The Naira continued to struggle in the foreign exchange market as the black market exchange rate showed persistent pressure on Nigeria’s local currency.
As of today, Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, the exchange rate for the United States Dollar to the Naira in the black market remains volatile, reflecting strong demand for dollars against limited supply.
Foreign exchange traders and currency dealers in Lagos and other major cities in Nigeria are reporting the following rates:
Currency
Buying Rate (₦)
Selling Rate (₦)
Dollar to Naira
1,615
1,625
These rates indicate continued depreciation of the Naira in the unofficial market, with traders noting sustained pressure due to high demand from importers, students, and individuals planning foreign trips.
How Much Is Dollar to Naira Today in Black Market?
The question “how much is dollar to naira today in black market” remains one of the most searched queries by Nigerians, reflecting the importance of the parallel market for many individuals and businesses.
As of Tuesday, May 27, 2025, the black marketbuying rate is ₦1,615 per dollar, while the selling rate stands at ₦1,625. These rates can vary slightly depending on location and volume of transaction, but the spread remains within this range across major trading hubs.
Nigerians continue to rely heavily on the black market for their foreign exchange needs, especially due to limited access to official rates from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
… demands immediate, unconditional release of Darlington Ihekwere, Bethel Iwuoha detained over alleged kidnapping
An NGO, Ónúrūbé, has called for a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reinforcing the limits of Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, and penalizing the misuse of police-community affiliations.
Ónúrúbé is a gender-based violence coalition of state and non-state actors in the five South East States of Abia, Anambra, Eboyi, Enugu and Imo, focusing on prevention, justice delivery, rehabilitation and empowerment for vulnerable and marginalized persons, while PCRC is a community policing-based organization established by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in 1984 to foster a partnership between the Police and the community; with a view to enhancing efficient and effective policing of communities in Nigeria.
The NGO also demanded immediate prosecution of one Mr. Donatus Ihekwere, said to be a member of PCRC in Imo State, for all alleged acts of violence, fraudulent claims and harmful traditional practices, just as it called for disciplinary action against any officer found to have colluded with suspects to suppress legitimate petitions.
In a press statement titled “ARBITRARY ARREST, UNLAWFUL DETENTION, AND ABUSE OF POLICE POWER AGAINST THE IHEKWERE FAMILY IN IMO STATE — A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY” and signed by the Convener, ÓÑÚRÚBÉ Initiative, Marjorie Ezihe and Barr. Obisike F.N, the group called for public inquiry into the abuse of police authority in this matter, including the roles of one Mr. Isaiah Kamantan and the officers of the Tiger Base Unit of the Imo State Police Command, and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Darlington Ihekwere and Mr. Bethel Iwuoha, both of whom were arrested and detained over alleged kidnapping.
According to Ónúrūbé, on Friday, 16th May 2025, it received a distress call from one Mrs. Chinaemere Ihekwere; reporting that her husband, Mr. Darlington Ihekwere, had gone missing after honoring a police invitation by the Political Unit of the Imo State Police Command in company of a Youth Leader, Mr. Bethel Iwuoha.
The NGO explained that the invitation stemmed from an earlier petition it submitted on behalf of Mrs. Apolonia Ihekwere – “a widow suffering violent persecution and dispossession at the hands of her late husband’s nephew, Mr. Donatus Ihekwere.”
“To our shock, we discovered that Darlington and Bethel were not only arrested without prior notice or warrant, but also transferred to the Anti-Kidnap Unit, widely known as “Tiger Base,” under the pretense of being suspects in a kidnapping case. The so-called victim? None other than Mr. Donatus Ihekwere himself – the individual indicted in our petition for criminal intimidation, land grabbing, and harmful traditional practices.”
Further inquiries, according to the group, revealed that the arrest was orchestrated not by investigative necessity, but allegedly on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police, conveyed through his personal assistant, Mr. Isaiah Kamantan, adding that “This deliberate misuse of police resources to subvert a pending petition and criminalize the complainants demonstrates the height of impunity.”
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL BREACHES:
According to Ónúrūbé, these actions are in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), pointing out that “Section 35(1) guarantees every citizen the right to personal liberty and provides that no one shall be deprived thereof except in accordance with a procedure permitted by law, Section 36(5) presumes every person innocent until proven guilty, while Section 34(1)(a) protects the dignity of every person and prohibits torture or inhuman treatment.”
In addition, the group noted that “the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, applicable in Imo State, criminalizes harmful widowhood practices and violence against women under Sections 11 and 23 respectively, adding that “The Police Act, 2020 under Section 13(1)(b) mandates that the police must respect and protect human rights in all interactions, while Section 66 prohibits the use of police personnel for civil disputes or personal vendettas.”
A PATTERN OF TARGETED HARASSMENT AND EXPLOITATION:
Ónúrūbé explained that the case at hand is not an isolated one, saying that its records show a consistent pattern of harassment.
“On March 10th, 2025, Mrs. Apolonia and her son were falsely arrested on kidnapping allegations, detained without charge, and forced to pay over ₦85,000 and later ₦65,000 for their release. Subsequently, a further ₦1,000,000 was demanded, of which ₦350,000 was paid under the assumption of bail at the Anti-Vice Unit. Instead of release, the victims were transferred to the Anti-Kidnap Unit and further detained.”
The systemic abuse, it said, was only interrupted after national human rights actors intervened, leading to the release of Apolonia and her son on April 10th, adding that since then, the duo have dutifully responded to police invitations.
“Yet, despite full cooperation, they have been told to settle the issue “amongst themselves,” with no meaningful pursuit of justice by the police.”
The group said it has credible reports that Mr. Donatus Ihekwere is a member of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and a known police informant in the region, and “has allegedly used his affiliations to weaponize law enforcement against perceived opponents, exploit vulnerable families, and obstruct justice.”
ALLEGED KIDNAP – A DUBIOUS NARRATIVE:
Ónúrūbé categorically refuted the claim of kidnapping, saying that “On March 7th, 2025, Mr. Donatus Ihekwere was involved in a physical assault against Mrs. Apolonia” after which he was temporarily held at Ebubeagu facility to prevent further harm; following the intervention of the local security outfit, noting that his subsequent release three days later was confirmed by both community witnesses and the DPO of Mbieri Police Division.
This, according to Ónúrūbé, has now been weaponized as a fabricated basis for a kidnapping claim, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, reason the group unequivocally condemned “these acts of arbitrary arrest, unlawful detention, extortion, and collusion with alleged perpetrators of violence.”
CONCLUSION:
The group noted that justice is not a privilege for the powerful, but a right for all, especially the vulnerable, saying that “Nigeria cannot claim to be a democratic state governed by law if law enforcement agencies are allowed to descend into private militias for the highest bidder.”
It called on the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigeria Bar Association, the IGP, and all relevant oversight institutions to take urgent action, recalling Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s warning that “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
When contacted, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, promised to respond to the allegations; but hasn’t done so after days.
Asked to react to issues raised against him on phone, Mr. Donatus Ihekwere insisted on having physical meeting with our Correspondent, and further threatened legal action if the report against him is published.
Renowned Nigerian political economist and management expert, Professor Pat Utomi, has revealed the identities of members of the recently reconstituted Shadow Government, a civic initiative aimed at improving governance through policy critique and alternative solutions.
Speaking from the United States in an interview with the sun, Utomi expressed surprise at the Department of State Services (DSS) move to challenge the initiative in court. He said he has not been officially served any court documents, questioning the timing and rationale behind the DSS’s action.
Like I said, I have not received anything. But they are slow in acting. First, I formed this government in 2008. Why are they waking up today?” Utomi stated.
He explained that the idea of a Shadow Government was first conceived after the 2007 general elections as a means to deepen democracy and generate rational public discourse on national policies.
I suggested the idea of Shadow Government after the 2007 election as a way of deepening our democracy in helping to generate rational public conversation in matters of policy that government is pursuing,” he said. “Helping raise the voice of citizens relative to those policy choices and the offering of alternatives.”
Utomi noted that while the concept briefly gained traction among opposition leaders after the 2011 elections, including figures like Chief Olu Falae, it was never fully operational until recently, when rising dissatisfaction with governance, poverty, and lack of accountability reignited interest in the initiative.
He disclosed that some early members included Dr. Leke Pitan as the shadow health expert and Dr. Jerome Okolo, who still serves in the area of power. “There is no big deal about it beyond getting people to become more focused on different parts of activities of government so that they will have expertise on those particular government activities,” Utomi clarified. “This new excitement is strange to me. It is a testament about the deterioration of our democratic ethos in the country.”
The current shadow cabinet, according to Utomi, includes individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise. Among them are Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer heading the Ombudsman and Good Governance section, as well as Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Halima Ahmed, Daniel Ikuonobe, Obi Ajuga, and David Okonkwo.
Others include Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr. Jerome Okolo, Dr. Leke Pitan, and Dr. Victor Tubo—each responsible for sectors such as education, economy, health, national security, and youth development.
Utomi emphasized that the Shadow Government will regularly convene to review federal policies, propose better alternatives, and educate the public on key national issues.
He said the initiative seeks to steer national discussions “away from empty loyalty and towards solutions backed by facts and research.”
Security forces in Anambra State have intensified their offensive against criminal elements with a successful raid on a notorious camp in Isseke, Ihiala Local Government Area, leading to the destruction of a local bomb factory and the recovery and demobilization of several improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The joint operation, which took place on May 24, 2025, involved personnel from the Nigerian Police, the Military, and the Anambra State Vigilante Group.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the raid targeted one of the last strongholds of a secessionist group in the state.
This criminal camp, which had been impregnable for over two years, served as a base from which hoodlums launched violent attacks across the state,” SP Ikenga said.
During the operation, security operatives successfully destroyed a bomb-making facility and neutralized multiple locally fabricated IEDs. However, one of the devices, which had been buried around the camp, detonated during the operation, causing significant damage to a nearby road.
The IED acted as a shield to prevent the Joint Forces from accessing the facility,” the statement explained. “Fortunately, no lives were lost during the offensive.”
SP Ikenga emphasized that the joint forces have sustained their operational dominance in the area and are committed to fully reclaiming and securing the region from criminal elements.
“The security forces have sustained the operational security dominance and advancement aimed at fully reclaiming the area from the criminals,” the statement added.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to rooting out criminal hideouts and restoring peace and stability across the state.
Recently I read a public letter titled “Too Little, Too Late” by General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (GCON), former Chief of Army Staff and Defence Minister. It was meant to be a warning; a lamentation over the rise of fascism and insecurity in Nigeria. But as I read, I could only weep. Not just for what was said, but for how long it took to be said.
When Regret Replaces Responsibility
In recent days, three prominent generals have made striking admissions which are at the epicenter of Nigerian problems. General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, lamented: “If I knew what I know now, I wouldn’t have led the Nigerian Army to war against Biafra.” At a book launch in Abuja, General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, added; “The January 15, 1966 coup was not, and should not be tagged as an Igbo coup.” And most recently, an epistle of “Too Little, Too Late” by General Danjuma.
These confessions reecho the buried truths; truths many knew but few dared to speak, and that truth is that the war against Biafra was not just a political miscalculation, but a moral failure; that it was steeped in ethnic bias, misinformation, and blind loyalty to a power structure that continues to consume its own. Now, decades later, as their homelands burn, the voices of regret and lamentations have grown louder. But are they enough?
A General’s Parable and a Nation’s Rot
General Danjuma likened Nigeria’s current plight to Europe’s experience under Hitler, invoking the phrase “too little, too late” used by the historian Allan Nevins to describe the world’s delayed response to Nazi aggression. Danjuma used the allegory to inform that those who should act against the Fulani invaders have kept quiet and it appears to have become very late. Danjuma warns that Nigeria now faces its own brand of fascism, what he calls “Islamofascism.” He notes that these forces began by breaking beer bottles and shutting down hotels. Now, they are shutting down schools.
However, the bizarre sanctimony cites incidents in Ondo and Akoko, referencing kidnappings and killings, especially in the South-west and Southeast regions of the country, glossing over the bloodbath in his own region, the Middle Belt. According to Danjuma: “Few weeks ago the Afenifere Youth leader was captured on his way to Abuja around Akoko, one of the most dangerous spots and staging post of bandits and kidnappers. He wasn’t released until his wife paid N17 million naira”. He also added that a “few days ago the same bandits or herdsmen went to a community farm in Ondo State and killed 20 persons. The video was shown to all”. Danjuma further brushed the Yoruba, saying “That is the modern Yoruba: no balls, no action, empty and loud- mouthed, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. They are waiting for their traditional rulers……..” The statesman appeared to have displayed empathy to the South East, stating that he was touched by the video showing the “herdsmen harvesting cassava in a Southeastern region to feed to their cows”.
Plateau: The Forgotten Battlefield
In Plateau State, the homeland of General Danjuma and many military elites, the attacks have been relentless and devastating. For instance, on April 10, 2022, Fulani herdsmen attacked nine villages in Kanam and Wase LGAs, killing over 150 and kidnapping more than 70. Homes were burned. Victims were buried in mass graves. In December 23–25, 2023, at least 200 people were slaughtered across Bokkos and Barkin Ladi in Christmas week attacks. Yet on May 13, 2025, 51 lives were lost in coordinated attacks on Zike and Kimakpa communities in Bassa LGA, just few kilometres away from the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army. It will take over 500 pages to narrate the Middle Belt experience with the herdsmen. These tragedies are not isolated. They are part of a pattern. Yet, the region most saturated with Nigeria’s top military brass has remained largely silent.
The Frankenstein’s Curse
General Danjuma, in a rare moment of candour, said “A monster is not stopped by persuasion, pleading or reason. Or even the appeal to law. He is stopped only by what he believes in, force.” But who is better to wield that force than the very men who once commanded armies? Who is better to rally the nation than the Generals whose voices once moved mountains?
This is the home of Generals Yakubu Gowon, Theophilus Danjuma, Dan Suleiman, Domkat Bali, Joseph Garba, Jeremiah Useni, Joshua Dogonyaro, John Shagaya, Jonathan Temlong, Musa Gambo, Yakubu Rimdam, Ishaku Pennap, Jonah D. Wuyep, Bernard Banfa, David Mark and many others. The above Military Generals, even before some of them died, were watching in silence while their sons and daughters were being slaughtered and their ancestral homes turned into mass graves. Too little, too late.
Importantly, most of the above retired Generals gained their promotions and reputations through their sheer brutality against the Igbo; a war that is now being publicly admitted as unjust and misinformed; a war that their leader, Yakubu Gowon has admitted that, if he knew what he knows now, he wouldn’t have led the war. In other words, he fought in ignorance.
Gowon fought on many levels of ignorance: first, he failed to recognize the socio-cultural asymmetry of the North. Second, like a wannabe or a social climber, he was made to believe that he was an insider. Third, he was indeed assured a permanent place in the innermost core of the concentric circle of power. Fourth, his Christianity or Infidel status was merely tolerated so long as he was doing the other’s biddings. Fifth, in his simplicity or naiveté, he was made to believe that his people will be integrated in the pie. Sixth, he began the revolution without convictions by proclaiming “Araba”, believing in “One North” against the others. Seventh, he later fought for One Nigeria believing that “truth and justice would reign”, and “where no man is oppressed”. Eighth, and perhaps, the worst for any army general, is that Gowon, Danjuma and brothers ignorantly fought for the outsider’s or the oppressor’s motivations: in other words, they fought someone else’s war, thinking it was their own. Now, the oppressor is at his doorstep. And there is no shield.
This is what we call the Frankenstein Lamentation: when a man laments that the monster he created has devoured him. Just like Dr. Frankenstein in Mary Shelley’s classic, many of our leaders are discovering too late that the fires they lit have turned on them; and on all of us.
Truth without Action Is Still a Lie
The saying that truth is like gold, which even when buried for centuries, becomes more precious when dug up, is trite and instructive here. However, the impurity in the gold remains unless that gold is purified and the wisdom in this is that truth, without action, changes nothing. It remains decorative. It gathers dust.
The regretful reflections of our aging statesmen may provide momentary catharsis, but they are not enough. Not when communities in the Middle-Belt are vanishing. Not when the killers are growing bolder by the day. Not when Nigeria bleeds with every passing night and when the Igbo are alienated from all structures of power on account of what the ethnic chauvinists and messengers of disunity call the Igbo coup.
The time for lamentation has passed. What the nation needs now is moral courage; a leadership that goes beyond open letters and media interviews; a leadership that protects the living and honours the dead, not with flowery words, but with decisive action.
The Middle Belt irredentism speaks to the redemption of the zone from social wreckage, political servitude, cultural disarticulation, mass impoverishments, and what Danjuma calls Islamofascism.
Let the Generals return to the field, not with guns, perhaps, but with conscience, strategy, and solidarity. Let them redeem their legacies before the final curtain falls. Because if they do nothing; it will not just be a case of “too little, too late,” it will be “never enough, never again.”
Enugu State has taken a bold and historic step toward inclusive education and workforce development by officially launching the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) rollout for zero-interest student loans for tertiary education and being selected as the pilot state for the federal government’s ₦1 Billion Skills Acquisition Loan Programme.
The two-day strategic engagement spearheaded by Hon. Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser to the Governor on MSMEs and Digital Economy and Director-General of the Enugu SME Center, with support from Dr. Chinyere Onyishi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation (representing the Honourable Commissioner for Education) and NELFUND, a key initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Programme brought together key education stakeholders, government officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives to align on policy, infrastructure, and implementation.
Day 1: Strategic Alignment for Zero-Interest Student Loans
Day 1 was anchored around the full rollout of NELFUND’s zero-interest loan programme for tertiary students, which covers tuition fees and offers an optional ₦20,000 monthly upkeep allowance for up to 12 months. The digital application process requires JAMB verification, NIN, and institutional confirmation. Funds are disbursed directly to institutions.
Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/CEO of NELFUND, led a high-level session with Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Registrars, and Deans of Student Affairs across Enugu State, emphasizing the urgent need for institutional participation to ensure students can access the funding without delay.
Breakout Sessions focused on:
Institutional portal integration and data validation
Fraud prevention through system controls
Compliance workflows for real-time verification
Simultaneously, Executive Director of Operations Mr. Mustapha Iyal held technical sessions with ICT Directors and MIS officers, aligning on backend data structures, feedback mechanisms, and automation to streamline disbursement.
Despite Enugu’s strong education credentials, the state currently ranks 33rd of 36 in NELFUND application uptake. The Day 1 engagement served to reposition Enugu for immediate progress and deeper participation.
Traditional rulers, local government chairpersons, and education leaders engaged in an interactive Q&A session—raising concerns on application delays, age limitations, feedback gaps, and part-time student eligibility. NELFUND assured participants of improvements including dashboard alerts, USSD rollout, and institutional dashboards.
Day 2: Enugu’s Skills Infrastructure and ₦1 Billion Pilot Programme
Day 2 spotlighted Enugu’s readiness to implement the newly introduced ₦1 Billion Skills Acquisition Loan Program, a federal intervention designed to fund non-academic learning pathways in high-demand sectors such as fashion, tech, renewable energy, animation, digital services, and skilled trades– which aligns with the Enugu State Human Capital Development Loan Programme
To demonstrate operational readiness, the NELFUND delegation—led by Mr. Mustapha Iyal—visited three key facilities across the state
Enugu Fashion and Garment Hub
This cutting-edge co-working and production space offers tailored support for fashion entrepreneurs and trainees. With industrial-grade equipment, classrooms, and commercial production capacity, the hub will serve as a flagship site for fashion-related disbursements under the Skills Loan Programme.
Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu
The team toured the newly revamped GTC, a technical education hub now fully equipped for trades like welding, mechanical work, electrical installation, and construction. The tour was led by Dr. Amaka Ngene, Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Boardv(STVSMB), Enugu State, who showcased the modernized workshops and emphasized the role of GTC in training artisans aligned with the federal skills agenda
Digital Skills Enhancement Zone (D-SEZ) at ESCET
At the Enugu State College of Education (Technical), the delegation visited the D-SEZ—a smart, tech-enabled training facility focused on digital literacy, software engineering, design, and online entrepreneurship. The D-SEZ is part of Enugu’s broader strategy to train 50,000 youths annually in digital economy-aligned skills.
These tours highlighted Enugu’s unique infrastructure advantage and validated its capacity to serve as the national testbed for the Skills Loan rollout
Outcomes and Next Steps
At the conclusion of the two-day engagement, the following next steps were agreed:
Full integration of NELFUND into all tertiary institution application and student finance portals
Establishment of a NELFUND support WhatsApp group for institutional liaisons
Technical alignment with private universities, ICT academies, and vocational centers
Formalization of Enugu as the location for the NELFUND South-East Zonal Office
Goodwill messages from the Vice Chancellor of ESUT, the Rector of IMT, the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, and other key stakeholders reinforced cross-sector support for long-term success
Conclusion
With the rollout of zero-interest student loans and the launch of the ₦1 Billion Skills Acquisition Loan Programme, Enugu is rewriting the playbook for education financing and workforce development in Nigeria. From academic tuition access to technical empowerment, the state is providing its youth with the tools to thrive in a modern economy.
This initiative is not just about loans—it is about inclusion, opportunity, and transformation. Under the leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, Enugu is showing what it means to build a future where no learner is left behind.
Mr. Arinze Odo, a 24-year-old young man, is still reeling from the trauma of a horrific incident involving operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Enugu, which led to the death of his friend, Daniel Isiwu, and left him with a gunshot wound in the neck.
The tragic event occurred on Saturday, May 17, 2025, as Arinze and his two friends, Johnpaul Echezonachukwu and Daniel Isiwu, returned to their base in Emene after shopping at the Ogbete main market. What started as a routine outing turned deadly around 6:30 p.m., near a military checkpoint manned by Air Force personnel along Old Emene Road.
According to Johnpaul, who was driving their Mercedes Benz GLK, traffic had built up near the checkpoint. While deciding whether to wait or reroute via the express, a white Toyota Hilux van suddenly appeared at high speed and tried to double-cross their car. Panicked and unaware of who was in the vehicle, he attempted to move closer to the checkpoint, still over 200 meters away, for protection. But the van blocked them, forcing him to reverse. Then, a gunshot rang out.
Narrating the ordeal, Arinze, who was in the front passenger seat, said:
All I noticed was that someone with a gun jumped out of the car, and then there was this loud gunshot. I shouted ‘Jesus!’ as I felt a sharp pain behind the back of my neck. I touched it and felt something hard and hot lodged in there. In panic, I felt around it and managed to get a pinching hold on it and pulled. It came out, and I saw it was a bullet. I was like, I am hit! I am hit by a bullet! Then I felt the rush of blood flowing down my back, soaking my dress. I passed out.”
When he regained consciousness at the hospital, Arinze was devastated to learn that their 22-year-old friend, Daniel, who sat behind him, had died. The same bullet had torn through Daniel’s neck, ripped through the headrest, and lodged in the back of Arinze’s neck, narrowly missing his spine.
Daniel Isiwu hailed from Ohodo in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State. He was an orphan and the elder of two siblings. Since 2012, he had been raised by his aunt, Mrs. Sabena Ojekoma, after the death of his father, Victor. He also cared for his younger sister, 15-year-old Rita Chidimma.
When we visited the family, they were visibly distraught and in mourning. Mrs. Ojekoma, who raised Daniel as her own son, cried out for justice:
The man who killed my son has not told us why he took his life at his prime. His father died young. Now we have lost him too. I have lost a son. The only offense Daniel and his friends committed was that they were young people in Nigeria driving a good car along the road. The world, Nigerians, please help me get justice for my son. That is all I ask for.”
Chidimma, Daniel’s younger sister and now the only surviving child of their late parents, wept as she tried to express her pain:
“Honestly, I don’t know. This is too much. Sir, the pain is just too much. All his plans and promises to me have gone like that. He didn’t joke with me as his only sister and sibling. I can’t describe who he was and what he meant to me. Sir, this pain is too much. At least our father was sick before he died. What did my brother do to the man who killed him? I am sure he has a son or at least a brother, too. How would he be feeling if it were his son or brother that someone shot dead like that?”
Eyewitnesses said that after the shooting, the NDLEA officers searched the vehicle and found nothing incriminating before fleeing the scene. The police later arrived and, with assistance from passersby, rushed Arinze to the hospital and took Daniel’s body to the mortuary.
When contacted, the spokesperson of NDLEA, Enugu Command, Mrs. Calista Mmeka said they’re investigating the matter to ascertain if their officers were involved in the shooting.
However, a police source told our correspondent that the NDLEA officers are currently detained at the Enugu State Police Criminal Investigation Department, where investigations are ongoing. The officer who allegedly pulled the trigger has also been singled out among them.
The grieving family now waits anxiously for justice. But will it come, or will this tragedy join the list of unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings in Nigeria? Only time will tell.
The Association of Ebonyi Indigenes Socio-Cultural in the Diaspora (AEISCID), has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to take the promise of the minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi to deliver South-east region to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) with stern reservations, warning that he has no such capacity to accomplish hefty task.
Umahi had in an interview for an upcoming State House documentary marking Tinubu’s second anniversary, boasted that all South-east governors are supporting President Tinubu’s administration, regardless of their political affiliations and his second term aspiration.
Reacting to the development through a statement signed Thursday in Abuja by its President, Ambassador Pascal Oluchukwu, the Ebonyi iIndigenes expressed dismayed over Umahi’s downright denial of marginalization of the South-east region “when Nnamdi Kanu is yet still being tried by the Tinubu-led government despite genuine calls that he should have been granted a state pardon.
“People of the region are yet to see any vehement commitments from leaders like Umahi to use their influence to persuade the Tinubu administration to fix the real issues affecting our people.
“A good case in point is the aloofness of leaders like Umahi and indeed, the South-east Governors in addressing the challenges faced by JAMB candidates in the entire region which all seems to every reasonable mind to be targeted at the people of the region.
Ordinarily, if Umahi has the interest of the South-east at heart, he should have been addressing this growing concern on behalf of Ndigbo.”
The group said despite Umahi’s claims, the South-east region is still plagued by critical infrastructure challenges, including deplorable road networks.
“We are aware that as a man insipidly desperate to impress his paymasters, Umahi is only interested in recouping gains and lots to be shared between him and his paymasters and not sincerely interested in actualizing the many bogus projects the administration has embarked upon such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway among others.
“To further drive home our points on the high level of deceit ongoing in the guise of ‘ambitious projects’ by the Tinubu-led government using Umahi as a conduit executioner, no existing road infrastructure in the South East region have been completed in nearly two years- from Enugu to Port Harcourt, Enugu-Onitsha, Ontisha-Owerri, Enugu to Abakaliki or Afikpo to Okigwe highways. It is visible to even the blind that works have been ongoing on some of the roads awarded for nearly two years, leaving road users with struggles to use only a section of these roads.
“We recall that the above sad scenario was responsible for the Ugwu Onyeama accident in Enugu that claimed several lives.
“We wish to hint the Tinubu administration of the very fact that the same egoistical Umahi has no political relevance to command, influence or commandeer leaders of the South-east region on a political path to tow come 2027.
The last we recall on his electoral outing was his collosal loss of his Ebonyi South Senatorial zone in 2023 where even as a sitting Governor, he couldn’t control a meagre five Local Government Areas in his Ebonyi South Senatorial district. Of course, we know how he allegedly used the influences of security agents and INEC’s top brass to be declared the winner of that Senatorial election he has manifestly lost before midday.
“In terms of political weight and influence, Tinubu ought to have known that Umahi weighs far below the average. From his reckless speeches to actions and inactions both then as a governor and even now a minister, no serious political elite in the South East region can be easily swayed or influenced by Umahi except, perhaps for the few cronies he has been servicing in his home State of Ebonyi. We ask; what was his achievement as the longest-serving Chairman of South East Governors Forum?”
While warning the Tinubu administration not to take Umahi’s words and promise seriously, the group said” Umahi represents the greedy politician who is only deeply interested in filling his pockets and making all the gains he can make all for himself while trying to strategically position himself as a leader and a spokesperson of the South-east region he has zero influence on.”
ABIA: State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti Celebrated at “Promise Kept Carnival” in Aba, Rewards Honest Tricycle Operator, Mr. Emmanuel Ejezie with ₦1.4 Million, Announces Arrival of 20 Electric Buses
It was a moment of joy, gratitude, and inspiration as residents of Aba gathered in grand style at Umuagbai Secondary School premises along Port Harcourt Road to honour the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, at a thanksgiving event aptly themed “Promise Kept Carnival.” The carnival was organized in appreciation of the Governor’s unprecedented reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, a critical infrastructure that had been neglected for over three decades.
During the vibrant celebration, Governor Otti made headlines by rewarding an Aba tricycle operator, Mr. Emmanuel Ejezie, with ₦1.4 million for an extraordinary act of honesty.
Mr. Ejezie had earlier returned a misplaced sum of ₦2.04 million, earning the admiration of the Governor, who described the gesture as reflective of “what Abians are known for.”
As the crowd erupted in applause, Governor Otti took the opportunity to address the people, announcing a landmark development in the state’s transportation sector. He revealed that his administration has procured 20 brand-new electric buses that will be launched within two months as part of the state’s new public transport system.
“In the next two months, not more than two months, our transport system will start working. So, if you go around, you will see the bus terminals we are building.
“We have paid for the 20 electric buses.
“So, they are bringing the buses to carry you and I, and the buses will be beautiful.
“You know the kind of buses you see abroad. That is the kind of buses you will see in Abia. The only difference is that these buses will not use petrol. It will not use diesel. It will not use gasoline. They will be electric buses,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, while recalling the challenges and criticisms faced during the road reconstruction, lambasted the opposition for their baseless noise and noted that his government prefers to respond through impactful performance.
“But, we have always ignored them. And we have continued to ignore them. We respond with performance. But, there is a response I want to give.
“So, listen to the response. In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road. The amount at that time was ₦9.8 Billion. And they paid out the entire money. But the Road was not done.
“So, when in 2025, the Road cost ₦36.5 Billion, they started making noise. So, I said, since you people understand mathematics, the average exchange rate in 2017 was ₦333 to a Dollar.
“Now, if you apply that, the ₦9.8 Billion was actually $29 Million (equivalent)
In 2025, at the average exchange rate of ₦1,600, ₦36.5 Billion is actually $22.8 Million equivalent.
“So, let us do the maths. $29 Million and $22 Million, which one is higher? But, the real issue is that in 2017, $29 Million was spent, and no Road was done.
“In 2025, $22 Million was spent and a standard Road is done and delivered for use,” Gov. Otti explained.
The carnival also served as a platform for notable figures to express their admiration for the Governor’s achievements.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, praised Governor Otti for his transformative projects across Aba and Abia State, citing them as proof of “focused leadership.”
On behalf of the Aba business community and the Aba Landlords Association, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, Chief Alphonsus Odigbo, and the Chairman of the occasion, Ide John Udeagbala, all expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s work. They described Port Harcourt Road as the crown jewel of Otti’s achievements and remarked that the event was not only a celebration of restoration but also a “vote of confidence” and a de facto launch of Governor Otti’s re-election campaign.
Earlier in the event, Chief Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, the convener of the carnival, commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides and declared the rebirth of Aba as a “new season” for Abia State.
“What Aba is witnessing is evidence of God’s goodness. Port Harcourt Road stands tall in the achievements of the Governor,” Udeajah stated.
He described the carnival as the emergence of “a new day and a new season,” affirming that “indeed, help is here for Abia people.”
The colorful carnival featured thrilling music displays from talented Aba-born artistes including the famous Aba born Ruffcoin Nwa-Aba, Xile Nwa-Aba, Onye Army and also comedy display by the good governance content creator ‘4fun Mamamia’. The event was attended by top dignitaries, Elected government officials, political appointees, Aba business moguls and industrialists, citizens and residence who united in a joyous celebration of transformational leadership and renewed hope for the people of Aba and Abia State in general.
1. The Senate Caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday disagreed with the party’s governors on the call for a coalition. Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, who is the PDP Caucus leader, told reporters that a coalition was the way to go.
2. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday handed over the 753 units of houses linked to a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor to the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Following intelligence, the commission uncovered the housing units on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.
3. Southeast governors, irrespective of political leanings, are backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his commitment to equity, national unity and development, Works Minister Dave Umahi has said. He said plans are underway for a regional political summit where Southeast leaders would endorse the President for a second term.
4. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last night returned to Abuja after a two-day visit to the Vatican City in Rome, where he attended the inauguration of the 267th Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. President Tinubu, who arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at about 6:50pm, was received by the senior members of the administration.
5. Containerised shops were destroyed on Tuesday following an explosion involving a diesel-laden tanker behind the Alake Sports Complex in Ijeja, Abeokuta. The explosion occurred just behind the fence separating the Sports Complex from the Ijeja community, triggering panic among nearby residents.
6. Senate President Godswill Akpabio says lawmakers were not elected to engage in confrontation with the Executive but to foster policies that promote national development. The Senate President spoke in an upcoming feature documentary to mark two years of the Bola Tinubu administration.
7. The Central Bank of Nigeria has retained Monetary Policy Rates (MPR) at 27.5 per cent. Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, made the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday while briefing the press on the outcome of the 300th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the apex Bank.
8. A schoolboy was reportedly killed by a stray bullet allegedly fired by a policeman, triggering protests in the Alakia–Gbagi area of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Tuesday. It was gathered that the victim was heading to the examination centre to sit for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ibadan.
9. Two herders – a male and a female – were reportedly killed on Monday around Tahore community in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau state. Herders in the area said the deceased were ambushed and shot dead while returning home from Maikatako market on a motorcycle.
10. Days after a Lagos banker, Osemudiamen Idemudia, was declared missing by his family, his body was discovered at a morgue in the Yaba area of the state. Idemudia, who worked in the Point-of-Sale department of a commercial bank in the Ikota area of Lagos State, was last seen on the evening of May 9 in the CMS area of the state.
