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Panic over mass arrest of Onitsha market leaders as Intersociety raises alarm, petitions IGP

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The International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) has raised an alarm over what it described as the repeated harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention of leaders of the Ozomagana Building Materials Market in Onitsha, petitioning the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene in what it insisted is a civil dispute that has been criminalised.

The rights group alleged that the ongoing property dispute involving Modebe Enterprises Limited and the Ozomagana Building Materials Market Association had been turned into a channel for intimidation, warning that the continued use of police officers to intervene in the matter was escalating tensions instead of resolving the crisis.

In the petition, Intersociety said it was “deeply disturbed by the dangerous criminalisation of a purely civil matter,” adding that the situation had resulted in “series of arbitrary police arrests, unlawful detentions and acts of intimidation.”

According to the organisation, the dispute centres on the implementation of a lease agreement between Modebe Enterprises Limited and the market association over several properties on Modebe Avenue, Onitsha.

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The group, however, argued that disagreements arising from the agreement ought to be resolved through lawful civil processes rather than police action.

It alleged that officers attached to the IGP’s Special Investigation Unit in Abuja had repeatedly arrested and detained market leaders under the guise of investigating alleged threats to life.

“The matter has become a conduit pipe for intimidation and extortion by some senior police officers from the IGP’s Special Investigation Unit and their subordinates,” the organisation alleged.

It added: “The crisis has led to repeated police harassment, arbitrary arrest and detention, and criminalisation of what is circumstantially a civil matter.”

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Intersociety claimed that since November 15, 2025, more than six separate arrests had been carried out against leaders of the market.

It specifically named former Chairman of the Ozomagana Building Materials Market, Obiora Okoro, alongside Ikechukwu Aneke, a former Assistant Secretary, and Chigozie Ejiofor, a former Treasurer, as among those allegedly arrested and detained.

The organisation further alleged that some of those arrested were subjected to unlawful detention and possible custodial extortion.

According to the group, “court cases have arisen and pronouncements made by a Nnewi High Court in April 2026 have allegedly been flouted with impunity.”

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It warned that the continued use of law enforcement agencies in the dispute could undermine confidence in the justice system.

“The poor handling of the issue has led to denials and counter-denials associated with the lease agreement and its implementation, to the extent that criminalisation and harvest of extortion have been brought into it and escalated,” Intersociety stated.

The organisation urged the Inspector-General of Police to immediately review the actions of officers involved in the matter and prevent further arrests over what it described as a commercial disagreement.

It maintained that the dispute should be allowed to run its course through the courts rather than through police intervention.

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“Using allegations of threats to life as a pretext to repeatedly arrest and detain parties in a civil dispute only worsens the crisis and deepens public distrust,” the group said.

Intersociety also appealed to relevant authorities to ensure that all parties involved respect ongoing judicial proceedings and seek lawful means of resolving the conflict.

The organisation reiterated that “justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” warning that continued intimidation of market leaders could further heighten tension within the commercial community in Onitsha.

It called for an end to what it described as the misuse of security agencies in private disputes, insisting that the rule of law must prevail.

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Wike fires Amaechi: You failed as Speaker, Governor and Minister For 24 Years(Photos)

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… ​Reaffirms loyalty to President Bola Tinubu, vows to continue building sustainable leadership
​
Former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, has challenged the people of Evo Kingdom to point to any tangible development or political empowerment attracted to their land by his predecessor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, despite holding top political offices as Speaker, Governor, and Minister for 24 years.

​Speaking during an interactive session with leaders and stakeholders of Evo Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Wike declared that unlike past leaders who used their elevation to pull down others and monopolize power, his political philosophy centers on human capacity development, divine gratitude, and uplifting his people.

​Wike questioned the moral right of those who spent decades in high offices without leaving behind a legacy of leadership or infrastructure in the area, warning against selfish politics that crumbles once the leader passes on.

​”Because how will I answer before God if these people could take that kind of risk, and opportunity came up for you to help, for you to uplift them? But because of your greed, because of your selfishness, you don’t want anybody to reach the level you are,” Wike said.

He said; “You don’t want anybody in Obio-Akpor to be governor again because you have become governor. God will not be happy with me”.

​Taking direct aim at Amaechi’s 24-year tenure across various arms of government, Wike challenged the kingdom to present evidence of what was attracted to the land under his rival’s reign.

​”Someone was Speaker of the House of Assembly for eight years, Governor for eight years, and Minister for eight years—that is 24 years in top leadership positions! What can anybody point to that he attracted to Evo Kingdom or Rivers State in all those 24 years? Nothing! Not one single thing!

​”I was a Minister of State for Education, and as I sit here, I can count the projects I brought to Rivers State and my people. But somebody was Speaker, Governor, and headed a very lucrative ministry as a full Minister for eight years, yet brought nothing back home! How can someone who spent 24 years in power without empowering his people or raising new leaders now turn around to tell you he loves you?” Wike queried.

​Highlighting his political trajectory and contentment with his achievements under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the FCT Minister stressed that he has no further personal political ambitions other than serving as a vessel for his people.

​”After all, what do I want that God has not given to me? Nothing! Nothing! Nothing! The only thing I ask from God today is to continue to give me long life,” he said.

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“I can’t be a governor again. I’ve been a minister two times. I cannot be chairman of council again. So I am happy. I don’t have anything to lose”.

​He continued: “What leadership, as you are leaving, what’s the leadership you have kept behind to continue with where you have stopped? Because our problem here is that you just want only yourself. When you die, everything crumbles. That is not our own case.”

​Addressing political uncertainties and betrayal, the Minister reiterated his firm trust in God rather than human promises.

​”As a politician, I know that the only person who will not disappoint is God,” Wike declared.

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“So, don’t ever believe that a human being will not disappoint you. No matter the love you have, do the best you can do. If the person disappoints you, don’t kill yourself. God will right the wrong”, he said.

​Wike also recounted how his administration restructured the chieftaincy institution to give Evo Kingdom adequate representation in the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, dismissing claims that traditional politics or native charms could intimidate him.

Political leaders and traditional rulers like Eze Temple Ejekwu
and Elder Peter Chinwo, President of Evo Assembly assured the FCT Minister of victory for the President and other candidates endorsed by the Rainbow Coalition.
​

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Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Ogwime, Selected to Commission Hungarian-African House in Budapest

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Nigeria’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abass Braimah Ogwime, has been selected among African ambassadors accredited to Hungary to officially commission the newly established Hungarian-African House in Budapest.

Ogwime, who also serves as Nigeria’s ambassador to Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, was the guest speaker at the inauguration ceremony held in Budapest on October 2, 2026.

The event attracted members of the diplomatic community, Hungarian government representatives, African heads of mission, business executives, investors, members of the African diaspora and other stakeholders seeking to strengthen economic, cultural and diplomatic relations between Hungary and African countries.

The Hungarian-African House, known locally as Magyar-Afrika Ház, is an initiative of the Foundation for Africa. The facility is designed to serve as a permanent platform for dialogue, business development, cultural exchange and cooperation between Hungary and African nations.

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The initiative is expected to provide a meeting point for Hungarian and African businesses, investors, academic institutions and government representatives to explore investment opportunities, establish strategic partnerships and develop practical areas of collaboration.

Ogwime’s selection as one of the African ambassadors chosen for the commissioning underscores Nigeria’s participation in diplomatic engagements aimed at expanding cooperation between African countries and Hungary.

The Nigerian Embassy in Budapest reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting economic partnerships and supporting initiatives that encourage collaboration between Nigerian, African and Hungarian institutions and communities.

The establishment of the Hungarian-African House comes amid broader efforts to deepen Africa-Europe engagement through trade, investment, cultural diplomacy and institutional partnerships.

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The new facility is expected to provide a dedicated space for advancing these objectives and fostering long-term relationships between Hungary and African countries.

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‘Tinubu Must Go’: Yobe Youths Protest Economic Hardship, Insecurity

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Hundreds of youths on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State, demanding an end to President Bola Tinubu’s administration over worsening economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.

The demonstration, tagged “Tinubu Must Go”, coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1.

The protesters marched through the Tsohowar Kasuwa area of Potiskum, carrying placards and flags of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while expressing dissatisfaction with the state of the country.

They said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast failed to address their concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, poverty, unemployment, insecurity and what they described as poor governance since the administration assumed office in 2023.

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Speaking to journalists on condition of anonymity, one of the protesters said the demonstration was an exercise of their fundamental rights and a call for urgent action to address the country’s challenges.

“We came out today to express our fundamental rights, freedom of speech. We are suffering from this government, people are dying due to insecurity, poverty and unemployment in the land,” the protester said.

Another demonstrator, who identified with the opposition, expressed concern over the country’s economic situation and the state of the education sector.

He said the youths were dissatisfied with the government’s handling of issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

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Similarly, a protester identified as Malam Gambo said the demonstration was organised to draw attention to hunger, insecurity and what the participants described as bad governance.

Eyewitnesses reported that the protest remained peaceful and orderly, with young men and women making up the bulk of the demonstrators.

Some participants were seen carrying ADC flags as they marched through parts of Potiskum to express their grievances against the Tinubu administration.

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