Category: News

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

The family of Nnaji Nwaga Nnaji of Amechi Uwani, in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State has announced Saturday, May 4, 2024 for the interment of their husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and patriarch, Late Chief Amos Nnamchi Nnaji (Ezeakonobi 1), aged 76.

In an invitation signed by High Chief Chukwudi N Nnaji (Onwa Igwurube Eze), Late Chief Amos Nnaji’s son, the funeral arrangements will commence on Friday, May 3, 2024 with a Service of Songs at St. John’s Methodist Church, Amechi Uwani Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA, Enugu State, by 5pm.

Nnaji, who is also the CEO, 9th Holdings Nigeria Limited, stressed that the burial service will be for Saturday, May 4, 2024, by 10am at Onwa Igwurube Eze Villa, Amechi Uwani Awkunanaw. 

While a Thanksgiving mass will hold on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at St. John’s Methodist Church, Amechi Uwani Awkunanaw by 10am, condolences and funeral activities will continue on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Late Chief Amos Nnamchi Nnaji (Ezeakonobi 1) died on March 12, 2024. His life was one lived in service to God and humanity.

…4 others arraigned for alleged illegal roadblock, extortion

A serving Deputy Director in the Enugu State Water Cooperation, Mr. Emeka Edoh, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Enugu North Magisterial District over alleged false pretence with intent to defraud some residents of Enugu the sum of N150,000.

Mr. Edoh was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Joseph Agu, Tuesday.

The charge sheet marked MEN/240/C/2024 was read out to the 56-year old defendant and level 15 civil servant, who, however, pleaded not guilty.

This was even as the Police arraigned four persons, namely Onyeka Nicholas, male, aged 27/ Okechukwu Umeh, male, aged 40; Monday Udeh, male, aged 37, and Tochukwu Eze, male, aged 28, and others at large for alleged illegal roadblock, intimidation, and extortion of money from Enugu residents and motorists.

The Water Corporation’s Deputy Director one-count charge read: “That you Edoh Emeka ‘M’ on the 23rd day of April, 2024, at No 144 Banks Avenue, in Enugu North Magisterial District, did by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtain the total sum of one hundred and fifty (150, 000) thousand naira from Chinyere Ogbonna, Onyinye Ugwu and other members of the neighborhood with the pretence to rrectify their Enugu State Water Corporation bill, which you know to be false, and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30 Vol 11, reversed Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria”

A bail application for the Defendant made by his counsel, Barr. E.E. Ezekwe, who argued that it was a bailable offence was opposed by a Senior Legal Officer from the Office of the Attorney-General of Enugu State, Barr. Onyinye Ugwu,.

Ugwu argued that the offence for which Mr. Emeka Edoh was charged was a serious one.

After hearing the arguments of both parties, Magistrate Agu granted Mr. Edoh bail in the sum of N500,000. He is also to provide a surety, who must be a Staff of the Enugu Sate Water Corporation of Grade Level 14 or above.

The matter was thereafter adjourned to 22nd of May, 2024 for hearing.

However, Onyeka Nicholas, Okechukwu Umeh, Monday Udeh, and Tochukwu Ezeh, who had been arraigned earlier were not as lucky, as Magistrate Agu refused their bail following their arraignment on three count charges bothering on felony, intent to intimidate and collect money from unsuspecting members of the public, and breach of peace.

Their charges read: “That you Onyeka Nicholas ‘m’, Okechukwu Umeh ‘m’, Monday Udeh ‘m’, Tochukwu Eze ‘m’ and others now at large on the 11th day of April 2024 at about 0010hours at Oshimiri Bus Stop, Akegbe Junction, Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did conspire among yourself to commit felony, to wit: Demanding with menace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II Reversed Laws of Enugu State 2004.

“That you Onyeka Nicholas ‘m’, Okechukwu Umeh ‘m’, Monday Udeh ‘m’, Tochukwu Eze ‘m’ and others now at large on the same day, time, and place in the aforementioned Magistrate District did with intent to intimidate, demand, and collect money from unsuspecting members of the public and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 371 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II Reversed Laws of Enugu State 2004.

“That you Onyeka Nicholas ‘m’, Okechukwu Umeh ‘m’, Monday Udeh ‘m’, Tochukwu Eze ‘m’ and others now at large on the same day, time, and place in the aforementioned Magistrate District did conduct yourselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by creating illegal roadblock and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 247 (d) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II Reversed Laws of Enugu State 2004.

The matter was adjourned to 16th May 2024.

It is recalled that the Dr. Peter Mbah Administration had recently issued an order banning illegal roadblocks and revenue collection in every part of the state, warning that offenders would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

It had also warned that those caught sabotaging government’s effort to ensure that Enugu people enjoy steady water supply would have the law to contend with.

The Federal Government has approved a salary increase of between 25% and 35% for civil servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures.

…CP Kanayo visits the scene and describes the accident as sad

…commiserates and enjoins individuals with information to trace victims’ family to come forward

The Enugu State Police Command wishes to inform the public that a lone fatal motor accident occurred yesterday, April 30, 2024, around 5:20 p.m., at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, claiming the lives of yet-to-be identified fourteen males (14) and two (2) females who burned beyond recognition.

The accident involves an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah”, said to have been driven at high speed, lost control, and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.

A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames burning beyond recognition, the sixteen (16) deceased individuals, who were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead. However, two (2) other passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention by police officers, soldiers and public-spirited citizens, who immediately responded to the incident.

A preliminary investigation reveals that the vehicle, loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and the luggage of the passengers, was heading towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road. However, the actual point of take-off and final destination of the vehicle have not been ascertained. Nonetheless, the items have been recovered by the Igbo-Etiti Police Division.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), in company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation. He describes the accident and the carnage therein as sad, commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.

The CP further calls on individuals that can help in identifying the victims or with information to trace the family members of the deceased to come forward with such information. Or alternatively call 08098880172 or 08086671202, or send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com.

DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer,
Enugu State Command,
State Headquarters,
GRA, Enugu.
April 30, 2024.

Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

The Royal family of Late His Royal Majesty, Igwe E.M.O Ezeh of Mburubu Kingdom in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State has announced Friday, May 3, 2024 for the burial of their Queen Mother, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Her Royal Majesty Lolo Josephine Nwakaego Ezeh who died at 79.

In an invitation signed by Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, FNSE, Ph.d, Late Lolo Josephine Nwakaego Ezeh’s first son, the final rites of passage will commence on Thursday, May 2, 2024 with a Night of Tribute/Wake at Late Igwe E.M.O Ezeh’s palace, Umudara, Mburubu, Nkanu East LGA, Enugu State, by 7pm.

This will be followed by her burial mass on Friday, May 3, 2024, by 10am at Community Primary School Field, Mburubu and interment at Late Igwe E.M.O Ezeh’s palace, Umudara, Mburubu. 

While her funeral rites will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Late Igwe E.M.O Ezeh’s palace, Umudara, Mburubu, a Thanksgiving mass will hold on Sunday, May 5, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mburubu by 10am.

Until her transition to higher glory, Her Royal Majesty Lolo Josephine Nwakaego Ezeh was both a religious and community leader who left enviable legacies of love, peace, empathy, discipline, hard work, uncommon integrity and unconditional fear of God for the family.

She was a Queen by example, participating in all the rural women meetings, outings and community services not minding she was the King’s wife. She dedicated her life to worship of God and diligently ran her heavenly race to the triumphant end.

She was an active Christian, especially at St. John Catholic Church Mburubu Parish; was an active member of the Catholic Women Organisation, and the St. Peter Zone, Region of Mary and Laity Council. She held the title of Ezinne of the Catholic Church. She served in various committees of the Church. Ezinne Josephine Ezeh was President Catholic Women Organisation, St. John Parish Mburubu for several years, member of the Parish Council and Laity. 

She is survived by Engr. Prince Lawrence Ozoemene Ezeh, FNSE, Ph.D, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Charles Ogadimma Ezeh, Prince Edwin Onyekachi Ezeh, Prince Emmanuel Ogbonna Ezeh, Prince Ferdinand Chinedu Ezeh, Princess Josephine Nwakaego Ezeh, Princess Magaret Chinenye Ezeh, Princess Elizabeth Chinasa Ezeh, Princess Barr. Lina Onyekachi Ezeh LLB, Ph.D, Mrs Ursula Obby Ezeh, Mrs Onyekachi Ezeh, Mrs Mary Ezeh, Mrs Elizabeth Ezeh, etc.

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, as public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day.

This declaration was contained in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako on behalf of the minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) sitting in Abuja, on Monday, restrained Multi-Choice Nigeria Limited from increasing its tariffs and cost of products and services scheduled to begin on May 1.

The three-member tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, gave the interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade.

…Govt to foot medical bills of the wounded

…Awards scholarships, jobs to bereaved

…Community wants neighbourhood watch strengthened

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, has described the recent attack that resulted in the death of four natives in Nimbo as unacceptable to his administration, vowing that enough was enough, as government would track down and bring the attackers to book.

He described the attack as a collective tragedy to the entire state, assuring that the government would work with community and security stakeholders to strengthen security not only in Nimbo, but also the entire Uzo Uwani LGA.

This was even as the Nimbo community called for the strengthening of its Forest Guards and Neigbourhood Watch, stressing that their attackers always came from neighbouring states, taking advantage of the remoteness of their community.

An enraged Mbah spoke during a visit to Nimbo community on Monday, accompanied by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu; State Director, State Security Services, Theresa Egbunu; Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Brigadier General Murtala Abu; and Coordinator of Enugu State Forest Guards, Matthew Obodoechi.

He said: “Let me assure you that enough is enough. I don’t think that we would allow our hospitality to be taken for granted. We expect people, who have come to mingle with us, to also play by the rules and laws of our land.

“I don’t think that we really do have any reason to exist as government if we cannot guarantee the safety of our people because the primary purpose of government is to guarantee the security and the welfare of its citizens. So, a situation where our people would go to bed with their two eyes open must end. And it must end immediately.

“I want to assure you that we are going to deploy everything within our powers; and I mean everything: the law, the forces, everything that is necessary in order for us to guarantee your security.

“We are truly pained by such dastardly killing by people who trespass, come into the locality of our people, who are living quietly within their environment, and open fire on them. That is inexcusable and unacceptable, and we are going to identify, track these culprits, pursue them wherever they are, capture them, and ensure that we bring them to justice.”

Governor Mbah, who had earlier visited and condoled each of the bereaved families before holding an interactive session with the community leaders and members, promised to work on their recommendations and requests for representation in government and strengthening of their local security resources.

“We have listened to you on the issues you raised about making sure that the people of Nimbo are integrated into government. We are going to do just that. Your voice has been heard.

“I also would want to inform you that we shall not abandon you in this time of need. Going forward, the government will be responsible for the victims who are being treated, including those going back to the orthopaedic hospital. We will bear the cost.

“All the survivors of victims of this dastardly act, we are going to ensure that their suffering is abated. We are going to make sure that the kids do not suffer anymore than they have already suffered by losing a father. We will ensure that they go to school through our scholarships and those who need job, we are going to give them job.

“But more importantly, let it be known that enough is enough, and we will never have to go through this again,” Mbah said.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the community earlier, the President-General of Nimbo, Mr. Clement Akachukwu, said their attackers had preyed on their community for decades due to the remoteness of Nimbo.

While thanking Governor Mbah for his prompt response, he called on the government to strengthen Nimbo Neighbourhood Watch and Forest Guards to complement the security agencies. He called for the inclusion of the community in government appointments, as they had no voice in government.

“You can see for yourself that Nimbo is living at the outskirt of Enugu State. We live directly in the border area, and they come in any time and kill and go back.

“It has repeated itself again and now, not only one person, but four were killed. About two months ago, they kidnapped a number of people, but they were rescued, although the kidnappers escaped. It has been like this for years, even before I was born.

“So, we only need one thing. We have community vigilantes. If only they can be strengthened and if more can be brought and paid well to do the work because we need 24-hour vigilance here. These attackers know all the routes in the villages and bushes so well. We need our local vigilantes to be strengthened because they can match them. The width and length of our farmlands are so massive” Akachukwu stated.

Suspected herdsmen reportedly attacked the Nimbo community in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday evening, killing at least five persons while several others were injured.

According to reports, the suspected herders attacked mourners at Ugwuijoro Nimbo community, causing people to scamper for safety.

The Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dan Ndukwe is yet to respond to an inquiry made by Pacesetter about the reported incident as at the time of this report.

Villagers identified five bodies as victims of the dastardly act.

Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani LGA came into the limelight in 2016 for similar incidents where headers attacked the community, killing scores as well as sacking entire village.

Recall that about three weeks ago, there were killings in Adani, another community in Uzo-Uwani LGA, Enugu State, by suspected fulani herdsmen.

Pacesetter/Channels TV

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has concluded plans to release the results of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

President Bola Tinubu has secured an investment of $600 million from Danish shipping and logistics company, A.P Moller-Maersk, to expand existing port infrastructure to accommodate more container shipping services in Nigerian ports.