# The Federal High Court sitting in Awka has declared the member representing Oyi Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Innocent Ojike, as the duly elected and recognised candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the constituency in the 2027 general elections.
It would be recalled that on May 23, 2026, the APGA National and State Assembly Primary Election Committee declared Ojike the winner of the party’s primary election conducted across the 15 wards of Oyi Constituency.
However, the outcome was subsequently challenged following the emergence of another result, which purportedly replaced the earlier declaration by the party’s duly constituted primary election committee.
The development generated controversy within the party, with supporters of Ojike alleging that the subsequent declaration was irregular and designed to favour another aspirant who, according to them, had come second in the primary election.
They further alleged that certain elements within the party’s national leadership, allegedly in collaboration with the head of the local government administration in the area, interfered with the primary election process and undermined the outcome declared by the electoral committee.
In the pre-election suit filed by Ojike in June 2026, the validity of the subsequent declaration was challenged.
Delivering judgment in the matter on Friday, Justice Evelyn Anyadike reportedly set aside the disputed declaration and directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the name and particulars of Hon. Innocent Ojike as APGA’s candidate for Oyi Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The judgment effectively recognises Ojike as the candidate produced by the APGA primary election conducted on May 23, 2026, subject to any applicable right of appeal.
The ruling is expected to bring further clarity to the controversy surrounding the party’s nomination for the Oyi State Constituency election.
# The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Anambra State, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has expressed deep concern over a disturbing case involving a woman identified as Mrs. Anulika from Abatete in Idemili North LGA, who allegedly used her own daughters to produce pornographic content for profit on a streaming platform.
The Commissioner described the act as morally reprehensible and a heinous crime that exploits and endangers innocent children.
While condemning the incident in the strongest terms, the Commissioner commended the swift response of law enforcement authorities, working alongside the Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, to ensure that the woman faces the full weight of the law. She noted that using a streaming platform to profit from such despicable activity only compounds the gravity of the offence.
The Commissioner assured that the affected children will receive the necessary support and care to help them recover from this horrific experience, reaffirming that the Government of Governor Chukwuma Soludo maintains a zero-tolerance stance against all forms of child abuse and exploitation.
The Ministry reiterates its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of women and children across Anambra State, and urges members of the public with information on similar cases to report promptly to the appropriate authorities.
# Anambra may soon have a State Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) Policy after stakeholders validated the draft policy and its proposed implementation framework.
The validation exercise was held during a technical meeting organised by the Anambra Menstrual Health Advocacy Coalition (AMHAC) Technical Working Group through the Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment (DeCODE), under the Menstrual Ease for Girls (ME4Girls) Project, with support from Rise Up Together.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministries of Women Affairs, Education and Health, education agencies, RUWASSA, civil society organisations and the media to review the draft policy and chart a practical roadmap for its implementation.
Participants also considered findings from the Anambra State Menstrual Health Situation Assessment, which examined menstrual health challenges, gaps and opportunities across six local government areas and 12 public secondary schools.
The findings were used to strengthen the draft policy and ensure it reflects the realities facing girls in the state.
A major focus of the meeting was defining the roles of key institutions in implementing the policy.
Under the proposed framework, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare will coordinate policy adoption and provide overall leadership, while the Ministry of Education will drive implementation in schools in partnership with the Post-Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC) and the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
The Ministry of Health will lead the health-related components of the policy, while the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) will support the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities needed to create menstrual-friendly school environments.
# The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Anambra State Command, has secured the conviction of one Obika Sopuruchukwu for offences relating to vandalism and theft of critical national telecommunications infrastructure.
Obika Sopuruchukwu was arrested on the 9th of September 2026 at Emma Nnaemeka Street, Awka, for criminally conspiring to steal a telecommunication integrated power transformer/generator situated in the area.
While his accomplice escaped, Obika Sopuruchukwu was apprehended by operatives of the Corps and subsequently charged to court in Charge No: MAW/276C/2026 before the Magistrate Court sitting in Awka.
In a press statement, Anambra NSCDC Spokesperson, SC. Okadigbo Edwin, noted that Obika Sopuruchukwu was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, to wit: stealing, punishable under Section 495(a) of the Criminal Code, and vandalism of Critical National Assets through loosening of bolts and cutting of cables, an offence punishable under Section 353(2) of the Criminal Code.
“The suspect pleaded “guilty” when the charges were read to him. Delivering judgment on 11th September 2026, the Honourable Magistrate found the defendant guilty on both counts. He was accordingly sentenced to one month imprisonment on each count, to run consecutively at the Correctional Centre, Amawbia.
The State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, commended the prosecution team led by SC Ifeanyi Nwokike and other operatives for their diligence. He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure across the State.
Commandant Maku further warned that the Corps will not relent in clamping down on vandals and saboteurs of public utilities. He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government and private installations to the nearest NSCDC formation.
# Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, Gen. Chikelue Iloenyosi, has celebrated Team Anambra’s Intermediate football side following their impressive 1-0 victory over Team Enugu in their opening game of the South-East Zonal Eliminations for the National Intermediate Games.
In a goodwill message, Iloenyosi described the hard-fought victory as a testament to the team’s determination, discipline, unity and fighting spirit.
“Congratulations to the players, coaches and entire team for starting on a winning note. With faith, focus and the unwavering support of Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, we believe greater victories are ahead. One team. One mission. One Anambra. The journey continues!” he said.
Team Anambra U-19 defeated Team Enugu U-19 1-0 on Friday, September 11, 2026, in the football event of the eliminations played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Imo State.
Emmanuel Sunday converted from the penalty spot in the 88th minute to seal a deserved victory for the Anambra teenagers, who created a flurry of chances throughout the encounter.
Anambra will next face Team Abia, who defeated hosts Team Imo 1-0 in an earlier game played on the same day.
A win for Team Anambra in their next match will see them qualify for the male football event of the National Intermediate Games scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
# Anambra may soon have a State Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) Policy after stakeholders validated the draft policy and its proposed implementation framework.
The validation exercise was held during a technical meeting organised by the Anambra Menstrual Health Advocacy Coalition (AMHAC) Technical Working Group through the Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment (DeCODE), under the Menstrual Ease for Girls (ME4Girls) Project, with support from Rise Up Together.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministries of Women Affairs, Education and Health, education agencies, RUWASSA, civil society organisations and the media to review the draft policy and chart a practical roadmap for its implementation.
Participants also considered findings from the Anambra State Menstrual Health Situation Assessment, which examined menstrual health challenges, gaps and opportunities across six local government areas and 12 public secondary schools.
The findings were used to strengthen the draft policy and ensure it reflects the realities facing girls in the state.
A major focus of the meeting was defining the roles of key institutions in implementing the policy.
Under the proposed framework, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare will coordinate policy adoption and provide overall leadership, while the Ministry of Education will drive implementation in schools in partnership with the Post-Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC) and the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
The Ministry of Health will lead the health-related components of the policy, while the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) will support the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities needed to create menstrual-friendly school environments.
Civil society organisations and the media will support advocacy, community engagement, public education, monitoring and accountability to sustain progress on menstrual health.
At the end of the meeting, members of the AMHAC Technical Working Group endorsed the draft policy and implementation framework, subject to the incorporation of technical recommendations before final approval.
The stakeholders also agreed to strengthen inter-ministerial collaboration, establish clear implementation timelines and develop accountability mechanisms to ensure the policy delivers measurable impact.
The finalised draft will be prepared for submission to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the Anambra State Executive Council as the next step towards formal adoption.
Stakeholders described menstrual health as a critical cross-sectoral issue, noting that a comprehensive policy would help improve access to menstrual products, accurate information, safe sanitation facilities and supportive learning environments for girls across Anambra State.
# Anambra State U-14 boys team have booked a place in the semifinals of the ongoing Chief of Naval Staff Cup U-14 National Competition after thrashing Ebonyi State 3-0 in their quarterfinal encounter.
The match at Government College, Umuahia, Abia State, saw the young Anambra side dominate proceedings from start to finish.
Akachukwu Ezema opened scoring in the 6th minute before adding his second in the 65th minute to put Anambra firmly in control.
James Treasure sealed the emphatic victory with a third goal in stoppage time, 90+3 minutes.
The win secures Anambra’s passage to the last four of the tournament, which features 24 states from across the country.
Reacting to the victory, the Chairman of Anambra State Football Association, Chief Chikelue Iloenyosi, commended the team for their impressive performance and wished them well as they prepare for the semifinal clash against Edo State on Saturday.
# The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama received the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Anambra State Chapter, on a courtesy visit.
The association at the visit, presented its scorecard of welfare, scholarship and empowerment interventions for police families in the State.
Receiving the delegation, CP Nnanna commended the Acting Chairperson and members of POWA Anambra for their sustained commitment to strengthening the welfare and resilience of police families, particularly widows, children of fallen officers and other vulnerable dependants.
Presenting the scorecard, the Acting Chairperson, Dr. (Mrs.) Eno Chongs Mantu, disclosed that 79 children of fallen police officers are currently benefiting from scholarship support, while 179 members have received empowerment items and support packages to enhance their livelihoods. A further 135 members have benefited from targeted welfare interventions.
The Commissioner described the interventions as strategically significant to police welfare and institutional effectiveness, noting that supporting police families strengthens the morale, commitment and psychological resilience of personnel and enables them to remain focused on their constitutional responsibilities.
CP Nnanna particularly commended POWA for sustaining educational support for children of fallen officers, stressing that the sacrifices of personnel who lost their lives in service must not translate into diminished opportunities for their families.
He further noted that the empowerment initiatives provide more than immediate relief, as they promote self-reliance, economic stability and dignity among beneficiaries, thereby reducing vulnerability within the police community.
The Commissioner assured POWA Anambra of the Command’s continued partnership and support, while encouraging the association to sustain and expand programmes that have direct and measurable impact on police families.
He reiterated that police welfare is not merely a humanitarian obligation but a strategic component of effective policing, stressing that a motivated and adequately supported police workforce is better positioned to protect lives and property, confront emerging security challenges and deliver professional service to the people.
The visit also featured the presentation of a gift item to the Commissioner of Police by the POWA delegation.
# The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has commenced step-down training for field personnel ahead of the 2026 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS), strengthening preparations for quality data collection to guide the state’s HIV response.
Speaking at the training, the State Coordinator for IBBSS 2026, Donald Obi, said the survey will generate critical evidence on key populations, including population estimates, behavioural and health risks, HIV positivity rates, and barriers to accessing healthcare services.
He noted that the two-month field exercise forms part of the IBBSS being implemented across twelve Global Fund-supported states in Nigeria. He urged field personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, accuracy and respect for participants.
Obi commended the Executive Director/Project Manager of ANSACA, Dr Nkem Okeke, for providing leadership and an enabling environment for the exercise, while acknowledging the support of WACPHAD and other development partners.
He also appreciated the Anambra State Government under Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, for its continued support for healthcare programmes across the state.
The findings from IBBSS 2026 are expected to provide stronger evidence for targeted HIV interventions, improve access to services for key populations and support effective health planning in Anambra State.
# Mr. Ikechukwu Onyeanyusi, husband of Mrs. Anulika Nwokike, who was arrested after allegedly molesting her children while creating content for social media, has spoken out over the disturbing incident, expressing shock and dismay at what transpired.
Onyeanyusi, who spoke to authorities following his wife’s arrest, said he was unaware of her activities and appealed to the public and relevant agencies to show compassion and support for his daughters as they begin the process of recovery.
Recounting how he became aware of the incident, Onyeanyusi said a friend alerted him after seeing a video of his wife allegedly molesting their daughters.
“My friend called and showed me the video of my wife molesting my daughters. When I watched it, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“I rushed home and confronted her, but she denied it, saying it was AI. Immediately, the police arrived at my house, conducted a search and arrested us.
“When we got to the police station, I was asked to wait outside while my wife was interrogated.
“The DPO later called me into his office and asked my wife to confess in my presence. My wife admitted that she truly committed the act.
“I looked at her and asked her again, and she reconfirmed what she had said. At that point, I was weak, confused and deeply disappointed,” Onyeanyusi narrated.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns over the abuse and exploitation of children for social media content, with child protection advocates stressing that children must never be subjected to harmful or degrading acts for entertainment, publicity or online engagement.
The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has taken steps to ensure that the affected children receive appropriate psychological, welfare and protective support.
The ministry also commended members of the community who came forward with information that enabled the authorities to intervene in the case.
The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, reaffirmed the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s zero-tolerance policy towards child abuse and exploitation.
Honourable Onyekesi urged members of the public to promptly report suspected cases of child abuse, stressing that protecting children from violence, exploitation and other forms of abuse remains a collective responsibility.
