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POLICE WITNESS TELLS IIP-SARS HOW PETER EKWEALOR SLUMPED AFTER ALLEGEDLY CONFESSING TO KILLING ASP AKOH UDE

POLICE WITNESS TELLS IIP-SARS HOW PETER EKWEALOR SLUMPED AFTER ALLEGEDLY CONFESSING TO KILLING ASP AKOH UDE
By: Our Reporter
A Police witness, Abdulmumuni Mohammed on Wednesday told the IIP-SARS that one Peter Ekwealor, a member of Odekpe Community in Anambra state slumped after his confessional statement that he participated in the killing of ASP Akoh Ude when he (Akoh Ude) led other policemen on a peace mission in June, 2020.
Peter Ekwealor (now deceased) was arrested and detained alongside Chief Peter Ikechi and Mr Ekene Okona from the same Odekpe Community.
Testifying before the 11-Member panel presided over by Dr. Garba Tetengi (SAN) on behalf of the Chairman, Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd), the Police witness said that Peter Ekwelor (now deceased) confided in some police officers to reveal that it was some members of the Odekpe Community that killed ASP Akoh Ude when he led a Police team on a peace mission to the area.
According to Abdulmumuni, the late Peter informed the police in his statement that he and some other members of Odekpe Community took an oath of secrecy at Attah Okakwu’s palace (the paramount Ruler of the Community) not to reveal to anyone the death of ASP Akoh, (whom they allegedly killed).
“After making the confessional statement while he was in police detention with his casemates, Chief Ikechi Peter and Ekene Okona, he (Peter Ekwealor) slumped”, the witness stated.
He told the Panel that the attention of the team investigating the matter was called and he and some other investigation officers rushed Peter to Asokoro General Hospital but due to the strike action as at that time, the victim was taken to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada and that few minutes later, the Doctors on duty confirmed him dead.
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On account of the above, he said that Peter’s body was deposited at UATH for the purpose of post mortem examination and that a Police wireless message was immediately sent to DIG Force Investigation Department (FID) informing him of the death of the suspect.
He told the panel that the family of late Peter was contacted and informed about the death of their relation.
“Two weeks after, Anambra state governor, His Excellency Willie Obiano sent a delegation led by the Permanent Secretary Office of the Secretary to the state Government (SSG) to the IRT Office to meet with the Police authority and appeal for the release of the other two detainees, Ikechi and Ekene on bail.
Narrating further, he told the panel that the duo of Ikechi and Ekene were released to Hon. Ekene Obiajulu and that two weeks after, he called the Permanent Secretary, Office of the SSG who confirmed to him that the Governor summoned the people involved in the alleged attack and killing of ASP Akoh Ude and they refused to honour the summons and rather said that the police should give them more time, only for them to say that the Police can go ahead and take whatever action they deem fit in the circumstance.
Thereafter, he said that the family of late Peter started writing petitions, through one Barrister Adekole to the Police to release the corpse unconditionally.
He informed the panel that on April 2020, Patrick Ude of Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue state had written a petition to the IGP alleging criminal conspiracy, attack on Policemen while on peace mission in Odekpe Community, abduction, murder of ASP Akoh Ude attached to N0. 29 Police Mobile Force, Awka, Anambra state.
In the said petition, the witness stated that the petitioner who is elder brother to the late ASP Ude had alleged that he never heard from his brother since 23rd April 2020, after he led 14 Policemen to Odekpe Community on a peace mission.
The panel also admitted several exhibits including statements of the trio of chief Ikechi, Ekene and Ekwealor and photographs of the skulls and bones purporting the killing of Ekwealor by Odekpe Community etc. which were tendered by the police lawyer, Fidelis Ogwobe.
The case was adjourned to 26th of November, 2021 for cross-examination of the witness and defense.
Meanwhile, another petition of alleged torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of Mr Linus Godwin was adjourned to 26th November, 2021 for adoption of addresses by all the parties.
POLICE WITNESS TELLS IIP-SARS HOW PETER EKWEALOR SLUMPED AFTER ALLEGEDLY CONFESSING TO KILLING ASP AKOH UDE
National News
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.
The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).
He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.
“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.
He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.
According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.
“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.
The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.
“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.
He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.
The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism
National News
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
By Hamza Suleiman
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.
Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).
He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.
“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.
The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.
He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.
“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.
Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.
He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”
According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.
He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.
“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.
The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.
Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions
National News
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.
Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.
Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.
She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.
According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.
She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.
“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.
“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.
“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.
While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.
She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.
The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.
“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.
Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.
Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.
She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.
The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA
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