Police rescue kidnapped Imo Catholic Bishop, driver - Newstrends
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Police rescue kidnapped Imo Catholic Bishop, driver

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Six days after he was abducted, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Bishop Moses Chikwe has been rescued with his driver.

The police rescued the cleric unhurt as a result of a sting operation embarked upon by the tactical squad of the Imo State Police Command led by its Anti Kidnapping Unit.

Bishop Chikwe and his driver Ndubuisi Robert were said to have been rescued on Thursday evening at about 10pm after spending six days in the den of the kidnappers.

The bishop was kidnapped together with his driver on December 27.

The police in a statement by the command’s spokesman, Orlando Ikeokwu, said the hoodlums also on the day kidnapped one 33-year old lady, Chioma Ekwedike, at Imo Housing Estate Umuguma, Owerri West LGA in front of her residence.

Head and the Officer in Charge of the state police command, newly promoted AIG Isaac O. Akinmoyede, was said to have activated all the tactical teams in the command, and charged them to rescue the Bishop and others, and arrest the hoodlums responsible for the act.

He said that a combined unit of all the tactical teams on the December 31, 2020 stormed Awara, Ohaji/Egbema LGA and Omuku creeks and arrested some of the criminals with some incriminating items recovered from them.

According to him, the arrest of the suspects and other coordinated operations by the command led to the kidnappers abandoning victims, leading to the rescue of the bishop and two other victims unhurt and without payment of any ransom.

He said that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the notorious kidnapping syndicate.

“It is noteworthy to mention that an online media platform last week came up with the news of the death of the Bishop. In the online report, it was claimed that the Auxiliary Bishop was beheaded and his head and decapitated body recovered somewhere in Anambra State.

He, therefore, warned against such speculative and junk reporting especially on social media as such is capable of causing a breach of peace.

The command also commended the public and the Christian community for their understanding and support during the period and the confidence reposed in the Nigeria Police to resolve the crime.

“We however wish to assure everyone that the Command remains capable of protecting all law-abiding citizens of the state,” it stated.

Meanwhile, Archbishop of Owerri, Anthony Obinna, in a statement Saturday expressed gratitude to God for the release of the bishop.

He also thanked Pope Francis for mentioning the incident in his new year message and the prayer of cardinals and bishops including the Christian communities and all Nigerians during the period of the captivity.

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From Royal Wedding to Courtroom War: Gana’s Son, Wife in Explosive Split

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From Royal Wedding to Courtroom War: Gana’s Son, Wife in Explosive Split

What began as one of Nigeria’s most glamorous society weddings in 2014 has reportedly unraveled into a tense legal showdown, marked by allegations, silence, and an escalating custody dispute.

When James Gana, son of elder statesman and former Minister of Information Jerry Gana, married Akwa Ibom royal figure Jessica Edet, the ceremony drew national attention. Political heavyweights, traditional rulers, and high society figures gathered in Akwa Ibom State to witness what many described as a symbolic union of influence and prestige.

More than a decade later, that image of unity has sharply faded.

Cracks Beneath the Surface

Multiple sources familiar with the situation indicate that the marriage had been under strain for some time before the situation escalated into formal legal action. While details remain closely guarded, insiders suggest that irreconcilable differences may have led to the breakdown.

It is alleged that James Gana filed for divorce, though official court documents have not been made public to confirm this claim.

Custody Battle Emerges

At the center of the dispute is the couple’s son, with both parties reportedly seeking custody. Legal observers note that such battles, especially among high-profile families, often become prolonged and emotionally charged.

Family law practitioners contacted by our correspondent explain that Nigerian courts typically prioritize the welfare of the child, but outcomes can vary depending on circumstances presented during proceedings.

Allegations and Social Media Noise

The case has also been complicated by a wave of unverified claims circulating online, including controversial accusations targeted at Jessica Edet. Terms and insinuations trending on social media have added a layer of public scrutiny, though none of these claims have been substantiated in court.

Observers warn that such narratives, often amplified without evidence, risk distorting public perception and inflaming an already delicate situation.

Silence from Key Parties

Efforts to obtain official statements from both James Gana and Jessica Edet have so far yielded no response. Associates close to the families have also declined to comment, citing the sensitivity of the matter and ongoing legal proceedings.

From Celebration to Litigation

The reported breakdown of the marriage highlights how even the most celebrated unions can face private challenges far removed from public glamour. What was once a widely admired relationship has now become a subject of legal scrutiny and public speculation.

As proceedings continue, attention remains fixed on the courtroom, where the final outcome—particularly regarding custody—will likely define the next chapter of this high-profile separation.

From Royal Wedding to Courtroom War: Gana’s Son, Wife in Explosive Split

 

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Three Feared Dead as Journalists’ Bus Crashes on Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

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Three Feared Dead as Journalists’ Bus Crashes on Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

At least three persons have been confirmed dead following a tragic motor accident along the notorious Onyeama Hills axis of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway in Enugu.

The accident involved a black Toyota Sienna bus conveying journalists who were reportedly on an official assignment to Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state. Several occupants of the vehicle sustained injuries of varying degrees.

Among those injured are Chimaroke Ugwu, a reporter with Nigerian Television Authority and Chairman of the NTA Chapel, alongside his cameraman, Jerry. Also affected are Kelechi Ehirim, a reporter with African Independent Television and Secretary of the Private Broadcast Chapel, as well as his cameraman, Ifeanyi Ogbodo.

The identities of the deceased victims were yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the police were at the scene carrying out rescue operations and managing traffic to prevent further incidents.

The Onyeama Hills stretch of the expressway has long been regarded as a high-risk corridor due to its steep terrain and frequent record of accidents. Authorities have commenced investigations to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.

Further updates are expected as more details emerge.

 

Three Feared Dead as Journalists’ Bus Crashes on Enugu–Onitsha Expressway

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How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

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How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

Akure, Ondo State – In a brazen late-night raid, armed men abducted three health workers from a Primary Health Clinic in Ijebu, a suburb of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The security guard on duty, Olawale Yaya, told TVC News that the attackers executed the operation with alarming precision. According to him, the assailants arrived in a high-end SUV, which he identified as either a Toyota Venza or a Lexus. The vehicle was parked outside the clinic before the abduction.

“They took three staff members. The gunmen parked on the road. They came with an expensive jeep. It looks like a Toyota Venza or Lexus SUV. It’s not a small sedan car. It’s an SUV. It’s not a bus. It’s a high-end SUV. The gunmen even pressed a button to open the boot. After opening it, they forced the three people inside and drove off,” Yaya recounted.

The attackers specifically targeted staff members who were on duty, assaulting them before forcing them into the boot of their vehicle. The guard described the assailants’ familiarity with the vehicle as “disturbing,” noting how they effortlessly operated the automatic boot before making their escape.

Security agencies in the state have been alerted, and investigations are ongoing to locate the kidnapped health workers and apprehend the perpetrators.

 

How Gunmen Storm Akure Clinic, Abduct Three Health Workers

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