By Tony Okafor, Awka
The proprietor of Best Aluminum, Chief Pius Nweke, has regained his freedom.
Recalled that a Federal High Court, Awka presided over by Justice Nnamdi Dimgba had on 14th June 2023 sentenced Chief Pius Nweke (Ikemba) to ten (10) years imprisonment with an option of N30m fine for the offence of unlawful possession of a firearm and another three (3) months imprisonment without option of fine for the offence of unlawful possession of ammunition which sentencing was preceded by an earlier conviction of Chief Pius Nweke.
But on Monday Nweke was freed and released from the Custodial Centre, Onitsha having met the conditions of the Federal High Court, Awka.
The President General of the Abba community, Chief Alexander Ekwuagana, confirmed Nweke’s release to our correspondent.
Ekwuagana said, ” He was released from the Custodial Centre, Onitsha this morning having met the conditions of the Federal High Court, Awka”
In his post-release statement, titled: HEART FILLED WITH GRATITUDE, Nweke asked his Abba community not to lose hope.
Apparently referring to the protracted land dispute between Abba community and Ukpo which many believed caused Nweke’s incarceration, the businessman ( Nweke) said,”I have come to realize that in this world God created different seasons for a reason. He allows us to pass through some trial situations even in our innocence for a reason.
“But in all things, God never in any circumstance fails to prove himself as the Lord of the universe. He has never failed to protect the innocent and fight on the side of those who seek genuine justice and just course.
“For some years now, I have been made to pass through the valley and shadows of tribulations, but God has remained my strength and anchor. He has shown me that those who put all their trust in him can never be put to shame. At my worst moments, he has been a source of hope and victory. Even when they gathered against me and the course of justice that I have stood for, the protective grace and mercy of God has remained with me.
“As I reflect on the multiple challenging times I was made to undergo for standing as a defender to the just course of my beloved community, Abba. I wish to specially thank good spirited Anambarian who highly frowns upon oppression and all those who came forward during my court trial and my period of incarceration to testify in my favour, such distinguished personalities as His Royal Highness, Igwe L. N. Ezeh, Eze Abba, and other traditional rulers in Anambra state, and some illustrious sons and daughters of Abba Community.
“To Most Rev. Prof. E. O. Chukwuma (OON), Archbishop of Enugu Diocese; Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, Bishop on the Niger; Venerable Dr. Emmanuel Ezeugo, and other kind hearted clergymen and noble Knights of Saint Christopher, Diocese on the Niger, for all their prayers. May God continue to bless and guide you in all your endeavours.
“I also want to thank in a special way the legal luminaries that represented me all through the court trial process. To the trustees and members of Onitsha Sports Club for all their supports, the members and associates of Best Aluminum Foundation; may God bless and reward you abundantly. Not forgetting other kind individuals across the country for their kind heartedness and prayers, may the grace and mercies of God continue to abide in you.
“I will never stop seeking for the course of justice and the propagation of the genuine interest of my community. I will continue to serve and worship God Almighty who is the author and finisher of my faith in whom I hold in great trust to reveal every atrocious antics and actions of those against me and my community, Abba.
“Finally, I wish to encourage all sons and daughters of Abba community to never lose hope in their fervent prayers. I am very confident that at the end of this period of trial, truth will prevail over every form of injustice that has been meted against Abba community for many years now. God will definitely prove himself as the God of justice, and all who stood for justice will smile and celebrate when the day of reckoning comes”.
May God bless you all!!!
