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In a crackdown that has sent shockwaves through the area, security operatives have detained over twenty-two persons linked to the brutal assassination of Prince Idjesa Oharisi of Ughelli Kingdom royal family.

The revelation came from the Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Chief Jaro Egbo, Esq., during a high-profile condolence visit to the bereaved Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Evang. Wilson Ojakovo, Oharisi III.

Speaking with formidable authority within the sacred walls of the royal palace on Monday, January 26, 2026, Egbo described the killing as a “heinous and calculated atrocity” that has pierced the heart of the entire kingdom. “This is not merely a crime; it is an act of war against our traditions, our peace, and our future,” he thundered. “The blood of a prince cries out for justice, and we shall deliver nothing less.”

The chairman dispelled any notions of inter-communal strife, instead pointing an accusatory finger at the metastasizing scourge of cultism masquerading as rebellion.

He issued an unequivocal decree to all criminal factions operating within Ughelli: “Your time is up. Vacate our streets, our communities, and our kingdom immediately, or be prepared to face the relentless and unforgiving wrath of the law.”

Egbo confirmed that the arrests are part of a broader, aggressive operation targeting recent waves of violence, with the investigation into the prince’s murder being treated as an absolute priority.

He assured the people of Ughelli that security agencies are deploying every resource at their disposal to dismantle the networks responsible.

In a firm rebuke of spreading misinformation, both Egbo and the Ovie categorically denied the existence of any government-declared curfew. “Let these words echo through every quarter: there is no curfew in Ughelli,” Egbo stated, his tone leaving no room for ambiguity.

He issued a stern warning to overzealous security personnel, stating that any intimidation of innocent citizens under this false pretext would be met with severe disciplinary action.

Emphasizing Ughelli’s critical role as a commercial and cultural linchpin connecting three major geopolitical zones, Egbo warned that any attempt to destabilize the throne or undermine the kingdom’s sovereignty would be crushed.

He appealed directly to families, elders, and community leaders to reclaim their youth from the clutches of violence and cultism, pledging the local government’s total commitment to eradicating this menace.

His Royal Majesty, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, received the chairman’s pledges with solemn gratitude, describing the visit as “a powerful testament to unity in our moment of profound sorrow.”

The monarch also vehemently dispelled the curfew rumours, labeling them “malicious fabrications” intended to breed fear and disorder. “I have issued no such order.

These lies must cease,” he commanded, urging all citizens and media houses to obtain information solely through authorized official channels.

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Abia critical stakeholders under the platform of the Abia Council of Traditional Prime Ministers have formally adopted Governor Alex Otti as their only governorship candidate for the 2027 election.

The decision was announced after the council’s quarterly meeting held on Tuesday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The leaders also passed a vote of confidence in the governor, citing his performance in office since he assumed leadership of the state.

In a communiqué signed by the council’s President, Chief Uche Akwukwaegbu, and presented by Chief Okeosisi Harbour, the group said its resolution was based on what it described as visible development across major cities in the state.

The council noted that Otti inherited severe challenges when he took office but has been able to introduce wide reforms in infrastructure and governance.

The leaders said the transformation of Aba and Umuahia influenced their collective stance. According to them, both cities now reflect modern urban planning and improved public services.

The statement reads, “We want to assure the governor that in 2027, the traditional prime ministers in Abia State, who are the grasses that generate the roots, will work for his re-election.

“Today, Aba in particular has grown from its old glory into an ultra-modern city in the area of roads and infrastructure, electricity, promotion of commerce, security and overall development.

“Also, Umuahia as a metropolitan city has been transformed into an ultra-modern city that can compete with any state capital in West Africa under the watch of Governor Alex Otti.

“The Umuahia ultra-modern bus terminal, which is 95 per cent ready for commissioning, is a wonder centre that we have never witnessed east of the Niger.

“The electricity programme, which the Otti administration is soon floating, is 99 per cent ready for the takeover of electricity distribution in the state. It is worthy of welcome. There is also regular payment of salaries of public servants in Abia State and pensions.”

The council further praised the governor for improving the welfare of traditional rulers in the state. It said the increment in their status and allowances by more than 300 percent showed respect for traditional institutions.

Members of the council urged the governor not to relent in addressing their welfare and maintaining peace across communities. They stressed that their support was not based on political party loyalty but on performance.

“That we are solidly behind him and we have adopted him as our lone governorship candidate. Irrespective of party affiliation, this organisation is non-partisan. But because of his wonderful performance, we have gone beyond the partisan line to adopt him so that there will be continuity.

“The opposition has nothing to offer the Abia people. He has done well and we want him to do better. We are solidly behind him and there is nothing that will happen,” the group maintained.

However, the council also called on other traditional prime ministers in Abia who are yet to join the body to become members in order to strengthen unity and collective decision-making among traditional institutions.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a two-month temporary dispensation allowing the continued use of NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for the processing of Forms M.

The grace period which runs until February 28, 2026, is aimed at preventing trade disruptions as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) completes the transition from its legacy NICIS II system to the new B’Odogwu platform.

The apex bank in a circular signed by the Director of the Trade and Exchange Department, Aliyu M. Ashiru noted that all Authorised Dealer Banks (ADBs) have been directed to continue accepting expired licences for Form M processing and to ensure strict compliance with the terms of this dispensation.

It stated: “The Central Bank of Nigeria wishes to notify all AuthorisedDealers Banks (ADBs) and the general public of a temporary dispensation offered by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) permitting the continued use of NAFDAC licenses that expired on 31st December, 2025, for the processing of Forms M for a two-month temporary dispensation ending February 28, 2026.

“The temporary dispensation has become necessary due to the transition from legacy NICIS Il system and the inability of importers to validate or renew NAFDAC licenses on B’Odogwu after December 2025.”

The central bank further noted that the two-month window was intended to ensure uninterrupted trade operations while NAFDAC finalises the integration of its system with the new National Single Window.

It added: Accordingly, all Authorised Dealer Banks are to note the following: Continue accepting NAFDAC licences that expired on December 31, 2025, for the purpose of processing Forms M. Ensure compliance with the terms of this dispensation, which expires on February 28, 2026.

“This measure is aimed at preventing disruption in trade processes while NAFDAC completes the integration of its system with the new National Single Window.”