# The Anambra State Police Command has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property by sustaining intensified security operations across identified strategic locations in the State.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety and enhance security, the Command, on 20th July 2026, continued its proactive policing strategy through enhanced visibility patrols, intelligence-led operations, confidence-building patrols, stop-and-search duties, and coordinated joint security engagements. These measures are aimed at preventing crime, reassuring residents, and ensuring swift responses to security concerns.
Despite the prevailing weather conditions, the Command has remained steadfast in the discharge of its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property. It also reiterates its resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate within the State.
The Commissioner of Police assures Ndi Anambra that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders, will continue to sustain proactive security measures to maintain law and order while strengthening the safety and security of all residents.
The Command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and security conscious by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency response channels.
# The Anambra State High Court 2, Ogidi Judicial Division, presided over by Justice Chudi Nwankwo, has convicted and sentenced James-Mary Onuorah to 25 years imprisonment for rape and seven years for offensive conduct under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Law of Anambra State, 2017.
The court found Onuorah guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl after exploiting his position as a church teacher and choir master at a parish in Iba Pope, Awada.
According to evidence presented in court, the convict deceived the victim’s mother into believing that all her daughters were possessed by “marine spirits” and “spiritual husbands” and required spiritual deliverance at his residence. Trusting his claims, the mother allowed her daughters to attend prayer sessions at his home in Awada.
The court heard that Onuorah manipulated the teenage victim by ordering her to strip naked before an altar, claiming it was under the direction of the Holy Spirit. He also collected her menstrual blood and ovulation discharge before falsely telling her that a “spiritual husband” had caused fibroids in her womb and that the only cure was to have sexual intercourse with him.
The abuse resulted in the victim becoming pregnant. She later gave birth to a baby in April 2026, with hospital records admitted as evidence during the trial.
Although the defendant denied the allegations, including claims that he committed a similar offence against the victim’s elder sister, the court held that the prosecution proved the charges of rape and offensive conduct beyond reasonable doubt.
The court, however, rejected his confessional statement for failing to comply with Section 13 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State.
Justice Nwankwo sentenced Onuorah to 25 years imprisonment for rape and seven years imprisonment for offensive conduct. The court also ordered him to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the victim.
# Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has praised the Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Professor Kate Omenugha, describing her appointment as a well deserved recognition of competence, integrity and excellence.
Governor Soludo made the remarks during a Thanksgiving Mass held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Nnobi, to celebrate Professor Omenugha’s appointment as Vice Chancellor and the 70th birthday anniversary of her husband, Dr. Michael Omenugha.
The Governor said his administration remains committed to promoting merit, excellence and transparency in public appointments, stressing that Professor Omenugha emerged as the most qualified candidate after a thorough and credible selection process.
He urged Nigerians to embrace merit as the guiding principle for leadership appointments, rather than sentiments or sectional interests.
# The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) candidate for the Oyi/Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, Hon. Sir Charles Uchenna Okafor has attended the 2026 Nwafor Ogbunike Festival, where he reaffirmed his commitment to promoting the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Speaking during the festival, Okafor described the Nwafor Festival as a treasured cultural heritage that deserves greater recognition on the global stage. He pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to transform the annual celebration into a world-class cultural and tourism festival capable of attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, investing in the growth of the festival would not only preserve the customs and traditions of the Ogbunike people but also promote tourism, create employment opportunities for youths, and stimulate the local economy.
His supporters who welcomed the federal constituency hopeful commended his accessibility, humility, and grassroots approach, describing his visit as yet another demonstration of his leadership style and commitment to the people.
# St Paul’s Catholic Parish, Obeledu, Anaocha Council Area, played host to Catholic faithful, including other well-wishers, who converged to participate in the Holy Mass celebrated by the newly ordained priest, Reverend Father Kizito Ilozumba.
The first solemn Mass of thanksgiving of Rev Fr Ilozumba, the son of a retired Director of News and Current Affairs Department of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Mr. Tony Ilozumba, was charged up when the celebrant, who is the 30th priest from Obeledu, blessed and sprinkled holy water on all who attended the Mass, renewing their spirits and washing away sins.
In a homily to mark the solemn Holy Mass, a visiting priest, Rev Fr Nathaniel Onwuekwe, challenged the new priest to know why he chose to be a priest and how he intends to exercise the ministry he has received, asking him to be pastorally sensitive, which would lead him on the journey of Christ and of souls, and to understand the story of humanity.
Onwuekwe also asked Ilozumba to observe his flock carefully, participate in and be a partaker of whatever situation they are in, and he advised him to comport himself, cherish and preserve the integrity and dignity of the priesthood, because the way he carries himself is how people will value and grade him, while advising the parishioners and Ndi Obeledu not to give him unnecessary pressures and demands so as to enable him to excel in the work of the ministry.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the solemn Mass, the celebrant, thanked God for finding him worthy for the journey of priesthood, stating that indeed it is a call of faith which cannot be easily ventured into, but when it is the will of God, He makes everything easy and smooth, and he prayed for God’s blessings on all who helped him to succeed, stating that God’s blessings and grace will see them through.
# There was excitement and celebration in Lilu Community, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, as the popular Afor Nweke Market officially reopened after remaining closed for six years due to insecurity.
The market, once a major commercial hub serving traders and buyers from Anambra State and imo state, and neighboring communities, was shut down following persistent security challenges that affected business activities and the safety of residents.
The reopening marks a significant milestone in the community’s journey toward peace, economic recovery, and renewed confidence. Traders have begun returning to their shops, while customers have also resumed patronizing the market, bringing new life to the once-deserted trading center.
Community leaders, market stakeholders, and residents described the reopening as a welcome development, expressing gratitude to security agencies and government authorities for the improved security situation that made the restoration of market activities possible.
Many traders said the closure had negatively impacted their businesses and livelihoods over the past six years. They expressed hope that the market would once again become a thriving commercial center, creating employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
Residents have also called on everyone to support efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in the area, emphasizing that a safe environment is essential for sustained economic growth and community development.
# The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant operational breakthroughs with the arrest of four suspected kidnappers involved in separate kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across the State.
As part of the ongoing security review and sustained offensive against violent crimes in Anambra State, Police Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested one Okoye Ibegbunam Chukwuebuka John Bosco, alias “Bone,” aged 32.
The arrest was in continuation of the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of a victim at Okpanam, Asaba, Delta State, who was abducted, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom before regaining his freedom.
During a search on the suspect, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, one axe, and one Itel Android phone bearing the victim’s photograph as its screensaver.
The suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the crime and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang currently at large.
# Five female lecturers from Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe (NOCEN), have earned national recognition after excelling at the 2026 African Forum for Innovative Teachers (AFfIT) and National Women in Education and Research Awards held at the Federal College of Education, Zuba, Abuja.
The event, organised by the African Forum for Innovative Teachers in collaboration with the Stand Tall African Initiative, brought together more than 300 female academics from over 60 Colleges of Education across Nigeria to celebrate outstanding achievements in research, innovation, educational leadership, and academic excellence.
The lecturers who represented NOCEN were Dr. Chinyere Agnes Muokwue of the Department of Educational Psychology, Dr. Joy Amaka Ezidimma of the Department of Economics, Dr. Chinwe Mikella Nebolisa of the Department of Business Education, Dr. Anuli Iruoma Aguiyi of the Department of Linguistics, Igbo and Other Nigerian Languages, and Dr. Chika Menkiti of the Department of Mathematics.
The NOCEN delegation also recorded several other achievements during the programme. All five lecturers were inducted as Research Fellows of the African Forum for Innovative Teachers and appointed pioneer committee members of the African Women in Research, Education and Leadership Advancement Project (AWIRELAP). They also received the National Women in Education and Research Award and were invited to participate in the AFfIT Research Mini Grant Scheme and other research and leadership development initiatives.
# The Management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has taken steps to deepen its relationship with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State, following a courtesy visit to the State Coordinator and management of the scheme aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and expanding opportunities for corps members.
Led by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FirstPower, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor; the visit, which held at the NYSC State Coordinator’s office in Awka, was joined by some top Management staff of the company; the Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Dr. Emeka Egbujor; Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Priscilla Obi; Head of Human Resources, Mrs. Oge Morah; and the Head of Communications.
Speaking during the visit, Engr. Okafor said one of the key objectives of the engagement was to strengthen the existing relationship between both institutions and seek increased deployment of corps members, particularly those with relevant professional backgrounds, to FirstPower.
He gave an overview of the company, highlighting its mandate as the electricity distribution company serving Anambra State, its ongoing transformation efforts, customer-focused initiatives, and commitment to delivering reliable electricity services across the state.
The MD described FirstPower as one of the largest employers of labour in Anambra State and the South-East, noting that the company provides enormous opportunities for young professionals to acquire practical industry experience.
According to him, FirstPower is particularly interested in corps members with backgrounds in engineering, electrical and electronics, law, accounting, and other related disciplines.
# In a related development, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Headquarters, foiled a suspected kidnap plot at Ogbaru, in the evening of 16th July 2026.
The team arrested three male suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate, and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted glasses and Lagos Reg.number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the gang for its operations.
The suspects are: Chekwube Chukwu, 32 years; Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34 years; and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30 years respectively.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were intercepted while actively attempting to abduct a female POS operator at Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani, in the morning of 16th July 2026. The victim raised an alarm, which attracted the attention of residents and prompted a swift response by the Police following a distress call. The timely intervention frustrated the kidnap attempt, leading to the rescue of the victim and subsequent arrest of the suspects.
Further investigation linked the suspects to the earlier kidnapping of another female POS operator, at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on 3rd June 2026, during which she was abducted, dispossessed of two POS machines and Android phones, and compelled to pay a ransom of three million five hundred thousand Naira (N3,500,000) only before she was released.
During the interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes. They are currently providing useful information to assist the Police in identifying and arresting their criminal receivers and other members of the syndicate operating within the State.
The Command further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to enhance security across the State.
