Imo

By Anwar Usman

Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri, on Monday, busted a notorious child trafficking syndicate involved in the abduction of children from unsuspecting parents.

In a statement issued by the police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, he said, “The operation led to the rescue of three children, who were abducted on 4 July 2024 in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha, and Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Areas.

“The arrested suspects include Ifeoma Anyanwu, aged 41, from Oloko, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State; Chibuzor Lucky, aged 42, from Umuezeala Umuerim, Ubakala, Umuahia, Abia State; Charity Kalu, 24, from Okono, Ohafia LGA, Abia State; and Isidore Ozioma, 56, from Umuhu Onicha, Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Imo State.

“Investigations revealed that the suspects tempted the children into their tricycle while they were playing outside and subsequently transported them to a hidden location in Aba, where they were sold for 1,000,000 naira. Prompt police action led to the rescue of the children and the apprehension of the suspects.”

The suspects are currently undergoing a rigorous investigation at the State CID, and efforts are ongoing to locate additional missing children. The rescued children have been safely reunited with their families.

These syndicates operate both locally and internationally, often targeting vulnerable children from poverty-striken or conflict-affected areas.

Traffickers use force, abduction, and deception to recruit or kidnap children, who are then smuggled across borders or within countries for sale or exploitation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Supreme Court on Friday, August 23, dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Samuel Anyawu, challenging the outcome of the Imo State governorship election. 

A unanimous judgement delivered by a five-member panel of the court, led by Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, found the appeal to be without merit, thereby affirming the original election result. 

This ruling brings the legal battle over the Imo State governorship election to a close, providing clarity and finality to the political landscape of the state.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

After months of rigorous campaigns and preparations, Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States are set to elect new governors today.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported that 5,169,692 voters collected their permanent voter cards out of the 5,409,438 registered voters across the three states. 

In Bayelsa State, out of the 1,056,862 registered voters, 1,017,613 collected their PVCs, leaving 39,249 PVCs uncollected. Imo State witnessed 2,318,919 collected out of 2,419,922 registered, with 101,003 PVCs still uncollected.

Meanwhile, Kogi State reported 1,833,160 collected PVCs out of 1,932,654 registered, leaving 99,494 uncollected. 

Incumbent governors Douye Diri (Bayelsa) and Hope Uzodimma (Imo) seek re-election, while 18 candidates vie for the Kogi State governorship. 

In Imo State, the APC’s Hope Uzodimma faces stiff competition from 17 candidates, with Samuel Anyanwu (PDP) and Athan Achonu (Labour Party) emerging as top contenders.

In Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri (PDP) contends with 15 other candidates, notably Timipre Sylva (APC). 

Kogi State sees a race between APC’s Usman Ododo, PDP’s Dino Melaye, SDP’s Muri Ajaka, and ADC’s Leke Abejide, among others. 

Despite confidence from incumbent governors, opposition candidates in Imo and Bayelsa assert that the current leadership has performed poorly. 

Unfortunately, all three states have witnessed instances of violence resulting in casualties. The police and security agencies assure voters of their safety during the election, emphasizing a commitment to maintaining order and safeguarding the democratic process.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have announced a nationwide strike scheduled for Wednesday, November 8, 2023.

The joint union’s decision stems from the alleged beating and abduction of their President, Joe Ajaero, during a protest in Imo State’s capital. 

Leaders of the NLC and TUC have issued a six-point demand to the Federal Government, calling for the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and the Area Commander, among other officials, accused of complicity in the brutalization and abduction of Ajaero and other workers.

Reports indicate that Ajaero was taken away by the police during a protest against the non-payment of workers by the Imo State Government. 

The NLC, in a strongly worded statement, accused Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, of conspiring with the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Barde, to abduct Ajaero.

The unions condemned what they described as the state government’s use of violence and intimidation against trade unions and their leadership, emphasizing that their only demand was the payment of overdue salaries to state workers. 

In response, the state’s Police Command and Governor Uzodimma vehemently denied the allegations, with the police claiming that Ajaero was in Warri, organizing labourers for a planned protest demonstration in the state.

The governor’s spokesperson, Declan Emelumba, dismissed the accusations, labeling the accusers as “mischief makers.” The NLC and TUC, however, remain steadfast in their demand for Ajaero’s release and have called for the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.