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Anambra govt says Eke Awgbu road accident not caused by state revenue officers, expresses sympathy, condolences
The Government of Anambra State has denied allegations of activities of its revenue agents being responsible for the recent tragic road accident involving a trailer and other vehicles that sadly caused loss of lives at the Eke Awgbu area of the state.
While also expressing its sympathy and condolences to the victims and families affected by the unfortunate incident, the government categorically debunks the baseless and malicious claims being circulated by certain opposition elements suggesting that the accident was caused by revenue agents of the state, derogatorily referred to as “Soludo Boys.” These assertions are found to be false and unsubstantiated.
Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to Governor Soludo, in a statement sent to Nationwide Reports, said preliminary investigation has been conducted by the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, and the findings indicates that the accident was caused by a trailer carrying cement that experienced brake failure while descending the slope at Eke Awgbu, leading to the tragic crash.
“This is a matter of mechanical failure and not the result of any actions by state revenue agents, as falsely alleged.
“It is deeply regrettable that instead of focusing on the real issues and contributing to public safety, certain desperate opposition figures have continued to exploit tragic incidents for political gain by peddling propaganda against the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
“Drivers are hereby advised to always observe safe driving practices, especially on how to handle slopes descent, the dangers of driving under the influence, alcohol, the importance of avoiding distractions such as mobile phone usage while driving, and the necessity of regular vehicle maintenance checks, are crucial for preventing such tragedies in the future.
“The Soludo administration remains committed to improving the safety and well-being of all Anambra State residents, and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our roads are safe and that such incidents are minimised through proactive measures and public education campaigns,” Aburime stated.
Nationwide Reports recall that the fatal road traffic crash which involved a truck loaded with cement occurred on Tuesday at Green Energy Oil and Gas filling station at Eke Awgbu in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State, killing five people.
The truck belonging to BUA, with no registration number, hit many vehicles as the driver lost control and eventually crashed.
A commercial tricycle with registration number: NZH84LG, a commercial QLINK motorcycle with registration number OLU245QV and a private Honda motorcycle with no registration number, were involved in the accident.
Reacting to the accident, Ag Sector Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe confirmed that five people, four males and one female, were killed instantly, while the injured persons were taken to hospital for treatment.
According to Onabe, the probable cause of the fatal road traffic crash was either excessive speed or brake failure.
Onabe in a statement said: “According to an eyewitness, the driver of the truck was on speed, had a brake failure, lost control of the vehicle, and collided with the other vehicles at a checkpoint and crashed.
“Eleven persons were involved in the crash comprising nine male adults, and two female adults. Five male adults and one female adult sustained varying degrees of injury, while four male adults and one female adult were killed.”
She said that before the arrival of the FRSC rescue team from RS5.35 Igboukwu, the injured victims were already rushed to the Referral Health Centre, Awgbu by passersby, while the dead victims were deposited at St Joseph’s Hospital mortuary, Adazi.
She added that the rescue team had managed the traffic in the area by ensuring that the obstruction caused by the crash was cleared.
The Sector Commander FRSC, Adeoye Irelewuyi, has commiserated with the families of the dead victims and urged motorists to exercise restrained while driving.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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