A former aide to the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has been suspended indefinitely from the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, following allegations of cult-related activities. Hobnob News reports on the swift action taken by the university after a photograph of the student wearing suspected cult insignia surfaced online.
Felix Okemini, who previously served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security (Ebonyi North), was recently admitted to study Political Science at the university. However, his matriculation ceremony became a source of controversy when a photograph of him wearing an insignia suspected to belong to a secret cult circulated on social media.
The image sparked widespread outrage, leading to calls for Okemini’s removal from both his government position and the university. Governor Nwifuru promptly responded, dismissing Okemini from his role as aide through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Grace Umezuruike.
The university has now taken decisive action, suspending Okemini indefinitely. In a letter signed by the Registrar, Dr. Ifeanyi Igwe, the university cited a breach of the matriculation oath as the reason for the suspension.
“The Vice-Chancellor has considered the report on the allegation of cult-related behaviour levelled against you based on the display of cultism as shown on March 14, 2025, during the matriculation ceremony of the university,” the letter stated.
The university emphasized the severity of cultism and cult-related activities, highlighting their incompatibility with the institution’s rules and regulations, as well as their threat to the university community’s security and moral fabric.
“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,” the letter continued.
The Vice-Chancellor, acting on behalf of the Senate, directed Okemini’s indefinite suspension pending the outcome of an investigation by the university’s Students’ Disciplinary Committee. “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,” the letter concluded.
The swift action taken by the university underscores its commitment to maintaining a safe and ethical environment for its students. The suspension sends a clear message that cultism and related activities will not be tolerated. Hobnob News will continue to monitor the investigation and provide updates as they become available.
