Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Muniru Haruna, for allegedly defiling a neighbour’s three-year-old daughter.
Spokesperson of the command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the suspect lured the minor into his room when she was playing.
According to Odutola, the victim’s mother, Alaba Abdullahi, heard her daughter crying and quickly went to investigate.
She saw her child walking unsteadily while coming out of the suspect’s room.
“On 1st March 2025, at about 11:00 am, the local Police outstation at Orile-Ilugun received a distress call from 20-year-old Alaba Abdullahi regarding her three-year-old daughter,” the PPRO stated.
“Alaba reported that Muniru Haruna, a 25-year-old man residing in the same area, allegedly committed the act while the victim was playing nearby.
“The incident was discovered when Alaba heard her child crying and quickly went to investigate, only to find her daughter emerging from the suspect’s room in evident distress.
“Upon further examination, it was revealed that the victim had difficulty walking and exhibited signs of physical trauma.”
Odutola stated that the minor was taken to General Hospital Odeda for medical examination and necessary treatment, adding that the police await the doctor’s results.
The PPRO noted that although the suspect has denied the allegations levied against him, the case was referred to the Division Crime Branch for investigation and will be transferred to the State CID Eleweran upon completion of the preliminary inquiry.
She reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of members of the public, especially children.
A tragic case of a missing 28-year-old graduate, Ogubode Quadri Adedamola, has taken a grim turn as his body was discovered buried near the premises of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Ileri Oluwa Parish, LASU 2. Adedamola, a graduate of the Political Science Education Department at Lagos State University (LASU) and CEO of Horlar Edu Consultancy, was declared missing on January 16, 2025.
According to his girlfriend, Adedamola had called her on the day he went missing, stating that he was in front of the church and would call her back later. However, he never returned or made contact again. When the police were alerted, they visited the church based on her account. The church’s shepherd, Sup. Evang. Whepetoji Babaniyeh, denied seeing Adedamola on the said day or knowing anything about his disappearance.
As the investigation intensified, the police obtained Adedamola’s bank statement, which revealed that ₦1.5 million had been transferred from his account on the day he went missing. A portion of the funds was traced to the bank accounts of the shepherd, his daughter, and others. Initially, Babaniyeh denied receiving any money but later claimed it was a “thanksgiving offering” when confronted with evidence by the police.
The breakthrough in the case came when Adedamola’s body was discovered buried near the church premises. Investigations revealed that the burial was carried out under the supervision of the shepherd. Additionally, a gun and an axe were recovered from Babaniyeh, further implicating him in the crime.
The shepherd has since been detained by the police for further investigation. The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, as the community mourns the loss of a young entrepreneur and graduate whose life was cut short under mysterious and tragic circumstances.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they continue to unravel the details of this disturbing case.
The National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Eniola Olajuni, who was abducted by unknown gunmen, has regained his freedom after spending 12 days in captivity.
Olajuni’s abduction had sparked widespread concerns, with calls from various Yoruba socio-political groups and stakeholders demanding his immediate release. Details surrounding the circumstances of his freedom remain unclear, including whether a ransom was paid or if security operatives were involved in securing his release.
His ordeal has once again highlighted the growing security challenges in the country, particularly the increasing cases of kidnappings targeting political and community leaders.
On behalf of JDS Consolidated Groups, we extend our warmest Ramadan greetings to all Muslim faithful in Oyo State, Nigeria, and beyond. As we embark on this sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, we pray that Almighty Allah grants us strength, patience, and unwavering faith to observe this holy period in peace and devotion.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and increased acts of kindness and charity. It reminds us of the importance of compassion, unity, and the need to uplift those in need. As we fast from dawn to dusk, may we also purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and extend our hands in generosity to the less privileged among us. At JDS Consolidated Groups, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting goodwill, community service, and social development, values that align with the teachings of Ramadan. We encourage everyone to use this holy period for personal growth, reconciliation, and collective prayers for our dear state and country. May this Ramadan bring divine blessings, peace, and prosperity to every home.
May our prayers and sacrifices be accepted, let us remember Oyo State in our prayers and may we emerge from this month spiritually enriched and morally uplifted. Ramadan Mubarak!
I have been incredibly busy lately, but I could not miss the opportunity to celebrate Prof. Lucas, a true scholar, on his remarkable 80th birthday. He truly deserves this milestone celebration! To mark this special occasion, I have declared a two-week celebration, symbolically dividing his 80 years into two halves of 40 years each. These two periods represent his dedication to the glory of God and his selfless service to humanity. In celebrating Professor Ephraim Olabode Olusegun Lucas’ life and accomplishments, we are reminded of the enormous impact one person can have on society. Professor Lucas’ academic trajectory demonstrates his tenacity and enthusiasm for learning. Affectionately addressed as Bode, he was born on 27 February, 1945, into a family with a strong academic legacy. His father, the late Chief Ebenezer Olugeshin Lucas, was a pioneer educationist who founded Ilesa Grammar School in 1934. Chief Lucas’ contributions to education were recognised with the esteemed title of Bajulaiye of Erin-Ijesha in 1964. Professor Lucas’ mother, Mrs. Felicia O. Lucas, was a successful trader who passed on in 2009, leaving behind a lasting impact on her family. His academic achievements are matched only by his impressive career, which spans over four decades. He was educated at the following institutions: St. John’s Primary School, Iloro, Ilesa (1950-1957), Ilesa Grammar School (1958-1962), Federal School of Science, Onikan, Lagos (1963-1966), University of Ibadan, Ibadan (1966-1969), Wye College (University of London), where he obtained M.Sc. (1972) and Ph.D. (1975) in Crop Physiology (Agronomy) and the University of Wisconsin, USA, where he obtained a certificate in Agricultural Cooperatives in 1982. Throughout his illustrious academic career, he received numerous prestigious scholarships, prizes and honours, including Cocoa Marketing Board Scholarship at the University of Ibadan (1966-1969); In-Service Training Fellowship (NIFOR) at the Wye College (University of London) from 1971 to 1975; International Atomic Energy Vienna Fellowship at the University of Western Australia (1987); and Research Associate in the Department of Crop Science at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada (1988-1989). His distinguished career spans several prestigious institutions, including the Ministry of Lagos Affairs, the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), and the University of Ibadan, where he rose through the ranks to become a Professor of Agronomy. Additionally, he served as a visiting Professor at the University of Fort Hare in Alice, South Africa, from 1999 to 2001. Also, he served as a Consultant to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rural Development (1981) and Sustainable Agriculture (1993). His expertise has also been sought as an External Examiner for numerous universities in Nigeria and abroad. In addition, his expertise in Agronomy has been recognised globally, with numerous publications in local and international journals Professor Lucas had a profound impact on the academic community, supervising 14 Ph.D students and notably, produced the first female Ph.D. holder in Agronomy in Southern Africa, paving the way for future generations of women in Agriculture. This quintessential academic is a distinguished member of various prestigious learned societies, including Agriculture Society of Nigeria, Institute of Biology and American Society of Institute of Biology and American Society of Agronomy.These memberships underscore his commitment to academic excellence and his contribution to the fields of Agriculture and Biology. Between 1984 and 2007, Prof. Lucas demonstrated his commitment to academia and governance through various public service appointments. Here are the key roles he played during this period: Chairmanship Roles Chairman, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan Practical Training Programme (1984-1986); and Chairman, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry Consultancy Committee (1988-1992). Leadership Positions President, University of Ibadan Staff Club (1990-1992); Dean, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan (1992-1994); Dean, Postgraduate School (1994-1995) and Head of the Department of Agronomy (2002-2005). Membership Roles Member of the Joint Council/Senate Committee on the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (1991); Member of University of Ibadan Senate (1983-2010); Member of the Appointments & Promotion Committee, University of Ibadan (1990-1998) and Member of the Governing Council, University of Ibadan Governing (2003-2007). Aside from his distinguished academic career, Professor Lucas is a prolific writer with a diverse range of publications. His notable works, include: 1. Sixty Landmarks (2008) – a publication marking the 60th anniversary of the University of Ibadan, co-edited with Emeritus Professor Femi Osofisan and Mark Aken’Ova; 2. Split Image (2014) – a novel exploring themes of identity and social commentary; 3. Snapshots of National and International Affairs (2016) – a compilation of newspaper articles offering insightful analyses on local and global issues; 4. Iroye: Stories from Childhood (2019) – a collection of short stories reflecting on the author’s formative years; and 5. Dividends of Greed (2021) – a novel delving into the consequences of unchecked ambition and corruption. Professor Lucas’ literary contributions demonstrate his versatility and commitment to storytelling, social critique and academic excellence. I have complimentary copies of these publications, courtesy of Professor Bode Lucas. Despite his many achievements, Professor Lucas remains humble and committed to giving back to society. His impact on education is excellent. The University of Ibadan community is grateful to him for his remarkable contributions to education. Even in retirement, Professor Lucas continues to inspire and nurture academic excellence through his generous endowments. In 2010, Professor Lucas selflessly utilised his gratuity to establish two endowments totaling Two Million Naira. These endowments, which are awarded in perpetuity, demonstrate his commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. The first endowment, dedicated to the Postgraduate College, provides an annual award of N100,000 to the producer of the best thesis in the University. This award not only recognises outstanding research but also encourages postgraduate students to strive for excellence. The second endowment, established at the Faculty of Agriculture, comprises two annual awards: the Best Final Year Student award and the Best Practical Year Student award, each receiving N50,000. These awards motivate undergraduate students to excel in their academic pursuits and practical applications. His endowments embody his dedication to education and his desire to empower future generations. His legacy serves as a shining example of the impact one individual can have on the academic community. As I acknowledge Professor Lucas’ remarkable contributions, I also celebrate the students who have benefited and will continue to benefit from his endowments. The University of Ibadan and the academic community at large are grateful for Professor Lucas’ enduring legacy. His endowments will continue to inspire and reward outstanding academic achievements for many generations. His legacy serves as an inspiration to future generations of academics, researchers and public servants. In celebrating this visionary academic, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Postgraduate College, University of Ibadan, proudly celebrated the 80th birthday of the quintessential academic, This momentous occasion was marked with an interdisciplinary discourse, featuring a keynote lecture titled, “Integrating the Past with the Present for Efficient Administration of the University System” delivered by the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, FAS. The event also included a panel discussion on “Leveraging Technology to Transform Postgraduate Education in Africa,” featuring distinguished Professors from the University of Ibadan: Francis Egbokhare, FNAL, Department of Linguistics and African Languages, Segun Ajiboye, MNAE, FAPPRA, Department of Arts and Social Science Education and Aina Adeogun, Department of Zoology. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, mni, FAS, presided over the event, while the Provost of the Postgraduate College, Professor A. S.O. Ogunjuyigbe, was the host. The event was to honour Professor Lucas’ life achievements, profound impact on academia, society and celebrate his transformative power of dedication, hard work and visionary leadership. I have had the privilege of experiencing Prof Lucas’ extraordinary humility firsthand. He relates with people of all ages with remarkable warmth and equality as if they were lifelong friends. His exceptional social skills have earned him a reputation of a remarkable socialite. One instance that stands out in my mind is when he addressed me with his characteristic warmth, saying, “Director, you are my friend’. I was deeply touched when he took the time to write a heartfelt message on my 60th birthday, on Wednesday, 19 February, 2025, “Director, happy birthday to you. Since I have known you as a media expert, I have been impressed by your professionalism. You’ve been an asset to our community, celebrating many individuals and bringing joy to others. May God celebrate you too. I wish you a long, healthy life, filled with continued productivity and service to God and humanity. Enjoy your special day”. I am truly grateful for his kind words and do not take his thoughtfulness for granted. Finally, Professor Ephraim Olabode Olusegun Lucas is a shining example of academic excellence, public service and community development. His contributions to Nigeria and the global academic community are immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us for generations to come.
Happy happy 80th birthday, Sir. Enjoy your years ahead as usual in the sunshine of life, Sir. Cheers!
Tunji Oladejo writes from the University of Ibadan via oladejo65@gmail.com 08077284442
A National Youth Service Corp member, Rofiat Lawal, who was kidnapped along the Benin-Ore Expressway on Tuesday has regained freedom after her family paid a ransom of N1.1m.
It was gathered that Lawal was kidnapped while en route to Ibadan, Oyo State from Benin, Edo State to resume at her place of primary assignment.
The abductors were said to have demanded a N20m ransom which her family appealed that they could not afford.
Following back-and-forth negotiations, the kidnappers reportedly reduced the N20m ransom to N5m.
Giving an update on the incident, Lawal’s friend identified as Agbakwara, who was privy to the incident, disclosed today that Aminat has regained her freedom.
Odukaye Kunle, the father who brutalised his son, Boluwatife, in Otta area, Ogun State, has been arrested by the police.
This was contained in a statement made available by the Nigerian Police Force via its official X account as read in part:
“The mother of the boy and the boy will be taken to our police medical centre otta for further medical assessment and attention. The OC Medical, Ogun State has been ordered to proceed to otta on this mission.
“Kunle will be charged to court on Monday. We commend the CP Ogun State, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, and his team for their commitment and ensuring that the boy gets justice.
“We appreciate you all for your concerns as well. Thanks”.
The Editorial Community Development Service (CDS), Osun State, held its much-anticipated handing-over ceremony today at the Township Stadium, Omowest, Osogbo. The event, which combined multiple activities, featured a debriefing by the Outgoing Batch A executives, an oath-taking ceremony, prayers, an awards session, and games.
The official handing-over session saw each outgoing Batch A executive deliver a brief speech, outlining their key roles and responsibilities, achievements, executed projects, challenges faced, and recommendations for the incoming executives. They emphasized the importance of teamwork and urged their successors to work closely with the Editor-in-Chief to advance the board’s goals and objectives.During the oath-taking session, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief and the Editor-in-Chief were officially sworn in. The outgoing Deputy Editor, Mubarak Adebayo—ably represented by the outgoing Provost, Peter Praise—administered the oath to the new Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Similarly, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Gabriel Diemesor, officiated the oath-taking for his successor.
Following the oath-taking, a prayer session was led by the Editor-in-Chief, Adebayo Sunday Adewoyin and the Schedule Officer and Editorial Coordinator, Mrs. Catherine Otemuyiwa. Mrs Otemuyiwa invited the new executives to stand before the board members, who then exchanged handshakes and greetings in a symbolic show of unity. The Provost led this segment, ensuring every executive was formally welcomed. Concluding the session, Mrs. Otemuyiwa offered prayers for the outgoing executives, the incoming leadership, and the board as a whole.In her address, Mrs. Otemuyiwa expressed profound gratitude to the outgoing executives for their dedication and impactful contributions, which significantly advanced the Editorial CDS and the NYSC Public Relations Unit. She encouraged the new executives to take their roles seriously, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the board’s objectives. She also reassured board members of an open-door policy, urging them to share ideas and programs that could further enhance the CDS.Mrs Otemuyiwa further underscored the significance of regular attendance at CDS meetings, stressing that the Editorial CDS plays a crucial role in representing NYSC Osun State by covering important events and reporting on NYSC activities such as camp programs and other engagements.The Editor’s awards session was another highlight of the ceremony, with over 50 board members, including the Editorial Coordinator and Schedule Officer, Mrs Catherine Otemuyiwa, receiving awards for their outstanding performance, consistency, and excellence in CDS activities. Special recognition was given to members who participated in key programs such as Pad a Thousand Girl Child, Battle of Views, the Editorial Summit, as well as those who consistently contributed to radio and television shows. Additional awards were presented to the article and photo album coordinators of the magazine committee, Entrepreneur and Promotion Day winner and other deserving individuals.Delivering his farewell speech, the outgoing Editor-in-Chief, Gabriel Diemesor, urged board members to remain committed to their duties and to work collectively with the new executives to uphold the Editorial CDS’s legacy. He expressed appreciation for the support he received from the outgoing executives in executing projects and acknowledged the board’s growing presence on social media, television, and radio platforms. He also extended heartfelt gratitude to the Schedule Officer for her guidance and trust in his leadership.His speech was followed by remarks from the newly appointed Editor-in-Chief, Adebayo Sunday Adewoyin. Mr Adebayo expressed gratitude to Mrs. Otemuyiwa on his new appointment and for the opportunity to serve. He commended the outgoing executives for their dedication and successful projects. Pledging to uphold the board’s objectives, he assured members of his commitment to ensuring growth and progress during his tenure. He called for cooperation between the board and the new leadership, encouraging members to contribute innovative ideas to propel the CDS forward.The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Welfare Director, Peters Oluwatobiloba, who appreciated both the outgoing and incoming executives, as well as board members, for their patience and participation throughout the event.
The program officially ended with the NYSC anthem, led by the Provost, Mr Adelu Uthman.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, Friday, announced positive sighting of moon for the commencement of the 2025 Ramadhan.
Subsequently, 2025 Ramadhan starts on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
This was announced during a live broadcast of moonsighting across different regions in the Kingdom.
Nigeria Muslims await the announcement of Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Saad Abubakar for the commencement of fasting in Nigeria.
35 lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly in favour of Mudashiru Obasa’s removal as Speaker have arrived the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a matter brought by the latter.
Lawyers to Speaker Mojisola Meranda and the House include lead counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).
Others counsels to the lawmakers are: Mr. Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN); Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN); Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN); Dr. Dada Awosika (SAN); Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN); Mr. Mofe Oyetibo (SAN); Mr. Olumide Oyewole and Mr. Wunmi Okeremi.
