The Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, has called on Ndigbo and Nigerians to support the presidential ambition of Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Rev. Obimma made the call on Monday during an interview with newsmen shortly after distributing bags of rice to more than 300 elderly persons in Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of the State.

He said that he was convinced spiritually and otherwise that Obi possesses the qualities required to provide effective leadership for Nigeria, describing the former governor of the state as a source of hope for the Igbo people and a leader capable of moving the country forward.

The cleric said he was convinced that Obi possesses the qualities required to provide effective leadership for Nigeria, describing the former governor of Anambra state as a source of hope for the Igbo people and a leader capable of moving the country forward.

He noted that Ndigbo do not need further persuasion to rally behind Obi because of the widespread acceptance he enjoys both within and outside the country.

“As the election approaches, Igbos do not need to be told to support Peter Obi. He is the hope of every average Igbo man.

“I do not think Ndigbo will, in years to come, get a man who has attracted such broad national and international acceptance as Peter Obi,” he said.

The cleric urged governors in the South-East geopolitical zone to support the vision of producing a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction, pointing out that the region had long sought justice, equity and inclusion in the nation’s affairs.

Father Ebube Muonso also paid glowing tributes to late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu and other figures who championed the Igbo cause of peace, unity and progress as well as development.

“Their sacrifices were aimed at addressing perceived injustice, insecurity and marginalisation,” he said.

The cleric lamented what he described as persistent divisions among Igbo people.

Obimma attributed some of the challenges facing the region to internal disunity and lack of collective support.

He called on Ndigbo to embrace love and unity, the two virtues he said would help sustain the people after the Nigerian civil war.

“The seed of Christianity is love, and that virtue is what we need today, especially among the Igbo people. The earlier we learn to support one another and work together for our common interest, the better for us,” he said.

Rev. Obimma expressed optimism about Obi’s chances and potential performance in office.

“My spirit tells me Peter Obi will do well and that he is the vessel needed to move the Federal Republic of Nigeria forward,” he added. (Nigerian Tribune)

The five police operatives detained in connection with the alleged shooting to death of Delta-born musician and delivery worker, Oghenemine Ogidi, 28, were on Monday arraigned before a state High Court 5, sitting in Asaba.

‎The case, filed under Suit No. THC/ASB/CR/M/66C/2026, came before Justice Marshal Onome Umukoro.

‎The defendants include ASP Usman Nuhu (42), ASP Onoloko Dauroupamo (47), ASP Okoh Kelechi (46), Inspector Goodluck Kingsley (42), and Inspector Omonigho Ahweyevu (41).

‎The officers were ordered to be remanded at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre, pending further proceedings in the matter.

‎The court adjourned the case to June 15 for fresh arraignment, following a request for legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

‎Newsmen were, however, barred from entering the courtroom during the arraignment.

‎Speaking with newsmen after the adjournment, human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, described the appearance of the officers in court as “a positive step towards justice”.

Gwamnishu‎ said the court ordered that the suspects remain in custody, pending legal advice from the DPP.

‎“Today, they finally produced the officers in court, including the principal suspect and others.

“The judge ordered that they remain in custody while the DPP reviews the case,” he said.

‎Gwamnishu expressed the hope that the legal processes would move quickly to enable the full trial to commence.

According to him, the family has alleged that it had not been shown the autopsy report or formally briefed on investigations.

He also claimed that there were attempts to restrict public observation of the proceedings.

‎Gwamnishu further disclosed that future hearings may be conducted virtually, with the suspects appearing from the correctional facility, while proceedings would be “followed remotely” in court.

‎Also speaking, the deceased’s cousin, Alex Emuobor, said the family was not adequately informed about the court sitting and only got details through unofficial sources.

Emuobor‎ said: ‎“We were advised to contact the Commissioner of Police, but later got information from activists that the case would be heard today.

“We rushed down to Asaba immediately.”

He further said the family arrived at the court after proceedings had ended, leaving them frustrated.

‎He appealed to the state Ministry of Justice and other relevant authorities to ensure timely communication with the family on the matter, going forward.

‎“Our only request is to be carried along. We want to know what is happening in the case of our late brother,” he said.

‎Similarly, the elder brother to the deceased, Victory Ogidi, also complained about lack of communication from the authorities handling the case.

‎He said the family had been relying on social media and third-party information, instead of official updates.

‎“We lost our brother, and we should not be relying on social media to know what is happening in a case that concerns us directly,” he said.

‎Victory urged the state Attorney-General, Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police to ensure transparency and regular updates to the family.

He said that the family was not asking for special treatment, but only to be properly briefed and involved in the process.

Meanwhile, Justice Umukoro subsequently adjourned the matter to June 15, 2026, for an update on the DPP’s legal advice and further proceedings.

Reports from the court said  journalists were denied access to the courtroom during the hearing and no reason was officially given for the restriction.

One of the police officers stationed at the court gate told reporters that the restriction was based on instructions from higher authorities.

“That is the instruction we were given. No journalist should come in over this case,” the officer said.

The case stems from the April 26, 2026, fatal shooting of Oghenemine Ogidi, an aspiring Warri-based musician, at Effurun Motor Park in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident sparked widespread outrage after a viral video allegedly showed ASP Nuhu Usman shooting the victim at close range with an AK-47 rifle.

According to reports, Ogidi was apprehended by motor park officials after a parcel sent to him from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, was allegedly found to contain a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.

Two other suspects believed to be linked to the firearm shipment — the alleged sender and the transport driver involved in the delivery — were not brought to court during Monday’s proceedings.

The killing has continued to attract public attention, with family members, civil society organisations and human rights groups demanding justice and accountability.

One of the lawyers monitoring the case, Austin Nyekigbe, said the outcome of the trial would have significant implications for efforts to combat police brutality and impunity.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. This trial and its outcome have strong implications for the fight to end police brutality and impunity,” he said.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers, has directed all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite strike beginning from today Monday, June 1, 2026, over the continued captivity of abducted teachers and pupils in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

The directive comes amidst growing concerns over the safety of teachers and students after 46 pupils and their teachers were abducted by suspected terrorists in the Ahoro-Esinele and Yawota communities.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Wing of the union, Hassan Fatai, and the Secretary, Salami Olukayode, the NUT said the continued detention of the victims has created fear and anxiety among teachers, discouraged school attendance, and heightened tension across affected communities.

The union noted that the industrial action is intended to draw the attention of government authorities and security agencies to the urgent need to intensify efforts toward securing the safe release of the abducted teachers and pupils.

It directed all teachers in public primary and secondary schools across the state to comply fully with the strike action and remain at home pending further directives.

PROMISES DELIVERED