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Anambra election: Army rescue NYSC, INEC officials held hostage in Awka

Published

2 months ago

November 10, 2025

Nigerian military troops

Anambra election: Army rescue NYSC, INEC officials held hostage in Awka

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations circulating in a viral video suggesting that its personnel were involved in electoral malpractice during Saturday’s Anambra governorship election, clarifying that soldiers were only deployed for a rescue operation.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the military said the troops intervened solely to rescue NYSC and INEC officials who were being held hostage by suspected political thugs at Ukwu Oji Umuebele, Awka Ward 5, in Awka South Local Government Area.

The statement, titled “Clarification on Nigerian Army Intervention at Ukwu Oji Umuebele, Awka During a Rescue Operation,” said the incident occurred on November 8, 2025, after a distress call was received at about 8:20 p.m.

“At about 2020 hours, an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment received a distress call from NYSC officials reporting that corps members and other INEC staff were being held by suspected political thugs,” the Army said.

According to the Army, a rapid reaction team comprising two officers and 12 soldiers was immediately dispatched to the location.

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On arrival, troops reportedly met a tense atmosphere involving several political stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who questioned the military’s presence.

Despite the confrontation, the Army said its personnel “exercised utmost professionalism and restraint” throughout the operation.

The soldiers, according to the statement, safely rescued the NYSC members and INEC officials, escorting them to the INEC office to allow the collation process to continue without disruption.

“Any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable. Our intervention was strictly humanitarian and aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding the electoral process,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Army described the viral footage being circulated online as “misleading and lacking full context,” insisting that the clip failed to show that troops were responding to a distress call, not interfering in election matters.

The Headquarters 82 Division, which oversees military operations in the South-East, expressed concern over the conduct of some political actors at the scene, noting that it would engage the Anambra State Government to strengthen civil-military cooperation in future operations.

Reiterating its commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and constitutional duty, the Army urged members of the public to disregard false narratives and continue to support security agencies in maintaining peace during elections.

“Our role remains to protect the integrity of the electoral process, not to influence it. The Nigerian Army will continue to act within its mandate to safeguard democracy,” the statement concluded.

The November 8, 2025, Anambra governorship election saw the incumbent Governor Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secure victory with 422,664 votes, defeating Nicholas Ukachukwu of the APC and Paul Chukwuma of the YPP. The election was largely peaceful, though isolated incidents of tension were reported in parts of Awka and Onitsha.

Anambra election: Army rescue NYSC, INEC officials held hostage in Awka

Related Topics:anambra army Featured INEC NYSC

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Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

Published

2 hours ago

January 22, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has admitted a tweet by activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, in which he called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “criminal,” as part of the evidence in his ongoing cyberstalking and defamation trial brought by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Mohammed Umar ruled on Thursday, January 22, 2026, that screenshots of the controversial posts from Sowore’s verified X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, along with video clips submitted on a flash drive, would be formally marked as exhibits in the case. The court overruled defense objections, allowing the social media evidence to form a central part of the prosecution’s case.

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The trial relates to posts published in August 2025, following President Tinubu’s official visit to Brazil. The government alleges that Sowore’s online statements were false, inflammatory, and capable of undermining public peace, contrary to provisions under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. DSS witnesses told the court that Sowore’s posts attracted millions of views and were capable of escalating political tension and threatening national security.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and founder of the African Action Congress (AAC), has pleaded not guilty, insisting that his posts are protected under freedom of expression and free speech rights. The court adjourned the matter to January 27, 2026, for the cross-examination of DSS witnesses and continuation of proceedings.

The case has sparked a nationwide debate over cyber defamation, limits of online political criticism, and freedom of expression in Nigeria, attracting significant attention from journalists, human rights groups, and political commentators.

Court Accepts Sowore’s Tweet Calling President Tinubu ‘Criminal’ as Exhibit in Cybercrime Trial

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

Published

2 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old woman for allegedly hiring armed robbers to steal her boyfriend’s gold jewellery worth about ₦13 million, the police confirmed on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

One of the golds

According to SP Bright Edafe, Delta police spokesperson, the suspect, identified as Jessica Anthony, approached individuals she believed were armed robbers to execute the plan. Her motive, she admitted, was to raise money for her sister’s medical bills.

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The boyfriend reportedly became aware of the plot and contacted the Delta police, who arranged for the “robbers” to be intercepted. During the operation, Jessica was arrested and the gold jewellery — including a hand chain and necklace — recovered.

A video released by the Delta State Police shows the recovered items and highlights the agency’s prompt action in foiling the robbery attempt. SP Edafe warned residents against engaging in criminal activities or hiring armed criminals, stressing that such acts carry severe legal consequences.

This incident forms part of ongoing Delta police operations targeting armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, reinforcing the command’s commitment to public safety and law enforcement across the state.

Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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Police Nab Woman Who Hired Armed Robbers to Steal Boyfriend’s ₦13m Gold

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Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

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2 hours ago

January 22, 2026

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Senator Natasha Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio

Nigeria Political Battle: Akpabio Drags Natasha Akpoti to Supreme Court

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a fresh case at the Supreme Court, escalating the ongoing legal dispute with Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan over her suspension from the Nigerian Senate. The move comes after protracted proceedings in lower courts, with the apex court now set to deliver a final judgment on the matter.

According to court filings, Akpabio is seeking the Supreme Court’s approval to regularize and sustain his appeal against previous rulings from the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal, asserting that the Senate acted within its powers under Section 60 of the 1999 Constitution to regulate its internal procedures. The case, recorded under SC/CV/1111/2025, also requests leave for Akpabio’s notice of appeal and brief of argument to be deemed properly filed and served.

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The dispute traces back to February 2025, when Akpoti‑Uduaghan raised concerns over alleged procedural irregularities and parliamentary privilege issues during a Senate plenary session. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions subsequently invoked disciplinary measures, resulting in a six-month suspension for the lawmaker.

Akpoti‑Uduaghan challenged the suspension at the Federal High Court in Abuja, arguing it violated her constitutional right to fair hearing and breached Senate Standing Orders. The Court of Appeal later struck out parts of the Senate’s defense on procedural grounds, prompting Akpabio to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court for definitive resolution.

Additionally, the dispute encompasses a related contempt proceeding, arising from a social media post by Akpoti‑Uduaghan during the litigation, which a Federal High Court deemed in violation of a restraining order, leading to a fine and public apology — a decision she is also appealing.

The Supreme Court filing effectively brings all parties before Nigeria’s apex court, with the case expected to set precedents on the limits of legislative authority, judicial review, and parliamentary discipline.