The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has taken note of a video currently being circulated by Omoyele Sowore, in which he attempts to publicly confront and provoke the Minister over a matter already before the appropriate authorities.

Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), clarified that the allegations being referenced by Mr. Sowore were made by one Mrs. Tracy Ohiri and have been in the public space since last year.

These claims, bordering on alleged assault and unpaid campaign materials, have been repeatedly published through social media videos and writings.

It is important to state that her accounts have been inconsistent, contradictory, and lacking coherence, a fact that has been widely observed by members of the public who have followed the matter over time.

Contrary to the misleading narrative being pushed by Sowore, the Honourable Minister did not deploy the police to settle any personal score.

The Nigeria Police Force, acting within its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and investigate complaints, acted on a petition submitted by the Minister’s lawyer, arrested her and invited the Honourable Minister in line with standard procedure for statements.

Mr. Sowore’s attempt to dramatize this lawful process by staging a public spectacle is a familiar pattern of performative activism aimed at gaining attention rather than seeking truth.

The Honourable Minister, consistent with his character and respect for due process, declined to be drawn into theatrics and calmly disengaged.

As it stands, the matter is under police investigation, where facts will determine the outcome.

Activism, in its true sense, is not about indiscriminate attacks on public office holders or chasing relevance. It is about integrity, balance, and a genuine commitment to justice without prejudice or personal bias.

The Honourable Minister of Works remains fully committed to transparency, respect to the rule of law, and the uninterrupted delivery of critical infrastructure for the benefit of Nigerians.

He will continue to respect institutional processes and will not be distracted by calculated provocations.

A popular Anambra-based native doctor, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment by an Anambra State High Court.

The conviction follows his guilty plea to multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and related offences linked to ritual killings and other criminal activities.

Court documents and security sources indicate that the sentencing came after the suspect admitted guilt during proceedings, paving the way for the judge to deliver the 12-year term.

In a related development, the Anambra State Government has demolished the suspect’s shrine and related structures as part of efforts to dismantle facilities associated with the crimes.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to Akwa Okuko’s notoriety and the gruesome nature of the allegations.

Authorities say the conviction and demolition underscore the state’s zero-tolerance stance on ritual-related crimes and insecurity.

By Christian ABURIME

The era of the flamboyant social media traditionalist, Chidozie Nwangwu famously known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki has come to a dramatic and legal conclusion.

Appearing before Justice Jude Obiora at the Anambra State High Court in Awka, Nwangwu pleaded guilty to multiple charges brought against him by the State Government.

The high-profile traditionalist was arraigned following his arrest in February 2025 by the specialized security outfit, Agunechemba.

The charges against the him was severe, ranging from conspiracy to commit kidnapping to obtaining by fraud and promoting the controversial “Oke Ite” rituals.

The state alleged these practices were used to “fortify” criminals and provide spiritual cover for gunmen, directly violating the Anambra Homeland Security Law enacted by the State Government.

Under a plea bargain agreement, Nwangwu was convicted on counts three through eight by Justice Obiora. Having already spent 13 months in custody, the judge ordered him to serve a remaining 11 months at the Awka Correctional Center.

While the court struck out four counts and waived a N60 million fine, the conditions for his eventual release are stringent. Nwangwu must serve as an ambassador for youth re-orientation and issue a public statement denouncing “Oke Ite” practices, among others.

His counsel, Sylvester Iwuoba, confirmed that the judgment aligns with the agreement reached with the state, assuring that his client would fulfill his side of the bargain.

In compliance with the legal proceedings, the Anambra State Government moved to enforce the “zero-tolerance” policy of the Soludo administration on all manners of criminality.

Operatives of Agunechemba immediately stormed Nwangwu’s compound in Oba, Idemili South LGA, to carry out a “surgical operation” against fetish criminality. The main shrine was demolished, and various ritual items including the “Oke Ite” (the Big Pot) were publicly burned.

Under the Homeland Security Law, the state officially took possession of the expansive premises, which will now be repurposed for public use, just as Nwangwu is permanently prohibited from practicing “Oke Ite” or administering charms associated with criminal fortification.

“This is not an attack on tradition, but a surgical operation against criminality disguised as religion,” stated Mr. Ken Emeakayi, Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Community Security.

“By burning this shrine, we are sending a final warning: if you use your ‘powers’ to aid kidnappers, the law will find you, and your legacy will be reduced to ashes.

“The fall of Akwa Okuko serves as a landmark enforcement of the state’s security laws, signaling a definitive end to the influence of celebrity traditionalists found to be aiding the state’s insecurity.