Like the storyline goes in the popular British historical TV series, Merlin (which explores the life and rule of Britain agelong monarch, King Arthur and his servant/wizard, Merlin), the reappearance of the dreaded vigilante group, Bakassi Boys, maybe the much-needed salvation the people of the South East have been calling out for.
Before the latest developments, the southeastern region of Nigeria has tried to have an effective security apparatus – something that mirrors the Western Nigeria Security Network popularly known as Operation Amotekun.
This has led to the creation of regional security outfits such as the Eastern Security Network (ESN) created by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Ebubeage security outfit championed by the South Eastern governors.
However, the impact of both organizations has not been felt and some could argue that the effort has been counterproductive – to say the least.
This may have led to the reappearance of the disbanded matchet-wielding security group – the Bakassi Boys – whose modus operandi is jungle justice. The latter fact is the reason their return may not go down well with a lot of people as it is a touch-and-go kind of situation.
They have been seen in vans on the streets of Awka, Anambra State, chanting war songs and no one can tell why they have suddenly reappeared or who is behind them at this time.
The police seem to be powerless at the moment, however, although he denied knowledge of the fact, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Ikenga Tochukwu, has said the command is willing to partner with other stakeholders in combating crimes in the state as the spate of insecurity continue to rise unabated.
It would be recalled that the reign of the group in Nigeria started in 1998 as the crime rate in the commercial city of Aba, Abia state reached astronomical heights. With the blessings of the then governor, Ori Uzor Kalu, they achieved success in terms of crime reduction in the city.
They would further gain national popularity when they moved to Anambra State at the behest of the then governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, and saw to the capture and killing of the popular occultic prophet, Eddy Nawgu.
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has denounced efforts made by some private individuals and stakeholders to turn over the management of the Eastern security outfit, Ebubeagu, to them.
In a statement released by the secretary-general of the apex-Igbo organization, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said it would be illegal to so as the constitution does not require that they carry out such responsibility. The statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Thursday, June 17, 2021, read:
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has rejected the calls from well-meaning Igbos to take over Ebubeagu Southeast Security Outfit, saying that there were no consultative meetings and people’s approval or authorization for the outfit before its formation.
“Southeast governors should be encouraged to sufficiently provide necessary logistics and reinstate the chairman of southeast Governors Security Committee who resigned based on logistics deficiencies in operation.
“Unlike the Amotekun, where the southwest Governors provided adequate facilities and logistics, Ebubeagu was built on emotional ground and sentiments.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo are not saddled with the Constitutional rights of protection of lives and properties in the Southeast, and we are independently funded through communal support of Ndigbo without any governments consent, it will be horrible to compound the responsibility of Ebubeagu on us, Southeast Governors are capable of providing logistics and we are in full support of them.”
EFCC to Arrest EezeeTee over Mercy Chinwo’s $340,000 Royalties
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that Ezekiel Thankgod, known as EezeeTee, must appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi to answer allegations concerning Mercy Chinwo’s royalties. The EFCC accuses Thankgod of laundering and dishonestly converting $340,000 in royalties meant for the gospel artiste.
According to the EFCC’s statement, Justice A. O. Owoeye ruled on Monday, February 17, 2025, that the defendant must appear in court to take his plea, setting March 6, 2025, as the next hearing date.
“The defendant, Ezekiel Thankgod, has consistently evaded arraignment despite multiple attempts by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate to serve him. This prompted the issuance of a warrant for his arrest on January 16, 2025,” the commission’s statement read.
The EFCC detailed that the former manager of Mercy Chinwo and the CEO of Eezee Global Concepts Limited are facing a three-count charge involving money laundering and dishonest royalties conversion.
One of the charges states that in 2023, Thankgod retained $260,494 in an EEZEE Global Ministry account with Zenith Bank, an amount allegedly linked to unlawful activity.
The EFCC prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, noted that the agency had been unable to serve the charges directly to Thankgod, as he remained unreachable.
However, on January 24, 2025, his defense counsel, Dr Monday Ubani, SAN, accepted service on his behalf but filed a preliminary objection to challenge the charges.
Justice Owoeye had previously adjourned the case for arraignment, but Thankgod failed to appear, opting to be represented by his counsel.
With the bench warrant still active, the EFCC insists that the accused must personally appear in court on March 6 to defend himself.
AfDB President Hints At Possible Run For Nigerian Presidency
The outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at the possibility of running for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, stating he is “available to serve” once his tenure at the bank concludes.
In an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni, Adesina, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, affirmed his commitment to national service, saying he is open to serving “globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria.”
When asked directly about his political ambitions, Adesina reflected on his deep attachment to Nigeria, recalling a moment when he chose to retain his Nigerian citizenship despite the opportunity to obtain a U.S. passport.
“I remember telling a colleague that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport. I cannot and will never trade it for anything,” he said. “God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African.”
Expressing his passion for public service, Adesina noted that his ultimate source of happiness is witnessing a transformative change in people’s lives.
Drawing a parallel with Nigerian pop artist Davido’s hit song, ‘Unavailable,’ Adesina playfully remarked, “I would ask Davido to change that song—‘I am available, they will see me.’”
Adesina was first elected as AfDB President in 2015 and secured re-election for a second term in 2020. His tenure at the continental financial institution has been marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure financing, and poverty alleviation across Africa.
While he did not declare his candidacy for the 2027 presidential race, his remarks have fueled speculation about his political future.
His track record and reputation as an economic reformer have long positioned him as a potential contender for Nigeria’s highest office.
As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts towards the next general elections, Adesina’s latest remarks may signal a move towards a more defined political role.
Whether he formally declares his ambition remains to be seen, but his message was clear: he is ready to serve in any capacity that aligns with his vision for change
Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga Passes On
Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga, popularly known for his role as a native doctor is dead.
His death was announced on Instagram on Thursday by fellow movie star, Hilda Dokubo.
Sharing the news, Dokubo wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport Rivers State Nollywood.”
Beyond acting, he was a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt.
His most notable film roles include Issakaba (2003) and 7 Kilometre (2015).
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama (City People Entertainment Awards), Most Promising Actor in Nigeria (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Best of Nollywood Awards).
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