Gov. Nwifuru’s ex-aide suspended from university over cultism involvement

Amah Samuel-Ugbor,
South-East Regional Editor

Management of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, has taken decisive action by indefinitely suspending a former aide to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru over alleged cult-related activities.

The suspended individual, Felix Okemini was, until recently, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nwifuru on Security (Ebonyi North).

He was relieved of his appointment on Tuesday following controversy arising from the matriculation of the University.

Okemini was one of the new students admitted into the institution to study Political Science.

However, during the matriculation, he was pictured wearing insignia suspected to belong to a secret cult group.

The picture, which trended on social media, attracted condemnation, with many calling for his sack by the governor and dismissal from the University.

Governor Nwifuru, in a statement through the Secretary to the State Government, Grace Umezuruike, announced the dismissal of Okemini during the week.

The University, in a letter to Okemini, on Friday, followed suit by slamming an indefinite suspension on him.

The letter signed by the Registrar of the institution, Dr. Ifeanyi Igwe said the suspension was due to cult-related allegations leveled against the student.

The institution noted that the acts were against the matriculation oath sworn by Mr Okemini during the matriculation.

The letter further said that he remains suspended pending the investigation by the institution.

According to the letter, “The Vice-Chancellor has considered the report on allegation of cult-related behavior leveled against you based on the display of cultism as shown on March 14, 2025, during the matriculation ceremony of the university.

“You are hereby informed of your matriculation oath and the fact that cultism and cult-related activities are unacceptable and against the rules and regulations governing students’ activities in the university, as well as a security and moral threat to the University Community.

“Consequently, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the Senate, has directed that you be suspended indefinitely from the University pending the outcome of the investigation of this matter by the Students’ Disciplinary Committee of the university.

“You are, by this letter, hereby suspended from the University.

“This letter conveys the Vice-chancellor’s directive.”