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Traditional doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Native doctors protest alleged witch-hunt by Soludo’s administration
Some native doctors and traditional medicine practitioners, referred to as Ndi Dibia and Ezenwanyi in Anambra State, have protested against alleged selective justice by the state government.

They claimed that the use of Agunaechemba security operatives was a witch-hunt, anti-traditional faith, and a violation of their constitutionally-backed fundamental rights to practise the religion of their choice.

The native doctors, who gathered from various parts of the state, decried what they termed the stigmatisation of their profession by the state government, which they accused of using Agunaechemba to harass and crack down on their activities.

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During the protest, they offered prayers and performed rituals to resist what they described as the governor’s interference.

Speaking at a secret location, the group’s leader, High Priest Ikele, described Governor Charles Soludo’s actions as “unjust and discriminatory.”

Ikele said, “We’re not cultists or criminals. We’re traditional healers serving our communities for generations. Soludo’s attempts to stigmatise and suppress our activities won’t succeed.”

The native doctors rejected the clampdown and vowed to continue their prayers and rituals until their demands are met. They also pledged to oppose the governor’s second-term bid in the November 8, 2025 election.

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Meanwhile, the state government has concluded plans to prosecute arrested native doctors for alleged violations of the newly unveiled Anambra State Homeland Security Law.

Those currently in custody for allegedly promoting money rituals, including “Yahoo plus,” and preparing charms for criminals include Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki; Onyebuchi Okocha, also known as Onyeze Jesus (Father of All Men); and Ekene Igboekweze (Eke Hit) from Okija in Ihiala Local Council.

Igboekweze, known for promoting native practices on Facebook, had reportedly criticised Nwangwu and Okocha for being easily captured by security operatives. However, he was also apprehended a few days later.

The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed plans to charge the native doctors to court upon the conclusion of investigations. He dismissed claims that Governor Soludo’s administration is opposed to traditional worship.

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According to Mefor, the government is focused on combating crime and addressing those who enable it, including native doctors who prepare charms for criminals.

Speaking on the state-owned Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), monitored by The Guardian over the weekend, Mefor emphasised that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. Upon conviction, they will be sentenced according to the provisions of the new Homeland Security Law.

He said, “The state government is committed to eradicating criminal activities in Anambra and restoring sanity across the state.”

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2027: Tinubu Can Be Shoved Aside If INEC Is Closely Monitored – Dele Momodu

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Ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring.

Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible.

According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party.

“I don’t know why people think it’s impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower,” he said

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VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place at the National Arcade in Abuja on Thursday

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Vice President Shettima at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026
The dignitaries were led to the cenotaph in a solemn march by soldiers, where they laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.

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Prayers were also conducted for the living and fallen heroes who fought gallantly for global peace and national integration.

The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; followed by the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and finally, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.

Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, immediately followed by the firing of the artillery gun.

The wreath-laying ceremony, which involves the placing of flowers at a memorial site, then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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Leading the wreath-laying ceremony was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who solemnly proceeded to lay the wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.

Next to lay wreaths were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Following them, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, laid her wreath, immediately succeeded by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.

The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in laying wreaths to honour the fallen heroes.

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The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on 15 January. It serves to honor veterans of World War I and II, as well as the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

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Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus commemorate with Nigerians on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, says their sacrifices cannot be forgotten.

This was contained in a commemorative message signed on behalf of the caucus leadership by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stating that:

“Today, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joins the rest of the nation in solemn reflection as we honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces (past and present) who laid down their lives in defence of our country.

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“On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we remember with deep gratitude those who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic ideals.

“Their selfless service, often rendered in the face of grave danger and personal loss, remains a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.

“We also salute our wounded heroes and veterans whose sacrifices did not end on the battlefield, as well as the families of fallen soldiers who continue to bear the pain of loss with quiet strength and dignity.

” Your resilience embodies the true spirit of national service, and the nation owes you an enduring debt of gratitude.

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“As a Caucus, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.

“This includes sustained advocacy for improved welfare packages, adequate equipment, mental health support, timely pensions, and the fulfilment of all statutory obligations owed to those who have served our nation with honour.

“At a time when our country continues to confront security challenges, we urge renewed national unity, responsible leadership, and collective resolve to support our Armed Forces, not only in words, but through concrete policies and actions that strengthen morale, accountability, and professionalism within the security sector.

“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. May their sacrifices continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria.

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“We remember. We honour. We will never forget.

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