The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Cultists kill Owo poly HND student, police arrest suspect

    Cultists kill Owo poly HND student, police arrest suspect

    An HND student of the Ondo State-owned Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), identified simply as Ayodele Peter, has been murdered by suspected members of a cult group in Owo.

    Peter, 25, was killed last Sunday evening at the Opomulero area of the polytechnic community in Owo Local Government Area after suspected cultists invaded the area in search of rival gang members.

    A community source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers traced the victim to his residence, pretended to be visitors, called him out and shot him at close range.

    “We received a call yesterday evening that Peter was shot by some guys believed to be cultists. They called him out of his apartment and shot him at point-blank range. He struggled to stay alive before he was rushed to the hospital,” the source said.

    Another source said the deceased, also known as Don P, had lost his mother about three weeks before the incident.

    “Peter was still mourning his mother, who passed away three weeks ago,” the source added.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    An anti-cultism advocacy platform, Naija Confra, alleged that the violence began last Thursday during a birthday celebration organised by members of the Eiye cult group in the institution.

    According to the platform, an altercation broke out after an Eiye leader allegedly ordered the assault of a female student, leading to a confrontation with Buccaneers cult members at the scene.

    The incident escalated into a series of reprisal attacks between the two groups, culminating in the killing of Peter.

    However, the Ondo State Police Command yesterday confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder.

    In a statement yesterday, the command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Jimoh Kazeem, said the arrest of the suspect, whose name is still being concealed, followed a coordinated manhunt launched after the incident.

    “The suspect has made useful statements and is currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects at large,” the statement said.

    Also, police operatives were deployed in the scene after receiving reports that suspected cult members had gained entry into a residence and attacked Peter.

    It added that Peter was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, where he was later confirmed dead.

    Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, added that security measures had been strengthened across the state.

    The police urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities to ensure public safety.

  • Two-month-old baby snatched at gunpoint in Delta tricycle

    Two-month-old baby snatched at gunpoint in Delta tricycle

    A two-month-old baby, identified as Riches, has been abducted by suspected gunmen operating in a commercial tricycle on the NNPC Link Road, Ekpan in Delta State.

    The incident occurred about 4pm on Monday when the baby’s mother, Mrs Rita Oghale, boarded a tricycle, popularly known as keke, from Shaguolor Junction to Airport Road with her two children.

    Mrs Oghale said two other passengers, a man and a woman, were seated at the back of the tricycle.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    She explained that on reaching the NNPC Link Road, close to Delta Careers College fence and before the traffic light, the male passenger brought out a gun and demanded her two-month-old baby.

    She added that the suspect snatched the baby from her, collected her phone number and pushed her and her other child out of the tricycle before speeding away.

    The distraught mother said the incident had been reported at the police station and appealed to  the public with useful information that could lead to the recovery of her child to contact the nearest police station.

  • Court asked to halt police action in matrimonial dispute

    Court asked to halt police action in matrimonial dispute

    A businesswoman, Mrs. Mabel  Hussaini, has filed a rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court in Lagos against the Inspector-General of Police and  senior police officers alleging unlawful arrest, detention, extortion, and persistent harassment over what she described as a civil and matrimonial dispute.

    In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1468/2025, Hussaini is asking the court to declare that the actions of the respondents violated her rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, private and family life, and freedom of movement as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

    Listed as respondents are the Inspector-General of Police; the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force CID Annex, Alagbon; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command; Chief Superintendent of Police Bolugi; Inspector Abayomi Michael; the EFCC; her estranged husband, Mr. Adedeji Adesiyan; and Citadel Views Gardens and Estates Limited.

    According to court documents, Hussaini married Adesiyan in 2016 under native law and custom, and the marriage produced a daughter, now eight years old.

    She told the court that in November., last year, her husband gave her $60,000 to invest in real estate and set up a trust fund for their daughter.

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    She said she used the money as agreed by purchasing a property at E18, Citadel Estate, Ogombo Road, Lekki, Lagos, in the child’s name and opening a trust fund for her benefit.

    Hussaini stated that the relationship later deteriorated after she discovered that Adesiyan had allegedly contracted other marriages in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    She claimed he subsequently relocated to the UK and later demanded a refund of the money, despite knowing it had already been invested for their child.

    She alleged that he threatened her life when she explained that the funds were no longer available.

    She further alleged that Adesiyan reported her to the police on allegations of theft.

    While officers at Elemoro Police Station, Ibeju-Lekki, initially granted her bail after hearing her explanation, she claimed that the situation escalated on January 7, this year, when officers from the Force CID Annex, Alagbon, allegedly arrested her and her eight-year-old daughter at gunpoint and took them to Alagbon.

    According to Hussaini, she was verbally abused, humiliated, and detained for several hours without being allowed to fully state her case, in the presence of her young daughter.

    She alleged that the officers demanded N2 million for her release but eventually compelled her to pay N500,000 through a POS operator after threatening to send her to prison.

    She told the court that her lawyers petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, who allegedly directed that the matter be handled by the Zone 2 Police Command and treated as a civil dispute.

    Despite this directive, she claimed that the officers involved proceeded to file criminal charges against her, which were later withdrawn after senior police authorities reportedly described the dispute as civil and matrimonial in nature.

    Hussaini further alleged that the police officers continued to harass her and interfered with the property transaction by instructing the estate developer not to release documents relating to the Lekki property purchased for her daughter.

    She said the actions of the respondents caused her and her child severe emotional and psychological trauma.

    In her application, Hussaini is seeking an order restraining the respondents from further arresting, detaining, or harassing her over the dispute; a refund of the N500,000 allegedly extorted from her; and an order stopping any attempt to sell, investigate, or interfere with the property purchased in her daughter’s name.

    She also asked the court to award N50 million in damages against the police officers and her estranged husband for alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and abuse of power.

    She further seeks a declaration that the police lack constitutional authority to intervene in matrimonial disputes or to engage in debt recovery arising from civil transactions.

  • Lagos reaffirms zero-tolerance to sexual abuses

    Lagos reaffirms zero-tolerance to sexual abuses

    By Sherifdeen Amusa

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the state maintains zero-tolerance to sexual abuses that could hinder effective learning in institutions of learning.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Lagos State Head of Service, Olabode Agoro, said this at the launching of the “Lagos State Policy on Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH)” by the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (MWAPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNDP) in Ikeja.

    Sanwo-Olu said the launch symbolises his administration’s collective resolve to ensure that no student, lecturer, administrator, or staff suffers abuse, intimidation, or violations of their rights while pursuing knowledge or contributing to scholarship.

    He said learning could only truly flourish in environments where respect is upheld, individuals feel protected, and where misconduct is confronted decisively, adding that, “the strength of any educational system is measured not only by academic excellence, but by the safety, dignity, and well-being of every learner and educator.”

    Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40

    The governor added that the policy aligns strongly with the Social Inclusion, Education and Technology, and Security and Governance pillars of his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda.

    Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said the initiative aims to prevent SEAH in tertiary institutions by creating awareness, ensuring safe learning and working environments, enforcing zero-tolerance, providing fair reporting channels, protecting individuals’ rights, promoting mutual respect, safeguarding institutional integrity, and applying sanctions for offenders.

    She added that the launch was more than a policy unveiling, “it is a declaration that every student and staff member has the right to a safe, respectful, and empowering campus.”

    Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), represented by the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, who described the policy as “timely and transformative”, said he would ensure that laws on sexual harassment in the criminal law of Lagos as well as the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency law, are enforced to the letter.

    Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tola Sule, who commended the initiative, said despite existing laws that have been enacted to ensure that women are protected against not sexual harassment, the challenge has been “the extent at which we have been promoting these laws to ensure that the purpose from which they are enacted are really achieved.”

    He advocated robust promotion of the policy in all tertiary institutions in the state by stakeholders.

  • CDS to youths: use sports to build a safer, prosperous nation

    CDS to youths: use sports to build a safer, prosperous nation

    •Army wives donate medical equipment to military hospital

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has urged youths to harness sports as a tool for national unity, security and growth.

    Oluyede made the call at the opening of the maiden CDS Under-15 Boys Football Championship at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday.

    Gen Oluyede, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim, said the championship was designed to unite communities, promote healthy competition and develop values such as teamwork, discipline and resilience among youths.

     According to him, the initiative also aims to strengthen civil-military relations by engaging young people positively and discouraging youth restiveness and social vices.

    The six-day tournament featured teams from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Abia and Imo states, as well as the Rivers Military Team.

    Earlier, the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Babatunde Phillips, said the championship was aimed at identifying young talents, fostering unity and addressing challenges such as insecurity and drug abuse through sports.

    The opening match saw the Rivers Military Team defeat the Delta Military Team 2–0. The tournament will end on December 20.

    Meanwhile, the President, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), Mrs Safiyyah Hassan Shaibu, has inaugurated life-saving medical equipment donated to the Accident and Emergency Ward of the Military Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The donation, which included oxygen concentrators, patient monitors, suctioning machines, an autoclave sterilising unit and an automated external defibrillator, also covered the renovation of the ward as part of activities marking the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference.

    The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Brig.-General Ebute, commended NAOWA for the intervention, saying the equipment would improve emergency response and patient care. He added that the hospital, which accommodates about 10 emergency patients, requires expansion to meet growing demand.

  • Church attack: Kogi confirms death of four bandits, abduction of 13 people

    Church attack: Kogi confirms death of four bandits, abduction of 13 people

    •Ododo uncovers massive arms cache in Kogi

    The Kogi State government has confirmed the death of four bandits in Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government last Sunday.

    Commissioner for information, Kingsley Fanwo, said the bandits were killed during an invasion of ECWA Church, Kiri by hunters while repelling their attack on the church during service.

    Speaking on television on Monday, Fanwo said other bandits escaped with gunshot wounds.

    Also, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has announced the recovery of a massive cache of arms and ammunition from criminal hideouts following a joint security operation.

    The governor made this known at a press conference in Lokoja, the state capital, stating that the operation was the outcome of over a week of sustained, intelligence-driven surveillance by security agencies working with the state government.

    Ododo listed items recovered to include 24 AK-47 rifles, 23 pump-action rifles, one Tavor rifle, one FN rifle, four Barrett pistols, four Browning rifles, 42 magazines, 520 rounds of GPMG 7.62 ammunition, as well as large quantities of AK-47 ammunition and cartridges for pump-action and Barrett pistols.

    Others include handcuffs, 13 holsters, tear gas cartridges, and submachine gun (SMG) components.

    Fanwo said 13 persons were kidnapped but assured that hunters and other security operatives were on the trail of the fleeing bandits in the forest to rescue those abducted.

    He explained that the onslaught by bandits in neighbouring Niger and Kwara states had pushed criminals towards Kogi.

    He said the state government had marshalled a coordinated security architecture to counter such threats, although the affected areas still require additional reinforcement.

    “We are quite hopeful that the kidnapped persons will be rescued,” Fanwo said.

    The commissioner confirmed that troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and personnel of the state Police Command had also  been deployed in the community.

    He added that the state would mount a joint security force in the area to safeguard lives and property.

    Ododo explained that the renewed and aggressive crackdown on criminals was further galvanised after his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who charged him to intensify security efforts rather than seek accolades.

    “When I met Mr. President, I expected commendation, but he told me to go back and do more for my people. That statement re-energised me. We immediately regrouped, met with the security agencies, harmonised our strategies, and acted decisively on credible intelligence,’’ the governor said.

    According to him, security operatives executed a coordinated overnight operation that uncovered a major criminal enclave where a significant stockpile of weapons was concealed. Although no arrests were made during the raid, the governor described the recovery of the arms as a major and strategic breakthrough in the fight against crime.

    He attributed the persistence of criminal activities to Kogi’s strategic geography, stressing that the state shares boundaries with 10 states and serves as a critical corridor with multiple entry and exit routes.

    “Kogi State is fully alert. The DSS, the police, the military, the navy, and all other security agencies are working relentlessly, day and night. We will never bow to criminals, and we will never negotiate with them,”  he declared.

    The governor called on residents to actively support security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information, assuring the public of the government’s unflinching commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

    The governor reaffirmed that the success recorded was the direct result of a tightly coordinated joint operation by multiple security agencies acting on credible and actionable intelligence.

    He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support and motivation, as well as to the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their cooperation.

    The governor urged citizens not to panic, assuring them that the situation is under control and advising residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear.

  • Suicide bomber kills five soldiers in Borno

    Suicide bomber kills five soldiers in Borno

    Not fewer than five soldiers have been killed by a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka around Gwoza, Borno State.

    The Nigerian Army is yet to make a statement on the attack but a security source and some local media have reported that the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

    The source said the suicide bomber evaded security checks and stole his way to a military check point where he passed the night, hidding behind sandbags untill morning when he executed his deadly mission as the soldiers arrived the following day.

    According to the source, the suicide bomber came from the Mandara Hills.

    “He made his way from Mandara Mountain and spent the night at a military sandbag and waited until morning when soldiers who were manning the axis arrived.

    ‘The terrorist approached the soldiers and detonated the bomb that was strapped to his body, killing five soldiers and himself at the spot,’’ the source added.

  • N600m goods lost to timber market fire in Gombe

    N600m goods lost to timber market fire in Gombe

    Goods worth over N600 million have been lost in Monday’s fire that destroyed several shops at Kasuwa Katako Market, Gombe State.

    Chairman, Timber Sellers Association, Gombe State chapter, Mr Mohammed Ahmadu, said this during the visit of the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Manassah Jatau, to the market yesterday to commiserate with them.

    He said no fewer than 60 shop owners with goods worth millions of Naira were destroyed.

    “At least N600 million worth of goods were destroyed in the fire that started around 7.30p.m on Monday,” he said.

    Ahmadu begged the state and the Federal Governments, through its relevant agencies, to assist them with urgent relief to enable them fend for their families.

     Jatau said the state government in collaboration with relevant agencies would carry out the necessary assessment towards providing urgent relief to the affected persons.

    He urged the traders and their association to evaluate the frequent fire outbreaks, recalling how a fire outbreak had devastated some shops at the other section of the market three weeks ago.

    He also urged them to be more careful in handling electrical installations for their safety and that of their property.

    While thanking God that no life was lost, Jatau said that the administration of Governor Inuwa Yahaya remained committed to the well-being of the citizens.

    He said the state government would assist the affected persons towards getting the necessary assistance needed.

    Executive Secretary, Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Abdullahi Abdullahi, while commiserating with the affected persons, said assessment was ongoing for immediate intervention.

    Abdullahi said the fire outbreak, such as many others in Gombe, was suspected to have been caused by electrical issues, describing it as unfortunate.

    “We will carry out a thorough assessment of the situation towards ensuring that we tackle any reoccurrence of this in the future.

    “We will also strengthen the awareness drive as we have always carried the leaders of the association along during safety and emergency response training,” he said.

  • RHI, Fubara empower 500 elderly people in Rivers

    RHI, Fubara empower 500 elderly people in Rivers

    The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) and the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, have empowered 500 elderly citizens in the state with financial support of N200,000 each, through the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS).

    The empowerment programme was held at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    The event was part of activities to celebrate the third edition of the Renewed Hope Initiative Elderly Support Scheme (RHIESS), a social investment programme of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

    Speaking at the event, with the theme: “Finding Joy in Old Age”, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, said the gesture, which has become traditional since 2023, was a mark of gratitude in recognition of the invaluable contributions of the senior citizens to nation-building.

    Represented by wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, the nation’s First Lady said the scheme was designed to “Support 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above in all the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and veterans from the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), totalling 9,500 selected beneficiaries across the nation”.

    Senator Tinubu said that the Governing Board of the Renewed Hope Initiative approved N1.9bn to be disbursed across the 36 states of the federation, including FCT, and DEPOWA, with each receiving N50million.

    She urged the beneficiaries to engage in activities that would make them find joy in old age.

     “I encourage you to continue playing your part by staying healthy and active, nurture both your body and mind through regular exercise and meaningful engagement,” she said.

    In her remarks, wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, said the Rivers State Government, through the magnanimity of the Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, increased the number of beneficiaries of the programme from 250 to 500.

    Lady Fubara restated the commitment of the Rivers government towards the provision of social welfare and improving the well-being of the elderly in the State.

    Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), Dr Vetty Agala, said Rivers had in line with the Renewed Hope Initiative, introduced free medical care for senior citizens in the State.

    She advised the beneficiaries to go for regular medical check-up to ascertain the state of their health, noting that the Rivers state government has approved free medical services for the elderly under the Health4AllRivers Initiative.

    In her welcome speech, Rivers State Coordinator of RHI, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, said that the beneficiries were carefully selected among hard-to-reach vulnerable elderly persons in the 23 local government areas and non-indigenes resident in the State, and advised them to make judicious use of the financial grant to boost their livelihoods.

  • Firm to empower 1,000 Widows, single mothers with skills, startup kits

    Firm to empower 1,000 Widows, single mothers with skills, startup kits

    The SMILE2025 Widows and Orphans Outreach Programme has launched a new empowerment initiative aimed at equipping widows and young single parents with practical job-creation skills and startup support to help them achieve financial independence.

    Under the programme, 1,000 women and girls will receive vocational training, with a major focus on liquid soap production, alongside a ₦50,000 business seed grant to enable them to start or expand small-scale enterprises.

    Organisers said the initiative is designed to provide beneficiaries with skills that are affordable, in demand and capable of generating steady income within their communities.

    In addition to liquid soap making, participants will be trained in other income-generating activities, including snacks production, zobo drinks processing, fruits trading and point-of-sale (POS) business operations.

    The programme also includes mentorship, financial literacy education and savings advocacy to help beneficiaries manage and grow their businesses sustainably.

    According to the organisers, the goal of the SMILE2025 initiative is to empower 1,000 women with both skills and financial support, thereby strengthening families and contributing to broader community development.

    They noted that empowering widows and young single mothers often has a direct impact on children’s welfare, education and overall household stability.

    As part of the outreach, free medical services will also be provided to beneficiaries. These include blood pressure checks, glucose and diabetes tests, eye examinations and the distribution of free drugs.

    Medical professionals and volunteers are expected to support the health component of the programme.

    The organisers have appealed to individuals, organisations and corporate bodies to support the initiative by donating ₦50,000 to sponsor a woman, sponsoring groups of beneficiaries, providing training equipment, medical consumables or professional services such as healthcare, mentorship and business guidance.

    They noted that the SMILE2025 Widows and Orphans Outreach Programme has been running for over 10 years, with past editions making a significant difference in the lives of beneficiaries.