Metro

fire guts Kano varsity, Ibadan fire
Metro

Fire guts Enugu timber market

No fewer than five shops were on Tuesday gutted by fire at the timber market in Kenyatta Street, Uwani, Enugu,…

By Agency reports
NCS MIS File Tracker NCS LOGO ban on vehicle importation NCS and PEBEC Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Customs on SOP for courier companies Charge customs duty in Naira
Metro

Kwara correctional service gets new controller

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) Authority has appointed Controller Shuaib Ayodeji Danmairomu as the new Controller of Corrections in the…

By Biola Azeez
Ebonyi communal clash, NSCDC nabs suspect, Man bags six months jail term, LG Autonomy: Ebonyi community rejects caretaker, requests election, Alleged theft: Police arrest two for flogging, dehumanising teenagers in Ebonyi, herdsmen attack Ebonyi
Metro

Unknown gunmen kill ward councillor in Ebonyi

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen have killed a ward councillor in Onicha local government area of Ebonyi, Hon. Stanley Akpa Nwaeze and one…

By Grace Egbo
Fleeing robbery suspect maimed in Delta
Metro

Fleeing robbery suspect maimed in Delta

A fleeing armed robbery suspect has been confirmed dead after he was maimed while attempting to escape police arrest. The…

By Ebenezer Adurokiya
Kogi govt moves against sexual abuse, gender-based violence
Metro

Kogi govt moves against sexual abuse, gender-based violence

The Kogi State Government has taken further steps to mitigate sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and all forms of gender-based violence…

By Yekini Jimoh
Impending Flood: Kogi govt sensitises stakeholders
Metro

Impending Flood: Kogi govt sensitises stakeholders

The Kogi State Government has called on the critical stakeholders in flood disasters to intensify their efforts in sensitising and…

By Yekini Jimoh
Kwara residents lament hardship caused by strike
Metro

Kwara residents lament hardship caused by strike

Residents of Kwara State on Tuesday lamented the socioeconomic hardship caused by the organised labour's strike on their individual lives…

By Biola Azeez
One dead, dozens trapped as mining site collapses in Niger
Metro

One dead, dozens trapped as mining site collapses in Niger

Tragedy struck on Monday in Garkogo Village, Shiroro local government area of Niger State, following the collapse of a mining…

By Adelowo Oladipo
Newlywed woman cuts husband’s manhood in Kaduna
Metro

Newlywed woman cuts husband’s manhood in Kaduna

In a shocking incident in Kaduna State, a newlywed woman named Habiba Ibrahim stands accused of assaulting her husband, Salisu…

By Sandra Nwaokolo
Kaduna govt to recruit, Activist threatens to sue Soludo over proposed Anambra market demolition By Michael Ovat -Awka A frontline activist, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, has threatened to sue Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, over the proposed demolition of Afor Nnobi Market, at Nnobi community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the State. Okonkwo, who is a prominent son of Nnobi community, issued the threat in a statement released by his media office in Awka, on Thursday. He accused Governor Soludo of trying to destroy one of the top five traditional markets in Anambra State, not for overriding public interest, as stipulated by the law, but to achieve a parochial agenda. According to Okonkwo, the Governor wants Afor Nnobi to give way, in order to shift commercial activities in the market to the nearby Ekwulobia Market in Aguata Local Government Area, where he hails from. He argued that if Soludo could build a flyover and a brand new ultra-modern market at Ekwulobia alone, nothing stops him from building one flyover across Afor Nnobi to ease traffic, rather than destroying a traditional market that offers thousands of rural people their daily bread. Okonkwo said: “I went to court to retrieve the market from the Anambra State Government in 1996 during the military administration of Colonel Mike Attah. "The case number at the Federal High Court Enugu was FHC/AN/5/95. I sued, being the one issued the Power of Attorney by the Traditional Ruler, H.R.H. Igwe E. Ezeokoli II (now late), as the custodian of the market. We were initially granted an order of interim injunction, restraining three of the defendants-the Attorney-General, Anambra State, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State and Idemili Local Government Area-their agents, servants/workmen and/privies, from carrying out their intention to take over Afor Nnobi Market, including the realms of the deities “Idemili Ezenwanyi and ichiabia” as stated in the plaintiff’s palace, pending the determination of the motion on notice brought in respect of the said Traditional Afor Nnobi Market, Nnobi. “Ruling In the substantive suit, the Judge made a finding that it has not been shown before the court that the said market is the property of the Nnobi Welfare Organization (NWO) to make the purported transfer to come under Section 679 of CAMA and Section 230 (1) (e) of the said Decree 107. The court agreed with us that Afor Nnobi is a traditional market. "Nobody appealed the judgment. So, Igwe handed over the market to me and I gave it back to the community. Hence, Anambra State Government cannot come through the back door to relocate the market under the pretense of constructing a dual carriage way. "If the market blocks a road, you first of all send estate surveyors to look at the value of market and not just asking the people affected to look for a new site for the market. “Before talking about the demolition of Afor Nnobi, let Governor Soludo show us in the 2025 Anambra State Budget, where he made the provisions for both the construction of the dual carriage road and the compensation for those to be affected by the construction work, including the traders at Afor Nnobi Market. Who are the consultants for the road project? Where is the design of the road? Who are the engineers that designed the road? Where is the environmental impact assessment report? Who are the environmental consultants? Who is the contractor?” “That road is a Trunk B Road. Where is the approval issued to the Anambra State Government by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) through the Federal Ministry of Works, Highway Department for the construction of the road? Did the award of the contract comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which says that you cannot award a contract without a matching fund for it? Soludo and the contractors are liable to damages because we are suing them for wasting our money.” Besides, Okonkwo made it clear that under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), communities and States can no longer build markets. He said the Fourth Schedule of the same Constitution explicitly lists the functions of the Local Government Council, including the establishment; maintenance and regulation of slaughter houses, slaughter slabs, markets, Motor Park and public conveniences. The activist maintained that the Governor ought to have considered the economic consequences of the demolition of the market under the prevailing economic situation in the country, being that Afor Nnobi is a thriving market for poultry and other food commodities, from which thousands of people from Nnobi, old Idemili zone, other parts of Anambra State and beyond, make their livelihood. He berated Governor Soludo of showing insensitivity to the wellbeing of the masses, whereas the Constitution in Section 14 (b) under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, makes it sacrosanct that “that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” He added: “Governor Soludo thinks that everybody in Anambra State is a trader and businessman and cannot ask questions when the government is acting recklessly and with impunity. He thinks that everybody is one of his students. Some of us have been vying for governorship when he was living in the government quarters in the university free of charge. How can he be building new Government House without a budget? We will call him to account for all the money. We have endured three and half years of his deceptive administration and we are going to flush him out of Government House.” Plans to relocate the market was announced at a meeting that took place between stakeholders of Nnobi community and representatives of Anambra State Government on Sunday, March 23, 2025. After the meeting, the Chairman of Ngo Nnobi Development Union (NNDU), Hon. Oluchukwu Onwugbenu announced via a WhatsApp message that four new sites have been selected for the market at Agu Awuda, Agu Umuagu, Offiah Idemili and Agwu Icha, all located at Nnobi. Activist threatens to sue Soludo over proposed Anambra market demolition By Michael Ovat -Awka A frontline activist, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, has threatened to sue Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, over the proposed demolition of Afor Nnobi Market, at Nnobi community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the State. Okonkwo, who is a prominent son of Nnobi community, issued the threat in a statement released by his media office in Awka, on Thursday. He accused Governor Soludo of trying to destroy one of the top five traditional markets in Anambra State, not for overriding public interest, as stipulated by the law, but to achieve a parochial agenda. According to Okonkwo, the Governor wants Afor Nnobi to give way, in order to shift commercial activities in the market to the nearby Ekwulobia Market in Aguata Local Government Area, where he hails from. He argued that if Soludo could build a flyover and a brand new ultra-modern market at Ekwulobia alone, nothing stops him from building one flyover across Afor Nnobi to ease traffic, rather than destroying a traditional market that offers thousands of rural people their daily bread. Okonkwo said: “I went to court to retrieve the market from the Anambra State Government in 1996 during the military administration of Colonel Mike Attah. "The case number at the Federal High Court Enugu was FHC/AN/5/95. I sued, being the one issued the Power of Attorney by the Traditional Ruler, H.R.H. Igwe E. Ezeokoli II (now late), as the custodian of the market. We were initially granted an order of interim injunction, restraining three of the defendants-the Attorney-General, Anambra State, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State and Idemili Local Government Area-their agents, servants/workmen and/privies, from carrying out their intention to take over Afor Nnobi Market, including the realms of the deities “Idemili Ezenwanyi and ichiabia” as stated in the plaintiff’s palace, pending the determination of the motion on notice brought in respect of the said Traditional Afor Nnobi Market, Nnobi. “Ruling In the substantive suit, the Judge made a finding that it has not been shown before the court that the said market is the property of the Nnobi Welfare Organization (NWO) to make the purported transfer to come under Section 679 of CAMA and Section 230 (1) (e) of the said Decree 107. The court agreed with us that Afor Nnobi is a traditional market. "Nobody appealed the judgment. So, Igwe handed over the market to me and I gave it back to the community. Hence, Anambra State Government cannot come through the back door to relocate the market under the pretense of constructing a dual carriage way. "If the market blocks a road, you first of all send estate surveyors to look at the value of market and not just asking the people affected to look for a new site for the market. “Before talking about the demolition of Afor Nnobi, let Governor Soludo show us in the 2025 Anambra State Budget, where he made the provisions for both the construction of the dual carriage road and the compensation for those to be affected by the construction work, including the traders at Afor Nnobi Market. Who are the consultants for the road project? Where is the design of the road? Who are the engineers that designed the road? Where is the environmental impact assessment report? Who are the environmental consultants? Who is the contractor?” “That road is a Trunk B Road. Where is the approval issued to the Anambra State Government by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) through the Federal Ministry of Works, Highway Department for the construction of the road? Did the award of the contract comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which says that you cannot award a contract without a matching fund for it? Soludo and the contractors are liable to damages because we are suing them for wasting our money.” Besides, Okonkwo made it clear that under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), communities and States can no longer build markets. He said the Fourth Schedule of the same Constitution explicitly lists the functions of the Local Government Council, including the establishment; maintenance and regulation of slaughter houses, slaughter slabs, markets, Motor Park and public conveniences. The activist maintained that the Governor ought to have considered the economic consequences of the demolition of the market under the prevailing economic situation in the country, being that Afor Nnobi is a thriving market for poultry and other food commodities, from which thousands of people from Nnobi, old Idemili zone, other parts of Anambra State and beyond, make their livelihood. He berated Governor Soludo of showing insensitivity to the wellbeing of the masses, whereas the Constitution in Section 14 (b) under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, makes it sacrosanct that “that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” He added: “Governor Soludo thinks that everybody in Anambra State is a trader and businessman and cannot ask questions when the government is acting recklessly and with impunity. He thinks that everybody is one of his students. Some of us have been vying for governorship when he was living in the government quarters in the university free of charge. How can he be building new Government House without a budget? We will call him to account for all the money. We have endured three and half years of his deceptive administration and we are going to flush him out of Government House.” Plans to relocate the market was announced at a meeting that took place between stakeholders of Nnobi community and representatives of Anambra State Government on Sunday, March 23, 2025. After the meeting, the Chairman of Ngo Nnobi Development Union (NNDU), Hon. Oluchukwu Onwugbenu announced via a WhatsApp message that four new sites have been selected for the market at Agu Awuda, Agu Umuagu, Offiah Idemili and Agwu Icha, all located at Nnobi. Activist threatens to sue Soludo over proposed Anambra market demolition By Michael Ovat -Awka A frontline activist, Dr Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, has threatened to sue Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, over the proposed demolition of Afor Nnobi Market, at Nnobi community in Idemili South Local Government Area of the State. Okonkwo, who is a prominent son of Nnobi community, issued the threat in a statement released by his media office in Awka, on Thursday. He accused Governor Soludo of trying to destroy one of the top five traditional markets in Anambra State, not for overriding public interest, as stipulated by the law, but to achieve a parochial agenda. According to Okonkwo, the Governor wants Afor Nnobi to give way, in order to shift commercial activities in the market to the nearby Ekwulobia Market in Aguata Local Government Area, where he hails from. He argued that if Soludo could build a flyover and a brand new ultra-modern market at Ekwulobia alone, nothing stops him from building one flyover across Afor Nnobi to ease traffic, rather than destroying a traditional market that offers thousands of rural people their daily bread. Okonkwo said: “I went to court to retrieve the market from the Anambra State Government in 1996 during the military administration of Colonel Mike Attah. "The case number at the Federal High Court Enugu was FHC/AN/5/95. I sued, being the one issued the Power of Attorney by the Traditional Ruler, H.R.H. Igwe E. Ezeokoli II (now late), as the custodian of the market. We were initially granted an order of interim injunction, restraining three of the defendants-the Attorney-General, Anambra State, Commissioner of Police, Anambra State and Idemili Local Government Area-their agents, servants/workmen and/privies, from carrying out their intention to take over Afor Nnobi Market, including the realms of the deities “Idemili Ezenwanyi and ichiabia” as stated in the plaintiff’s palace, pending the determination of the motion on notice brought in respect of the said Traditional Afor Nnobi Market, Nnobi. “Ruling In the substantive suit, the Judge made a finding that it has not been shown before the court that the said market is the property of the Nnobi Welfare Organization (NWO) to make the purported transfer to come under Section 679 of CAMA and Section 230 (1) (e) of the said Decree 107. The court agreed with us that Afor Nnobi is a traditional market. "Nobody appealed the judgment. So, Igwe handed over the market to me and I gave it back to the community. Hence, Anambra State Government cannot come through the back door to relocate the market under the pretense of constructing a dual carriage way. "If the market blocks a road, you first of all send estate surveyors to look at the value of market and not just asking the people affected to look for a new site for the market. “Before talking about the demolition of Afor Nnobi, let Governor Soludo show us in the 2025 Anambra State Budget, where he made the provisions for both the construction of the dual carriage road and the compensation for those to be affected by the construction work, including the traders at Afor Nnobi Market. Who are the consultants for the road project? Where is the design of the road? Who are the engineers that designed the road? Where is the environmental impact assessment report? Who are the environmental consultants? Who is the contractor?” “That road is a Trunk B Road. Where is the approval issued to the Anambra State Government by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) through the Federal Ministry of Works, Highway Department for the construction of the road? Did the award of the contract comply with the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which says that you cannot award a contract without a matching fund for it? Soludo and the contractors are liable to damages because we are suing them for wasting our money.” Besides, Okonkwo made it clear that under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), communities and States can no longer build markets. He said the Fourth Schedule of the same Constitution explicitly lists the functions of the Local Government Council, including the establishment; maintenance and regulation of slaughter houses, slaughter slabs, markets, Motor Park and public conveniences. The activist maintained that the Governor ought to have considered the economic consequences of the demolition of the market under the prevailing economic situation in the country, being that Afor Nnobi is a thriving market for poultry and other food commodities, from which thousands of people from Nnobi, old Idemili zone, other parts of Anambra State and beyond, make their livelihood. He berated Governor Soludo of showing insensitivity to the wellbeing of the masses, whereas the Constitution in Section 14 (b) under the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy, makes it sacrosanct that “that security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” He added: “Governor Soludo thinks that everybody in Anambra State is a trader and businessman and cannot ask questions when the government is acting recklessly and with impunity. He thinks that everybody is one of his students. Some of us have been vying for governorship when he was living in the government quarters in the university free of charge. How can he be building new Government House without a budget? We will call him to account for all the money. We have endured three and half years of his deceptive administration and we are going to flush him out of Government House.” Plans to relocate the market was announced at a meeting that took place between stakeholders of Nnobi community and representatives of Anambra State Government on Sunday, March 23, 2025. After the meeting, the Chairman of Ngo Nnobi Development Union (NNDU), Hon. Oluchukwu Onwugbenu announced via a WhatsApp message that four new sites have been selected for the market at Agu Awuda, Agu Umuagu, Offiah Idemili and Agwu Icha, all located at Nnobi. Uba Sani's policies, healthcare delivery in Kaduna, Kaduna govt pension gratuity, Kaduna gov initiates two major road projects
Metro

Kaduna gov initiates two major road projects

In what could be a significant milestone, the Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani-led administration has broken ground on two…

By Adelowo Oladipo
Akwa Ibom: Group faults NDDC commissioning of 11-year-old bridge
Metro

Akwa Ibom: Group faults NDDC commissioning of 11-year-old bridge

An advocacy media group, Eket Federal Constituency Media Forum, says listing and inaugurating a bridge executed and completed in 11…

By Udeme Utip
Oyo NSCDC illegal security outfits,
Metro

Oyo NSCDC clamps down on illegal security outfits, warns against uniform abuse 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has begun a clampdown on all illegal private security…

By Oluwatoyin Malik
Operatives of the Nigeria Police, Anambra State Command, have arrested a 23-year-old woman, Okonkwo Onyinye, for her alleged involvement in the abduction and robbery of a businessman. 
Crime ReportsMetro

Unpaid rent: Landlord collapses, dies after argument with tenant in Ogun

A landlord in Ogun State, Benjamin Apeh, has reportedly died following an argument with his tenant over unpaid house rent…

By Olayinka Olukoya
Edo govt developmental strides, ,minimum wage Obaseki, Obaseki war on cultists in EdoObaseki
Metro

Obaseki declares war on cultists as 150 persons feared dead in Edo

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has condemned the activities of confraternity groups in the state and handed a…

By Idahosa Moses
land for Air Force wing,
Metro

Gov Sani donates land for Air Force wing establishment in Kaduna 

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, in a bid to enhance the security of the state, has allocated land for the…

By Muhammad Sabiu
security priority in Zamfara,
Metro

Again, Gov Lawal says security remains priority in Zamfara

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property of the people.…

By Tribune Online
Food inflation declining, yam, tomatoes prices dropping — Onanuga
MetroTop News

Grid shutdown: Be thankful we’re not in military regime, Tinubu’s aide tells labour

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, says the striking Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and…

By Taoheed Adegbite
Metro

Tragedy as DCP Abubakar Muhammad Guri dies at Force Headquarters

Tragedy struck at the Force Headquarters, FHQ, in Abuja on Monday as Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abubakar Muhammad Guri…

By Jacob Segun Olatunji
Motorists lament alleged police extortion, Ondo guber elections, policemen in Bayelsa, Egbetokun mourns Eno's wife, How sponsors of violent protest fled Nigeria before arrest — IGP, edo guber, IGP Egbetokun meets with former IGPs in Abuja, #EndBadGovernance protest: IGP orders probe into care, welfare of detained minors
Metro

IGP blames internal security threat on corruption, impunity within governance structure

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has blamed the internal security threat in the country on the pervasive culture…

By Soji Ajibola
Police detain three officers for alleged extortion Guard, chef arrested for stealing employer's N5.5m in property
Metro

Lagos: Police nab car wash attendant for killing pedestrian

A car wash attendant, 25-year-old Olaamide Quadri has been arrested by the Lagos Police Command for killing a pedestrian and…

By Olalekan Olabulo

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