Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc minps PhD, today 27th October 2025, continued his statewide strategic engagements on election patriotism and community security awareness with visits to Ihiala Area Command and Oraifite Division.

According to the press statement signed by SP Tochukwu Ikenga Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command, Awka “During the engagements, the CP interacted with some stakeholders including the President General of Ihiala Community, Commander Agunechemba Vigilante Group, the Youth Chairman, and a representative of the Local Government Chairman and officers and men of the Police Command operating in the respective jurisdictions.

In Ihiala Area Command, CP Orutugu expressed optimism about the security structural deficit, having come to an end. He commended the good people of Ihiala and Oraifite for their courage, civic responsibility, and continued cooperation with security agencies, noting that the communities have demonstrated resilience and collective resolve by refusing to allow criminal elements to influence political participation or disrupt community stability. While in Oraifite, the CP commended the cooperation of other security agencies towards the Police in the area and reiterated that the Police cannot take the glory alone for the safety in the area. He also stated that all local Vigilantes of any kind are not part of the election security.

He reaffirmed that the Police remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring that the forthcoming November 8, 2025, Governorship Election is conducted in a peaceful, secure and credible atmosphere. He emphasized that patriotism during elections means rejecting intimidation, resisting fear-based narratives and participating freely in the democratic process.

While addressing officers and men under the Area Commands, the CP charged them to maintain discipline, professionalism, courtesy and high operational standards, stressing that policing must remain people-centered, intelligence-driven and rooted in the protection of human rights.

The Commissioner further assured that the Joint Security framework remains active and will be reinforced and expanded across communities to prevent criminal infiltration and sustain peace before, during, and after the election.

The Command calls on Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant and proactive in providing credible information that can support ongoing security operations. Anyone with useful information is encouraged to report to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency contact lines on 112 or 07039194332 for a prompt response.

Spaces for Change | S4C condemns the recent demolition of over 100 homes in Oworonshoki area of Lagos State. Preliminary findings reveal that the demolitions were carried out by the Lagos State Government Task Force, comprising the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA). Accompanied by over 50 armed policemen, the Task Force started demolishing properties at midnight on the 26th of October, at a time when residents were mostly sleeping inside their homes.

Residents alleged that those protesting the demolitions were violently assaulted by the heavily armed police officers attached to the Task Force. Videos circulating online show security forces shooting directly at the protesters. Lagos State authorities carried out the demolitions despite subsisting court orders in flagrant disregard for the rule of law.

In a statement signed by Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, “it is interesting to note that the Oworoshoki matter is pending before the High Court of Lagos State, in Suit No. ID/9910GCM/2025. The Court had earlier granted an interim injunction on the 23rd of October, restraining the Lagos State Government, the Attorney-General, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) from further demolishing buildings located on Ajileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Extension within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Area, Oworonshoki. Defying this court order, the state agencies, together with armed police officers, demolished the buildings and homes in the named communities, leaving residents without opportunities to salvage their belongings.

Just less than four weeks after selecting demolishing properties and businesses at Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, this current demolition further reinforces the Lagos State Government’s contempt for the right to property guaranteed under Section 43 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. As specifically laid out in the case of SERAP v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2002) 2 CHR 537 at 562, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the right to shelter (derived from the right to property) requires the government to refrain from demolishing citizens’ homes or preventing individuals and communities from reconstructing those that have been lost, adding that this duty to respect housing rights means that the state and all its institutions or agents must avoid engaging in, supporting, or permitting any action, policy, or law that
undermines personal integrity or restricts people’s freedom to use available resources as they see fit to meet their housing needs.

We call on the Lagos State government to halt the demolitions in line with subsisting court orders. Affected victims should be appropriately compensated, relocated and/or resettled, while officers who violently attacked protesters should be prosecuted. Consistent with its commitment to housing and urban justice, S4C will continue to monitor the situation in Oworonshoki while intensifying advocacy for urban and planning reforms in Lagos State that are rooted in human rights.

In a sustained effort to ensure a peaceful, safe, and credible forthcoming Governorship Election in Anambra State, the Anambra State Police Command has arrested a notorious suspected cultist and political thug identified as Onyeaka Odogwu aka Red Angel, aged 29 years.

According to SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka, the team also recovered 2 (Two) Pump Action Guns, 2 (Two) English made Double-Barrel Guns, 3 (Three) Live Cartridges, Red Cloth and Regalia Bearing Cult Insignia and 3 (Three) Black Caps as well as 2 (Two) Red Caps with inscriptions associated with Vikings Confraternity.

The arrest was made on 24th October 2025, at about 11.30hrs, following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and also linked himself to activities involving political thuggery. Also, following his confession, the suspect in the early hours of today, 26th October 2025, he led SPACS operatives to their Armoury at Omor, where above mentioned exhibits were recovered.

All recovered exhibits have been documented as evidence, while further investigations aimed at tracking and apprehending other gang members and associates mentioned by the suspect are currently ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc minps PhD, reaffirms that the Command will not allow cult groups, armed gangs, or political thugs to threaten the peace and electoral stability of the State. He urged parents, community leaders and youth groups to discourage young people from being recruited into cult-related activities, while assuring Ndi Anambra of enhanced security deployment across all Local Government Areas.

Today, Sunday the 26th of October 2025, will go into the annals of Nigerian aviation history as a special day, a so-called D-day. This is the day when Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost international airline, makes it’s debut in London Heathrow airport, with it’s maiden flight from Abuja. Such day is considered in the aviation industry industry globally as special. For us in Nigeria, it is even more special as the nation is celebrating 100 years of aviation in the country.

The stakeholders in the industry are planning elaborate celebrations, which include a grand get-together on first December at Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The theme of the occasion is, “100 Years of Aviation in Nigeria – the Pains, the the Gains and the Progress”. Veterans in the various professions within the industry, relevant companies and individuals in business and academia have been invited to deliberate on the theme. The honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development is the Chief Host.

Inauguration in the airline industry is not peculiar only to the first flight of an airline. It could be celebrated for the first passenger flight on brand-new aircraft model or the debut of a new service such as a new first-class cabin in an aircraft already in service. However, an inaugural flight is the very first flight of a new airline route.

It will be recalled that this is not the first time that Air Peace will be flying from Nigeria to Britain. On the 30th March 2024, it made it’s inaugural to London but the journey was to Gatwick airport, a new route entirely. Today, London Heathrow will have again the taste of a Nigerian flag Carrier after 22 years of Nigeria Airways and 13 years of Arik Airline. In effect, British Airways (BA) will have again, direct competition on the route after 13 years of quiet operations.

In the airline tradition, Murtala Muhammed Airport will be agog with pre-flight festivities like speeches from government, industry regulators and the airline chief executive. On board, after the historical take-off, passengers will be treated to special perks which may include cherished national menus, commemorative souvenirs and more personal interactions with cockpit and cabin crews in impeccable uniform and the airline CEO.

On touch-down at Heathrow, there might be the so-called “Water Canon Salute”, a tradition popularised at Salt Lake International in USA as one of the airports that introduced it in the 1990’s.

Today is also a very unique one for LHR. As the UK is changing to Winter Time Schedule, setting the clock one hour behind, the airport is receiving for the first time in history or at least for a very long time, three new long haul flights in one single day. Riyahd Airline of Saudi Arabia, Indigo Air of India and Air Peace Airline of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will make their debuts there.

So, as Air Peace, Nigeria’s foremost international airline touches down at 16.30hrs (LT), with Boeing 777-200 ER flight number P-47576, Nigeria’s foremost aviation professional association, the Aviation Round Table (ART), will be among the Nigerians at Heathrow, waving with pride the Nigerian flag in jubilation.

And as many of us are won’t to sing in Nigeria, on memorable occasions like this, “To God be the glory”. Congratulations to Dr. Allen Onyema, the patriotic and benevolent CEO of the airline and his team.

Soji Amusan, PhD, DBA (Honoris Causa) is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Aviation Round Table (ART).

Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and driving economic growth in Nigeria’s South-South region with the commissioning of the new ‘Everyday Supermarket’ Yenagoa Store.

The grand opening, which took place yesterday at Bay Bridge Junction on the Kpansia-Epie Expressway, Bayelsa State , marks the retail chain’s entry into the Bayelsa market and a significant milestone in the region’s business expansion efforts.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Raphael Abaziem, Directorate Head, Polaris Bank, South-South, described the launch as a testament to growth, resilience, and the power of strategic partnership.

“This milestone represents more than the opening of a new outlet. It speaks to our shared vision of economic expansion, local enterprise development, and improved access to quality goods and services for the people of Bayelsa State,” Abaziem stated.

He further noted that the new outlet builds on earlier successes, including Polaris Bank’s financing of the Everyday Group’s flagship shopping complex in Port Harcourt in February, 2025.

“When we partner, we empower, expand, and raise the bar for retail development across Nigeria. Polaris Bank is proud to have supported this journey and to stand with ‘Everyday Supermarket’ as it extends its footprint and impact. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and continuing to support businesses that are creating opportunities, empowering communities, and driving sustainable development across the country,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr. Yemi Osindero, Chairman of ‘Everyday Supermarket’, expressed delight at the brand’s expansion into Bayelsa, noting that the group continues to grow from strength to strength.

“Everyday Group is 28 years old, with 15 stores across the South-East and South-South, including Owerri, Asaba, and Abakaliki. We are excited to be in Yenagoa for the first time and look forward to opening more stores in Bayelsa. Plans are also underway to expand into Aba, Benin, Uyo, Enugu, and Abuja,” Osindero said.

The launch of the Yenagoa branch underscores Polaris Bank’s role as a key enabler of enterprise development and its commitment to supporting businesses that drive local economic empowerment and regional growth.

In its sustained efforts to curb cult-related violence and ensure a peaceful atmosphere ahead of the November 8, 2025 Governorship Election, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu in collaboration with Agunechemba Vigilante Operatives, in the early hours of today 26th October 2025 arrested 7 (seven) suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity. The suspects were arrested during an initiation ceremony in a bush at Obinagu, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area. One 25-litre keg containing red liquid substance, Red ritual cloth, 2 (two) wooden drums, Footwear belonging to the suspects and other accomplices were also recovered at the scene.

The suspects, all males include: Ugorji Emmanuel, 29 years, Ogamba Chinuike Anthony, 22 years, Chibuzor Agudiegu, 25 years, Destiny Okasi, 22 years, Udewulu Nzube, 19 years, Ifeanyi Anikpe, 21 years and Sunday Akuma, 20 years respectively.

Preliminary information revealed that the initiation activities were part of their evil ceremony and grooming for election thuggery in Njikoka and Anaocha Local Government areas. The suspects on sighting the operatives, attempted to flee, but were successfully apprehended after a swift chase. Meanwhile, an Investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest fleeing members of the syndicate and to uncover other linked cult cells within the axis.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc mnips PhD, reiterates that the Command will not tolerate activities that threaten peace, especially in the build-up to the Governorship Election. He urged parents, community leaders and youth groups to intensify moral guidance and discourage involvement in cultism and political violence. He also called on the public to continue providing credible information that can assist in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer
Anambra State Police Command, Awka

26th October 2025

As part of ongoing efforts to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible Anambra governorship election, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, minps, PhD, has intensified his election peace-building and stakeholder engagement tour across the State.

On Saturday, October 25, 2025, the Police Commissioner visited the Ogidi Area Command and paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Igwe Uzo Alexander Onyido (Ezechuamagha of Ogidi Kingdom), in continuation of his advocacy for peace, security, and community cooperation ahead of the November 8 governorship poll.

CP Orutugu Commends Traditional Institutions as Key Partners in Sustaining Peace

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police emphasized the critical role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, discipline, and moral guidance within their domains.

He noted that traditional leaders remain strategic partners in preventing election-related violence, discouraging youth involvement in political thuggery, and promoting communal harmony during and after the election.

The CP urged the Ogidi Palace and community leaders to continue mobilizing residents for peaceful participation, while encouraging citizens to report suspicious activities or movements that could threaten public safety before, during, and after the election.

Igwe Onyido Commends CP’s Proactive Engagements, Pledges Palace Support

Responding, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Onyido, lauded CP Orutugu for his proactive leadership and commitment to grassroots peace-building. He pledged the Palace’s full cooperation in advancing the cause of security and civic responsibility within Ogidi and neighbouring communities.

The traditional ruler also called on youths, political actors, and community stakeholders to shun violence, hate speech, and actions capable of destabilizing the peace and unity of the area.

Police Remain Neutral and Professional – CP Orutugu Reassures Officers

After a strategic closed-door session with Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) under the Ogidi Area Command, the Police Commissioner addressed officers and men of the Command, reaffirming the non-partisan and professional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force.

He emphasized that the duty of the Police is to secure the electoral process, protect voters’ rights, and ensure a safe environment for all political parties and participants—without interference in electoral outcomes.

CP Orutugu further revealed that security agencies in Anambra are operating in synergy, working round the clock to guarantee peaceful pre-election, election-day, and post-election operations across the State.

Stakeholders Pledge Support for Credible and Peaceful Election

During an interactive session held at the Area Command, attended by key stakeholders including the Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Stanley Nkwoka, Vigilante Operatives, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) members, Presidents-General of communities, and other leaders, participants commended the Command for its sustained engagement and pledged total support for a peaceful, credible poll.

Stakeholders also assured the Command of enhanced intelligence-sharing and strengthened community-based security collaboration to aid the success of police operations during the election period.

Police Assure Ndi Anambra of Adequate Security Measures

Concluding the visit, CP Orutugu reassured residents of Anambra that adequate deployments, surveillance operations, and rapid response units have been activated across all Local Government Areas of the State.

He urged Ndi Anambra to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and peaceful, stressing that the security, peace, and stability of the State remain a shared responsibility between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

“The Nigeria Police will continue to uphold professionalism, neutrality, and fairness throughout the electoral process. Our commitment is to protect the people and ensure that the will of the electorate prevails peacefully,” CP Orutugu stated.

Spaces for Change | S4C heartily congratulates the Federal Republic of Nigeria as it exits the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. This milestone was announced at the FATF plenary session held in Paris, France, in October 2025, where Nigeria was delisted from the grey list alongside Burkina Faso, South Africa, and Mozambique. Delisting from the FATF grey list means that these countries have successfully addressed the identified deficiencies in their anti-money
laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) frameworks and improved the integrity of their financial
systems within the agreed timeframes, monitored and reviewed by the International Cooperative Review Group (ICRG).

According to the press statement signed by the Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri “Prior to Nigeria and Burkina Faso’s exit, Spaces for Change (S4C) has been working in the two countries to ensure the effective implementation of FATF Recommendations, particularly as it relates to the non-profit sector. Over the years, S4C’s advocacy focused on providing capacity-building support to non-profit organizations, key agencies, and regulators
conducting national terrorism financing risk assessments, thereby strengthening their implementation of the FATF Recommendation 8. Other initiatives include conducting targeted outreaches, facilitating multistakeholder dialogues, and
delivering technical assistance to key agencies to implement key reform measures and programs towards combating money laundering and mitigating terrorism financing abuse in the non-profit sector. In 2022, Nigeria also took steps to remove nonprofits from the list of obliged reporting entities and also reformed national AML/CFT frameworks, removing
nonprofits from the list of designated non-financial professions and businesses (DNFBPs).

After these efforts, we are happy to witness the country’s positive compliance rating, specifically Nigeria, becoming the only West African country to secure a Fully-Compliant rating on FATF Recommendation 8. Nigeria’s current delisting from the FATF grey list reinforces past progress and successes, demonstrating the country’s commitment to technical compliance and operational effectiveness.

We congratulate the Federal Republic of Nigeria and, by extension, the Burkinabe authorities on this new milestone, which will eventually translate into a less restrictive environment for charities and investors. Spaces for Change remains committed to its institutional mandate of working to ensure the implementation of countermeasures across the subregion does not limit civil society and restrict civic freedoms.

The Immediate Past President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has extended an open invitation to the world to visit Akwa Ibom this December for the Experience Ibom Tourism Concert.

Speaking on Creative Nigeria, a cultural tourism programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos, and hosted by award-winning journalists Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade-Adeniji, Onung said the Experience Ibom initiative would transform Akwa Ibom’s tourism landscape into a world-class attraction that connects visitors to the very soul of the state.

According to him, “Every destination has a heartbeat, and that rhythm is shaped by its people, culture, and stories. Experience Ibom will blend creativity, culture, hospitality, and innovation, redefining how destinations are discovered, experienced, and remembered.”

He added that the project aims to inspire pride, create prosperity, and position Akwa Ibom as the preferred gateway to African tourism, crediting Governor Umo Eno for his commitment to consolidating the achievements of past administrations.

“Our goal is to make the state a preferred gateway to African tourism through the hard work of the dynamic Governor Umo Eno, who has built on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors. Each governor since 1999 has contributed to developing Akwa Ibom’s infrastructure from Obong Attah’s pioneering projects to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s legacy with Ibom Air. Now, Governor Umo Eno, whom we call the Experience Governor, is bringing the entire vision to life,” Onung stated.

He emphasized that Governor Eno’s approach focuses on empowering stakeholders to participate actively in tourism development. “The government is doing its part by providing infrastructure, but the private sector must take ownership and drive sustainability. That’s what Experience Ibom is all about,” he said.

Onung further noted that tourism development thrives through collaboration, stressing that “getting stakeholders involved is critical. The Experience Ibom project will connect government initiatives with real experiences that engage visitors and empower local communities.”

Lagos’ Emi Eko Project To Transform Water Transportation

Also featured on the programme was Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, who spoke on the Emi Eko Project a comprehensive plan to formalize and modernize water transportation in Lagos.

Emmanuel explained that the six-year project, supported by both local and international partners, seeks to integrate water transport with other modes the Red, Blue, and Green rail lines forming a three-point agenda for Lagos’ multi-modal transportation reform.

“The Emi Eko Project will introduce over 70 hybrid-electric ferries, upgrade 20 jetties and terminals, dredge 140 kilometres of waterways, and provide capacity building for stakeholders. It also includes a vessel industry transition programme to ensure no one in the informal sector is left behind,” he said.

According to Emmanuel, the €410 million project is being jointly funded by the Agency for French Development (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union (EU), and the Lagos State Government. The EU’s €60 million grant, he noted, represents the largest of its kind for a developmental project globally, while Lagos State contributed €40 million, alongside €10 million from private investors.

He added that, although the investment seems enormous, the long-term impact justifies the cost.

“Transforming a sector requires substantial investment. The impact will be worth it generating revenue, improving connectivity, and reshaping how people move and trade across Lagos and beyond,” Emmanuel stated.

The project’s repayment plan spans seven years, backed by Federal Government guarantees, and is expected to generate sustainable revenue streams for Lagos while unlocking new economic opportunities across the sub-region.