Oduduwa News

The management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has confirmed the tragic killing of one of its students during an unauthorised sign-out ceremony in the town.

The deceased, identified as Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was reportedly shot on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market football pitch in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

In a statement signed by the university’s Registrar, Mrs. Olayinka Balogun, LAUTECH expressed deep sorrow over the incident and disclosed that the school had banned all forms of sign-out celebrations since 2023 due to safety concerns.

“Despite repeated warnings and formal notices to students, including directives to hospitality facilities not to host such activities, some students still went ahead to organise the event. Sadly, it ended in the loss of a precious life,” the statement read.

Balogun added that the Acting Dean of Student Affairs promptly alerted the Oyo State Police Command, whose personnel from the Monitoring Unit and the Area Command responded to the scene. The victim’s body was conveyed to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital morgue after identification through personal items found in his bag.

The university pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation and assured the public that the family of the deceased had been duly informed.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the late Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola during this difficult time,” the statement added.

The Oyo State Police Command has yet to announce any arrests in connection with the killing, but investigations are ongoing.

Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has kicked off a mass membership drive for the party in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos, urging Nigerians to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the well-attended event, Aregbesola took a swipe at the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP), accusing all three of failing to deliver good governance and meaningful development. He described the ADC as a “fresh alternative” capable of resetting Nigeria on the path of progress.

“Go out and spread the gospel of the ADC to all Nigerians, especially in your local government areas. Tell them that a new vista of hope and opportunity awaits them in our party,” Aregbesola charged the crowd, promising incentives to boost mobilisation efforts.

In a clear defiance to President Bola Tinubu and the Lagos APC leadership, the former Osun State governor encouraged party members to embark on grassroots sensitisation, register as voters during the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continuous voter registration, and prepare to protect their votes in 2027.

The rally, which drew a large turnout despite initial delays, featured speeches, campaign songs, and solidarity chants. Key party figures in attendance included Lagos State ADC Chairman George Ashiru, Lagos State Influencer Rahman Owokoniran, and Kosofe LGA Influencer Funmi Onita-Coker, all of whom stressed the importance of mass mobilisation ahead of the polls.

Ashiru welcomed prospective members, pledging “honest and transparent leadership” and equal opportunities for both newcomers and existing members.

Comfort Emmanson, the woman who was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre following an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight, has been released.

The decision followed the withdrawal of the complaint against her by Ibom Air. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed her release on Wednesday, stating succinctly: “Emmanson has gone home from the court. I can confirm that.”

Keyamo explained that the withdrawal of the case came after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector, including the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON), and in light of Emmanson’s “great remorse” during police questioning.

As a result, the lifetime flying ban imposed by AON has also been lifted. Authorities indicated that the necessary steps have been taken to facilitate her release this week.

The Obafemi Awolowo University Dental Students’ Association (IFUDSA) has been thrown into mourning following the death of one of its members, who reportedly took his own life shortly after the release of examination results.

In a statement signed by its President, Adebayo Idris, on Wednesday, made available to Oduduwa News, the association described the incident as a “painful reminder of the silent battles many students face.”

“With deep sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of one of our colleagues in the Faculty of Dentistry. We received the painful news that he took his own life shortly after the release of examination results,” the statement read.

The association extended its condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew him, noting that the tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger mental health support among students.

“This loss is not just the departure of a promising young mind, but a painful reminder of the silent battles many students face. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and no one should ever feel alone in their struggles,” Idris stated.

IFUDSA urged its members to reach out to one another, offer support, and seek professional help when necessary. The association also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improved student welfare and mental health services to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

A tricycle operator died while two of his passengers were seriously injured in a head-on collision with a Toyota Venza at Egbe Bridge summit, inward Ikotun, Lagos State on Tuesday.

While confirming the incident, General Manager of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki said the driver of the car with registration number GWA 659 RD, fled the accident scene after killing

The statement was signed by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.

According to Bakare-Oki, the driver, in an act of cowardice and moral dereliction, fled the scene after realising the devastation caused by his impatience and reckless driving.

“Law enforcement authorities have launched a concerted manhunt to apprehend the fugitive motorist and subject him to the full rigours of the law,” he said.

He said preliminary findings indicated the Toyota Venza approached from the Ejigbo axis, attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre atop the bridge.

Bakare-Oki expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and wished the injured passengers a quick and full recovery.

Reaffirming LASTMA’s commitment to road safety, Bakare-Oki urged motorists to be vigilant and ensure roads are clear before overtaking, especially on elevated roads and bridge crests.

“This tragic incident is a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and blatant disregard for traffic laws,” he said.

He stressed the need for discipline, foresight, and strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent avoidable tragedies on Nigeria’s roads.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has ordered withdrawal of cases against the remanded Airbom passenger, Comfort Emmason and the popular Fuji Musician, Wasiu Ayinde popularly known as KWAM1.

In a statement made available to newsmen as read in part:

“A valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

“As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved, from all the evidence available to us and that available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability,” the Minister’s statement read in part.

Following deliberations, “including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors”, Keyamo said he had prevailed on Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against Emmason.

“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.”

Keyamo noted that the female Ibom passenger will be released from Kirikiri prison immediately, and the lifetime flying ban will also be lifted.

“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.

“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.”

A High Court sitting in Ogun State has issued an interim order restraining the Ogun State Government and its agents from demolishing or tampering with the property belonging to a former governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel.

The ex parte order was granted following an affidavit of urgency filed by the claimants, Senator Gbenga Daniel and his wife, Olufunke Daniel.

The court in suit number HCS/371/2025, said it was satisfied that immediate intervention was necessary to protect the property pending further hearing.

In the ruling, the judge barred the defendants, their allies, proxies, assigns, cronies, and any persons acting on their behalf from carrying out any demolition, enforcing the quit notice issued on August 8, 2025, or otherwise interfering with the claimants’ possession of the property.

The property in question covers approximately 1.659 hectares, within the Government Reservation Area, Sagamu, and is covered by Certificate of Occupancy No. LUD3/LR2693 issued on January 20, 2010.

The court further restrained the defendants from any form of trespass or disturbance of the claimants’ quiet possession until the hearing and determination of the substantive motion on notice.

The suit has been adjourned to August 19, 2025, for the hearing of the application for an interlocutory injunction.

–Oduduwa News

The Nigeria Police Force has begun investigating Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over alleged unruly behaviour that reportedly obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had formally petitioned the police over the incident, which occurred on August 5, 2025, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.

Following the petition, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to launch a thorough investigation into the matter to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged misconduct and ensure justice is served.

“The Nigeria Police Force has received an official petition from NCAA over an alleged incident involving Mr. Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1). He is accused of engaging in unruly conduct that allegedly obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023, following a reported incident on 5 August 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

“In response, the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the matter,” Adejobi said.

The police assured Nigerians and aviation stakeholders of their commitment to upholding safety and security in the aviation sector, stressing that collaboration will be intensified to ensure strict compliance with aviation laws.