Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo

The Nigerian Army has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing security operations in the South-East, dismantling a suspected camp linked to the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo State.

During the operation, troops recovered what are believed to be the remains of two soldiers who were abducted and killed in 2022.

The military operation in Imo State was carried out on Thursday, April 24, 2026, along the Ubaha–Orsu axis in Orsu Local Government Area by troops of the 82 Division. The mission formed part of a broader strategy to crack down on IPOB/ESN hideouts and restore stability across the South-East.

According to an official statement released on Saturday, the operation was intelligence-led and specifically aimed at locating the remains of Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Private Gloria Mathew. The couple was abducted and murdered in May 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding.

The Army disclosed that troops encountered heavy resistance as they advanced toward the suspected camp.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops advanced towards a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout when they came under heavy attack by armed criminals,” the statement read.

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Despite the ambush, the troops engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle, successfully repelling multiple assaults and forcing the gunmen to flee.

The Army described the encounter as further evidence of the group’s continued attacks on both civilians and security personnel in the region.

Following the successful clearance of the camp, troops conducted a thorough search of the area, leading to a grim discovery—shallow graves suspected to contain human remains.

The graves were carefully excavated, and remains recovered, which are believed to be those of the slain military couple.

The Army confirmed that the remains have been secured for forensic analysis and DNA testing to conclusively establish their identities. It also stated that efforts are ongoing to liaise with the families of the deceased to ensure proper identification and dignified burial arrangements.

The military emphasized that the operation highlights its unwavering commitment to justice for fallen soldiers and the continued dismantling of criminal networks linked to IPOB/ESN in the South-East.

It further noted that the discovery of shallow graves within the camp underscores what it described as the group’s “heinous atrocities and disregard for human life.”

The Army reassured Nigerians that operations would continue until all criminal elements are neutralized and lasting peace in the South-East is achieved.

Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.

Army Dismantles IPOB Camp, Recovers Remains of Slain Soldier Couple in Imo

Court Stops Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists Without Court Order

A Federal High Court in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) from imposing fines on motorists for alleged violations of the Third Party Motor Vehicle Insurance Act without first obtaining a valid court order.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa, followed a suit filed by human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who challenged what he described as the unlawful practice of instant fines issued by law enforcement agencies on motorists accused of failing to comply with compulsory third-party insurance requirements.

In her ruling, Justice Yilwa dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the police questioning the court’s jurisdiction. The judge held that the police were properly served with court documents but failed to file any response, adding that such failure weakened their objection.

The court subsequently granted the reliefs sought by the applicant and issued an order restraining both the police and the FRSC from imposing fines directly on motorists without due judicial process.

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The ruling specifically prohibits the agencies from enforcing penalties or collecting fines for insurance-related offences without first approaching a competent court of law.

Legal experts say the judgment reinforces a core constitutional principle in Nigeria’s justice system—that only courts have the authority to impose penalties for offences, including traffic and insurance violations.

The decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for traffic law enforcement in Nigeria, particularly in how agencies handle compliance with motor insurance regulations. It may require enforcement bodies to adopt prosecution-based approaches rather than immediate roadside penalties.

For motorists, the ruling is seen as a significant safeguard against what has long been criticised as arbitrary or extortion-like practices during traffic stops. However, it does not remove the legal obligation to maintain valid third-party motor insurance.

The court’s decision also raises broader questions about due process in law enforcement, citizens’ rights, and the limits of administrative powers exercised by regulatory agencies.

While the ruling marks a major legal development, its enforcement will depend on compliance by the affected agencies, possible appeals, and future judicial interpretations by higher courts.

Court Stops Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists Without Court Order

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed April 29, 2026, for the arraignment of Ms Tracynither Ohiri, who is facing a 13-count charge of cyberstalking and defamation against the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

Justice James Omotosho set the new date on Friday after the prosecution counsel, Wisdom Madaki, requested an adjournment to enable proper service of court documents on the defendant, who was absent in court.

The case, filed by the Nigeria Police Force, centres on multiple alleged defamatory social media publications said to have been made by Ohiri between 2023 and 2025 on platforms including TikTok, Facebook, and online media channels. The charge is registered as FHC/ABJ/CR/172/2026.

At the Friday sitting, neither the defendant nor her legal representative was present. The prosecution told the court that repeated attempts to serve her had failed, prompting the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) and his team to travel to Lagos on April 20 to locate her, but were reportedly unable to serve her personally.

Justice Omotosho, while expressing concern over delays, warned that the case could be struck out if arraignment does not proceed promptly. The matter was consequently adjourned to April 29 for arraignment.

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The 13-count charge alleges that Ohiri made false and damaging claims against Umahi, including allegations that he threatened her life, abused his office, and owed her large sums of money.

In one count, she is accused of posting a TikTok video on October 16, 2023, alleging that Umahi threatened to kill her if she entered Ebonyi State. Another count references a March 8, 2024 video in which she allegedly accused the minister of victimising her for refusing sexual advances.

The prosecution further alleges that she circulated claims on social media and Sahara Reporters on March 28, 2025, alleging that Umahi owed her over ₦200 million for campaign-related services, an allegation the state says she knew to be false.

Other charges include accusations that she amplified defamatory content with intent to cause public hatred and reputational damage under provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

The dispute reportedly originated from Ohiri’s claim that she was owed ₦250 million for printing and promotional services linked to Umahi’s 2015 governorship campaign in Ebonyi State. She further alleged that unpaid debts later escalated into personal disputes and threats.

The matter has also attracted public attention following her arrest in Lagos and transfer to Abuja, where she was initially arraigned before a magistrate court in Wuse and granted bail on related defamation charges.

Civil society voices, including activist Omoyele Sowore, previously criticised the handling of the case, arguing it raises broader concerns about the criminalisation of civil disputes and online speech in Nigeria.

The case also briefly escalated into controversy after Ohiri publicly accused her former lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, of mishandling negotiations and pressuring her to withdraw allegations. The lawyer denied wrongdoing, stating that she failed to provide evidence of contractual claims and later voluntarily issued a public apology to Umahi.

With the April 29 date now fixed, the court is expected to proceed with arraignment, where the defendant will take her plea on the multi-count cybercrime charges.

Cyberstalking: Ohiri to Face Trial Over 13-Count Charges Against Umahi