The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra State

  • Fleeing suspect jumps from storey-building, dies

    Fleeing suspect jumps from storey-building, dies

    A member of a four-man syndicate has died after jumping down from a storey-building while fleeing from Police arrest in Onitsha, Anambra state.

    Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed this, on Friday, said the deceased was among four-man syndicate identified by security operatives with black “Super Shopping” bag while on patrol.

    He said three of the deceased accomplices fled on sighting the operatives, while the deceased, whose name and address are yet to be verified, was apprehended with the bag.

    According to Ikenga, while the deceased was being escorted to be handed over to the Police along with the recovered items, attempted escape by jumping down from the storey building.

    He however said the deceased sustained gunshot injuries in the process of re-arresting him, but noted that he was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital where he was rushed to.

    The PPRO added that his body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while all recovered exhibits are in custody and the weapon used by the vigilante has also been secured.

    He added, “The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in separate operations carried out at Onitsha and Obosi respectively in its sustained fight against acts of sabotage and vandalism of government infrastructure.

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    “In a separate incident same day, Operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, raided a vandal’s hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha. During the operation, three suspects were arrested.

    “They include: Adamu Ali ‘M’, 25 years, Usman Sulaiman ‘M’, 22 years and Isah Abdullahi ‘M’, 26 years.

    “The Operatives also recovered from them Bags of high-tension cable wires, Melted cable wires and Parts of transformer equipments.

    “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a syndicate that specialises in vandalizing and selling power installations, with Lagos identified as their major sales outlet.

    “Meanwhile, a full-scale investigation into both incidents has commenced, including efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and recover more of the stolen items.

    “The Command reiterates its warning to criminal elements engaging in sabotage of public utilities that the Police will relentlessly fish them out.

    “The Command also urges Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government installations to the nearest Police Station for necessary action.”

  • Anambra Govt condemns assault on corps member, arrests security operatives involved

    Anambra Govt condemns assault on corps member, arrests security operatives involved

    The Anambra State Government has condemned the assault on a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Jennifer Elobor, by operatives of the state security outfit, confirming that those responsible have been arrested and detained.

    The incident, which went viral on social media, showed armed operatives storming a corps members’ lodge and accusing the occupants of internet fraud despite their NYSC identification cards and uniforms. The video captured officers repeatedly beating Ms. Elobor, tearing her clothes, and leaving her partly unclothed — sparking nationwide outrage and calls for justice.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Special Adviser on Community Security, Ken Emeakayi, described the attack as “unfortunate and unacceptable.” He confirmed that the operatives had been placed under investigation.

    According to him, the operatives were pursuing suspected cultists on motorcycles when they trailed them into a compound.

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    While carrying out searches in line with their mandate, the assault on the corps member occurred. “While they were acting within the law, their conduct in that instance was unacceptable,” he said.

    Emeakayi explained that the government acted swiftly, arresting the operatives and initiating disciplinary action.

    He added that both the victim and NYSC officials had been invited to present their testimonies before further measures are taken.

    He clarified that the assault took place during a joint security operation, Operation Udo Gatchi, which involves the police, army, DSS, civil defence, and the state security outfit, Agbunechemba, established under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025.

    The aide assured that Governor Soludo’s administration would not condone abuse of power by security operatives, especially against innocent citizens.

  • One dead, five injured as suspected security vehicle rams into tricycle

    One dead, five injured as suspected security vehicle rams into tricycle

    One person on Saturday lost his life while others sustained varying degrees of injury in a fatal crash in Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    The incident occurred at about 6.30am along People’s Club/Limca Road ahead of the Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North 1 constituency for House of Assembly by-elections.

    Eye witness said the jeep, suspected to belong to personnel of Department of Security Service, DSS, was reportedly on speed when it suddenly lost control and rammed into two tricycles.

    “The security men, about four in number, on discovering that one of the occupants was dead and others badly injured, abandoned their Lexus Jeep and fled with their rifles to avoid mob action,” the witness said.

     Confirming the incident, Police Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the crash claimed one life, adding that the vehicle involved had been recovered.

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     He, however, said enquiries revealed the vehicle does not belong to any security agency in the State as alleged.

    He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident into a fatal motor accident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th August 2025, at People’s Club/Limca Road, Obosi, involving a Lexus Jeep and two tricycles popularly known as Keke.

     “Preliminary information at the disposal of the Command reveals that the driver of the Lexus Jeep rammed into the tricycles, resulting in the unfortunate death of one occupant, while others sustained varying degrees of injury. 

    “The vehicle was subsequently abandoned at the scene as its occupants fled.

     “Police operatives attached to Isiowulu Division quickly responded, secured the area, recovered the abandoned vehicle, and evacuated the victims to a hospital, where one was later confirmed dead.

     “Further enquiries have established that the recovered Lexus Jeep does not belong to any security agency in the state.”

    Ikenga appealed to residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with the Police, as efforts were on to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

  • 10 things to know about candlelight in honour of Fish Magnet

    10 things to know about candlelight in honour of Fish Magnet

    The tragic death of Ifesinachi Onyekesi, popularly known as Fish Magnet, left a deep scar in the hearts of many, especially in the South-East. In response, a powerful candlelight procession was held in Awka, Anambra State, to honour his life and legacy. Here are 10 key things to know about that unforgettable night:

    1. It Was Led by VeryDarkMan:

    Popular social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), personally led the candlelight procession. His presence drew massive attention and gave the event national visibility.

    2. It Happened in Awka, Anambra State:

    The candlelight took place in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State , a place Fish Magnet called home and where he built his reputation as a thriving fish entrepreneur.

    3. The Turnout Was Massive:

    Hundreds of mourners, mostly young people, flooded the streets. Clad in black and holding candles, they came not just to mourn but to make a statement , that Fish Magnet was loved, and his life mattered.

    4. It Was a Mix of Grief and Protest:

    While emotional and prayerful, the event also carried an undertone of public outrage. Many participants held placards demanding justice and condemning insecurity in the region.

    5. Solidarity Songs Filled the Air:

    The crowd sang in unison , songs of pain, unity, and resistance. The music, alongside the flickering candlelight, created a haunting but beautiful atmosphere of remembrance.

    6. VDM Delivered a Powerful Speech:

    VeryDarkMan addressed the crowd, calling Fish Magnet “a dreamer and a hustler whose dreams were cut short.” He urged young Nigerians to stay united and for the government to take action on rising insecurity.

    7. The Procession Covered Major Roads:

    The mourners didn’t stay in one place , they marched through key roads in Awka, symbolizing that the pain of Fish Magnet’s death touched every corner of the community.

    Read Also: Destiny Etiko frowns at Fish Magnet’s murder

    8. Social Media Amplified the Moment:

    Photos and videos from the event flooded social media platforms, turning the candlelight into a national conversation. Hashtags like #JusticeForFishMagnet and #RIPFishMagnet trended across Nigeria.

    9. It Sparked a Deeper Discussion on Insecurity:

    The event became more than a vigil . It reignited national discourse on youth vulnerability, failed ransom negotiations, and the urgent need for safer communities.

    10. The Message Was Clear: He Won’t Be Forgotten:

    From the chants to the candles to the teary faces in the crowd, one thing was undeniable , Fish Magnet’s legacy lives on. His impact was real, and the people will continue to demand justice in his name.

    Ifesinachi “Fish Magnet” Onyekesi’s story is now a symbol of youth resilience, of the dangers young Nigerians face, and of a community that refuses to stay silent.

  • Anambra LG boss commissions 350m road, warns against double taxation

    Anambra LG boss commissions 350m road, warns against double taxation

    Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Stanley Nkwoka, has commissioned the new 350-meter access road by Electrical Dealers International Market, Obosi.

    Traders under the leadership of Amb Chike Onunkwo, initiated and completed the road tagged ‘Electrical Dealers Obosi By-pass.’

    Nkwoka described the Electrical Dealers as partners in progress with the State government.

    He described the initiative as a major boost for the Local Government.

    Inunkwo, however, warned that double taxations and intimidations were prohibited in any market in the Council Area.

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    “Coming to commission a legacy project like this one is a plus to us in the APGA led government, especially in this election year.

    “This is an additional road to provide greater access to the market,” he said.

    While praising the foresight of the initiators of the road project, the Council boss assured the traders of business-friendly environment as his administration would not allow anyone to intimidate them.

    President General of ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, expressed joy over the impressive performance of those appointed by Mr. Governor to oversee the markets.

    “The Chairman of Electrical Dealers International Market Obosi, Amb Chike Onunkwo has also done so well in bringing a lot of transformation in the market,” he added.

    He urged the traders to remain united to make further progress.

  • Teenagers rescued, notorious baby factory shut in Anambra community

    Teenagers rescued, notorious baby factory shut in Anambra community

    The Anambra State Government has closed notorious baby factory syndicate masquerading as hospital in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area. 

    The alleged illegal facility, operating under the name, Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity, is located at No. 1 School Road, near Tansian University. 

    Acting on months of surveillance and intelligence gathering, the government working in close collaboration with security agencies stormed the premises with officials of the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) and arrested key members of the criminal network.

    The so-called hospital was found to be operating with falsified license and was owned by a self-proclaimed medical doctor, Odili Ossai, a native of Delta State. 

    Authorities have confirmed that the syndicate was involved in the trafficking and exploitation of young girls, aged 15, 19, and 21. 

    “Many of the victims were reportedly held against their will and forced into pregnancies, with newborns sold into illegal adoption rings.

    “Several teenage girls and infants were rescued during the raid and are now receiving comprehensive medical care and psychological support,” the report revealed.

    Addressing newsmen, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, described the crackdown as “a significant victory in the ongoing battle against child trafficking, human rights violations, and gender-based abuse.” 

    He emphasized government unwavering commitment to shutting down all illegal medical establishments and safeguarding public health.

    Read Also: 13 murdered in Anambra community

    “This operation underscores the importance of collaboration between security agencies and health regulators.

    “We are determined to rid Anambra of fake medical practitioners and criminal networks that exploit the vulnerable,” he added.

    Obidike also highlighted the role of State Health Facility Accreditation and Monitoring Unit (SHFAMU) and the State Illegal and Anti-Quackery Taskforce Team, established to identify and eliminate unauthorized health facilities across Anambra.

    He urged the public to support the government’s efforts by reporting suspicious activities related to healthcare practices.

  • Youth leaders petition IGP over missing Anambra billionaire

    Youth leaders petition IGP over missing Anambra billionaire

    The disappearance of young Anambra billionaire, Benjamin Ezemma, since November 12, 2024, has sparked growing concern, with youth leaders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones calling for urgent government intervention.

    Under the aegis of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), youth groups have urged President Bola Tinubu, urging him to direct the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other security agencies to launch a thorough investigation into Ezemma’s mysterious disappearance.

    In a statement issued on Thursday in Awka and signed by CONYL President-General, Comrade Ibem Goodluck, the group expressed deep distress over the incident.

    They described Ezemma, Chairman and CEO of GSS Real Estate and Investment Limited, as not only a prominent businessman but also a devoted father of three children under the age of five.

    According to the group, Ezemma was last seen after reportedly honouring an invitation to a hotel by a candidate in the upcoming 2025 Anambra governorship election. Since then, there has been no trace of him.

    “The pain inflicted on this family is immeasurable. His young children ask their mother daily, ‘When will we see our father?” the statement read.

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    CONYL emphasised that the case transcends personal tragedy, warning that it reflects a broader societal issue affecting national security and the rule of law.

    The group called on all relevant authorities to “leave no stone unturned” in uncovering the truth and ensuring Ezemma’s safe return.

    “We will not remain silent in the face of such injustice. We stand in solidarity with Mr. Ezemma’s family and urge the government to act swiftly. Every moment counts in this critical situation,” the statement added.

  • Female undergraduate fakes own kidnap

    Female undergraduate fakes own kidnap

    • Plans to use ransom to establish business for boyfriend

    A 28-year-old female student of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Chinecherem Nwaokoye, has been arrested over an alleged involvement in a self-orchestrated kidnap plot designed to extort money from her family to establish a business venture for her boyfriend.

    The suspect was said to have carried out the act in a lodge at UNIZIK Temp Site, Awka, Anambra State.

     The suspect had stormed the lodge in company of her male accomplice after contacting her family, informing them she was returning home from school but never arrived.

    She was said to have switched off her phone while her male accomplice called her family, claiming responsibility for her kidnap and demanding a ransom of N10million.

    Read Also: Female undergraduate fakes own kidnap

    The family reportedly initiated negotiations for ransom, which was reduced to N3million and a part payment of N1million later paid into the suspect’s bank account.

    Luck, however, ran out on the duo as they were rounded up by the police operatives following a tip-off.

    Confirming the arrest, Anambra State Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said the duo, upon interrogation, confessed to staging the kidnap as a plot to extort money from the suspect’s family.

    He said the female suspect, Chinecherem Nwaokoye, admitted she masterminded the plan after watching a movie and intended to give the money to her boyfriend to start a business.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has directed that the suspects be charged to court without delay.

    “He condemned the incident as a clear sign of deepening moral decay among some youths in the society.

    “He warned that the Command will not tolerate such criminal deception, calling on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to activities and peer influence on their children,” he said.

  • Police recover AK-47 in Anambra uncompleted building

    Police recover AK-47 in Anambra uncompleted building

    Police in Anambra State have recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle in a residential apartment under renovation at Ihuowele Ngo Village, Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

    Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, who disclosed this on Friday, said the recovery followed a tip-off from residents of the area.

    He said the investigation revealed that the weapon was suspected to belong to one Samson, allegedly identified as a notorious individual and former occupant of the apartment.

    According to him, Samson had not been seen in the area since June 2024, adding that efforts were on to track and apprehend him.

    He said, “The Anambra State Police Command, leveraging on necessary information from the good indigenes of the State, today, 11th July 2025, by 12:30pm, recovered an abandoned AK-47 rifle in a residential apartment under renovation at Ihuowele Ngo Village, Igboukwu, in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

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     “Preliminary investigation revealed that a certain man known as Samson, allegedly identified as a notorious individual and the former occupant of the apartment, may be connected to the weapon.

     “Samson has not been seen in the area since June 2024, and efforts are currently ongoing to track and apprehend him.

     “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu has commended the vigilance of the community members and reiterated the importance of Community-Police collaboration.

    “He urged Ndi Anambra to continue to provide timely and actionable information that would aid the Police in delivering on its mandate of protecting lives and property.”

  • Anambra’s SASA: When the falcon cannot hear the falconer

    Anambra’s SASA: When the falcon cannot hear the falconer

    • By Chiedu Uche Okoye

    Sir: Before Governor Chukwuma Soludo became the governor of Anambra State, the state was the haven and stamping ground of touts and thugs, who would commit atrocious and heinous crimes under the guise of collecting road levies from commercial motorists. They were feared and dreaded. And their nefarious activities gave the state a bad name and scared investors away from the state.

    So upon taking over the reins of power, Soludo formed the Special Anti-Tout Squad of Anambra (SASA) to rid Anambra roads of touts, thugs, and miscreants whose activities endangered the lives of people. His decision to form SASA is not injudicious considering the fact that the misdeeds of the touts had made many investors flee Anambra State. Moreover, the road levies which they collected never entered the coffers of the state government, then. It was the hope of Soludo that SASA members would work within the ambit of the law to bring back sanity to our roads.

    But the obverse is the case now. The torrents of complaints, which have trailed the activities of SASA are indicative of the fact that SASA is abusing and misusing the enormous power entrusted to it. It is a perfect exemplification of the case of the falcon not able to hear the falconer, anymore.

    On July 1, SASA operatives went haywire in Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s home town of Obosi. Under the pretext of chasing fleeing drug peddlers, they barged into the Obosi town hall. They upturned chairs in the town hall and smashed the glass windows of the building. Cars, which were parked on the premises of the town hall, were not spared their anger as they were damaged, too. One of the operatives of SASA, in a moment of madness, drew his machete and dealt a cut on the hand of an infant.

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    So incensed were the Obosi people that they contemplated a protest to call Soludo’s attention to the mayhem that happened in their town. Thankfully, the Obosi Development Union president general, Chimezie Obi, dissuaded the people. Had they staged the protest, it would have turned violent.

    Expectedly, their outcry elicited response from the appropriate quarters. The state government promised to conduct an investigation into the operatives’ barbarity in Obosi as indeed other places, with a view to overhauling that security outfit and punishing its operatives found guilty of engaging in misdeeds.

    It is high time SASA was reorganized and the bad eggs removed. Just as throwing the bath water away with the baby is not good; disbanding SASA will not bode well for us all given the activities of touts and thugs on our roads and their penchant and knack for committing violent crimes.

    •Chiedu Uche Okoye,

    Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State