The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects, Onyema Okonkwo and Emmanuel Onyekachi, over the alleged r@pe and murder of a 21-year-old nursing student, Wendy Achumba, in Umuadara Umulogho, Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.

This came as the traditional ruler of Umuadara Umulogho, Eze Patrick Uwalaka, alongside members of the community where the nursing school is located and where the deceased lived in an off-campus apartment, publicly denounced the killing and dissociated themselves from the crime.

Until her death last Thursday, Wendy was a student of Our Lady of Mercy Nursing School, Obowo, where she was undergoing post-basic training in midwifery.

The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said on Sunday that operatives of the Obowo Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with community stakeholders, arrested the two suspects following intelligence-led investigations into the incident.

Okoye disclosed that 32-year-old Onyema Okonkwo confessed to r@ping and killing the victim in an attempt to cover up the crime.

He added that the suspect also implicated 25-year-old Emmanuel Onyekachi as an accomplice, alleging that both men killed the student after she recognised them.

According to him, the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.

Okoye said, “Operatives of the Obowo Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with community stakeholders, have arrested two suspects allegedly connected with the rape and murder of Wendy Achumba, aged 21, a post-basic nursing student of Mercy College of Nursing Science, Umulogho, whose lifeless body was discovered in her private off-campus residence at Umuadara, Umulogho, in Obowo LGA.

“The suspects, Onyema Okonkwo, aged 32, and Emmanuel Onyekachi, aged 25, both indigenes of Umuadara Umulogho, were arrested following sustained intelligence-led investigative efforts by operatives of the division in synergy with community stakeholders.

“During the investigation, Onyema Okonkwo confessed to the killing of the victim after forcibly having unlawful carnal knowledge of her on multiple occasions in an attempt to conceal his crime and further implicated Emmanuel Onyekachi as being involved in the matter.

“The suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet and comprehensive investigation and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

“To this end, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Bosso, assures the public that the matter is being handled with utmost diligence and professionalism and that anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law.”

Meanwhile, Eze Uwalaka and members of the community on Sunday gathered at the village square to condemn the killing and invoke traditional sanctions against the perpetrators.

The monarch said the community had no involvement in the incident and reaffirmed that Umulogho remained peaceful and safe for residents.

He also urged anyone with prior knowledge of the crime to come forward and speak up.

“We, the people of Umulogho, are here to denounce this wicked act. We know nothing about it, and we exonerate ourselves and the land from any repercussions. Let the gods deal with the perpetrators.

“Our land is safe, and we are good people. If anyone has prior knowledge of this act, such a person should come forward before the wrath of the deities,” the monarch said.

Also speaking, the president of Umulogho Youths, Chidiebere Iweajunwa, commended the role played by the community youth body in aiding the arrest of the suspects and called for speedy prosecution.

“The arrest of the suspects, which was aided by the community youth body, is a breakthrough in the ongoing investigation, and we call for speedy prosecution and justice for the deceased student,” he said.

Aprokorepublic

A faction of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu on Sunday dissolved the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and formally declared him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

The decision was taken at the faction’s national convention and presidential primary held in Abuja, where delegates adopted Kachikwu as the sole candidate through a voice vote.

The faction also immediately constituted a new set of national officers to replace the dissolved NWC.

The new executives include Kingsley Oggah as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Abdulkadir Bashir as National Chairman, Johnny Derek as National Secretary, Kennedy O. Odion as National Treasurer, Chief Amirigoye as National Financial Secretary, and Dr Chris Ugwu as National Legal Adviser, among others.

Speaking after receiving the party flag, Kachikwu said Nigeria is at a critical juncture and requires strong, purposeful leadership to tackle pressing challenges such as insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and national division.

He lamented the worsening socio-economic conditions in the country, noting the mass exodus of middle-class Nigerians in search of better opportunities abroad.

“The mass exodus of our middle class is indicative of those who have chosen not to be part of this hardship anymore,” Kachikwu said.

He stressed that Nigeria belongs to all citizens and must not be controlled by a few privileged interests.

Earlier, the Chairman of ADC State Chairmen, Kingsley Oggah, described the convention as a defining moment for the party, highlighting its resilience despite internal challenges.

The newly elected National Chairman, Abdulkadir Bashir, called for unity, respect for the party’s constitution, and the return of aggrieved members.

This development is part of the ongoing realignments and factional disputes within the ADC ahead of the 2027 polls.

The party has been split between different factions, including one associated with former Senate President David Mark.

Aprokorepublic

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has declared that President Bola Tinubu is the Biafra the South-East has been looking for.

Umahi noted that Tinubu has integrated the entire South-East into the mainstream.

Speaking during the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential primary in Ebonyi State, the minister said the President gave the South-East what he described as juicy appointments.

He said: “Tinubu is the Biafra we have been looking for, a man who has integrated the entire South-East.

“A man who has given us juicy appointments and a man who has
given us very important infrastructure. Bola Tinubu on your mandate we shall
stand.”

Aprokorepublic

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of
Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has emerged as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Kebbi State for the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Malami.

According to the statement, Malami’s emergence followed consultations with party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the state
ahead of the 2027 elections.

Malami, in the statement, expressed appreciation to party leaders and supporters for the confidence reposed in him ahead of the election.

“I sincerely appreciate the confidence and support shown by leaders, stakeholders, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress, ADC,
in Kebbi State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

The statement also announced other candidates endorsed by the party for various positions, including retired Major General Aminu Bande
for the Kebbi Central Senatorial District, retired Deputy Comptroller General
Ibrahim Muhammad Mera for the Kebbi North Senatorial District, and Garba
Danjuma Limi for the Kebbi South Senatorial District.

Doka said the ADC remained committed to promoting good governance, justice, security, and sustainable development in Kebbi State and across the country.

Malami, who served as Attorney-General of the Federation under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is expected to face incumbent Governor Nasir Idris of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 governorship election.

Aprokorepublic

Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has stated why the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, should have three senators like every other state in Nigeria.

Speaking at a grassroots mobilization event, Yesufu said in terms of population, the FCT is more populated than 10 states and in terms of land mass, it is bigger than eight states.

According to her, there is no reason FCT cannot have three senators and at least six House of Representatives members.

“The FCT has gone passed the stage where we have to struggle for one Senator. FCT should have three senators. It will be for the betterment of Abuja as a whole.

“With this, the good people of Abuja will have more representatives and their voice will be heard. Instead of one person, you will have three persons speaking at the red chamber of the National Assembly for the
FCT people.

“This is one of the things I will push for as a Senator.
It’s not going to be easy but it’s doable,” she said.

Recall that Yesufu is running for the FCT senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Aprokorepublic

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has ordered its directorates to suspend services to 11 domestic airlines.

The NCAA also placed them on its updated “No-Pay-No-Service” list over unpaid statutory charges owed to the regulator.

An internal memo by the agency’s Director of Finance and Accounts, Olufemi Odukoya, ordered all departments to withhold regulatory and
administrative services from the affected operators until they clear their
outstanding debts or agree on repayment plans.

According to the agency, at the centre of the dispute are the five per cent Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, funds collected by airlines on behalf of the NCAA to support safety oversight, personnel training and economic regulation within the aviation sector.

The memo also directed all directorates to suspend services to the affected airlines pending financial clearance from the Directorate of Finance and Accounts.

The memo was circulated across the authority’s regional offices and copied to the Director-General of Civil Aviation and other senior officials.

According to the memo, airlines affected by the directive include “Air Peace Limited, Ibom Air Limited, Arik Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines, Umza Air, NG Eagle, Max Air Limited, Caverton Helicopters, Overland Airways, Rano Air and ValueJet.”

“We have directed that no directorate should render any service to the above airline without financial clearance from the director of finance and accounts,” NCAA said.

Aprokorepublic

Ajibola Basiru, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has cautioned Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State, against making comments capable of damaging the image of the ruling party.

Basiru warned that disciplinary measures could be taken against him for comments that may portray the party in a bad light.

The warning followed Fayemi’s criticism of the APC during an interview on ‘State Affairs with Edmund Obilo’, where he said the party had drifted away from the ideals of its founding fathers and was gradually losing internal debate and ideological direction.

Fayemi noted that the growing culture of endorsements and consensus arrangements within the party could trigger internal crisis ahead of
future elections.

“This is not where the party has come from. We have lost our bearing and the vision of the founding fathers of this party,” Fayemi said during the interview.

He also warned that the increasing rush by party members to seek political favour from the presidency was unhealthy for the APC.

“It would be unfortunate if everybody is running to Aso Rock because they want something,” he said.

“Those who don’t get consensus won’t be happy… and you’re waiting for an implosion.”

Reacting to the remarks, Basiru dismissed Fayemi’s concerns and suggested the former governor should leave the APC if he no longer believes
in the party.

“We urge him that since he so much despises the party and wishes the party an implosion, he should go to where whatever he thinks his best ideas can be ventilated,” Basiru told Punch.

“We wish him the best of luck, but he should not stay within our party and be wishing us bad luck. He should go to another political party
if he no longer believes in the party he represents.”

Basiru said the APC would not overlook actions or comments perceived as undermining the party’s interests.

“Let him go and join another party. If he does not join another party, the APC will not hesitate to invoke disciplinary actions to sanction him for anti-party activities,” he said.

The APC national secretary also linked Fayemi’s comments to ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, alleging that the former governor had been engaging opposition figures.

“His statement only further confirmed what Mr Rotimi Amaechi aid, that he was one of those who agreed to form opposition against the APC,” Basiru said.

“We also have it on good authority that he and some of his followers have been hobnobbing with opposition elements, particularly ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.”

He added that Fayemi’s comments at a period when the APC is preparing for the Ekiti governorship poll amounted to an attempt to weaken the party politically.

“Even at this time that the party is conducting its primaries and making preparations for the all-important Ekiti governorship election, it only shows a design to demarket the party ahead of that election,”
Basiru said.

Aprokorepublic

Ahead of the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, major youth leaders across the 17 Local Government
Areas of Enugu State have declared support for the former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, to fly the party’s ticket in 2027.

The youth leaders also vehemently rejected what they described as an “unfortunate statement” made on Friday by the Enugu State Chairman of the party, claiming that ADC members in Enugu State were supporting the presidential ambition of Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement on Saturday, the youth leaders led by Festus Ifesinachi Omeh said they believe that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027 for the sake of equity, fairness, and justice.

The youth leaders also called on the National Executive Council of the ADC in Abuja to pay urgent and particular attention to developments in Enugu State to ensure transparency, fairness, and peace within the party before the presidential primary election.

According to Omeh, no amount of sponsorship, intimidation, or propaganda can suppress the voice of the people.

Omeh said, “We wish to state clearly and unequivocally that the chairman’s statement does not represent the position, mood, or wishes of
the majority of ADC members and youths in Enugu State. It is false, misleading,
and appears designed to create a false impression before the national
leadership and the Nigerian public.

“For the sake of equity, fairness, and justice, we believe strongly that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027. Nigeria cannot preach balance and national unity while attempting to abruptly return power to the North after only one Southern tenure. The right and honorable thing for our great party to have done from the onset was to zone the presidential ticket to the South.

“We therefore reject every attempt by political interests and sponsors hiding behind the state chairman to manipulate the genuine wishes of ADC members in Enugu State.

“We want to make it abundantly clear that ADC youths in Enugu State will not support or vote for Atiku Abubakar. We are fully aligned with and committed to supporting the only Southern presidential aspirant who has officially declared under the ADC, Rotimi Amaechi, whom we believe
represents courage, competence, fairness, and national balance.

“We also use this medium to warn against any form of
manipulation, rigging, alteration, or misrepresentation of the votes and
preferences of ADC members in Enugu State during the processes scheduled for
the 25th. The will of party members must prevail. Any attempt to impose
predetermined outcomes will be resisted democratically and lawfully by the
youths and stakeholders of the party in the state.

“Finally, we call on the National Executive Council of the
ADC in Abuja to pay urgent and particular attention to developments in Enugu
State to ensure transparency, fairness, and peace within the party. The
leadership must not allow a few politically sponsored individuals to create
avoidable tension where the overwhelming majority of party faithful are united
in support of Rotimi Amaechi,” he stated.

Leading aspirants for the ADC
presidential ticket include Atiku and Amaechi.

The ADC plans to battle the ruling party, the All
Progressives Congress, in the general elections slated for February 2027.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is seeking re-election in 2027.

Aprokorepublic

Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke has been officially cleared to contest on the platform of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

The clearance paves the way for Duke, a seasoned politician and one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s political landscape, to throw his hat into the ring for the party’s presidential ticket.

The PRP presidential primary is scheduled to hold on Monday, May 25, 2026.According to party sources, Duke will be contesting alongside two other aspirants in what is expected to be a keenly contested primary.

His entry is believed to have generated considerable excitement within the party, given his track record as a former governor and his reputation for progressive governance during his time in office.

Political analysts suggest that Duke’s participation could reshape the dynamics of the PRP primaries, bringing both experience and national visibility to the contest.

The outcome of the May 25 primary will determine the party’s flagbearer for the 2027 presidential election.

Further details on the screening process and the identities of the other two aspirants are expected to be released by the PRP in the coming hours.

Aprokorepublic