Metro News

Man Bags Life Jail For Setting Ex-Boss Ablaze In Ekiti

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  An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 41-year-old man, Olasunkanmi Kareem, to life imprisonment for attempting to murder his former boss by setting him ablaze. Kareem was arraigned on November 18, 2024, on a one-count charge of attempted murder, contrary to Section 241 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. According to the charge sheet, “The defendant, on August 11, 2024, at Ifaki Ekiti, attempted to murder one Omoboriwo Bashiru by setting him ablaze.” Narrating his ordeal before the court, the victim said, “The defendant was once my apprentice at my mechanic workshop. Even after he graduated, I continued to assist him whenever he had issues with customers’ cars. “On that day, he called me around 8pm, asking about a carburetor I had helped him repair. When I told him I didn’t see it, he became abusive and threatened to set me ablaze wherever he found me. I thought he was joking. Later, I called him, and he told me where he was. “We met at a vulcanizer’s workshop, and an argument ensued. Unknown to me, he had a gallon of petrol in his hand. Since it was dark, I didn’t see it until he poured it on me. When I realized it was petrol, I tried to run, but my body was already on fire. I fell into a drainage before some passersby rescued me and put out the fire. I suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital,” Bashiru recounted. The prosecution, led by Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, presented four witnesses and tendered Kareem’s statements, pictures of the victim, and a medical report as evidence. The defendant testified in his own defense but did not call any witnesses. Delivering judgment, Justice Jibril Aladejana held that Kareem had lured the victim to a location, ambushed him behind an electric pole, and doused him with petrol before setting him on fire. “The facts before the court show that the defendant deliberately set out to harm the victim. But for the intervention of passersby, the victim would have died. This intentional act of causing grievous bodily harm amounts to attempted murder,” the judge ruled. “In my view, the defendant does not deserve leniency. He should face the full wrath of the law,” Aladejana added before sentencing Kareem to life imprisonment.

Okpebholo Meets Senate Deputy President Over Edo Travellers Killing

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  Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has paid a condolence visit to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, over the killings of travellers in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The governor was at the Maitama residence of the Deputy President of the Senate in Abuja on Monday. A mob had intercepted the travellers who were on their way to Kano State for Sallah celebrations, ransacked their vehicle and gruesomely murdered them on Thursday. The victims are hunters from Kano State. This is contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Monday. “The governor extended his condolences to the Deputy President of the Senate, who is from Kano State, pledging that the state government will assist the families of the victims. According to the statement, the Edo State governor disclosed that the 14 suspects arrested in connection with the killings of the travellers are going to be taken to Abuja for further interrogation. While assuring that the perpetrators will face the full wrath of the law, he described the killings of the innocent travellers as unfortunate and condemnable. “It’s unfortunate that it happened in our state. We are here to say, to let you and other people know that we are not happy. The president is doing something drastic about this. He’s not happy also. The IG has swung into action. The DIG CID is in charge. So far, they have arrested 14 suspects. “So they are bringing them to Abuja for interrogation. We have also set up a committee to see that we take care of the families of the deceased,” the governor was quoted as saying. Responding, the Deputy President of the Senate said the perpetrators of the act must be brought to book to serve as a deterrent to others. “We cannot undo what has been done. But we all want – all Nigerians, what they are looking forward to is to make sure that these people are arrested and brought to justice. And you are doing well in that direction. And I’m also glad you’ve spoken about the fact that your government is ready to assist the families of those affected. ” I want you to continue to pursue the case so that all those who were involved in these barbaric actions are brought to justice. It’s a barbaric action, to say the facts. “If they are brought to justice, it would serve as a deterrent to those who might want to do this in future. I know that people from other parts of the country have been staying with your people in Edo for centuries in a very conducive atmosphere. And this barbaric act has never happened. I’m sure, under your watch, this will not happen again. “I thank you very much. You’ve told me now that you’ll meet the Kano State governor today. This is very good. Please continue what you are doing. Mr President also told us that you are doing very well in this direction, and we have seen it because, as I said, we have spoken several times on this matter in the last 72 hours,” he said. Punch

Fire Razes Aleshinloye Market, Destroys Properties Worth Millions Of Naira

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  IBADAN – Properties worth million of naira have been burnt to ashes when raging fire on Tuesday night razed popular Aleshinloye Market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. In a video sighted on Tuesday night, the inferno was raging with thick flames in the late hours. Akinyemi Akinyinka, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services who confirmed the incident, said firefighters were at the scene to put out the fire. Akinyemi Akinyinka, said, “Our men are currently working at Aleshinloye market.” As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire is unknown.

Pregnant woman, five others killed in Nasarawa farmer-herder clash

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  Six people, including a pregnant woman, have been feared killed in a violent clash between farmers and herders in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Several others sustained injuries, while houses, motorcycles, and a police patrol vehicle were set ablaze. The state police command confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lafia, the state capital, by its spokesperson, SP Nansel Ranham. Ranham disclosed that security personnel had been deployed to the area to restore order and that six bodies had so far been recovered. “The six corpses recovered and identified are Simeon Madaki, Ayawu Senior, Sunday Wa’azu, Vincent Sunday, Taimako Senior, and Filibus Jatau Mai’anguwa. “Some houses, shops, motorcycles, and a car were also vandalised during the attack,” the statement read. Ranham added that three injured victims—Samaniya Wa’azu, Vincent Ezekiel, and Johnson Maikasuwa—were rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment. It added, “To ensure law and order, the area has been reinforced with personnel from the Mobile Police of 69 PMF Toto, alongside other police operatives and the military, who are currently patrolling the vicinity. “However, in the course of the intervention, the mob vandalised a police patrol vehicle and later set fire to a nearby Ruga settlement where the suspect, Sani, resided. This led to the unfortunate death of one Azumi Allah Gaba and her unborn child.” The police further disclosed that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence and that normalcy had been restored to the affected community. Meanwhile, a resident, Yakubu Joshua, claimed the death toll was higher than officially reported, alleging that more than 20 people had been killed and many others remained missing. Punch

Tinubu Mourns As Legal Icon Kharisu Chukkol Dies At 79

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  President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Prof. Kharisu Chukkol. The father of Karim, the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s immediate past acting chairman was a renowned legal scholar and expert in criminal law He passed away in Abuja on Sunday evening at the age of 79. This was disclosed in a Monday statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. Describing the late professor as a “towering figure in Nigerian legal scholarship,” the President lauded his immense contributions to legal education and practice in Nigeria, particularly through his work at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. “A native of Mayo Belwa in Adamawa State, Professor Chukkol dedicated his professional life to teaching and advancing law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. “He specialized in criminal law and held various positions at ABU, including Dean of the Faculty of Law and Director of the Institute of Administration,” the President stated. Highlighting his influence on generations of legal practitioners, Tinubu noted that the late Chukkol’s students include sitting justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, senior advocates, and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser. He also praised Chukkol’s seminal 1988 book, Law of Crimes in Nigeria, which he described as “a cornerstone reference for legal practitioners and scholars.” In addition to his academic legacy, Tinubu reflected on the professor’s influence through his family, particularly his son, Abdulkarim Chukkol, who served as the immediate past Acting Chairman of the EFCC. Tinubu concluded his tribute with heartfelt prayers and words of comfort. He wrote: “I urge the family, students, and all touched by Professor Chukkol’s life to find solace in his remarkable achievements and the enduring impact of his work. May Allah grant him eternal peace.” Punch

Suspected Cult Group Members Attack Family, One Raped, Other Injured

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  A 29 years old woman who is recognized as Mrs. Adeniyi Aderonke Sefunmi, has been assaulted and raped by a group of suspected cult group. The unfortunate event of violent attack linked members of a confraternity cult group, occurred On 7th March, 2025 at Oke-Ogun, Owo in Ondo state, around 7.30pm. With the unfortunate incident, the community grapples with fear, support needs, and calls for accountability. In the same incident, the woman father-in-law, Mr. Adeniyi Emmanuel Ajidele sustained a head injury during the chaos, adding to the urgency of medical and legal responses. The victim’s husband, Mr. Adeniyi Oluwatosin Michael, reported the violent incident at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Owo. He said the violent incident happened in his residence at Wonderful Embassy, Oke-Ogun, Owo in Ondo state, around 7.30pm while he was coming back home and he heard some strange voices coming from his house and had to hide somewhere and witness the whole unfortunate incident. After the perpetrators left, he quickly called for help to take his wife and father to the hospital. The medical emergency services transported the woman and her father in law who were injured and bleeding to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo for treatment. Officers secured the scene and began a preliminary investigation. Detectives are examining witness statements, social-media activity, and alleged group affiliations to determine motive, coordination, and possible charges. The security agencies have asked anyone with information on how to apprehend the perpetrators to come forward. The operatives reaffirmed their commitment to a thorough, transparent investigation and to safeguarding the rights and safety of all involved. They noted that charges would reflect the findings of the case and applicable laws, as the case remains under active investigation. The newsmen will continue to follow the updates from law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims to provide accurate, respectful coverage that serves the public interest and honors those affected. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation should contact the police.

Electricity Distributors Demand Justice For Brutalised IKEDC Workers, Journalists

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  The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors has asked the Nigerian Air Force, the military, and the presidency to fish out officers and men of the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, who attacked staff and journalists at Ikeja Electric on Thursday. The association said it would not relent until justice is served to everyone brutalised by the armed men at the headquarters of IKEDC in Alausa, Lagos. Our correspondent, who was also brutalised by the military men on Thursday, reports that after the invasion of the IKEDC and the brutalisation of persons, the Area Officer Commanding,Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshall AK Ademulegun, visited the office later in the day, promising to investigate the incident. However, in an interview on TVC on Friday, the Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, said Ademulegun could not feign ignorance of the attack. Oduntan, who is also the spokesman of all the DisCos said the association would not relent in seeking redress until justice is served. He emphasised that the debt of the Ikeja Air Force Base is N4.3bn, and no attempt is being made to pay the debt. “I want to believe that we’re in a sane country. I still want to believe that we’re better than we were in 1978 when Fela’s house was invaded. So, we want to see what will happen. We have to see what the presidency will do, and the military authorities too, because normally, heads must roll; not should role, heads must roll. “For people to leave Ikeja Air Force Base fully armed in trucks, to go somewhere and start beating civilians; they made them lie down on the floor of the Air Force base, more than a hundred people, and beating them repeatedly, someone must pay for this,” he stressed. Oduntan likened the invasion of the IKEDC by armed to a coup against all DisCos, calling on the nation’s political leaders to give this the seriousness it deserves, describing it as a very traumatic experience that has left many sleepless since yesterday. “This is to the political class, this is not the time for you to be kissing your husband or kissing your wife to make any public show at the National Assembly. What the Air Force from Ikeja did to us yesterday was an indication that they can do a lot of things to all of you. This is how people easily plan and execute a coup. Because in a country where they will sign out vehicles and trucks with fully armed men, they signed out arms to invade civilians, we should not be dealing with issues that are not even important. “What we should begin with now should be the issue of good governance. We should be at a point where no military person should be able to plan anything funny. What they did yesterday for us as DisCos is our coup. I pray they will not do that to the Lagos State Government, the National Assembly, or the Nigerian government. But unless these people are brought out, and we receive justice, I can assure you that they will do it again, and they will do it in a larger proportion. What happened yesterday was a coup against Ikeja Electric. “And we need them to assure us of our safety, not just by one AVM saying you assure us after you sent your officers to come and kill us. So, this is something that the President needs to react to. Unless and until the military authorities do something about this openly and transparently, until they bring all the culprits to book, and we can see them, and they have to return the database, all the things that they took away. We no go gree(sic). They didn’t want us to see their faces from the CCTV, so they took the database away. There must be full restoration,” Oduntan declared. Punch

Seven Injured In Ogun Steel Factory Explosion

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  The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into an explosion at Quantum Steel, located along the Sagamu-Ikorodu Road in Ogijo, which left seven workers, including three expatriates, injured. The blast, which occurred on Wednesday, was reported at the Ogijo Police Division by a staff member of the company, Joseph Adewale. Those injured include four Nigerians—Daniel Bala, 28; Mutiu Olajide, 39; Godwin Solomon, 27; and Maduabuchi Onwe, 27—as well as three expatriates, Ajun Kumar, 37; Chandan Kumar, 50; and Rakash Kumar, 30. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, saying the explosion was caused by machinery failure. The statement read, “According to the report, on March 2, 2025, at about 6:30 pm, a blast from one of the factory’s machines resulted in severe injuries to seven individuals, including both Nigerian and expatriate workers. “All the injured victims were rushed to Rolayo Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding well.” Odutola said detectives visited the scene, conducted an initial assessment, and documented evidence, including photographs. She added that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure compliance with industrial safety regulations. The statement read, “According to the report, on March 2, 2025, at about 6:30 pm, a blast from one of the factory’s machines resulted in severe injuries to seven individuals, including both Nigerian and expatriate workers. “All the injured victims were rushed to Rolayo Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding well.” Odutola said detectives visited the scene, conducted an initial assessment, and documented evidence, including photographs. She added that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure compliance with industrial safety regulations. The police command also urged companies and industries to prioritize workplace safety to prevent similar incidents. Punch

JUST IN: 14 rescued, Others Trapped In Lagos Building Collapse

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  A building under construction at Oriwu Street in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State has collapsed, trapping several people under the rubble. The state police command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the incident happened at about 4 pm. Hundeyin added that 14 persons had been rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital for medical attention. He wrote, “Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have been mobilised to the scene of the collapse of a building under construction at Oriwu Street, Lekki Phase 1 which occurred at about 1600hrs today. “A total of 14 persons have so far been rescued and taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment. “Meanwhile, operatives of the Command remain on ground to provide security for the ongoing rescue operation.” Details later…

Kidnappers Kill Kaduna Catholic Priest

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  A Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Kafanchan, Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu, has been killed by suspected bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Okechukwu until his murder was the Priest in charge of St Mary Catholic Church, Tachira in Kaura Local Government Area. The Chancellor of Kafanchan Catholic Archdiocese, Reverend Father Jacob Shanet, disclosed this in a statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Wednesday. Shanet said Okechukwu was kidnapped at his residence on Tuesday at around 9:15 Pm, but was confirmed killed on Ash Wednesday morning. He added that the reason why he was killed is yet to be determined. “This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated. Fr Sylvester was a dedicated servant of God, who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love and hope. “He was always available and accessible to his parishioners. His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him. “Let us come together as one family in prayer for the repose of his soul. We invite all priests, religious and the faithful, to offer Holy Masses, Rosaries and Prayers for the eternal repose of Fr. Sylvester, who gave his life in service to God and humanity. “We wish to call on our youth and members of the Takad community to remain calm and steadfast in prayer, warning that no one should take the law into their hands. The details of the funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course,” the statement added. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, could not be reached for confirmation as of the time of filing this report. Punch

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