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IPOB: HURIWA blasts police for keeping Imo girl hostage for 72 days, accusing her of spying

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4 years ago

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has accused the office of the Inspector General of Police of attempting to frame up a girl, Glory Okolie, whose family had been looking for since June.

It was later found that the 21-year-old was held hostage by officers of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Imo State.

HURIWA said that a Force Headquarters’ statement, where it declared the girl a terror suspect after civil rights campaigner, one Harrison Gwamnishu, had found her being allegedly converted to a maid for 72 days by the Police, was despicable, reprehensible and odious.

The rights group asked the IGP not to carry through with the “shameful plot of vendetta and frame up against an apparently distressed girl whose family have not seen for months after she was made to disappear by the police in Imo State.”

Okolie was said to have been arrested on June 17 by IRT officers in order to use her as bait to arrest her boyfriend, who is suspected to be a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Then, Gwamnishu, an activist and director-general of Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, in a Facebook post, had said it was later discovered that Okolie was in the custody of IRT in Imo allegedly cooking and washing for the officers.

HURIWA described the police action as a clear case of criminal acts of human rights violations and abuses inflicted on a citizen of Nigeria on account of a mere suspicion that her purported boyfriend is a member of IPOB.

HURIWA further said that it finds the police statement, in which it stated that it has arrested ‘militants spy girl’, utterly irresponsible, insensitive, irrational and projects the Nigerian Police Force as a bunch of hostage takers.

The human rights group pointed out that Miss Okolie’s case was already public information regarding how she was illegally detained and allegedly made to work for the police in Imo State as a maid.

HURIWA said “it is disingenuous and imbecilic for the police through the Force headquarters to spew the following propaganda about the girl whose case was already in the public domain as someone being victimised by the police.”

The advocacy Group said “this act of unprofessional policing is one amongst the many reasons that the Nigerian police force has over the years self destroyed the public image of the police and has exposed the institution to International opprobrium and disgrace.”

HURIWA’s statement was signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, where it maintained that “it was disappointing that [this this is coming] at a time some people are beginning to think that the police has eventually decided to turn a new leaf.

The group accused the police of “openly performing government magic and attempting to foist and impose a strange and utterly senseless charge on an innocent girl that their operatives [have] held hostage for over 72 days and never contacted her family nor charge her to court against the constitutional provisions.”

HURIWA pointed out that the constitution presumes the girl as being totally innocent in the eye of the law “but this Nigerian police force that is utterly despicable kept her for many months and has only just issued a lame and tepid press Statement accusing the girl of being a spy.”

Culled from the Daily Post Nigeria

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Houston and Owerri Community Mourn the Passing of Beloved Icon, Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie

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4 weeks ago

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October 3, 2025

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Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.

Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.

An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.

According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.

Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.

For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213

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

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3 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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6 months ago

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May 11, 2025

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