OHANAEZE NDIGBO CONGRATULATES PRINCE NED NWOKO ON ESTABLISHMENT OF STARS UNIVERSITY, IDUMUJE UGBOKO AND THE MALARIA ERADICATION PROJECT OF HIS FOUNDATION

The National Leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has congratulated Prince Ned Nwoko on his establishment of Stars University, Idumuje-Ugboko and the Malaria eradication programme of his foundation. President-General of the group, Prof George Obiozor made the commendation when he led his Exco on a courtesy call on Prince Nwoko at his Mount Ned Resort mansion Idumuje-Ugboko.

Prof Obiozor described Prince Ned as one of the best and brightest Nigerians of Igbo extraction. He said he has been following the sterling achievements of Prince Ned as an accomplished international lawyer for several decades especially during his (Obiozor's) service as Nigeria's envoy to the US and also State of Israel.

The Ohanaeze President-General presented to Prince Ned Nwoko a copy of the position paper of the pan-Igbo group on the current state of affairs in the country. The document titled 'The Journey So Far' encapsulates the position of Ohanaeze on the national issues.

OKEY IFEJOKWU WAS THE RING LEADER WHO MOBILIZED THUGS TO UNLEASH TERROR ON US....CHIEF C OGWU

Victims Of 2017 Idumuje-Ugboko Mayhem Insist Ifejiokwu, Others Must Face Justice

...Exonerate Ned Nwoko Of Any Involvement In The Prosecution Of Offenders

By Patrick Ochei, Andy Emephia

Four years down the line, victims of the crisis that rocked the agrarian community of Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State are still insistent on justice.

The crisis so far claimed the lives of two individuals, one innocent okada rider, Cyprian Kuomolu from Benue State and another, the then Idumuje-Ugboko Land Allocation Committee Secretary, Kennedy Iloh.

Ever since the incident on May 24th, 2017, the case had lingered and the police recently concluded their investigation and promptly charged the masterminds for alleged murder.

However, the arrest and subsequent prosecution of one Okey Ifejiokwu as the alleged principal culprit and six others had been generating some sort of mix reactions on the social media. One of the children of Okey Ifejiokwu, Pamela had made a post allegedly accusing Prince Ned Nwoko of being behind his father's travail, insisting his father was innocent and only being vilified over Ned Nwoko's STARS University land which had also been in contention.

Although Pamela severally contradicted herself in her various social media claims, the trending issue had been a source of concern within the media space, prompting some select media practitioners who were privy to the crisis in 2017 to carry out an assessment of the situation.

In an interview with the Traditional Prime Minister (Iyase) of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Chris Chukwuka Ogwu, he explained the genesis of the matter, which he said began when a group of persons came from Lagos to protest the allocation of land to Prince Ned Nwoko for his proposed University project. The protest was before the passing of Obi Albert Okwudimegwu Nwoko 111, the then traditional ruler of Idumuje-Ugboko who approved the land to Ned Nwoko.

He said after the death of Obi Albert Nwoko in February 2017, opposition to the allocated land continued as championed by the late Obi's son, Prince Nonso Justin Nwoko. He said Prince Nonso had insisted that the land was not legitimately allocated to Linas International Ltd for the building of the proposed Sports University by Prince Ned Nwoko. 

According to him, "The matter became serious and many of us who refused to bend the truth were regularly threatened. I don't know how to say it, that the late Obi brought a letter announcing to us that Prince Ned Nwoko had requested for 100 hectares of land to build a University in his community and after passing through various processes and was approved by Obi Albert Nwoko himself; I should now be saying a different thing.

"After we read the letter, the Obi asked us to look for land for the project. The late Obi was enthusiastic that if the community had enough land, it would be a thing of joy that in his time he was able to approve it for a project that would grow and develop the economy of the community and earn revenue to the people.

"In a nutshell, we carried out the Obi's orders and we were able to locate the land at the present site of the proposed University. Part of the land was once a subject of litigation between us and Onicha-Ugbo people, and we pursued the matter even up to the Supreme Court and won eventually. We were able to size up the land and got exactly what our son Ned Nwoko needed for the University and 18 Hole International Golf Course.

"We reported back to Obi Albert Nwoko who approved the allocation but insisted that Ned Nwoko and his company, Linas International would pay compensation to the itinerant farmers who were farming on the land on behalf of the community. Ned Nwoko agreed and made the payment among other commitments to the community. On this note, the Obi signed and promptly approved the allocation of the land to Linas International Ltd. 

"That was just the genesis until this group of persons came from Lagos to protest the decision of the Obi and his cabinet members on behalf of the community. And then after the Obi's passing in February 2017, the community was thrown into anarchy that resulted in the invasion of the community in May 2017 by thugs imported to unleash terror on those not disposed to their antics. They had claimed our Obi never signed the papers allocating the land to Ned Nwoko. I cannot lie at my age and status as the Prime Minister of the community (the number two in hierarchy). Same goes to the Odogwu, Chief Sunday Edemodu and late Mr. Kennedy Nedu Iloh as the Secretary of the Land Allocation Committee.

"They tried all manner of lies; they eventually came out to say that another of our son needed part of the land for palm plantation. I said to them, but another of our son already had it. Besides, what is more sustainable to our economic development than a University project which would last in perpetuity.

"That was our offence. And then on the 23rd and 24th May, 2017, thugs were imported into the community to reign terror and havoc. On that fateful day, a group of boys accosted me, slapped me and forcefully dragged me to the Palace, saying they were acting on the orders of Prince Nonso Nwoko and the President General of Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union, Mr. Okey Ifejiokwu. After beating me, then the next day, it was all catastrophe in Ugboko, we were mercilessly beaten, our houses were raised down and our cars and other properties vandalised. In the process of the crisis, one Cyprian Kuomolu, an okada rider was shot dead while Mr. Kennedy Iloh later died as a result of the injuries inflicted on him.

"I am still alive but I am not looking like a person again. My house was destroyed and my car totally damaged. Same thing was meted out to the Odogwu who also had been partially disfigured and had remained sickly ever since.

"I am surprised that the defendants are now the ones crying out that they are being witch-hunted. Who is witch-hunting who? When we were shouting and crying, trying to defend ourselves, they felt they had violence and made good their threat by unleashing violence on us.

"Okey Ifejiokwu was the ring leader who mobilized thugs to unleash terror on us. He was the President General and he used his powers wrongly. The evidence is there how he sent out letters, calling for donations to procure arms and ammunition to fight Ned Nwoko and those perceived to be protecting his interest. 

"If Ned Nwoko had so much power, we wouldn't have gone to the police. We would have called on him to come to our rescue using his power. What every right thinking Idumuje-Ugboko person is doing right now is asking for justice for us. 

"After that act of terror, we reported to the police. We started with our police station here. From there we went to Issele-Uku Divisional Police Headquarters, then to the State Command in Asaba, from there to Zonal Headquarters in Benin and then to Force Headquarters in Abuja. We had all along pursued this case, seeking justice for what they did to us. It is the police that is prosecuting the culprits and not Ned Nwoko. We the victims reported the matter to the police, because the perpetrators of the crime had no authority for terrorism.

"When I saw the post of Okey Ifejiokwu's daughter, Pamela, I laughed. They said she is 19. What does she know? As at the time of this incident, she would probably be 15. She was a child and didn't know anything, that is why she probably doesn't understand the magnitude of his father's actions then.

"All we are asking is justice. Nobody has a right to take a life. Let justice take its course. And let Nobody call on Ned Nwoko again", Iyase Chris Ogwu posited.

In a telephone interview with the eldest son of late Mr. Kennedy Iloh - Nelson Iloh, he said life was snuffed out of his father because they had nobody and were poor.

Nelson Iloh said if he had so much power he would have done something drastic. He however, said that he decided to bury his father with his siblings and allow justice to take its course.

"I don't have anybody, but I am happy with what the police had done so far in this case. All I want to see in the end is justice for my late father, who died from the injuries inflicted on him by his supposed fellow kinsmen and their thugs. My father's offence was serving his community and standing on the path of truth. Pamela or whatever she calls herself is talking because her father is facing trial now for the evil he did to others. Does she know how it feels to lose one's dad and hoping for justice for years now?", Nelson Iloh asked.

In the same vein, the daughter of the Odogwu of Idumuje-Ugboko had made a video asking Pamela and her co-sponsors to stop dragging Prince Ned Nwoko into their problem and face the law for their wicked and inhuman treatment to their fellow kinsmen. She asked Pamela to stop speaking ignorantly, maintaining that evidence had it that her father led the thugs to her own father's (Odogwu) house and others where mindless violence and destructions were carried out.

She equally called out the police to ensure that the prosecution eventually yields result, insisting that it would be on that basis that the wound inflicted on the victims and their families would begin to heal.

"My father is the number three man in the community, but he was treated like a commoner. He was beaten and rendered helpless and incapacitated for believing that the right thing should be done in the community.

"It is only justice that will make us feel better. We can't do anything on our own, we can't take laws into our hand like them, but we have the law as the last arbiter of the common man. That is why we earnestly desire that justice is served in this matter", she said.

Moreover, efforts were made to reach the suspect but we understand he is currently being detained. Meanwhile, every other person involved in the matter had proved difficult to reach before press time.

In a nutshell, analysts believed that hence the matter is already in court undergoing trials, the case should be allowed to run procedurally while justice is awaited for whoever deserves it between the contending parties.

NED NWOKO SLAMS PREMIUM TIMES (PT) WITH LIBEL SUIT, DEMANDS 10BN

Billionaire and ex-lawmaker, Ned Nwoko has written to Premium Times (PT) to retract his “defamatory statement” against his person or face court action.

In a letter addressed to Premium Times(PT) by Nwoko’s solicitor, Rolls Law Firm, demanded for a retraction of the libelous publication in the online news platform and also asked PT to publish an apology in two national dailies backed with a payment of N10bn as damages for the publication of the said libel.

The letter dated 17th of May, 2021 and signed by Mr. Onyeka Nwokolo (Esq.) partly reads, we are solicitors to Hon. Prince (Dr.) Ned Munir Nwoko (herein referred to as “Our Client”) and on whose behalf and instruction we write you this letter, our client’s attention has been drawn by several people including members of his family, friends, business associate and co-politicians amongst other well-meaning Nigerians to serials of your false publications in your news media where you maliciously with intent to bring our client to contempt and ridicule him in the eyes of the public published false, untrue and concocted stories about him.

“In one of such publications dated 5th Dec. 2020 and captioned “ How ex-lawmaker, Ned Nwoko grabbed community’s land, dislodged poor farmers”, you maliciously and falsely stated that Ned Nwoko a billionaire and former lawmaker from Delta State grabbed four acres of farmland of Ninety-year-old Oghedo Ogodi which she inherited from her husband…”

“Furthermore, the malicious and false fabrications contained in your other publication of 12th Dec. 2020 captioned: “How massive land grab by ex-lawmaker Ned Nwoko ignited fatal violence in Delta Community”. Your references to our client as a land grabber who will not stop at nothing in order to takeover people’s lands gravely profiles him as an invader…our client unequivocally denies all the allegations you made against him in the said publications, and other publications by you on same subject…all of which were intended to drag his integrity to the mud. On the contrary our client followed laid down processes in the acquisition of lands in Idumuje-Ugboko.

“The publications you made were read by the public within and outside Nigeria and it has cost our client his reputation as well meaning Nigerians are beginning to look at our client with contempt and disdain and he is being ridiculed and openly embarrassed as a land grabber and extortionist.

We therefore formally make the following demands from you; that you publish in two national newspapers as well as in your online News media statements retracting the earlier libelous publications of 5th and 12th December 2020 with an unreserved apology and the sum of 10 billion Naira only be paid to our client as compensation for the malicious, false and disparaging publications.

“This letter should be taken as a pre-action notice to you peradventure you choose not to heed to our client’s demands.”

Sources close to the politician and Antarctica adventurer, Prince Ned Nwoko , revealed that the business mogul was so miffed by PT’s publication that he has vowed to see the suit to a logical conclusion even if it has to get to the Supreme Court. According to the source , he swore that PT turned truth on its head. ” There is no sane writer that would so breach the facts of a serious matter. That’s pure insanity. Journalism is a noble profession but a few people choose to trivialise and violate its core values and essence. I believe in God and the Law. It may take years to resolve, but the truth about all the issues in Idumuje-Ugboko will be revealed. My life is a solemn trust. I have never, and will never take anything that does not legitimately belong to me no matter how small or big. Those who sponsor these insane reports against me will ultimately be exposed. They have dragged me into 22 court cases. I have won the seven that have so far been decided. Is all coincidence. I will be patient. But I have worked so hard in my life to earn my reputation . I will not allow one cynical writer or an unconscionable organisation to subject it to infamy. Never “, the Prince was reported to have lamented

LG AUTONOMY: NED NWOKO CALLS FOR FULL AUTONOMY TO CHECK INSECURITY...

International lawyer and Antarctica Explorer, Hon. Prince Dr. Ned Nwoko has called for full autonomy for the local government administration in Nigeria as the bedrock of restructuring and genuine democracy.

In an OPEN LETTER to the President in Abuja on the state of the Nation, against the backdrop of insecurity by bandits across the country amidst anxieties over the socio economic challenges facing the people, Prince Nwoko said lack of independence in local government leadership had over the years produced a weak structure that could not safe guard lives and inspire good governance at the grassroots.

He said local government autonomy and direct funding from the Federation allocation account would embolden elected chairmen and councilors to work effectively with divisional police officers and traditional rulers to manage security as every crime is local.

Prince Nwoko faulted the prevailing situation where state governors control local government funds through the federation allocation account, leaving the councils as appendages of the states.

Local governments according to Nwoko deserves independence to attract experienced technocrats and successful business men who have the latitude and wealth of experience to perform as chairmen.

He stated that such arrangement would herald real democracy as elections would be fought locally and popular candidate would emerge regardless of political parties and godfather phenomenon.

Prince Nwoko said President Mohammadu Buhari had championed the move with his policy thrust of granting autonomy for local governments, House of Assembly and the judiciary. He said the president’s quest was a bold patriotic template that would strengthen separation of powers among the executive,judiciary and legislature,for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He noted that the calls by southern governors for restructuring should go beyond rhetorics and matched with action.

The former member of the House of Representatives said what is required urgently is for the National Assembly to ensure implementation of administrative and financial autonomy in favour of all democratic institutions in Nigeria especially the local governments.

“Elections will be free and fair if local governments are independent. This will usher in the much needed election of credible aspirants.

“Council chairmen will be effective. Councilors will take charge of their wards.  The kings will be held responsible for their towns and villages.

“ Most Governors don’t know what goes on in local governments areas. They rely on advisers who are in most parts not resident in the LGAs. Governors control elections because they control local government executives. Free these executives and empower them through direct allocations and see what will happen with elections and security.

“The restructuring we need must start from the grassroots because it is the foundation of democracy. It is call for Nigerians to support Buhari in this regard.

“ I also call on Ohaneze, Afenefere, Arewa, PANDEF and other groups to give total support. I believe that if this is achieved before the next general elections in 2023, everything will change in the interest of the people.

“We need strong democratic institutions at the various levels in Nigeria for the good of all. We need rule of law and social justice much more than ever before. The strike by judicial workers under JUSUN demanded this reasonably. Judges deserve financial and administrative autonomy to function freely. State legislators should not be subservient to state Chief executives. Local governments must stand alone to drive effective governance at the grassroots.

“Local government officials in collaboration with traditional rulers must mobilize their people to participate massively in the public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution holding simultaneously across the six geo political zones from May 26 to 27, 2021.

“ A proper framework of institutional freedom will give civil rule its true meaning in Nigeria as it aligned with American Abraham Lincoln’s dictum of democracy as government of the people ,by the people and for the people.

“True democratic independence at the local governments,state assemblies and the judiciary represents the trajectory of our search for a better Nigeria”

Nwoko stated.

IDUMUJE UGBOKO: MONARCH, HRM AGBOGIDI SOLOMON EZIOKWUBUNDU NWABUOKEI NWOKO SAYS, "NOBODY IN HIS KINGDOM IS IN POLICE CUSTODY".

Alleged Prosecution Of Okey Ifejoku On Idumuje-Ugboko Land Deals: Monarch, HRM Agbogidi Solomon Eziokwubundu Nwabuokei Nwoko Says, "Nobody In His Kingdom Is In Police Custody".

The attention of the Obi of Idumuje Ugboko, HRM AGBOGIDI SOLOMON EZIOKWUBUNDU NWABUOKEI NWOKO, has been drawn to the series of rumours and online propaganda emanating from the family of Okey Ifejoku insinuating that some persons in his kingdom are still being prosecuted as a result of land deals. To the best of the knowledge of the Obi of Idumuje Ugboko no one is in police custody or is being arraigned as a result of land deals in his kingdom. The only remote issue relating to land dispute is a civil case involving one hectare of land between Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko and the Banyes.

The Obi of Idumuje Ugboko is however aware that there are ongoing criminal prosecution for terrorism and murder of persons arising from the May 18th to 25th attacks and destruction in Idumuje Ugboko which is now popularly referred to as the 2017 mayhem in the community. Those currently tried for terrorism and murder in a Federal High Court Abuja are Dennis Uwadiegwu Nwoko, Ndudi Chijiume, Nwochie Agiliga Light, Raymond Omosiele, Adim Nwafor, Okey Ifejoku, Azuka Mukolu, Ejimofor Nwoko. Others are Omoye Esonye, Aikhomo Omezi, Sir Godwin Akaba Aniemeke and Emeka Oyibundu.

Some of the above persons have been granted bail while a few others are still perfecting their bail conditions. Instead of the aforementioned persons to defend themselves in court for the charges against them they are claiming that they are being arraigned as a result of land issues. By this they falsely and maliciously allege that their arraignment is at the instance of Prince (Dr) Ned Nwoko, the Chancellor of the proposed STARS UNIVERSITY in Idumuje Ugboko. HRM AGBOGIDI SOLOMON EZIOKWUBUNDU NWABUOKEI NWOKO wishes to clarify that the arraignment of certain persons mentioned above have no bearing whatsoever with land issues. As a matter of fact the victims of the 2017 Idumuje Ugboko mayhem are the complainants together with their witnesses in the murder of Cyprian Kumiolu and Kennedy Iloh. Specifically Okeh Ifejoku and others being prosecuted for the murder of Cyprian Kumiolu.

The above clarification has become necessary to set records straight in view of distorted facts concerning the arraignment of person in a Federal Court in connection with terrorism and murder charges.

FRED AKPEWE
Media Aide to the Obi of Idumuje Ugboko Kingdom.

THE NED I KNOW: WHY PRINCE NED NWOKO ENJOYS SO MUCH GOODWILL FROM THE PEOPLE- Part 3

The Ned I Know: Why Prince Ned Nwoko Enjoys So Much Goodwill From The People - Part 3

Other Leaders Should Emulate NED’s Humanity...

Ned Is Very Different In Showing Mercy And Respecting Others...

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou

These inspired words of one of America’s greatest poets and inspirational female advocate, Maya Angelou, holds true for a lot of us today, YES, we never forget how people made us feel at any point in time.

Hon. Prince Ned NWOKO enjoys a lot of goodwill from people across ANIOMA, the entire Delta state and internationally because of so many virtues he possesses which most leaders unfortunately lack today.

Prince Ned NWOKO is very compassionate. He needs no further introduction as to his wealth in compassion. If he’s to be rated materially in terms of his compassionate deeds, he unarguably, would be rated as ONE of the wealthiest men who ever walked through the planet earth. I say this without bias because it’s a lot easier for the poor to show compassion to others especially those they need favours from but the case is most times on the reverse side with elites and wealthy people especially when they don’t need you, compassion is not a dish they would have on their trays to serve you.

Prince Ned has so much goodwill from the people wherever he goes because Prince Ned shows honour to all he meets. By virtue of my work, I have been so privileged to have met, interacted with and worked for different people especially elites from different ethnicities, but trust me when I say, Prince Ned Nwoko is very special, uniquely humane and makes those who come to him feel very special too. He is VERY different in this regard.

Prince Ned NWOKO would come to his gate to pick his guests, some who are very lowly and and he would smile at them affectionately to soothe whatever pain or stress they may have experienced even when they are “UNINVITED” GUESTS, but some leaders and elites I know would keep you waiting at their gate for a very long time before their protocol allows you into the compound and then you begin to wait in their “waiting room” before you are finally ushered in to see the “Oga” notwithstanding the fact that you were actually there “INVITED” with so much pleas by the same person who had kept you waiting at the gate: the “OGA”.

Have you seen the ecstatic mood and actions of the people when Hon. Prince Ned NWOKO walks into an event or a gathering? Everything literally stops momentarily with thunderous claps, greetings, ovations and positive exclamations even though he does not occupy any elective, appointed, government or public office currently while some persons INCLUDING sitting governors would come into their state events and no one even cares or makes any appreciative remarks, positive sounds or respectful welcome gestures except for the announcement of their arrival and presence OR, the declaration for the national anthem to be observed, this is goodwill coming from the people to Prince Ned which he has earned naturally over the years by being a friend to all, this goodwill is not induced, not rehearsed but spontaneous appreciation from the hearts of the people he has made feel special at different points without any much ado and this undoubtedly reminds me of the words of Maya Angelou as espoused above; people will never forget how you made them feel.

Dear leaders, this is for you; mind how you treat and make people feel for one day, the same person(s) you treat so badly today because you are a “leader” will surely become tomorrow’s leader, your leader, likely in your old age when all may have forgotten your relevance and ABANDONED you but would certainly NOT have forgotten how you have made them feel long ago. So, be good to all.

YES! People will always remember how you made them feel all through the years. Be kind, be different, be compassionate. It will make the difference.

With Love Always,

Karifest Duchess Onyekaah Esq.

(Iyanga Anioma)

ABOUT THE WRITER:

Onyekaah fondly called Iyanga Anioma (Pride of Aniomaland) is an advocate, published writer, entrepreneur, humanitarian and a social media influencer whose objective style of conveying her thoughts and experiences through writing, to inform, transform and inspire others to love and good works, has earned her international awards and the name “Queen of Social Media.

She’s the Founder/CEO Karifest Group, a multi-specialist international company.

Copyright: Karifest Communications Ltd.

16th May, 2021.

IDUMUJE UGBOKO IFEJOKWU AND THE BURDEN OF GUILT

IDUMUJE UGBOKO: IFEJOKWU AND THE BURDEN OF GUILT

An avalanche of claims and counter claims had been presented over the Idumuje-Ugboko communal crisis in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta state. But no one had been as laughable and ridiculous as much as a recent publication by one Okey Ifejokwu.

First, who is Okey Ifejokwu? He is the self styled President General of Idumuje-Ugboko Development Union (IUDU), facing multiple trials for alleged murder and widespread acts of brigandage in his rural community.

The embattled Ifejokwu in a piece circulated widely in the media had tried to extricate himself from the Idumuje-Ugboko crisis in one of the most absurd deceptions and hypocrisy ever seen.

In the dubious narrative shared and obviously written by notorious paid propagandist and Nigerian fugitive idling in America, Azuka Jebose, Ifejokwu gave a false account of the tragic events of 2017 in Idumuje-ugboko, labeling himself a victim in a mayhem he helped to fuel in grotesque terror.

Mocking truth in shameless scam , Ifejokwu wrote through Jebose that the “Good people of ANIOCHA NORTH LGA, DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT, (sic) and Nigerians in general, should please come to Idumuje-Ugboko’s rescue for life becomes brutish without consequential laws”

While weeping crocodile tears, calling for “rescue “of Idumuje-Ugboko, Ifejokwu failed to tell the world his role in the mayhem, so despicable and abominable.

Precisely between May 18 – 25, 2017, Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko, usurper to the ancient Idumuje-Ugboko throne working hand in hand allegedly with Okey Ifejokwu , Gabriel Ogbechie and a murderous gang unleashed hell on the community.

In a terrorist frenzy their dangerous thugs and hired militia imported from far and near, invaded the community to silence general opposition against Prince Nonso’s illegitimate ascension to the throne.

During the invasion, gang of terrorists chanting war songs allegedly attacked the various leaders and groups in the kingdom. These include the vigilante group ably led by Mr. Peter Bama who was beaten and dragged round the town on his birthday suit. They forced him to lead them to the homes of other vigilante members where the double barrel guns and bullets provided the vigilante members by the community for anti-crime purpose were stolen.

The gangsters equally took away the security motorcycles acquired for the vigilantes to aid mobility and quick response to distress calls for effective community policing and protection of lives and properties in the community.

Furthermore, they attacked individuals at their homes. The secretary of the land allocation committee and then Chairman of the IUDU Taskforce Committee, Mr. Kennedy Nedu Illoh was abducted from his home and dragged to the palace, then beaten to intimidate him to submit his loyalty to Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko. Kennedy Illoh never recovered from this inhuman torture as he died thereafter as a result of fatal injuries.

The next day the attacks continued with increased hostility. Chief Chris Ogwu, the Iyese (Traditional Prime Minister) of Idumuje-Ugboko was attacked at his home and abducted to the palace after his two cars parked were vandalized, his house ransacked and vital documents including other valuables stolen by the armed gang.

At the palace, he was flogged, forced to lie down on the floor and severely beaten in front of Prince Chukwunonso and his men who were watching and enjoying the pains, agony and humiliation of the traditional Prime Minister by the hired assailants. The Iyese was lucky not to have been killed, but he is still suffering the physical and psychological trauma.

Chief Sunday Edemodu, the Odogwu of Idumuje-Ugboko was not spared the misdirected wrath of this gang. They invaded his home at night, damaged his house and looted his valuables. This attack has left him partially disabled battling with complicated health challenges till date.

Mr. Victor Omezi, an illustrious son of the community narrowly escaped death because he was lucky to have travelled when the hoodlums controlled by Ifejokwu evaded his home. But his home and properties were not spared. The gang set his building ablaze after the looting of most of his valuables including cash and imported artifacts.

The hoodlums shot one Mr. Cyprian Kumiolu, a young motor cycle rider and life was snuffed out of him. He was murdered in cold blood in front of the palace by the hired bandits in a bid to please Prince Chukwunonso Justin Nwoko and his cohorts. Cyprian Kumiolu’s corpse, according to eye-witnesses was moved from the palace to the market square in a wheelbarrow by one of the arrested suspects already standing trial, and at midnight the corpse was taken away to an unknown location.

Till date the body of this young Benue State indigene has not been found. On March 2020, his father appeared before the Obi of Owa Peace Committee on the Idumuje-Ugboko crisis pleading with Idumuje-Ugboko to release the corpse of his son to him for burial. Painful enough, the young man was not only murdered in cold blood, his motorcycle was set ablaze and burnt to ashes. What a gory story of man’s inhumanity to man!

It is the same gory stories of wanton destructions, looting, arson, beating, humiliation in over 29 other homes in the community as recorded by both the Nigerian Police and National Human Rights Commission who visited the community to see things for themselves.

But for the reinforcement of the security agencies who arrived Idumuje-Ugboko late 25th May, 2017, the calamity brought upon the community by Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko , Okey Ifejokwu and their financiers perhaps would have been more colossal.

The people of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom, from 2015 till date, have been under the vice grip of anti-progressive forces posing to be above the laws of the land and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ironically Ifejokwu is talking about justice when he had trampled upon the law with his alleged involvement in the Idumuje-Ugboko mayhem.

Throughout the reign of terror in our dear village, no one heard the voice of Okey Ifejokwu calling for the “rescue” of Idumuje-Ugboko. Today he is desperately singing because the police swooped on him and his violent gang, now facing trial at various courts. A case of an oppressor playing the victim.

The best way to rescue Idumuje-Ugboko is for JUSTICE to prevail with the full prosecution of Okey Ifejokwu and his group of marauders. They must also compensate the victims of their terror attacks for peace and justice to reign in Idumuje-Ugboko.

In 2017 okey ifejoku sent messages to Ugboko people announcing that war was going to break out and that he needed people to contribute money to buy arms to fight their “common enemy”. He gave the bank account details of the youth president Raymond omesiete for the contribution the “war” .Okey didn’t stop there, he personally led the gang that abducted Kennedy illoh, which led to the man’s death.

It amounts to wickedness for Ifejokwu to feign ignorance and deceptive innocence after plotting unimaginable evil against hapless people of his fatherland.

In his hypothetical stance to sound saint and whip up sentiments, he failed to inform the world that the Police invited him with others as suspects over the violence at Idumuje-Ugboko and the matters are in various courts of competent jurisdiction . There is a case of terrorism against the suspects in CHARGE NO. FHC/ABJ/11/19 instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja. Fourteen of the suspects including Ifejokwu were arrested and charged before the Federal High Court and granted them bail on stringent conditions.

On his accusation of Prince Ned Nwoko over the circumstances of the STARS university land in Idumuje-Ugboko, Ifejokwu knows he lied.

The truth is that on the 16th of March, 2015, Hon. (Prince) Ned Nwoko through his company, Linas International Limited, applied to HRM Obi Albert O. Nwoko III, JP; (MON) now of blessed memory for 90 hectares of land for the establishment of a university known as STARS UNIVERSITY and international Golf course.

Prince Ned Nwoko had earlier been granted 33 hectares in year 2000 for agricultural and allied purposes. Prince Ned swiftly brought into the community about 500 cows for dairy farm and built the factory for the dairy products, the fisheries, poultry, zoo and some palm plantations and grazing areas for the animals.

This parcel of land was fully utilized for Agricultural and allied purposes for which it was granted. The remaining part of the land had also been fully utilized for site of the university housing hostel for boys and girls, academic building, cafeteria and library, staff quarters and engineering department.

Today, work has reached advanced stage at the STARS University and international Golf course awaiting accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

It would be recalled that following the application for the 90 hectares of land for the university and golf course, the king had convened a meeting of the Obi-in-Council and the request was duly approved.

This development led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Linas International Limited and Idumuje-Ugboko community. The MOU ceded 60 per cent equity to Linas International Limited and 40 per cent to Idumuje-Ugboko community. It was signed by the parties and dated 25th August, 2015.

Based on the allocation, Prince Ned Nwoko and Linas International Ltd compensated genuine tenant-farmers working on the land and paid the mandatory allocation/administrative fees.

It is worthy of note to mention that the same land for the Golf course has been claimed by Onicha-Ugbo people. Infact Prince Ned paid over two hundred and fifty million (250,000,000:00) Naira to the Onicha-Ugbo indigenes following written agreements. The land in dispute with the Banyes (who are allegedly being used and instigated by Chukwunonso, Gabriel, Ifejokwu and co) is less than one hectare. This is Idumuje-Ugboko community land that was being farmed by various people including the Banyes. As at today Prince Ned is the only one with any title to this land.

It is also recalled that at an Abuja meeting between Gabriel Ogbechie and Prince Ned Nwoko, Gabriel advised Prince Ned to arrange a gift of one hundred million (N100,000,000:00) Naira for Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko because according to Dr. Ogbechie, Prince Chukwunonso Nwoko needed money badly for personal upkeep. Of course Prince Ned declined, insisting that he won’t do anything outside the directives of Idumuje-Ugboko Land Allocation Committee. Ned obviously considered such an action a form of bribery. NED WILL NEVER GIVE BRIBE OVER HIS LAND…TOTALLY AGAINST HIS VALUES.

In frustration over his failed bid to foist Prince Nonso on Idumuje Ugboko people, with all the macabre consequences, Gabriel had been involved in other uncharitable plots, the most recent being an alleged assassination attempt on Ned. A serious matter now before police investigations, as he has been detained and quizzed several times by the security agents.

Let Okey Ifejokwu keep lying. He titled his falsehood “IF YOU DONT KNOW BY NOW “ But we know he his pretending. We know he knows the truth. Not NOW but ever since!

He bears a burden. The burden of guilt. Guilt waiting for inescapable justice. And the guilty is afraid!