Crime
Onitsha Traditional Council Knocks Soludo Over Lawmaker’s Murder, Demands Justice
Onitsha Traditional Council Knocks Soludo Over Lawmaker’s Murder, Demands Justice
Onitsha Traditional council knocks Soludo over lawmaker’s murder, demands justice. The Onitsha Traditional Council has condemned the killing of the member representing Onitsha-North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.
The council also expresses sorrow and disappointment over the state of security under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home for Christmas.
His lifeless body was discovered by security operatives at the Second Niger Bridge in the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025—40 days after his abduction.
PUNCH Online had reported four days ago that the state police command said it had arrested nine suspects in connection to the death of the lawmaker.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the Chief of Staff of the Onitsha Traditional Council (Imeobi), Chief Osita Anionwu, the council described the abduction and murder of Azuka as evidence of the state government’s failure to fulfill its promise of ensuring the security of residents.
The statement was released following a town hall meeting held on Monday at Imeobi, Onitsha, where members of the community voiced their concerns over the growing insecurity in the state.
The town hall gathering was shocked beyond belief at the circulation of a disturbing video on social media featuring one of the suspected killers with the body of Justice Azuka in the background, which appears to be orchestrated by security agents for self-praise.
“It was noted that instead of sensationalising the discovery of the dead body, the authorities should focus on preventing such heinous crimes and ensuring justice is served,” the statement read in part.
The council expressed concern that Azuka’s murder was the second high-profile killing of young, aspiring leaders from Onitsha within four months.
It recalled the recent attack on Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Mba, and his wife, which resulted in the death of Onitsha Youth Council leader, Kpajie Offiah.
The community questioned the government’s handling of Azuka’s case, asking why it took over 40 days to locate him and whether the response from security agencies was adequate.
Council members also raised concerns about the lack of communication from the authorities to the public and Azuka’s family throughout the ordeal.
Participants at the town hall meeting reminded the administration of Soludo’s inaugural speech in March 2022, where he declared that “fixing Onitsha is the key to fixing Anambra State, which in turn is the key to fixing the South-East.”
They questioned whether that commitment still held, given the deteriorating security situation in Onitsha, which remains the economic hub and revenue base of the state.
The council also highlighted Azuka’s dedication to public service, recalling his role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Onitsha Community COVID Response Team, his efforts in rehabilitating stroke survivors, and his commitment as a legislator to his constituents.
They further demanded a transparent investigation, raising concerns over the alleged ransom payment.
The communique read, “An electronic movement of the alleged large sum of money ought to be traceable through the banking system.
“The images of the alleged abductors do not reflect persons handling large sums of money, thus raising the question of possible other accomplices.”
The Onitsha community called on the authorities to establish the truth “without fear or favour” and to ensure that those responsible for Azuka’s murder are brought to justice.
Soludo
The statement added, “How can the community work together to restore peace and security to Onitsha and Anambra State?
Will the state government address the root causes of insecurity and establish a mechanism for providing emotional and material support to victims’ families?”
The council urged residents to come together to honour Azuka at his funeral on Saturday, February 15, adding, “May his legacy inspire us to work towards a safer and more secure Onitsha.”
Nigerian Troops Destroy 56 Illegal Refining Sites in One Week
Troops of Operation Delta Safe have intensified efforts against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling 56 illegal refining sites within a week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday while presenting the weekly update on military operations.
During the operation, troops recovered 675,266 litres of stolen crude oil, 312,593 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 4,500 litres of DPK. They also destroyed 51 crude oil cooking ovens, 49 dugout pits, 43 boats, 28 storage tanks, and 131 drums.
Additionally, the military seized four pumping machines, four tricycles, three motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and eight vehicles. A total of 31 suspected oil thieves and criminals were arrested, while 103 assorted arms and ammunition, along with three extra magazines, were recovered.
Between March 5 and 10, troops apprehended 11 suspected criminals and rescued four kidnapped victims in parts of Cross River, Rivers, and Delta states.
Troops Destroy 56 Illegal Refining Sites
The air component also carried out patrols and reconnaissance missions over areas including Imo River, Owaza, Ohaji/Egbema, and Abacheke, as well as Nembe, Okpokiri, Tomkiri, Brass, and Belema. These operations contributed to the destruction of illegal refining sites and the seizure of various equipment.
Nigeria Army Eliminate 74 Terrorists, Arrest 130 Suspects In 1 Week Says DHQ
Nigeria army eliminate 74 terrorists, arrest 130 suspects in 1 week says DHQ. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that military operations conducted between March 5 and 13 led to the elimination of 74 terrorists, the arrest of 130 suspects, and the rescue of 61 kidnapped victims across various locations.
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, highlighting the collaborative efforts of the Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser, security agencies, and hybrid forces.
During the operations, troops recovered 71 assorted weapons, including 32 AK-47 rifles, 15 locally made guns, nine Dane guns, three pump-action shotguns, two locally fabricated pistols, and 10 other firearms.
Additionally, 1,202 rounds of ammunition were seized, comprising 1,133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and 69 live cartridges.
Terrorists Surrender in North-East
Kangye revealed that 143 terrorists surrendered in the North-East, including five adult males, 66 adult females, and 72 children. One of the surrendered fighters turned in two AK-47 rifles, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two magazines.
Nigeria Army Eliminate 74
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to national security, Kangye stated, “The gallant men and women of the Armed Forces will continue to fulfill their constitutional duty of protecting lives and property in line with the law, Rules of Engagement, and Code of Conduct for Internal Security Operations.”
Customs Seizes 34,470L Of Smuggled Petrol At Taraba-Cameroon Border
Customs seizes 34,470L of Smuggled petrol at Taraba-Cameroon border. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified its crackdown on fuel smuggling, seizing 34,470 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a heavy-duty transportation truck in a three-hour operation along the Taraba-Cameroon border.
The enforcement, led by the Customs’ Operation Whirlwind unit, targeted smugglers operating through Gembu and Kan-Iyaka in Sardauna LGA, a known smuggling corridor.
Speaking at a public auction in Jalingo, Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the operation was carried out with support from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Adeniyi explained that intelligence from the inter-agency intelligence fusion center detected unusual fuel movement patterns in the Sorofi and Kan-Iyaka areas between March 8 and 9, 2025.
Acting on this, field teams executed a series of coordinated interceptions, disrupting what appeared to be an emerging smuggling route.
The seizure included 1,149 Jerry cans of PMS, each containing 30 liters, totaling 34,470 liters. A specialized transportation truck valued at ₦4 million was also confiscated, bringing the total duty-paid value to ₦37.78 million.
Adeniyi noted that a significant portion of the smuggled fuel was intercepted in Gembu, while 180 Jerry cans and the truck were seized en route to the Kan-Iyaka border crossing.
Cameroon Border
Describing fuel smuggling as a threat to national security and economic stability, Adeniyi urged security agencies to remain vigilant. He stressed that petrol is vital to economic activities and warned that shortages could slow down the economy.
He reaffirmed the NCS’s commitment to tackling smuggling networks and safeguarding Nigeria’s energy sector and economic interests.
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