Two men, Nnamdi Nwandu (41) and Okoh Ifeanyi Dino (38), are currently standing trial at the Enugu East Magistrate Court over allegations of malicious damage and willful destruction of a commercial advertising billboard valued at over ₦2.5 million. The case, which has drawn public attention, is being prosecuted under Charge No: CME/178c/2024.
The incident took place around October 2, 2023, directly opposite the premises of the Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO) in Emene, Enugu. The large format billboard, measuring 12 feet by 30 feet and bearing the inscription “DOBEN MEDIA”, was situated at a location duly applied for and officially approved by the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA). The agency issued an original approval certificate, numbered ENSSAA/B-20/0000915, in favor of Donben Media Technology Services. The structure was reportedly destroyed in what the complainant describes as a targeted act of sabotage.
The structure belongs to Donben Media Technology Services, a registered subsidiary of Buchane Services International Ltd, founded and led by Chief (Sir) Luke Onyebuchi Aneke, KSJI—a public safety expert and advocate for community development.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the accused face the following:
Count I: Malicious Damage – in violation of Section 496(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004
Count II: Willful and Unlawful Destruction of Property – in contravention of Section 415(1) of the same code
The defendants were first arraigned on April 18, 2024, and have since appeared in court on five separate occasions. Chief Luke Aneke has already testified as Prosecution Witness 1 (PW1), providing comprehensive details on the value, location, and public significance of the destroyed billboard.
The case is being prosecuted by Inspector Nnadozie Bonaventure, while the law firm of Chief (Sir) O.A.U. Onyema (Notary Public), Principal of Akpaagu Chambers, is watching brief on behalf of the complainant.
VICTIM’S STATEMENT: “AN ATTACK ON LAW AND ORDER”
Speaking to journalists following his court appearance, Chief Aneke condemned the incident as a blatant violation of civic order and respect for lawful enterprise: “This is not merely a broken billboard—it is a direct attack on lawful investment and urban infrastructure. If this act goes unpunished, it sends a dangerous signal that property, no matter how legitimate, is vulnerable to impunity.”
Chief Aneke, widely known for his contributions to public safety advocacy and grassroots development, is also a registered advertising practitioner and currently serves as the State Secretary of the Outdoor Advertising Practitioners of Enugu State (OAPEN). He emphasized the wider danger of ignoring acts of vandalism, particularly in a region striving for order, economic growth, and civic discipline.
CALL FOR VIGILANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY
As the trial continues, members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and report acts of vandalism, sabotage, or property destruction to appropriate authorities. “This is about protecting shared assets and defending due process,” Chief Aneke added.
RELATED CIVIL SUIT AT STATE HIGH COURT
In a separate but related move, the law firm of Chief (Sir) O.A.U. Onyema has also filed a civil lawsuit against the same individuals. The matter is registered as SUIT NO. E/958/2023 and titled HON. ONYEBUCHI ANEKE vs. NNAMDI NWANDU & ANOR. It is currently pending before Hon. Justice Martha Aroh-Onuorah of the Enugu State High Court.
Legal experts believe that the outcome of both the criminal and civil matters will set a precedent in protecting private sector investments in advertising and urban signage within the state.
The criminal trial has been adjourned to July 2025 for further proceedings.