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Ebonyi Government denies report of commissioner’s arrest over housing project delays
Ebonyi Government denies false claims of Gov. Francis Nwifuru ordering the arrest of five commissioners over delays in housing projects.
Ebonyi Government denies false claims of Gov. Francis Nwifuru ordering the arrest of five commissioners over delays in housing projects
The Ebonyi State Government has strongly rejected a report alleging that Governor Francis Nwifuru had ordered the arrest of five commissioners due to delays and breaches in the delivery of housing projects.
The government described the report as “false and unfounded,” calling it a baseless rumour aimed at discrediting the administration.
The clarification came from Chief Donatus Ilang, Chairman of the Ebonyi Executive Council (EXCO) committee overseeing the supervision and completion of two state housing projects.
Ilang, who also serves as the Commissioner for Border, Peace, and Conflict Resolution, issued a statement on Tuesday dismissing the claims.
According to Ilang, the projects in question are part of the government’s initiative to provide housing for communities displaced by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal conflict in Ishielu Local Government Area.
Specifically, these are the 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities, which have been severely affected by the crisis.
Ilang stated that no commissioners had been arrested, as falsely reported. He further noted that the police and other security agencies could confirm the absence of any arrests.
“The people writing such fake news are doing so from their imagination,” he said, emphasising that the governor had expressed his displeasure over the delays and had taken steps to address the situation.
He added that the government had resolved to take “drastic actions” against the defaulters involved in the project.
The statement clarified that the commissioners had been asked to provide relevant information to help the committee confront contractors who were not adhering to the terms of their contracts.
Ilang highlighted that the governor remained committed to ensuring the successful completion of the housing projects, as they are crucial to alleviating the housing needs of the affected communities.
“The governor is desirous to give the people of both communities affected by a fratricidal communal conflict housing reprieves,” Ilang continued.
“Our mandate is to ensure that the governor’s noble intentions toward the people of both communities are actualised, and we will not toy with such.”
The 140 housing units were initiated by the state government as part of efforts to provide relief to those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
The project aims to offer a sustainable housing solution to the victims and is seen as a crucial step toward post-crisis recovery.
In response to the allegations, the Ebonyi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, also confirmed that no commissioners were in their custody. “We did not arrest any commissioner,” he said, debunking the report further.
This clarification comes amid growing concerns over the timely completion of critical projects in the state.
The Ebonyi Government has pledged to continue working towards fulfilling its commitments to the displaced communities and ensuring that the housing projects are completed as planned.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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