In today’s world of instant information, it doesn’t take long for false stories to spread like wildfire. The latest victim of such fabricated tales is former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who has been forced to respond to a viral report claiming he was sentenced to death by hanging for allegedly stealing ₦1 trillion during his time in office.
Ikpeazu, in an interview monitored by NATIONAL CONCORD with ABN TV, laughed off the publication, describing it as “poorly fabricated” and without an ounce of truth. According to him, the story fell apart the moment basic facts were examined.
First, the so-called judgment was attributed to a certain Justice Chukwuemeka Nwogu a name Ikpeazu insists does not exist within the Nigerian judiciary. Second, he pointed out the sheer impossibility of the allegation, noting that the entire allocation received by Abia State throughout his eight years in office never reached ₦500 billion.
“This one is not news, it is laughable. No judge in Nigeria is called Justice Chukwuemeka Nwogu. The total allocation of Abia State in my eight years did not even reach ₦500 billion. So, where is the ₦1 trillion they claimed I stole coming from? When was the trial conducted?” he queried.
Beyond the numbers, Ikpeazu also emphasized that financial crimes, while serious, are not capital offences in Nigeria. In other words, even if someone were convicted of fraud, the law does not prescribe the death penalty.
He urged Nigerians to treat the viral report as nothing more than an attempt by mischief-makers to mislead the public and tarnish his image.
The Bigger Picture
This incident once again highlights the dangers of fake news in an era where social media posts often travel faster than verified facts. For public figures, reputations can be damaged in minutes. For everyday readers, it serves as a reminder: always question sensational claims and verify from credible sources before believing or sharing.
