Flowerbud News

Year: 2026

  • Kennedy Ushi Emerges APC Chairman in Igbo-Etiti LGA

    Kennedy Ushi Emerges APC Chairman in Igbo-Etiti LGA

    Kennedy Ushi Emerges APC Chairman in Igbo-Etiti LGA
    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area has elected Mr Kennedy Ushi as the new Chairman of the party.
    Ushi was elected at the weekend during the APC Local Government Congress held at the Igbo-Etiti Council Headquarters in Ogbede.
    He was elected alongside the National Delegates and other executive members who will steer the affairs of the party at the grassroots.
    The National Delegates are Rt. Hon. Eugene Odo; Hon. Stella Ngwu, and Mr. Samson Ezea.
    Announcing the results, the party’s returning officer, Barr. Peter Ugwu, commended party members for their orderly conduct throughout the exercise.
    In his acceptance speech, the newly-elected Chairman, Kennedy Ushi, expressed gratitude to the delegates and party leaders for the confidence reposed in him.
    Ushi pledged to work collaboratively with other executives to strengthen party unity, mobilise support at the grassroots, and position the APC for greater electoral success in Igbo-Etiti.
    He also called on party faithful to join hands with him in moving the party forward; emphasising that internal cohesion remained key to achieving the APC’s vision in the local government.
    Party stakeholders at the congress described the exercise as a demonstration of internal democracy and urged the new executives to focus on membership drive and effective grassroots engagement.
    The election marks a significant step in the ongoing restructuring efforts of the APC in Enugu State, as the party prepares for the 2027 General Elections in the state.
  • EFCC Arrests 20 for Suspected Electoral Fraud in FCT Council Polls 

    EFCC Arrests 20 for Suspected Electoral Fraud in FCT Council Polls 

     

     

     By Biola Lawal 

    Abuja (FLOWERBUDNEWS):  Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC arrested a total of 20 suspects for sundry electoral offences in the just- concluded Federal Capital Territory,  FCT,  local government elections.

    EFCC said in a statement by its Spokesman, Dele Oyewale that the suspects were arrested across the FCT,  for offences ranging from vote buying,  vote selling to obstruction of officers to the tune of N17, 218, 700. 00k( Seventeen Million,  Two Hundred and Eighteen Thousand,  Seven Hundred Naira only).

    One of the suspects was arrested with a sum of N13,500,000( Thirteen Million,  Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in a car parked beside a polling booth in the Kwali local government area.

    Two of the suspects were arrested in Abaji; nine in Gwagwalada;  four in Kuje and the remaining four in Kwali.

     

    The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, the statement  said.

     

     

  • FG Grants Universities Autonomy as JAMB Ceases to Be Mandatory for Admissions

    FG Grants Universities Autonomy as JAMB Ceases to Be Mandatory for Admissions

     

    The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a significant shift in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, declaring that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will no longer serve as the primary requirement for entry into higher institutions.

    Under the new directive, universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country will now have the autonomy to determine their admission criteria. Institutions are expected to assess candidates primarily based on their Senior School Certificate Examination results or equivalent qualifications, rather than

    relying soly on JAMB scores.

    The Ministry explained that the policy is designed to provide greater flexibility within the admission system and to ensure that qualified candidates are not unjustly excluded from pursuing higher education. Officials noted that the change would empower institutions to align their selection processes with their specific academic standards and capacity.

    The development marks a major reform in Nigeria’s education sector, potentially reshaping how prospective students secure placement in tertiary institutions nationwide. Further guidelines on implementation are expected to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.

  • Zone B Women, Youths endorse Ndarani, SAN for Niger South Senate, Pledge Cross-Zone mobilisation

    Zone B Women, Youths endorse Ndarani, SAN for Niger South Senate, Pledge Cross-Zone mobilisation

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    A coalition of Women and Youth groups from Niger East (Zone B) Senatorial District on Sunday staged a massive solidarity gathering in Minna to formally declare their unwavering support for the senatorial ambition of Alhaji Mohammed Ndarani (SAN), for Niger South (Zone A) in the 2027 general elections.

    The colourful event, held at the UK Bello in Minna, attracted participants from all the nine local government areas of Zone B, namely, Bosso, Chanchaga, Munya, Paikoro, Shiroro, Rafi, Gurara, Tafa and Suleja.

    They turned out in large numbers to express confidence in the capacity, character, competence and philanthropic record of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    The rally, which cut across religious, ethnic and political affiliations, was marked by songs of solidarity, testimonials and goodwill messages, all underscoring what speakers described as Ndarani’s consistent commitment to humanity, justice and grassroots development.

    Recognition Beyond Senatorial Boundaries
    Speakers at the event emphasized that although Barrister Ndarani hails from Niger South (Zone A), his humanitarian footprint has significantly impacted communities in Zone B.

    They cited several instances of his interventions in Niger East, including financial assistance to women and youth groups, scholarships to indigent students across tertiary institutions, empowerment of small-scale entrepreneurs, support for graduates seeking employment opportunities, and direct aid to widows, vulnerable persons and victims of hardship.

    According to the coalition, many beneficiaries of his philanthropy in Zone B had no prior political or personal relationship with him, yet received assistance purely on humanitarian grounds.

    Comrade Umar Mohammed Kuta, a leading member of the coalition, said the gathering became necessary to publicly appreciate and reciprocate Ndarani’s generosity and inclusive leadership style.

    “We are not from his senatorial district, yet we have benefited immensely from his kindness and interventions. Leadership is about service and impact, not just geography.

    Barrister Ndarani has demonstrated that he belongs to the entire Niger State,” Kuta stated.

    He added that the endorsement was a voluntary show of gratitude and confidence in a man they believe has the experience and network to deliver quality representation at the National Assembly.

    Mohammed Kuta further stressed that their decision to endorse Barrister Ndarani was also informed by his remarkable response to humanitarian emergencies.

    He recalled that when flood ravaged parts of Mokwa, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria reportedly donated the sum of N30 million to support victims, describing the gesture as timely, sacrificial and deeply compassionate.

    According to Mohammed Kuta, such an intervention demonstrated not only financial capacity but a genuine sense of responsibility toward the suffering of fellow citizens.

    He added that beyond large-scale interventions, Ndarani has continued to provide targeted support to empower young people and women. “We are aware that he recently donated one hundred million naira to support students’ loan initiatives and women empowerment efforts.

    Mohammed Kuta emphasized that what makes these acts even more commendable is that they are drawn from Ndarani’s personal, hard-earned resources as a legal practitioner, not from public office or government allocations.

    “He is not occupying any elective position, yet he continues to give. That tells you the kind of heart he has. If he can do this as a private citizen, imagine what he will do with the mandate and platform of the Senate.

    That is why we believe he deserves the support of Zone A and indeed the entire state,” he concluded.

    Also speaking, Junaidu Yahaya from Paikoro Local Government Area described Ndarani as a dependable and accessible leader whose interventions have positively affected many families in Zone B.

    “We have seen him pay school fees for students from our communities. We have seen him empower young people to start small businesses. We have seen him respond to appeals without discrimination.

    That is the kind of Senator Niger South deserves,” Yahaya said.

    In her remarks, Mrs. Mary Bitrus stressed that the endorsement transcended religious and ethnic considerations.

    “His support has never been selective. He has assisted widows, women groups, Muslim and Christian communities alike.

    Compassion has no religion, and that is why we are here to stand by him,” she noted.

    Other speakers highlighted his quiet but consistent interventions during periods of economic hardship, noting that his contributions have complemented government efforts and brought relief to struggling families across Niger East.

    The coalition assured that beyond the solidarity rally, members would actively mobilise their friends, relatives and political associates who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zone A to rally behind Ndarani’s aspiration.

    They announced plans to embark on strategic grassroots consultations, advocacy visits and stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening support for his candidature ahead of party primaries and the general elections.

    According to them, their resolve is anchored on gratitude and conviction that his emergence would foster stronger collaboration between Niger South and Niger East for the overall progress of the state.

    The groups described Ndarani as a bridge-builder whose philanthropic outreach already reflects the kind of inclusive representation they expect at the Senate.

    They urged the people of Zone A to support “a tested and trusted servant-leader” who, even before holding elective office, has shown capacity, compassion and commitment to the welfare of citizens beyond his immediate constituency.

    The gathering concluded with special prayers for peace, unity and successful political outcomes in 2027, as well as chants of solidarity for the success of Barrister Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed (SAN)’s senatorial bid.

    The coalition reaffirmed its determination to sustain the mobilisation drive in the months ahead, expressing optimism that with collective effort, cross-zonal cooperation and party unity, Ndarani would emerge victorious and provide impactful representation for Niger South in the National Assembly.

  • Ramadan Lecture: Foreign Alliances Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Adenitan Warns.

    Ramadan Lecture: Foreign Alliances Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Adenitan Warns.

     

    Ramadan Lecture: Foreign Alliances Must Not Undermine Nigeria’s Sovereignty, Adenitan Warns.

     

    By Adewale Owoade

     

     

    A broadcaster and Founder of Jagaban Communications, Mr. Samuel Adenitan, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against excessive reliance on foreign alliances in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing that national sovereignty must remain paramount.

     

     

    Adenitan gave the advice on Sunday in Ibadan at the 2026 Ramadan lecture organised by Jagaban TV, with the theme “Encouraging Ethical Governance and Personal Accountability in Both Public and Private Sectors.”

     

     

    The Executive Director of Jagaban Communications acknowledged that international partnerships could be useful in combating insecurity but warned that global powers often prioritise their own national interests.

     

     

    According to him, Nigeria must engage foreign nations strategically and cautiously, especially in areas of security cooperation and crime prevention, to avoid compromising its independence.

     

     

    “Nigeria must engage global powers strategically and carefully, particularly in areas of security cooperation and crime prevention.

    ‎

    ‎”Global powers naturally pursue their national interests. Therefore, our engagements must always be guided by national interest, strategic diplomacy, and long-term sustainability, he said

     

    Adenitan also called on United States President Donald Trump to exercise restraint in interfering in the internal affairs of other countries in the pursuit of global influence and dominance.

     

     

    He further urged President Tinubu to embrace inclusive leadership by listening to criticism, noting that dissent should not be interpreted as hostility.

    “Criticism is not an attack; it is a mechanism of accountability,” Adenitan said.

     

     

    “Constructive criticism, even from within one’s own political party, is healthy for governance.

     

     

    “It acts as a system of checks and balances. A government that listens grows stronger, and a leader who listens becomes wiser.”

     

     

    The broadcaster also advocated the integration of digital voting transmission and modern technology into Nigeria’s electoral process to enhance transparency, reduce manipulation, and minimise human interference.

     

     

    In a separate lecture, the Founder of Safaudeen Islamic Organisation, Alhaji Sabit Olagoke, urged Nigerians to critically examine the background and character of those they elect into leadership positions.

     

     

    Olagoke observed that many Nigerians vote for candidates they know little about, only for such leaders to reveal questionable character after assuming office.

    Speaking on the topic “Integrity and Leadership: Lessons from the Prophets,” he described Nigeria’s leadership selection process as fundamentally flawed, contributing significantly to the nation’s socio-political challenges.

     

     

    “Our process of selecting leaders is fundamentally flawed,” he said.

     

     

    “Until we revisit and reform this process, we may never be able to produce leaders capable of effectively managing and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.”

  • Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents Commend OmoBarca as Muslims and Christians Break Fast Together

    Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents Commend OmoBarca as Muslims and Christians Break Fast Together

    “God Will Bless Him”, Ajeromi Ifelodun Residents Commend OmoBarca as Muslims and Christians Break Fast Together

    As Muslims and Christians simultaneously observe periods of fasting and prayer, many faithful see this sacred season as a time for introspection, spiritual renewal, and the strengthening of their relationship with God. While Catholic Christians around the world commenced the Lenten fast on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Muslims continue their season of devotion and prayer, creating a shared atmosphere of reflection, sacrifice, and compassion across faith lines.

    In Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency, this spirit of unity is being translated into practical action through a daily break-fast initiative organised by the Legit Foundation. Since 2015, the programme has provided meals to fasting individuals, offering both nourishment and encouragement during spiritually significant periods.

    The initiative is led by Hon. Francis Bartholomew Chima, popularly known as OmoBarca. What began over a decade ago primarily as support for Muslims observing Ramadan has gradually evolved into an inclusive outreach that now also accommodates Christians observing Lent. Over the years, the effort has grown into a community tradition that reflects interfaith solidarity and social responsibility.

    Each evening, residents from different religious backgrounds gather to break their fast together in an atmosphere marked by warmth, dignity, and mutual respect. The daily gathering has become more than a feeding programme; it serves as a platform for strengthening communal bonds and promoting peaceful coexistence.

    Beneficiaries describe the initiative as a source of relief, particularly for the less privileged who may struggle to provide adequate meals during fasting periods. For many, the programme ensures that no one observes their fast in isolation or hardship.

    “OmoBarca is feeding everybody irrespective of whether they are Christian or Muslim during this fasting period. Everybody comes here to break their fast,” said Deborah Okunbo, one of the beneficiaries.

    Another participant, Lukmon Kareem, shared his long-standing connection to the programme. “I have been coming here to break fast since 2015, and I am still here today for Ramadan,” he said, underscoring the initiative’s consistency and impact over the years.

    For Joy Amaka, the outreach carries both spiritual and emotional significance. “God will bless OmoBarca and bless everyone that is fasting in this period,” she said, expressing gratitude for the gesture.

    According to OmoBarca, the objective of the initiative is straightforward: to give back to the community, extend support to those in need, and foster unity beyond religious differences. He emphasises that fasting and prayer are deeply spiritual exercises, and acts of charity during such periods reinforce the moral teachings shared by both Christianity and Islam.

    Beyond providing daily meals, the outreach also extends assistance to vulnerable groups within the constituency, including the visually impaired and other underserved members of the community. This broader support underscores a guiding principle of the programme — that compassion transcends religious identity.

    As Muslims and Christians continue their respective spiritual observances, the daily break-fast gathering in Ajeromi-Ifelodun stands as a practical demonstration of coexistence and shared humanity. In a diverse society where differences often dominate headlines, the initiative offers a reminder that generosity and empathy can unite communities in meaningful and lasting ways.

  • Ndarani SAN salutes Gov. Umaru-Bago on his birthday, lauds his transformative leadership

    Ndarani SAN salutes Gov. Umaru-Bago on his birthday, lauds his transformative leadership

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    A legal luminary, Alhaji Muhammad Ndarani (SAN), the APC Senatorial Aspirant for Niger South Senatorial District, has congratulated Gov. Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger on the occasion of his birthday.

    Ndarani who is also the Hukunchi Nupe and Kasan Hausaland, in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna, described Gov Umaru-Bago as a visionary and transformative leader whose commitment to agricultural revolution, infrastructural development and youth empowerment had repositioned the state for sustainable growth.

    The learned silk said the governor’s passion for grassroots development and inclusive governance had continued to inspire confidence among the people.

    According to him, the birthday anniversary provides an opportunity for the people of the state to celebrate a leader whose resilience and innovative approach to governance are yielding positive results across critical sectors.

    Ndarani commended the governor’s initiatives in mechanised farming, land reforms, infrastructure expansion, education revitalisation and security enhancement.

    He described the initiatives as strategic steps toward building a modern, economically viable and self-reliant state.

    “Your dedication to transforming Niger State into a hub of agricultural excellence and industrial development is admirable and inspiring.

    “Your leadership reflects foresight, inclusivity and an unwavering commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people,” he said.

    Hukunchi Nupe also prayed for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and sound health for the governor as he steers the affairs of the state.

    He reaffirmed his support for policies and programmes aimed at promoting unity, progress and prosperity in the state, and urged residents to sustain their support for the administration.

    The senatorial aspirant wished the governor a joyful birthday celebration and many more years of service to the state and the nation.

  • FCT Area Council election: INEC declares results for 3 LGAs

    FCT Area Council election: INEC declares results for 3 LGAs

     

     

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared results for three local government areas in the area council election conducted in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday.

     INEC announced results for are Bwari, Gwagwalada and Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), while official results for Abaji, Kuje and Kwali are currently being awaited.

    INEC declares APC’s Ishaku winner of Bwari chairmanship election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Mr Joshua Ishaku of the All Progressive Congress (APC), winner of Bwari Area Council Chairmanship election.

    Prof. Mohammed Nurudeen, the Returning Officer for Bwari chairmanship election, who announced the results on Sunday in Bwari, disclosed that Ishaku polled a total of 18,466 votes and therefore declared him the winner.

    “I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Bwari chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026.

    “That Joshua Ishaku,, having certified the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” he said.

    Nurudeen also said that the candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored a total of 4254 votes, while that of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) scored 3515 to come second and third places respectively.

    The chairmanship election was conducted in 10 wards of the council, namely; Igu, Shere, Dutse, Ushafa, Byazhin, Kuduru, Kubwa, Usuma, Bwari central and Kawu.

    FCT poll: INEC declares PDP’s Kasim winner of Gwagwalada chairmanship election

    Similarly, INEC has declared Mr Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), winner of Gwagwalada Area Council Chairmanship election.

    Prof. Philip Akpeni, the Returning Officer for Gwagwalada chairmanship election, who announced the results of the poll on Sunday in Gwagwalada, disclosed that Kasim of PDP polled a total of 22,165 votes and therefore declared him the winner.

    “I am the returning officer for the 2026 FCT Area Council, Gwagwalada chairmanship held on Feb. 21, 2026.

    “That Mohammed Kasim of PDP, having certified the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” he said.

    Akpeni also said that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Yahaya Usman, scored a total of 17,788 votes, while Mr Biko Umar of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party scored 1, 687 to come third place.

    The chairmanship election was conducted in 10 wards of the council, namely; Paiko, Dobi, Gwako, Ibwa, Staff Quaters, Zuba, Ikwa, Kutunku, Gwagwalada Centre and Tunga Maje.

    APC’s Maikalangu wins AMAC chairmanship election

    Also, INEC has declared Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the elected chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).

    The Collation Officer for AMAC, Prof. Andrew Abue, said that Maikalangu, who is the incumbent AMAC chairman, was returned elected having scored the highest number of votes cast, 40,295 out of the total number of Valid Votes of 62,861 in the election.

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC) came second with 12,109 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 3,398 votes.

    According to Abue, the rejected votes is 2,336 and total valid votes is 62,861, while the total vote cast is 65,197.

    He added that the number of registered voters in AMAC was 837,338, while the total number of accredited voters was 65,676.

    “That Maikalangu of the APC, having certified the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Abue said.

    According to him, the scores of the 12 political parties and their candidates that contested the AMAC chairmanship election are:

    Agbon Vaniah of the Accord (A) – 403 votes

    Nemiebika Tamunomiesam of the Action Alliance (AA) – 108 votes

    Paul Ogidi of African Democratic Congress (ADC) – 12,109 votes

    Richard Elizabeth of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) – 588 votes

    Christopher Maikalangu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) – 40,295 votes

    Eze Chukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 1,111 votes

    Chukwu Promise of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) – 122 votes .

    Ugoh Michael of the Action Peoples Party(APP) – 32 votes

    Thomas Happiness of the Boot Party (BP) – 43 votes.

    Jibrin Alhassan of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) – 1,694 votes.

    Samson Usani of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) – 73 votes.

    Dantani Zanda of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – 3,398 votes

    Iber Shimakaha of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) – 90 votes

    Simon Obinna of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2,185 votes

    Madaki Robert of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) – 421 votes; and

    Swani Buba of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) – 189 votes.

    Speaking in an interview with newsmen immediately after the announcement of results the APC Collation Agent, Gambo Babale, described the election and collation process as credible.

    “INEC have done so well. We’ve seen the processes across all the polling units, the ward coalition centres and here at AMAC area council coalition centre. Everything was done perfectly well,

    “They’ve tried. They’ve done everything humanly possible. I believe this high level of transparency occurred in all the coalition’s exercise that took place in AMAC.

    “PDP won about two ward councillors, Karu and Karishi. That is to tell you the level of transparency that happens in this election,” he said.

    While congratulating the winner, he said the victory was for Maikalangu to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of AMAC.

    Babale said that the results was an indication that the APC was ready for victory in 2025.

    The YPP Ward Collation Agent, Abdullahi Ibrahim, also described the collation process as transparent, while congratulating the winner.

    The result sheets were signed by the ADC, APC, APGA, YPP and NNPP party agents present at the collation centre.

  • Why I killed my master on Valentine’s Day — Onitsha apprentice speaks from police custody

    Why I killed my master on Valentine’s Day — Onitsha apprentice speaks from police custody

    Self confessed killer apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke

    By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

    The 21-year-old apprentice, Chiemerie Anieke, who hacked his master to death on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026) at No. 2 Enyiuko Street, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State has confessed to the killing, saying that he committed the act.

    Speaking at the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) where he is being held, the suspect revealed that he killed his boss with a pestle because he instructed that he be locked out of the house for returning home late.

    He also confessed to attacking his master’s sister with the same pestle while she was sleeping

    Chiemerie however denied most of the allegations passed on him, including drug addiction and returning home late on the fateful day.

    He said: “I came over to Onitsha in 2023 to learn the trade at the instance of my elder brother who had connection with my master.

    “I had to agree to relocate to Onitsha since my parents, who are peasant farmers, could not sponsor my university education even when I had passed both West African Examination Council (WAEC) and Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams.”

    Insisting that his relationship with his master was cordial until lately, he added, “I remember one of the days I came back from church activity and my Oga (boss) pounced on me, insisting I should tell him where I went to.

    “I reported that experience to my elder brother who linked me up with him, but my brother advised me to patiently endure and see the maltreatment as part of the apprenticeship experience.

    “In July last year, I met with a friend in Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Nnabuife and requested his assistance to open a bank account for me so I could be saving money there. He agreed and opened the account, which I kept monitoring through PoS until it got to N5 million and I requested Nnabuife to help me withdraw the money.

    “By then, I was already planning to quit my apprenticeship to enable me to establish mine. But by the time Nnabuife (who also is currently in police custody) withdrew the money, the amount he handed over to me was not complete. It was roughly above N3million

    “When I complained, he threatened to collect the entire money, insisting it was his own gain for assisting me to open the account and monitor it.

    “This got me angry because I had already planned what I would do with the money.”

    Recalling what happened on February 14, that led to the death of his master, Chiemerie said, “I came back from the market around 7.30pm on that Saturday. I didn’t come back late, neither did I visit any girlfriend.

    “Rather, I was not feeling fine. I noticed that my head was aching and I had to visit a chemist shop where I bought some drugs.

    “Meanwhile, I took permission from my master’s sister before going. But before I came back, she had already called my boss to tell him that I was not at home, and he instructed that they should not let me in.

    “I was outside for a long time before my Oga’s wife, who was ignorant of the directives from his husband, opened the door for me.

    “I remained in the kitchen till around 3am when my master returned, and as he entered, I took the pestle in the kitchen and hit him thrice in the back of the head.

    “I also dashed to the room where the sister was sleeping and hit her too. She suddenly woke up and struggled over the pestle with me before rushing out to call for neighbours’ intervention.

    “I had been hearing rumours that my master had learnt about my savings, and was planning to collect the entire money and punish me severely.

    “Since I was already fed up with what I was doing and had decided to quit so I could use the money to set up my own business, I had no option but to take action.

    “Besides, I had also begged him several times to buy a phone for me, being the only person in the entire compound without a phone, but he refused.”

    While denying that his actions were triggered by drugs or alcohol, Chiemerie rather blamed it on the devil, saying, “I used to take tablets of Tramadol. But when my Oga discovered I was taking the drug, he warned me to stop and I obeyed. I was not taking the drug before I came to Onitsha. So it was neither drugs nor alcohol that caused it.

    “I can’t just explain what came over me on that day. I think it was the devil’s manipulation.

    “Actually, my intention was not to kill him, but the maltreatment, especially the call from my Oga’s sister to him and his instructions to lock me out of the house, forced me to act that way.”

    Though he showed no sign of remorse or penitence, the suspect said he was prepared to face the consequences of his actions, saying that it was needless asking for forgiveness because he knew he would not be forgiven.

    He said: “I’m ready to face the consequences; whether death by hanging or by shooting. I am ready to die and face judgment, because I know I will not be forgiven even if I ask for it.”

    Meanwhile, Nwite’s sister, Ogechukwu Nwite who is recuperating in the hospital expressed shock that Chiemerie could act in such a violent manner.

    She said she was fast asleep when she suddenly felt a hard object hit her on the head.

    She added: “Before I could understand what was happening, the boy hit me again. It was when he attempted to hit me with the pestle the third time that I grabbed his hand, struggled to disarm him and ran outside to call for help.

    “It was at that point I realised that the apprentice had already attacked my brother who was lying unconscious in the kitchen.

    “The outstanding one I could remember was the day my brother scolded him for something he did wrong at the shop. Little did I know that such a minor issue could provoke the boy to act in such a violent way.”

    According to her, the suspect had been living and working with her brother for about three years.