The naira has recorded steady appreciation over the past 21 days, reflecting increased stability in Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.
Precisely, on the parallel market, some FX dealers in Lagos traded the naira at N1,490/$, yesterday, while on the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) the naira exchange rate against the dollar closed at N1,502/$.
On the parallel market, the naira exchange rate has significantly appreciated comparing the N1,620/$ it was at the beginning of this month to N1,490/$ yesterday, signalling a N130 gain so far this month. However, on the official FX market the naira which stood at N1,477.9/$ on January 31, closed yesterday at N1,502 to a dollar.
Following the revelation by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during the launch of his book “A Journey in Service” that the 1966 coup was not an Igbo coup as alleged, the Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Sunday demanded an apology and N10 trillion as compensation from President Bola Tinubu to the Igbo.
The group noted that the coup unleashed disastrous repercussions on the Igbo people, among other factors, which ultimately led to the cataclysmic horrors of the Biafra War.
In a statement obtained by The Guardian in Abakaliki, the Deputy National President of the Ohanaeze faction, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the apology and compensation had become necessary due to the staggering loss of life, with approximately three million Igbo-predominantly innocent women and children— slaughtered during the conflict, an event that continues to reverberate through the collective consciousness of the Igbo people.
Rev Father Emmanuel Chibuzo Obimma (Fr. Ebube Muonso) just like Saint Thomas Aquinas, worked out the standard interpretation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Wisdom, knowledge and truth are bestowed on individuals by the Holy spirit. Whenever the Holy Spirit speaks to a prophet, he must deliver the message; failure to do so, he will face heavy punishments.
Fada Ebube Muonso cannot say no to the message of the Holy Spirit being revealed under the prophetic anointing.
Fada Ebube Muonso is the Elijah and Moses that is here with us to librate the people of God – the masses, from bondage of the modern day Herods and Pharaohs.
When Late Hon Justice Azuka was kidnapped on the eve of Christmas, Gov Soludo led administration did nothing to rescue him from captivity. It was the family of late Hon Justice Azuka together with well-wishers that mobilized police from Abuja.
When the police personnel came into Anambra State, they were able to apprehend the kidnappers and handed them over to the police in Anambra.
Ndi Anambra were patiently waiting for justice to be metted on the suspects, who allegedly killed Hon Justice Azuka, only to wake up to hear that the two kidnappers have escaped.
The Holy Spirit compelled Fr. Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso) to speak out, in the face of this anormally; and instead of Gov Soludo’s administration to give vivid account of how it happened, the Anambra government mobilized APGA e-rats to blackmail Fada Ebube Muonso, and insult God’s ordained minister.
Truth is bitter. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s administration hates truth. It is regretacle that Soludo is ever ready to spend billions of Naira belonging to Anambra people in fighting the apostle of truth.
I have tried very hard not to join issues with you or any priest of God, but listening to you lately reminds me that you have lost it completely and would need to be called to order.
I am aware that every masquerade dancing has those that beat drums for him nearby. That is why you have continued your many unguarded utterances against the governor of our beloved state.
I watched and listened to a video clip where you accused Mr. Governor of knowing those behind the gruesome murder of the late Hon Justice Azuka! How could you? The suspects were arrested and handed over to police as due process prescribes. It is only political to blame the governor for their escape from police custody.
Dear Father Emmanuel Obimma, I understand that the existence of illegality like yourself and your money-making venture known as the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry Uke is possible because of several loopholes in our laws.
Since that fateful day in 2013 when 25 innocent souls lost their lives in a stampede that should have been avoided, I have lost faith in whatever you are doing in the name of the church at Uke. Why there was no report from any set-up panel of inquiry from that incident, and your ability to maneuver your way out of it all, shows that you have cabals sponsoring your activities and several vituperations against the governor.
YOU ARE NOT A MAN OF GOD!
I think it is high time you are told plainly that your activities and words are not those of someone who should be associated with leading a congregation of God. Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. St. Paul of blessed memory instructs that we should pray for people in authority. He said, “This is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”
Again, Romans 13:1-7 asks us to be submissive to the government because every leader is established by God in heaven. It is without doubt that your stance against the governor of our beloved state, citing insecurity, is purely political and not what should come from a man of God who should be aware of the present security situation in the state and Nigeria at large.
I think you have believed that having many blindfolded online followers and a congregation, you can now decide the political situation in the state. That is why, during every election campaigns, you open the doors of your adoration ministry to all politicians and all aspirants, accepting gifts and promises from them and offering prayers and prophesies to them in return. The season is now and you’re already advertising for prospective customers in their numbers.
The question you should ask and answer yourself is, “In a security situation like this what will Christ do?” A real man of God will organize a prayer session for his beloved state and his people, including his congregation. You (Ebube Muonso) waited until your brother priest was kidnapped, and then you took to your channels to talk down on a government you are assigned by Christ to pray for.
Father Ebube Muonso, I strongly opine that you have lost your focus as a priest of God. Seeing many prayer-purchasing followers and praise singers has misguided you from knowing who you are!
I shed tears the other time I heard you praying for the death of the governor’s aides on what is supposed to be your holy altar! A Catholic priest praying for the governor’s aides to die! You have lost it, and unfortunately, you now see yourself as the god of men instead of a Man of God!
You approved fake news from your media handlers that our information commissioner is deceased! This may be possible because you fasted and prayed, organized a black mass in secret, and were very confident that your fatwa on Mr. Governor’s aides would “kpai” in their numbers!
Honestly, Father Ebube Muonso, many of the native doctors Agunaechemba recently arrested cannot say such prayers when released, but coming from a priest who was charged by God to pray for all leaders shows that you are not of God!
Your type was the very reason many Catholics are leaving the church in their numbers to idolatry! You must repent of your pomposity and be humble as all priests should be! Are you showing the image of Christ which you’re supposed to be? No!
Even if Governor Soludo persecuted you like some of your colleagues in Enugu and some other places were treated, what did the Bible say about revenge? Romans 12:19: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves”… Vengeance is of the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:35). Tell me where the Lord assigned you to fight the government that has continued to prove it is for the poor.
DID GOVERNOR SOLUDO PERSECUTE THE CHURCH?
I expected you to stand up and defend the church and Christians if the sitting governor had in any way persecuted Christians in the state or the church of God. Soludo was deservedly awarded The Father of Ecumenism because of his strong relationship with the church of God.
Even the native doctors that he strongly opposed some of their repugnant practices are not criticizing him the way you do without caution. There is an adage that when a man cries too much for the deceased, he should be asked if he has a hand in his/her death.
Soludo has peacefully gone from church to church preaching unity, love, peace, and a return to Christianity, but you, a priest of God in a land where all the young and old baptized Catholics are heading back to the darkest age of idolatry, have lost your voice.
Father Ebube Muonso, please, with all your constant wailing and rambling during your so-called adoration, I am waiting to hear your repentance and salvation message to all the souls heading back to idolatry, the use of okeite, money rituals, kidnappings, and armed robberies… You have changed from a priest of God to a political activist!
I ask again, did Governor Soludo in any way persecute the church? This question is important because great prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel opposed thrones and kings in the past. They most did that after the kings persecuted their congregations.
In the Book of Nehemiah 2:1, King Artaxerxes was not a Jew, Nehemiah was serving him in exile, but God still used him to rebuild Jerusalem.
Daniel, Mechack, Shedrack, and Abednego served King Nebuchadnezzar while in exile, they only disobeyed the king regarding their religion!
This is to inform you that whether the governor is Christian or not, the Bible sees him as ordained by God, and if you are spiritual and have your spiritual eyes open, you can achieve God’s purpose using Mr. Governor, but you have continually chosen to play the role of opposition.
Go to the street and pay attention, oh Father Ebube Muonso! You have reduced yourself to an instrument in the hands of the opposition because the people now have it that even the opposition does not fight Mr. Governor the way you (a priest of God) do!
Father Ebube Muonso, I need you to point out anywhere in the Holy Bible where God assigned you to do what you are presently doing. Please, I need you to teach me because I am a Bible scholar too, like you, and I want to know.
PLEASE REMOVE THE MASK, JOIN A POLITICAL PARTY, AND CONTEST FOR ANAMBRA GOVERNOR
Father Ebube Muonso, I challenge you to remove the priestly mask, stop pretending, come out openly, register with any political party in the state, and contest for any political office. You cannot continue the deception, desecrating the altar of the Most High in the name of talking for the people.
We all know when you single-handedly sponsored your brother to contest and he won the state house of assembly. You can equally contest for the House of Representatives or Senate or even the governorship seat.
At least, we didn’t hear or read Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia (the priest governor of Benue state) criticizing and fighting their previous governors. He was never heard praying for their former governor or his aides to die!
Since you seem to understand governance better than our incumbent governor, and you also understand how the state should be run or how its security architecture should be organized, therefore, take a leave from the priesthood, drop your priestly robe, and contest for Anambra Governor.
Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia did not have to boast too much. He did not fight their previous governors; he was focused on what he wanted to do, and he came and just did it.
YOU HAVE BECOME AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE CHURCH
You have suddenly turned yourself into a rabble-rouser, thereby becoming a disgrace to the priesthood you were called to and the church of God.
Without mincing words, I must reiterate that you have made yourself an embarrassment to the church and the people of God. It is also unfortunate that even though you have done worse than what Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka did last time and got suspended, it is either you are being sponsored or you are buying your way out of possible disciplinary actions!
I call on the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha to stand up to this occasion or continue to enjoy the macabre dance. I also expect that the Catholic Archbishop Conference of Nigeria should call you to order because you have left the flock of God you were called to feed and immersed yourself in the deep waters of Anambra politics.
MY CONCLUSION
I want you, after reading this, to go back to the drawing board. What are the reasons for your calling? Is it to win souls for Christ, to enrich yourself and your family, or to play secular politics? You alone can answer these questions if you are sincere with yourself.
You are drifting toward antichrist, and someone needs to tell you boldly to your face.
I also expect that, as usual, you will pray for my death, but you are not God and you cannot command God to do your bidding. Just ask your sorry self… what will Christ do?
If you cannot imitate Christ in words and actions, then you are not a Christian!
Christ was flogged, jeered, mocked, pierced with an arrow, and crucified alive, and instead of calling God to punish his crucifiers, he prayed for them! If you, as a priest, cannot imitate him, you’re not a priest of God!
Read the story of the saints of the Church… What did they do? They converted souls, refused to bow to the antichrist, lived poor without inheritance or earthly riches, and died in the process.
Today, most of you priests are fighting for who will be the richest in worldly wealth while souls perish and head into hell daily!
Finally, Father Ebube Muonso, who are you? A priest of God or a priest of the world?
Former Nigerian military ruler, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has stated that the coup led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu in 1966 was not an Igbo coup, refuting longstanding claims of ethnic motivation behind the military takeover.
According to excerpts from A Journey in Service, the coup was not driven by Igbo ethnic interests. The book highlights that Nzeogwu, the head of the coup plotters, was “Igbo in name” but was born and raised in Kaduna, spoke fluent Hausa, and identified more with the northern region. It also notes that the coup initially had a nationalistic intent, with its leaders believing they could reform Nigeria.
In his book, Babangida revealed that the primary objective of the coup plotters was to release Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison and install him as Prime Minister. He emphasized that the involvement of officers from different ethnic backgrounds, including non-Igbo officers such as Major Adewale Ademoyega, Captain Ganiyu Adeleke, and Lieutenants Fola Oyewole and Olafimihan, further invalidates the claim that it was an Igbo-driven coup.
Additionally, some senior Igbo officers were also victims of the coup, such as Lt-Col. Arthur Chinyelu Unegbe, who was execut3d by fellow officer Major Chris Anuforo. This further weakens the argument that the coup was designed to serve Igbo interests.
Furthermore, Babangida pointed out that the coup was ultimately crushed by Major John Obienu, an officer of Igbo extraction, reinforcing the argument that it was not an ethnic uprising but rather a failed military intervention with specific political objectives.
The former leader’s remarks challenge the long-held narrative that the coup was an Igbo-led conspiracy and add to historical debates surrounding the 1966 events that led to Nigeria’s civil war.
As the trial of Ozo Jeff Nweke, a suspect in the alleged kidnapping of Benjamin Ezenma, continues, advocates of fair trial have called on the judiciary to ensure that the defendant receives a just and impartial hearing.
Ọzo Jeff Nweke, alongside two others were arraigned before the Administrative Judge, Awka Judicial Division, Justice Ike Ogu, on charges bothering on conspiracy and kidnapping of Big Ben who was said to have disappeared since November 12, 2024.
Big Ben, whose original name is Benjamin Ezenma, is a prominent realtor and Vice-chairman of Dubai Estate, Awka, Anambra State.
However, the trial of Nweke, which has generated widespread interest, has raised concerns about the potential impact of sensationalism and public opinion on the judicial process.
Analysts have emphasized the importance of respecting the judiciary’s process and allowing the court to deliberate based on empirical evidence and expert testimony, rather than speculation or hearsay.
They said it is essential that the judiciary maintains its impartiality and independence throughout the trial, adding that it will ensure that the defendant receives a fair trial, and that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner.”
The judiciary was also urged to be cautious not to allow public opinion or media pressure to influence its decision, as this could undermine the integrity of the judicial process.
Nweke’s case has sparked intense public interest, with many calling for a fair and transparent trial. The court’s decision is being closely watched, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.
Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, has clarified that principal suspects in connection to the kidnap and murder of Anambra lawmaker and member represented Onitsha North I State Constituency, Honourable Justice Azuka, are still in police custody.
Briefing journalists today in Awka while parading one Tochukwu Akolisa who is said to be the car receiver in connection with the crime which Police operatives was trying to arrest before the other suspects’ escape, CP Orutugu assured that the fleeing suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, will be re-arrested, and measures will be taken to prevent such “operational lapses”.
He also announced that on 18th February 2025 at about 8pm, Police operatives at Upper Iweka arrested one Chigozie Orji with locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag, adding that an abducted victim was also rescued by officers of the command.
He assured continued synergy with other sister security agencies, including local vigilante groups, in order to improve operational capacity, security coverage and tactical efficiency, adding that the goal is to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all.
The Police statement reads in full:
PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ANAMBRA STATE, CP IKIOYE ORUTUGU, fwc, mnips, PhD, ON 21ST FEBRUARY 2025, AT ANAMBRA STATE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, AWKA
Protocols.
Distinguished members of the press, the purpose of this briefing is to provide clarity on the ongoing investigation into the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a serving member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly. Additionally, I will highlight some of the significant achievements of the Command within the period under review.
It is important to reiterate that this unfortunate incident occurred two days before I formally assumed office as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, on 10th February 2025. However, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on 18th February 2025, I deemed it necessary to brief Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state.
Recognizing the gravity of this development, I personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.
Findings from our investigation confirm that the incident took place on 8th February 2025 in Obosi. Two suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, are among the eleven (11) suspects already apprehended and paraded by the Command. While they are not the principal actors in the crime, they served as drivers for the criminal gang. The duo was assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Awkuzu in apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State. According to their statements, Tochukwu Akolisa was one of the receivers or buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims.
During an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu. In the course of this operation, Tochukwu Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle. Despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Unfortunately, all efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful.
As the substantive Commissioner of Police, I consider it a priority to ensure the re-arrest of these suspects and to implement stringent measures to prevent such security breaches in the future.
I have duly briefed the Force Headquarters on the current situation and the steps taken, including activating operational strategies to apprehend the suspects at large and initiating disciplinary actions against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape.
Security Achievements Within the Period Under Review
Despite this setback, the Anambra State Police Command remains resolute in stabilizing the security landscape of the state. Some of our notable achievements include:
Arrest of an Armed Suspect
On 18th February 2025, at approximately 8:00 PM, police operatives on patrol in the Upper Iweka area of Onitsha intercepted and arrested one Orji Chigozie, a male suspect. Upon searching his belongings, officers recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol concealed inside a bag. Preliminary investigations suggest his involvement in criminal activities in the area. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for further investigation and subsequent legal action.
Rescue of an Abducted Victim
Following an extensive and coordinated operation, police operatives successfully rescued an abducted victim in Ihiala in the early hours of 19th February 2025. The victim had been abducted by suspected armed men at approximately 11:30 PM on 18th February 2025 along Ilo Akpukwu Road, Nkwelle Ezunaka.
Prior to the rescue, operatives from the 3-3 Division engaged the armed men in a hot pursuit, forcing them to abandon an ash-colored Toyota Corolla with registration number AND 550 JD, which had been reported as stolen and used in the abduction. The vehicle has been recovered, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commitment to Enhancing Security Operations
On behalf of the Anambra State Police Command and in collaboration with other security agencies, I wish to assure the public that we remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. The Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency in internal security, will continue to work in synergy with the military, other security agencies, and local vigilante groups to enhance operational capacity, security coverage, and tactical efficiency. Our goal is to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all.
Thank you for your attention, and may God bless us all.
It is high time Fada Ebubemounso, the political priest, realized that attacking Soludo will not secure 2025 gubernatorial electoral victories for his political sponsors. His attempts to undermine Soludo’s reputation will ultimately lead nowhere, as Soludo is not even looking in his direction. Perhaps Ebubemounso is still grappling with the reality that all his fabricated prophecies, including those targeting the Governor, have fallen flat. This is not surprising when we compare him to the now-arrested Akwa Okuku, Eke Hit, and Onye Eze Jesus, all of whom are undergoing criminal investigations.
The situation surrounding Fada Ebube Mounso is further complicated by his ongoing attempts to undermine the collective efforts of Ndi Anambra in addressing issues of criminality. His ongoing denial of Soludo’s achievements is simply laughable. It is clear he has become unreasonably obsessed with attacking Soludo since he took office, possibly due to his grievances over the failure to secure elective victory for his brother in the 8th Anambra Assembly, the lack of political appointments for his cronies, and the Governor’s refusal to endorse his dubious anointing oil and handkerchief sales aimed at young people, promising them double returns with no genuine work involved.
Given these matters, I believe it is important for the relevant security agencies to consider inviting Fada Ebube Mounso in discussions regarding his activities. In one of his own videos, he openly admitted to possessing firearms, alleging their use for prayer in the mountains—this raises crucial questions. Which mountain is he referring to? Who authorized the use of those firearms, and for what purpose? Why is he arming his associates in these mountains, and what business activities are taking place there?
While I choose not to outright label Fada Ebubemounso a scam artists, his deceitful “achikota ekwe onu” behavior and his operation of a faltering miracle business that exploits the hopes of young people can no longer go unaddressed.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable, emphasizing that political leaders will only do the right thing when citizens demand it.
Jonathan blamed the country’s tolerance for bad leadership as a major reason for its governance challenges.
He stressed that Nigerians must collectively reject wrongdoing for real change to happen.
“We, Nigerians, celebrate the wrong things. But I believe a time will come when the country will no longer tolerate bad behavior. The day we all say ‘enough is enough, the political class will be forced to act responsibly. If we behave wrongly, people must reject us,” he said.
The former President also criticized the deployment of military personnel for election duties, warning that it overstretches the military.
Expressing hope for a future where bad political behavior is widely condemned, Jonathan suggested the creation of two large buildings in Abuja to display the pictures of those who have mismanaged the country-whether alive or deceased-so that future generations would know the role they played in their dear country.
The disappearance of Mr. Benjamin “Big Ben” Ezenma, a top Real estate developer and businessman in Anambra state has sparked widespread concern.
After DSS Investigation, sources claimed that Big Ben was last seen after attending a scheduled meeting with Mr. Jeff Nweke, an influential Awka indigene, in a bid to resolve an ongoing land dispute. Mr. Nweke’s interest in the land led to a dispute, prompting Big Ben to engage in dialogue to find an amicable resolution. The meeting occurred at Mr. Nweke’s office at Mango and Lion Office, Awka, and since then, Big Ben has not been seen or heard from. His family, friends, and business associates remain deeply concerned about his well-being.
The Anambra State Ministry of Justice after all evidence and investigation by DSS has charged the three suspects for kidnap, Conspiracy and Felony at the High Court Awka, Charge No: AWK/6C/2025, has named three defendants: Jeff Nweke, Tochukwu Nwosu, and David Chukwunonso. Surprisingly, the three defendants are still at large.
On February 11, 2025, the case was scheduled for its first hearing at Awka High Court 1, but due to the court not sitting, it was adjourned to February 20, 2025. However, a glaring issue arose—Mr. Jeff Nweke and his security officer, David Chukwunonso, failed to appear in court. They have also evaded arrest despite an existing charge sheet filed by the State. Their absence raises critical questions:
Why have the key defendants refused to submit themselves to the law?
What is the reason behind their deliberate avoidance of court proceedings?
If they are innocent, why attempt to shift focus through misleading accusations instead of cooperating with the investigation?
Instead of facing justice, where Anambra state government have charged Jeff and his accomplice for conspiracy to commit felony and kidnapping which are contrary to Section 495(a) and Section 315(2) respectively of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991, Jeff Nweke and his associates use social media to twist the narrative, painting him as a philanthropist while evading the law. Justice belongs in the courtroom, not in manipulated online debates.
Big Ben’s disappearance is too serious for distractions. The public, security agencies, and key stakeholders must remain focused on finding Big Ben and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
