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By Madu Obi The operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, Agunechemba, have demolished a brothel allegedly used for drug trafficking and apprehended 38 persons, made up of 20 suspected female commercial sex workers and 18 males, during a raid on the facility in Okpuno area of Awka. Among those arrested include the manager of the facility, a supervisor, a bar attendant, and a storekeeper. The operatives, who stormed the brothel at night, described the brothel as a major criminal hub allegedly involved in prostitution and the peddling of hard drugs. Items recovered during the operation include suspected illicit substances such as Tramadol, Indian hemp, nitrous oxide, Rohypnol, and a locally made single-barreled short gun. The manager of the centre, Paul Chibuike, admitted that drugs were sold within the premises, even as he denied ownership of the firearm. He also claimed that some of the suspected sex workers were students who frequented the centre on weekends to earn money for their upkeep. Chibuike, who said he was only managing the business for his employer, further disclosed that his employer owns another drug outlet on Abakaliki Street, a known red-light district in Awka. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security, Mr. Ken Emeakayi, said the facility would be confiscated by the Anambra State government in line with the provisions of the State Homeland Security Law 2025, following the incriminating discoveries made during the raid. Meanwhile, the one-storey building housing the brothel has been demolished by the Anambra State Government.

By Madu Obi Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, have arrested three suspects and recovery arms in Ogidi, Idemili North local government area in another breakthrough by the Anambra State Police command to rid the state of crime. Following sustained investigation and interrogation, the operatives arrested one Chukwuka Anene suspected to be the ringleader of the syndicate, who confessed to being the armourer of the criminal gang. The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga said in a statement that the suspect subsequently led Police operatives to the gang’s hideout in Ogidi. Items recovered by the Police include two pump-action guns, two locally made Beretta pistols, five rounds of 9mm ammunition, seven live cartridges, a beret linked to a cult group, and body armour. According to the PPRO, the Command has intensified efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang, while investigations remain ongoing. He reiterated the Command's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urged members of the public to continue to support the Police with credible information.

By Madu Obi The State House of Assembly is to enact a law aimed at curbing rising house rent and exploitative housing practices across the state, especially student communities. Majority Leader of the house, Hon Ikenga Ofodeme gave the indication while addressing concerns raised by protesting students over the increasing cost of accommodation in the state. While commending the students for their peaceful conduct and lawful presentation of grievances at the Assembly complex, Ofodeme said the Assembly had already commenced legislative processes to tackle the excesses in the housing sector, noting that the impact of skyrocketing rents on the students also affects parents and guardians. According to Ofodeme, the bill will regulate arbitrary charges by landlords and agents and urged the protesters to remain calm as efforts are underway to bring a lasting solution to the issue. Also speaking, the member representing Aguata I Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke, promised the Assembly’s commitment to address the problem within a short timeframe. The students, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council, Anambra State axis, had stormed the Assembly complex to decry what they described as unjust and exploitative increases in rent and agency fees in the various communities and called on the lawmakers to urgently introduce regulations that would check arbitrary charges imposed by landlords and agents. NANS Chairman in the state, Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Chukwuemeka, said the protest was aimed at protecting the welfare of students residing in host communities of tertiary institutions across Anambra State. He lamented the absence of regulation and accountability in the housing sector, accusing landlords and agents of inflicting undue financial burden on students and their families. “We appeal to the legislature to enact laws that will regulate and standardize rent in student communities, as well as fix reasonable and uniform agency fees,” Chukwuemeka said. According to him, only a comprehensive legal framework would restore sanity to the housing sector and provide lasting relief to thousands of undergraduates in the state.

By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has hinted of plans for significant reforms in the state civil service, following what he observed as lack of commitment among some employees. The governor spoke during a visit to the state secretariat in Awka, during which he assessed employee conduct, punctuality, and overall dedication to duty by the workers. The visit, which covered the various ministries and departments, was aimed at evaluating the current work culture and the level of commitment among public servants. He also engaged directly with some of the staff and interacted with officials across different cadres during the exercise and observed operations After the inspection, Governor Soludo described his findings as a combination of “the good, the bad, and the ugly,” noting that while some civil servants demonstrated commendable professionalism, others fell short of expected standards. He commended diligent workers who maintain punctuality and uphold the ethics of public service, describing them as critical tools to the effective functioning of government. He, however, he expressed concern over cases of lateness, absenteeism, and lack of commitment among some employees, warning that his administration would not tolerate inefficiency. According to him, workers who are unwilling to align with the state’s reform agenda should be prepared to face the consequences, adding that the state government is determined to instill discipline and improve service delivery. He further highlighted ongoing investments by his administration in strengthening the civil service, including the deployment of technology, enhanced supervision and evaluation mechanisms, and infrastructure upgrades within the secretariat. The governor said the goal is to build a responsive, efficient and results-oriented public service capable of meeting the expectations of Anambra people and supporting the state’s broader development objectives.

By Madu Obi Operatives of the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, have exhumed the corpse of a 52 -year old man, Chinedu Ezeani, allegedly murdered and buried by his cousin, Chukwudalu Ezeani. The incident happened eight months ago and it was reported as a case of missing person, until the arrest of the 35-year-old suspect, Chukwudalu Ezeani, which revealed the cause of death of his cousin. Police investigation revealed that on 1st August 2025 at about 8:00 pm, the suspect allegedly killed the deceased at his residence in Afube Village, Amichi, and buried the body in a shallow grave within his compound, and concealed the crime for nearly eight months. Anambra State Police command said that upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and led operatives to the burial site within his compound and the corpse was subsequently exhumed. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the remains have been deposited in the mortuary for necessary forensic examination, adding that the suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations. "The case, which was initially reported as a missing person incident at Amichi Police Station, was later revisited by detectives following credible intelligence, leading to the arrest of the suspect", Ikenga said. Meanwhile, the 21- year old apprentice who allegedly murdered his master, Ikechukwu Nwite, at Fegge, Onitsha, had been arraigned, along with another suspect. Anambra State Police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga said operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Anambra State Police command, arraigned the two suspects on March 18. According to Ikenga, the prime suspect, Chiemerie Anieke used a pestle to strike his employer, Ikechukwu Nwite, on the head, resulting in his death, adding that the suspect was also linked to an attack on Ikechukwu's sister, Ogechukwu Nwite on the same night. "He was arraigned before the High Court, Onitsha, alongside one Godwin Nnabuike Nwokporo, aged 21 years, who allegedly aided the commission of the crime by providing a bank account through which over N8,000,000 belonging to the deceased was fraudulently transferred. The operatives of the command recovered the sum of N6,000,000 from the suspects, being part of the stolen funds, which has been tendered as exhibit in the ongoing court proceedings. The suspects have since been remanded at the Correctional Centre, pending further proceedings in the matter", the PPRO said. He reiterates the command's commitment to ensuring that justice is served and warned individuals against engaging in criminal activities, stressing that the long arm of the law will always catch up with offenders.

Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake By Madu Obi Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has approved the appointment of Mrs Chiamaka Nnake as the new Secretary to the State Government, SSG, the first female to occupy the position since the creation of new Anambra State. Nnake, who is 39 years old, replaces Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, who was appointed at the inception of the Soludo administration. She becomes the first political appointee in the state since the governor began his second tenure. Nnake, who is from Nawfia in Njikoka local government area of the state, is a seasoned finance and public sector professional with over 13 years of experience spanning finance, strategy development, and economic planning. Until the recent dissolution of the state Executive Council, Nnake served as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of Solution Fun City Limited. As Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, she led the effective mobilization, planning, and allocation of state resources to drive socio-economic development. She also held key leadership roles across several state boards and initiatives, including the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service Board, and the Small Business Agency. As the state’s Reform Champion for Ease of Doing Business and focal point for Social Investment Programmes, she has been championing reforms and inclusive growth in the state. She also serves as Nigeria Chairperson for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme. Prior to her public service role, Nnake was a Senior Strategy Consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, where she led over 30 client engagements across local and international markets and sectors, including financial services, government and public sector agriculture etc. In recognition of her outstanding performance, she received the CEO Award in 2021. During her time at PwC, she played a pivotal role in the development of Anambra Vision 2070, a comprehensive 50-year development blueprint for sustainable transformation. She also provided technical support for the Combined Transition Plan, which remains a cornerstone of the current administration’s strategy. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Business Analyst at IHS Towers, a leading telecommunications infrastructure company across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. She also served as an Equity Research Analyst at Meristem Securities Limited, covering publicly listed pharmaceutical and consumer goods companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Nnake holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Lagos Business School, where she earned the prestigious Beta Gamma Sigma lifetime recognition for academic excellence. She graduated with First-Class Honours in Accounting from Benson Idahosa University and she is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). She is a member of the ACCA National Advisory Committee, and has passed Level I of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) programme. She has also completed some executive programmes, including the Implementing Public Policy programme at Harvard Kennedy School, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy.

By Madu Obi The Anambra State Police command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to enhance safety and security across the state, with the arrest of three suspected armed robbers/cultists and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and a stolen petrol tanker. The operation was carried out by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, who acted on credible intelligence. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, the operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Ogidi, Idemili North local government area during which the suspects were arrested. He named the suspects as Francis Chukwuka Anene, 46 years, Emmanuel Obi, 29 years and Okoye Chinonso, 35 years. Also arrested is a serving member of a security outfit. Items recovered from them include two locally made Beretta pistols, four rounds of live 9 mm ammunition, and a suspected fake security agency identity card. The PPRO said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects are members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery and kidnapping, who were terrorizing residents of Ogidi and its environs. "The suspects are also being investigated for possible involvement in the gruesome murder of the late President General of Ogidi", he said. Similarly, Police personnel attached to the Ozubulu Police Division have recovered a suspected stolen white trailer tanker abandoned along the Onitsha/Owerri expressway. Ikenga said the vehicle was found without a registration number and key in the ignition, adding that it was abandoned by an unidentified individual. He said that the command has commenced efforts to trace the owner of the tanker and unravel the circumstances surrounding its abandonment, even as investigations continue. Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu has reassured Anambra people of the command’s commitment to sustaining safety and urged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.

By Madu Obi A human rights lawyer, Dr Jezie Ekejiuba has described the Nafiu Bala - led African Democratic Congress, ADC, as fake, alleging that his ADC faction is sponsored by the All Progressives Congress, APC. According to Ekejiuba, Nafiu Bala is a one-man squad who was ADC Deputy National Chairman, adding that his recent legal antics of writing INEC asking the electoral body to de-recognize the Senator David Mark-led ADC NEC leadership because of the recent interlocutory appeal decision of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, was the height of his mischief. He recalled that the Court of Appeal innocently directed the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the pending substantive suit He said: "The APC game plan to ensure that President Bola Tinubu seeks re-election bid and contests the 2027 presidential election unopposed started when the party sponsored one Nafiu Bala to institute an action against the new coalition party ADC NEC leadership led by Senator David Mark. The Federal High Court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite refused to grant an ex parte application for Order of interim injunction filed by Bala but rather made an order directing both David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola to show cause why the ex parte prayer for interim injunction will not be granted and putting them on notice to respond to the application. It is this directive order or ruling of the court that Senator Mark appealed against in the Court of Appeal,Abuja which the court, on Tuesday March 17,2026, struck out the appeal marked Appeal No. CA/ABJ/145/2026 on the grounds that it was procedurally incompetent, having been filed against an interlocutory directive without first obtaining the required leave of court to appeal. "The Appeal Court directed all the parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the pending substantive matter filed by Nafiu Bala at the Federal High Court, Abuja. "It is this directive order by the Court of Appeal, Abuja that the APC - sponsored Nafiu Bala wrote a letter through his lawyers to INEC seeking for his ( Bala's) recognition by INEC, even when he has not won his pending case as he is falsely claiming that the status quo belongs to him. "For APC and all who have ears to hear listen: The status quo belongs to the original existing structure of ADC NEC leadership led by the National Chairman Chief Raphs Okey Nwosu who in a ADC NEC meeting of July 19,2025 duly monitored by INEC by a unanimous motion the old ADC NEC transformed itself into a new ADC NEC coalition party structure currently led by Senator David Mark as National Chairman and Ex-Gov.Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary."

By Madu Obi Governor Chukwuma Soludo has approved fresh appointment of key officials to serve in various capacities within the state government. Those appointed are Mrs Ngozi Iwouno as the Head of Service, Joachim Peters Anaetoh as the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo as the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Professor Frank - Collins Okafor as the State Chief of Protocol. Others are Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN) - Attorney General of the state, Dr Vincent Okechi- Deputy Chief of Staff, Ms Ngozi Lucy Okoye - Deputy State Chief of Protocol and Christian Aburime - Chief Press Secretary. The rest are Dr Godwin Nnadozie - Special Adviser Medicals and Pharmaceuticals, Ms Chinwe Okoli - Special Adviser Innovation and Business Incubation and CEO Solution Innovation District, Professor Ebuka Nwankwo - Special Adviser, Special Projects and Director Project Evaluation and Monitoring and Prince Ken Emeakayi - Special Adviser Community Security. The governor had earlier announced the appointment of Mrs Chiamaka Nnake as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

By Madu Obi It was eulogies galore and a celebration of the rich Igbo culture and tradition, as the late elder statesman and Nigeria's former Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Chief Arthur Mbanefo, was buried in the ancient city of Onitsha on Saturday. Among those who attended the colourful ceremony, which took place at Mbanefo's ancestral home at Inland Town, Onitsha, were former governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi, Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka, Senator Bode Olajumoke, who represented Ondo North in the Senate from 2007 - 2011, Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who led a powerful delegation from the University, and a delegation from the Ooni of Ife. Venerable Emmanuel Ukpaeke, Vicar of Emmanuel Anglican Church, Inland Town, Onitsha led members of the church for a brief prayer where Chief Mbanefo lay in state in his ancestral compound and later delivered a condolence message to the family. Emmanuel church is where the Mbanefo family had worshipped since the coming of Anglican Church in the area. Igbo culture was at its best as various groups, including the famous Ohafia War Dance, entertained the family members and guests. Mbanefo's only son, Arthur Jnr, spoke glowingly of his father. He said : "My father was my hero and confidant. He was born here in Onitsha in 1930 and attended St Patrick's College, Calabar and taught at DMGS, Onitsha before he travelled abroad for further studies. He qualified as a chattered accountant and returned to Nigeria to practice. During the civil war, he was Biafra's special envoy and was in charge of the purchase of aircrafts and other war items for Biafra. After the war, he went back to UK and returned to Nigeria after living there for some time. Although he was a private sector person, he later started doing things for government. He was involved in state creation and was chairman of many companies, including UAC. He also worked in various parts of Africa , including Kenya. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was made Nigeria's Permanent Representative at the United Nations. Even after leaving United Nations, he continued to promote peace in Africa. He came back and started writing books and donating them to universities, an action my father said, was very dear to him. He set up the Arthur Mbanefo Research Center at the University of Lagos where he also established a digital library. My father was Pro Chancellor to three first generation universities namely, University of Lagos, University of Ife and Ahmadu Bello University. He was indeed a nationalist. Right from my great grandfather, this family has been occupying the position of Odu of Onitsha, which was why he was Odu 111 of Onitsha. The title has been in this family for over 100 years. During his lifetime, oracles were consulted and it was found out that my father had roots in Oronmiyan, which is why he was not prostrating before Yoruba kings and he could enter any palace without prior announcement . This is why the Ooni of Ife is sending a delegation to represent him at the burial." He added that his family also has a great link with the Emmanuel Anglican Church Onitsha, through his grandfather. "My father was actually a Catholic, but my grandfather regularly worshipped at Emmanuel Anglican Church. He was also in charge of the building committee of the church", he stated. He said further: "Tradition is important to us, especially when one realizes that he is in it not by choice, but born into it. We have been everywhere. When I look back at my father's legacies and what he did in 95 years, it is like 95 lifetimes. He was a unique individual. I cannot achieve half of what he achieved, maybe my sons can." Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, who led a powerful delegation that included the Deputy Vice Chancellor and other top officials of the institution said: "Arthur Mbanefo was our Pro Chancellor many years ago, but he never left us. In 2015, he built the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Center and on his 90th birthday, he donated it to the university. That center is one of the unique sites on campus. More importantly, we could always go to him for advice and he had a special relationship with all of us in the university. Every year, we do an annual lecture for him and we intend to continue. His first memorial lecture will take place soon to continue to cherish the seeds he sowed in people's minds in the University of Lagos. I'm very happy to be here to honour him". On his part, Senator Bode Olajumoke said: "Arthur and I have been friends for many years. We both chaired Primadi Shipping Company and we are both shareholders. We were indeed very close. I believe he has gone to be with his maker. I'm here representing members of the board of Primadi Shipping Company. They could not be here , but they sent representations to show appreciation. He was the immediate past chairman and I succeeded him. May his soul rest in peace." Arthur Mbanefo's first grandchild, Ifechukwu who is based in the United States of America said: "My grandfather was a great man. He served his country creditably in many capacities. He was there for me, giving me advice and I was always spending quality time with him. I will greatly miss him." At exactly 12 noon, traditional rites ahead of the interment of Chief Arthur Mbanefo began with Canon shots and assemblage of Onitsha titled men.

By Madu Obi The former chairman of the Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Nathaniel Anigbo, has been buried in his hometown, Agulu in Anaocha local government area of Anambra State. Before his death, Anigbo was also vice chairman of Agulu People’s Union (APU). In his tribute, former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi described the late Anigbo as a steadfast patriot who placed community interest above personal gain, noting that his love for Agulu community was unwavering and exemplary. “Anigbo loved Agulu with a passion. There was no amount of inducement that could make him take any decision against his people,” Obi said, adding that the deceased remained a symbol of integrity in both public and private life. The former governor also commended the Anglican Church for what he described as a befitting and honourable farewell accorded Anigbo, despite his modest means. “I thank the Church for honouring him in death. It shows that a life of impact, not wealth, earns enduring recognition,” he added. The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Alexander Ibezim, described the late NUJ stalwart as a committed Christian who served God and humanity diligently, stressing that his contributions to the Church and society would not be forgotten. “He served the Anglican Communion and his community meritoriously. His life is a lesson in humility, sacrifice and service,” the cleric said. Other dignitaries at the event described Anigbo as a bridge-builder and a fearless voice in the media landscape, whose tenure as NUJ chairman strengthened professionalism and unity within the journalism community in Anambra State. The funeral attracted a large and distinguished gathering, including journalists, serving and former members of the National Assembly, several Anglican clerics, as well as traditional title holders.

Chief Austin Ndigwe By Madu Obi The Panel of Inquiry set up by Anambra State Government to investigate the dispute over the traditional stool of Awka Kingdom has concluded its assignment and submitted report to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, with the panel stating that Obi Gibson Nwosu remains the traditional ruler of Awka. During its month - long sitting, the panel received 32 memoranda and 28 oral testimonies. Presenting the report on behalf of the panel, the Chairman, Justice Paul Obidigwe (rtd) affirmed that it is not in doubt that Obi Gibson Nwosu was not lawfully dethroned. According to him, there were no legal grounds for his removal and that he was denied a fair hearing, describing the action of Ndigwe as unlawful, invalid, and of no legal effect. Justice Obidigwe added that Chief Austin Ndigwe was not lawfully selected and was illegitimately functioning in that role, noting that his selection and enthronement violated due process and statutory requirements. "The entire situation is an affront to the state government", Justice Obidigwe stated. Receiving the report, Governor Soludo said the state government would study it carefully and issue a White Paper as a follow-up. He recalled that the state government had earlier given the people of Awka the opportunity to resolve the matter internally, which proved unsuccessful, emphasizing that the government intervened only after being formally invited. He stressed that Anambra must remain a state governed by law and order and underscored his duty to enforce the law to send a clear message to other communities that no community will be allowed to have more than one traditional ruler at any given time. The governor, however, emphasizing that in this matter, there is no victor and no vanquished.