The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a thorough investigation into the death of Nnaji Izuchukwu, who sustained gunshot injuries during a police operation at Bull Hotel, Asata, Enugu.

The directive followed an intelligence-led raid by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), during which 10 suspects were arrested.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, 2026, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the commissioner had directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department (SID) to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation is expected to determine whether the operation, particularly the use of firearms, complied with established police operational standards and applicable laws.

According to the police, the operation was carried out based on what the command described as credible intelligence concerning criminal activities at the hotel.

The statement identified one of the suspects as Nworie Chidera Kelvin, popularly known as “Akidi,” whom the police alleged was a notorious drug dealer and member of the Vikings Confraternity.

The command further alleged that Akidi had been linked to several cases involving unlawful possession of firearms and cult-related activities, including a case in which he was reportedly charged in absentia. He was also suspected of keeping firearms and other criminal items for the gang.

The police said the operation resulted in the arrest of Akidi and nine other suspects, both male and female, aged between 17 and 28.

Items allegedly recovered from the scene included quantities of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis, popularly known as “loud,” a weighing scale suspected to have been used for measuring illicit drugs, and ₦43,400 in various denominations.

The statement said that during the operation, Izuchukwu and another suspect allegedly jumped through a window in an attempt to escape.

It added that an operative pursuing the two men was reportedly confronted by them, with both suspects allegedly attempting to disarm the officer.

The ensuing struggle allegedly led to the officer’s firearm discharging, hitting Izuchukwu and leaving him with gunshot injuries, while the other suspect escaped.

Izuchukwu was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead. His remains have been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, according to the police.

Reacting to the incident, CP Giwa appealed to the deceased’s family, associates and other concerned persons to remain calm, assuring them that the investigation would establish the facts surrounding his death.

He also pledged that any police officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, ethical conduct and strict compliance with operational procedures, stressing that established rules governing the use of firearms must be observed during police operations.

French President Emmanuel Macron has postponed his planned state visit to Nigeria until early 2027 following an agreement with President Bola Tinubu.

The visit, initially scheduled for October 29 to November 6, 2026, was deferred by both leaders, according to information on the trip obtained by Nairametrics.

A French presidential source also confirmed on Friday that Macron had postponed his planned visits to Nigeria and Senegal.

The source did not explicitly state the reasons for the postponement but described the trip as involving a “diplomatic and cooperation agenda”.

The specific reasons for the change in schedule have not been officially disclosed, while new dates for the visit are yet to be announced.

Macron’s visit was expected to strengthen bilateral relations between France and Nigeria, with discussions anticipated to focus on trade, investment, economic cooperation and other areas of mutual interest.

The postponement comes amid unrest in France, where demonstrations reportedly triggered by staff shortages and poor facilities in schools have spread across the country. The protests have also drawn attention to concerns over the rising cost of living.

However, the French presidential source did not explicitly link the unrest to the decision to postpone the visits.

Macron’s planned trip would have followed Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France in November 2024, during which the two leaders discussed finance, energy transition, solid minerals, trade, investment and communications.

At the time, presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu’s visit was aimed at “strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership”.

Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has visited France several times for official engagements, working visits and private trips.

Macron, whose second and final presidential term is due to end in May 2027, has maintained diplomatic relations with Tinubu since the Nigerian leader took office.

The rescheduled visit is expected to provide another opportunity for both countries to deepen cooperation, although the new dates and agenda remain unconfirmed.

The Minister of Works, Chief David Nweze Umahi, has urged Nigerian journalists to promote democracy and maintain impartiality by avoiding bias towards political parties or candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Umahi, a former Governor of Ebonyi State, gave the charge on Thursday evening while delivering a lecture at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu Correspondents’ Chapel Press Week.

The event was themed, “Strengthening Democracy Through Responsible Journalism: 2027 Polls in Focus.”

Represented by his media aide, Emmanuel Uzor, the minister said journalists should not take sides in the political process or determine which candidate has the best manifesto.

He noted that as the watchdog of society and the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the media must discharge their constitutional responsibilities impartially, without favouring one political party or candidate over others.

While acknowledging the media’s critical role in holding leaders accountable, Umahi cautioned against partisan reporting and urged journalists to remain objective in their coverage of political activities.

“Journalists should not take sides. 2027 is here, and every party and all the candidates are presenting their manifestos. It is not your duty to say that this candidate or that candidate is better,” he said.

He maintained that the media had a responsibility to bridge the gap between leaders and the people, stressing that democracy thrives when journalists discharge their duties professionally.

Umahi, however, observed that journalists often face hostility when they hold those in authority accountable, adding that they are more readily accepted when they engage in praise-singing.

He warned journalists against abandoning their professional responsibilities, urging them to continue serving as a link between the government and the governed.

“You should fill in the gap between the leaders and the led,” he said.

Olukoyede Tasks Media on Anti-Corruption Fight

In his keynote address, titled “The Role of Media and Other Critical Stakeholders in Sustaining the Fight Against Corruption,” the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, underscored the importance of the media in combating corruption and financial crimes.

Olukoyede, who was represented by the EFCC’s South Zonal Director, Mr Daniel Isei, said the media had continued to play a critical role in promoting good governance and building a better society.

He urged journalists to sustain their efforts in holding public officials and institutions accountable.

According to him, the Nigerian media deserve commendation for their contributions to sanitising society and promoting accountability.

“The media in Nigeria deserve their flowers for the critical roles they play in ensuring good governance and a better society.

“You have been playing your watchdog role, and that is holding the people and institutions accountable,” he said.

The EFCC chairman noted that the importance of the media’s watchdog function was recognised by the framers of the Nigerian Constitution, who assigned the press the responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people.

However, he cautioned journalists against losing focus or allowing cynicism to undermine their anti-corruption reporting.

“In fighting corruption, the media should not amplify public cynicism of the facts,” he warned.

Ani Emphasises Fact-Checking

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Anthony Ani, SAN, also acknowledged the media’s significant role in society.

Ani urged journalists to verify information thoroughly before publishing or disseminating it to the public, stressing the importance of accuracy and responsible reporting in strengthening democracy.