Metro News

Mindless Act of Violence, Obi Condemns Killing of 12 in Kwara

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Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed sorrow over the deadly attack on Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State that left some vigilantes and a community leader dead. The Kwara State Police Command confirmed that at least 12 persons, including the Baale of Ogbayo, were killed during Sunday morning’s bandits’ attack. According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. when armed men stormed the Ogbayo area of Oke-Ode, shooting sporadically and targeting members of the local vigilante. Ejire-Adeyemi said four injured victims were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were evacuated. In a statement on his X handle on Tuesday, the former Anambra Governor described the incident as “another mindless act of violence” and urged urgent action to halt the cycle of bloodshed. He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the tragic killings in Oke-Ode, Kwara State, where innocent lives, including vigilantes and the Baale of Ogbayo, were cut short in yet another mindless act of violence from armed bandits terrorising our nation. “Once again, our nation is thrown into mourning as innocent lives are cut short. These repeated attacks show the urgent need for an emergency on national security. “No Nigerian should have to live in fear in their own home. We cannot continue to normalise tragedy. Obi offered condolences to the governor, the people of Kwara State and the bereaved families. “My heart goes out to the Governor and the people of Kwara State. I reassure you that you are not alone. And to the grieving families, please accept my deepest condolences. “May you find strength and comfort in this difficult time and may the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace,” he prayed.

Oyo Varsity Allays Fear After Fire Guts Radio Studio

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    The management of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State, has called for calm after a fire incident rocked a radio studio located on the university’s campus. It was earlier reported that the incident occurred on Monday and led to the loss of studio equipment. According to reports, the fire was triggered by an electrical surge from the studio’s air-conditioning system. The blaze quickly spread through the facility before firefighters arrived to contain it. Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, in a statement on Tuesday, said firefighters led by PFS 11 Makinde quickly responded to the call. “When they arrived, the studio was engulfed in flames and smoke. They managed to stop the fire from spreading to other areas. “No casualty was recorded, and we were able to save property worth millions of naira,” Akinwande stated. He advised the public to always have fire extinguishers and use them properly to stop small fires before they spread. Reacting to the incident in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Atoyebi, corroborated that no casualty was recorded in the incident. He added that only a few items were affected, contrary to reports that equipment worth millions was destroyed. “The radio station is a training station and not for commercial purposes. When the fire started, we called in our fire service operatives, who helped us to put it out. “All the equipment is intact, just a few wires were affected, and we have fixed everything, and we are almost back on air. “It’s not a major thing that can cause panic because the scene is far from residential buildings and the school is on holiday, so there are no students around,” Atoyebi said. PUNCH Metro had reported a similar fire incident that happened on August 16, after a fire incident rocked the Fresh FM studio in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Fresh FM Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited, Samson Akindele, confirmed the fire outbreak in a statement.   Punch  

Amotekun Arrests 28 for Robbery, Kidnapping in Ondo

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The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, on Tuesday paraded no fewer than 28 suspected criminals arrested in the state. The corps said the suspects were arrested across the 18 local government areas of the state, in collaboration with other security agencies and the local vigilante. Parading the suspects at the headquarters of the command in Akure, the state capital, the commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said they had allegedly been terrorising the state in recent times. According to Adeleye, the suspects were allegedly involved in various crimes such as kidnapping, theft, stealing, cattle rustling, and vandalism, among others. He said, “Today, I am parading a total of 28 suspects and I want to let you know that the criminal world is evolving. “Therefore, Ondo State Security Network Agency Amotekun always strives to be ahead of them. “We have now gone beyond arresting criminals and suspects alone. As we talk now, we are after their godfathers and backbones, and the reason is simple. So we are saying that until we uproot them, we won’t have total peace. “We need the socio-economic growth of Ondo State to continue to increase. By the intervention of Amotekun Corp, the IGR of Ondo State in 2023 increased by over 500 per cent and we don’t want to relent. Hence, our fight is not against the criminals alone, but against their sponsors. “The people we are parading today, there is a section of them that steal, kill, murder riders and dispossess them of their motorcycles. They have already made market receivers, who, within minutes, dismantle and sell to those who will later assemble and sell. “We’ve gone after them and we’ve arrested the suspect, we’ve arrested the sponsor, we’ve arrested all the culprits. The chain of criminality had to be broken and uprooted, and that is the directive of His Excellency, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to create an enabling environment for investors to bombard Ondo State. “So today, four suspected kidnappers were arrested in the Elegbeka area. They are Kwangi, Kwanji, Kana, Kana, Sam, and Daniel, ages ranging between 18 and 27. “On rape and fraud, we have Abiola, aged 24. We have equally on defilement, rape, and sexual assault, one Ogungbemi. And we have Tosin on assault. To the Fulani communities, their cattle were rustled and taken away from the Igbara Oke axis. We went after the Fulani that stole the cattle, retrieved the cattle, arrested the rustlers, who are Abubakar Musa and Umar Mohammed, aged 20 and returned the cows to the Fulani men.” The Amotekun boss commended the other security agencies in the state for collaborating with it in the fight against crime and criminality. He stated, “We are here today to let you know that the security architecture of Ondo State is firm, and the best criminals can do is to run away from this state. “The joint patrol team in some parts of the state is still ongoing. And I can tell you this for free that we have dominated the forest. It is no longer a safe place for criminals to thrive.” In July, the corps arrested seven suspects for various offences, including kidnapping and the theft of electronics in the state. Adeleye said the corps recovered items worth N300 million during recent operations.

Aare Segelu Commiserates with Hon. Adepoju ‘Ibarapakan’, Family, Igboora Community On Father’s Demise

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Governorship hopeful and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Aare Olayinka Segelu, has extended his heartfelt condolences to Hon. Adepoju Adebayo, popularly known as ‘Ibarapakan’, over the passing of his father, Pa Adepoju, who died at the age of 89. Reacting to the development in a condolence statement, Segelu, who is also a Germany-based businessman, described the late patriarch as a respected community leader and a source of wisdom whose values touched many lives in Igboora and beyond. “I deeply commiserate with my brother, Hon. Adepoju Ibarapakan, the entire Adepoju family, and the good people of Igboora on this painful loss. Baba lived a fulfilled and impactful life, leaving behind a legacy of humility, discipline, and service to humanity. May the Almighty grant the Adepoju family and the entire Ibarapaland the strength to bear this loss, and may Baba’s soul rest in perfect peace.” Segelu further urged the Adepoju family and the Igboora community to take solace in the long and meaningful life Baba lived, noting that his memory will remain a source of inspiration to generations yet unborn. “Baba’s passing is not just a personal loss to the Adepoju family but a communal one to Igboora and Ibarapaland at large. His wisdom and contributions to the growth of the community are testimonies that will outlive him.” “I want the family and the Igboora people to know that they are not alone in this moment of grief. We all share in their pain, and together we celebrate a man who gave his best to his family, community, and humanity.” “As we mourn, we must also be thankful for the exemplary life Baba lived. His dedication to family values, truth, and service should remain a guiding light to all of us in Ibarapaland.” Segelu prayed for God’s continued comfort and protection over the Adepoju household and assured the family of his solidarity in this difficult period.

Many Feared Dead In Sokoto Boat Accident

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  Sokoto State has been thrown into mourning following a tragic boat accident that claimed several lives at Kojiyo Ward in Goronyo Local Government Area on Sunday. The ill-fated boat, which was conveying dozens of passengers across the river, reportedly capsized midway, resulting in multiple casualties and loss of property. A source who simply identified himself as Abubakar said many passengers drowned, while others are still missing as search and rescue operations continue. The exact number of victims is yet to be officially confirmed. “This is indeed a great tragedy for our community,” a resident told our correspondent, describing the atmosphere in Kojiyo as tense and sorrowful. Although official figures are still awaited, prayers have been offered for the souls of the deceased, while sympathisers continue to visit bereaved families. When contacted, an official of the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident. “I just heard about the incident. Both NEMA and SEMA teams are already mobilising to the scene and will release an official statement soon,” the source said. Authorities have assured all that further updates will be made available as rescue efforts intensify. Punch

Dangote Group Pledges Full Medical Support For BBNaija’s Phyna’s Injured Sister

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  Dangote Group Plc has assured comprehensive support and compensation for Mrs. Ruth Otabor, the sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Ijeoma “Phyna” Otabor, who was injured in a recent accident involving one of the company’s trucks in Auchi, Edo State. PUNCH Online reports that the accident occurred last week along the Auchi axis, leaving Mrs. Otabor hospitalised at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. Eyewitnesses said the incident caused heavy traffic in the area before emergency responders and security personnel arrived at the scene. In a statement issued on Thursday, the company assured that it will take full responsibility for Otabor. “Following the recent road accident in Auchi, Edo State, involving one of our trucks, which sadly resulted in injury to Mrs. Ruth Otabor, senior officials from Dangote Cement Plc, together with our Insurance team, promptly visited the scene, engaged with law enforcement authorities, and visited the victim and her family at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo State. “This action reflects our unwavering commitment to the well-being of those affected. We are ensuring full support for Mrs. Otabor, including comprehensive medical care and appropriate compensation, in line with Dangote Group’s welfare policy. “Our thoughts remain with Mrs. Ruth Otabor and her loved ones, and we wish her a full and speedy recovery.” The company added that it was working closely with relevant authorities to ensure proper investigation of the accident and reiterated its commitment to the safety of road users.

Lady Arrested In Lagos For Mixing Spoiled Yam Flour With Harmful Colouring

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  Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps have arrested a woman for allegedly adulterating yam flour (elubo isu) with harmful colouring agents. The arrest was disclosed on Friday by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, via his official X handle. Wahab said the suspect, identified as Mrs Kehinde Raji, was apprehended following a tip-off from the Chairman of the Elubo Sellers Association, who raised an alarm about dangerous food adulteration practices within the market. According to the commissioner, the suspect was allegedly mixing spoiled yam flour with hazardous colouring chemicals to produce contaminated elubo, which was then sold to unsuspecting consumers. He wrote, “This morning, we received credible intelligence from the Chairman of Elubo Sellers Association regarding dangerous food adulteration practices within the market. The report indicated that some unscrupulous traders were mixing harmful coloring agents with spoiled yam flour to produce contaminated ‘Elubo Isu’ for unsuspecting consumers. “Our KAI enforcement team immediately conducted a raid, leading to the arrest of one Mrs. Kehinde Raji who was caught engaging in this criminal activity. We commend the market leadership for bringing this critical public health issue to our attention. “Preliminary reports confirm that several consumers have already suffered health complications from consuming this adulterated product. The suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant law of #followlasg.”

Two Minors Escape From B’Haram Four Years After Abduction

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The Borno State Police Command on Tuesday said it has reunited two minors, Ayuba Ishaku and Yakubu Haruna, 13, abducted by Boko Haram four years ago, with their families. A statement by the spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the victims, along with other women and children, were abducted in Mandaragrau village, Biu Local Government Area of the state. The statement revealed that the two boys escaped on the night of July 8, 2025, when most of the terrorists left the camp where the boys and others were kept before leaving for an operation. It reads, “The Borno State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the safe receipt and successful reunion of two courageous boys with their families, following their escape from Boko Haram captivity after four years of captivity. “After months of planning, the two boys took advantage of an opportunity to escape on the night of 8th July, 2025, when most of the terrorists had gone out on operations. They navigated through the bush to nearby villages and communities. “On 12th July, 2025, at about 5:30pm, two minors, (1) Ayuba Ishaku and (2) Yakubu Haruna, both approximately 13 years of age, arrived at ITE Divisional Police Headquarters, Maiduguri, and reported that they had escaped from captivity under Boko Haram terrorists.” The statement also quoted the boys as saying during interrogation that they were abducted during an attack in their village. “The boys were abducted during an attack on Mandaragrau village, Biu Local Government Area, Borno State, along with other women and children. They were later transported to Mangari, Tumbun Mota area of Baga in Kukawa LGA, where they remained in captivity. “While in captivity, the boys stated that they served as domestic aides and were trained on how to service firearms. After months of planning, the two boys took advantage of an opportunity to escape on the night of 8th July, 2025, when most of the terrorists had gone out on operations. They navigated through the bush to nearby villages and communities before they eventually found themselves in Maiduguri on the 12th of July, 2025,” Daso said. He, however, noted that upon arrival, the boys were taken into protective custody by the Police at the ITE Division, where they were provided care and protection. “Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Naziru Abdulmajid psc, efforts were made to locate their families. Consequently, Mr. Ishaku Gaji, father of Ayuba Ishaku, was identified and he confirmed that the boys, along with other women and children, were abducted on 29th December, 2019,” the statement stated. Punch  

Just In: Awujale Of Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Adetona Dies At 91

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The monarch passed away on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of Muhammadu Buhari, his longtime friend and former president. A statement by Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state, described the monarch’s passing as a monumental loss not only to Ijebuland but to Nigeria as a whole. Abiodun described the coincidence as “double sadness”, noting the deep friendship between the two elder statesmen. “Oba Adetona joined his ancestors today at the age of 91, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that has significantly shaped Ijebuland, Ogun State and Nigeria in general,” the statement reads. Abiodun praised the monarch’s “transformative reign”, which was marked by progressive leadership, the elevation of Ijebuland’s status, and the global prominence of the Ojude Oba festival. “Throughout his reign, he was a beacon of unity, cultural preservation, and progressive development. His dedication to the welfare of his people was evident in his efforts to foster educational advancements, healthcare improvements, and economic growth within the state and Nigeria,” Abiodun said. Adetona ascended the throne on April 2, 1960, and reigned for over 64 years, making him one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Nigerian history. His friendship with Buhari dated back to the 1980s and was cemented under extraordinary circumstances. In 1983, just before Buhari’s military coup, Olabisi Onabanjo, then Ogun state governor, had already signed a formal order deposing Adetona. The removal was scheduled to take effect on January 2, 1984. But the coup of December 31, 1983 — which toppled Nigeria’s civilian government — halted the plan. The close timing of the attempted deposition and the coup became a pivotal moment in the monarch’s life. Buhari’s intervention, though not targeted at the deposition, inadvertently preserved Adetona’s reign. In the years that followed, the Awujale and Buhari developed a quiet but enduring friendship built on mutual respect. Adetona went on to become a towering moral voice within Nigeria’s traditional institution. He was known for his bluntness, refusal to grovel before power, and his insistence that traditional rulers must speak truth to authority. His leadership helped entrench Ijebuland’s reputation as a beacon of culture, commerce, and political influence.

Nigerian Man Jailed In US For $1.3m COVID-19 Fraud

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A Nigerian man living in the San Gabriel Valley, Abiola Femi Quadri, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for defrauding California and Nevada out of $1.3m in COVID-19 pandemic unemployment and disability insurance benefits. Quadri, 43, was caught submitting more than 100 fraudulent applications using stolen identities and using the money to build a nightclub and mall in Nigeria. He was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered him to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine. This was contained in a press statement issued by the Public Information Officer, United States Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Ciaran McEvoy, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Quadri is a Nigerian citizen who acquired permanent residency in the United States through what he described, according to court documents, as a “fake wedding” in messages to a woman who was not his wife. He pleaded guilty on January 2 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. The statement read, “Quadri withdrew the fraudulent unemployment and disability benefits at ATMs from 2021 until his arrest in September 2024 at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was scheduled to fly to Nigeria. Quadri sent at least $500,000 abroad during the scheme. “He also paid for the construction of a 120-room resort hotel in Nigeria, the Oyins International, which includes a nightclub, a mall, and additional high-end amenities. “Quadri failed to disclose his ownership of the hotel as required when completing his financial disclosure to the court.” Investigators found on Quadri’s phone images of 17 counterfeit checks totalling more than $3.3m, along with messages about negotiating the checks. Some of the checks were made payable to shell businesses held in the names of Quadri’s aliases. California paid Quadri to provide daycare services to developmentally disabled children through his Altadena-based business, Rock of Peace. When agents searched Quadri’s residence, they found the children’s misappropriated food-aid debit cards. The United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the California Employment Development Department Investigation Division investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted the case. Punch

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