President Bola Tinubu has taken action to address the rising petrol prices in Nigeria. He has directed the deployment of 100,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion kits across the country to help reduce the cost of transportation. This move is aimed at cushioning the impact of the rising fuel prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
The government is also working to establish a nationwide network of refueling stations and charging facilities to support the transition to gas-powered and electric vehicles. The Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) is accelerating the construction of gas refueling stations and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with priority given to the northern transportation corridor.
The petrol price hike is attributed to various factors, including the global oil price surge, the Middle East conflict, and the 5% surcharge on fossil fuels introduced by the Nigeria Tax Administration Act. The surcharge is expected to increase the petrol price by ₦45 per litre, exacerbating the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Tinubu’s action is seen as a response to the public outcry over the rising fuel prices, which has led to increased transportation costs and inflation. The government is urging citizens to consider alternative energy sources, such as CNG, to reduce their dependence on petrol.
PREAMBLE: I am Prof. John Kanu Emeh the father of Nnamdi Daniel Emeh who has been incarcerated in unlawful custody for three years now i.e. since 3rd March 2023 till date. I spare no effort to report here the true facts of this case in chronological order since its inception.
THE INCEPTION OF THE CASE. This sordid affair started when in January 2023, Force HQ of the NPF intercepted a signal from Istanbul Turkiye that unveiled a plan to transport hand-propelled granades to one Mr Chibuike Ekwueme in Anambra State. These granades were meant to be deployed by members of Eastern Security Network (ESN), an affiliate of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). Force HQ consequently mounted strict surveillance on Ekwueme’s phone conversations and movements. When eventually Mr Ekwueme arrived Nigeria to take custody of the illegal granade shipment Force HQ promptly alerted Anambra State Police Command to track Mr Ekwueme. Anambra State Police Command swiftly swung into action and used the services of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Mr Nnamdi Daniel Emeh (an ICT) expert to track down Mr Ekwueme. He( Ekwueme) was eventually arrested by a combined team of Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu including Nnamdi Emeh, Directorate of State Service (DSS) and other law enforcement agencies. Mr Ekwueme was arraigned at Federal High Court Awka and charged with terrorism- a non- bailable offence. The then Anambra State Commissioner of Police at the time Mr Echeng Echeng was so impressed with Nnamdi’s gallantry that he donated ₦50,000 to him.
Around the end of February 2023 and with the greatest shock to my family Nnamdi was declared wanted by Anambra State Police Command on the trumped up charge of being the mastermind of an offensive social media publication divulging the atrocities perpetrated by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) formerly Special Armed Robbery Squad (SARS) at Awkuzu in Anambra State with CSP Patrick Agbazue as officer in charge. Though Nnamdi denied this bogus allegation, the police in Anambra tried to eliminate him in order to cover up their heinous crimes. When Nnamdi realised that his life was in grave danger, he escaped to Cotonou Benin Republic but was repatriated to Nigeria on 3rd March 2023. He was remanded at Force CID Garki, Abuja and transferred to State CID Awka Anambra against public outcry. At State CID, Nnamdi was invited to a midnight secret meeting on 23rd April 2023 by CP Mr Echeng Echeng to discuss his case. When Nnamdi declined the midnight secret meeting, apprehensive of danger to his life the police resorted to subject him to all manner of inhuman treatments including parading him with notorious hardened kidnappers, armed robbers, terrorists etc. On 25th April 2023, I as Nnamdi’s father accompanied by our Counsel J. U. Ijeoma Esq. went to see the CP and know what the midnight meeting was about. The CP declined to see us. It is pertinent to note that at the wake of this case, the former IGP Mr Usman Alkali Baba set up a panel of Enquiry on this case in 2023. The report of the panel has been swept under the carpet till date.
ARRAIGNMENT.
On 11th May 2023, Nnamdi was arraigned on trumped up 12-count charges at Federal High Court Awka. He denied all the charges and was transferred from State CID to Awka Correction Centre. On 17th May 2023, Nnamdi was granted bail by late Justice F. O. Riman. Late Justice Riman admitted in open court that he received several phone calls asking him to deny Nnamdi bail but had decided to the contrary because all the charges were bailable offences.
CONSPIRACY BY THE POLICE AND ACCOMPLICES.
Since May 2023 all attempts by the family to perfect the bail conditions have been thwarted by the police and their cohorts. The family has sadly realised that the police accomplices include the Deputy Court Registrar(DCR) Mrs Apollonia Nkem Mbah and some bailiffs such as Mr Chidubem of the Federal High Court Awka, Anambra State Nigeria. Police nefarious acts include confronting prospective sureties to dissuade them from the assignment.
SIGNING OF RELEASE WARRANT. However on 10th May 2024 by the miraculous act of God, the DCR signed out our case file to the Chief Judge, Justice S. M. Shuaibu that our bail conditions had been perfected. Consequently, Justice S. M. Shuaibu signed Nnamdi’s Release Warrant on 15th May 2024.
RESTRAINT ON EXECUTION OF RELEASE WARRANT.
On 16th May 2024, when Nnamdi was to be released from prison custody, the police being alerted by the DCR filed an Ex- Parte Motion restraining the execution of the Release Order even though the necessary logistics fees to serve the prison authorities with the Order had been paid by me. However, in a most bizarre twist of events, Justice Shuaibu after throwing out the police Ex-Parte Motion for lacking merit ruled that he would do accelerated hearing on the case. This is unprecedented in the annals of the administration of justice.
MISSING DOCUMENTS FROM CASE FILE. Sometime in 2024, Justice Shuaibu was transferred to Kano and our case started de novo on 15th November 2024 under Justice Evelyn Anyadike. When our Defence Attorney raised the issue of the Release Warrant it was discovered that vital documents including the Release Order were missing from the case file. Justice Anyadike, therefore, asked our Defence Attorney to write him a petition on the missing documents. When the case was resumed on 24th January 2025, Justice Evelyn Anyadike said that she relied on DCR report of lies to rule that a new set of sureties be presented. The whereabouts of Shuaibu’s release order was totally ignored. A report by the bailiff Mr Chidubem dated 13th December 2024 was admitted by the court. The original, authentic report written by the same bailiff Mr Chidubem in May 2024 affirming that the bail conditions had been perfected was not mentioned or it is perhaps missing.
In the DCR report of lies it was mentioned in open court that “There was a meeting of all parties” at which it was agreed that new sureties be presented. This is a blatant lie. There was never a meeting of all parties. Hearing was adjourned till 19th March, 2025.
On this date Mr Patrick Agbazue who was officer in charge of SARS and heavily indicted in the case introduced himself as Assistant Commissioner of Police, posted to Imo State Nigeria. He made his statement in court as Prosecution Witness No1 (PW1). He was cross-examined by our Defence Attorney. On this date and to our greatest surprise my family discovered that Mr Chibuike Ekwueme appeared as PW2 for the police. He made his statement to the court and was completely cross-examined by our Defence Attorney. Case was adjourned till June 17th, 2025.
On June 17th, the Judge treated only Political cases and our matter was adjourned till September 23rd, 2025.
On September 23rd, 2025 , Prosecution produced only one witness, Mr Obiorah PW3. He made his statement in court and was completely cross-examined by our Defence Attorney
CLOSING REMARKS .
By a wicked twist of fate, all the principal characters indicted in this case are all enjoying their freedom except Nnamdi. They are all living their lives, doing their work or running their businesses. The following examples will underpin my point.
1. Mr Chibuike Ekwueme who was tracked by Nnamdi and charged with terrorism was released on bail and is shuttling between Istanbul Türkiye and Nigeria as usual. A treasonable felon is released from prison while the mastermind of his arrest is locked up in jail. TERRORISM is listed under NON-BAILABLE crimes in Nigeria.
2. The report of the police enquiry ordered by former IGP Mr Usman Alkali Baba has been swept under the carpet.
3. Mr Echeng Echeng the Anambra State CP at the inception of the case was promoted to AIG and transferred to zone 9 Umuahia, Abia State.
4. Mr Patrick Agbazue, the Officer in Charge of the notorious SARS Awkuzu at the inception of this case and PW 1 has been promoted to ACP and posted to Imo State Nigeria.
5.SP Nkiru Nwode one of the officers indicted in this case has been promoted to CSP,
6. Inspr Akama Harrison, one of the PWs is free and alleged to have left the country. Others too numerous to mention here are free except Nnamdi the scapegoat.
7. Nnamdi Daniel Emeh was an inexperienced 25 year old, vulnerable NYSC member serving his father land with the police. He has not committed any crime that deserves perpetual incarceration. In fact Nnamdi’s life is in grave danger as the police and their cohorts deliberately detain him in cells with criminals he HELPED the police to apprehend. The police should set Nnamdi free after three years in prison. We appeal to friends, all well meaning and patriotic Nigerians and in fact the international community to rally to save our only child from irreparable damage to his young life.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has been in custody since February 16, 2026, after voluntarily presenting himself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for questioning over alleged financial improprieties during his tenure. He was later transferred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and has been detained for 18 days without formal charges.
El-Rufai’s detention has sparked controversy, with some alleging it’s a politically motivated move by the government. His family and lawyers have demanded his immediate release, citing lack of legal basis for his detention.
Prominent Nigerians, including Atedo Peterside and Peter Obi, have condemned his detention, calling for due process and respect for the rule of law.
Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected four out of nine commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The rejected nominees are Prof. Datonye Alasia, Barr. Tamuno Williams, Otonye Amachree, and Charity Deemua. The Assembly cited poor performance during the screening process and controversies surrounding their documents as reasons for the rejection.
On the other hand, five nominees were confirmed, including Tonye Bellgam, Prof. Temple Nwafor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart. The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, stated that the confirmed nominees are “square pegs in square holes” for their intended roles in the state executive council.
The Assembly has adjourned until March 17, 2026, and will forward the decision to Governor Fubara, requesting him to swear in the approved nominees as soon as possible.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader, state media reported on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Mojtaba, 56, is a mid-ranking cleric with close ties to the powerful Revolutionary Guards and has been viewed as a potential successor to his father.
The decision comes after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli strike on Tehran on February 28, 2026. US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s new leader won’t last long without US approval, saying “He’s going to have to get approval from us”.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment marks the first time since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution that the country’s highest authority has passed from father to son.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force. Placid replaces Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, who served in the role since September 2025.
Placid, a seasoned officer with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping, was born on December 2, 1970, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos, and studied Law at the National Open University of Nigeria.
He has served in various strategic roles within and outside Nigeria, including Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa State, instructor at the Police Staff College in Jos, and Chief of Training for the African Union Mission in Sudan.
The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has destroyed notorious IPOB/ESN camps and an IED facility in Anambra State. The operation, code-named Operation UDO KA, was carried out in Mother Valley, Nkwere, Anambra State, on February 26, 2026.
One IPOB member was neutralized, and several others fled with gunshot wounds. The troops also recovered significant cache of weapons, including two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated gun, one tear gas gun, seven gas cylinders, and various flags linked to extremist propaganda.
The operation was a major blow to the operational sustainability of the IPOB/ESN group, with the military destroying life-support structures, including solar panels and a Mikano generator, at the terrorists’ Supreme Headquarters in the valley.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to clearing the region of all criminal elements and assuring law-abiding citizens of sustained security presence and protection.
African Action Congress(AAC) Anambra State chapter, has condemned the N5 million chairmanship administrative fee, announced by Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), ahead of local government election in the state.
Deputy National Chairperson (Southeast) of the party, Chioma Ifemeludike, who said this at a news conference, described the fee as “extortion’’ and the election a “billionaire’s club.”
She demanded reversal of the predatory levies, insisting that nomination fees must be minimal to ensure inclusion of all social classes.
She called on the civil society, labour unions and youths of the state to join the party in resisting the attempt to sell local governments to the elite.
She said: “We can’t continue to fold our arms and allow things deteriorate before our eyes. Whose interests are we protecting, the government or the people? Are we serving our interest or that of the people at the grassroots?
The local government is the closest to the masses. But as we speak, the council has been hijacked by the state government. This is further compounded by the exorbitant levies for the forms, as nobody living in the rural areas can afford that kind of money.
Meanwhile, this money, which is going directly into the government coffers, is not refundable. So whether you win or lose, it’s not their concern. This same scenario played out during last governorship election. But how long do we allow this to continue?
“Nobody bothers to ask where those who can afford the money are getting it from. What’s their interests? This is completely against what AAC represents. Why must there be levy in the first place? If at all there should be levy, it shouldn’t be above N50,000.
“Government should encourage young people to be part of the governance of their localities, to assist in salvaging the situation. Whoever invests this kind of money to vie for local government election will definitely recoup it if he wins.
“For an individual without character to be a leader jeopardises the very lives of the people he’s leading. Unfortunately, nobody thinks in that direction.
It’s high time we began to consider character and people with the heart to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“Poverty in the rural communities is so real that you can touch it. Poverty is being weaponized, as politicians ride on the backs of the people to achieve their selfish interests.
But we as a party who are the voice of the masses won’t keep quiet, even when every other party, including IPAC, decides to be silent.
“It will be written in history that we did our part. Let the IPAC hear this, let the governor hear this, that I, Chioma Ifemeludike, say this is unacceptable. And if they go ahead to do it, posterity will judge them.”
State Publicity Secretary of the party, Anyanwu Chinedu, itemized reasons for the fee rejection to include legalized extortion, recipe for corruption, death of meritocracy, among others.
Demanding N5 million from chairmanship candidates and N1 million from councillorship candidates is a blatant attempt to shut out the youth, the working class and the common man from the political space.
“When a candidate is forced to pay millions just to get on the ballot, their first priority upon entering office will be to ‘recover’ their investment from the public treasury.
‘’ANSIEC is effectively seeding corruption before the first vote is even cast. It must stop acting as a firewall for the ruling party and start creating a level playing field for all political parties.
Capacity, integrity and a track record of service should be the criteria for leadership—not the size of one’s bank account. This levy ensures only the corrupt elite and their godfathers can participate,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu has sworn in Tunji Disu as the new Inspector-General of Police, succeeding Kayode Egbetokun who resigned citing family issues. Disu, a seasoned police officer with over 34 years of experience, was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on Monday and is expected to serve a four-year tenure.
Disu, born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos, has held various leadership positions, including Commissioner of Police in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. He is known for his “Good Guys” initiative, which focuses on community policing and crime prevention.
In his inaugural speech, Disu declared an end to impunity and unprofessionalism in the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizing zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of power.
AIRS Boss, Ezeilo Bows Out Of Office, Commends Taxpayers Across Anambra For Continued Voluntary Compliance
As he bows out of office, the Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Services, AIRS, Dr. Greg Ezeilo (FCA, FCTI, Citp.) has expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity given him to serve.
In a brief remark to mark his exit, the Igbo-Ukwu-born AIRS boss extended his gratitude to the state Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, members of the Anambra State Executive Council, and the good people of the state for their support throughout his tenure.
While also commending taxpayers across the state, Dr. Ezeilo noted that their continued voluntary compliance has contributed greatly to the growth and development of Anambra.
