Crime

Cult Clash Claims One Life

By Web News 410

One person, identified as Igwe Omeli, was shot dead during a clash between rival cult groups at the popular Eke Awka market in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Wednesday morning as the rival cult groups engaged themselves in a supremacy battle of who controls the popular market.

The deceased was suspected to be one of the leaders of the Aye cult group in the market, who was used to force traders to comply with certain rules and regulations including levies in the market.

The incident created panic in the market as traders who were coming to their various shops scampered to safety.

A source in the market who craved anonymity for security reasons confirmed that it was a clash between the Baga and Aye cult groups in the market.

The eyewitness said after killing the deceased, they beheaded him and also cut off his manhood.

He said, “The clash is related to market politics, but the man killed was the person they always used in terrorising us to comply with certain agenda. Any time the leaders want to enforce any agenda, he is the person and others they used.

“The Baga cult group members were pursuing Omeli and he ran into the market to mobilise his boys to rescue him unfortunately for him, before his boys could get the information, they killed him and beheaded him and cut his male organ.

“He was killed inside the market at the abattoir area and the cult members cut his head and male organ with the butcher’s knives. Further bloodshed was averted as the members of the rival cult group had fled before the deceased group members arrive at the scene.”

The source also disclosed that a few weeks ago, one person was also killed during a clash between the same rival groups.

When contacted the Police spokesman in the State, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the incident, saying the police operatives have intensified operations in the area.

“The police operatives have intensified surveillance operations in the area and the investigation is ongoing. No arrest yet. More information will be communicated later,” Ikenga added.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Gunmen Abduct 4 Newborns in Anambra

By Web News 394

Gunmen in the early hours of yesterday stormed a hospital in Aguata council area of Anambra State, snatching away four newborns.

The assailants also made away with bloodstained wrappers and clothes of women who just put to bed.

As a result, the residents have raised the alarm that the incident could be for ritual purposes.

A source, who spoke with newsmen, said the gunmen did not kill anyone or burn any police station this time around, but came to take away babies.

“They didn’t shoot as usual, but they drove to the hospital early morning, took the newly born babies and bloodstained clothes and drove off.

“We were told that they threatened to kill anybody who opened his or her mouth in that hospital.  Everybody is living in fear now in Anambra,” the source said.

It was reported recently that some of the gunmen called one of the medical doctors in Awka South local government area, threatening to visit his hospital if he failed to support the Biafra project.

They threatened to make the State ungovernable for Soludo, since according to them, he had been using security operatives to harass them.

One of the medical doctors, who did not want to be quoted, said since they succeeded in the latest strategy, they were likely to continue with it.

The doctor said security in State is porous, adding that only God would protect His people during the yuletide period.

“No place is safe anymore,” he said.

Police spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu said the command had not received any information about it, but he promised to make enquiries to ascertain the authenticity of the report.

The Nation/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko 

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Crime

Woman Nabbed for Selling Three-Week-Old Baby for N600,000

By Web News 472

Ogun  State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old woman, Mary Olatayo, for allegedly selling her three weeks old baby for N600,000.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Oyeyemi said the suspect was arrested following a complaint from the father of the baby.

The PPRO said the father reported the matter at Mowe divisional headquarters, narrating that, he met Mary Olatayo sometime ago and they started dating each other.

He said “The man stated further that, Mary got pregnant in the process and he rented an apartment for her where she lived till she was delivered of a baby boy.

“He complained further that the lady suddenly disappeared with the baby from the apartment three weeks after delivery only for her to be found in a hotel where she has gone for a hookup with another man.

 “All efforts to know where the baby is proved futile.

“On the strength of his complaint, the DPO Mowe division, SP Folake Afeniforo, detailed detectives to the scene where the suspect was arrested and brought to the station.

“On interrogation, Mary Olatayo confessed to the police that she has sold the baby to someone in Anambra State at the rate of six hundred thousand naira.

“She confessed that it was her friend Chioma Esther Ogbonna who led her to the buyer in Anambra and that they both shared the money equally.

“Her confession led to the arrest of Chioma Esther Ogbonna who also corroborated Mary’s claims.

“Further investigation revealed that Mary Olatayo a native of Omu-Aran in Kwara state is a call girl, who sees the baby as a disturbance to her business hence she decided to do away with the baby.

“Fortunately for her, she has an accomplice in Chioma, a native of Imo state who quickly contacted the buyer in Anambra state.”

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Bankole, has ordered the transfer of the suspects to the anti-human trafficking and child labour unit of the state Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation.

He said, “The CP also directed that everything possible must be done to recover the baby.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

Crime

Lesbian Wife’s Partner Stabs Man to Death

By Web News 566

A man identified as Ikechukwu Onuma popularly known as ‘Ayaaya Onye-Obodo’, has been stabbed to death by his wife’s female lover.

The unidentified woman killed the husband, who was a staff of the College of Health, Onitsha, stabbing him to death with a knife.

It was gathered that the incident happened at the deceased residence, along Ogboli road, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday, at 9:20pm.

The deceased came home unannounced on Tuesday night to meet his wife in bed with another woman, making it out.

Sources in the area said his wife, unknown to him was a lesbian, and had been keeping a female sex partner.

The lady was said to have quickly attacked the man with a kitchen knife, stabbing him to death, during an argument, in a bid to silence the deceased.

According to the source, “The news has been everywhere in Onitsha as People are so surprised how Ayaaya was killed.

“He was a very handsome guy, and he is an admin staff at the college. How his wife left such a handsome young man to become a lesbian to the point of bringing sexual partners to the house is still a wonder.”

Another source said, “Ikechukwu is a very popular guy in the neighbourhood. He was also known as ‘Onye Obodo’. He got married to his wife in 2019.”

The police authorities in Anambra State confirmed the incident, saying that the lesbian partner has been arrested.

The state Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, said, “We have a suspect in custody and the Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State CID for proper investigation.

“Preliminary information showed that the suspect stabbed the victim in the chest. He was rushed to the hospital before he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

“What brought about the suspect’s action has not been ascertained, meanwhile investigation has just begun.”

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Crime

Police Recover 3 Bodies Killed by Hoodlums

By Web News 422

The Police Command in Anambra  on Saturday confirmed killing of two of its  operatives and one civilian car tracker by criminals at Amukabra Achalla Awka North Local Government Area  of the state.

The command’s spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement on in Awka said the trio were killed after the hoodlums kidnapped them while on a mission to recover a stolen vehicle.

Ikenga said the incident which happened on Friday July 15,  made police to launch a counter attack during which it uncovered that the two police and civilian car tracker had been killed and their bodies set ablaze.

“The police team was on a recovery operation of a Toyota Sienna Space Wagon vehicle earlier snatched at gun point on July 9, at Oye-Agu Abagana community.

“Four of the Police operatives escaped the ambush, while two of the police operatives and the car tracker were captured by the criminals.

“During the counter offensive operation, police neutralised some of the armed men and destroyed three  of their camps.

“Unfortunately,  some of the hoodlums who escaped with bullet wounds, haven already murdered their captives and set their bodies ablaze.

“The remains of the two murdered police officers and the civilian tracker have been recovered and deposited in a morgue, while police operation is still  ongoing in the area to track the fleeing gang members,”  he said.The police spokesman also said they recovered one human skull, two locally made Rocket Propelled Grande (RPG) bombs.

Others items recovered were; one single barrel long gun, empty chain of bullet, one Toyota Sienna, one Mercedes Benz Formatic jeep, and two cylinders.

He further stated that the team equally recovered; huge quantity of hard drugs of different kinds, one police beret and belt.

The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police,  Echeng Echeng to have condoled families of the  murdered civilian and  police operatives.

According to him,  the police boss described the incident as a classic example of the risk and sacrifices the police are exposed to in the onerous task of serving and protecting the country.

He therefore,  assured  Anambra people of the effort toward total reclamation and domination of all the public spaces hitherto occupied by hoodlums in the State.

Vanguard / Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

Politics

Two Anambra Lawmakers dump APGA for YPP

By Web News 950

Two serving House of  Assembly members under the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance ( APGA ) in Anambra state have decamped to the Young Progressives Party ( YPP ).

Also,  a former  Commissioner under former governor Willie Obiano administration,  and BOT Member of APGA,  Mr Uchenna Okafor has also joined the YPP. 

One of  the leaders  of the party and Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial Zone ,Doctor  Ifeanyi Ubah made this known while speaking with Journalists in Awka the Anambra state capital. 

According to Senator Ubah,  the Young Progressives Party is being positioned to become an alternative political party that will serve the interest of the masses.

The party also presented some of its candidates for the 2023 Senatorial and House of Representatives elections in the state. 

Senator Ubah  told journalists  that as a lawmaker in the National Assembly, he has attracted five federal government institutions in Anambra south senatorial District which would in turn  attract subventions and create jobs for the youths in the State . 

According to him, his  score card as a serving senator was unprecedented and have been people oriented despite being in a minority party as a sole elective member. 

 Senator Ubah said that he was building institutions in Anambra which was a total  departure from the past where elective office holders only sink boreholes and share few items to their constituents .   

In an interview, the National President of Association of Anambra State  Town Unions , ASATU, Mr Titus Akpudo advised leadership of the various communities in the state to lookout for candidates with sterling qualities that would provide dividends of democracy to the people and not to base their choices on monetary values.

Mr Akpudo said it was important that candidates made themselves available for evaluation to enable the electorate make informed voting choices as the 2023 general elections draw closer.   

Top  YPP members including the state Chairman, Comrade  Moses Obi and the National Secretary of the party, Mr Vidiyeno Bamiyi was part of the earlier interaction between Senator Ifeanyi Ubah and the media  under the  invitation of  the  Election and Political Committee of the  Nigeria Union of Journalists , Anambra state council. 

Uche Ndeke

Crime

Soludo Declares Curfew in 8 LGAs

By Web News 606

Anambra State Government has imposed a curfew on eight local government areas to take effect on Friday, 27th May.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who announced the directive in a statewide broadcast, said the curfew, which begins from 6pm to 6am, will remain till further notice.

According to the Governor, the curfew affects motorcycles, tricycles and shuttle buses in Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas of the state.

He also banned motorcycles, tricycles and shuttle buses from operating in the affected local government areas on Mondays until the Sit-at-Home completely stops.

Professor Soludo called on the youths of the communities to assist security agents in implementing the policy by impounding any motorcycle or tricycle that violates the order.

He equally told transport union leaders not to shield their members who are involved in criminal activities, even as he urged communities to provide information on any part of their land which is used by the criminals as camps.

Any community that fails to do so will forfeit such land to the government, Governor Soludo warned.

The Governor, who threatened to disband the leadership of any community which harbours criminals and their activities, also called on market leaders and other stakeholders to take back their territory and give weekly security reports of activities within those markets.

He directed hotels to obtain the means of identification of their guests and keep an inventory of all guests, while fuel stations are ordered to install surveillance cameras within the next four weeks to keep records of happenings around them.

He called for unflinching cooperation of the citizens with the security agencies which he observed have been doing their best in securing the state.

FRCN/Olaolu Fawole

Crime

Anambra Lawmaker Beheaded Days after Being Kidnapped

By Web News 983

A member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Okechukwu Okoye, who was earlier kidnapped, has been beheaded.

The lawmaker, popularly known as “Okey Di Okay” was kidnapped late last Sunday.

Until his unfortunate kidnap and death, Okoye was representing the Aguata North constituency, the same community as the governor of the state, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

Professor Soludo, who confirmed his kidnap on Thursday, during the presentation of the 2022 revised budget to the Anambra State House of Assembly, regretted his abduction and assured that the lawmaker would be rescued soon as security agencies were working round the clock to ensure his release.

But his freshly beheaded head was mounted at the Chisco Park in Amichi community, Anambra State on Saturday.

In a viral video circulating online, the freshly beheaded head was seen placed in a carton by the roadside with a handwritten note placed by the side.

Calls put across to the media aide of the governor, Christian Aburime, were not answered and text message was not responded to.

The Anambra State Police Spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, has yet to respond to the text message put across to his phone line.

Mr Ikenga had last week confirmed the lawmaker’s kidnap, saying the deceased’s black Siena bus, which he was driving before the incident, had been recovered.

Punch

Politics

Peter Obi Calls for Unity in PDP

By Web News 1213

A former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has called for unity of purpose and a great sense of responsibility among members of the People’s Democratic Party to ensure a resounding victory for the party in the 2023 general elections

The presidential aspirant while meeting with members of the Ogun State PDP Working Committee and delegates to the forthcoming primaries said he was seeking their understanding and support for his aspiration. 

Mr Peter Obi, who berated wastage in governance in the country, assured that if given the opportunity, he would fix all impediments to the socioeconomic and political growth of the country

He said that the issues of unemployment, insecurity, number of out of school, economy among others would be tackled for the benefit of all Nigerians

Wale Oluokun

Security

Gunmen kill 2 FRSC Officials in Anambra

By Web News 636

Some Gunmen have attacked a Federal Road Safety Corps patrol team in Anambra State, killing two operatives and injuring the unit commander.

The team was reportedly conducting a routine patrol operation along Igbo-Uku- Uga route at about 2.45pm on Sunday when the gunmen opened fire on the driver and two other officials while the fourth official escaped into the bush.

The Corps Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, confirmed the incident in a statement, titled, ‘Two operatives shot dead as unknown gunmen attack FRSC patrol team in Anambra State.’

It said the team leader, who sustained injuries, was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The statement read, “The Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, who was visibly touched decried the attack while condoling with the families of the deceased staff, the unit commander and staff of Igbo-Uku command, and the entire management and staff of the corps over the loss and prayed for their souls to rest in peace.”

The statement says the corps is working with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure that the attackers are arrested and brought to justice.

NET/Olaolu Fawole

Crime

Court Jails Man for Counterfeiting Product

By Web News 601

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has secured five years of conviction of a suspect who specializes in the counterfeiting of a registered olive oil product with NAFDAC’s marketing authorization.

NAFDAC Deputy Director, Investigation and Enforcement for South-South and South-East, Dr Christiana Esenwa, stated this at the zonal headquarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Oghenero Eghwree reports that the convict was sentenced at the Federal High Court in Anambra State, with an option of a fine of two hundred thousand nairas.

Politics

Soludo Sworn in as Anambra Governor

By Web News 557

Professor Chukwuma Soludo and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachi  Ibezim have officially been sworn in as the sixth democratically elected governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State for a four-year tenure.

The new Governor and his Deputy were sworn in at a ceremony held at Government House Awka.

Professor Soludo and Dr Ibezim accompanied by their wives took the oath of office administered by the Anambra State Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu.

The event was a very low-key one as requested by Professor Soludo as it was devoid of the usual fanfare that accompanies such an auspicious event.

After the official swearing-in,  Governor Chukwuma Soludo inspected the guard of honour and consequently made his inaugural speech to the people of the State.

The new Governor thanked the people of the state for the privilege given to him and his Deputy, assuring that they would discharge their duty with utmost sincerity.

Professor Soludo used the occasion to pay respect to the gallant officers who lost their lives during a meeting with him in Isuofia in the course of electioneering, pledging to continue to support their families.

He described his predecessor as a great visionary leader who served the state meritoriously including the party and the good people of the state.

The Governor commended the Federal Government, the security agencies, INEC among others for exhibiting transparency in the conduct of the state governorship election last November which produced him.

While calling on warring parties to lay down their arms and partner the state government, Professor Soludo said that he won’t waste the state funds with fanfares.

He stressed that his administration would focus more on quality health care, education, power, provision of jobs for youths among others, maintaining that his administration would patronize only made in Anambra products.

He assured that he would conduct local government elections, resuscitate the State Independent Electoral Commission as well as collaborate with the Ministry of Justice for better justice delivery.

Professor Soludo hinted that the list of his commissioner nominees will be presented to the state House of Assembly for consideration in the next week whiles his principal officers would be announced without any delay.

Uche Udeke, Daniel Adejo

Crime

APC Chieftain Narrowly Escapes Death

By Web News 798

A chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe narrowly escaped death when gunmen invaded his Country home on Sunday morning in Nnewi, Anambra State, south eastern Nigeria.

According to the Peoples Gazette, the hoodlums also attacked and set ablaze DSS annex, police station and the Federal Road Safety Commission office around the locality.

Igbokwe who spoke from his hideout alleged that blamed the attack on Indigenous People of BIAFRA,

He said, ” I give glory to God that I am still alive. IPOB invaded my house in Nnewi about now. I am sure they raised down the my house giving the Jerry cans of petrol.

“I saw being offloaded from their Sienna car via CCTV. To God be the glory . I am still alive. My Study is my greatest regret.

The paper cannot immediately verify the number of casualties in the attack, which was still sketchy as at the time of filing this report

Ahead of Saturday November 6, 2021 governorship election in Anambra State, Senator representing Abia South Senatorial district in Abia State, Enyinnaya Abaribe, the had flayed attempts by hoodlums to turn Anambra State into a killing field in order to create the impression that the State is unsafe for eligible voters to exercise their franchise in the election in the State.

This followed the alleged murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband to late Dora Akunyili, a former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and a few others by gunmen.

While police had assured a discrete investigation into the act of cowardice, the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the election, Mr. Andy Uba, announced the postponement of the flag-off Ceremony of his party on Saturday.

Newspad

Crime

Police Arrest Two for Assaulting 10 Year-Old

By Web News 657

The Police Command in Anambra State says it has apprehended two women for allegedly assaulting a ten year old house-girl with hot water.

In a press release, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Haruna Mohammed says the two suspects are; 34-year-old Nneka Ayaene and 22-year-old Chinenye Okoh of Ndiowu Community, Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the suspects allegedly assaulted their house help, one Chidimma Nworie Ani by pouring hot water on her resulting to injuries all over her body.

Their action according to the release was because the girl was impatient in waiting to return thr bowl of water she brought to them.

Mr. Mohammed explains that police operatives visited the scene and rushed the girl to Best Hospital Oko where she is presently recuperating.

Consequently the suspects have been charged to Magistrate Court Nanka for prosecution after conclusion of investigation.

The case has been adjourned to February 10 and suspects remanded at the Corrections Center Onitsha.

Their arrest followed formal complaint of child abuse and grievous assault at the Oko police station on January 5, 2021.

Uche Ndeke

Crime

BREAKING: Another UNIBEN Student Allegedly Murdered in Hotel Room

By Web News 2069

Another Student of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, Edo State, has been reportedly killed in a hotel room in Abagana, Anambra state.

The student by name Chinenye Promise Nwoye was said to be an undergraduate of the University of Benin and hailed from Iruokpala, Ire Village in Abba, Njikoka Local Government area of Anambra State.

Although the actual cause of her death is still unknown but unconfirmed report says the young lady was suspected to have been strangled or suffocated to death by alleged kidnappers who lured her into the hotel room for money ritual.

It was further gathered that until her sudden death, the deceased was on scholarship at the UNIBEN and had been attending Computer lessons at a neighbouring town during the outbreak of COVID-19 to keep herself busy.

However, the usual business activities are still taking place at the hotel where Chineye was murdered as customers still lodge without any documentation.

Efforts to contact the police on the incident has not been successful as at the time of filing the report.

Security

Communal Clashes: Anambra Refugees Appeal for Resolution of Dispute

By Web News 921

Refugees from Allah-Onugwa Communities in Anambra State, taking refuge in Delta State, have appealed to the State and the Federal Government to resolve the longstanding communal dispute between neighbouring Odekpe community, which has led to the loss of lives and displacement of residents.

The Secretary to the Ata-Akakwu of Allah kingdom Mr. Uzor Anayor, stated this in neighboring Asaba, the Delta State capital, where many residents of Allah-Onugwa have fled to among other neighboring communities after their village was burnt down by members of the rival Odekpe community. 

Oghenero Eghweree spoke with stakeholders in crises and files in this report for Radio Nigeria.