FACT REPORTERS NETWORK

  By O'star Eze   In a decisive operation to curb crime in Anambra State, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) arrested a 35-year-old suspect, Ebuka Ubadigbo, on August 28, 2025, along Nkpor-Umuoji Road, near a building site in Idemili North Local Government Area. The late-night raid underscores the Anambra State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to combat cultism, drug peddling, and illegal possession of firearms. According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, the operatives recovered two pump-action guns, two live cartridges, and a large quantity of substances suspected to be hard drugs from the suspect. Preliminary interrogations revealed Ubadigbo’s confession to involvement in drug peddling, with investigations now underway to identify his accomplices and trace the source of the seized firearms. The suspect is set to face charges in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment...

  By O'star Eze  The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two suspects involved in a staged kidnapping, recovering ₦1.2 million of the ransom paid by the victim’s family. The arrests were made by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following intelligence-led operations. The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye and her 24-year-old boyfriend, Chibuike Ogbu, allegedly conspired to fake Nwoye’s abduction. The duo demanded a ₦15 million ransom from Nwoye’s family, who, after negotiations, transferred ₦3 million into the supposed victim’s account. Police recovered ₦1.2 million of the paid ransom during the operation. Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the incident as a stark example of growing moral decay in society. He expressed concern over the increasing involvement of youths in criminal activities for personal gain. “This incident reflects the rising moral decadence in our society, where young people resort to criminal...

Driven by the vision to transform teaching and learning experience in the local government area, the Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Dr Chibueze Ofobuike, is set to host the 2025 Aguata LGA Teachers Lift.  This is an incredible platform for the training of teachers in Aguata LGA in preparation for the 2025 academic session.  Holding on September 3 and 4, 2025, the Mayor and his Team has assembled world-class educationists for the purpose of equipping the hard-working teachers in Aguata LGA, in line with 21st century teaching and learning methods.   All the way from the United Kingdom, Aguata LGA will be hosting Carol Barlow as a lead trainer. Carol is the CEO and Executive Consultant of CEBAR Group, with years of experience in the education sector, in the UK and beyond.  Mr Rotimi Eyitayo - the driving force behind the Education City Vision and the MD of TeamMasters Limited - will also be part of this transformational effort in the education sector in Agu...

  By Obiageli Nwankwo The Anambra State Government has banned the practice of writing assignments inside textbooks, describing it as wasteful and unsustainable. The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, announced the directive on Thursday while addressing participants at the third day of a capacity building workshop organized by the Ministry of Education for private school proprietors and teachers at St. John of God Secondary School,Awka. Prof. Chuma-Udeh explained that the decision was aimed at making textbooks reusable, especially for younger siblings of pupils who would need them when they advance to the next class. She also stressed the need for textbooks to be inclusive, reflecting diversity, equality, and the needs of all learners. She warned that the government would not tolerate non-compliance with the directive and urged parents, teachers, and school administrators to ensure strict adherence. She also encouraged stakeholders to report cases of defaulter...

  By Ebele Iyke Odili/Amaka Isikala A 2-day Council Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has been successfully concluded in Awka. It ended on Thursday, August 28 with stakeholders hailing Governor Charles Soludo for creating enabling environment that continues to attract investors and to boost confidence in the state’s economy. Declaring the meeting open on Wednesday, the governor represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim welcomed the delegates and assured them of Anambra State’s readiness to partner with the Chamber in advancing trade, commerce and industrial development.  He described the hosting of the Council as a sign of renewed collaboration between government and the private sector, noting that the state remains open to business with 'a heart of partnership.' In his welcome address, the Chairman of Anambra Chamber of Commerce, Engr. Chidi Egemba described the hosting of the third quarter Council Meeti...

Kenechukwu Ofomah Awka The need for collaboration among the major healthcare stakeholders towards strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, SRHR, for women and adolescent girls in Anambra State, formed the crux of discussions at a one –day high level roundtable meeting with policy makers on the progress of SRHR 2020-2025 in Anambra State. The program was organized by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC under the project ‘Changing the Law, Changing Lives,’ supported by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR), in partnership with the State Ministry of Health. It is focused on promoting awareness and accountability in the implementation of SRHR policies and programs, across seven states namely, Gombe, Jigawa, Akwa Ibom, Ogun, Osun, Lagos, and Anambra. The meeting brought together, policy makers including government representatives, healthcare professionals, civil society partners, observatory groups, academia, the me...

  By O'star Eze  The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended five suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate in a decisive operation on August 27, 2025. The arrests followed a report of a victim's abduction on his farmland in Isiagu, Awka, who was later released after a ransom payment. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu raided the suspects' hideout in Notoko, Awka, leading to the arrest of Michael Nwobodo (30), Eze Friday (29), Uche Okolo (23), Chinedu Gilbert (29), and Dominic Oraz (38), a confessed deserter from the Nigerian Army. The operation yielded a significant cache of weapons and items, including six automatic pump-action guns, 63 rounds of live cartridges, a microscope, five machetes, a military cap, two police teargas canisters, handcuffs, a rocket launcher, criminal charms, three Motorola walkie-talkies, a jack knife, a power bank, and ₦26,000 in cash. During interrogation, Dominic O...

  By Amaka Onwuzulike (ABS News) The Anambra State Government has joined her counterparts in placing a ban on it called "flamboyant, glamorous and unnecessary graduation ceremonies".  The Commissioner for Education, Professor Ngozi Chuma-Udeh who said the move is to save parents from extortions that happen in schools in the name of graduation parties, made the announcement at the opening ceremony of a three-day conference for proprietors of private schools held in Awka for Awka, Aguata and Nnewi Zones. The conference greared towards updating the school managers on new methods of teaching, school administration and updates in the curriculum to keep the pace with their colleagues in public schools to ensure that they meet Governor Chukwuma Soludo's expectations and visions for the education system in the state.  Prof. Chuma-Udeh reminded the proprietors that education and teaching are vocations that places less emphasis on material gains and asked them to guard against ex...

  RAYMOND OZOJI reports Anambra-East and West constituents have blasted their representatives at the state and federal legislatures over the very devastating and deplorable conditions of the Nneyi-Umueri-Anam road in the area.  When this journalist investigated Nneyi-Umueri-Anam road on Tuesday 26th August this year, he gathered from locals in the constituency that the road which they described as very strategic and connected the home of the House of Representatives member representing Anambra-East and West in the current 10th National Assembly, has been abandoned for over 5 years resulting to its very deteriorating state.  Investigations revealed that Nneyi-Umueri-Anam road is now a nightmare with very gigantic potholes and bad portions from the beginning to the end of the road thereby making it practically impossible for small vehicles to navigate it except for tippers that equally got stuck in the bad portions in a bid to access it in spite of its terrible condition....

  By Amaka Isikala/Ebele Iyke-Odili The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has said that the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo is poised to making Ndi Anambra become productive at home and exportable abroad. The commissioner said this while receiving the Anambra State Coordinators of the 21 Local Government Area (LGA) United Business Women Association of Nigeria and The Diaspora (UBWA) in his office at Awka. The Association is a cooperative society involving women who engage in different kinds of agricultural practices like poultry, fishery, palm oil and cassava production. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize with the commissioner and to discuss modalities for ease of doing of their business. The commissioner while interacting with the group said, "the state is interested in making funds available for improved agro practices and expansion for productive base. "We have funding on various levels ranging from 25,000 naira grant, 50,000 n...

  The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, is set to conclude its annual press week with a grand ceremony on Thursday, August 28, 2025, where it will honour several distinguished individuals. The event, which marks the climax of the weeklong activities that began on August 7, will see Architect Okechukwu Ezeobi receive the prestigious 2025 NUJ Man of the Year Award. Ezeobi, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Bureau of Public Procurement, is a renowned humanist and philanthropist. He will be following in the footsteps of past recipients, including Dr. Anthony Chinedu Umeadi (2024), HRM Igwe Alex Onyido (2023), and Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji (2022). Also, the NUJ will celebrate several other personalities for their contributions to society. They include: 1. Princess Dr. Jessie Ifeoma Udoka, Founder and CEO of Queentovah Helping Services and Queentovah Cares Foundation, will be named the 2025 NUJ Anambra Philanthropist of the 21st Ce...

  The Anambra State Police Operatives attached to Rapid Response Squad Akwuzu, in the early hours of 25th August 2025 while on night patrol along the Agu Awka/Ifite Awka axis, intercepted a tricycle and arrested a four-man criminal syndicate specialising in robbing unsuspecting residents, particularly students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, of their phones and other valuables. The suspects include: Nnaji Chidera ‘m’ 19 years, Chijioke Mmaduabuchi ‘m’ 21 years, Wisdom Ogbonna ‘m’ 19 years and Afamefuna Egbe ‘m’ 20 years. Exhibits recovered are, 9 brands of phones including the victim’s iPhone, one laptop, two tricycles with registration numbers LSD 464 QP and BLF 552 VH, four different tricycle plate numbers and a substance suspected to be a hard drug.  The Operatives upon interrogation of the suspects confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate that specialises in robbing students within the Awka axis. They further revealed that the multiple tricycle plate numbers fou...

By O'star Eze  The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended a notorious vehicle theft suspect, 24-year-old Chidi Nwoye, in a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime in the state. The arrest, made in the early hours of August 22, 2025, by operatives of the Isiowulu Police Division in collaboration with local vigilante operatives, occurred along Minaj Road, Obosi. The suspect was intercepted while operating a stolen tricycle with registration number NSH 051 UD. During the operation, police recovered a Hyundai Tucson vehicle (registration PH 725 AAA) and a tricycle, both without ignition keys, alongside a cache of incriminating items. These include eight assorted GSM phones, a black face-cap branded “AVG Special Force,” a battle axe, a driver’s license belonging to one Ikechukwu, two bunches of keys, four master keys, two ATM cards, a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), a vehicle tracking device, a sensor, a USB drive, an ear pod, a damaged fuse, a vehicle booklet, beads, im...

...Urge Politicians to Avoid Politicizing Security By O'star Eze  On Saturday, the youth wing of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC) staged a solidarity rally in Awka, endorsing the continued operations of the Agunaechemba and Udo Ga-Achi security outfits while calling on politicians to refrain from politicizing the state’s security challenges.  The peaceful demonstration, which saw youths from Anambra’s 179 communities march through Awka streets to the new Government House, was a direct response to a protest held the previous day by some youths led by Sir Paul Chukwuma, the Young Progressive Party (YPP) governorship candidate, who demanded the disbandment of Agunaechemba and the Special Anambra Anti-touting Squad (SASA) over alleged unprofessional conduct. Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the ASTUC youth expressed unwavering support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election bid and the state’s security operatives.  The rally was led by Hon. Ken Okol...

  By Chris Chikelue Telemedicine, a technological mode of providing medical care and consultations remotely, in which patients and healthcare providers connect through video calls, phone calls, or messaging, enabling diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up without needing to visit a medical facility in person. Considering the gains, Anambra State Government has held a meeting with its Health workers especially Doctors from around the state to discuss processes of distributing this attributes in earnest and effectively. The meeting held at the Data Centre of the Ministry of Health, Awka was at the initiatives of the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike. While elaborating on the gains, the commissioner explained that the initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Health, was designed to close healthcare gaps, particularly in rural and underserved communities. "The approach is both cost-effective and lifesaving, especially during emergencies," he said. According to Dr. Ob...

  By O'star Eze The Anambra State Police Command has made significant strides in its ongoing battle against vandalism and sabotage of public infrastructure, arresting four suspects and recovering vandalized high-tension cables and transformer parts in separate operations in Onitsha and Obosi. On August 21, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, raided a hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha.  Three suspects, identified as Adamu Ali, 25, Usman Sulaiman, 22, and Isah Abdullahi, 26, were apprehended. The police recovered bags of high-tension cable wires, melted cable wires, and transformer equipment parts.  Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belong to a syndicate specializing in vandalizing and selling power installations, with Lagos identified as their primary market. In a separate incident on the same day, security operatives patrolling along Ascension Anglican Church Road, Obosi, intercepted four young men car...

The Anambra State Police Command on 20th August 2025, arraigned four suspects involved in separate cases of defilement before the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court sitting in Awka. The suspects were subsequently remanded at the Correctional Centre pending further court proceedings. The Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of children and other vulnerable persons in the State, while also warning all offenders that such acts will not go unpunished. SP Tochukwu Ikenga Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command, Awka 21st August, 2025

  By O'star Eze  The Anambra State Police Command has strongly condemned the alleged assault on a female National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, reportedly perpetrated by vigilante operatives. According to a statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects involved in the incident have been identified. However, the investigation is currently stalled due to the unavailability of the alleged victim. The Command emphasized that assault is a criminal offense under Nigerian law and affirmed its readiness to pursue legal action to support court proceedings once the victim is available. The Police Command reassured NYSC members serving in Anambra State of its commitment to their safety and protection. Corps members were urged to promptly report any incidents of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for swift intervention. Additionally, the Command issued a stern warning to vigilante groups and other quasi-secu...

By O'star Eze  The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two suspects in connection with separate defilement cases, reinforcing its commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence. The arrests, announced by Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga on August 19, 2025, follow thorough investigations by the Gender Unit at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Both cases are slated for court proceedings on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, with medical evidence secured to support prosecution. In the first case, reported on August 8, 2025, and transferred from CPS Onitsha, Emmanuel Sampson, a resident of Odoakpu, Onitsha, allegedly lured his neighbor’s 8-year-old daughter under the pretense of offering her food. The suspect is accused of unlawfully engaging in sexual activity with the minor.  In a similar incident, reported on August 14, 2025, and transferred from the 3-3 Division, a 13-year-old girl was allegedly defiled by ThankGod Damian, a security gu...

The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against crimes relating to child trafficking and sexual offences. Sequel to an intelligence-based investigation into a case of conspiracy, child stealing, and trafficking transferred from Okpoko Police Station to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Gender Unit for discret investigation, the Operatives swung into action and successfully rescued the 6-year-old victim from an alleged foster parent in Ondo State. The rescued child has since been reunited with his biological mother, while all the suspects have been charged in the Children, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence Court for diligent prosecution. Similarly, on 13th August 2025, Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu responded to a distress call at Ebenebe Community over a case of defilement of an 11-year-old girl and arrested one Uchenna Nweke ‘M’, aged 18 years. Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect allegedly forced h...

The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that the ongoing Police-led joint security patrol teams, comprising operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) respectively, has continued to effectively manage and contain all reported incidents relating to the Anambra bye-election. Contrary to speculation of alleged rifts in some areas, the situation across the State remains calm and under control. Security operatives are on ground to ensure peace, protect lives and property and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Meanwhile, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Charge of the Election Duty, *AIG Godwin Eze* has urged all individuals and groups with complaints or concerns to channel the facts of their cases to the designated Election Desk Officers for diligent investigation, rather than resorting to self-help or taking the law into their own hands. The Co...

  The Assistant Inspector-General of Police *AIG Godwin Eze* who is the Supervising Officer for the Anambra Bye-elections has cautioned individuals and groups against circulating fake election results, recycling old videos or making inciteful remarks capable of misleading the public and causing a breach of peace during the ongoing Anambra bye-election. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force and sister security agencies remains fully committed to providing adequate security for a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process. *AIG Eze* further warned that anyone found engaging in acts of misinformation or conduct likely to disrupt public peace will face the full weight of the law. The Police boss, therefore, urged members of the public, especially media practitioners and social media users, to verify information from credible sources before sharing. Citizens are advised to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security personnel, and avoid actions that could undermine the integri...

  _preliminary enquiries confirm that the recovered vehicle does not belong to any security agency in the State as speculated_ The Anambra State Police Command has commenced investigation 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. The...

Awka, August 15, 2025 – In preparation for the upcoming bye-election in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has initiated a large-scale deployment of personnel and operational assets across strategic locations and identified flashpoints to guarantee a secure and credible electoral process. The reinforcement aims to bolster the existing security framework, ensuring safety before, during, and after the election. Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Godwin Eze, the supervisory officer overseeing the election, has reassured residents of comprehensive security measures throughout the exercise. He urged the people of Anambra, fondly referred to as *Ndi Anambra*, to remain law-abiding, cooperate with security operatives, and exercise their civic rights without fear or intimidation. The Police Command emphasized its commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and the protection of lives and property during the bye-election. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Offi...

  ...Vigilante Groups, Quasi-Security Outfits Barred from Election Duties By O'star Eze  Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Godwin Eze has taken charge of the deployment of police personnel for the Anambra State bye-elections scheduled for tomorrow, August 16, 2025. Appointed as the Supervisory Officer by the Inspector-General of Police, AIG Eze today outlined stringent measures to ensure a secure and orderly electoral process. In his address, AIG Eze emphasized that only accredited security personnel are permitted to participate in election duties. Vigilante groups, hunters, and other quasi-security outfits are strictly prohibited from any involvement in the electoral process to prevent disruptions and ensure adherence to election guidelines. To enhance security, a vehicular movement restriction will be enforced from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the affected areas on election day. The restriction covers Nnewi North and South, Orumba North and South, Ekwusigo, Aguata, and Ih...

  By O'star Eze  On August 14, 2025, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle and an empty magazine abandoned in an apartment at Umuike Village, Awka. The recovery is part of an ongoing investigation into a case involving conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of firearms, stemming from the brutal killing of two male victims at Okochi Village, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area. The principal suspect, identified only as Nwajagu, remains at large. According to police reports, Nwajagu fled through a back door upon sighting the operatives during a raid on his apartment in Awka. The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice. SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Police Command, confirmed that the recovered firearm has been taken into custody as evidence. The police have assured the public ...

 ...as Ekwusigo Rallies for Party's Victory in Upcoming Polls A wave of support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) swept through Ekwusigo Local Government Area as party faithful gathered for an affirmation rally ahead of the August 16 and November 8, 2025, elections.  Sir Vin Dike, a respected technocrat and Chairman of the Anambra State Town Union Council (ASTUC), delivered a compelling case for APGA’s uninterrupted governance.  Speaking at the rally, Dike recounted the state’s troubled past before APGA’s rise to power. “Anambra was a cesspool of illegality, with governors kidnapped, teachers unpaid, and infrastructure in disarray,” he said. “It was under APGA, starting with Peter Obi till date under Professor Soludo, that the state found stability and embarked on a path of resuscitation and rapid development.” Dike urged the people of Ekwusigo to deliver resounding victories for APGA at the upcoming polls, emphasizing the party’s proven track record.  H...

  The lawmaker representing Oyi Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Innocent Ojike has officially flag off the perimeter fencing project at Owelle-Ukwu Primary School Ogbunike in oyi local government area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Speaking at the event held on Monday August 11th 2025, Sir. Ojike said the perimeter fencing is a crucial initiative designed to enhance the security of the children, safeguard the school's property, and create a safe learning environment for the pupils.  "With increasing concerns about safety in educational institutions, this project reflects our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our future leaders. "The project has a completion timeline of 30 working days and is valued at over 80 million naira. All materials are on ground and the fund is ready. "I thank the dedicated members of our party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in bringing this project to fr...

  By Ndife David, Awka As Anambra braces for the August 16th senatorial bye-election and the 2025 gubernatorial polls, the Anambra State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged young people to take active roles in civic engagement, community unity, cultural preservation and leadership development. In an exclusive interview in Awka, the Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezekwu, emphasized the critical need for the youth to embrace their roles as change agents and defenders of Igbo values. He stressed the enduring importance of leadership development, youth empowerment, and the role of traditional values in today’s society. He also highlighted the need for increased political awareness and collaboration between generations. According to Mazi Okpalaezekwu, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide will continue to play its pivotal role in promoting peace, progress, and political inclusion across the Southeast and the country at large. He said the organization is t...

   By O'star Eze  A legal battle has intensified over the detention of journalist Francess Olisa Ogbonnaya, who was arrested on June 2, 2025, by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.  According to a court order dated July 4, 2025, from the High Court of Abia State, Ogbonnaya seeks to enforce her fundamental rights, alleging her arrest and detention by respondents, including Sandra Chidinma Duru and police authorities, violate her rights to dignity and personal liberty under Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.  The court has restrained further actions against her pending case resolution and ordered the return of her confiscated Itel A80 Android phone. Ogbonnaya, a mother to a young son and daughter, claims her arrest stemmed from an interview on the Adeola Fayehun Show, where she exposed alleged threats to her life by Duru.  She further alleges Duru paid her N100,000 as an Easter present and N300,000 to produce voice...