– Obube community insists on prosecution, alerts security agencies
The indigenes and stakeholders of Egbelu Obube autonomous community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State have expressed concern that several months after a High Court sitting in Owerri, the state capital issued a bench warrant for the arrest and and prosecution of Mr Albert Ahanonu, aka, Arufuoaku for alleged criminal activities, he is yet to be brought to book. It was gathered that from his abode, he still gives commands and directives to his cohorts who do his bidding and allegedly engage in all kinds of activities that are inimical to the peace, unity and security of lives and property in the community. Some persons in the community who spoke to our Reporter on the condition of anonymity for security reasons expressed disappointment that instead of taking advantage of the explicit order of a court of competent jurisdiction to prove his innocence or otherwise, Arufuoaku , regrettably chose to engage the services of a lawyer to vacate the order for his arrest and prosecution.
Recall that Ahanonu who is alleged to be coordinating the activities of a notorious cult group that he uses to fight perceived enemies and truncate the peace, harmony and mutual co-existence in Egbelu Obube community, met his waterloo when he was charged to court for allegedly threatening to eliminate one Hon Jude Ugwuanya, a former President General of their community. When he was granted bail, he refused to face prosecution by jumping bail. Hence, the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest and prosecution.
The bench warrant dated June 10 ,2025 and sighted by our Reporter, ordered the Police and other law enforcement agencies to go after Ahanonu, arrest, and bring him to court for trial on July 1, 2025. But since then, he has been at large, making his arraignment a mirage.
The bench warrant, which was hinged on a three-count charge in Suit NO. HOW/569/2024, (Commissioner of Police VS Albert Ahanonu).
In the charge, Ahanonu was alleged to have been in possession of a prohibited gun, punishable under Section 428(d) of the criminal code Cap 38 Laws of the Federation 2004 as applicable in Imo State; alleged conduct likely to cause breach of the peace by brandishing guns and threatening the life of one Hon Jude Ugwuanya, punishable under Section 249(d) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Laws of the Federation 2004 as applicable in Imo State; and alleged unlawful assault on Hon Jude Ugwuanya by striking him with a walking stick on the chest, punishable under section 351 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Laws of the Federation 2004 as applicable in Imo State.
Ahanonu, is said to be a businessman who seldom features in political activities whenever he comes home from his US base. He was the chairmanship candidate of one of the political parties in the state during the last Council election in Owerri North Local Government Area.
It was also gathered that Ahanonu is involved in several subsisting legal issues with some members of his community over allegations of threat to life, attempted murder, kidnapping, recruitment of youths into cult groups, illegal possession of fire arms, and indiscriminate use of guns, among others.. The community is calling on relevant security agencies, especially the Police to intensify effort towards his arrest and prosecution as ordered by the Court.
