the Anambra State House of Assembly, which brought the Anambra State Electricity Law (ANEL) into life,” he added.

    Managing Director Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Engr. Praveen Chorghade described the license issuance as an important milestone in a transition that would ultimately deliver a vibrant, competitive and dynamic electricity market in the State.

    READ ALSO: Ulerawa: How Oyebanji’s reforms is turning Ekiti public hospitals into centre of hope

    Chorghade, represented by Engr Dr Ernest Mupwaya, said, “We are determined to invest in infrastructure, deploy technology that enhances efficiency, strengthen customer engagement and support the emergence of a resilient and future-ready electricity market.

    “FirstPower, as an EEDC subsidiary, is responsible for distribution activities within Anambra State, although operated under the NERC licence issued to EEDC.”

    Earlier, Managing Director, FPEDC, Mr Okechukwu Okafor, said the licensing was to formalise the company’s presence in the state.

    He said, “We want to inform stakeholders that EEDC is no longer in charge, but an independent body saddled with the responsibility of distributing electricity in Anambra state.

    .“We are going to partner with the industrialists, the state government, and Ndi Anambra for them to understand that our presence is geared towards a better solution to electricity.”

  • Mbah, Chime, others push for youth skills, cultural revival

    Mbah, Chime, others push for youth skills, cultural revival

    The 2025 Agbaja Summit continued in Enugu on Thursday with a strong call for a new model of education that equips youths with skills to take charge of their future and contribute meaningfully to society. 

    The two-day summit brought together prominent Agbaja leaders, including, former Governor Sullivan Chime, former Minister of Power Prof. Chinedu Nebo, Senator Osita Ngwu, Rep. Sunday Umeha, and Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, Chief Lorita Aniagolu, Surveyor Ugochukwu Chime, among others.

    Agbaja comprises culturally linked communities in Udi, Ezeagu, and parts of Enugu North, Enugu South and Igboetiti LGAs. 

    With the theme “Empowerment for the Future,” the summit emphasised shared identity, cultural revival and youth-driven advancement across the region.

    Declaring the summit open, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. Sam Ugwu, highlighted the tourism potential of Agbaja communities and commended their sustained efforts to strengthen their collective heritage. He described the summit as “a movement in pursuit of excellence, identity and collective progress.”

    Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a knowledge-driven state economy anchored on human capital, technology and innovation. 

    He said the government’s investments in 260 smart schools, curriculum reform and skill acceleration centres were designed to position Enugu as Nigeria’s “skills capital.”

    “Knowledge has become the new currency of power. Skills have become the new economic passport,” he said, urging Agbaja youths to seize modern opportunities and build on the foundation laid by their elders.

    Former Governor Sullivan Chime, who is the patron of the Agbaja Leaders of Thought, said the summit’s focus on education and empowerment aligns with the core values that have historically defined the Agbaja people. 

    He noted that investing in human capacity, not rivalry or sectionalism, remains the group’s contribution to the wider development of Enugu State.

    “It is in our DNA to create, produce, reform and advance society,” Chime said, adding that renewed attention to education and skills development is essential for Agbaja’s long-term progress.

    National Assembly members from the area, Senator Osita Ngwu (Enugu West) and Rep. Sunday Umeha (Udi/Ezeagu), both of whom addressed the gathering, praised Agbaja communities for reviving their culture and building stronger pathways for youth development. 

    Ngwu said the collective effort reflects the right direction for the people.

    “This is what we are supposed to be doing. Reviving our culture means we are on the right path,” he said, pledging continuous support for the initiative. 

    He recalled that over 3,000 youths benefitted from his six-month free training programme last year and assured that his scholarship scheme for Agbaja students remains active.

    Ngwu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Air Force, also urged the people to take advantage of what he described as a major milestone, the appointment of an Agbaja son as Chief of Air Staff, by encouraging more youths to enlist in the military.

    Hon. Umeha lauded the summit organisers and reaffirmed his commitment to the developmental aspirations of the Agbaja bloc, which he represents in the National Assembly.

    “What we are doing here today is completely within my jurisdiction as the voice of the Agbaja people,” he said.

    He urged the people to harness their political and economic strengths to foster unity and progress. “If every youth in Udi and Ezeagu is given the opportunity through education and skills acquisition, he will excel,” he said, calling for an end to using academic attainment as a tool for division.

    Chairman of the summit’s planning committee, Prof. Chike Anibeze, said the summit rekindled the vibrancy of the Coal City as Agbaja people celebrated their identity and reaffirmed their collective aspirations. 

    He recalled that the maiden summit in 2022, conceived by the Agbaja Leaders of Thought under Prof. Chinedu Nebo, delivered the 12-point Agbaja Development Blueprint covering education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

    Anibeze said the 2023 Agbaja Declaration, which ensured that no Agbaja child attends school without sandals and a bag, was among the initiatives inspired by the blueprint. 

    These efforts, he noted, reflect growing communal responsibility and a renewed culture of giving back.

    The colloquium concluded with donations toward the proposed Agbaja Centre of Excellence, a skills acquisition hub aimed at accelerating youth talent development across the region. 

    Awards were also presented to distinguished sons and daughters who have contributed to Agbaja’s growth.

  • Otti presents N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill to Abia Assembly

    Otti presents N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill to Abia Assembly

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, yesterday proposed N1.016 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year tagged “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities”.

    The appropriation bill which  earmarked 80 percent for capital projects, was presented on the floor of the State House of Assembly in Umuahia.

    Governor Otti said the proposal reflected his administration’s determination to “drive rapid socioeconomic growth and unlock new opportunities” across the state.

    Giving a breakdown of the proposed sum, Otti said “N811.8 billion (80%) is dedicated to capital expenditure, a 32% increase from 2025. N204.4 billion (20%) is for recurrent spending, reflecting expanded personnel obligations and administrative needs.”

    Education retained the highest priority with 20% of the budget (N203.2 billion).

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    The funds, according to Gov Otti will cover salaries for 15,000 teachers, construction of 17 model primary/secondary schools, three technical colleges, and ICT labs and staff quarters in over 100 schools.

    Tertiary institutions like Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Arochukwu College of Education, will share N52.8 billion for salaries, hostels, lecture theatres, and upgrades, the governor said.

    “Health receives N149.7 billion (15%), targeting renovation of 7 general hospitals, provision of critical equipment for ABSUTH and 23 other health centres, and manpower development.

    “The government also reserved N169.3 billion (16.7%) for aggressive road infrastructure. Key road projects include: Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road;

    Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road; Nkata-Amaeke Road; Agbo-Umueze-Mbom Road; Umuoji, Mgboko, and Amauzukwu-Mbom roads, among others,” he added.

    According to the governor, his  administration will invest N11.1 billion in public transport, with N6 billion set aside for 80 additional electric buses and completion of modular transport terminals.

    On energy, the governor announced that Abia has acquired electricity distribution assets outside the Aba ring-fenced zone, adding that it was advancing its push for energy independence through ASERA and the new State Electricity Law.

    “The state is projecting a total revenue of N607.2 billion from both internal and external sources, including N223.4 billion IGR; N83.2 billion FAAC; N67.1 billion VAT;

    N26.5 billion grants, and  N168 billion other federal inflows.

    “This leaves a N409 billion deficit, to be financed through concessional loans exclusively for capital projects.

    “Not a penny shall be borrowed to fund recurrent expenditure,” Otti assured lawmakers, reaffirming his administration’s strict fiscal discipline.

    On the achievements of his administration, Otti said over 600km of roads have been built or rehabilitated since 2023, adding that key hospitals were restored with about 200 primary health centres refurbished.

    He also listed the recruitment of 771 health workers and over 5,000 teachers, saying there were plans to engage 4,000 more.

    “A doubling of school enrolment following free and compulsory basic education; 120,000 residents enrolled in state health insurance since April.

    “Abia ranked the most prepared state for health emergency response in Nigeria; a significant rise in internally generated revenue (IGR), projected to hit N100 billion by year-end…

    The governor thanked the 8th Assembly for its cooperation and pledged continued transparency and accountability.

    “We remain committed to building an Abia where dreams are revived, institutions work, and every community feels the impact of governance,” he said.

  • Court stops police from further arrests in Mburubu Igweship dispute

    Court stops police from further arrests in Mburubu Igweship dispute

    The High Court of Enugu State on Monday, November 24, 2025, issued a restraining order against the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, the Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactical Squad (SWAT), CSP Anosike Nduwuisi, and other security operatives over alleged unlawful arrests and intimidation of youths from Mburubu community in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

    Justice C. O. Ajah, presiding over the matter, granted the application filed by ten youths of the community: Eze Cletus Elija, Joseph Ani Ezeoha, Evaristus Okonkwo, Friday Ani, Ani Monday, Orji Emmanuel, Ozo Emmanuel Aniobi, Patrick Okonkwo, Aniobi Ambrose and Imeka Godswill Chukwuemeka, who appeared in court representing themselves and other Mburubu youths.

    None of the respondents, including the Commissioner of Police; the SWAT Commander, CSP Nduwuisi; IPO Emmanuel Uchenna Ogazi; and community member Ozo Jerry Patrick Onuokaibe, was present in court.

    In the Suit No E/1093m/25, ounsel to the applicants, Barr. Ike Ozor, told the court that the youths were being persecuted for resisting what he described as an unlawful attempt by Onuokaibe to impose himself as the Igwe of Mburubu in violation of existing court orders.

    Ozor explained that an earlier court judgment in Suit No. HAMA/1/2024, delivered on January 12, 2025, had disqualified Onuokaibe from contesting the Igweship stool based on the rotational provisions of the community’s constitution.

    A subsequent order in Suit No. HAMA/24/2025 also restrained him from holding a new yam festival scheduled for November 1, 2025.

    “Despite these clear court orders, he went ahead to hold the festival and has continued to parade himself as Igwe-elect,” Ozor told the court.

    He added, “My worry is that he connived with the police, particularly the SWAT Commander, to arrest ten youths of the community on November 3. They were tortured, brutalised and detained for weeks simply because they opposed his unlawful claim to the stool.”

    The counsel alleged further that the police, acting on Onuokaibe’s influence, compiled a list of about 70 community leaders and ordered them to report at the SWAT office, raising fear of more arrests.

    He added that after detaining the ten youths for nearly three weeks, Onuokaibe allegedly took them from the SWAT office to his house and forced them to address him as Igwe before they were released without conditions.

    “This shows the police knew they committed no offence,” he said, adding that the complainant himself stood as surety for their release.

    Ozor said the situation had become life-threatening for the applicants and warranted urgent judicial intervention.

    After listening to the submissions, Justice Ajah held that the applicants had provided “sufficient and compelling facts” showing that their lives and liberties were at risk.

    He thereafter granted the motion, restraining the police and other respondents from further arresting, detaining, harassing or intimidating the applicants or any other member of Mburubu community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

    The judge thereafter announced that he would return the case file back to the Chief Judge to reassign same to any judge of his choice for continuation.