Abia Govt. Warns Against Fake News As Panel Clears Man of PHC Vandalism Allegation .

*“Abia is not a safe haven for rumour mongers” — Chief of Staff

The Abia State Government has warned against the spread of unverified information on social media, saying the state will not tolerate rumour mongering and character assassination.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, gave the warning on Thursday, July 16, 2026, while receiving the report of a 7-man panel that investigated allegations of vandalism at Agburuezeukwu Primary Health Centre, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
The panel exonerated Hon. Chisom Nwaogbe of the allegation, saying there was no evidence of vandalism or theft at the facility.
“We want to caution those who peddle rumours without verifying their authenticity to be careful. Abia State is a place where law and order have found their abode, and anyone who seeks to cause disaffection through rumour mongering, false accusations or character assassination will not find this state a safe haven,” Pastor Ajagba stated.
Chairman of the Committee, Assistant Commandant Emma Ogbuehi (Rtd.), told the Chief of Staff that investigation confirmed Nwaogbe visited the health centre on June 27, 2026, to retrieve building materials he had left behind after completing a maintenance contract.
The materials included two metal doors, 15 drums of paint, 22 empty paint buckets and 1½ long span aluminum roofing sheets.
Ogbuehi said the Officer-in-Charge and the current contractor did not approve the immediate removal, so Nwaogbe offloaded the items from a tricycle.
The situation escalated when one Kenneth Nwogwugwu allegedly interfered and ordered the vigilante group to take Nwaogbe and the tricycle rider to the Umuezegu Civic Hall, where they were handcuffed.
The Committee further found that one Mr. Ikpeama Chinemere, popularly known as “Table Shaker,” recorded and circulated a video of the incident on social media — an act he admitted.
“There was no evidence of vandalism or theft of any government property,” Ogbuehi said. “Rather, Nwaogbe was publicly assaulted, illegally detained and defamed through the viral video.”
The Committee also noted that the two individuals linked to the incident were neither members of the community nor the vigilante group.
Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, Pastor Ajagba commended the panel for its professionalism in unraveling the facts.
“From your report, it has been established that no vandalism took place. Rather, it was a case of character assassination, and we thank you for bringing the truth to light,” he said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s zero-tolerance for corruption and criminality.
“This administration has zero tolerance for corruption or any form of criminality. Anyone involved in criminal acts, no matter how highly placed, will be brought to book.
“This administration remains committed to infrastructural development and the creation of a conducive environment where every Abian can enjoy the best quality of life.”
The Chief of Staff assured that government will study the committee’s recommendations and take steps to prevent the recurrence of false accusations and malicious campaigns.
Members of the committee were drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others.