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Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe

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Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe

The security situation in Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom took another major step today, 11 December 2025, as Patrick Izu Osammor and Augustine Nwafor Ashi were formally arraigned before the Federal High Court, Abuja in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/594/2025.

The duo, previously held at Keffi Prison, face allegations connected to a coordinated plot to destabilise the kingdom.

Dramatic Bail Hearing
The court granted the defendants bail after a forceful plea by their lawyer, Barrister Steve Emelieze, who made the unusual offer to deposit his Call-to-Bar certificate to assure the court that the defendants would not abscond. Other sureties—including the ODA Abuja President, Diokpa Patrick Obi—also undertook to guarantee their attendance throughout the trial.

Despite the court’s approval, the defendants failed to perfect the bail terms and were consequently remanded to Kuje Correctional Centre. Our reporter witnessed correctional officers escorting them back into custody. Their trial is scheduled to begin on 11 March 2025.

The judge warned the defendants to maintain strict good behaviour and avoid any acts that may breach the peace or interfere with ongoing investigations, noting that any misconduct could lead to an immediate revocation of bail.

Background to the Case
Osammor and Ashi were arrested in October 2025 following months of intelligence-gathering directed by the Inspector General of Police.

Investigators allege that they played central roles in a campaign of misinformation, incitement, and mobilisation of factions aimed at destabilising Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom.
Both men, along with others still at large, are longstanding supporters of the Umu Obi Dieyi faction, which lost its challenge to the Ogwashi-Uku throne at the High Court, Court of Appeal, and finally the Supreme Court.

In court today were Barr. Victor Nobei and Barr. Francis Okolie, lawyers known to represent the faction. Barr. Okolie is himself facing terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Asaba for allegedly participating in the violent attack on the Obi in October 2023.

Investigation Expands
Police sources confirm that the investigation has now broadened to include fresh threats against His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, and possible links between the defendants and individuals already on trial for the 2023 palace attack. Investigators believe the current activities may be a continuation of that earlier plot.

Attempts by some suspects to block their arrest through Fundamental Rights applications have been dismissed by senior police lawyers as legally baseless, noting that courts cannot restrain the police from investigating crime.
Police Vow to Pursue All Leads

A senior officer told our reporter: “The police will follow every lead. Anyone found liable in the attempt to plunge Ogwashi-Uku into crisis will be brought to justice. No one is above the law.”

As the kingdom awaits the commencement of trial in March 2025, many residents hope that this case will finally expose the full network behind the unrest and help restore lasting peace.

Arraignment, Bail Of Ogwashi-Uku Defendants, Patrick Osamor, Augustine Ashi Marks New Phase In Criminal Probe

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Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi

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Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation WUTAN DAJI have cleared several bandits’ camps, rescued kidnapped victims and recovered arms during clearance operations in Bauchi State.

Security sources said troops of 33 Artillery Brigade Garrison, in conjunction with elements of the Brigade Headquarters and a team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), carried out the operation in Kumbodoro forest and Kumbodoro village.

According to the sources, the operation was led by the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. S.S. Shehu, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the area of criminal elements.

They added that several bandits’ camps, including Azuge camps, were cleared during the operation, while a number of the criminals were neutralised.

Items recovered include four skeletal rifles, four dane guns, two pairs of boots, three helmets, a power bank, a Startimes decoder, one FN rifle magazine, one AK-47 magazine, communication links, a jackknife, six mobile phones, arrows, radio chargers, ATM cards, photographs, identity cards, as well as several pairs of security agency uniforms and leg chains.

The sources further disclosed that eight kidnapped victims were rescued during the operation.

They said troops are currently holding position within the Kumbodoro forest to consolidate gains from the clearance mission.

In a related development, the sources said troops deployed at Duguri, in collaboration with local vigilantes, recovered 36 cows at Mushen Kura village following information that the animals were roaming the area.

“The cows are suspected to have fled from bandits’ camps due to the ongoing operations and are currently in custody for further action,” the sources said.

They noted that troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high, while operations continue to deny bandits freedom of action in the region.

Troops clear bandits’ camps, rescue victims, recover arms in Bauchi

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Joint security forces raid herders’ camp in Rivers, recover arms and ammunition

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Joint security forces raid herders’ camp in Rivers, recover arms and ammunition

By: Zagazola Makama

Joint security operatives under the Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, have raided a suspected herders’ camp in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering arms and ammunition.

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 1:30 p.m. on April 12 along the IPO community axis by troops of 6 Division Garrison in collaboration with personnel of the Air Force, Navy, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and Civil Defence Corps.

According to the sources, the raid targeted identified herders’ and cattle rearers’ camps in the area.

They added that items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, 274 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and four mobile phones.

The sources noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal possession of firearms and enhance security across the Niger Delta region.

Joint security forces raid herders’ camp in Rivers, recover arms and ammunition

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Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development

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Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced the establishment of a quarry centre in Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area, to accelerate infrastructure development in the state.

Zulum made this announcement on Monday while flagging off the distribution of 70 brand-new Howo pickup trucks to the Ministry of Works and the State Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA) at the Government House.

The 70 Howo trucks are designed to boost the operational capacity of the Ministry of Works and its supervising agencies. The trucks will enable the swift delivery of materials to sites and faster intervention on distressed roads.

According to the governor, the quarry centre will provide locally sourced materials including granite, gravel and sharp sand to support ongoing and future road projects, reducing dependence on external suppliers and cutting costs.

“We have achieved a lot in health, education, agriculture, security, and road construction among others. However, we still have challenges of constructing roads within the state, especially in rural communities,” Zulum said.

“My administration has established a quarry plant in Pulka with a processing capacity of 120 tons per hour. The State Government spent at least 3 billion to establish the quarry plant”, he added.

According to the governor, due to the prevailing insecurity, most contractors are not willing to work in Borno.

“You know, no serious contractor will take the risk of deploying his equipment to most of the implementing areas, so this is the reason we are here”, the governor reinstated.

“So, we have no option but to strengthen the capacity of the Ministry of Works, the capacity of Borno State Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA), the capacity of special projects, monitoring departments and other MDAs that are responsible for road construction.”

The brief ceremony was attended by the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Works, Engr Baware, BORMA Chairman, Engr Sadu Auno, the Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr Bukar Gujubawu and other senior officials.

Zulum establishes quarry centre, procures 70 trucks for infrastructure development

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