Author: oduduwanews

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 11 suspects in separate operations linked to the killing of a young man in Atisbo Local Government Area and the kidnapping of two minors in the Iwéré-Ìlè axis of the state.

The Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer, DSP AYANLADE Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on behalf of the Command on Sunday, January 11.

The arrests followed what the police described as swift, intelligence-led responses aimed at curbing violent crime and restoring public confidence.

According to the Command, two minors, Hadu Abubakar, 15, and Sadari Abubakar, 14, both from Akinsapon Village near Ayétòrò-Ìlè, were abducted by suspected gunmen on Friday, January 9, 2026.

The incident was reported to the Iwéré-Ìlè Division at about 9am.

Police operatives, working with other security partners, were immediately mobilised.

The coordinated operation led to the rescue of the two boys, who were reunited with their family, and the arrest of four suspects.

Items recovered during the operation included two cutlasses, a sander stick and the sum of ₦15,700. Police said two of the suspects sustained injuries during the operation and are receiving treatment under close security, while the others are in custody.

The suspects according to the police statement, have confessed to the crime.

The statement stated further that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has ordered the transfer of the suspects to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation.

Similarly, the Command also recorded a breakthrough in a murder case in Atisbo Local Government Area, where seven suspects were arrested over the death of a 20-year-old man, Seidu Amisu.

Preliminary findings, according to the police statement, revealed that the incident occurred at the Budo Fatti area of Ofiki Village following an argument over cattle rearing.

The disagreement reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation, during which one of the suspects allegedly assaulted the victim, leading to his death.

Police said the suspects later attempted to conceal the crime by secretly burying the victim with the help of others. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Ago-Are Division arrested all seven suspects, who are now in custody and cooperating with investigators.

The Commissioner of Police has directed that the murder case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Homicide Section, for detailed investigation.

Reaffirming the Command’s stance, Haruna said the police would not tolerate any form of criminality in the state and assured residents of sustained efforts to protect lives and property.

He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Oyo State Government and Governor Seyi Makinde for their support, while urging members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

Police said all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Lagos State Government has ordered an investigation into the alleged medical negligence that led to the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the 21-month-old son of renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos.

The toddler, one of Adichie’s twin sons, died last Thursday after a brief illness.

In a statement, the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, described the death of a child as a profound tragedy.

Ogunyemi said that Governor Sanwo-Olu had directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to her, HEFAMAA has already visited the facility involved and begun a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the case.

“In line with this commitment, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to unraveling the immediate and remote causes of the death.

“In line with this directive, HEFAMAA has since commenced investigation and has visited the facility involved as part of the ongoing inquiry. The agency will conduct a comprehensive review of all allegations and reports relating to the incident,” she said.

She noted that the agency will also collaborate with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure a credible and professional investigation.

“The investigation will examine the allegations raised, including compliance with established clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.

“Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” the statement added.

She equally assured Lagos residents that any individual or institution found culpable of negligence, professional misconduct or regulatory violations would be sanctioned in accordance with existing laws.

Adichie, in a statement on Saturday, alleged that her son’s death resulted from what she described as “criminal negligence,” accusing the anaesthesiologist involved of being “criminally negligent, fatally casual, and careless with the precious life of a child.”

According to the author, the child initially showed symptoms of a mild cold, which later deteriorated rapidly into a severe infection.

Birnin Kebbi was agog over the weekend as various support groups backing the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Hashim converged on the Kebbi State capital, intensifying grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The groups, operating under different platforms, declared Dr. Hashim as “their son” and pledged massive support for his ambition, while urging Nigerians across the country to rally behind what they described as a credible, inclusive and unifying leadership project.

Speaking at the gathering, members of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement and other allied organisations said the convergence was aimed at consolidating existing support structures, expanding community-level outreach, and strengthening political engagement across Kebbi State and beyond.

Leader of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement in Kebbi State, Muhammad Mustapha Yauri, said the people of the state, particularly those from Yauri Emirate, consider it a collective responsibility to stand firmly behind Dr. Hashim, who was born in Yauri, Kebbi State.

According to Yauri, Dr. Hashim’s late father was an indigene of Kebbi State, while his mother is of Yoruba extraction, a background he said symbolises national integration, unity and inclusiveness,qualities Nigeria urgently needs at this critical stage of its democratic journey.

Also speaking, Chief of Staff to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, described the presidential aspirant as a successful entrepreneur with business interests across several countries. He noted that although Dr. Hashim has never held public office, he is driven by a strong desire to give back to the nation through purposeful, transparent and people-centred leadership.

National Coordinator of the movement, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, commended supporters for their sustained commitment and growing enthusiasm, describing Dr. Hashim as a worthy son and brother whose background, competence and global exposure uniquely position him to offer transformative leadership to Nigeria.

Hamzat said Dr. Hashim, a renowned global businessman, possesses the requisite knowledge, experience and international networks to reset Nigeria’s development trajectory and place the nation on a sustainable path of economic growth, innovation and shared prosperity.

Earlier, the Kebbi State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Mustapha Yauri, assured supporters that mobilisation efforts would be intensified across all local government areas and social strata in the state to ensure widespread awareness and support for Dr. Hashim’s presidential ambition ahead of 2027.

In her remarks, a women leader at the event, Hajiya Hauwa, expressed optimism that a Gbenga Hashim presidency would prioritise the welfare of women, particularly those in rural communities, through inclusive governance, economic empowerment initiatives and expanded access to opportunities.

Malam Garkuwa, a coordinator from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former council chairman of Shanga Local Government Area in Kebbi State, paid glowing tributes to Dr. Hashim and called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure the actualisation of his presidential ambition.

Similarly, Garba Mohammed, coordinator of another pro-Hashim support group, who was represented by Engr. Lawal, thanked the visiting delegation from Abuja and assured supporters that a Gbenga Hashim presidency would work for all Nigerians and tackle insecurity decisively.

The event also featured goodwill messages from leaders of various support groups and enthusiastic supporters, who expressed confidence in Dr. Hashim’s vision and looked forward to his visit to Kebbi State.

Political analysts who spoke on the development said Dr. Hashim’s multicultural background, private-sector success, national outlook and growing grassroots support across regions are among the factors that make him a strong contender for the presidency.

The Lagos State House of Assembly has passed into law the ₦4.4 trillion 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, marking a major fiscal milestone for Africa’s largest sub-national economy.

The budget, officially titled the ₦4,444,509,776,438 2026 Budget of Shared Prosperity, was approved by lawmakers on Thursday, January 8, 2026, following weeks of deliberations and reviews.

According to details of the budget, over 52 per cent of the total expenditure has been earmarked for capital projects, underscoring the state government’s commitment to infrastructure-led development and inclusive economic growth.

Key priority areas of the 2026 budget include infrastructure and transport, education and healthcare, as well as economic growth and social development. The allocations are aimed at improving public service delivery, strengthening human capital development, and stimulating sustainable economic activities across the state.

The passage of the budget reflects the shared vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to steer Lagos into what the government describes as a new era of shared prosperity.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of alleged bandits’ warning notes in the community of Ikoyi-Ile, located in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, and said a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine the origin and intent of the notes. 

The development was confirmed on Saturday, January 10, 2026, amid rising concern among residents after the notes reportedly hinted at a planned attack on the community scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026. 

According to gathered information, two separate threat notes, believed to have been written by suspected bandits, were discovered at the front and back of a building in the town. One note, handwritten in Yoruba and titled “Lati Odo Bandit,” warned in part that the writers would come on January 20 and instructed residents to prepare for them, suggesting impending violence. 

The second note, written in English, stated: “Bandit information. See, now, three days we work for you. We said you in Ikoyi-Ile is the government that sent us. Wait for us.” 

Although police officials have not yet verified the authenticity of the notes or established a definite link to known bandit groups, the warnings have caused widespread fear and tension among locals. 

The Public Relations Officer of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed that the individual who found the notes is currently being debriefed, and that authorities have commenced a thorough investigation into the matter. 

In his statement, Ayanlade thanked the public for its cooperation and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant as security agencies work to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the community. 

Noble FC have emerged champions of the 2025 Araromi LCDA Football Competition after a thrilling final decided by penalties against Authentic FC. The grassroots tournament, organised by the youths of Ado-Awaye under the umbrella of the Ado-Awaye Progressive Youths Movement (APYM), marked the third edition of the annual competition.

The tournament featured eight teams, divided into Groups A and B. Group A consisted of Authentic FC, Fabulous FC, Noble FC and Unbeatable FC, while Group B featured Akinwumi United, Lobi Star FC, Super Star FC and Wasinmi FC. Matches were played over seven days, producing intense competition and impressive displays of local football talent.

After the group-stage fixtures and knockout rounds, Noble FC defeated Wasinmi FC 2–0 in the semi-final, while Authentic FC secured a convincing 3–0 victory over Super Star FC. The third-place match saw Super Star FC edge Wasinmi FC 3–2. In the final, Noble FC and Authentic FC played out a goalless draw, before Noble FC clinched the title via a decisive penalty kick.

At the end of the competition, Noble FC claimed the top prize of ₦100,000, Authentic FC finished second with ₦70,000, and Super Star FC secured third place with ₦50,000.
The tournament received strong support and donations from prominent sons and daughters of Ado-Awaye, including Mr Abiodun Ogunleti, Mrs Taiwo Adetokun, Mr Oludare Ogunlana, Engr. Rasaq Jeleel (Cyberlink Filling Station), HRM Ọba Okunlola Amidu (The Alawaye of Awaye), Hon. Tiamiyu Ibrahim Oladoja, Hon. Adeola Bamidele, Mr. Ogundare Babalola (KoolFM) and several other community leaders.

The grand finale attracted a large turnout of Ado-Awaye indigenes and dignitaries, notably HRM Ọba Okunlola Amidu, representatives of Engr. Jeleel Rasaq Imoran, Prince Yemisi Ajayi, and the Chairman of Araromi LCDA, Hon. Tiamiyu Ibrahim Oladoja.

During the closing ceremony, special recognition was given to Adepoju Sodiq, celebrated as a “Golden Son of the Soil” for winning the Golden Boot as highest goal scorer at the Baba Bamboo Akintola Football Competition 2025 in Oyo Town. Organisers also encouraged young football enthusiasts to register as trained referees to strengthen local officiating capacity.

The APYM organising committee, led by Mr Gbenga Ajayi (Chairman), alongside Comr. Ajibola Abdul-Azeez Oluwaseun (Vice Chairman and APYM President), Mr Babatunde Johnson (Treasurer), Mr Sheu Afeez Olayemi (Financial Secretary), Busari Kabiru (Director of Sports), and Mr Shola (Member), was widely commended for a successful and well-organised tournament that promoted unity and youth development in Ado-Awaye.

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, no fewer than four support groups backing the presidential aspiration of Dr. Gbenga Hashim have converged in Kano, pledging to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure the actualisation of his ambition.

The groups, which met separately before a joint convergence, vowed that they would no longer work for politicians who use supporters merely as stepping stones to power, only to abandon them afterwards.

They expressed firm commitment to seeing Dr. Hashim emerge as President in 2027, insisting that his leadership would place Nigeria on the path of development, peace and progress.

The support groups are the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, led by Hajiya A’isha Mustapha; Gbenga Hashim Group, led by Miko Isyaku; Gbenga Hashim Support Group, led by Khalifa Muhammad; and the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard.

During the meetings, the groups passed votes of confidence on Dr. Hashim and appealed to their members and supporters to return to the grassroots to mobilise widespread support for his presidential bid.

Addressing supporters, the National Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Abdulrazaq Hamza, expressed appreciation to all those backing Dr. Hashim, describing him as a well prepared and capable leader.

“We should continue to mobilise support for Dr. Gbenga Hashim. He has advised and assisted governments of many countries to achieve economic growth and development. He will definitely provide the leadership Nigerians are yearning for if he becomes our president in 2027,” Hamza said.

Similarly, the North West Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Vanguard, Aminu Bala, stressed the need for inclusiveness, urging support groups to relate with and welcome individuals across party lines in order to broaden the support base for Dr. Hashim.

He underscored the strategic political importance of Kano, describing it as a major political hub whose support could significantly influence other states in the region to rally behind Dr. Hashim’s presidential aspiration.

Chief of Staff to Dr. Gbenga Hashim, Mr. Kamaldeen Sani Adebayo, said the aspirant’s track record as a successful global businessman with enterprises in Nigeria and across several countries qualifies him for the nation’s highest office.

He conveyed Dr. Hashim’s goodwill message to the various support groups and assured them that he would remain committed to them, adding that they would not be abandoned if he eventually emerges as the democratically elected President of Nigeria.

In her remarks, the Kano State Coordinator of the Gbenga Hashim Solidarity Movement, Hajiya A’isha Mustapha, charged coordinators from all local government areas of the state to intensify their mobilisation efforts to ensure victory for Dr. Gbenga Hashim in 2027.

The convergence also featured goodwill messages from leaders of the various support groups, all reaffirming their resolve to work collectively towards the success of Dr. Hashim’s presidential ambition.

Popular Nigerian music power couple, Adekunle Gold and Simi, have welcomed twin babies, sending waves of excitement across the entertainment industry and social media.

The happy news became public after Adekunle Gold took to his Instagram story to make a subtle but joyful announcement, hinting that the couple had been blessed with more than one child. Although the singer did not disclose full details about the twins, his message strongly suggested a double blessing.

In the post, Adekunle Gold wrote, “Asked God for another child and He blessed me double,” a statement many fans interpreted as confirmation of the arrival of twins.

Details surrounding the birth, including the sex of the babies, the exact date, and location, were not revealed, in line with the couple’s well-known preference for keeping their family life private.

Adekunle Gold and Simi, who tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2019, already share a daughter born in 2020. Over the years, the couple have earned admiration not only for their music but also for their strong bond and low-profile approach to family matters.

Following the announcement, congratulatory messages and prayers have continued to pour in from fans, fellow artistes, and celebrities, many describing the news as a “double blessing” for one of Nigeria’s most beloved music couples.