Okonkwo Samuel
His Royal Highness, Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche (Okpalariam III of Enugwu-Agidi), has commended Anambra State security operatives for the arrest of Chukwudi Tansi, a suspected kidnapper, and the recovery of arms in Enugwu-Agidi. Speaking through his Press Secretary, Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue, Igwe Okekeuche urged a thorough investigation to uncover any accomplices and ensure justice. He also refuted claims linking him to the suspect and criticized the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Town Union, Mr. Chukwuebuka Onuorah, for allegedly spreading falsehoods.
Below is the full statement:
RE: ARREST OF MR. CHUKWUDI TANSI; A SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER AND RECOVERY OF ARMS IN ENUGWU-AGIDI
His Royal Highness Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche (Okpalariam III of Enugwu-Agidi) has applauded the Anambra State Security operatives, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter to demystify those collaborating with Mr. Tansi and to ensure justice takes its course. Okpalariam Enugwu-Agidi, who spoke through his Press Secretary, Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue (Onyima Enugwu-Agidi), during a press briefing in Awka, said he was particularly happy the operatives have risen to the mandate of ensuring zero tolerance for crimes in the state and Enugwu-Agidi in particular. He thanked the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his wonderful security framework in the state.
On his ties with Mr. Tansi, Igwe Okekeuche said he has never had any personal dealings with the suspect, even though Mr. Tansi had been in the vigilante service of Enugwu-Agidi for more than 12 years before his installation as the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Agidi around April 2017. However, it is ridiculous for the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Town Union, Mr. Chukwuebuka Onuorah, to associate Mr. Tansi with Igwe Enugwu-Agidi.
On allegations that His Highness facilitated Tansi’s release from police custody in Abuja, Ichie Onyima stated that it was actually the President General who secured Tansi’s release, not the Igwe. He claimed there is evidence to support this assertion.
“The President General (Chukwuebuka Onuorah) is obviously not telling the truth. If you recall, Tansi was arrested and taken to Abuja alongside Chika Okoye and Sgt. Clement Okonkwo (RTD). The PG released Tansi and Chika, leaving Sgt. Okonkwo in custody. That very day, he took them (Chika and Chukwudi) to a hotel in Kubwa, Abuja, where he had a meeting with them. One Mr. Chukwunweike Onuorah and others were in attendance at that meeting. The police should, as a matter of urgency, revisit that matter and investigate the details of that meeting because, upon their return to Enugwu-Agidi, the PG quickly employed Mr. Tansi as a gateman. So, to the best of my knowledge, Chukwudi Tansi is working for and with Ebuka Onuorah.”
Regarding the enlistment of Tansi into the 20-man vigilante team requested by the state government, Igwe Okekeuche clarified that his role as Chairman of the Enugwu-Agidi Security Council required him to rely on nominations from village chairmen, which were then screened by the council. He emphasized that no objections were raised about Tansi’s inclusion.
“My take is that Ebuka Onuorah should not hide under the guise of the arrest of Chukwudi Tansi to discredit Igwe Enugwu-Agidi. He should be bold enough to admit that his fallout with His Highness stems from sundry petitions regarding his alleged involvement in:
1.The gruesome murder of Mr. Anayo Nworah.
2.Numerous land-grabbing cases.
3.Violent attacks on the Etiti Village Chairman.
4.Establishment of an armed militia in the town.
5.Criminal intimidation of vulnerable indigenes of Enugwu-Agidi.
6.Overbearing activities against the traditional institution of Okpalariam Enugwu-Agidi.
7.Illegal imposition of levies and collection of fines from indigenous developers and bereaved families.”
He further stated that there are copies of petitions previously submitted to the Anambra State Government and security agencies regarding Mr. Chukwuebuka Onuorah’s alleged criminal activities. He urged authorities to take action to restore peace in Enugwu-Agidi.
Finally, Ichie Ndulue defended Igwe Okekeuche’s integrity, highlighting his 35-year meritorious service in the Federal Government, where he retired as a director in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. He accused the PG of having no verifiable education, employment, or legitimate business, making him unfit to link the revered traditional ruler to any criminal activities.
“Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue
(Onyima Enugwu-Agidi)
Press Secretary to His Highness.”
