Author: oduduwanews

The Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, is deeply saddened to announce the tragic death of one of its operatives, Mr. Lamidi Abiodun, who was killed during an ambush by suspected armed hoodlums at the Papa boundary area in Iwo, Osun State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, following a distress call from local farmers operating in the Papa Farm area Iwo. The farmers alerted the Iwo Area Command of Osun Amotekun Corps about an ongoing attack on their farmland. In swift response, a team of Amotekun operatives, in company with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), mobilized to the scene to confront the threat and safeguard lives and property.

Upon arriving at the location, the team was ambushed by a group of armed men allegedly led by a notorious criminal known as Akeem Olofa, who has been a menace in the region. During the confrontation, Mr. Abiodun was attacked. Although initial gunfire did not penetrate his body, he was brutally assaulted with a machete to the head and died instantly at the scene.

While most of the operatives managed to escape the ambush, one member of the VGN identified as Nurudeen Alowonle remains unaccounted for as of the time of this report and one Alex Sola was shot on the leg. The tragic loss of Mr. Abiodun has sent waves of grief throughout the Amotekun Corps and the entire security community in Osun State.

The incident has been formally reported to the Nigeria Police in Iwo, and the body of the fallen hero has been deposited at a local mortuary for further procedures. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice.

The Osun Amotekun Corps remains resolute in its mission to protect the people and communities of Osun State from all forms of insecurity. We urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Lamidi Abiodun and stand united in honor of his bravery and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would perform the groundbreaking for the establishment of the biggest cotton and polyester processing factory in the world at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu/Ilisan area of the State.

Speaking while receiving the former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, and members of the Iperu Development Association in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the factory, which is under the “Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative,” would sit on 400 hectares of land and would employ about 250,000 people daily.

He said: “In the next 30-45 days, we will be doing the groundbreaking of the Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative that will be done by Mr. President himself. It is going to be a bigger factory, and it will be the biggest cotton and polyester processing factory in the world.

“It will employ 250,000 people per day. The promoters of this factory went around the whole state, and they decided that this is the place they want to site this factory because of the existing infrastructure like the airport, proximity to consumers, and the ability of raw materials to come in centrally.

“We are clearing the site, and this factory is going to sit on 400 hectares of land. It is like a whole new town. The requirements to support this industry can best be imagined. The economic impact on Iperu and its environs, the entire Remoland, Ijebu land, and the whole of Ogun State is beyond imagination,” Governor Abiodun said.

He said that apart from the cotton industry, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has also indicated interest in siting a base in the town to secure not only the airport but also to provide adequate security to Iperu and the adjoining towns.

Explaining the rationale behind the siting of the airport at Iperu, Abiodun noted that the town is at the central point of the state, which could be easily accessible from any part of the state, adding that the 100 housing units built by his administration at the Airport Housing Estate would soon be commissioned.

The present administration, the governor informed, embarked on the reconstruction of the old Ibadan and other township roads while public schools and primary healthcare centers were renovated, and a mother-and-child hospital was brought to the town.

He commended the former Accountant General of the Federation for her meritorious service to her state and fatherland, describing her as a true daughter of the state who served without blemish.

“Thank you for all you have done. You have attracted laudable projects like a women’s empowerment center, a mini stadium, and the erosion control project to the town as a form of giving back to society.

“You started from a humble background. You began your primary and secondary education here in Iperu and later went to Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta, before proceeding to Ogun State University and working with the Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC) before moving to the federal level.

“You are hardworking, diligent, focused, intentional, and a disciplined person. Thank you for making us proud; you are a pride to womanhood. It shows that gender must not be a limitation to what one can attain,” he added.

Speaking, Mrs. Madein appreciated the governor for creating a conducive business environment that has attracted a lot of investments to the state.

She said her reason for the visit was to give a report of her stewardship and to inform the governor of her various contributions to state and national development.

“The purpose of this visit is to come and give the report of my stewardship as the Accountant General of the Federation and to let you know that I have represented Ogun State well and contributed to national development.

“It is also to appreciate Your Excellency for the support you gave to me that enabled my success during my tenure,” she said.

Chairman of the Iperu Development Association, Otunba Taiwo Oyebanjo, noted that the combination of the governor and the Accountant General has greatly impacted the socio-economic development of Iperu, as the town now boasts modern facilities that have improved the standard of living.

The Ebi of Idena, Oba Lukman Salami, in his contribution, lauded the governor for the transformation witnessed in the last couple of years, noting that the town has moved from a village to a town with modern facilities.

Justice Olusola Adetujoye of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, on Monday, April 28, 2025 convicted and sentenced Olaniyan Gbenga Amos to sixty-three (63) years jail term for multiple investment fraud.

He was convicted alongside his firm, Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited. They were prosecuted on 30-count charges by Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, bordering on obtaining by false pretences, an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

Count 21 of the charge reads: “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about 18th of June, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N995, 000.00 (Nine Hundred and Ninety-five Thousand Naira) only from Bada Titilope, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on Investment in 6 weeks (30 working days), which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of Obtaining Money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”

Another Charge reads: “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about 29th of January, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N920, 000.00 (Nine Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira) only from Onifade Isaac Olawale, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on Investment in 6 weeks (30 working days), which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of Obtaining Money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

Consequent upon his plea, the EFCC Counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi opened the case on February 17, 2022 and called eight (8) witnesses, tendered several exhibits that were marked “Exhibits A to H” and closed the case on January 24, 2023.

At the end of the prosecution’s case, the defendant filed a “no case submission” but was thrown out as the defendant was ordered by the court to enter his defence. Subsequently, the defendant opened and closed its case on October 17th, 2024 where the first defendant testified for himself and on behalf of the 2nd defendant as a lone witness.

The court, after the presentation of the defendants’ case, adopted the final written addresses of both parties as judgment was reserved till April 28th, 2025.

At the resumption of the trial on Monday, April 28, 2025, Justice Adetujoye convicted and sentenced Amos to seven (7) years imprisonment on each count of 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 but discharged and acquitted the defendant on counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 respectively.

Furthermore, the court ordered that the sentence should run concurrently and the convict must restitute the victims.

Amos was convicted and sentenced to seventy-five (75) years imprisonment by Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan for similar offence on December 14, 2023.

The convict has two other ongoing trials before Federal High Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Another journey by the convict to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested and arraigned before Justice Olusola Adetujoye on December 14, 2021 by the EFCC. He swindled several individuals under the pretext of investment ventures that led to the loss of money to the tune of over N1 billion by investors.

Legendary Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, has dismissed widespread speculations about his safety and whereabouts, declaring on Tuesday that he was neither missing nor kidnapped.

The music icon made this known in a live video shared by one of his wives, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye, following a social media storm ignited by his daughter, Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye.

Damilola had on Monday, raised the alarm over her father’s whereabouts, accusing her stepbrother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage and mismanaging his affairs.

In a flurry of social media posts, Damilola called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing access to him.. Part 3

One of the suspected promoters of the cryptocurrency trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange, Adefowora Abiodun, who was recently declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, voluntarily surrendered himself to the anti-graft agency on Monday.

Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja, in a ruling on Thursday last week, approved the EFCC’s request to arrest and detain six promoters of CBEX pending the conclusion of investigations into the alleged offenses and possible prosecution.

Abiodun, alongside five others – Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim – was declared wanted by the EFCC following submissions made by the commission’s counsel, Fadila Yusuf.

After hearing the EFCC’s application, Justice Nwite ruled, “I have listened to the submission of learned counsel for the applicant (EFCC). I have also reviewed the affidavit evidence and exhibits, along with the written address. I am satisfied that the application is meritorious and hereby grant it as prayed.”

All six promoters were declared wanted by the EFCC for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent investment scheme valued at over $1 billion.

Following the declaration, Abiodun, accompanied by his lawyers, turned himself in at the EFCC headquarters at around 4:00 p.m. on Monday.

Abiodun expressed his willingness to cooperate with the EFCC.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, has countered a recent statement issued from the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, regarding the ongoing land dispute between Ibadan and Iwo.

Oluwo described the Olubadan’s claim that the River Oba marks the boundary as false and a dangerous attempt to stir conflict in affected communities. He stressed that the matter is already before the National Boundary Commission (NBC) and any public pronouncement undermines the federal process and ongoing peace efforts by the AIG Zone XI, Emuobo Fred Ekokotu.

In a statement released through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo reiterated that Papa Ebira has been recognized as the official boundary between Iwo and Ibadan since the demarcation carried out in 1991 during the creation of Osun State.

Oluwo emphasized that disputed villages, including Paku, Ogunajo, Oloola Molamu, Papa, Tifede, and Ejemu, are ancestral Iwo lands with clear Osun State administrative presence.

He urged leaders to promote peace and lawfulness: “Peace is priceless and should be promoted. No one is above the government. We must allow the National Boundary Commission and the police to do their work without interference.”

The Oluwo further highlighted historical ties, stating that many of Ibadan’s historical warriors, such as Balogun Ali Iwo and Oderinlo, had roots in Iwo.

He called for calm and patience, emphasizing that the appropriate government agencies must be allowed to conclude their investigations and ensure lasting peace.

As preparation for the 2027 general election gears up, Bolaji Tunji, aide to Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said the minister remains the best candidate among those who have shown interest in becoming governor of Oyo State in 2027.

Tunji, who spoke, at the weekend, in reaction to a statement by a former Minister of Communications, Bayo Shittu, said that Shittu’s concerns regarding the All Progressives Congress (APC) political strategy are noted, but his assertion that the party would face challenges should Adelabu be the governorship candidate in 2027 overlooks the exemplary credentials and proven leadership of the current Minister of Power.

“Adelabu is not merely a candidate to be ‘imposed,’ he is a visionary leader whose brilliance, achievements, and pedigree make him a standout choice for any electoral contest,” he said.

According to Tunji, who was also Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the late Abiola Ajimobi, “as Minister of Power, Adelabu has brought renewed vigour to Nigeria’s energy sector, spearheading critical reforms to improve grid stability, expand renewable energy investments, and enhance transparency in the sector.

The wages of presidential subterfuge
His hands-on approach has already begun addressing longstanding challenges, earning him recognition as a pragmatic problem-solver committed to national development.

“Under Adelabu’s watch as minister, Nigeria achieved a historical landmark generation of 6,003 megawatts in less than two years, while it took over 40 years from 2,000 megawatts in the 80s to an average of 4,000 megawatts in 2021. The minister also achieved a record evacuation of 5,801 megawatts. All these have shown that Adelabu will perform exceptionally as Oyo State governor.”

Tunji further said that Adelabu’s governorship bid in 2019, though unsuccessful, demonstrated his dedication to public service and his deep connection to the aspirations of the people. His campaigns were marked by a focus on infrastructure, education, and youth empowerment—priorities that remain urgent today.

Frustrated by soaring housing costs and exorbitant fees charged by property agents, a group of Lagos residents took to the streets in protest.

Videos shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday showed protesters moving through parts of Lagos in a car packed with demonstrators. A large poster attached to the vehicle boldly stated their grievances, reading: “Enough is enough, we say no to overpriced house rents. We say no to housing agents. Agents of darkness.”

The protest reflects growing anger among Lagosians, who say the cost of securing accommodation in the city has become unbearable, compounded by the high commissions often demanded by agents.

Many have taken to social media to express solidarity with the protesters, calling for urgent reforms to address the housing challenges facing residents in Africa’s most populous city.

Ekiti State Government has begun the recruitment of teachers into the Post-Primary School Teaching Service Commission TESCOM.

The State Government announced the recruitment via its official X handle as read in part:

“We previously announced job vacancies in Ekiti State Public Secondary Schools, inviting qualified individuals to apply for various teaching and non-teaching positions. Here’s an update to help guide you through the application process:

Application Details:

• Application Date: Opens on Monday, 28th April 2025.
• Application Deadline: Closes at midnight on Monday, 12th May 2025.
• Application Link: https://tescom.eksgapps.com/app/views/advert.html

Application Requirements:

• Applicants are required to fill out the online form and upload relevant documents, including:
  • Passport photographs
  • Valid means of identification
  • Academic credentials

“What to Expect:

• Qualifications and Requirements: Details will be provided in the individual application form for each position. Please review them carefully before applying.
• Tips for Applying: We will provide updates on how to navigate potential congestion issues on the application portal and any further instructions from the Teaching Service Commission and Ekiti State Government.

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has said that his administration’s commitment to building infrastructure for economic expansion has seen it embark on a massive drive to connect local government areas in Oke-Ogun Zone II to Saki’s economy.

The governor stated that the Saki-Ogboro-Igboho Road, which seeks to connect Saki West, Saki East and Oorelope LGs has reached an advanced stage, while the project will also be extended to connect Agbonle in Saki East, Igbeti in Olorunsogo LG and Kisi in Irepo LG.

He added that connecting the local government areas would result in the desired economic uplift of the zone, noting that he had the idea of connecting the areas as far back as 1984, when he visited Igbeti as a young boy and noticed that the people had difficulties moving across the area due to lack of roads.

Governor Makinde stated this at the End-time Cry Bible Church, Igbeti, Oyo State, at the funeral ceremony of Madam Victoria Omolayo Oni, stepmother of Honourable Abiodun Oni, the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Solid Minerals Development and Chairman of the Oyo State Solid Minerals Development Agency.

He added that his administration will also fulfill its promise to build an airstrip for security surveillance and also rehabilitate and equip the Igbeti General Hospital in line with his promise during electioneering.

This was as the governor warned traditional rulers in Oke-Ogun to avoid the indiscriminate signing of licences for miners, noting that the area might have to grapple with the negative environmental impact of illegal mining in the not-too-distant future.

Governor Makinde, who lauded Madam Oni for living a good life and making impact on the society as well as himself, as he first met her when he visited Igbeti as a young boy, donated N25 million to the End-time Cry Bible Church, Igbeti, to immmortalise her.

The governor said: “All the things the Reverend said were the promises we made. We have gone through one or two of them and before the completion of my tenure, they will happen.

“One of the promises is the construction of an airstrip in Igbeti for security surveillance. I will fly into Igbeti before the end of my tenure. I have not forgotten at all, because it is already a work in progress.

“Also, the Igbeti General Hospital is part of those captured in the French programme. We have done the survey; the project should kick off very soon.

“You also talked about a road connecting Ogbomoso-Oyo axis. They have traced the road from Igbeti that links Igbeti to Ogbomoso through the Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road. It is 102 kilometres. The survey has been done and, hopefully, we will start it. But by 2027, if you vote for whoever we advise you to vote for, they will complete the road project.

“I know the road is important. But there is one before it that is more important; the Saki-Ogboro-Igboho Road. We have already done the road up to somewhere after Ogbooro. When it reaches Igboho, it will take a spur to Kisi and also another spur to Igbeti as well.

“There will also be a spur to Agbonle. These roads will give the connectivity we need, which will boost the economy of this zone.

“We are already fixing the road connecting Iseyin to Saki, though it is a federal road. Once we connect Iseyin to Saki for now and Saki to Ogboro to Igboho to Igbeti, I believe we would have achieved 80 per cent of the desired connectivity to lift the economy of this place, because Saki is the most solid economy around this axis and once the other local governments are connected to it, it will bring about the desired economic uplift for this area.

“I tell people that I didn’t just make the decision to fix these roads. It was an idea that I have nursed since 1984 as a young boy and I am happy that I can bring the idea to reality.”

Earlier, Hon Oni, who read the biography of the deceased, eulogised her as a woman of virtue, who loved family and served God.

In his sermon entitled “Are you on the right path?” Revd W.A. Oderinde noted that Jesus Christ remains the way, the truth and the life and He is the right path that every man must take to reach heaven.

He added that human beings have just a few years to spend on earth, no matter how long, so, they must live each day as if the end will come today

According to the Man of God, Mama Oni realised that life was transient and she lived well and made impact on humanity, calling on others to also prepare for eternity.

A special prayer was offered for the children and family of the late Madam Oni.

The event was attended by Wife of Oyo State Governor, Her Excellency Engr. (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; member of the Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Jacob Adetoro; Special Adviser on Training and Establishment, Alhaji Siju Lawal; and Special Adviser on Budget, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke.

Others were Chief Tunde Tijani; former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Olayemi Busari; Chairman, Water Corporation of Oyo State, Hon. Elias Adeojo; Special Assistant to the Governor on Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope Federal Constituency, Alhaji Yusuff Sarafadeen Alani (Alwajud); Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Moses Alao; Irepo Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Olayiwola; Oorelope Local Government Chairman, Hon. Jacob Ogundiran and his Olorunsogo Local Government counterpart, Hon. Kazeem Oorelope.

Also in attendance were the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Olalekan Abioye and some of his chiefs; the Alepata of Igboholand, Oba (Dr) Joel Olawuwo; the representative of the Iba of Kisi, Oba Mashood Aweda; as well as political leaders from the 10 local government areas of Oke Ogun and across Oyo State.