Following the recent Benue incident and some reported attacks on communities in Imo State allegedly masterminded by Fulani herdsmen, some communities in Owerri West LGA have resorted to self-help by setting up vigilante groups to tackle insecurity within their immediate environment.

One of the communities that has established its own vigilante outfit is Orogwe in Umunoha, Owerri West LGA, with the inauguration of its 12-man vigilante security team.

Speaking during the inauguration of the security outfit, the immediate past President-General of Orogwe Community Development Union, Pastor Jerry Atuzie, said that, “following what is happening, it has become imperative to set up a security outfit to contain the security challenges facing the community.”

He congratulated members of the security outfit for scaling through the screening exercise, but warned them to eschew unruly behaviour.

The ceremony was witnessed by some prominent citizens of the community. Among them was the Chairman of the Ubah Welfare Union, Felix Oguzie, who also admonished members of the vigilante group not to use the position for personal reasons.

The Federal Government, on Thursday, closed its case in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in the allegations bordering on terrorism and treason.

The FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, announced this after the 5th prosecution witness (PW-5), identified as EEE for security reasons, was led in evidence and cross-examined by Kanu’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Awomolo told the court that after calling five witnesses in the trial, the prosecution was satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including the broadcast of activities of the leader of the IPOB, the government had sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case.

“I therefore close the case,” the senior lawyer said.

After the announcement, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, informed the court that they would be opting for a no-case submission, which would be filed in due course. (NAN)

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has summoned 18 judges from the Imo State judiciary to answer allegations of age falsification and misconduct. According to reports, these judges allegedly manipulated their ages to extend their tenure or secure appointments.

The Civil Society Engagement Platform (CSEP) exposed this scandal, petitioning the NJC and providing evidence of the judges’ inconsistent birth dates. Some of the affected judges include:
– *Hon. Justice I. O. Agugua*: With conflicting birth dates of May 10, 1959, and May 10, 1960
– *Hon. Justice C. A. Ononeze-Madu*: Listed birth dates as July 7, 1963, and July 7, 1965
– *Hon. Justice L. C. Azuama*: Showing birth dates of November 11, 1957, and November 11, 1960

If found guilty, these judges may face compulsory retirement, as seen in past cases where the NJC took similar actions. In 2020, a judge in Imo State was sacked for falsifying his age, while judges in Niger, Yobe, and Osun states faced similar consequences

The NJC has confirmed the investigation and is expected to take appropriate action based on its findings