General News
Land grabbing allegations: Njoku Family accuses minister, brother of peddling falsehood
The Njoku Chita Family of Umuchima has said the press statement issued by the elder brother to the works minister Engr Dave Umahi , Eze Laz Umahi Nweze was face-saving , irresponsible , distractive and not in sync with the allegations and petitions of land grabbing and threat to lives against the minister .
The family in a statement said it is not against the expansion of the Dave Umahi University of Health Sciences and called on the Minister of works Engr Dave Umahi , his elder brother Laz Umahi and the former Health Commissioner in Ebonyi state, Dr Umezurike Akuma to address the issues and stop playing to the gallery .
In a statement entitled : RE: Community Backs Expansion of David Umahi University, Clears Minister of Land Grabbing Allegations”, the Njoku family said the publication was an orchestrated plan to change the narrative and create misinformation , adding that the works minister has a responsibility to defend himself and clear the air on the various allegations contained in their petition before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Director of Department of State Services , the Inspector General of Police as well as the National Security Adviser .
The statement said : “The attention of Njoku Chita family have been drawn to the face-saving press release organized by the elder brother Minister David Umahi – Eze Laz Umahi Nweze, claiming that the community was responsible for securing lands in favour of the University.
“As a case in point, we are not against the University expanding its lands, but wonder what interest any group of individuals operating under the guise of community leaders will have in using their personal money to pay for land and give to a federal university.”
The family also accused the works minister of forcefully acquiring the land on which the university was first built , “Even at the onset when the University was conceived and built, the land upon which it was built was forcefully taken by then Governor Umahi.
“Another question to ask the elder brother of Minister Umahi and his former Commissioner for health – Umezurike, including his benefactor Nicholas Odii, is when did the Njoku Chita family ever claimed that their complaint against Umahi was for or on behalf of Umuchima village or Uburu Community? The complaint through our lawyer is personal to us, as the land Umahi is grabbing belongs to us, not Umuchima or Uburu. Anyone can plant their family members and loyalist in places of traditional influence for a time like this and it is obvious that they are all working hard to shield the Minister from his own actions that led to our petition.”
“In any case, we have him on audio where he threatened our family of consequence for not allowing him into our land. We can share this audio with the world.
“Apparently, the Police are incapable of securing our lives as our petition has been abandoned because Umahi is a big man, but we will not give up an inch of our land, unless we are all killed as they apparently plan to do. We are aware of the threat issued by Dr. Umezurike during a meeting they called on Monday and his subsequent trespass into our home that night in an apparent show of force.
“It is a shame that those who claim to be community leaders are all out in defense of a big man who placed them there to do his bidding. Shouldn’t a community leadership aim to embark on customary arbitration to resolve the impasse and ensure that no one losses their ancestral land to an insatiable individual? No, this ones are out to defend the offender.”
It continued ,” If the Umuchima village or Uburu as a Community, under this leadership appointed by Umahi has any land to give to the University, they are free to do so. Instead of deceiving people into giving up their lands and giving them stipends through a privately owned company named Black Legend Technologies Ltd. Why should a community buy land in the name of a private company?
“All the people cannot be stupid at the same time.
“Finally, none of us is a politician and we have no political interest whatsoever. Therefore, attempting to paint our legitimate concern as “politically motivated” is disingenuous as our land is not a political property.”
The family further accused Eze Laz Umahi, elder brother to the works minister , the former Health Commissioner Dr Umezurike Akuma and their Kinsmen of plots hatched at a meeting convened by the Eze to use thugs and take over their ancestral land .
They particularly accused Dr Umezurike of providing the strategies and volunteering to lead the mop operation on their ancestral land .
In his response over the alleged invasion , the former Health Commissioner during the Dave Umahi reign as Ebonyi state Governor denied leading thugs to the Njoku family land saying ,” I was there personally . What happened was we want to start clearing the areas that are not in contention and I was there to show them these areas and not to take their land”.
On his part , Engr Umahi’s elder brother , Eze Laz Umahi Nweze earlier turned down a request for his response as the convener of the meeting where strategies were allegedly mapped out against the Njoku family land but moments after he replied through WhatsApp : ” Good morning dear. I am HRH Eze Laz Umahi. I am from Uburu Ancient Kingdom in Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State.
“You called me on phone earlier this morning, making inquiry about a meeting Ndi-Uburu held in its Multipurpose Hall few days ago. I have drawn the attention of my Attorney to the interaction I had with you and he asked me to go ahead and help you with whatever information you need regarding the referenced meeting.
“Let’s do it either of these two ways to avoid misrepresentation: Send a questionnaire to me on the information you need.
“Alternatively, if you’d prefer I provide a written statement, that too can works.
“Please let me know how you’d like us to proceed.
Best Regards.”
Barely hours after the Eze addressed a press conference which read in parts: “The people of Uburu community, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have supported the acquisition of more lands for the expansion of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Science(DUFUHS).
“In a communique signed by leaders of the host community, HRH Lazarus Umahi, Chief Shedrack Onu and Chief Odi Nicholas Enyi, the community said the expansion of the university was a collective agreement of the host community which was endorsed by the Uburu traditional rulers council.”
By Michael Lim, Jos
Caleb Mutfwang, Plateau State Governor, apologised to the Igbo community for the role the state played during the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of Plateau “were deceived” into participating in the 1967 – 1970 conflict.
The governor while in an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state stated so at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, over the weekend.
Mutfwang urged both sides to put the past behind them and instead strengthen the bonds of unity.
He commended the Igbo community for its contributions to the socio-economic development of Plateau State, saying they are an integral part of the state’s progress.
Mutfwang stressed that Plateau remains one of the most accommodating states for the Igbo people since the end of the civil war, noting that compensation was paid for some losses suffered during the conflict. In his words:
“I apologise to the Igbos so that we can put the past behind us and continue to foster unity. We have become one family because our people were deceived into going to war, and we regret it. We must close that chapter and move forward.
“We must unite. We want the Igbos to regard us as their brothers and sisters, and together we must create an enabling environment where everyone can prosper.”
He canvassed the goodwill of Igbo businessmen in Plateau to support indigenous entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment saying:
“Nigeria is a great country, and no ethnic group has demonstrated the entrepreneurial spirit more than the Igbo. I encourage you to replicate that same spirit in Plateau. I also appeal to Igbo business owners to employ and train young Plateau indigenes.”
During the meeting, leaders of the Igbo community endorsed Mutfwang for a second term ahead of the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his inclusive leadership, prudent management of resources and commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The endorsement was announced by the President-General of the Igbo Community in Plateau State, Chief Chidi Onah.
“We hereby endorse Governor Caleb Mutfwang as the consensus candidate of the Igbo community for the 2027 governorship election. This endorsement is based on his competence, integrity, proven leadership and commitment to equity …
“He has promoted peaceful coexistence and created a business-friendly environment. He stood by us during the demise of our traditional ruler and has consistently engaged stakeholders to promote unity among the diverse ethnic groups in Plateau State.”
Onah further commended the governor’s developmental strides, saying Plateau now enjoys a more conducive environment for business and investment.
“Igbo people have lived in Plateau since before Nigeria’s independence. We appreciate the governor for compensating some of our members over disputed properties and urge Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides to support his administration,” he added.
Also speaking, former President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke, described the Igbo as peace-loving people committed to the economic development of Plateau State.
He said the community would support Mutfwang’s re-election bid based on his performance rather than political affiliation.
“We will vote for personalities, not political parties. Governor Mutfwang has demonstrated capacity by creating opportunities and reducing unemployment. We will mobilise our members across the 17 local government areas to support him,” he said.
Okunonke added that the endorsement reflected the cordial relationship the governor has built with the Igbo community through genuine partnership and inclusiveness.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Igbo Affairs, Barr. Jonah Okechukwu Ezekweme, commended Mutfwang for creating an enabling environment for the Igbo community to thrive in Plateau State.
He urged members of the community to support the governor’s second-term bid and continue partnering with the government to create employment and business opportunities for young people.
Earlier, Hon. High Chief Felix O. Akpunku welcomed members of the Igbo community on behalf of the governor and praised Mutfwang’s developmental projects across the state, describing his administration as one committed to inclusive governance and sustainable development.
The meeting also featured the formal presentation of the new President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA), Chief Chidi Onah, by the immediate past President-General, Chief Mike Ifeanyi Okunonke.
Other speakers, including Chief Dr. Nelson Mkparu and Hon. Maureen Odilimuo, lauded the governor for his inclusive leadership and support for the Igbo community, pledging continued cooperation with his administration.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments by both the Plateau State Government and the Igbo community to strengthen peaceful coexistence, deepen collaboration and promote sustainable development across the state
… NAWOJ Congratulates Ofoku, Describes Her Victory As Historic
From Terkura Vande in Makurdi
Juliana Ofoku, has emerged the first female chairperson of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ).
She polled 97 votes, to beat two other contestants in a keenly contested election held in Lafia, the state capital on Monday.
Ofoku, of the Information Chapel, polled 97 votes to beat two other male contestants; Samson Jonah of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) chapel, who polled 89 votes and Sunday John of Correspondents’ Chapel, who secured 61 votes.
Chairman of the Credentials Committee, Kalu Idika, declared Ofoku, a one-time acting chairperson of the council, winner after satisfying the requirements of the NUJ Constitution.
Kalu said, “Having satisfied the requirements of the NUJ Constitution, Juliana Ose Ofokwu is hereby declared winner and returned elected as the chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).”
He further stated that the “Total number of votes cast were 249; total number of accredited votes 249, invalid votes 3.”
Appreciating the support he got from members of the NUJ, security agencies and other stakeholders at the occasio, Kalu stated that the election was conducted in a transparent and credible atmosphere.
In her acceptance speech, Ofoku, who commended the Credentials Committee for its ideals, credibility and integrity in the process that saw her emerging victorious, pledged to run an all inclusive administration focused on ethical principles, unity and development.
Meanwhile, the state chapter of the
Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, has congratulated Juliana Ofoku, for emerging chairperson of the council.
The group pointed out that the emergence of Ofoku, who was the immediate past NAWOJ Secretary, Zone D, said the election is “historic, as the first female Chairman of NUJ Nasarawa State Council.”
In a statement signed by the state secretary of NAWOJ, Esther Enna, said, “This victory is not just yours, but a victory for all women in the media profession. Your dedication, competence, and leadership over the years have paved the way for this milestone.
‘We are confident that under your leadership, the NUJ in Nasarawa State will witness greater unity, professionalism, and visibility.
“NAWOJ Nasarawa State Chapter pledges her full support and collaboration to ensure that women journalists continue to thrive and have a voice under your administration,” Enna, stated.
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
For extorting N53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), during an illegal stop-and-search operation in Abuja, four police officers have been detained by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Ahmed Sanusi, the FCT Commissioner of Police, made the disclosure on Monday, 20 July, 2026 while briefing journalists in Abuja. He called the officers “thieves” who had no business wearing the police uniform.
He said that the officers mounted an unauthorised checkpoint around the Banex area of Wuse after leaving their respective duty posts and extorted the ICPC chairman without knowing his identity.
Sanusi added that the ICPC boss was forced to withdraw N53,000 through a Point of Sale operator and even paid the transaction charges before the officers shared the money among themselves. In his words:
“I must say here too that we have about four policemen in custody as we speak who successfully extorted somebody of high importance, unknown to them that this person is a highly placed person in society. In clear terms, they extorted the Chairman of the ICPC.
“They extorted him of N53,000. They took him to a POS, he withdrew the money, paid the charges and they shared the money among themselves.”
The police commissioner said investigations revealed that the officers had abandoned their designated duty posts and formed a gang that mounted an illegal checkpoint to extort motorists.
“They are a gang of criminals who left various divisions, clustered together, moved to Wuse Banex and created a checkpoint where they perpetrated this act before fleeing,” he said.
“We got all of them. We are going to make sure they are severely punished. Those that are going to be dismissed will definitely be dismissed,” he added.
The commissioner reiterated that the Inspector-General of Police had prohibited indiscriminate search of citizens’ mobile phones by officers on patrol.
He advised residents to refuse any unlawful demand by policemen to search their phones on the roadside and immediately report such incidents through the police emergency lines.
“You cannot stop anybody on the road and ask the person to bring out his phone for search. If any policeman stops you and asks to search your phone, don’t agree. Call the police emergency lines and we will ask them why,” Sanusi said.
He urged members of the public to promptly report cases of extortion and other misconduct by police personnel, assuring that offenders would be tracked down and sanctioned.
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