By Stan Duru
A massive search operation has been launched in Anambra State for Ikedi Ugochukwu, a middle-aged man accused of engaging in homosexual activities.
Ugochukwu reportedly went missing from a hospital in Ihiala where he was being treated after surviving a brutal attack by his stepbrothers.
According to sources, Ugochukwu was caught on hidden cameras allegedly engaging in same-sex acts with a visitor at his uncle’s residence. This led to a violent assault by his stepbrothers, Uzochukwu and Chinonso, who allegedly used machetes and woods on him.
“Fortunately, concerned neighbors intervened, rescued and rushed him to a nearby hospital”, said a source who pleaded to remain anonymous.
“However”, the source continued, “Ugochukwu mysteriously disappeared from the hospital days after being admitted, although a nurse at the medical facility claimed the suspect was properly treated and discharged.”
The Nigeria Police Force and local security outfits have joined forces to track him down.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the manhunt, urging residents to report any information about Ugochukwu’s location even as it reminded the public that homosexuality was still a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
The traditional authorities in Orsumoghu have given Ugochukwu a seven-day ultimatum to appear before the Igwe-in-Council to respond to the allegations. Failure to comply will be treated as an admission of guilt, and sanctions will follow according to community customs.
A statement signed by the Chief Godwin Ebeh, Palace Secretary of Orsumoghu community, read, “This issue touches not only on legality but also on our moral and cultural fabric. The community will not stand by while abominable acts are committed on sacred soil.”
Meanwhile, Ugochukwu’s family, particularly his stepbrother Chinonso, has distanced themselves from him. Chinonso alleged that this was not Ugochukwu’s first involvement in same-sex relations, citing a past incident where he was allegedly expelled from an apprenticeship in Onitsha for similar reasons.
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Obi prays for God to grant Soludo greater heights Chuks Eze The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo to show humility, gratitude and compassion, following what he described as an ‘unfortunate and bitter’ outburst by the governor. Speaking to journalists at the just-concluded Nigeria Guild of Editors meeting at the NAF Conference Center, Abuja, Obi congratulated Soludo for securing a second tenure and urged him to appreciate God’s mercies by responding to victory with grace rather than resentment. Obi’s remarks came after Soludo provoked controversy during his certificate-of-return ceremony, where he mocked his critics by calling Obi a ‘frustrated politician without a club’ and accused him of damaging the education system in Anambra. “I feel compelled to respond because if I do not, I will be accused of dodging the question,” Obi said, expressing surprise at Soludo’s remarks. “On an occasion meant to celebrate his certificate of return, instead of thanking Almighty God for granting him a second tenure; a moment to demonstrate love and magnanimity, he chose to show bitterness and resentment. It was deeply unfortunate.” Obi clarified his involvement in the recent Anambra election, saying, “I only attended three public events with the Labour Party candidate, strictly where I was invited. At none of these events did I mention anyone by name or meet with traditional rulers, market leaders or any other group to discuss candidates. There was nothing I said to warrant controversy or speculation,” he stressed. Reflecting on the Election Day, Obi recounted how he quietly fulfilled his civic duty, conscious of the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership. “I witnessed irregularities and disruptions that could have easily escalated into chaos,” he said. “When outsiders attempted to cast votes in our community, I stepped in and urged my people to remain calm and allow them to act peacefully. In that moment, I was reminded that integrity must always take precedence over politics. True leadership is measured, not by the contest for power, but by the courage to uphold fairness, restraint and the dignity of our people, even in the most trying circumstances.” Addressing Soludo’s mocking remarks, he used a vivid metaphor from football to clarify his perspective: “On the day of the election, journalists approached me as if I were on the ballot. I reminded them that I served as governor 13 years ago and have since moved on to a higher level in national politics. In football terms, if gubernatorial candidates are in the first division, I am in the Champions League. I ran for Vice President in 2019 and for President in 2023, winning 11 states and Abuja. I play well at that level, and my record speaks for itself.” He also reflected on his age and historic achievements in Anambra State. “In both the old and new Anambra, only Jim Nwobodo and I became governors in our 40s. I was the first to serve a second tenure. I have no personal issue with Governor Soludo. I pray that God grants him even greater heights, if that will inspire him to show humility, compassion and a genuine concern for the people,” he said. He concluded with an appeal, saying, “We must recognise the mercies God grants us. Leadership is not about resentment or bitterness; it is about service, gratitude, and love for our people.”
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