Full Name: Chief Dr. Josiah Onyebuchi Johnson Okezie

Born: 1926, in Ibeku, Eastern Nigeria (present-day Abia State)

Died: 2002

Education:

Achimota College

Yaba Higher College (1943)

Yaba College of Medicine (1944–1947)

University College, Ibadan (1948–1949)

Royal College of Surgeons of England and Ireland (1955–1957), qualifying as a medical doctor

Medical Career:

Served as an Assistant Medical Officer in the Nigerian Civil Service from 1950 to 1954

Actively involved in advancing professional medical practice in Eastern Nigeria

Professional Leadership:

Served for ten years (1960–1970) as Secretary of the Eastern Nigerian Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)

Political Career:

Member of the Eastern House of Assembly from 1961 to 1966 during Nigeria’s First Republic

A prominent political figure in Eastern Nigeria prior to the civil war

Federal Government Service:

Appointed Federal Commissioner for Health (1970–1971) under the administration of General Yakubu Gowon, playing a key role in post–civil war health sector reconstruction

Later served as Federal Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources (1971–1974)

Historical Significance:

One of the few Nigerians who successfully combined medicine, professional leadership, and high-level national politics

Contributed significantly to post-war national rebuilding, especially in public health and agriculture

Photograph:

Portrait dates to the 1970s, during his period of federal service

Source:
Umuahiaibeku

This photograph, taken in 1980 and published by Sunday Punch, captures Chief Francis Arthur Nzeribe, a prominent Nigerian politician and businessman.

Born on 2 November 1938 in Oguta, Imo State, Nzeribe hailed from a distinguished family and held traditional titles including Ogbuagu, Osniji, and Damanze Oyimba of Oguta. He attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri, before earning a scholarship from the Nigerian Ports Authority in 1958 to study marine engineering in England.
Nzeribe’s career was marked by both business and politics. By 1960, he was selling life insurance to black immigrants in Britain and briefly worked with Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah in public relations. In 1969, he founded the Fanz Organization in London, dealing in heavy construction, arms, oil brokerage, publishing, and property investment, with significant operations in the Middle East and Gulf states. By 1979, Fanz reported an annual trading turnover of £70 million.

In Nigeria, Nzeribe expanded into insurance and other ventures, including Sentinel Assurance. Politically, he became a senator for the Imo Orlu constituency from 1999 to 2007 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He was also an influential figure in the Association for a Better Nigeria in 1993, which supported General Ibrahim Babangida.
Known for his wealth, influence, and strategic acumen, Chief Nzeribe remains a controversial yet significant figure in Nigeria’s political and business history.

Source: Sunday Punch; Wikipedia

In a major story reported by the Daily Times on Saturday, March 16, 1974, two high-ranking Nigerian military officers were suspended pending an investigation into allegations linked to a high-profile court trial in London.

The Officers Involved

The suspended officers were:

Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle, a prominent figure at the Supreme Headquarters.

Brigadier Foluso Sotomi, the Director of the Military Public Relations Corps.

Both men were regarded as influential figures in Nigeria’s military establishment at the time, making the suspension a matter of national attention.

The Allegations

The suspension stemmed from accusations made by Iyabo Olorunkoya, a Nigerian woman facing trial in London for hemp (cannabis) smuggling. During her proceedings, Iyabo implicated the two brigadiers, claiming they were involved in facilitating or being connected to the illegal activities.
The Federal Government of Nigeria responded promptly by ordering a formal investigation, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges and the need to uphold military discipline and public trust.

Investigation and Suspension

The decision to suspend Brigadiers Adekunle and Sotomi was immediate and aimed at preventing any potential interference with the inquiry. Both officers were required to remain inactive in their official duties until the investigation concluded.
The case drew widespread attention in Nigeria, with citizens and media closely following developments. It was considered one of the most significant headlines in the Daily Times, highlighting public concern over military integrity and accountability.

Historical Significance

This event is a notable example of:

The intersection of military authority and legal accountability in Nigeria during the 1970s.

The influence of international legal cases on domestic affairs, as the accusations arose during a trial in London.

The role of the press in documenting high-profile cases and informing public opinion.

Source

Daily Times, Saturday, March 16, 1974 – Front page headline: “SOTOMI, ADEKUNLE SUSPENDED”

This case remains a significant reference point in Nigerian military history, illustrating the scrutiny and accountability demanded of top officers during politically sensitive periods.