Metro

Anambra Seals Church Over Ritual Practices

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2025

The Anambra State Government has sealed a popular church known as “Children of the Light Anointing Ministry” run by Pastor Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as “Onye Eze Jesus”, over alleged involvement in controversial “Oke-ite” traditional practice.

The church located in Amafor village, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state was sealed by operatives of the state security outfit, “Agunechemba” during their visit to the premises on Sunday.

During the visit to the site, some substances including containers and other items were found at the premises.

This was disclosed in a post on the Anambra State government X handle on Sunday.

This development, it was gathered marked the third high-profile crackdown on “quick riches” spiritualists in Anambra, following the crackdown and arrests of popular native doctors and individuals engaged in “Oke-ite” practices.

The state authorities also sealed some of their shrines for engaging in such activities.

It was gathered that “Oke Ite” is a concoction made from human parts, animals, and herbs mixed in a mud pot and used for money rituals and the state authorities have identified it as a fraudulent scheme used by native doctors to deceive unsuspecting victims.

Ken Emeakayi, the Special Adviser to the Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Community Security, also announced the closure of the church while leading members of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” to the site.

Emeakayi stated that the action was taken in response to public complaints and a video where the pastor allegedly admitted to practising “Oke Ite” and other dubious rituals.

He said, “The state government will conduct forensic tests on liquid substances found at the ministry. While the state government does not oppose any religious practice, it will not tolerate those that promote a ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality.

“Additionally, forensic experts will analyse samples from River Bethsaida, where the spiritualist, also known as ‘Aka na Asa Uchu’, is said to conduct baths for individuals.

“The investigation aims to determine any potential health hazards associated with the practice. The Anambra State government remains committed to curbing fraudulent religious and ritualistic practices in the state.”

The spiritualist was said to have gained popularity for his style of taking followers to a river in Nkpor.

Metro

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

3 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.