Enugu Police Arraign Levi Obieze, 2 Others Over Alleged Kidnappings, Ritual Killings in Ezeagu

The Police on Wednesday arraigned Mr. Obi Levi Obieze and two other suspects on a seven-count charge involving several incidents of kidnapping and murder in Umumba Ndiagu and environ in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu State.

The suspects were arraigned before His Worship, Osondu Chukwuani, Court 1, Enugu North, in Enugu, the state capital.

Recall that Obieze, alias E dey play e dey show, was napped at the Badagry-Seme border area

Through the concerted and collaborative efforts of the police, the Nigeria Immigration Service and other sister security agencies, while trying to flee Nigeria, following alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping and ritual killing that rocked the Umumba Ndiagu community in May this year.

The charge sheet marked MEN/473c/2025 signed by the Prosecutor and Head of the Legal Team, Enugu State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Justice Attah Esq, read, “That you, Obi Levi Obieze, a.k.a Ozo Ezeani/E dey play e dey show (male), Sabastine Emeka Offor (male), Odinwamkpa Ejike (male), and others now at large, between the month of April, 2025 to 26th day of May, 2025, at about 1800hours at along Umuojo Road, Ishiagu Village, Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: kidnapping and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

“That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Ukamaka, female, aged 13 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

“That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Chimaobi Ezi, male, aged 15 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

“That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Joy Miracle Udokamma , female, aged 31 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

“That you… on or before the 21st day of May, 2025, at Umuojo Road, Ishiagu Village, Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 494 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

“That you… on the same day, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Chimaobi Ezi, male, aged 15 years and thereby an offence punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you… on the same day, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Joy Miracle Udokamma, female, aged 31 years and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.”

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge, following which the Magistrate ruled that the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, review their charges, and through the Enugu State Jurisdiction, recommend a higher court since Magistrate Courts had no jurisdiction to try such capital offences.

He adjourned the matter to 20th of August and ordered that the accused by remanded in prison custody.

The arraignment is in line with Governor Peter Mbah Administration’s zero tolerance for crime in the state and the governor’s vow to ensure that justice prevails in the matter.

It is also recalled that the Administration had earlier demolished Levi Obieze’s country home earlier in May in line with the extant laws of Enugu State regarding any property linked to kidnapping.

In June, Governor Mbah equally transmitted an Executive Bill to the Enugu State House of Assembly to checkmate criminal activities of native doctors, herbalists, and related persons in the state.

The proposed legislation entitled “Maintenance of Internal Security, Vigilance and Order”, also outlaws money rituals otherwise known as ‘okite’ and criminal bulletproof charms, otherwise known as ‘odeshi.’

The post Enugu Police Arraign Levi Obieze, 2 Others Over Alleged Kidnappings, Ritual Killings in Ezeagu appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

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    Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Will Soon Be History, Says House Speaker

    Underrepresentation of Women in Politics Will Soon Be History, Says House Speaker

    Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that the persistent issue of women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political space will soon become a thing of the past, as renewed efforts are underway to address it through collective action and legislative reform.

    Speaking at the 9th Voice of Women Conference and Awards (VOW2025) themed ‘Nigerian Women and the Power of Collective Action’, Abbas reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to the passage of the Reserved Seats Bill for Women.

    Represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, Abbas stated that: “The issue of women’s underrepresentation will soon be the tale of the past. We are engaging with our colleagues one-on-one. Whether in Abuja or in their constituencies, we are making sure they understand that the time is now. There is no better time than now.”

    The speaker emphasized the importance of collective advocacy and legislative reform, saying: “The Reserved Seats Bill, which I am proud to co-sponsor, seeks to create 37 additional seats for women across the National Assembly, including three seats per senatorial district at the state level.”

    He highlighted the recent national public hearing on the bill held on September 22, where Nigerian women turned out in overwhelming numbers to show solidarity. 

    “It was a clear sign that Nigerian women are ready to take their place at the decision-making table. We are not asking — we are taking action,” he said.

    Abbas also revealed that grassroots mobilization efforts are already underway.

    According to him, “We’ve engaged political party leaderships, traditional rulers, royal fathers and community leaders. We are lobbying from the top to the grassroots because this bill is not just about politics — it’s about correcting decades of structural imbalance.”

    He commended what he called the president’s gender-sensitive leadership. 

    “This is the only president who has supported his wife to be in the Senate three times. His Renewed Hope Agenda is clear — he wants a Nigeria where no woman is left behind,” he added.

    President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated that the story of Nigeria is incomplete without the strength of its women.

    “Your voices remain the heartbeat of our country; echoing, undaunted, unyielding, and rising to shape a future of equity and progress under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “My administration stands resolute in empowering women as protectors of families, drivers of innovation and catalysts of the one trillion-dollar economy we are building together,” he said.

    Speaking in her capacity as minister, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the power of collective action and the unyielding spirit of Nigerian women, adding that true gender equality cannot be achieved in isolation.

    She noted that women currently occupy less than 6 per cent of seats in the National Assembly, far below the African Union’s target of 50 per cent parity and beneath the global average of 26.5 per cent.

    The minister stated that the Reserved Seats Bill is necessary to address the underrepresentation and to promote political inclusivity.

    “The Reserved Seats Bill is so significant. It is not an act of benevolence; it is an act of justice and strategic necessity.

    “By guaranteeing space for women in governance, we align with global best practices, ensure a more inclusive democracy, and unlock the full potential of half of Nigeria’s population,” she said.

    While commending the leadership of the 10th National Assembly for its support, she said: “Their determination to support the Reserved Seats Bill demonstrates political courage and statesmanship.”

    Meanwhile, Mrs. Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, the Convener of the Conference and CEO of Women Radio 91.7, said the annual conference remains a platform where women’s voices rise to shape Nigeria’s future.

    Okewale-Sonaiya emphasized the need to bridge the gap and address low female political representation to ensure inclusive governance and national transformation.

    Speaking on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, she stressed the need for the president and National Assembly to pass it into law, adding that it is critical for Nigeria’s true democracy.

    “The passage of the bill is a crucial step towards promoting gender balance and inclusive governance in Nigeria. Your commitment and administration’s focus on development and inclusivity align with the bill’s objectives.

    “Your support will demonstrate commitment to gender balance and development, enhancing Nigeria’s global standing. Your advocacy will significantly impact the bill’s passage. It will inspire future generations and show young Nigerians the value of inclusive leadership.

    Other activities to mark the conference included the conferment of awards on notable personalities for their contributions to the advancement of women.

    ​  

    Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has declared that the persistent issue of women’s underrepresentation in Nigeria’s political space will soon become

    NFVCB, NCC to Partner Against Digital Piracy, Unlicensed Streaming 

    NFVCB, NCC to Partner Against Digital Piracy, Unlicensed Streaming 

    Charles Ajunwa

    The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has opened talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tackle the rising menace of digital piracy and the operation of unlicensed streaming platforms in Nigeria.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja, the Executive Director/CEO of NFVCB, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, commended the Commission for its regulatory achievements in Nigeria’s communications sector and stressed the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the two agencies.

    In a statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, Husseini noted that while the NFVCB regulates films and video works through censorship, classification, and licensing, the rapid expansion of digital platforms has created new threats to Nigeria’s creative economy.

    “One of the most disturbing trends today is the piracy of Nigerian films on encrypted platforms such as Telegram. This criminal activity robs our stakeholders of their earnings, discourages quality content creation, and undermines national security,” Husseini said.

    The NFVCB boss also expressed concern that some telecommunication operators now operate streaming services without securing the required licenses for exhibition and distribution of films from the NFVCB.

    He stressed that such practices expose Nigerians to unclassified and unregulated content with cultural and security risks.

    To address these issues, Husseini urged the NCC to collaborate with the Nigerian Copyright Commission, and the NFVCB to combat piracy on encrypted platforms.

    He also sought the assistance of the commission to request telecom operators to obtain NFVCB’S distribution and exhibition licenses before streaming films. The ED also urged the commission to set up a joint technical committee to harmonize regulatory oversight.

    Responding on behalf of the NCC, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Barr. Rimini Makama, who represented the Executive Vice Chairman, welcomed the NFVCB delegation and assured them of NCC’s commitment to partnership. She revealed that both agencies would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track interventions when infractions occur.

    Makama further briefed the delegation about NCC’s existing framework on Child Online Protection and pledged to investigate reports of unlicensed streaming by Telecommunications companies and piracy on Telegram, describing the latter as “a form of cybercrime.”

    Dr. Husseini emphasised that Nigeria’s film industry is both a cultural treasure and an economic driver. “Protecting it is in our collective national interest,” he said, adding that the NFVCB-NCC partnership would ensure a safer digital ecosystem and a fair marketplace for creative talents.

    ​  

    Charles Ajunwa The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has opened talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tackle the rising menace of digital piracy and the operation

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