By Tunji Oladejo
A shocking report circulating online claims the Abia State High Court sentenced former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to death by hanging for allegedly stealing ₦1 trillion meant for critical infrastructure projects like the Abia International Airport and a light rail system.
However, Ikpeazu himself has rubbished these claims as “laughable” and “mischievous”, stating the story is fabricated to mislead the public.
The former Governor dismissed the death sentence report in an interview with ABN TV, calling it “not news; it is laughable”.
The alleged corruption involves ₦1 trillion traced to a secret Australian account, originally earmarked for Abia’s development projects.
However, Ikpeazu points out that no judge named Justice Chukwuemeka Nwogu exists in Nigeria, questioning the report’s credibility.
In a political backlash, former Commissioner John Okiyi Kalu accused Governor Alex Otti’s camp of spreading “hate speech”, Otti’s aide denies involvement.
Without official confirmation from the Abia State High Court or credible news outlets corroborating the sentence, the veracity of this report is uncertain. Nigeria’s judicial processes for financial crimes typically don’t impose death penalties, adding to skepticism.
In Nigeria’s charged political landscape, disinformation spreads rapidly. Citizens deserve transparency and fact-based reporting on such grave allegations. Verification is key until confirmed by trusted sources. I think this story should be treated with caution.
Tunji Oladejo writes from the University of Ibadan via oladejo65@gmail.com
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