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Akwa Ibom Governor’s Critic, Umoh, Gets Death Threats, Narrates Ordeal In Prison

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4 years ago

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Umoh noted that he could not sleep again in his house as unknown people allegedly linked to the state government had been threatening to kill him and his family members.

A Nigerian and United States citizen, Da Zion Umoh, who was detained for several months by the police in Akwa Ibom State, for criticizing the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, has raised the alarm over the death threats he received in his house.

Umoh noted that he could not sleep again in his house as unknown people allegedly linked to the state government had been threatening to kill him and his family members.

The Akwa Ibom indigene narrated his ordeal in the hands of the police to the media, saying the operatives tried to extort $50,000 from him to drop the trumped-up charges.

The media obtained a copy of the notice of death threat on the man’s family.

The notice partly reads, “Da Zion Umoh; this is the last warning to you. If you don’t stop fighting the Akwa Ibom state government, Governor Udom Emmanuel and Deputy Governor Pa Moses Ekpo, we will kill your entire family while you are in prison and your friend, Godswill Akpabio, will not do anything.

“We transferred you from Ikot Ekpene prison to Uyo prison for you to suffer and your friend, Godswill Akpabio, could not help you.”

Umoh, after that, narrated his ordeal for months in the hands of the police.

He said, “I came to Nigeria from America in the first week of December 2020 towards my wedding that took place on December 19, 2020, at CKC Barracks Road. After my wedding on December 19, I was invited by the police on December 22 that there was a petition against me by the state government.

“I was told that I supported the EndSARS protest by inciting the youths and making a video in Dallas, Texas, back in October 2020. I was held at the police cell from 22 to December 24, 2020, and was released on bail.

“On December 28, 2020, the police called me to come back to the station with a promise that the Deputy Governor who wrote the petition against me wanted to squash the case and allow me to be, so I went to the station again while on bail and was arrested again and taken to court where they obtained a court order to remand me in prison custody.

“My charges were “Threat to Life and Conspiracy,” although there was no case to show that I conspired with someone. I spent a month and a half in custody with “Threat to Life and Conspiracy” charges.

“After a month and a half, I was about to be given bail but the police came and dropped the “Threat to life/Conspiracy” charges and my bail application was revoked immediately, which kept me in jail for almost two months before I was granted a bail with a new charge of “terrorism” which means that I was held in prison for over a month with two wrong charges of “threat to life and conspiracy.”

“I was released from prison and now facing the trial with the state government, while the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State as the petitioner has not for once appeared at the court.

“The trial was scheduled for the first week of June 2020 and appeared at the court but the trial was now shifted to 27th, 28th and 29th July and we all know that this is just a delay tactic from Akwa Ibom State to keep me here in Nigeria away from my wife and kids.

“I am a US citizen by birth but I am being held hostage in Akwa Ibom State by the Akwa Ibom State Government. They have no right to hold a US passport which is a US government property but they are holding it just because they feel that they are above the law.

” Someone at the US Consulate in Nigeria by the name Kevin reached out to Akwa Ibom State Attorney General when I was in prison with two wrong charges of “Threat to Life and Conspiracy,” and he took time and explained to the US Consulate why I was given those charges and he assured him that those were the right charges although they couldn’t provide or mentioned someone that I conspired with.”

Umoh noted that the state government had refused to explain to the US Consulate and US Government why he was imprisoned for more than a month on two false charges.

“My gold necklace and my gold bracelet were taken from me by the police officers on December 24, 2020, and till today, they say they can’t find those items, and they have refused to tender them to me.

“A threat letter was also pasted on my gate while I was in prison and since then, I have been hiding from one place to another because my house is not safe,” Umoh added.

Culled from the Sahara Reporters

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Houston

Houston Gets a Taste of West Africa at Chef Kavachi’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Show, August 8

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2 months ago

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July 30, 2025

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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.

 On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.

  Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day  in the United States on August 11th.

  From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.

  Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.

Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.

The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.

For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com

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Video: Omambala Cultural Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Igbo-Inspired Mother’s Day Event

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5 months ago

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May 11, 2025

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Omambala Association in Houston Celebrates Motherhood with Joyous Mother’s Day Event

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5 months ago

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May 11, 2025

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HOUSTON, TEXAS – May 5, 2025 — The Omambala Cultural Association in Houston hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall on Creekbend. The event brought together families and community members to honor the enduring strength, love, and sacrifices of mothers within the Igbo community.

Led by the association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, the gathering featured prayers, cultural music, dance, and speeches dedicated to celebrating motherhood. Awkuzu described the event as a moment of reflection and appreciation for mothers, emphasizing their central role in shaping families and preserving cultural values.

The association’s president, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland, addressing the group.

 

Celebrants celebrate at the Omambala Cultural Association’s Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday evening at the Igbo Catholic Community Hall in Houston.

 

Celebrants

“Mothers are the heartbeat of our homes and the foundation of our culture,” Awkuzu said, urging attendees to honor and support mothers every day, not just on special occasions.

The celebration included lively performances of traditional Igbo music and dance, homemade meals prepared by members, and the presentation of thoughtful gifts to each mother in attendance. Vice President Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka, known as Omemma Igbo, also delivered remarks, recognizing the vital role of mothers in nurturing future generations.

Photo from left_ Vice President of the group, Chief Ugochukwu Chukwuka – Omemma Igbo, and the President, Ichelle Awkuzu, the Isaaka of Igboland.

The evening was filled with laughter, music, and shared memories, reinforcing the communal spirit that defines the Omambala Cultural Association. Elders and youth alike participated in storytelling sessions and interactive cultural activities, creating a multigenerational experience that underscored the importance of preserving Igbo heritage. Several attendees expressed appreciation for the sense of belonging and cultural pride the event fostered.

The Omambala Cultural Association Inc. is a community-based organization representing people from the Old Anambra Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria. It remains committed to promoting cultural education, unity, and socio-economic development for Igbo people in the diaspora and beyond.

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