news

Anambra Assembly Denies False Burial Law Claims

Published

5 months ago

May 19, 2026

Anambra Assembly dismisses false Anambra burial law claims, saying no new legislation on funeral rites was passed

The Anambra State House of Assembly has denied reports circulating on social media alleging that the state government introduced a new law banning lavish burial ceremonies and the presentation of expensive condolence gifts.

Also read: Police Bust Secessionist Camp, Recover Weapons in Anambra State

In a statement issued on Monday, the Special Adviser to the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Franklin Osankwa, described the reports as false, misleading and a gross misrepresentation of facts.

The controversy followed widespread claims online that the state had outlawed the presentation of cows, goats and other costly items during condolence visits as part of a newly introduced funeral regulation.

However, Osankwa clarified that no such legislation was introduced, debated or passed by the current eighth Assembly led by Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze.

According to the statement, the burial regulatory framework being referenced in viral reports was enacted in 2019, years before the inauguration of the present Assembly.

“The eighth Anambra State House of Assembly did not pass any new burial law. No such bill was introduced, debated or passed by the current Assembly,” the statement said.

Osankwa added that no amendment had been made by the present lawmakers regarding the areas being sensationally reported by some media platforms.

He criticised what he described as irresponsible and unethical reporting, accusing some platforms of promoting controversy and public outrage through misleading headlines designed to attract online traffic.

“At a time when distorted headlines are becoming a serious threat to public trust and social stability, media organisations must understand that journalism is a sacred responsibility, not a tool for clickbait sensationalism,” the statement added.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to transparent and people-oriented legislation, assuring residents that citizens would continue to be properly informed about any legitimate bills before the House.

The statement also urged Ndi Anambra and the wider public to disregard the viral claims and rely only on verified information released through official government channels.

Also read: Anambra Youths Protest Alleged Killing of 26-Year-Old by Task Force, Demand Probe

The clarification has helped calm growing public debate surrounding the alleged restrictions, which had triggered strong reactions across social media platforms over the weekend.

Up Next

Trabzonspor Set Bold €15m Price for Onuachu Amid Interest

Don't Miss

El-Rufai Supporters Protest Alleged Harsh Detention

Victory Emmanuel

Click to comment

news

Ghanaian Teenager Shot Dead Near New York School

Published

14 hours ago

October 30, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

A Ghanaian teenager shot dead in New York has been identified as 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, whose father says he had reported repeated bullying

A 15-year-old Ghanaian boy, Javits Frimpong, has been shot dead near his school in the Bronx borough of New York, United States, with his grieving father alleging that the teenager had complained about repeated bullying before the fatal attack.

Also read: Leverkusen Coach Praises Boniface After Brief Appearance in 5-2 Win

Frimpong was shot in the abdomen shortly before 9:30am on Thursday, October 29, near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont section of the Bronx, according to the New York Police Department.

CBS News reported that emergency responders took the teenager to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Police are searching for three teenage suspects, believed to be between 16 and 18 years old.

Investigators said the suspects were last seen wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks.

Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the shooting.

Frimpong’s death has left his family devastated, particularly his father, Thomas Frimpong, who told CBS News that the teenager moved from Ghana to the United States about a year ago to live with him.

The father said he learnt about the shooting after the principal of his son’s school, Dreamyard Preparatory, contacted him.

He also raised concerns about what he described as a pattern of bullying involving another student.

According to Thomas, his son had previously been involved in a fight with two boys, who were suspended after the incident.

The father said his son later confided that another student continued to harass him during lunch breaks.

“Any time I am going to lunch, that guy keep on bullying me,” the teenager reportedly told his father.

Thomas said his son had complained about the alleged bullying several times before his death.

CBS News said it contacted Dreamyard Preparatory and the New York City Department of Education for comments on the father’s allegations, but neither had responded by the time of its report.

The allegations have raised questions about whether the teenager’s reported complaints were brought to the attention of school authorities and what action, if any, followed. However, no evidence has been made public establishing a connection between the alleged bullying and the shooting.

Describing his son as quiet, Thomas struggled to come to terms with the loss.

“My son is very quiet. My son didn’t talk. He don’t talk,” he said.

The grieving father also appealed to those responsible for the killing to surrender to the police, insisting that his son’s death should not go unpunished.

The New York Police Department has urged anyone with information about the shooting to contact its Crime Stoppers hotline as investigators continue their search for the suspects.

Also read: Leverkusen Coach Praises Boniface After Brief Appearance in 5-2 Win

As the investigation continues, Frimpong’s family is left mourning a teenager whose move from Ghana to build a life with his father in the United States ended in a fatal act of violence.