society
Terrorism In Idumuje-Ugboko: Victims Speak Out, Demand Justice
.. The Rain Oil Boss, Gabriel Ogbechie’s Alleged Connections Exposed!
Some victims of the terrorism in Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State, which took place on May 18, 2017 have cried out for justice.
The mayhem was allegedly carried out by Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko, his financiers and suspected gang members.
The victims expressed their grievances and demanded for justice in a four-page petition entitled; “Idumuje Ugboko Terrorism, The Victims Cry Out: We Want Justice Not Justin.”
The petition was co-signed on 8th May, 2020 on behalf of all the 29 victims of the terrorism in Idumuje-Ugboko by nine prominent people in the town.
They include Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu, Odogwu of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Edemodu, Wife of the late Obi Albert Nwoko, Queen Faith Okwukwe Nwoko, Prince Chukwuma Nwoko (AC) and Prince Uche Appear Nwoko.
The rest are Mr. Chisindi Moses, Ms Gladys Kogwuonye, Mr. Donatus Dibia and Mr. Bennett Okoh.
They stated in the petition, which was made available to journalists over the weekend, that eleven persons among the attackers have since been charged to court with pleadings from the four (4) apprehended so far.
It was added that a bench warrant has also been issued on the eleven so far charged, “especially the seven key tormentors, including Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko, the gang Leader, Prince Dennis Uwadiegwu Nwoko and Prince Frederick Ejimofor Nwoko, who are currently at large.”
While pleading with the authorities to ensure speedy justice, the petitioners said that “some of those involved either by financing or securing the services of bandits outside our community should be prosecuted.”
Those involved, according to the petitioners, include Mr. Godwin Akaba Aniemeke (a.k.a Deputy), who they said on the instructions of Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko engaged the services of bandits from Agulere in Anambra State among the foot-soldiers to terrorise them from 18-25 May, 2017 at Idumuje-Ugboko their hometown.
“People like Dr. Gabriel Ogbechie (MD Rainoil Nigeria Ltd.), one of the financiers of Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko and recently said to have attempted compromising members of Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Council with an offer of 1.5 M Naira using the Local Government Chairman to make them hurriedly sign a recommendation to the Delta State Government for the recognition and issuance of Staff of Office to Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko as Obi of Idumuje-Ugboko. A man, who is facing litany of criminal and civil cases before the court.
“Gabriel Ogbechie particularly has been blackmailing and intimidating us, ministry of justice and human rights commission. He is the key sponsor of the terrorists. He is the one standing for bail or organising surety. He pays the lawyers of the suspects.
“We have evidence. We must also mention Felix Sunday Banye, Uche Aligbe, Prince Willy Eziani Nwoko, Mr. Jerry Isichei, Prince Mbanefo Felix Nwoko, Mr. Daniel Onyenachie Osakwe, Uche Nwoko Dibie and others who were not charged but implicated by the suspects,” the petition read.
They traced the Genesis of the crisis in Idumuje-Ugboko to when Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko, who is a son of the King (Obi) “contrary to customs and norms of Idumuje-Ugboko,” appeared on the scene with a letter dated 12th August, 2015 “purported to have been authored by the King (Obi) feigning ignorance of all the activities leading to the allocation of land for the establishment of a Golf Course and STARS University at Idumuje-Ugboko.”
The petitioners said further that notable indigenes requested to consult with the king to ascertain the authenticity of the letter, but that Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko and his agents used their closeness to the aged King to block everybody, including the Principal Chiefs.
The development, they stated, led to a petition dated 14th September to the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command by Prince Walters Eziashi, a former President-General of the Community Development Union (2008-2012) to investigate “the two letters purported to have been authored by the King.”
It was added that the police did a diligent investigation and that on the 24th day of February, 2016, Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko, Ejimofor Nwoko, Richard Obiajulu Nwoko and others were indicted.
“The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) recommended that the culprits be prosecuted and they were accordingly charged before the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Asaba, Charge No. SMC/429C/2016.
“Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko and others in January, 2016 approached the Issele-Uku High Court to challenge the decisions of the community by suing Aniocha North Local Government Council, Prince Ned Nwoko and Linas International, claiming that the process of the land allocation was improper.
“On the 18th of June, 2019, the Court, in a Ruling, awarded a cost against the Claimants (Chukwunonso and others) to the 2nd and 3rd Defendants (Prince Ned Nwoko and Linas International Ltd.) and the 1st Defendant’s name was struck out of the case.
“It is also worthy of note that the 4th Claimant (Prince Edwin Izeonyeunor Nwoko) in the said case withdrew from the case via an affidavit he deposed to at Issele-Uku High Court claiming that he was deceived by Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko,” and “that the king never permitted them to go to court neither do they have a Power of Attorney to file the case on behalf of the Obi nor Umu-omorhisi” they said.
They added that Prince Richard Obiajulu Nwoko, Prince Ejimofor Nwoko, and Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko had written several petitions to the Inspector-General of Police accusing Linas International Ltd, Prince Ned Nwoko, Chief Christopher Ogwu, Prince Walters Eziashi, Kennedy Iloh and Bennet Odor among others of harassment.
The petitioners said further that the police arrested and interrogated the accused and that after diligent investigations they were exonerated.
It was stated in the petition that the King of Idumuje-Ugboko, HRM Obi Albert Nwoko 111; JP, MON joined his ancestors on 6th February, 2017 under questionable circumstances, which they said were still under investigation by the police till date.
They stated that without recourse to the tradition and culture of the Idumuje clan as embedded in the 1937 Intellectual Report by R.B Karr, Prince Chukwunonso, Prince Richard, Ejimofor and Barr. Mbanefo buried the king same day (6/2/2017) without the five principal chiefs present.
“Prince Chukwunonso Justin also appointed himself king within an hour of the purported burial, forcing a 90-year-old man from Atuma Village, one Mr. Odinfono, who holds no traditional title to crown him. An abomination in Idumuje-Ugboko and the entire Anioma land. The consequence is that it further polarised the kingdom, no thanks to the criminality of Prince Chukwunonso and his cabal.
“Thereafter, Prince Chukwunonso, the self-appointed king and his gang began their reign of terror. He ostracised over 51 prominent persons in the community including Prof. Prince Somayina Gabriel Nwoko (OON), a retired Professor of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan and the Community Palace Secretary, who later died under mysterious circumstances.
“During the weird siege by Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko and his cabal, attempts were made by their thugs to set Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko’s compound and the proposed university site ablaze, but for the intervention of security agencies drafted to the compound and environ,” the petitioners wrote.
They said further that the crime of these individuals was that they tried to “redirect him and his gang from their acts of injustice, banditry and terrorism.”
It was said further that anyone who is supporting the construction of the ongoing STARS University, Idumuje-Ugboko is either ostracized or banished.
“We are under siege and constant assault by Prince Nonso Nwoko and his militia and wonder what he will do to his perceived opponents if ever he is made the king,” they wrote.
The petitioners revealed that from May 18-25, 2017, Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko and his gang, in a terrorist frenzy ‘imported thugs armed with guns and other dangerous weapons into Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom and unleashed mayhem attacking different homes, individuals and destroying properties.
“This led to the murder in cold blood of a non-indigene motorcyclist, Cyprian Kumiolun, a native of Benue State in front of Idumuje-Ugboko Palace and one Mr. Kennedy Iloh, who was kidnapped and taken to the palace, where he was tortured to death,” they stated.
The petitioners stressed that the assailants had nothing to do with the STARS University land at Idumuje-Ugboko and that they did not own any interest in the university and that neither did their families.
According to the petitioners, majority of those they attacked had nothing to do with the university land either, and that they were identified by the victims because they did not hide their identities.
“They were happy to be seen and appreciated by Nonso. They carried some of the victims to the palace after destroying their homes,” they said.
It was revealed that the matters are in various courts including the case of terrorism against the suspects in CHARGE NO. FHC/ABJ/11/19 instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja.
The suspects in the case, they said include: Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko, Prince Frederick Ejimofor Nwoko, Prince Dennis Uwadiegwu Nwoko, Ndudi Chiejume, Onwochei Agiliga Light, Raymond Omesiete, Adim Nwafor, Okey Ifejoku, Azuka Mukolu, Omoye Esonye and Aikhomo Omezi.
It was stated that a bench warrant was issued on 21st March, 2019 by the Federal High Court, Abuja against the suspects for failure to appear in court severally.
The petitioners said that this explains “why the narrative of a serial liar, Azuka Jebose becomes objectionable. His provocative and malicious lies about the ongoing trial of those that terrorised us in 2017 can only incite more violence in the community.
“How can he continue to instigate violence and hatred from his hideout in America? How can anyone in their right senses be asking that the charges against the evil terrorists, who took us as easy and defenceless targets be dropped? We demand the arrest of Azuka Jebose because he is a dangerous accomplice to murder and terrorism.”
The petitioners then stated that injustice to one is injustice to all.
“By the United Nations Charter on fundamental Human Rights, which Nigeria is a signatory to, we are entitled to protection under the law.
“We are fighting for our rights of existence and survival challenged by terrorism.
“We say NO to threats and intimidation by reactionary forces of violence. We are vulnerable victims of unprovoked attacks and unprecedented horror. We need the law. We need JUSTICE Now!” the petitioners concluded
Journalists for Good Governance Shines Searchlight on Local Government Administration
…Calls for Accountability in Nigeria’s Grassroots Governance
LAGOS, Nigeria — A civil society coalition known as Journalists for Good Governance(JGG) has intensified public debate on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s local government system, urging media professionals, civil society actors, and citizens to hold grassroots leaders accountable.
Speaking an event in Lagos recently, the acting chairman of the society, Comrade Bunmi Obarotimi said that despite reforms such as the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling granting financial autonomy to all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs), systemic challenges continues to hinder effective service delivery and responsible stewardship of public funds.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people — yet too often they remain the least transparent. Without civic oversight and vibrant media, promises of autonomy ring hollow.” the acting chairman said.
The Journalist for Good Governance emphasised crucial roles that journalists can play in uncovering discrepancies in council spending, flagging poor service delivery, and educating citizens on their rights. Their call comes amid wider efforts by media and civic organisations to bridge accountability gaps. The civil society initiatives had previously launched monitoring campaigns to track local government expenditures and have been quietly advocating for transparency in how public money is deployed.
The leaders of the Journalists for Good Governance (JGG) highlighted the importance of physical assessment and citizens engagement on projects to boost people’s confidence, urging local councils to adopt open data platforms and proactive information dissemination in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Experts say the majority of LGAs currently lack operational websites or digital portals, further limiting public scrutiny.
The Journalists for Good Governance initiative aligns with sustained advocacy by civil society groups and governance experts calling for a collective approach to strengthening democratic accountability, and has decided to engage in critical and holistic assessments of how Local Governments is being run and the impact and quality of projects they embark-on and to address deficits in transparency and public trust.
Meanwhile, some state governments have signalled support for improved community engagement. In Lagos State, authorities reiterated a commitment to enhancing community media platforms as vehicles for civic participation and accountability at the grassroots level.
The renewed spotlight on local government administration has reignited public debate over fiscal responsibility and priorities. Controversies such as the widely criticised Adamawa council chairmen’s wives trip to Istanbul — which drew public outrage for perceived misuse of public funds — underscore why watchdog groups say stronger oversight mechanisms are urgently needed at the grassroots.
Citizens and activists have welcomed the journalists’ initiative, calling for sustained media engagement that goes beyond headlines to influence policy and accountability reform.
The civic rights advocates note that real change will require robust legal frameworks, a free press, and empowered communities equipped to demand transparency at every level of governance.
As Journalists for Good Governance mobilises its members, the coming months are likely to see heightened media attention on grassroots administration — from council budgets and service delivery to the enforcement of public information laws and digital transparency initiatives.
Good Politics Or Just Power? Two Years After The Elections
Two years after the last general election, Nigerians are justified in asking a direct question: is our democracy stronger today than it was then? Democracy is not measured by how many offices a party controls or how loudly politicians speak. It is measured by integrity, accountability, and the lived experience of the people. Good Politics demands more than victory at the polls; it demands moral leadership and visible progress in the lives of citizens.
The debate over amendments to the Electoral Act should have provided an opportunity to deepen transparency and strengthen public confidence. Instead, hesitation to fully embrace reforms that safeguard credible vote transmission and accountability has fueled doubt. In a nation where electoral credibility remains fragile, any reluctance to reinforce safeguards sends the wrong signal. Good Politics stands firmly for processes that are open, fair, and beyond suspicion.
The party in power commands significant authority across the federation. With control of the presidency, many state governments, a strong presence in the National Assembly, and influence at local levels, there should be no anxiety about reforms that ensure free and fair elections. Confidence in leadership is demonstrated not by dominance, but by a willingness to subject power to scrutiny. Politics rooted in the omoluabi ethos embraces fairness, transparency, and responsibility, even when inconvenient.
This is the standard long associated with Awolowo, whose politics emphasized discipline, social welfare, education, and institutional strength. His vision was not merely about holding office, but about transforming society through principled governance. Good Politics follows that tradition. It rejects manipulation, arrogance, and the concentration of power without accountability. It insists that authority must serve the people, not itself.
Beyond electoral reforms, democracy must deliver tangible relief. Across the country, households struggle with rising prices and shrinking purchasing power. Small businesses are burdened by escalating costs. Young people search for opportunities that remain scarce. When economic hardship deepens, democracy feels abstract. Good Politics recognizes that political legitimacy is reinforced when citizens can see and feel the benefits of governance.
The concentration of power within a single political structure should translate into coordinated reform and measurable development. When it does not, questions naturally arise. Democracy weakens when dominance replaces performance. It weakens when loyalty to party eclipses loyalty to principle. The omoluabi tradition teaches that character defines leadership. Without character, authority becomes hollow.
A healthy democracy requires credible elections and compassionate governance. It requires leaders who understand that politics is a moral enterprise. Two years into this administration, many Nigerians remain uncertain about the direction of both our democratic processes and their daily welfare. If democracy is to endure, it must reflect Good Politics: fairness in competition, integrity in conduct, and compassion in governance. Anything less falls short of the standard that our history and our values demand.
GEN CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE COMMENDS STATE-FEDERAL COLLABORATION IN ZAMFARA
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) has commended the Zamfara State Government for its decisive contribution to security operations through the donation of newly acquired armoured personnel carriers (APCs), surveillance drones, and other critical operational equipment to troops and security agencies in the state.
This commendation was contained in a statement signed by the Convener of the GCGMSI, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani, Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, and made available to the press.
The equipment was formally commissioned on Wednesday, February 18, by the Grand Patron of the GCGMSI and Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR (rtd.), in a ceremony at the Government House, Gusau. The event was attended by senior military officers, heads of security agencies, and top officials of the Zamfara State Government.
The GCGMSI, in its statement, hailed the donation as a “transformative and timely intervention” that aligns perfectly with its core objective of advocating for and supporting tangible measures that enhance the operational capacity and welfare of Nigeria’s security forces. The Initiative praised Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration for moving beyond rhetoric to actionable, material support, describing the move as a “blueprint for state-level collaboration in national security.”
“The provision of these assets by the Zamfara State Government is a testament to visionary leadership and a profound commitment to the peace and stability of its people,” the GCGMSI statement read. “It represents the exact kind of synergistic partnership between state and federal authorities that the GCGMSI champions. This initiative will significantly close operational gaps, boost the confidence of our gallant troops, and send a strong message to criminal elements.”
Speaking at the commissioning, General Musa emphasized that sustained collaboration is indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges. He specifically commended Governor Lawal for his proactive support.
“Governor Dauda Lawal has demonstrated exemplary leadership and an unwavering dedication to the security of Zamfara State,” the Defence Minister stated. “The provision of these armoured vehicles, surveillance drones, and other operational equipment will undoubtedly boost the morale and operational effectiveness of our troops and other security agencies on the ground. This is a commendable effort that should be emulated by others.”
The newly commissioned assets, which include multiple APCs and advanced surveillance drones, are expected to dramatically enhance the mobility, protection, intelligence-gathering, and rapid response capabilities of security forces, particularly in the state’s remote and difficult terrains where anti-banditry operations are ongoing.
In his remarks, Governor Lawal reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to being a reliable partner in the security architecture. He urged security agencies to deploy the new resources responsibly and effectively to safeguard lives and property.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Defence, reaffirmed its commitment to continuing and deepening such partnerships with state governments across the nation to strengthen coordination and resource allocation in the collective fight against insecurity.
The GCGMSI concluded its statement by urging other state governments to take a cue from Zamfara’s “bold and pragmatic” approach, affirming that such concrete support is vital for achieving lasting peace and security across Nigeria.
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