In a dramatic twist to the ongoing controversy surrounding Anambra State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Senator Nicholas Ukachukwu, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arrested Stephen Akpa, the businessman at the center of a viral public confrontation over an alleged ₦1 billion debt. The arrest reignites questions about the legitimacy of the claims against Ukachukwu, with his media team pointing fingers at rival Governor Chukwuma Soludo for alleged political orchestration.

 

The Transcorp Hilton Incident: A Public Spectacle

The saga began over the weekend when Ukachukwu was reportedly held “hostage” at the upscale Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja by creditors, including representatives from Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited—Akpa’s company. A viral video captured the tense standoff, showing Ukachukwu, accompanied by his wife and son, being confronted and blocked from leaving the premises amid demands for repayment of the purported ₦1 billion debt tied to a real estate deal.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with creditors accusing Ukachukwu of theft and urging his family to intervene, leaving hotel guests stunned.

This incident follows closely on the heels of a press conference by a coalition of over 40 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which issued a seven-day ultimatum to Ukachukwu and his company, Chupi Company Limited, over a separate but related $1.2 million (approximately ₦1 billion) land allocation dispute in Lugbe, Abuja. Subscribers, who paid through Zoe New Dawn, claim no land has been allocated nor refunds issued since 2022.

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EFCC’s Move Against Akpa: Questions of Credibility

Akpa, identified as the Chief Executive of Zoe New Dawn Nigeria Limited, was first arrested by the EFCC in December 2022 for allegedly obtaining N500 million under false pretence in a land fraud scheme.

He evaded authorities until a re-arrest on August 21, 2023, when he was paraded at EFCC headquarters in Abuja, holding a placard detailing the charges under the Advance Fee Fraud and Money Laundering Act. The images circulating online, showing Akpa in traditional attire with the EFCC signboard, have fueled speculation about his motives in the Ukachukwu confrontation.

 

In a statement posted on social media by Eneh Victor Chigozie, a prominent member of Ukachukwu’s media team and supporter, the arrest is portrayed as vindication. “Stephen Akpa was arrested and paraded by the EFCC in 2023 for allegedly obtaining money under false pretence,” Chigozie wrote. He accused Akpa of being a tool in a smear campaign orchestrated by Governor Soludo, Ukachukwu’s main rival in the Anambra governorship race.

 

Ukachukwu’s Denial and Counter-Accusations

Ukachukwu has vehemently denied any indebtedness to Akpa, labeling the hotel incident as a politically motivated attack. He blames Soludo for “contracting” Akpa to fabricate claims and tarnish his reputation ahead of the election.

“This is a desperate attempt to distract from real issues facing Anambra,” a source close to the APC candidate told reporters, echoing Chigozie’s post.

 

Chigozie’s message struck a tone of reluctant sympathy, acknowledging the “embarrassments” Ukachukwu has faced from Soludo’s “Solution team.” However, he added a pointed reminder: “All is fair in war that hurts the opponent. He should try to get even with Soludo if he can… Your protocol team could have saved you from this embarrassment if they were efficient.” The post concluded with a curt “Good luck to you,” highlighting internal frustrations within the campaign.

 

Broader Implications for Anambra’s Governorship Race

As the November 2025 Anambra governorship election looms, this feud threatens to overshadow policy discussions. The CSO coalition, still awaiting resolution on the Lugbe land issue, has vowed to proceed with petitions to the APC, INEC, and security agencies if the seven-day ultimatum expires without action. Ukachukwu’s team, meanwhile, is scrambling to reframe the narrative, portraying the candidate as a victim of “dirty politics.”

Critics argue the overlapping disputes—both involving Zoe New Dawn and real estate—raise legitimate concerns about Ukachukwu’s business dealings and fitness for office. “Whether orchestrated or not, these aren’t isolated incidents,” one CSO representative noted. “Anambra deserves leaders beyond reproach.”

The EFCC has yet to comment on any link between Akpa’s re-arrest and the Ukachukwu matter, but sources indicate investigations into related fraud complaints are ongoing.

 

What Happens Next?

With Akpa back in custody, Ukachukwu’s camp is pushing for a swift probe into alleged political interference. The public awaits clarity: Was the debt claim genuine, or a Soludo-engineered hit job? As protests loom and the ultimatum clock ticks, Anambra’s political landscape grows more volatile by the hour.

 

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Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. For more on Anambra politics, real estate disputes, and APC’s campaign challenges, follow our blog.