Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

With only governor’s assent remaining, Abia may have on the 3rd of August 2026, passed into law HAB 34, which aims to modernize and regulate the real estate and rental sector in Abia State.  The law addresses long-standing problems of exploitation by some agents, arbitrary rent increases, disputes between landlords and tenants, and lack of clear rules.  Over 90% of Abia residents are tenants, and rising rents (especially in places like Aba and Umuahia) have been a major public concern with arbitrary rules and manipulation from landlords and agents hurting everybody.  DrumAfricanews reports that the bill was jointly sponsored by…

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Orji Udeagha, has thrown his weight behind the re-election bid of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, declaring that Bende people “will not trade gold for ashes.” Udeagha made the remarks while addressing party supporters and stakeholders during the Bende Stakeholders endorsement rally held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. Speaking on the ongoing debate over zoning of the House of Representatives seat, Udeagha dismissed claims that there was an existing…

The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has ordered an immediate investigation to identify the personnel involved in the misconduct that went viral in Nekede, Owerri, on Sunday to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. DrumAfricanews reports that the CP was reacting to a viral video circulating on social media showing four police officers forcing a young man into the boot of a vehicle at Human Race Road, Nekede, on Sunday, 2nd August, 2026, at about 0900hrs. DSP Henry Okoye, Police Public Relations Officer, Imo State Police Command said that preliminary findings revealed that the four…

The compulsory national service to his father land, ended in tragedy for 27-year-old Okebaram Stanley Chimaroke, a former Students’ Union Government (SUG) President of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State. His mysterious disappearance and death in Nembe, Bayelsa State, have generated outrage, leaving family, friends, fellow corps members, and the wider student community bewildered and demanding answers as security operatives work to unravel the inexplicable occurrence. Chimaroke, a Civil Engineering graduate serving under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was deployed to Nembe Local Government Area, one of Bayelsa State’s riverine communities. He was reported missing after colleagues could no…

Chairman of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Board, and Founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, has commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the student loan scheme, saying it has enabled thousands of Nigerian undergraduates to access higher education. Speaking during an exclusive interview with Channels Television, Ovia described NELFUND as a transformative initiative that is expanding access to tertiary education for students who might otherwise have been unable to attend university. According to him, the programme has recorded significant success since its introduction and continues to benefit institutions and students across the country. “Yes, NELFUND definitely is addressing…

The Traditional Ruler of Umuobom Ancient Kingdom in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State, His Royal Highness Anayo Callistus Mbionwu (Edenigbo I, II & III), has publicly dissociated the kingdom from an alleged car-snatching suspect recently arrested in Nkpor, Anambra State. In an official disclaimer, the monarch clarified that the suspect, identified as Chimezie Eze from Abukwa Village, has no affiliation with the traditional institution beyond his ancestral origin. He firmly dismissed reports suggesting that the suspect bears the traditional title of Okpataozuohia, describing the claim as entirely false and without the approval or recognition of the Umuobom…

Former Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (rtd), has been described as a patriot, a man of courageous, and exemplary officer whose career was defined by selfless service to Nigeria and an enduring commitment to national security and human capital development. The encomiums were poured on the ex-service chief during a reception organised in his honour by the Enugu State Government to mark the successful completion of his tenure as Chief of the Naval Staff. Speaking at the event, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, at the weekend, Governor Peter Mbah said that the…

A joint security team comprising Police operatives, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group has rescued one of three persons abducted by armed men who attacked the precinct of a church at Inoyi, Affa Community, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State in the early hours of Sunday. The victim was rescued unhurt after the security operatives mounted a swift operation and closed in on the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the victim. However, the assailants escaped with the remaining two victims, prompting an intensified manhunt by security agencies. The Enugu State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP…

Panic gripped worshippers at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi, Affa, in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State on Sunday morning after suspected armed kidnappers reportedly invaded the church premises and abducted a seminarian and other worshippers. The attack, which residents said occurred as parishioners gathered for Mass amid a downpour, threw the community into confusion as frightened worshippers fled for safety. In a video circulating online, some residents alleged that the attackers, believed to be at least seven in number, stormed the church and whisked away several worshippers, including a seminarian. According to the residents, those on their way…

…as Kalu donates buses to monarchs More endorsements have continued to pour in for the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, ahead of the 2027 general elections, as traditional rulers and religious leaders across Bende have thrown their weight behind his bid for a third term. DrumAfricanews gathered that the latest endorsements came from the Umunna Traditional Rulers Council, comprising royal fathers from Item, Alayi, Igbere and Ezeukwu communities, as well as religious leaders from the Methodist Church during separate engagements with the Deputy Speaker on August 1. As…