BY Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Igbo Community Assembly Abuja has called for responsible public discourse and adherence to due for the process following a viral social media video that raised allegations about a business transaction involving one of its leaders.

During a press conference in Abuja, the Chairman, Chief Ositadimma Nwoye, the Assembly emphasised the need for Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information that could harm reputations and create unnecessary tension in society.

The group said it was reacting to a viral video in which Mr. Ifeanyi Udezue made claims through social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, regarding a business transaction involving Chief Austin Oguejiofor.

According to the Assembly, Chief Austin Oguejiofor, also known as Onwa Enugwu-Ukwu, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Rotech Group and has built a reputation in the real estate sector spanning more than three decades.

The group noted that the businessman has also supported several organisations and initiatives, serving as Grand Patron of Ohanaeze Youth Worldwide, Grand Patron of Anambra State Association Europe, Grand Patron of Anambra State Association Turkey, and Grand Patron of the Radio Television Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria.

It also expressed concern over the manner in which respected Igbo elder and business leader Arthur Eze was referenced in the viral content.

“Respected leaders within our community deserve to be addressed with the decorum and dignity befitting their status,” the group said.

It further noted that issues relating to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were mentioned in the viral video but clarified that available documentation shows the petition earlier submitted to the commission had been withdrawn.

“Available information and documentation indicate that the petition earlier submitted to the EFCC was subsequently withdrawn… which contradicts the narrative suggesting compromise by the anti-graft agency,” the Assembly stated.

According to the group, documents such as registration records from the Corporate Affairs Commission and legal search reports relating to the business transaction also exist and provide additional context to the matter currently being discussed publicly.

It also referenced claims in the video that the content creator had held discussions with High Chief Oguejiofor, urging that the outcome of such interactions be presented in full to ensure fairness and balanced public understanding.

Calling for restraint, the group urged all parties to resolve disputes through lawful channels.

“Where disagreements arise from business transactions, the most appropriate avenue for resolution remains a court of competent jurisdiction or other legally recognised dispute-resolution mechanisms,” he added.

The Assembly further appealed to social media commentators to exercise caution and due diligence when discussing sensitive matters involving individuals and community institutions.

It reaffirmed commitment to protecting the integrity of its members while promoting fairness, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Bayelsà State Government will on Monday arraign the alleged killers of the 42 years old Estate Agent, Richard Ekpebu.

The Late Richard Ekpebu was murdered over a land sales deal and his body dumped in a bush along the New Otuoke Road near Bayelsa Palm on July 24, 2025.

The Police tactical team of the Operation Puff Adder led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, following painstaking thorough investigation in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Yenagoa arrested Five suspects over the killing.

Our correspondent confirmed that those arrested for the alleged murder of the Estate Agent include the key suspect, 40 years old George Idumange, his girl friend, 23 years old Miss Henry Victory Bernard, a personnel with the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre with the rank of ASP equivalent, Ekiamene Amaoniye Alex also known as Cash Money, one 34 year old Ibo Imaremi Gold alias Police, Queen Felix, sister to the key suspect, and 35 year old,Henry Igwe.

Sources close to the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) headed by Barr. Peretimi Judith Peterside, disclosed that the prosecution will arraign the suspects in court on Monday 16th of March,2026 at the State High Court 5 presided over by Justice Raphael Ajuwa.

In the charge sheet sighted by our correspondent, the suspects under the suit numbered BYHC/YHC/CR/19/2026, would be charged with allege conspiracy to kidnapping, kidnapping, Armed Robbery, Conspiracy to commit murder, Murder, Conspiracy to obtain money under false pretence, Conspiracy to destroy evidence, destroying evidence, Illegal possession of firearms among others.

It was gathered that despite repeated correspondence from the authorities of the State Police Command to the sister agency, the Nigerian Correctional Service, there was no acknowledgement of the existence of personnel with the Okaka Medium Correctional Centre with the rank of ASP equivalent, Ekiamene Amaoniye Alex also known as Cash Money in service.

According to the prepared charge sheet, Ekiamene Amaoniye Alex also known as Cash Money is charged with illegal possession of firearms and conspiracy to destroy evidence.

According to the charge, ” that Ekiamene Amaoniye Alex (M) and others now at large, on or before the 13th day of September,2025 in the office of the Operation Restore Peace(popular known as Operation Puff Adder) confessed to dealing,aiding,procuring and recieving of one AK47 riffle (prohibited firearm) from Henry Victory Bernard (F) without licence issued to you by the relevant authorities and thereby committed an offence.

Also the sister to the key suspect, identified as Queen Felix is to be charged with allege forgery and false signature of deed of conveyance of a land located at Otuoke on Ogbia Local Government of the State and presentation of same to Police formation as evidencing ownership of the land at the Special Enquiry Bureau office of the Nigerian Police Force.

By George Mgbeleke

In a bid to end incessant killings in Benue and other parts of the country,the Senate on Thursday urged the Federal Government to establish a military base in Kwande, Benue State, to strengthen security and enable displaced residents to return safely.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Sen. Emmanuel Udende (Benue Northeast) over escalating terrorist attacks across Kwande communities.

Udende said recent coordinated assaults by armed attackers in Kwande Local Government Area left more than 20 residents dead and forced many families to flee.

He explained that the attackers targeted villages and local markets, leaving widespread destruction, displacement, and fear among residents struggling to rebuild their shattered communities.

The senator recalled that on February 5, 2026, assailants invaded a settlement in the area, killing several residents, injuring others, and destroying homes and properties.

He added that nearly 50 people were reportedly killed in the February attacks, while several residents remain missing as communities continue searching for their loved ones.

Udende said that while victims were still mourning, another wave of deadly attacks occurred across parts of Kwande in March 2026, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

According to him, on March 10, 2026, gunmen again invaded communities, killing about eleven people and spreading panic among already traumatised residents.

He also noted that another attack on March 5 in the Bachor community resulted in additional deaths and destruction of properties worth millions of naira.

“Several bodies recovered from the attacks remain unidentified, while about twenty-five persons are still missing,” Udende told lawmakers during plenary.

He warned that intimidation and arrests of local vigilantes by security operatives could undermine cooperation between community volunteers and official security agencies.

Udende said poor road networks, weak communication infrastructure, and absence of permanent security formations have continued to hinder rapid response to distress calls.

“Improved security presence and communication facilities will significantly enhance response time and protect lives in these vulnerable rural communities,” he stated.

Seconding the motion, Sen. Osita Izunaso warned that the security crisis in Benue had become a national emergency requiring urgent government intervention.

“It is unacceptable that a senator could be attacked even while worshipping in church,” Izunaso said

He described the proposed military base as a proactive step toward preventing further attacks and safeguarding lives ahead of upcoming political activities.

Also contributing, Sen. Ahmed Lawan said the recurring discussions on attacks and kidnappings showed Nigeria must rethink its overall security strategy.

“Our armed forces are not magicians. They can not defeat these criminals without adequate weapons, logistics, and timely release of operational resources,” Lawan said

He urged the National Assembly and government agencies to ensure security forces receive sufficient funding, equipment, and operational support to protect citizens.

The Senate thereafter observed a one-minute silence in honour of victims killed in attacks across Abande, Awu, Asinuba, Awapacho and other affected communities.

Lawmakers also urged security agencies to intensify surveillance, coordinated patrols and operations across the troubled communities to prevent further attacks.

The Senate further called on the federal government to establish a military base at the Ikyurav-Ya-Ukusu axis to ensure sustained security presence.

The lawmakers said the measure would enable displaced residents from affected communities in the Kwande Local government to return to their ancestral homes.

The Senate also urged telecommunications companies to install communication masts in affected areas to enable residents to make timely distress calls during emergencies.

In addition, lawmakers asked the NEMA to provide relief materials and humanitarian assistance to affected families across Kwande and other affected Benue local governments areas