By Our Correspondent

Horro!! as a 20-year-old man, identified as Pascal Ogbogu, has been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly murdering his 56-year-old father with a machete at Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest followed a distress report received by the police on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, after the suspect allegedly attacked his father and fled the scene.

According to preliminary information made available by the Command, operatives of the Eziowelle Police Division, working with family members and personnel of the Abatete Vigilante, swiftly mobilised to the scene.

On arrival, the operatives reportedly found the deceased lying in a pool of blood, with a deep machete wound to his throat.

The victim’s remains were subsequently evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The suspect, who allegedly fled immediately after the incident, was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, following a coordinated effort by the police and members of the Abatete Vigilante.

The Command said timely information and cooperation from members of the community also played a significant role in tracking and locating the suspect.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama disclosed that the family members, community members, police operatives and Vigilante personnel for their prompt response and cooperation.

The CP stressed that effective community participation, timely information sharing and a strong partnership between the police and local communities remain critical to successful policing and the protection of lives and property.

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, CP Nnanna directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation and comprehensive review.

He said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all relevant facts were properly established.

The Commissioner assured the family and members of the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, thoroughly and diligently in accordance with the law.

He further assured that the suspect would be made to face due process upon the conclusion of the investigation.

By David Owei

Traditional Ruler and Indigenes of the Akassa Kingdom in Brass Local Government of Bayelsà State led by the Chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs, His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII have commended the Nigerian Navy for its swift, professional, and decisive operation that led to the arrest of criminal elements and militant group led by one *“Sunday”* and his group.

According to His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII in a statement issued on wednesday, the group has for some time been terrorizing *Igu-Buo*, otherwise known as *Cape Formoso Island* in Brass Local Government Area, and was responsible for the unlawful killing of Chief Inatimi Ikua in 2025.

His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII , who is also the Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), Central Zone, described the arrest of criminal elements and militant group led by one *“Sunday”* and his group as timely and has brought immense relief to the people of the Akassa Kingdom.

He said “This timely intervention has brought immense relief to our people and will go a long way in restoring lasting peace and security not only within Igu-Buo, but across Akassa Clan and its environs. We commend the discipline, professionalism, and commitment of the officers and men of the Nigerian Navy who carried out this operation.”

The Akassa Monarch however cautioned that despite the celebration over the development, the Council strongly admonishes our youths to *desist forthwith from all forms of criminality*.

“Let it be known that the path of crime only leads to destruction, and nemesis will always catch up with those who tread it. We urge our young people to embrace hard work, dignity, respect for constituted authority, and lawful enterprise as the only sustainable path to progress and honour for themselves and for Akassa Kingdom..”

His Royal Highness Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII also expressed concern over the mischievous and sponsored attempt by some individuals to link our revered son, High Chief Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the Ibe Tupuka of Akassa Kingdom and Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, to the sponsorship of criminality.

He said “We state categorically that *this allegation is baseless, malicious, and without foundation. Our son is a man of impeccable character, service, and integrity.”

“There is hardly a family within and beyond Akassa Clan that has not benefitted from his philanthropy — from sponsoring medical treatment for the sick, to building houses for the elderly, to supporting the education of our youths and empowering countless indigenes in business and trade.”

“We therefore warn members of the public and the media to *desist from making unverified and defamatory utterances*. Such acts only serve to distract from the peace, unity, and development we are all working to achieve.”

He however assured that with the Nigerian Navy’s intervention, peace has now been fully restored in Hununu Community and its environs. We urge all citizens to go about their lawful businesses without fear of intimidation.

“We once again thank the Nigerian Navy and all security agencies for standing with the people of Akassa. We pledge our continued cooperation and support in the collective fight against crime and in the maintenance of peace and security in our domain.”

By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised the alarm over the continued detention of an Abuja based businessman Mr Ufoma Joseph Immanuel at the Kirikiri Medium Security Custodial Centre in Lagos, despite a Federal High Court order directing his immediate transfer to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) for medical treatment. Both the man and another business partner Mr. Adebutu have disagreement concerning a business before he was dragged to court by the EFCC and since then, has been refused bail even when the matter is ordinarily bailable.

HURIWA said the matter has gone beyond a routine detention issue because it concerns the health, liberty and fundamental rights of a detainee who is yet to be convicted.
According to the association, the Tunji Braithwaite Foundation (TBF), which has been monitoring Ufuoma’s case, first alerted correctional authorities on July 10, 2026, about his deteriorating health and requested his urgent transfer to a hospital.
Following the alleged failure to act, TBF approached the Federal High Court.
HURIWA said Justice D. E. Osiagor subsequently ordered on July 16, 2026, that Ufuoma be immediately transferred to LASUTH for medical treatment.
The association expressed concern that the order has allegedly not been complied with.
HURIWA said TBF has also served a Form 48 on the Controller of Corrections, Lagos State Command, warning of the consequences of alleged disobedience of the court order.
‘A Court Order Is Not Optional’
HURIWA said the alleged failure to comply with the court directive raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law within the correctional system.
The rights group called on the Minister of Interior and the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service to intervene immediately and ensure compliance with the court order.
“A court order is not a piece of advice to a government agency. It is a command of the law and must be obeyed,” HURIWA said.
The group also called for an independent investigation into any allegation that correctional officials were improperly influenced to prevent Ufuoma’s medical transfer.
HURIWA stressed that any allegation of bribery remains an allegation and should be independently investigated before any conclusion is reached.
HURIWA Questions Criminalisation of Commercial Dispute
HURIWA also expressed concern about the nature of the case against Ufoma.
The association said its understanding is that the dispute arose from commercial dealings involving business and shareholding interests, and questioned why what it considers a commercial dispute should result in prolonged criminal detention.
However, HURIWA acknowledged that determining the proper legal character of the case is the responsibility of the court.
The group urged all parties to allow the judicial process to determine the dispute while ensuring that Ufoma’s constitutional rights are protected.
HURIWA reminded the authorities that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The association also expressed concern over reports of repeated denial of bail, as well as claims that Ufoma’s passport has been seized and his bank accounts, together with those of his wife, frozen.
It urged the court and relevant authorities to ensure that all restrictions imposed on the accused are lawful and consistent with the principles of fair hearing and due process.
‘Only the Living Can Defend Themselves’
HURIWA said Ufuoma’s health remains the most urgent concern.
The association warned that keeping a seriously ill detainee away from a medical facility ordered by a court could affect his ability to participate effectively in his defence.
“Only the living can face justice. Only the living can defend themselves against criminal allegations,” the group said.
HURIWA therefore demanded the immediate transfer of Ufuoma to LASUTH in compliance with the Federal High Court order.
It also urged the correctional authorities to provide him with adequate medical care while the legal proceedings continue.
The association said the case should not become another example of how prolonged detention, delayed medical care and alleged disregard for due process could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
HURIWA called on the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant authorities to act without further delay.