Kidnapped Ex‑Deputy Governor’s Father Found Dead as Police Nab Nine Suspects

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed that Ezeogo Francis Igwe, traditional ruler of Ndufu‑Alike community in Ikwo Local Government Area and father of former deputy governor Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, was killed by his abductors a day after being kidnapped on his way to church. The tragic development was disclosed in a statement by the state police public relations officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, in Abakaliki, the state capital.

The monarch was abducted on Sunday, March 1, 2026, by armed men riding motorcycles. Immediately following the incident, the Ebonyi State Government under Governor Francis Nwifuru directed security agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation and ensure that the perpetrators were brought to justice. The governor described the abduction as “deeply troubling and totally unacceptable,” urging residents to assist authorities with credible information.

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Police said the operation involved intensive intelligence-driven surveillance and technical assets. During the initial investigation, officers arrested two primary suspects who admitted to being part of the kidnapping syndicate and confirmed that Igwe had been killed on March 2, 2026. These suspects also guided police to the gang’s hideout.

Upon reaching the location, other gang members opened fire on the security operatives, prompting a gunfight. One of the criminals was neutralised, while the rest fled. Police subsequently arrested seven additional suspects, bringing the total to nine in custody, and recovered a locally made pistol linked to the crime.

The remains of the late monarch were recovered and deposited at a morgue for autopsy. Police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects, and those in custody will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The killing has left the Ndufu‑Alike community in mourning, with residents expressing shock and grief over the loss of a revered traditional ruler and father of a prominent political figure. Security agencies have vowed to continue tackling kidnapping and violent crime in the state.

Kidnapped Ex‑Deputy Governor’s Father Found Dead as Police Nab Nine Suspects

FG Panel Confirms Ex‑Minister Uche Nnaji Forged His UNN Degree Certificate

A Federal Government investigative panel has officially confirmed that former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, forged his degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The finding comes after a detailed probe into allegations first raised by a PREMIUM TIMES investigation in October 2025.

The seven‑member panel, set up by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, on 23 November 2025, was tasked with examining discrepancies in Mr Nnaji’s academic records. Its work was completed and a detailed report submitted to the ministry in December 2025.

The investigation followed a petition from Mr Nnaji accusing senior UNN officials, including Vice‑Chancellor Simon Ortuanya and former Acting Vice‑Chancellor Oguejiofor Ujam, of unethical disclosure, document tampering and manipulation of his academic records.

The panel was chaired by Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, Director of the University Education Department in the education ministry, with James Ocheido serving as secretary. Other members included directors from various ministry departments, representatives from the National Universities Commission, and legal and human resources officials.

In carrying out its work, the panel relied on “documentary review, interviews, verification and technical audit”. Investigators visited UNN’s campus in Nsukka, interviewed top officials including the Vice‑Chancellor, Registrar Celine Nnebedum, and examined archival records, transcripts, registry logs, and graduation lists.

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The panel confirmed that Mr Nnaji was admitted to UNN in the 1981/82 academic session to study Biological Sciences, but did not graduate. His name was notably absent from the Senate‑approved 1985 graduation list, and the panel found no records showing he completed all course requirements.

A key piece of evidence was correspondence in his academic file showing that he failed the Virology course (MCB 431AB) and applied to retake it in September 1986 due to illness. However, the panel found no record that he ever retook or passed the failed course.

Despite this, Mr Nnaji had submitted a purported UNN degree certificate dated July 1985 to both the Presidency and the National Assembly of Nigeria during his ministerial confirmation. The panel’s findings confirmed that the certificate was neither issued by UNN nor supported by official graduation records, concluding that the document was forged.

The controversy began when PREMIUM TIMES published an investigation showing that both UNN and the National Youth Service Corps had disowned the degree and NYSC discharge certificates that Mr Nnaji presented. UNN officials, including the Vice‑Chancellor and Registrar, had previously stated that Mr Nnaji neither graduated nor received a degree from the institution, and the NYSC similarly affirmed the discharge certificate he submitted was not authentic.

Mr Nnaji resigned as minister three days after the investigation was published, insisting at the time that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a way to respect due process. He also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to prevent UNN and others from releasing his academic records. However, the court did not grant the injunction before UNN responded to a Freedom of Information request confirming his academic records did not support the credentials he presented.

The panel’s conclusion has reignited public calls for prosecution. Legal practitioners and civil society organisations have argued that certificate forgery is a criminal offence under Nigerian law and that resignation should not be the only consequence. Some have urged the government to prosecute Mr Nnaji to serve as a deterrent against academic fraud in public office.

According to recent reports, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has launched an investigation into the forgery allegations. If the allegations are proven in court, Mr Nnaji could face prosecution and potential sanctions, including being barred from holding public office. Legal experts have also urged reforms to strengthen verification processes for academic and NYSC documentation submitted during public appointments.

FG Panel Confirms Former Minister Uche Nnaji Forged UNN Degree Certificate

Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has been given a 72-hour ultimatum to step aside over allegations of perjury, false representation and discrepancies between his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigerian Law School records.

The ultimatum was issued by a coalition of civil society organisations led by the Civil Society Groups of Good Governance during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

The coalition said the call was necessary to allow for a transparent investigation into the claims while protecting the integrity of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, where Kalu currently serves as the second-highest ranking lawmaker.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the group’s president, Dominic Ogakwu, said the demand was rooted in constitutional provisions that require accountability from all public officials.

He cited Chapter 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which establishes the supremacy of the constitution and mandates compliance by all authorities and citizens.

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According to Ogakwu, the coalition is seeking clarification over how Kalu allegedly obtained both an NYSC discharge certificate and a Nigerian Law School certificate during overlapping periods, which they claim may violate the rules guiding both institutions.

The group questioned how Kalu could have sworn the mandatory oath under the National Youth Service Corps Act committing to a continuous one-year national service, while at the same time participating in full-time academic activities at the Nigerian Law School.

Civil society leaders further argued that the Nigerian Law School’s regulations prohibit students from engaging in other commitments such as the national service programme during the period of study.

According to the coalition, Kalu was admitted to the Nigerian Law School under the name Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu before subsequent name changes. They also claimed he declared on April 23, 2010, that he was not participating in NYSC while enrolled in the Law School programme.

However, the coalition said records indicate that Kalu holds an NYSC discharge certificate dated March 8, 2011, raising questions about whether he participated in both programmes simultaneously.

The civil society groups therefore demanded clarification from Kalu, the NYSC, the Nigerian Law School, the Council of Legal Education, and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

They also urged the relevant authorities to make public all official records relating to Kalu’s service year and legal training.

According to the coalition, if the institutions fail to act within the 72-hour window, they will escalate the matter through mass protests and may occupy the National Assembly complex to demand accountability.

The groups insisted they were not making a definitive accusation of wrongdoing but were seeking transparency regarding the alleged discrepancies.

They argued that Kalu should step aside temporarily because the office of Deputy Speaker is “too important for any form of controversy that could undermine public confidence.”

As of the time of filing this report, Benjamin Kalu has not publicly responded to the allegations or the ultimatum issued by the civil society coalition.

Political observers note that controversies over academic and service credentials have previously triggered major legal battles and electoral disputes in Nigeria, making the issue particularly sensitive for high-ranking public officials.

Deputy Speaker Kalu Faces 72-Hour Ultimatum Over NYSC, Law School Records