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.”
EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video
EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.
Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.
EFCC
Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.
The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026
EFCC Arrests 10 Suspects, Trucks for Suspected Illegal Mining Activities in Kwara
Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested ten individuals suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities along the Ilorin – Ogbomosho axis.
They were arrested on Sunday, February 1, 2026, following credible intelligence on unlawful mineral excavation and transportation in parts of Kwara and Oyo States.
The suspects, comprising nine truck drivers and one escort were intercepted and taken into custody in a well -coordinated sting operation. Solid minerals arrested with the suspects include lithium, tin, and lepidolite.
EFCC Arrests 10 Suspects
The suspects have no requisite licences, permits, or regulatory approvals for their mining activities.
Other items recovered from the suspects are trucks loaded with the unlawfully mined materials.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
List Of 40 Suspects Detained Over Alleged Plot To Overthrow Tinubu Government
List of 40 suspects detained over alleged plot to overthrow Tinubu Government. Nigerian security agencies have concluded investigations into an alleged coup plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with at least 40 suspects detained in connection with the conspiracy.
The suspects include senior military officers, a police officer, and several civilians accused of roles ranging from reconnaissance and funding to propaganda.
According to a Premium Times report, the arrests followed a covert intelligence operation coordinated by the Army Headquarters and the State Security Service (SSS).
“Thirteen people were apprehended by the SSS, including two military personnel (one retired), one policeman, and ten civilians,” one source said.
In total, 16 serving military officers were detained for direct involvement, while others were linked to funding and incitement. Two civilians were reportedly recruited to incite civil unrest intended to justify the coup.
According to the online newspaper, one of the detained soldiers was said to have escaped custody but was later rearrested by SSS operatives in Bauchi State, according to insider accounts.
Recall that on Monday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that the investigation had been completed and forwarded to “appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.”
“Findings identified several officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the military said, describing the act as “inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
Sources said authorities are now awaiting presidential approval to constitute a court-martial panel to try the indicted soldiers.
Investigations revealed that the coupists initially planned to disrupt the May 29, 2023 handover ceremony from former President Muhammadu Buhari to President Tinubu, but the plan was shelved due to lack of funds and logistics.
The conspiracy was allegedly reactivated in 2025, after former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva purportedly transferred nearly ₦1 billion through multiple Bureau De Change accounts to fund the operation.
Sylva and a retired senior officer identified as Major General Adamu, both accused of bankrolling the plot, are reportedly at large.
Security sources said one of the fugitive suspects has been tracked to a South American country, though his precise location remained undisclosed for security reasons.
Investigators also uncovered a chilling plan to assassinate top government officials, including President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
“They were waiting for a day when all of them would be in the country. Wherever they were, they would be assassinated,” one source revealed.
The plot allegedly relied on informants inside the Presidential Villa, who monitored the movements of top officials. The conspirators were to seize control of strategic locations such as the Presidential Villa, Niger Barracks, Armed Forces Complex, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
Military
Hereunder is the full list of the alleged coupists arrested
MA Sadiq (Brigadier General) Army lHeadquarters Garrison
MA Ma’aji (Colonel) Defence Space Administration
S Bappah (Lt. Colonel) 525 Signal Regiment
AA Hayatu (Lt Colonel) 130 Battalion Main, Ogoja, Cross River State
P Dangnap (Lt Colonel) 134 Special Force Battalion
M Almakura (Lt Colonel) 197 Special Force Battalion
AA Jarma (Lt Colonel) CO, 35 Battalion Katsina
SM Gana (Lt Colonel) 115 Task Force Battalion
AD Dauda (Maj) Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji
JM GANAKS (Maj) Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji
AJ Ibrahim (Maj) Army Headquarters’ Department of Policy and Plans
MM Jiddah (Maj) 26 Battalion
MA Usman (Maj) 35 Battalion
D Yusuf (Maj) Forward Operating Base Molai (AHQ SG)
J Iliyasu (Maj) 3 Division Garrison
A Mohammed (Maj) 63 Brigade Garrison
DB Abdullahi (Lt Cdr) Naval Base Abuja
SB Adamu (Sqn Ldr) National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC)
NG Zuzu (Sqn Ldr) Headquarters, Nigeria Air Force Camp
G Binuga (Captain) 1 NMF Brigade
AA Yusuf (Captain) Nigerian Army of the School of Finance and Administration (NASFA)
1 Bello (Captain) 82 Division Garrison
SS Felix (Lt) 81 Division Provost Group
J Aminu (Lt) Headquarters Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR)
Nasiru Ibrahim (WO) 82 Division Garrison
Sanda Usman (Sgt) 167 Special Force Battalion
Mohammed Zubairu (Sgt) 177 Guards Battalion
Momoh Audu (Cpl) 343 Artillery Regiment
Ahmed Ibrahim (Inspector) 24 Police Mobile Force, Presidential Villa
EO Victor (Navy Capt/Rtd) 3 Abraham Avenue off Odili Road, Port Harcourt
Umoru Zekeri Julius Berger, Villa Electrician
Y Nasiru (LCpl) 82 Division Garrison
Sambo Danladi (LCpl) 82 Division Garrison
Abdul Abdullahi (SSgt) 82 Division Garrison
Ali Isah Villa Ambulance Driver
ML Mohammed (Capt) 18 Battalion
UI Yusuf (Wg Cdr) International/Helicopter Flying School, Enugu
IM Gana (Maj Gen Rtd) No 34 A Army Estate, Kubwa, Abuja
Stanley Kingley Amandi Propagandist
Goni Bukar
Security sources confirmed that joint operations involving multiple agencies are underway to dismantle remaining cells and track fleeing suspects. The EFCC and SSS are also interrogating several civilians over alleged roles in funding, logistics, and coordination.
At least 25 military personnel are expected to face trial in connection with the plot, according to sources close to the investigation.
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