ABAKALIKI, Nigeria – The Ebonyi State government has vehemently denied media reports alleging that Governor Francis Nwifuru ordered the arrest of five commissioners over contract breaches and delays in project completion.
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, media outlets reported that Ilang Donatus, the chairman of the Ebonyi executive council committee overseeing housing projects, had announced the arrest of the commissioners.
The accusations centered on the delay in the completion of two state housing projects meant to support communities affected by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis.
However, in a counter-statement, Ilang Donatus dismissed these reports as “false and unfounded,” describing them as a product of misinformation.
He clarified that no commissioners were arrested, and he urged journalists to verify the claims with the police and other security agencies.
“We informed them of the state governor’s displeasure over delays in the project and resolved to take drastic actions on the defaulters. However, no arrests have been made,” Ilang stated.
He added that the government is committed to providing housing for the affected communities and is closely monitoring the progress of the housing projects.
Joshua Ukandu, the spokesperson for the Ebonyi police command, also confirmed that no commissioner was in their custody, further dispelling the rumors.
The state government had initiated the construction of 140 housing units in Ishielu Local Government Area to support the Izzo and Amaze communities displaced by the communal conflict.
