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Fear Grips Enugu Community As Court Grants Bail To Suspect In Traditional Ruler’s Murder

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The many residents of Oruku autonomous community in Enugu State’s Nkanu East Local Government Area, are now living in fear.

The residents are currently in fear after Justice Cyprian Aja of the State High Court granted bail to one Moses Nnamani.

Nnamani is a prime suspect in the murder of the community’s traditional ruler, Igwe Chidiebere Emmanuel Mba. 

The community has been embroiled in an inter and intra communal conflict with its neighbour, Umuode, for over three decades. 

The conflict escalated on December 26, 2020, when Igwe Chidiebere Emmanuel Mba was murdered during the community’s annual meeting. 

Nnamani, a 57-year-old land commission agent, allegedly hired policemen to kill the monarch. 

He and Inspector Daniel Dennis, 47, were arrested and charged with murder and conspiracy. 

However, Justice Romanus Odugu recused himself from the case.

But after several back and forth, the duo of Nnamani and dismissed Inspector Daniel Dennis were arraigned on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in Charge No E/125/24 before Justice Aja on two count- charge of conspiracy and murder.

The charge SaharaReporters obtained on Saturday read: “Count one – statement of offence:

“CONSPIRACY contrary to Section 494 of the criminal Code law of Enugu State cap 30 Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

“Particulars Of Offence: MOSES NNAMANI, DANIEL DENNIS on or about the 26 day of December, 2020 at Oruku Community with the jurisdiction of this court conspired among yourselves to commit felony to wit: Murder of HRH IGWE EMMANUEL CHIDIEBERE MBAH the Traditional Ruler of Oruku Community.

“Count II: Statement Of Offence – MURDER, Contrary to Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code Law Cap 30 Vol. II. Revised laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

“Particulars Of Offence: MOSES NNAMANI, DANIEL DENNIS on or about 20 day of December, 2020 at Oruku Community within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable murdered 14.09 IGWE EMMANUEL CHIDIEBERE MBAH the Traditional Ruler of Orok Community by shooting him with a gun.” 

However, despite the grave offence, Justice Aja granted Moses Nnamani bail with two sureties.

He is also going to hear and determine the bail application of dismissed Inspector Daniel Dennis on Monday.

In granting Nnamani bail, Justice Aja said the sureties must be one Permanent Secretary and one traditional ruler who must have a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court. The value of the property he said must not be less than N20 million.

Justice Aja explained that “granting bail to accused doesn’t mean that he cannot be convicted if he is found guilty after trial”.

SaharaReporters had reported that despite the gravity of the charges against the accused persons in the murder of the traditional ruler, the court had earlier granted two other suspects – Onyema Ede and Chikadibia Okenwa bails. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

After their release on bail, the duo allegedly carried arson attacks on the houses of two brothers from the community, Ejike and Agozie Ani, who are opposed to the murder suspects.

The houses were burnt to the ground on 26th December, 2022, exactly two years after Igwe Mba was murdered.

The arsonists also burnt down the palace of the late Igwe and 10 other houses the same day.

SaharaReporters had reported that Igwe Emmanuel Mba was attending the Oruku Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its town hall when a team of police officers from the Special Tactical Squad of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Investigation Bureau, stormed the venue. They brought brought the monarch out, and shot him before the people attending the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The killing drew national outrage, making the state government set up a seven-person judicial commission on 8th January 2021. Headed by Mr. Justice Harold Eya, it was mandated to inquire into the circumstances of the murder.

In its nine-page report submitted in April 2021, the panel chair, Justice Eya stated categorically that Inspector Daniel killed Igwe Mba, with Nnamani’s connivance due to the differences between him and Mba in Oruku affairs.

The police team that killed the traditional ruler was brought to the town in a blue colour Honda Element sport utility vehicle belonging to Nnamani, the report of the commission stated.

The commission members’ position is consistent with the investigative report of the DIG, Force Intelligence Bureau, which noted on 22nd May 2021 that Nnamani wrote a false and malicious petition on 1st June 2020 against the traditional ruler alleging armed robbery, illegal possession of sophisticated arms and murder.

The DIG consequently set up a team of STS men to investigate the allegation which entailed, among other things, visiting the Oruku community.

“Throughout the journey up to the point of killing the Igwe”, wrote the then late DIG Joseph Egbunike.

The report noted, “Inspector Dennis had been in communication with Chief Nnamani, and also received the sum of fifty thousand naira (N50,000) from the Chief. The other operatives on the trip also confirmed the communication between them.”

It was on the strength of the report that the police authority dismissed Dennis from service.

Meanwhile, Nnamani had fled to Ghana, and police intelligence officers were able to arrest him last August after he was lured to Nigeria with the bait of a lucrative land deal in Abuja.

“It will be perilous to release any of these grave security risks,” observed a senior officer in the Enugu Police Command who does not want his name in the media because he is not authorised to speak to the press on the issue.

Thirteen other persons had been killed in the small Oruku community since Igwe Mba’s gruesome murder.

There are hardly houses standing in the community as fighters and arsonists have overrun the place, says another senior police officer.

“That’s why it will be exceedingly reckless to allow these fellows to walk out of the correctional centre,” the police officer said.

Ejike Mba, younger brother of the late Igwe Mba, who spoke to SaharaReporters on Saturday raised concerns that there was a ground plans to free the killers of his brother and destroy the case.

He wondered how a murder suspects in high profile case like this would be granted bail without the opposition of the State Government that are prosecuting the case.

“Probably, after the court release them they will back and sack the entire community. Don’t you think that they will stop at nothing to ensure that all the witnesses were silenced?” 

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IN-THE-NEWS

Biden Walks Away Without Taking Any Questions About New Orleans Terror Attack After Remarks at Camp David (Video) –

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Joe Biden addressed the nation from Camp David, the presidential retreat in Catoctin Mountain Park in Maryland on Wednesday evening following a terrorist attack that left at least 15 people dead in New Orleans.

At least 15 people were killed, 35 injured after a terrorist identified as 42-year-old Shamsud Din Jabbar plowed through a crowd in New Orleans during the New Year’s Eve celebration.

According to law enforcement, Jabbar did not work alone and was part of a larger network of terrorists…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

Earlier Wednesday Joe Biden stopped to chat with reporters as he departed Wilmington, Delaware for Camp David on Wednesday for another vacation.

He provided an absolutely worthless statement on the terrorist attack

“You all got my statement. I’ll have more to say in next hour about what’s going on in New Orleans…I’ve spoken to every member of the agencies, from CIA to national security team to FBI and NSC…anger and frustration,” Biden said.

WATCH:

https://twitter.com/HowardMortman/status/1874497608758231145?t=YuQCmcwKKHI8pmAs8ZVmZA&s=19

On Wednesday evening, Biden’s handlers shot him up with his latest meth cocktail and pushed out in front of a camera to address the nation READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Biden slurred through prepared remarks.

“Hours before, he posted videos on social media indicating that he is inspired by ISIS, expressing a desire to kill,” Biden said.

WATCH:

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1874607215832936940?t=rFMzrMBZyaDjmnmxvr3Xuw&s=19

Biden didn’t take any questions about the terror attack. He shuffled away from the lectern and disappeared.

WATCH:

https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1874607915795189940?t=rPhPr7FW8QPw-1zIUHoMRQ&s=19

 

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Biden Announces Liz Cheney to Receive Presidential Citizens Medal, The Reason Will Shock You –

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President Joe Biden will formally announce recipients of the Presidential Thursday at 5 PM, and one name on the list is sure to raise eyebrows: Liz Cheney. The former Republican member of Congress — and vocal critic of President-elect Donald Trump — is among the 20 names in a statement released early Thursday morning.

The Presidential Citizens Medal is awarded to citizens of the United States of America who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens. President Biden believes these Americans are bonded by their common decency and commitment to serving others. The country is better because of their dedication and sacrifice…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The White House statement lauds Cheney: “Throughout two decades in public service, including as a Congresswoman for Wyoming and Vice Chair of the Committee on the January 6 attack, Liz Cheney has raised her voice—and reached across the aisle—to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency. Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together.”

The awards will be presented at the White House on January 2, 2025. The following individuals will be awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal:

Mary L. Bonauto — Attorney and activist Mary Bonauto first fought to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maine before arguing before the Supreme Court in Obergefell v. Hodges, which established marriage equality as the law of the land. Her efforts made millions of families whole and forged a more perfect Union.

Bill Bradley — Raised in small-town Missouri, Bill Bradley showed a dedication to basketball that would define his courage, discipline, and selflessness. A two-time NBA Champion and Hall-of-Fame New York Knick, he served three terms as a United States Senator from New Jersey and was a candidate for president, advancing tax reform, water rights, civil rights, and more, while still today seeking to deepen our common humanity with humility and heart.

Frank K. Butler, Jr. — As a pioneering innovator, Navy Seal, and leader in dive medicine, Dr. Frank Butler introduced Tactical Combat Casualty Care to the medical world that set new standards for tourniquet use not only for injuries in war, but injuries across daily civilian life. He has transformed battlefield trauma care for the United States military and saved countless lives.

Elizabeth L. Cheney — Throughout two decades in public service, including as a Congresswoman for Wyoming and Vice Chair of the Committee on the January 6 attack, Liz Cheney has raised her voice—and reached across the aisle—to defend our Nation and the ideals we stand for: Freedom. Dignity. And decency. Her integrity and intrepidness remind us all what is possible if we work together.

Christopher J. Dodd — Chris Dodd has served our Nation with distinction for more than 50 years as a United States Congressman, Senator, respected lawyer, and diplomat. From advancing childcare, to reforming our financial markets, to fostering partnerships across the Western Hemisphere—he has stood watch over America as a beacon to the world.

Diane Carlson Evans —After serving as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War, Diane Carlson Evans founded the Vietnam Women’s Memorial Foundation to ensure female service members received the recognition they deserve—one of our Nation’s most sacred obligations. Her duty and devotion embody the very best of who we are as Americans.

Joseph L. Galloway (posthumous) — From Vietnam to the Persian Gulf, Joe Galloway spent decades sharing first-hand accounts of horror, humanity, and heroism in battle. Known as the soldier’s reporter and the soldier’s friend, he embedded with American troops, rescued wounded soldiers under fire, and became the only civilian awarded a Bronze Star for combat valor by the United States Army as one of the most respected war correspondents of his era.

Nancy Landon Kassebaum — The first woman to represent Kansas, Nancy Kassebaum was a force in the United States Senate. From supporting a woman’s right to choose to reforming health care, she stood up for what she believed in even if it meant standing alone, and she reached across the aisle to do what she believed was right.

Ted Kaufman — For decades, including as a United States Senator from Delaware, Ted Kaufman has served the Nation with honesty and integrity. A master of the Senate who championed everyday Americans and public servants, he’s been at the forefront of consequential debates about the courts, the financial system, and more. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Carolyn McCarthy — As a nurse, Carolyn McCarthy had an instinct to heal and serve. When her husband and son were shot on a local commuter train, she became an advocate so persuasive that she was recruited to run for Congress. She served 18 years, championing gun safety measures including improved background checks, as a citizen legislator devoted to protecting our Nation’s welfare.

Louis Lorenzo Redding (posthumous) — A groundbreaking civil rights advocate, Louis was the first Black attorney admitted to the bar in Delaware, where he argued against segregation in the seminal cases of Bulah v. Gebhart and Belton v. Gebhart—laying the legal framework for Brown v. Board of Education. A towering figure and a generous mentor, he opened doors of equity and opportunity for all Americans.

Bobby Sager — A Boston native, Bobby Sager travels the world as a photographer and philanthropist grounded in family and empathy, wielding his camera and influence to connect with people in war-torn countries, capture their hope and humanity, and inspire others to take action and see a fuller portrait of the planet we all share.

Collins J. Seitz (posthumous) —As a state judge in Delaware, Judge Seitz became the first judge in America to integrate a white public school, dismantling the doctrine of “separate but equal” with exacting detail and reverence for the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment of our Constitution. His brave ruling tore down walls of separation to help us see each other as fellow Americans.

Eleanor Smeal — From leading massive protests and galvanizing women’s votes in the 1970s to steering progress for equal pay and helping the Violence Against Women Act become law, Ellie Smeal forced the Nation to not only include women in political discourse but to value them as power brokers and equals. Her strategic vision over more than 40 years embodies the American pursuit to create a fairer, more just world.

Bennie G. Thompson — Born and raised in a segregated Mississippi, as a college student inspired by the Civil Rights movement, Bennie Thompson volunteered on campaigns and registered southern Black voters. That call to serve eventually led him to Congress, where he chaired the House January 6th Committee—at the forefront of defending the rule of law with unwavering integrity and a steadfast commitment to truth.

Mitsuye Endo Tsutsumi (posthumous) — In a shameful chapter in our Nation’s history, Mitsuye Endo was incarcerated alongside more than 120,000 Japanese Americans. Undaunted, she challenged the injustice and reached the Supreme Court. Her resolve allowed thousands of Japanese Americans to return home and rebuild their lives, reminding us that we are a Nation that stands for freedom for all.

Thomas J. Vallely — A United States Marine during the Vietnam War, Thomas Vallely has never given up on peace. Over the course of five decades, he has brought Vietnam and the United States together—establishing Fulbright University Vietnam, fostering greater economic and cultural exchange, and overcoming the perils of the past to seize the promise of the future. His service remains a symbol of American leadership in the world.

Frances M. Visco — As president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, Fran Visco has fought tirelessly and fearlessly to increase Federal funding for breast cancer research, early detection education, and access to women’s healthcare. As a breast cancer survivor, she turned pain into purpose, changed the landscape of breast cancer advocacy, and has become a powerful symbol of hope for the Nation.

Paula S. Wallace —A lifelong educator and trailblazer of the arts, Paula Wallace dreamt of a school that would transform how we think about professional education. By establishing the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design and serving as its president, she has guided thousands of students into creative industries.

Evan Wolfson —By leading the marriage equality movement, Evan Wolfson helped millions of people in all 50 states win the fundamental right to love, marry, and be themselves. For 32 years, starting with a visionary law school thesis, Evan Wolfson worked with singular focus and untiring optimism to change not just the law, but society—pioneering a political playbook for change and sharing its lessons, even now, with countless causes worldwide.

 

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IN-THE-NEWS

‘Historical Context Can Be Tricky’ –

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Vice President-elect JD Vance promoted Elon Musk’s recent op-ed in support of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Vance shared the op-ed on Thursday and wrote, “I’m not endorsing a party in the German elections, as it’s not my country and we hope to have good relations with all Germans. But this is an interesting piece.”

“Also interesting; American media slanders AfD as Nazi-lite, But AfD is most popular in the same areas of Germany that were most resistant to the Nazis,” Vance added. Vance’s claim was quickly shot down by German journalist James Jackson who shared electoral maps from 1932 and 2024 showing that regional overlap for the AfD and the Nazi party in northeastern Germany…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

https://twitter.com/derJamesJackson/status/1874895472726569038?t=3Uny-1Nr-JG3vENhNMQu6g&s=19

The German Ambassador to the US, Andreas Michaelis, also refuted Vance’s claim, replying, “Interesting observation, Senator JD Vance. Historical context can be tricky – while some areas you are referring to resisted the Nazi party early on, others did not, or later became strongholds of the regime. Germany’s history reminds us how important it is to challenge extremism in all its forms.”

https://twitter.com/GermanyinUSA/status/1874923587557286171?t=vj_DqTZ3OsCWoKvN9nc9cg&s=19

Musk stirred controversy last month when he endorsed the party, which has long been controversial both across Europe and in the U.S. Musk wrote on his X platform that “only the AfD can save Germany.” The AfD is polling strongly in Germany’s upcoming election, but is seen as unlikely to be voted into a position to govern the country as the other parties have vowed not to work with them. Germany publicly accused Musk earlier in the week of trying to influence its elections

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) addressed Musk’s support for the AfD in late December on CNN, “Yeah. I mean, this is not normal. So AfD is essentially the neo-Nazi party in Germany. They exist to try to rehabilitate the image of the Nazi party. And they have all sorts of very dangerous ideas about ridding Germany of anyone who is not naturally born in that country. They are an extremist group,” Murphy replied, adding: READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

And it is just extraordinary that maybe the most important advisor to the president of the United States, somebody that has been, you know, parading around the halls of Congress as a key advisor to the president, is endorsing a neo-Nazi party inside Germany.

Germany’s DW news agency describes the party’s platform as one that “insists on the primacy of “traditional” German culture and rejects Islam as a part of German society. It also questions the notion that climate change is man-made, wants to uphold family values and opposes diversity and gender issues. The AfD wants to limit NATO’s operational area to the territory of its member states and replace the EU with a new organization.”

DW also noted, “The AfD has a powerful extremist section which the domestic intelligence service is keeping tabs on.”

 

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