The Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State has suspended a former aide to Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, over alleged cult-related activities.
The suspended student, Felix Okemini, previously served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security (Ebonyi North) before he was relieved of his position on Tuesday.
Okemini, who was recently admitted to study Political Science, was pictured during the university’s matriculation wearing an insignia suspected to belong to a secret cult.
The image, which circulated on social media, sparked outrage, leading to calls for his removal from both the government and the institution.
Nwifuru, through the Secretary to the State Government, Grace Umezuruike, announced Okemini’s dismissal earlier in the week.
Following the controversy, the university, in a letter signed by its Registrar, Dr. Ifeanyi Igwe, on Friday, suspended him indefinitely, citing a breach of the matriculation oath.
The letter read, “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.
“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.”
