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Tag: Enugu

  • Alleged bullying: FG suspends 13 FGC Enugu students 

    Alleged bullying: FG suspends 13 FGC Enugu students 

    The Federal Government has suspended 13 students of the Federal Government College in Enugu State for six weeks for alleged bullying in the school.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folashade Boriowo.

    The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa ordered the suspension of the students based on a viral video showing some students of the school engaging in acts of bullying.

    Alausa, reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country.

    According to him, a recent report received by the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the bullying incident at the FUC, Enugu, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.

    ”The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on Nov. 7.

    ”The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.

    ”In response, the Federal Ministry of Education established a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.

    ”Based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”

    Read Also: Enugu: Businessmen, others laud Tinubu over grants, loans for MSMEs

    The minister also directed the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.

    He added that immediate measures have been implemented to enhance security at the College by engaging law enforcement agents while also reviewing existing safety protocols.

    ”Additionally, counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Enugu vows to prosecute students bullying colleague

    Enugu vows to prosecute students bullying colleague

    The Enugu State Government has taken a strong stance against bullying and physical assault in schools, particularly after a viral video surfaced showing students of Federal Government College, Enugu, physically assaulting a classmate.

    Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ndubueze Mbah, emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance policy for such behavior, directing the arrest and prosecution of those involved.

    The State Government, in a statement, said it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure appropriate sanctions are applied to both the errant students and any school manager who failed in their duties.

    “The Enugu State Government has zero tolerance for bullying and abuse in our schools. The safety and welfare of our students are paramount. The government is resolved to prosecute culprits who engage in the criminal behaviour of physical assault against students. Such immoral behaviour has no place in our academic environments and those who tread that path must be ready to face the consequences,” the statement read in part.

    On Monday, a short video clip on social media showed some students of the Federal Government College, Enugu, physically assaulting another student in the school hostel which immediately elicited condemnation from both the state government and the public.

    The PTA Chairman, Dr. Chinedu Mba, in a statement on Tuesday, clarified that the incident was not related to cult activities but rather a student bringing Indian hemp into the school, leading to disorderly conduct. 

    “The attention of the PTA Chairman of the Federal Government College, Enugu, Dr. Chinedu Mba, has been drawn to a video currently trending online regarding an incident at the school. He wishes to clarify that, at the time of the incident, the PTA security guards had not resumed their duties.

    Read Also: Enugu: Businessmen, others laud Tinubu over grants, loans for MSMEs

    “The PTA security team officially commenced duties on Sunday. Contrary to the rumours, it is untrue that the incident involved cult activities. Rather, a student was found bringing Indian hemp into the school, which led to some disorderly conduct.

    It added: “It is also worth noting that the student involved failed to inform his parents about his behaviour. Parents are encouraged to counsel their children against engaging in nefarious activities. The online rumours are being promoted by individuals who do not have the best interests of the school at heart.

    “The PTA security guards, who are well-trained and capable, are dedicated to upholding the safety and wellbeing of all students at FGC Enugu. We remain committed to maintaining a secure and conducive learning environment for our students.”

    The Federal Government College, Enugu is a renowned institution established in 1973 to promote unity among students from different regions in Nigeria.

  • Police officer detained for alleged murder of musician in Enugu

    Police officer detained for alleged murder of musician in Enugu

    The police command in Enugu says it has arrested and detained a Police Inspector, serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, for alleged murder of a musician, Okezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah.

    This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Saturday in Enugu.

    Ndukwe said that the incident occurred around 8:10 p.m. on Oct. 25, at the Tactical Squad’s Headquarters, Enugu.

    Igbo-Jah was known for his Ogene (traditional) lyrics.

    According to him, the musician was reportedly leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a visit when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the police officer allegedly fired his rifle, hitting the victim.

    Read Also: Mbah okays N80,000 minimum wage for Enugu workers

    Ndukwe was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor. His body had been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

    Ndukwe also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, as directing the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a full-scale investigation that led to the incident.

    Uzuegbu also ordered the department to facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer.

    The Commissioner empathised and consoled the victim’s family, friends and associates, describing the unfortunate incident as unacceptable.

    He assured that the police officer and anyone else found culpable would be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent.

  • Inspector arrested for allegedly killing popular Enugu musician

    Inspector arrested for allegedly killing popular Enugu musician

    Enugu Police Command has announced the arrest and detention of a police inspector serving in the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad of the command for allegedly murdering Enugu traditional Ogene musician, Okezie Chikezie Mba, popularly known as Igbo-Jah. 

    It was gathered the musician attended an event at the anti-cult office on Friday evening when policemen at the station started shooting indiscriminately with the bullets hitting him in the process.

    According to the spokesman of the Command, Daniel Ndukwe, Igbo Jaa was immediately rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. 

    His body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

    The police spokesman noted that the commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to conduct a full-scale investigation that will facilitate prompt and appropriate disciplinary actions against the police officer.

    Read Also: Mbah okays N80,000 minimum wage for Enugu workers

    The Commissioner empathised and consoled the victim’s family, friends, and associates, describing the unfortunate incident as unacceptable. 

    He assured that the police officer and anyone else found culpable will be sanctioned in line with the law to serve as a deterrent.

    CP Kanayo urged everyone connected to the victim to remain calm and cooperate with the police to ensure that justice is served.

    Our correspondent reports that the police quick announcement of the arrest of the inspector might have saved the situation as some group of youths within Obiagu area of the state capital on Saturday morning, mobilised for protest, burning tyres in the road before the information emerged the alleged killer had been arrested.

  • Enugu’s morbid tax

    Enugu’s morbid tax

    So, the dead can be made to pay tax to the living – through living survivors, of course?! Come along to Enugu State and see how it gets done.

    The state government recently defended its mortuary tax that it said followed from provisions of section 34 of the Birth, Deaths and Burials Law Cap 15 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004. It insisted, though, that the tax is not meant to generate revenue but to discourage people from leaving their dead ones in mortuary. A circular by the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) that trended online recently prescribed a daily tax of forty naira as due to government on a dead body once the body was not buried within twenty-four hours. “Kindly ensure that owners of corpses make the payments before collection of the corpses for burial, and then remit same to the ESIRS in any commercial bank under mortuary tax in Enugu State IGR Account,” the circular addressed to mortuary operators in the state added.

    Reacting to public criticism of the circular when it recently trended, ESIRS Executive Chairman Emmanuel Nnamani accused netizens of making the tax seem new whereas it is part of a law that has been in place for years. He also debunked claims about the amount to be paid. “It is an indirect tax paid by mortuary owners, not the deceased’s family, and it is just forty naira and not forty thousand naira. Since its introduction, nobody has been denied burying their dead ones,” he said, adding: “It means that if the corpse stays in mortuary for 100 days the mortuary is expected to pay the state sum of four thousand naira. The tax is not meant to generate revenue but to discourage people from taking their dead ones to mortuary all the time.”

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns man for alleged N8.1million land fraud in Enugu

    With due respect, the defence by the tax chief was at variance with the circular. He said it was an indirect tax paid by mortuary owners and not the deceased’s family, but the circular mandated mortuary owners to “ensure that owners of corpses make the payments before collection of the corpses for burial.” In any event, mortuary owners would have built the tax into their charges on the deceased’s family. But it’s also a no-brainer that the tax is meant to generate revenue, not discourage families from taking their deceased ones to mortuaries as purported. Death isn’t typically a pre-arranged event whereupon all preparations would have been made for the body’s burial before it occurs. Twenty-four-hour deadline for burial is conventionally a religious obligation for Moslems, and the demographics of Enugu State shows its residents aren’t predominantly of that faith. So, the government knew it would be making a revenue haul with the tax when it was introduced.

    Hardball recognises that the talk here is all morbid, but that perhaps is because the tax is morbid.

  • Two killed, victim rescued as police raid Enugu kidnappers’ den

    Two killed, victim rescued as police raid Enugu kidnappers’ den

    • Enugu govt demolishes kidnappers’ strongholds

    The Police Command in the Enugu State has said that it has raided a kidnappers’ camp in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, rescuing a kidnapped victim and neutralising two suspects.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Daniel Ndukwe, said this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    He said the raid, which followed a diligently gathered actionable intelligence, was part of the continuous efforts by the command against criminality in the state.

    According to him, the raid happened late Thursday night.

    “Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway.

    “A male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27, 2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed. During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and one hundred twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.

    “Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00) for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within Enugu metropolis and its environs. Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them.

    “Furthermore, the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one, have been destroyed by the Enugu State Government,”the statement said.

    It noted that the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state. He called on the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts.

    Read Also: E-CMR system: 612 stolen vehicles recovered by police

    Meanwhile, in furtherance of its relentless war against kidnapping and criminality in Enugu State, the state government has yet again reduced to rubbles, a kidnappers’ den at Nike in Enugu East LGA of the state.

    The twin semi-detached bungalows located at Nokpa, near Alulu, Nike had been serially used to house kidnap victims pending their ransom payment and was demolished in line with Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State, according to the state government.

    Briefing newsmen after the operation on Friday, Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, Hon. Uche Anya, reiterated Governor Peter Mbah’s determination to wipe out every vestige of kidnappers and violent criminals in the state, insisting that “this is an open warfare and will not stop until we wipe out the criminal elements.”

    “On 27th of September, at about 7pm, this gang of hardened criminals abducted one Chibuoke Charles and Mr. Emma Okeke around the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences (formerly Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy), Trans Ekulu, Enugu, and took them to this den. They were able to get ransom for one, and hoped to get a ransom of N40m from the other victim.

    “Their hit team disappeared to their stronghold in Imo State, not knowing that the security agencies were on their trail. Thank God for the sophisticated security infrastructure that Governor Mbah has procured for the state and thanks to the brilliance and bravery of the police crack squad. The gang was overpowered and arrested. They took the crack team to this notorious den.

    “Members of their gang guarding the kidnap victim opened fire on the rescue team, but were equally overpowered and neutralised in the process of rescuing the victim. This happened on 29th of September.

    “Three automatic rifles in addition to other dangerous weapons, fetish objects, and hard drugs were recovered from them. So, even their charms failed them.

    “This is yet another warning to all criminals in the state to relocate or meet their doom because this administration is determined to go all the way to secure the lives and property of Ndi Enugu.

    “This is also another warning that the government will not spare any property used for kidnapping, armed robbery, and the likes in Enugu. The Governor Mbah administration will not allow you to enjoy your proceeds of crimes in Enugu State. The government will not only hunt you down, but also demolish the property involved in line with the provisions of relevant laws of the state, particularly Section 315 (Second Amendment) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Laws of Enugu State.

  • Two killed, victim rescued as police raid Enugu kidnappers’ den

    Two killed, victim rescued as police raid Enugu kidnappers’ den

    The Enugu State Police Command has reported a raid on a kidnappers’ camp in Nokpa-Nike, Enugu East Local Government Area, where a kidnapped victim was rescued and two suspects were neutralized.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, made this known in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    He explained that the raid, conducted late Thursday night, was based on carefully gathered actionable intelligence and is part of the command’s ongoing efforts to combat criminal activity in the state.

    “Upon the operatives’ arrival, the kidnappers opened fire, prompting a return of fire. In the process, two of the suspects were neutralised, while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate is underway.

    “A male victim, identified as the personal assistant (PA) to a public figure (names withheld), kidnapped by the gang on September 27, 2024, in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu, was rescued unharmed. During the operation, the police recovered one G-3 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, and one hundred twenty-five rounds of live ammunition.

    Read Also: Delta police warn P.O.S operators against aiding kidnappings

    “Preliminary investigations reveal that this criminal group had demanded a ransom of forty million Naira (N40,000,000.00) for the release of the victim. The group is also found to be responsible for several kidnappings within the Enugu metropolis and its environs. Some of their members had previously been arrested and arraigned in court, with firearms and ammunition recovered from them.

    “Furthermore, the buildings used for these criminal acts, including the present one, have been destroyed by the Enugu state government,” the statement said.

    It noted that the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, commended the operatives’ efforts and reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to eradicate violent crimes in the state. He called on the public to remain law-abiding, and vigilant, and to support the police in their efforts.

  • Mortuary tax not meant to generate revenue – Enugu Govt

    Mortuary tax not meant to generate revenue – Enugu Govt

    The Enugu State Government says the Enugu Mortuary Tax is not meant to generate revenue but to discourage people from taking their dead ones to mortuary.

    The Executive Chairman, Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), Mr Emmanuel Nnamani, said this while reacting to Mortuary Tax circular addressed to all the Mortuary Attendants in the state trending online.

    According to the circular, ESIRS in line with the provisions of section 34 of the Birth, Deaths and Burials Law Cap 15 Revised Laws of Enugu State 2004, hereby approves the implementation of Mortuary tax.

    “The sum of N40.00 only is to be paid by owners of a corpse once it was not buried within twenty-four hours. The amount continues to count on a daily basis.

    Read Also: Mbah appoints Chidimma Adetshina Enugu brand ambassador

    “Kindly ensure that owners of corpses make the payments before collection of the corpses for burial and then remit the same to the ESIRS in any commercial bank under mortuary tax in Enugu State IGR Account,” the circular said.

    Reacting to concerns raised Nnamani explained that the tax was not new to the state, adding that it was within the Enugu State Mortuary Tax Law which had been in existence for years

    He also alleged that some social media users changed the date on the circular to make it look like a new thing, clarifying that the amount to pay was only N40 not N40,000.

  • Mbah appoints Chidimma Adetshina Enugu brand ambassador

    Mbah appoints Chidimma Adetshina Enugu brand ambassador

    Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has expressed her gratitude to Nigerians after appointment as the brand ambassador of Enugu State.

    She shared her joy on Instagram, revealing that she had the honor of meeting with Governor Peter Ndubusi Mbah.

    Chidimma, who was born in South Africa but is a Nigerian with roots to Amurri, Nkanu West LGA, was accompanied by father, Mr. Okechukwu Onwe, during her visit to the Government House in Enugu.

    Mbah praised her resilience and determination, describing her as a true representation of Nigerian spirit.

    He wrote in a statement on his official Instagram handle: “Today, I appointed Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Onwe Adetsina, as the brand ambassador of Enugu State. Chidimma is an indigene of Amurri, Nkanu West LGA who embodies the resilience and determination that define Ndi Enugu.

    “Her journey to this remarkable achievement, despite numerous challenges, is a testament to the grit and perseverance that we, as Ndi Enugu, are known for. I am incredibly proud to congratulate her on this accomplishment and welcome her back home.

    “Chidimma’s story will serve as a beacon of hope to our young people, particularly young women. Her influence will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their dreams, and we look forward to engaging her in programmes that will empower our youths.

    “At the heart of our administration’s mission is an unwavering commitment to youth development, which is why we have dedicated 33% of our budget to education. We believe that the true wealth of Enugu lies in our human resources, and Chidimma’s success further strengthens our resolve.

    “As she prepares to represent Nigeria and Enugu on the global stage at Miss Universe 2024 Pageant in Mexico, she carries with her our full support and pride. We are confident she will continue to shine as a symbol of excellence and resilience.

    In her appreciation post, Chidimma thanked Nigerians for their support, saying she couldn’t express gratitude for all the great things she’s achieved in her fatherland.

    Read Also: Why I deleted my X account, by Chidimma Adetshina

    She also appreciated Nigerians for lifting her up when she was down.

    “Thanking Nigerians, she stated that she couldn’t express her gratitude for all the great things she had achieved in her Father’s land. She appreciated Nigerians for picking her up when she was on her knees.

    “I received the honor of being in the presence of the Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Ndubisi Mbah. Upon my homecoming, I was received and appointed as the brand ambassador of Enugu State. I cannot express my gratitude for all the great things I have achieved in my father’s land. Again, Nigeria. THANK YOU for picking me up when I was on my knees”.

    Adetshina, a 300-level law student, will represent Nigeria in the Miss Universe 2024 pageant in Mexico this November.

  • BREAKING: Appeal Court affirms removal of Enugu PDP Rep member

    BREAKING: Appeal Court affirms removal of Enugu PDP Rep member

    The Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu has upheld the ruling of the House of Representatives tribunal sacking the member representing Igboeze North/Udenu federal constituency, Hon. Simon Atigwe.

    The Appeal Court which delivered the judgement in Enugu on Wednesday, held that Hon. Atigwe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was not duly elected by the valid votes cast in the rerun election.

    The court therefore declared Dennis Agbo of the Labour Party as the rightful winner of the 3rd February, 2024 re-run election.

    The judgement was unanimously delivered by the three members of the panel and read out by the chairman of the panel Justice Ekanem.

    It would be recalled that Hon. Atigwe was declared the winner of the re-run election held on February 3rd, 2024.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) said the PDP’s candidate polled 23,863 votes to defeat Hon. Dennis Agbo of the Labour Party who garnered 23,226 votes.

    Hon. Agbo who had earlier won the February 25th, 2023 election but was sacked by the appellate court proceeded to the tribunal to challenge Atigwe’s declaration.

    Hon. Agbo argued that the election was marred by wrong computation of result, substantial non compliance to the electoral act among others.

    Read Also: Mbah charges Enugu LG chairmen on performance, lean spending

    In their ruling on 14th August, the Tribunal headed by Justice H N Kunaza said that the petition had merit and declared Rt. Hon. Dennis Nnamdi Agbo the actual winner of Igbo Eze North/ Udenu Federal constituency.

    Justice Kunaza’s panel declared invalid, null and void the 2000 votes added to the PDP candidate and restored the votes of 25th February 2023 of 14229 for the PDP and 28870 for the LP candidate Rt Hon Dennis Agbo.

    It also held that Atigwe Simon Chukwuemeka was not duly elected by the valid votes cast as the petitioner won with 23,221 and PDP 21,863 votes and as such, the certificate of return issued to Atigwe should be withdrawn and issued to Hon Agbo.

    The judgement will return Hon. Agbo to the House of Representatives.