ADC Candidate John Nwosu Blasts Governor Soludo Over Insecurity Ahead of Anambra Polls

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate for the November 8 Anambra State election, John Nwosu, has criticized incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo, accusing him of failing the people during his tenure.

Speaking on ‘Prime Time’ on Arise Television, Nwosu highlighted that four years in office is crucial for a state’s progress and said Soludo’s administration has fallen short.

“The indices are there for everyone to see, starting with insecurity. In the last three and a half years, Anambra has lost people to kidnappings,” he stated.



He cited Ihiala Local Government, home to the owner of Air Peace, as a stark example:

“That area has been ravaged by insecurity for over three years. Residents have been forced to hold weddings and burials outside their hometown because they cannot return safely,” Nwosu added.


The statement underscores growing concerns about security and governance as Anambra prepares for its upcoming gubernatorial election.

Reactions Trail Peter Obi's Comments As FIFA Says Funds Given To Build Stadium Was Mismanaged.

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has drawn significant public attention following his reaction to reports alleging the mismanagement of funds provided by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The controversy erupted after footage of a sports facility, reportedly built with FIFA’s $1.2 million grant, surfaced on social media. The video quickly went viral, prompting outrage from Nigerians who questioned how such a large sum could result in a project that appeared substandard.

Many commentators described the development as another example of impunity and lack of accountability within the nation’s sporting institutions.

Reacting through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Peter Obi expressed deep disappointment over the situation. He described the NFF’s actions as heartbreaking, saying they mirrored the entrenched corruption that has hindered national progress.

Obi emphasized that sports, a sector capable of inspiring young people and uniting the country, had once again fallen victim to mismanagement and neglect.

According to the former governor, the alleged misuse of funds meant to promote football development reflects a broader disregard for the aspirations of Nigerian youths. He noted that such actions discourage hope and undermine the potential of sports as a tool for national development and unity.

Obi, who is widely known for his advocacy for prudent financial management and transparency in governance, urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable. His comments have since generated widespread discussion across various social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for a full investigation into how the FIFA funds were utilized.

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Football Federation has not issued an official response to the allegations.

We Cannot Rig Election For Politicians New INEC Chairman, Amupitan Assures Nigerians.

The newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), has vowed to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections, declaring that there will be no form of manipulation or rigging under his watch.

Speaking during his first official address in Abuja, Prof Amupitan assured Nigerians that the commission is fully committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country.

He stated that INEC’s responsibility to the people is clear and non-negotiable.
“We should not compromise our values or processes that could have consequences. So the integrity of our elections is not even something we should negotiate, please,” he said.

Prof Amupitan, who was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 23, 2025, emphasized that his administration will focus on transparency and accountability within the commission.

“As I was leaving the State House, the first question that was asked was, OK, what do you want to do now, Anambra? I refused to talk about Anambra. Until I’ve come to meet with the staff,” he added.

He further revealed that President Tinubu had charged the commission to ensure credible polls, especially as the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, approaches.

“Mr. President, in his remark, also echoed the same, that we should do everything possible as we go into an Anambra election to give this country a fair, free, and credible election,” he said.

The INEC boss also assured staff members of improved welfare under his leadership. “For me, staff welfare is going to be my priority. I can see the echoes. It is going to be a priority because we are going to be expecting so much from you,” he told senior INEC officials during his maiden meeting.

INEC Must Not Pretend’ – ADC Accuses Soludo Of Vote Buying Ahead Of Anambra Election.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, of engaging in voter inducement, following a viral video clip showing the governor addressing electorates ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

In a statement on Sunday by its National spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC claimed that the governor’s remarks were a “clear display of desperation” and an “open violation” of the Electoral Act, particularly Sections 121 and 127, which criminalise vote buying and voter inducement.

“Ahead of the November 8th election, Soludo has clearly lost the confidence of the people of Anambra, and it shows,” the ADC said.

The ADC alleged that Governor Soludo’s recent actions indicate a loss of public goodwill and a willingness to disregard electoral laws for political survival.

“Only a sitting governor who has run out of public goodwill would so openly resort to cash for votes, in direct violation of Sections 121 and 127 of the Electoral Act, which criminalise voter inducement of any form,” the statement added.

The party described the act as “a new level of desperation wrapped in impunity”, warning that such conduct undermines democracy and erodes public trust in the electoral process.

The ADC also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate notice of the governor’s alleged actions and ensure accountability.

Yahoo Boys Are Geniuses Who Need Redirection – Peter Obi.

The former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the inordinate pursuit of wealth by internet fraudsters.

Addressing a gathering of young people during the Golden Health Conference held at the Archbishop Patterson Auditorium, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha on Saturday, he described internet fraudsters popularly called Yahoo boys as “geniuses who need redirection.”

The conference, themed “Money Beyond Wealth,” brought together students, professionals, and youth leaders to discuss the moral, social, and economic dimensions of wealth creation.

Obi, while speaking during the event, stated that only money gotten through ethical means can be described as real wealth.

He said, “Money becomes real wealth only when it is earned through ethical means and used to uplift both the individual and society in an edifying manner.”

Obi observed that despite the fraudsters moral misdirection, many of them possess rare intelligence and creativity that, if properly guided, could drive innovation and national development.

“Looking at what they do, there is no doubt that many of them are geniuses. The challenge before us as a society is to redirect them, to channel their ingenuity into productive ventures that will not only dignify them but also edify society,” he said

Lamenting the state of moral decay in the country, Obi attributed much of it to leadership failure and the bad examples set by those in power.

INEC unveils AI-powered virtual assistant ahead of Anambra gov election
25th October 2025.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant to enhance staff training and operational readiness ahead of the Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8.

The new digital tool, known as the INEC Training Virtual Assistant or “INECTrainingBot,” was unveiled on Friday.

INECTrainingBot provides 24-hour access to election materials, interactive lessons, and on-demand learning modules.

It allows electoral officers to learn flexibly, from any location and at their own pace.

A statement by the commission via X read, “In preparation for the #AnambraDecides2025 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission is leveraging technology to enhance the capacity of its personnel and stakeholders.

“We are proud to introduce the INEC Training Virtual Assistant, ‘INECTrainingBot,’ now available on Telegram. This tool provides flexible, on-demand access to essential election training, ensuring our team can learn smarter and be fully equipped for their critical roles.

“Key Features: 24/7 Accessibility; User-friendly interface on Telegram; On-the-go learning.”

INEC had also announced that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards for voters who participated in the recent Continuous Voter Registration in Anambra State will take place from October 22 to October 26.The commission also revealed that INEC will conduct a mock accreditation exercise on Saturday, October 25, in selected polling units across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The exercise, according to the commission, is intended to test the functionality of the upgraded Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and assess the real-time uploading of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal.

BREAKING NEWS: Six NYSC corps members in viral video have sued the Anambra State Government, demanding N1 billion in damages over their alleged assault and unlawful detention by operatives of the state vigilante group, Agunechemba.

“Okpoko Kept Me Awake at Night” — Governor Soludo Reveals Why He Ran for Anambra Governorship

Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has revealed that the Okpoko area in Ogbaru Local Government was one of the main reasons he decided to contest for governor in 2022.

Speaking during the Ogbaru Constituency Campaign Rally held in Okpoko on Friday, Soludo said the deplorable condition of the community inspired his mission to transform the state.

“Okpoko is one of the major reasons why I contested to be governor of Anambra,” Soludo said.
“From 2010 until 2022, I could not sleep well seeing the way Okpoko was — the biggest urban slum in the Southeast, if not Nigeria, with over half a million people. No water, no roads, no streetlights, nothing.”


The governor recalled his campaign promise to begin work in Okpoko immediately after his inauguration — a promise he said he fulfilled.

“I was sworn in on the 17th, and on the 18th I came here. Today, over 20 kilometers of roads have been completed, with streetlights, pipe-borne water, and for the first time, a hospital for Okpoko residents,” Soludo added.
“Children now enjoy free education, and that’s why we came — to show love and deliver real change. I love you all, and I’ll even take one room here,” he said jokingly.

Soludo’s remarks highlighted his administration’s focus on inclusive development, particularly for communities long neglected in urban planning.

New INEC Chairman Begins Official Duty, Tasks Staff to Break Down Silos During Handover in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that its new Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has officially assumed duty with a strong call for unity and collaboration within the Commission.

In a statement shared on INEC’s official Instagram page on Thursday, 22nd October 2025, the Commission revealed that Professor Amupitan made the remarks during his inaugural address at the handover ceremony held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

The new Chairman urged staff to “break down silos” and foster teamwork across all departments, emphasizing that effective collaboration is essential to achieving the Commission’s mandate. He also issued a dual charge strengthening internal unity and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly ahead of the upcoming Anambra State governorship election.

Professor Amupitan reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing staff welfare, describing it as fundamental to achieving credible and transparent elections.

According to INEC, the ceremony was attended by the Commission’s directors and a delegation from the University of Jos. The new Chairman described his assumption of office as “the beginning of a crucial chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey” where unity, integrity, and teamwork will serve as the foundation for credible electoral processes.

Soludo denies plot to arrest Catholic bishops, priests after Anambra election.

Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has refuted reports claiming he was plotting to arrest and jail Catholic bishops and priests after the November 8 governorship election in the state.

Soludo’s denial was contained in a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor.

He described the report as a “clear case of misinformation and fake news” aimed at creating tension in the state.

According to the statement, the governor has no such plans and remains committed to upholding the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including religious leaders.

“The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to a fabricated story circulating in some media outlets alleging that Governor Chukwuma Soludo plans to arrest and jail Catholic bishops and priests after his re-election.

“We categorically state that this report is entirely false, baseless, and malicious,” the statement said.

MDCAN begins 21-day warning strike over salary disparity.

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, has begun a 21-day warning strike in Anambra over non-implementation of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

The Chairman of MDCAN-COOUTH, Amaechi Nwachukwu, made the disclosure at a news conference on Monday in Awka.

Association is demanding that the CONMESS recently granted to resident doctors be extended to its members.

It warned that failure to implement the adjustment within the stipulated period would lead to an indefinite industrial action by its members.

Mr Nwachukwu said the association had earlier engaged the hospital management over their demand and received the assurances that the issue would be resolved.

He, however, expressed disappointment that the promised adjustment was yet to be reflected in the soon-to-be-paid October salary.

According to him, it is customary for any salary increment or allowance approved for resident doctors to be automatically extended to their supervising consultants.

“The consultants are responsible for training resident doctors and conducting medical research,” he said.

Bandits kidnap INEC staff in Kogi.

Unidentified gunmen on Tuesday abducted staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, along Aloma Road in Kogi State.

The victims, all female staff, were reportedly travelling from Abuja to Anambra State on an official assignment ahead of the forthcoming governorship election when the incident occurred.

The assailants were said to have blocked the highway, fired shots at the vehicle, and shattered its windscreen. None of the occupants of the vehicle was hit by the bullets.

The INEC officials were reportedly deployed to Anambra for the printing of the voters’ register and other election materials in preparation for the governorship poll scheduled for the first week of November.

The gunmen were said to have abducted all the occupants of the bus, including the driver and his wife.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful.

Soludo Speaks Out: Anambra Govt Denies Plans to Arrest Catholic Bishops or Clerics After Re-Election

The Anambra State Government has refuted viral claims alleging that Governor Chukwuma Soludo intends to arrest and jail Catholic Bishops, religious leaders, or native doctors after securing a second term in office.

According to a report by Punch Newspaper, the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, dismissed the rumors as false, malicious, and politically motivated, urging the public to ignore such propaganda.

“Governor Soludo respects the rights and freedoms of all citizens, including religious leaders. These fake stories are being spread by desperate political opponents whose campaigns are collapsing,” Mefor said.


He clarified that the government’s current actions are only targeted at exposing fake spiritualists and fraudulent native doctors, not genuine clerics or religious figures.

Dr. Mefor reaffirmed that Governor Soludo remains committed to peace, religious tolerance, and integrity, emphasizing that his administration is working with the Federal Government to tackle certificate forgery and other electoral malpractices ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election.

The commissioner urged Anambra residents, particularly members of the Catholic community, to disregard false social media posts meant to incite fear and division in the state.

Anambra Govt Orders Iron Dealers to Relocate to Nteje After Election — “No Going Back,” Soludo’s Aide Warns


The Anambra State Government has issued a firm directive to all iron dealers in Onitsha and Ogbaru, ordering them to relocate to the new permanent Iron Dealers Market at Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area, immediately after the November 8 gubernatorial election.

Speaking during the dedication of the new market, the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Trade and Markets, Hon. Evaristus Ubah (represented by Hon. Ezennia Chukwuemelie Ibekwe), vowed that traders who refuse to move will be forcefully ejected.

“If there are those still remaining in Onitsha or Ogbaru, we will ensure they are relocated here to Nteje. There is no going back after the election,” he declared.


Union Chairman Mr. Evaristus Ejezie expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for his unwavering support in the market’s construction, describing the project as a divine success story despite numerous challenges. He also appealed to the government to enforce relocation of remaining members, emphasizing that the market will significantly boost state revenue once fully occupied.

Ejezie urged traders who have made payments to submit their evidence for shop allocation, assuring them that transparency and fairness remain the priority.

The market dedication was conducted by Lt. Col. Godspower Anozie of the Salvation Army, Anambra West Division, who prayed for prosperity, unity, and divine protection for the traders.

In his remarks, Chief Humphrey Anuna, President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), commended the union executives for their vision, describing the Nteje Market as a future international hub that could surpass major building materials markets in Nigeria.

Other union leaders, including Hon. Ejike Ignatius of Allied Building Materials International Market and former chairman Mr. Nnaemeka Onuzulike, pledged total cooperation with the relocation plan, urging members to embrace peace and unity as business activities commence.

The event ended with prayers and blessings for the market executives and their committees, symbolizing a new beginning for Anambra’s booming building materials sector.

Tears and Tributes as Arise TV Anchor Sommie Maduagwu Laid to Rest in Anambra

The remains of Somtochukwu Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, a beloved Arise TV news anchor, were laid to rest amid deep sorrow in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Sommie tragically lost her life in September 2025 following a violent armed robbery attack at her Abuja residence — a heartbreaking incident that shook the media community. Her burial took place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, following a solemn funeral Mass held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Agulu.

The ceremony drew family, friends, colleagues, and dignitaries, including the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who paid his last respects to the late journalist.

During the homily, Rev. Fr. Peter Ezewuzie urged the bereaved family to take comfort in faith, describing Sommie as “a woman of purpose and virtue” whose life, though short, left a meaningful impact.

In his emotional tribute, Peter Obi lamented her passing as “a painful reminder of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.” He said,

“Before leaving Birmingham yesterday, I told my companions I was returning home for the burial of one of my daughters.”
He urged Nigerians to remember her family in their prayers and honor her memory with love and hope.


Sommie’s death has left an unfillable void in journalism and among all who admired her professionalism, warmth, and grace.

Source: PUNCH

“You’ll Keep Contesting for President on Social Media” — Wike Mocks Peter Obi.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ridiculed former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, saying he would “continue to contest for President on social media, not in Nigeria.”

Wike made the remark on Thursday during the inauguration of new roads in Abuja’s Mabushi District, responding to Obi’s recent criticism of the poor state of public schools in the FCT.

Obi, during a visit to LEA Primary School in Kapwa on Wednesday, had described the school’s condition as “a national disgrace” and a reflection of Nigeria’s “empty commitment to education,” lamenting the lack of chairs, toilets, and other basic facilities.

But in a fiery reaction, Wike accused Obi of politicising everything and using emotional public appearances to attract online sympathy.

“I hear one of the social media presidential candidates visited a local school and claimed the government had abandoned public education. His name is Mr Peter Obi. It’s not everything you must play politics with,” Wike said.

He also questioned Obi’s record as Anambra governor, alleging that he failed to complete key projects during his eight-year tenure and even clashed with his successor.

“Peter Obi, you governed Anambra for eight years. If you had done everything right, no one would still be talking about developing the state today. Why did you even fall out with your successor?” he asked.

Wike went on to boast that he had achieved more in two years as FCT Minister than Obi did in eight years as governor.

“We’ve been in office for just two years, not even four yet. Compare our work in the FCT with your eight years in Anambra, can you truly say you love this country or your people? Certainly not,” he said.

He further dismissed Obi’s presidential ambitions, claiming that someone who could not manage a political party was unfit to lead a nation.

“You will continue to contest as President on social media, not as President of Nigeria. You couldn’t even manage your own party. How can you manage a country of over 200 million people? It’s not available for people like you,” Wike declared.

Joash Amupitan Reacts After Akpabio Asked Him If He Has Ever Represented Peter Obi In A Legal Case.

Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has reacted after he was asked if he has ever represented the former governor of Anambra state and Labour Party, LP, candidate in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Gregory Obi, in a legal case.

His reaction was contained in a viral video that was posted on the official X handle of NEWS CENTRAL TV on Thursday, October 16, 2023.

The question was thrown at him by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio during a screening at the National Assembly.

In the viral video that surfaced online, when the Senate President asked if he has ever represented the the former governor of Anambra state in a legal case, he responded by saying that he has never represented him. Joash Ojo Amupitan also stated that he has never represented the Peoples Democratic Party.

He also clarified that he was not among the legal team of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential tribunal.

Here is what the Senate President said;

"So, you have never represented Peter Obi or PDP?".

Here is what Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan said;

"I was not part of it. I didn't represent them".

Peter Obi Sues Deji Adeyanju For N1.5Billion Over Alleged Defamatory Social Media Posts.

The suit, No: 0/254/25, was filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, with Obi as the plaintiff and Adeyanju as the defendant.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, has filed a ₦1.5 billion defamation lawsuit against Nigerian human rights activist and social commentator, Mr. Deji Adeyanju.

The suit, No: 0/254/25, was filed at the High Court of Anambra State, Onitsha Judicial Division, with Obi as the plaintiff and Adeyanju as the defendant.

According to the writ of summons issued by Obi’s counsel, Alex Ejesieme (SAN), the former governor is seeking ₦500 million in aggravated damages and ₦1 billion in general damages over a series of allegedly false and malicious statements made by Adeyanju across his social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

Peter Obi faults Tinubu’s reforms, says over 50 million Nigerians plunged into poverty.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has taken a swipe at President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying its much-touted economic reforms have failed to reduce poverty or improve citizens’ welfare.

Citing a recent World Bank report released on October 8, 2025, Obi noted that the number of Nigerians living below the poverty line has risen to 139 million, up from 87 million in 2023 meaning that over 50 million people have fallen into poverty in just two years.

Reacting on Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter), Obi described the development as “a heartbreaking reflection of how deeply our nation is failing its citizens.”
He lamented that instead of sparking urgent dialogue on how to tackle the crisis, the government’s response was focused on rebuttals.

“What this means is that in two years under the APC regime, over 50 million Nigerians were sent into poverty,” Obi wrote.
“What is even more concerning is that this devastating revelation has not led to an emergency and national discussion on how to effectively pull millions of our people out of poverty.”

Obi argued that despite several reforms being celebrated by the Tinubu government, poverty continues to worsen because there is “no clear strategy or determination to channel gains into productive sectors.”

He urged the administration to pursue people-centred economic policies that prioritise production over consumption, support small businesses and farmers, and increase investment in education and healthcare.

“Reforms should be deliberate and strictly followed by people-focused policies that ensure government spending directly impacts the lives of Nigerians by pulling them out of poverty,” he said.
“No nation can truly rise when the majority of its people are trapped in poverty. With the right leadership, we can make Nigeria work for every Nigerian.”

Meet Notorious Kidnap Kingpin Pardoned by President Tinubu.

A wave of outrage and disbelief has trailed the release of 44-year-old Kelvin Prosper Oniarah — the infamous Delta-born kidnap kingpin once declared one of Nigeria’s most dangerous criminals — following his inclusion in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest round of presidential pardons.

Oniarah, also known by his aliases Kelvin Ibruvwe and Kelvin Ezigbe, was arrested on September 25, 2013, in a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. He was subsequently convicted for multiple counts of kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism-related offences that terrorised parts of Delta, Edo, Anambra, and Rivers States for years.

Trail of Violence and Terror
Before his arrest, Kelvin was the leader of a feared criminal syndicate responsible for high-profile kidnappings and killings. Among his victims was renowned human rights lawyer, Barrister Mike Ozekhome (SAN), abducted on August 24, 2013, along the Auchi–Benin expressway.

Other victims linked to his gang included:

A serving judge of the Edo State Judiciary,
A female Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) official,
Dr. Chudi Nwike, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who was killed in captivity,
Several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and security personnel.
Kelvin’s network operated from camps in Warri and Kokori (Delta State), Ugbokolo (Benue), Benin City (Edo), and Aba (Abia State). His reign of terror also saw the killing of numerous policemen and soldiers during deadly ambushes.

Defiance Against the State
In a chilling episode that underscored his notoriety, Oniarah publicly issued a 60-day ultimatum to the Federal Government in September 2013, demanding the release of his detained gang members or face nationwide bloodshed — a threat that prompted one of the most extensive manhunts in Nigeria’s history.

Conviction and Release
Oniarah was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in October 2023, with his sentence backdated to 2013. It was later reduced to 13 years for what prison officials described as “good conduct” and participation in the National Open University of Nigeria correctional education programme.

His sudden release under the Tinubu administration’s controversial amnesty programme has sparked a storm of criticism from security analysts and victims’ families, who argue that granting clemency to an unrepentant criminal undermines justice and the fight against violent crime.

Kelvin’s freedom, after 12 years behind bars, now raises serious questions about the moral compass of the nation’s justice system