Thousands of tricycle riders across Enugu State turned out in a massive show of support for Governor Peter Mbah on Monday, endorsing his reelection bid in a display of growing grassroots momentum.

The operators, popularly known as Keke riders, rode their tricycles decorated with stickers and images of Governor Mbah from Abakpa to Okpara Square, Emene to Okpara Square, Agbani Road to Okpara Square, Ogui Road to Okpara Square, New Haven, and through Nkpokiti, Ebeano Tunnel, Holy Ghost, Ziks Avenue, Timber Shade, UNEC Gate, IMT Gate, and others.

Speaking to reporters, the Chairman of the association, Comrade Kingsley Edeh, said the Mbah administration had created an enabling environment, such as security and good roads, which had drastically affected their spending on the maintenance of their tricycles.

“The governor is a kindhearted man. He accepted everyone and gave everyone an enabling environment for our people to do business in the state.

“We have seen that our revenue, the one we pay, is going somewhere. We looked at the developmental strides of the governor and said we want to organise a big solidarity and endorsement rally for Governor Mbah as the man we want in 2027.

“We are endorsing him for 2027 so he will continue his good work as governor. We don’t want any other person.

“Many politicians lie about what they didn’t do. But his own is ‘e dey play, e dey show.’

“See the roads he is constructing everywhere. Before now, we visited mechanics every week and spent our earnings because of bad roads. But today, we are now seeing dividends of democracy. At least, nobody can deny the fact that no other governor comes close to what our governor has done in less than three years.

“Again, with the 260 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Health Centres in all the wards, we will have more disposable income because the Smart Schools are totally free. They even give free food and uniforms. Very soon, our children will be knowledgeable like children in America and Europe.

“See also the International Conference Centre. People come from Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and from all over Nigeria and even abroad every now and then for big conferences, and we make a lot of money,” he stated.

The group equally denounced the allegations of over-taxation in Enugu, commending Mbah for phasing out cash payments in revenue collection, which they said induced corruption, confusion, and union crises in the past.

“Our revenue collection is no longer chaotic. We pay online. No more thuggery. If you bring paper to collect any form of revenue, we resist it because we know that it is no longer business as usual. So, we now have peace, accountability, no more factions, and fighting in the system because of revenue.

“It is also a falsehood for people to say the governor is overtaxing Keke riders. It is pure falsehood. We are paying the minimum money required from us, and we are happy with how the governor is utilising it to do our roads and other projects.

“In fact, the people who were collecting cash before Mbah came and doing all manner of sharp practices are the ones spinning the falsehood because they are not happy,” Edeh added.

They insisted that the governor must do his second tenure, “whether he likes it or not.”

“We will massively vote for him. As you could see, we are determined. Anyhow they want it, we are going to put the governor there. Even if he wants to run back to his business in Lagos, we will push him back into that seat to complete his term,” he vowed.

A high-stakes legal battle has erupted in the Enugu State High Court as Dr. Basil Kenechukwu Ogbuanu, a prominent medical practitioner and investor, filed a staggering ₦10 billion lawsuit against Barrister (Mrs.) Patricia Mgbeyere Nwobodo. The suit follows the collapse of a criminal charge earlier brought against the doctor, which he claims was a product of malice and falsehood.

​The Genesis of the Dispute

The legal firestorm traces back to January 16, 2026, when Barrister Nwobodo allegedly filed a report with the Nigerian Police. She accused Dr. Ogbuanu of conspiracy and other undisclosed offenses purportedly committed at the Independence Layout area of Enugu.

​Following this report, police operatives stormed the Independence Layout site, removing and detaining several of Dr. Ogbuanu’s workers. The situation escalated on January 17, when the doctor himself was intercepted and arrested by security agents at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport upon his arrival in Enugu.

​The Criminal Arraignment

By January 20, 2026, Dr. Ogbuanu and three of his artisans were formally arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Charge No. MES/22C/2026. The Plaintiff alleges that this move was a calculated attempt to humiliate him and disrupt his professional and business activities.

​However, the criminal case began to falter almost immediately. During subsequent proceedings on March 3, 2026, the prosecution failed to produce witnesses, leading to further adjournments and mounting frustration for the defense.

​Magistrate Court’s Decisive Ruling

The turning point occurred on April 15, 2026. When the matter was called for hearing, the complainant was notably absent. Taking a dim view of the prosecution’s conduct, Chief Magistrate D.K. Ekoh struck out the charges against Dr. Ogbuanu and his workers.

​In a stinging rebuke, the Magistrate declined further jurisdiction and ordered Barrister Nwobodo to pay ₦1,000,000 in costs to the Plaintiff. Crucially, the court issued a protective order directing that the Plaintiff must not be re-arrested on the same set of allegations.

​Transition to Civil Litigation

Refusing to let the matter rest with the Magistrate’s ruling, Dr. Ogbuanu initiated a civil action at the High Court of Enugu State on May 4, 2026. The suit, designated as Suit No. E/434 /2026, seeks comprehensive redress for what he describes as “malicious and abandoned” prosecution.

​The Plaintiff’s statement of claim, supported by a verifying affidavit, paints a picture of significant emotional and reputational damage. He is seeking a formal judicial declaration that the Defendant was responsible for his unlawful humiliation, arrest, and detention.

​The ₦10 Billion Demand

At the heart of the new suit is a demand for ₦10,000,000,000 (Ten Billion Naira) in exemplary damages. This massive sum is intended to compensate for the “molestation” and public embarrassment Dr. Ogbuanu suffered during the airport arrest and subsequent detention.

​Furthermore, the doctor is seeking a perpetual injunction. If granted, this order would permanently restrain Barrister Nwobodo and her agents from making any further “false allegations” against him to the police or any other law enforcement agencies.

​Underlying Property Tensions

Court documents reveal that the friction stems from a complex real estate transaction involving Plots R/18 through R/21 in Independence Layout. Dr. Ogbuanu claims he invested heavily in these properties between 2019 and 2023, citing specific Power of Attorney dates and registration numbers.

​The Plaintiff alleges that the Defendant held herself out as an allottee and director in Linkana Hotels but failed to deliver the promised title documents after payments were made. He contends that the criminal report was a diversionary tactic used to avoid these contractual obligations.

​Medical Exhibits and Evidence

Interestingly, the evidence list filed by the Plaintiff includes medical reports from Trinity Multi-Specialty Hospital. These documents describe “acute stress reactions” observed in the Defendant and 85-year-old Senator Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo around the time of the initial incident.

​Dr. Ogbuanu intends to use these documents, alongside the previous Magistrate Court proceedings and the Defendant’s own prior statements on oath, to prove that the criminal charges were a fabrication designed to exert undue pressure on him.

​Procedural Milestones

The suit is accompanied by a certificate of pre-action counseling and an affidavit of non-multiplicity of suits, both sworn on May 4. These documents confirm that the Plaintiff has satisfied the procedural requirements necessary to bring the matter before the High Court.

​Dr. Ogbuanu has listed himself as the sole witness for the upcoming trial. As the Enugu Judicial Division prepares to assign the case to a judge, legal analysts suggest the outcome could set a significant precedent regarding the consequences of filing false reports with the police.

​Public Interest and Next Steps

The case has already generated significant buzz within the Enugu legal community, given the high profile of the parties involved. The ₦10 billion claim is among the highest ever recorded in the state for a suit of this nature.

​As of press time, the defense has yet to file a formal response to the High Court suit. The legal community now waits to see if the matter will proceed to a full trial or if a settlement can be reached outside the courtroom walls.