{From OUR CRIME DESK, AWKA}
MR. MOUKWUGO SOLOMON
Solomon Moukwugo, a correspondent for Anambra State Ligit, an online media outlet, is allegedly connected to the Unknown Gunmen causing disturbances in the region. Reports suggest he is using his platform to pressure the State Homeland Security Agency, Agunechemba, and the Police Raid Response Squad (RRS) for the release of Chimobi Onyemee, who is being investigated on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering multiple innocent victims.
To advocate for Onyemee’s release, Moukwugo referred to him as his client in a petition directed to the Governor’s Special Adviser on Community Affairs. As per Nweke, the Media and Publicity Secretary for Agunechemba, the petition was sent for initial assessment to the Director of Operations. Instead of waiting for the outcome, Moukwugo reportedly chose to publicly tarnish Agunechemba’s reputation with unfounded claims.
While the preliminary investigation was still ongoing, Moukwugo targeted the arrest of two Agunechemba commanders in Uli, Ihiala Local Government Area. After struggling to influence the situation, he allegedly fabricated a story that his client was coerced into paying N250,000, seemingly to draw sympathy toward the Unknown Gunmen suspect.
“Before Solomon Moukwugo’s article gained momentum, he shared it with me and demanded an ultimatum: either the two suspects should be detained while his client held by the RRS is released, or my office would need to pay him N10,000,000 to avoid publication of his article,” the Agunechemba spokesperson alleged.
The journalist is accused of appearing to influence Agunechemba and the police in order to gain leverage and secure his alleged share of any ransom associated with kidnappings in Anambra State, according to sources have been in the habit of frequenting police stations and other security offices to solicit for the release of anyone arrested and linked in kidnapping or abduction.
This is highlighted by his efforts to facilitate the release of Chimobi Onyemee, who had fled the Unknown Gunmen group after feeling compromised and sought refuge at the State Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Bridge), all while publicly criticizing Agunechemba-led Homeland Security.
Mr. Moukwugo Solomon
“Although Mrs. Ifeoma Onyemee, the suspect’s wife, chose not to comment, Moukwugo alleged that two Agunechemba operatives in the Uli community, identified as Mr. Kenneth (Udo) and Mr. Irobi (AK), were conspiring to murder her husband to conceal their supposed wrongdoings in the area”. Nweke noted.
In response, Agunechemba’s Media and Publicity Secretary referred to Moukwugo’s claims as attempts to garner sympathy for the criminal suspect.
“Contrary to Moukwugo’s claims, Mrs. Chimobi Onyemee has never spoken to the press; the article was drafted by Moukwugo and shared with me beforehand. When I questioned him about his alleged role in instilling fear in the state, he asserted that Agunechemba’s Director of Operations had accepted N10,000,000 gratification from his client.
However, when asked for proof, he sought clemency, offered a cautious statement, and requested understanding regarding his allegations against Agunechemba’s Director of Operations.” The spokesperson reported.
Meanwhile, Agunechemba leadership has called upon both state and federal security agencies to apprehend and investigate Solomon Moukwugo for his alleged interactions with criminal elements.
As of the time of this report, attempts to reach the troubled journalist Solomon Moukwugo have been unsuccessful; his calls went unanswered, and he has not returned any messages. We will provide updates the members of the public as events unfold.
