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Court Adjourns Defamation Case Against Anambra Businessman

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The Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State, presided over by Justice B.M.K. Mohammed, has adjourned hearing in a defamation case involving Awka-based businessman Ikenna Ezeume to September 24, 2025.

The case, filed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), is a two-count charge alleging that Ezeume made defamatory statements against Barrister Jideofor Okongwu, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Anaocha Branch.

The adjournment followed an application by the defence counsel, A.C. Nwogbo, who informed the court that the defendant was unwell and receiving medical treatment. A medical report was tendered in court to support the application, which sought additional time for Ezeume to recover and appear for arraignment and plea.

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In Charge No. FHC/AWK/107c/2025, dated May 7, 2025, and signed by police prosecution counsel A.G. Obi from the Legal Department of the Anambra State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the prosecution alleged that Ezeume published defamatory voice notes between February and March 2025 via social media.

READ ALSO: Russia Blacklists Yale University In Latest Crackdown

Count One alleges that the defendant knowingly published a defamatory audio message on two WhatsApp forums—“People’s Forum” and “Enugwu Village Forum.” The message claimed that Barrister Okongwu gained admission into the Nigerian Law School through fraudulent means and was unqualified to practice law.

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The prosecution contended that the statement was false, damaging to Okongwu’s reputation among members of the WhatsApp forums and the public, and placed him in fear of potential physical attack.

Count Two involves similar allegations published on the defendant’s Facebook page. The prosecution claimed Ezeume falsely stated that Okongwu also fraudulently secured admission into Delta State University, thereby questioning the legitimacy of his legal qualifications.

READ ALSO: Bill To Establish Federal Oil And Gas Hospital In Delta Scales Second Reading In Senate

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The charges state that these publications were knowingly false and injurious to Okongwu’s character.

The offences are said to contravene Section 24(2)(a) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), which deals with the intentional transmission of false information that injures the reputation of others.

The matter has been adjourned to September 24, 2025, for the defendant’s formal arraignment and plea.

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

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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.

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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

Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.

The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.

‎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

‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.

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.

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“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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Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

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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.

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

READ ALSO:Gunmen Abduct 60-year-old Trader In Oyo

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

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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”.

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Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

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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.

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READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South

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.

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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.

READ ALSO:Edo NLC Divided Over May Day Celebration

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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.

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