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Again, Enugu Govt pulls down property used for kidnapping
The Enugu State Government, on Tuesday, demolished yet another building used for kidnapping in the state, an action it said is in line with the laws of the state.
Security agencies had, during the week, rescued a kidnap victim at the demolished property, a bungalow at Umueze Awkunanaw in Nkanu West LGA of the state, used by the prime suspect, Igwenagu Ogbodo, and his gang for holding victims captive.
Ogbodo and some of his gang members, however, escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds when security agencies stormed the property.
Building belonging to the fleeing principal suspect demolished by Enugu govt on Tuesday
Speaking to newsmen during the demolition, the Council Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo, commended Governor Mbah for consistently demonstrating political will in the war against insecurity.
“The prime suspect and his gang kidnapped the person and brought him here. He was rescued and his vehicle recovered. Some arms and ammunition were equally recovered.
“I thank His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, for his political will and demonstration of capacity in line with what he told Ndi Enugu that any house that harbours criminals or is used to aid criminality will be demolished. That is exactly what is happening here today and it is in line with the laws of Enugu State.
“This is not the first house to be demolished in Enugu by this administration, neither is it the second nor the third. But this is the first one to be demolished in Nkanu West, and I know this is going to be a deterrent to other criminal elements.
“I urge every community and Presidents-General to be very mindful of people around them. They should keep an eye on the people and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.
“Again, I want to use this opportunity to advise anyone who has a property in Enugu State to be mindful of his or her tenants and any activities ongoing in their property. This is because any house used to harbour criminality like kidnap victims stands demolished,” he stated.
He said the demolition would serve as a deterrent to the remaining criminals in the state, as there was no hiding place for them given the level of technology and manpower deployed by the governor to stamp out insecurity and criminality from Enugu State.
“The guy who did this is still on the run, but I know that Enugu State Government has the capacity and the equipment to capture him.
“Others who are into criminality should know that there is no hiding place in Enugu State of today because the arm of the government will catch up with them,” he concluded.
Some community members who witnessed the demolition testified to the suspect’s criminal ways and antecedents, noting that he was an ex-convict.
Ikechukwu Amos, who spoke to newsmen, said: “I can’t deny it, he is a criminal. I am their elder and I know how all of them behave. We have been advising him, but he refused. You have seen the resultant effect of his unholy character.
“This same boy returned from prison not too long ago. Since then, he has been maintaining bad company, using this place for all manner of illicit activities like smoking Indian hemp and other hard substances. I am not surprised that something of this nature will happen, and it has happened.”
Another indigene of Umueze Awkunanaw, Edeh Chidera Kingsley, also spoke about the prime suspect’s criminal records: “Any young man who doesn’t want to work to get money but chooses kidnapping should face the music.
“Fela, as he is also known, is a lazy man. If you call him for work, he would say that he would not go. He finds pleasure in drinking.”
The Councilor of the ward, Uchenna Jideofor, thanked the governor for putting into effect the harsh measures prescribed by the laws of Enugu State against kidnapping, describing the demolition as a welcome development for the people and leaders of Umueze Awkunanaw.
“The guy is notorious in criminal activities. In my first tenure, I made sure that some of them were remanded in prison, but after everything he was later released by some people from the community. And any time they come back, people will be witnessing insecurity in the community. The guy is involved in so many things.
“This morning, I had a confrontation with the neighbours, telling them that they are not doing us good by not giving us information on what is happening. But what is happening here now will serve as a lesson to others that have chosen the fast lane,” he said.
…Cites critical projects, policies, interventions
…Donates N100m for Mbah’s Nomination Form
…One-term promises a big scam, Ken Nnamani warns
The people of Enugu West Senatorial District have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for a second term in office, citing their policies, projects, programmes, and interventions that have positively impacted the nation, South East, and Enugu State in particular.
To make good on the endorsements, the people, who swarmed the Awgu Local Government Secretariat field in their thousands on Saturday, also presented a cheque for the sum of N100 million to Dr. Mbah for the purchase of his nomination form, vowing to defend their position with their last vote.
This was even as former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, dismissed promises by some gubernatorial and presidential aspirants to do just one term, saying they were not being sincere with Nigerians.
Conducting the endorsement process, the lawmaker representing Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Senator Osita Ngwu, said their decision was based on conviction informed by evident results rather than sheer politics.
“Today, we can see the best Command and Control Centre to help improve our security in Enugu. We have Smart Schools in every one of our wards. We have seen Type-2 Healthcare Centres. We have seen roads.
“Before now, if you were going to Aguobu Owa through 9th Mile, it would seem like a journey of no return. But now, it takes you only a few minutes. It is the handiwork of Governor Peter Mbah. These are not promises; these are realities; these are dividends of democracy. This is what happens when leadership is bold. No weakness, no excuse, no apologies. Just results.
“At the national level, we have seen the transformational effects of the President. We are benefiting here in the South East and Enugu State in particular. We thank our governor, who was bold and did not delay to connect us to the centre,” Ngwu asserted.
Speaking, former Chief of the Naval Staff/Military Governor of Old Anambra State, Rear Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd.), and former Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Capt. Joseph Orji (rtd.), said they totally aligned with the sentiments expressed by their people in supporting Tinubu’s and Mbah’s re-election.
“The testimonies today are accurate. The people have spoken. All we want to do is to ask you to go back and do more,” Madueke stated.
Also speaking, Senator Ken Nnamani and the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye, urged the people to be wary of those who promise to do one term, insisting they were not promise keepers.
“They will not keep to such promises. Some people tell lies with confidence. You should be careful. As for Enugu State, you have waited for four years, with another four years remaining. But any other candidate apart from Mbah does not guarantee Enugu West’s turn by 2031. Besides, currently on the stage, we have someone with integrity and performance. Even among his colleague governors, he is highly rated. And he is ready to continue to perform,” Nnamani added.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, an obviously elated Governor Mbah commended the people for always standing up for truth and justice like their forebears.
“This rally is of epic proportions. Nothing prepared me for this. You have also become standard bearers for equity, justice, fairness, and unity. You are also showing that you are not lightheaded; that you are strategic,” he stated.
Mbah went on to enumerate his and Tinubu’s projects, programmes, and policies that were turning the fortunes of the people for good.
On Tinubu, he said, “You have shown that you cannot stand on the margins in recognising the programmes, the policies, and the projects that Mr. President has brought to us here in Enugu.
“By this endorsement, you are recognising the positive results of Mr. President’s efforts in the stabilisation of our macro indicators, making sure that our foreign exchange is stabilised; that our inflation rate is trending downwards; that our foreign reserves are growing above the $50 billion mark, and that the states now have enough money to execute massive projects. The local governments in Enugu State are also executing numerous projects that I am being invited almost on a weekly basis to come and commission,” he stated.
He pledged to continue to justify the confidence reposed in him by the people, also assuring them that President Tinubu would not let them down.
Meanwhile, the motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by the House Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, Hon. Sunday Umeha, and seconded by the Executive Director (Projects), South East Development Commission, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, while that of Mbah was moved by the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and seconded by the Member representing Aninri State Constituency, Hon. Magnus Ede.
Others who spoke to throw their support behind the respective constituencies were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh; Chairman, Enugu West Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Godwin Madu; elder statesman, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu; former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; former Minister of Aviation, Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; Chairman, Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike; CEO of COMAG Construction Company Limited, Chief Cosmas Agu; Chairman of the organising committee, Dr. Charles Egumgbe; former Senator, Ben Collins Ndu; Board member of SEDC, Chief Ugo Agballa, as well as the Chairman of Awgu LGA, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, who spoke on behalf of the chairmen of Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Udi, and Oji River LGAs, which constitute Enugu West Zone.
Also joined as contemnor is the Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr Unaogu Ngozika.
The duo are said to have disobeyed an order of court which ordered the immediate reinstatement of Prof Monday Igwe as the Medical Director.
A judgement of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, had nullified the appointment of Dr. Unaogu as the Medical Director of the Hospital and ordered the reinstatement of Prof. Monday Igwe as the Medical Director following the declaration that the earlier termination of his appointment is null and void.
Recall that Justice E. D. Subilim of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, had on 11th December 2025, delivered a judgment in which he ordered the reinstatement of Prof. Monday Igwe to office as the Medical Director after he declared the earlier termination of his appointment as null and void and also nullified the later appointment of Dr. Unaogu Ngozi.
The court found that the termination of Prof. Monday Igwe’s appointment did not follow laid down disciplinary procedure.
It also held that the appointment of Dr. Unaogu Ngozi during the pendency of the suit in which she was a party rendered it a nullity.
However, several months after the judgement was served on the Defendants, they have refused to comply with the judgment orders.
Lawyer to the plaintiff, Mr. Michael O. Okorie, Esq, had told the court that Ngozi Unaogu “has continued to perform the functions of office, including awarding contracts, bank transactions, staff appointments and other official functions despite her appointment having been declared a nullity with the legal effect that contractors and bankers dealing with her are doing such at their own peril, especially as the said judgment has not been stayed by any order for stay of execution.”
Okorie has consequently filed and served Form 48-Notice of consequence of disobedience of court orders-against the Minister of state, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Unaogu, the Medical Director.
According to the lawyer, “the Minister of State is the supervising minister who issues/conveys/signs appointment letters to the Medical Director of the Hospital on behalf of the President.
“It is time for the Minister of State to reassess his legal team at the Ministry so that they do not end up misleading him into running foul of the law which he has sworn to protect as public servant.”
Meanwhile, court documents obtained by our correspondent show that the contempt proceeding was initiated pursuant to Order IX, Rule 13(1-3) of the Judgment (Enforcement) Rules, Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2004, Order 63 of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (Civil Procedure).
“TAKE NOTICE that unless you obey the directions contained the order of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division delivered on the 11th December, 2025 which declared null and void the termination of appointment of the Applicant, Prof. Monday Igwe, nullified the appointment of DR. UNAOGU NGOZICHUKWU NNEKA as the MEDICAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE, and ordered the re-instatement of Prof. Monday Igwe as the Medical Director of the FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE, and also, ordered the payment of the arrears of salary to Prof. Monday Igwe, you will be guilty of contempt of Court and will be liable to be committed to prison. A copy of the said order of court earlier served on you is hereby annexed for your on-the-spot reference.
“This Court has been informed that as at today, Tuesday, 14th April, 2026 that DR. UNAOGU NGOZICHUKWU NNEKA has continued to perform functions of the office of the MEDICAL DIRECTOR, FEDERAL NEUROPSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL, ENUGU, ENUGU STATE while Prof. Monday Igwe has not been reinstated to office in utter disregards to the subsisting orders of this Honourable Court which execution has not been stayed,” the court notice already served on the alleged contemnors read.
Dr Unaogu and her lawyers could not be reached by The Advocate at the weekend to ascertain why she has not vacated the office of the Medical Director as ordered by the Industrial court in Abuja.
which ordered her to vacate the Medical Director of the hospital has not been
By LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU
Brig.-Gen. Uche Nnabuihe has raised concern over low enlistment from the South-East, revealing Anambra recorded only 117 applications out of 38,000 nationwide.
Nnabuihe led an Army delegation to sensitise youths in Awka, noting the figure was recorded on April 7, before a nationwide awareness campaign began.
He said the exercise aimed to encourage more youths from Anambra and the South-East to join the 91 Regular Recruits Intake before the May 27 deadline.
“We observed with concern that out of 38,000 applications received nationwide, only 117 came from Anambra as of April 7.
“This sensitisation is to correct that imbalance and encourage our youths to take advantage of opportunities in the Nigerian Army,” he said.
Nnabuihe urged eligible youths to apply, noting the Army offers a structured career path and opportunities for national service.
Lt.-Col. Ogbemudia Osawe said training infrastructure had expanded, with new institutions in Abakaliki and Osogbo to accommodate incoming recruits.
Osawe listed benefits, including career progression, regular pay, continuous military education, specialised training, and exposure to diverse cultures.
He added personnel enjoy welfare packages, free medical care for families, pensions, gratuities, and opportunities for international assignments.
Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Youths, Ifeatu Emodi, commended the initiative, describing military enlistment as crucial for South-East youths.
Emodi said declining interest among youths stemmed from misconceptions and misinformation about the Army.
Traditional ruler, Igwe Michael Okeke-Uche of Enugwu-Agidi, praised the Army’s welfare structure and urged youths to enlist for better regional representation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the sensitisation held at the Ministry of Youths in Awka, attracting a cross-section of young people. (NAN)
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