Metro
Rape Accusation: Nigerian Commits Suicide in US, Announces Own Death
A creative designer and founder of Uhuru Designz, a United States of America-based clothing company, Izuchukwu Madubueze (simply known as Izu), has taken his own life over an allegation of sexual assault.
Izu, who resided in Tampa, Florida, reportedly moved to the US some years ago.
While his Lagos-based friend, Nelson Greyhood, confirmed the suicide to PUNCH Metro, efforts to speak to his family members proved abortive.
The telephone line of his brother, Ekene, was not reachable.
Our correspondent, however, read Ekene’s status update, indicating that his phone was ‘blowing up’ from multiple calls, as he asked his friends to send him text messages.
He had yet to respond to a text message from our correspondent.
Izu reportedly graduated from King’s College, Lagos, in 2013, before getting a scholarship to study at the University of Florida.
The King’s College Old Boys’ Association confirmed his death on its Twitter page.
PUNCH Metro gathered that a Twitter influencer and female rights activist, Nanichi Anese, added Izu’s name to a list of sexual offenders on the social media late June 2020.
She claimed to have received information from some anonymous ladies, who alleged that the victim sexually assaulted them.
Izu, who was contacted by friends, who saw the post, reached out to Anese, demanding the identities of his accusers.
However, Anese allegedly declined the request, saying she had sworn to protect the ladies.
After failed efforts to clear his name, the victim was said to have taken his own life.
Izu announced his own death on Twitter using Crowdfire App, an application which allows users to schedule their posts.
“Oh and if you’re reading this, I’m dead lol,” he wrote on July 17, 2020.
As reactions trickled in, his accuser, Anese @nanichianese, claimed she had spoken to him and they had apologised to each other.
When the criticisms increased, she deactivated her Twitter account.
However, before deactivating the account, Anese said her intentions were noble.
“I’m aching right now and have so many thoughts, so much anger, pain, guilt, sadness. But this isn’t about me. It never has been. For those of you healing so many wounds right now, I’m sorry if any of your pain has come at my hands. This is the last of what I would ever wanted and I am really struggling because my friend is gone,” she wrote.
Findings from earlier tweets by @nanichianese showed that she had listed the names of some men, including Izu, accusing them of sexual assault.
She urged them to have some “introspection” on their past dealings and seek the forgiveness of their former girlfriends.
“I have remained steadfast and will continue. No stories will be released, no names will be released. I stand by that and will not waiver. Deal with that as you see fit and do not attach me to anything. But this thread will live on,” she wrote on her timeline.
Izu, in a private message to Anese, whom he said was a friend, demanded details of the allegations against him.
He lamented that a lot of people had been calling him after seeing his name on the list.
Anese said she was told “the harassment was not physical.”
“Again, thanks for your response; I thought we had a better relationship than this Nani, but it’s cool, I can’t shoot the messenger. No one comes to mind still. My phone is blowing up, and I myself, I’m still shocked. If you could let the person know I sincerely apologized for any way I harassed them that’d be greatly appreciated. If they need to talk, they can reach me on (phone number). Feel free to post this too,” he wrote.
However, Anese said the victim declined to speak with him.
Izu expressed frustration at the accusation and released private messages of a lady, who asked to date him in 2017.
He said while he did not wish to discredit any supposed victim’s story, his efforts at knowing his offence had been futile.
“I am still pretty clueless as to who this is, so if you feel comfortable enough, please feel free to reach out to me so I can understand wherever I went wrong and make amends and do better overall,” he wrote.
His friend, Greyhood, told our correspondent that Izu later killed himself.
He said, “He schooled in the University of Florida, where he studied something like Criminology or so. He was staying in a small apartment before he moved to a big warehouse as his company was doing fine. He was a great guy with strong will. He moved to the US more than four years now on scholarship.
“It was actually over there that the rape allegation trended. The woman compiling the list of the supposed sexual offender is also in the United States.
“I went on Twitter and saw the whole story and how he pleaded to know the accusers and even brought out his past relationships, saying he had never abused anyone in his life.
“His friends close to him in Florida confirmed that he’s dead. The Crowdfire app he used to post his death allows people to schedule their posts. So, it dropped online after he took his own life.”
PUNCH Metro observed that a petition on change.org calling for the prosecution of Anese had been signed by over 5,000 people.
Thousands of Nigerians on Twitter also called for justice for the victim, with the hashtag#JusticeforIZU, trending for hours.
The Punch
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.
Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.
The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.
Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.
“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”
Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.
“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”
Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.
Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, on Monday, consulted former President Goodluck Jonathan on the state of the nation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi disclosed this after a closed-door meeting with the former president in Abuja. He led a delegation of South-East political leaders to the meeting, including serving and former lawmakers, as well as former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the former Anambra State governor said the visit was part of ongoing consultations ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Notable South-East leaders have come in consultation with our respected former president. That is basically what it is—on the 2027 elections and, overall, about Nigeria,” Obi said.
Obi has been holding meetings with political heavyweights across the country as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the ADC presidential primary for the 2027 general elections.
Last week, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party was in Bauchi with South-East leaders, where they held a closed-door meeting with Bala Mohammed.
Speaking after the meeting, Obi said the visit was focused on building national unity and strengthening cooperation across regions.
“My purpose is to solicit the support and cooperation of His Excellency and the stakeholders of Bauchi and the North-East in our quest to unite this country. We want to have a united country to build a future for our children.
“The country cannot continue the way it is today; we are headed in the wrong direction, and we need to reverse that for everybody. That is the simple purpose of why we are here – to seek the support of the stakeholders of Bauchi in building a new Nigeria that will be of benefit to all,” he added.
In a defining moment that underscores the evolving synergy between public institutions and community-driven security frameworks, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) led by the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayo Ogunsan has hosted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu at her headquarters office, Alausa-Secretariat, Ikeja, in a visit that resonated far beyond ceremonial optics. It was a convergence of leadership, legacy, and a shared commitment to sustaining a security architecture that places people at its core.
The visit not only reaffirmed Lagos as a pacesetter in security innovation but also spotlighted the LSSTF as a national model for effective collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders, and law enforcement. With candid reflections, strong endorsements, and renewed calls for collective responsibility, the gathering became a platform for both introspection and forward-looking commitments.
Speaking at the historic visit to LSSTF, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Disu, delivered a heartfelt address laced with gratitude, reflection, and a deep sense of institutional memory. “I am so happy to be here today. This is one of my greatest days because as a Commander of Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), I had a wonderful time with LSSTF. LSSTF is a model that virtually all the states in Nigeria have come to understudy us, even Force HQ came and they started the version of RRS in Abuja FCT.”
He painted a vivid picture of operational efficiency enabled by LSSTF support. “They made our jobs very easy. I had 2000 men to manage, I had many operational vehicles, I had 40 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) at a point working in perfect condition, I had 3 helicopters, my own patrol vehicle came in set so that when one is being serviced, the other one is working.”
“The equipment, tools, vehicles are enough to give any Commander worries but I never had to worry because the Lagos State Security Trust Fund LSSTF is there. All I needed to do is to write to them that 2 of our vehicles have been involved in accidents, two engines are knocked, tyres are needed and all these things are provided. I had a store in our office at RRS which is stockpiled with batteries in their hundreds, tyres in their thousands, everything that is needed to manage the vehicles without contacting them. The big issues they managed and almost every week, they call me to come and pick vehicles. So this helped to remove my mind from vehicle repairs and made me have time to concentrate on policing Lagos,” Disu said.
IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu particularly attributed his success as the Commander of Lagos Rapid Response Squad RRS to the immense support of the LSSTF. “If people are talking to you about the efficiency of the RRS, the Lagos State Police Command, I can say that 70% of the achievements came from LSSTF. LSSTF is a model that everybody should come and see how it works. If Mr. President can say, I know him well, Apart from working with him, I believed it is from my record working as Commander of RRS Lagos. The truth is when the tools are there and the human beings are there, there will be successes. I remember that the people called RRS our police, in fact when some of our officers are sick, people will call to check in on them. And that is to show that people don’t hate the police, they want an efficient police. That’s why I have to pay a courtesy call to LSSTF now that I am in Lagos on an operational visit.”
He then used the opportunity to call for more support. “I also came to solicit support for the Lagos State Police Command, we all know the importance of Lagos and know the influx of people from all over the nation into Lagos, these are the men managing the security. As you have always done, please give us the support, give us the vehicles and help us to activate the helicopters because with the eye in the sky it makes the job easier.”
Recounting the formative years of his career, he emphasized the enduring value of mentorship. “When I started my work as a Police officer, I remember I met Mr. Adedigba who retired as a DCP. He became my mentor, I gained a lot from him and up till date, he taught me great lessons. He speaks fluent English, and also speaks pidgin English fluently. That’s the value of mentorship.”
Following the IGP’s remarks, the LSSTF CEO, Dr. Ogunsan, delivered an impassioned address that blended commendation with a strategic appeal for sustained support.
“The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu loves you immensely. You have shown us a unique style of policing by finding a critical balance between the people and the Police. You have succeeded in giving people hope that Police is your employee. Anything you tell us to do, we will do it,” Ogunsan declared.
He did not shy away from addressing the funding realities confronting the Trust Fund. “We need money to run the LSSTF and only a few people are doing the job. Donor apathy is setting in over the years, especially now that we have security trust funds springing up all over states.”
In a strategic appeal to the IGP’s influence, he added, “We want to take advantage of your office as IGP. When people come to you and tell you what you need, tell them as a Lagosian, ‘I want you to do this for Lagos and LSSTF because you actually have a stake in Lagos.’ Please help chip in a word for LSSTF.”
The private sector echoed strong support for both the IGP and LSSTF. A Board Member of LSSTF and CEO of Prime Atlantic, Mr. Ayo Otuyalo emphasized the importance of leadership in policing, stating, “Leadership in the Police is important. We are happy that we see it in your service. We will give you all the support.”
Similarly, a board member of LSSTF and Managing Director of Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative, Mr. Ubon Udoh, reinforced commitment to LSSTF’s mission. “To hear the things said about you is to tell about the quality of life you are living. We have a good relationship. As a board member of the LSSTF, you have our commitment to get additional funding. Thank you for all you have done as we look forward to celebrating you.”
Also, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Board Member of LSSTF, DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover rtd, lauds IGP Disu’s leadership, “When you went to Rivers State Command, you succeeded, you were later posted to FCT Police command, you succeeded, I said, this is my man. I read your posting to FCID Annex Alagbon as the AIG, suddenly I heard a new IG was appointed, I was very happy, congratulations IGP.”
The visit also featured the presence of the IGP’s entourage, including AIG Zone 2, AIG Olorundare Moshood Jimoh; Commissioner of Police, Lagos Command, CP Tijani Fatai; ACP Operations, ACP Ehindero Lawrence; ACP Operations Admin, ACP Aka Shittu; DPO Alausa Division; and PPRO Lagos, SP Abimbola Adebisi, among other officers. Also in attendance are the director of Admin, LSSTF, Mr. Adegbola Lewis and the Executive Assistant, LSSTF, Mrs. Adaobi Nwankwo among others.
In a symbolic exchange that underscored mutual respect and partnership, souvenirs were presented by the LSSTF CEO to IGP Disu, while IGP Disu a souvenir to Dr. Ogunsan.
