News
Charles Orie At 59: The Man, The Myth,The Mystery
Written by: Samuel Arinze
Today marks the 59th birthday of Chief Charles Orie, a man whose legacy, influence, and humility have earned him a special place in the hearts of many in Imo State and beyond. Known as Akuatuegwu, Chief Orie is celebrated not only for his illustrious career in public service but also for his unwavering commitment to community development and his faith in divine providence.
Chief Orie’s journey from Umuokanne in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area to the corridors of power in Imo State epitomizes dedication and resilience. As the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), he left an indelible mark on the commission by addressing critical workforce issues, promoting youth empowerment, and initiating developmental projects in the state’s oil-producing regions.
His tenure at ISOPADEC was a beacon of hope for underserved communities, earning him widespread admiration. However, his resignation from the commission in 2024 sparked a wave of speculation. Many wondered why he stepped down from such a pivotal role. In retrospect, it appears Chief Orie’s decision was driven by a desire for self-renewal and a quest to broaden his horizons. His recent public appearances suggest he took this opportunity to embark on a sabbatical, engaging in a fact-finding mission to advanced societies to explore ideas that could enhance social constructs in Imo State and Nigeria at large.
In a recent article widely published in The Sun and other local newspapers, Chief Orie’s name emerged as one of the potential contenders for the Imo State Douglas House. The speculation stirred conversations across political circles, yet Chief Orie, in his characteristic humility, distanced himself from such aspirations.
In his response, he emphasized that power comes from God, and he harbors no desperation for political office. “If such is destined for me, it shall manifest at the right time,” he stated. This declaration reflects a deep-seated belief in divine timing and purpose, a philosophy that has guided his personal and professional life.
As Chief Orie turns 59, it becomes evident that this milestone is not merely about celebrating the years gone by but also about honoring a man who constantly seeks growth and renewal. His post-ISOPADEC phase has been a time of introspection and exploration, aimed at acquiring practical knowledge to enhance economic leadership and impart it to the youths.
Chief Orie’s ability to combine traditional wisdom with modern practicality has made him a revered figure in his community and beyond. As the Traditional Prime Minister of Ohaji, he remains deeply connected to his roots, advocating for the needs of his people and leveraging his position to foster unity and progress.
What sets Chief Orie apart is the mystique surrounding his persona. He is a man of action, yet he avoids the limelight unless it serves a greater purpose. This enigmatic quality has made him both an admired and a mysterious figure in Imo State politics. While his contributions are tangible, his motives are often guided by principles that transcend personal ambition.
As we celebrate Chief Charles Orie at 59, we honor a man who has dedicated his life to service, self-improvement, community upliftment. His legacy at ISOPADEC and his continued efforts to explore innovative solutions for societal advancement are a testament to his commitment to the greater good.
Chief Orie’s story is a reminder that true leadership is not about seeking power for its own sake but about serving with humility and vision. Today, as friends, family, and admirers join in celebrating his birthday, we look forward to the continued impact of this remarkable leader.
Happy 59th Birthday, Chief Charles Orie – a man whose life inspires us to believe in the power of service, faith, and renewal.
News
Constituency projects fund should go to security – Ex-Defense spokesman, Enenche
A former Defense spokesman, Maj-Gen John Enenche (rtd) has said that the money given to lawmakers for constituency projects should go to security instead.
General Enenche made this statement in an interview on ‘Sunday Politics’, a program on Channels Television monitored by Ekwutosblog
He was reacting to the wave of insecurity bedeviling the country where people are being kidnapped, including women and schoolchildren.
“I want to suggest that money given to lawmakers for constituency projects should go to security instead. If you don’t save the constituency, what project will you do there?
“Let’s adopt indigenous homeland security and recruit our youths even someone living with HIV or hepatitis can join the force.
“What I would suggest is that you don’t need special recruitment. You don’t need special screening. Somebody carrying HIV can be part of that force. Somebody carry hepatitis can be part of that force, but they will not even go into the Army. No, they want to live where God has put them,” he said.
News
VIDEO: IT’S ALL FALSE , THERE IS NO SUSPECT IN ANTI-KIDNAPPING UNIT [TIGER BASE] OWERRI THAT HAS STAYED IN CUSTODY FOR MORE THAN 48- HOURS WITHOUT COURT ORDER. — IMO POLICE PPRO RESPONDS TO DETENTION ACCUSATIONS DURING FACILITY INSPECTION BY PRESS MEN.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7- DEC- 2025
The Imo State Police Command on Friday, December 5, 2025, opened the doors of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit—widely known as Tiger Base—to an independent inspection team made up of journalists, civil society groups, and human rights advocates, following viral allegations of organ trafficking, torture, unlawful detentions, and the existence of a “slaughterhouse” within the facility.
Acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, and the Commander of the Unit, ACP Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji, led the fact-finding delegation through all sections of the premises in Owerri. The visit was designed to ensure transparency and address public concerns generated by several sensational online reports.
Throughout the tour, the delegation inspected operational areas, observed procedures, and engaged directly with officers. In one corner of the compound, the team sighted carved wooden images previously misrepresented on social media as ritual objects or a shrine. Police authorities explained that these carvings—made of wood, iron, and cement—were exhibits recovered from hideouts linked to suspected IPOB/ESN operatives and kidnapping gangs across Imo State. According to ACP Oladimeji, the criminals believed the objects held mystical powers, and the police retained them as evidence for ongoing investigations.
The visitors also interacted with several detainees, including individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping and other violent crimes. Many of them openly admitted to the offences for which they were arrested and confirmed that they were being fed properly while awaiting their scheduled court processes.
Another item inspected was an ash-coloured Highlander Jeep with plate number LSD 413 JJ. The vehicle, stained with blood, belonged to a woman recently shot dead by masked gunmen at Umuekerekpu Ndegwu in Owerri West LGA. A surviving occupant of the vehicle narrated to reporters how their employer was fatally shot in the head, while both he and another passenger sustained gunshot injuries and were currently receiving medical treatment in Owerri.
At the end of the assessment, members of the visiting delegation unanimously stated that none of the frightening claims circulating online—ranging from organ harvesting to the existence of an abattoir—were visible or supported by what they witnessed.
DSP Okoye emphasized that Tiger Base is a legitimate tactical formation of the Nigeria Police Force tasked with confronting kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, terror-related activities, and other serious crimes. He disclosed that the facility is fitted with CCTV cameras linked directly to the office of the Commissioner of Police, enabling round-the-clock monitoring for accountability.
He reiterated that the allegations trending on social media were malicious distortions aimed at misleading the public. The human skulls displayed earlier in 2025, he clarified, were exhibits recovered from criminal hideouts—not evidence of ritual practices, as some had falsely claimed.
ACP Oladimeji further noted that the unit handles only high-profile criminal cases and operates newly commissioned charge rooms and tactical units dedicated to strengthening security across Imo State. The team also observed dozens of seized motorcycles, which the police said were confiscated in compliance with the Imo State Government’s ban on motorcycle operations within the Owerri metropolis under the Shared Prosperity Administration.
The inspection team applauded the Police Command for permitting unrestricted access to Tiger Base and underscored the importance of ongoing cooperation between security institutions, the media, and civic groups to maintain public trust and enhance safety across the state.
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News
TENSION IN ABIA COMMUNITY AS POLICE PROBE MURDER OF MISSING 25-YEAR OLD YOUTH WHO’S BODY WAS FOUND HEADLESS, SIX ARRESTED.
By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
7- DEC- 2025
A cloud of sorrow and outrage has settled over Amangwo Umuigu in Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, after the decomposing, headless remains of 25-year-old Solomon Ikoku were discovered weeks after his disappearance. Ikoku, who went missing on September 27, 2025, was reportedly abducted during the community’s New Yam Festival in a violent early-morning raid.
Residents recounted that armed men—believed to be members of a controversial vigilante outfit—stormed the family home at about 5 a.m., assaulting the young man before dragging him away. After weeks of unanswered questions and failed searches, community youths launched a coordinated hunt on October 27, which led to the tragic discovery of Solomon’s remains in a shallow waterway on the outskirts of the village. His leg and other body parts were later found scattered in nearby bushes, deepening the community’s grief.
Members of the search team described the scene as horrifying. One volunteer, who spoke anonymously, said the discovery of Ikoku’s bones and the clothes he wore on the morning of his disappearance left them heartbroken.
The incident has triggered widespread anger, with many residents pointing accusations at the village’s disbanded vigilante group, allegedly loyal to the community’s traditional ruler, Eze Larry Agwu. Critics claim the group operated with impunity and may have been responsible for the abduction and brutal killing.
However, Eze Agwu has firmly rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated falsehoods linked to an ongoing kingship dispute within the community. According to him, the vigilante group acted independently and had been inaugurated years earlier by village authorities and security agencies. He insisted he neither ordered nor endorsed any attack on the late Ikoku.
The monarch further explained that he was informed by the group that the victim’s sister had allegedly sought their help after the young man threatened their mother—an account strongly disputed by Ikoku’s family. The deceased’s brother, Victor, accused the vigilantes of premeditated violence, alleging that his brother’s body was burnt and mutilated, and insisting that no family member invited the group on the night of the incident.
Adding to the controversy, the community chairman, Munachi Onwuchekwa, accused the king of enabling the vigilante group even after the wider community had dissolved it four years earlier due to misconduct. He stated that the group continued to operate under the monarch’s patronage, despite repeated complaints.
As tensions rise, the Abia State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of six suspects linked to the vigilante group, while others remain at large. Among those implicated are Alozie Eluwa, Stanley Okutuo, Godwin Kanu, Maduabuchi Enyinnaya, Godwin Sampson, Emeka Nwagboso, Ikechi Hope, and several others still being sought by authorities.
Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka called for calm and urged residents to allow the investigative process to proceed without interference. She emphasized that a meticulous probe was necessary given the gravity of the crime, assuring the community that justice would be pursued diligently.
The investigation continues as the community grapples with shock, fear, and calls for accountability following the gruesome killing.
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