Imo Journalist Granted ₦2m Bail After 30 Days in Custody Over Alleged Defamation of Governor’s Aide Ejike Ogbonna, publisher of First Citizen Newspaper, has been granted bail by a Magistrate’s Court in Owerri after spending 30 days in detention at the Tiger Base Police Unit. Ogbonna, who faces allegations of cybercrime against a government official, was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million. The court also directed him to provide a surety with proof of landed property ownership within its jurisdiction and obtain the endorsement of a traditional ruler for the bail bond. Presiding Magistrate C. J. Uzoechi ruled that the case is bailable and adjourned the matter to October 3, 2025, for hearing. The journalist, who appeared in court in handcuffs, is facing a four-count charge of alleged cyberbullying, including claims of defaming the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Compliance, Chinasa Nwaneri, through a voice note circulated on social media. His detention and trial have triggered outrage among journalists in Imo State, who described the development as an attack on press freedom. They also urged the state’s police commissioner to restrain officers from being used by government officials to intimidate citizens. 📌 Source: SaharaReporters #ImoState #PressFreedom #BreakingNews

Imo Governor Approves New Minimum Wage: N104,000 For Civil Servants, N503,000 For Doctors Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants, up from N76,000, citing current economic realities. Doctors’ minimum wage also rose from N215,000 to N503,000, while tertiary institution teachers will now earn a minimum of N222,000. Announcing the new wage package during a meeting with labour leaders in Owerri, Uzodimma said improved welfare would boost productivity, stimulate the local economy, and strengthen relations with organised labour. The governor also revealed that Imo’s Internally Generated Revenue has grown from N400m to over N3bn monthly, while the state’s debt profile has dropped below N100bn. He further announced that the state will begin payment of the last batch of N16bn gratuities owed pensioners on August 27. #ImoState #MinimumWage #HopeUzodimma

News Brief: Imo Family Accuses FCID Abuja of Cover-Up in Alleged Murder Case The Iwuajoku family of Amankwo Alaenyi Ogwa, Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, has accused the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, of shielding suspects linked to the killing of their son, Boma Iwuajoku. According to the family, Boma was tied to a tree and flogged to death on July 5, 2023, by native doctor Lawrence Odunze and his associates, who accused him of stealing ₦1.5 million. Police later recovered a human head and legs from Odunze’s home during investigations. The family alleges that FCID Abuja, led by Inspector Chikezie Egbulefu, took over the case from SCID Owerri, released the suspects, and abandoned the file. They have petitioned the Inspector General of Police to return the case to SCID Owerri or personally supervise the investigation to ensure justice. #JusticeForBoma #ImoState #PoliceAccountability

Imo Governor Gifts N10M Each to Super Falcons Stars for WAFCON 2024 Victory! In a powerful gesture of pride and support, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has rewarded six Super Falcons players and assistant coach Ann Chiejine with ₦10 million each for their heroic performance at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The honored players—Chiamaka Nnadozie, Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Oluchi Oluehi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Michelle Alozie—all hail from Imo State and played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s thrilling 3-2 win over Morocco in the final. Uzodinma hosted the players at the Government House in Owerri, praising their resilience, talent, and for bringing glory to both Imo State and the nation. This comes after President Bola Tinubu also celebrated the team with $100,000, a three-bedroom house, and a national honor (OON) for each player. #SuperFalcons #WAFCON2024Champions #ImoStatePride #HopeUzodinma #WomenInSports #NigerianHeroes