Oduduwa News

A notorious cultist identified as Nasir Isiaka in Owo, headquarters of the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

He was killed a few days after four persons were killed in the ancient community during a cult-related clash, after which a curfew was imposed on the town.

The state police command said Mr. Isiaka was killed by two masked men in the Gbanasa axis of the community.

He had been on the wanted list of the police over his alleged involvement in violent crimes in the state.

Spokesperson of the command ,Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya,
confirmed the killing of the suspect.

She stated that the deceased had, during the End SARS protest, along with his group, attacked Uso Police Division in the local government and stole one AK-47 rifle and bulletproof vest belonging to the police.

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the tanker fire explosion that claimed 77 lives and injured 25 others along Dikko-Maje road in Suleja, Niger State, as a devastating tragedy.

In a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Sunday, Abiodun, who said that the governments and the people of the southern states were deeply troubled by the tragedy, commiserated with Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and his cabinet, as well as the people of Niger State, urging them not to allow their spirits to be dampened by the extremely tragic event.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims of the fire while expressing hope that the injured will have speedy recovery and be back on their feet in the shortest possible time.

He said: “To say that we in the Southern Governors’ Forum are terribly shocked by this devastating tragedy in which as many as 77 people lost their lives and no less than 25 others were grievously injured would be an understatement.

“This is a soul-crushing event that has befallen Niger State, and we pray that Almighty Allah will comfort the families that lost their loved ones in the incident.

“We also hope that the security agencies will up their ante and enforce the directives given by His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, to ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules in the state, especially given that this was an entirely avoidable tragedy.

“It is also important to warn Nigerians to desist from the practice of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, as most of the victims of this tragedy were people who ran to the scene of the accident to scoop fuel.”

While calling on state and federal agencies to redouble their efforts in managing the fallouts of the tragedy, Abiodun urged the Federal Government to liaise with the Niger State Government and render any assistance that the state may require at this time.

Tragedy struck on Sunday when gunmen suspected to be hired assassins shot and killed the Shepherd-in-charge of a Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in Idiroko Border town of Ipokia local government area of Ogun State.

The deceased, identified as Yomi Adetula was shot dead right inside his church during the Sunday service around 11a.m. while preaching.

An eyewitness at the scene told ODUDUWA NEWS that Adetula’s assailants, wielding AK-47 rifles and numbering about six, all clad in Celestial Church’s garments, stormed the Hebrew Celestial Church located at the Odo Eran area of the Old Garrage Road in Idiroko where they rained bullets on the deceased pastor, waiting to certify him dead and dismembering his body inside the church before leaving the scene.

ODUDUWA NEWS further gathered that the deceased was the Idiroko Unit Commander of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, popularly known as So-SAFE Corps; one of the community security outfits established and funded by the Ogun State government.

While the reasons behind the murder could not be immediately ascertained, our correspondent however, gathered that late Adetula had for the past few months been having running battles with certain smuggling cartel in Idiroko Border town, which necessitated his transfer to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in December 2024.

Sources within his church in Idiroko also confided in this newspaper that the development led to the forceful closure of his church in December by some suspected smugglers.

The State Commander of So-SAFE Corps, Soji Ganzalo, who confirmed the incident said that he received the news of Adetula’s assassination with a rude shock.

Ganzalo however, assured that the Corp would not relent until the matter is properly investigated, while also promising to assist appropriate security agencies with necessary information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.

Lagos State Government has shut Smiley Kids Montessori School in Sangotedo, Lagos Island after a two-year-old pupil of the school,Rapheala Ogbodo, reportedly died.

The Lagos State Government has closed Smiley Kids Montessori, a school in Sangotedo, following the tragic death of a two-year-old student in a swimming pool incident. The move comes amidst allegations and public outrage surrounding the circumstances of the child’s death.

ODUDUWA NEWS previously highlighted the heartbreaking story of Rapheala Ogbodo, the mother of the deceased child. On January 15, she took to social media to demand accountability after her healthy daughter failed to return home from school alive. The school initially claimed the toddler drowned in their swimming pool. However, Ms. Ogbodo later alleged that her child was electrocuted and that the body was placed in the pool to disguise the actual cause of death.

The allegations prompted swift action from the Lagos State Safety Commission, the Office of Education Quality Assurance, and the Ministry of Education. These agencies conducted a preliminary investigation at the school to ascertain the root cause of the tragic incident.

“While the school is presently under lock pending further investigation, the State Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the victim and expresses its commitment to preventing future occurrences,” read a statement from the Safety Commission.

Lanre Mojola, the Director-General of the Safety Commission, emphasized the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations in schools to avoid similar tragedies. He assured the public that further updates would be provided once investigations are concluded.

This incident has reignited discussions on child safety in educational institutions and the enforcement of safety standards. The Lagos State Government has reiterated its resolve to ensure all schools comply with safety protocols to protect the welfare of students.

The wife of a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has been kidnapped from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

According to available information, Mrs. Odumosu was abducted in the early hours of Friday by heavily armed men.

The kidnappers were said to have stormed the home of the Odumosus, shooting sporadically. The Ogun State Police Command was yet to issue an official statement on the issue as at press time.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the recruitment of an additional 1,000 Amotekun personnel to effectively police all nooks and crannies of the state, just as he warned criminals that the state would not be a haven for their criminal activities.

The governor also pledged to provide more patrol vehicles, electric motorcycles, communication gadgets, and other necessities to enable the Corps members to discharge their duties effectively.

The governor announced this on Saturday at the passing-out parade ceremony of 690 Batch D trainees of the Corps, held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.

He said the establishment of the Corps was aimed at strengthening security, particularly at the grassroots, as well as reducing unemployment in the state.

“We will also continue to strengthen the Ogun State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) to ensure that you have the tools and infrastructure required to perform your duties effectively and diligently.

“I am today, based on what I have seen regarding your level of preparedness and commitment, approving the extra requirement of another 1,000 Amotekun Corps.

“This will bring the total strength to over 2,000. They will, of course, be enumerated very well in line with the civil service structure.

“I will also be approving additional logistics, including but not limited to vehicles, electric motorcycles, and all that is required to allow you to discharge your responsibilities to the best of your abilities,” the governor said.

He stated that the passing-out event represented a milestone in securing the state, as they would be made to patrol major roads and communities across the state.

The establishment of the Corps, the governor emphasized, was meant to complement the federal government’s efforts to address insecurity, as the Corps is to cooperate with other security agencies in tackling criminal activities in the state.

Governor Abiodun, who was impressed with their level of training, discipline, and conduct, noted that with their commitment and sense of duty, those who left the organization would be motivated to rejoin.

He urged them, as custodians of security and peace in the state, not to use their position to intimidate or molest the people, but to secure them through intelligence gathering and cooperation with the traditional rulers to ensure effective community policing.

While maintaining that the training of the Corps is to serve as a warning signal to criminals that the state would not be a haven for their activities, Prince Abiodun, however, stated that he expects improved security across the state in the coming days.

He commended the pioneer Commander of the Corps for laying a solid foundation and called on the people to cooperate with the Corps by providing useful information to enable the members and other security agencies to nip crimes in the bud.

In his welcome remarks, the Commandant of the Corps, Brig. Gen. Alade Adedigba (rtd), said the trainees were exposed to physical training, weapon handling, and intelligence gathering.

While appreciating the state government for providing the needed resources for the smooth operation of the Corps, the Commander said operatives of the Corps have been able to repair some broken-down patrol vehicles and motorcycles, while the government has provided new sets of uniforms and communication gadgets to the agency.

He called on the trainees to operate within the confines of the law, serve the people with renewed commitment, and cooperate with other security agencies for the peace and tranquility of the state.

Highlights of the ceremony included the distribution of prizes to teams that emerged at the top in football matches, tug of war, and cultural displays.

Renowned Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, is mourning the loss of his cherished mother, Alhaja Halimot Shadiya Anifowoshe.

The matriarch passed away at the remarkable age of 105, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

The music legend shared the heartbreaking news on his official Facebook page, where he expressed his profound grief and paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother’s enduring influence on his life and career.

“My mother was my pillar, my guide, and my greatest cheerleader. Her wisdom and love have shaped who I am today,” K1 De Ultimate wrote in his tribute.

Fans, colleagues, and well-wishers have since flooded his social media pages with messages of condolence, celebrating the life of a woman who lived through generations and praying for the repose of her soul.

Alhaja Halimot Shadiya Anifowoshe’s life and legacy will undoubtedly be remembered as a source of inspiration to many.

The Ogun State Government has said that it is considering signing the Death Warrants of condemned criminals sentenced by competent courts to serve as a deterrent to those who may want to commit heinous crimes in the state.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), made this known on Friday after inspecting inmates and facilities at the Correctional Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.

The Attorney General, who was conducted around by officers of the Centre, expressed concern over the increase in criminal activities like ritual killings, kidnapping, cultism, and other heinous crimes in recent times in the state.

According to Mr. Ogungbade, the state government is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing the law through signing the Death Warrants.

He observed that despite the proactive measures put in place by security agencies in tackling crimes, there appears to be an upsurge, particularly in ritual killings, adding that the government had identified the wrong perception that there would be no repercussions when some of these crimes are committed as the root cause.

“I can tell you that we are looking seriously at a means of sending a message that Ogun State is not a place where you can come and commit such serious crimes and get away with it.

“The law as of today, for example, states that a murder case attracts the death penalty and some other offenses. But if you look at it nationally, for a long time, there has been reluctance on the part of governments across the states, particularly since the advent of democratic rule, to sign Death Warrants. But I assure you that at this time, we are looking very seriously at following the law to its letter.

“It is part of the duty of the governor to sign Death Warrants, and I am certain that when he took that oath of office, he took it knowing full well the responsibilities that come with it. He is a governor who upholds the rule of law, so I can assure you that in deserving cases, he will not shy away from that constitutional duty.

“Though I may not give a timeline, I can only say that in deserving cases, which we are looking at, it will happen.

“If somebody has gone through the process of a fair trial and has made use of all his appeals, we will begin to look seriously at implementing those judgments, hoping that it will serve as a deterrent to those who still intend to carry out such crimes. But in doing so, I can assure you that we will be systematic about it; we will not be reckless about it,” he assured.

He said the present administration has done a lot in terms of granting amnesty to those condemned to death by turning their death sentences into life imprisonment, reducing life imprisonment to a fixed term of imprisonment, as well as allowing punishment to serve as a deterrent.

The Commissioner attributed the upsurge in criminal activities to a total loss of value system and the support given to criminals by their relatives, saying this is in variance with the African belief system that abhors criminal behavior and seeks punishment for offenders.

“In times past, when people committed crimes, their family members were usually the ones who would even alert law enforcement. But what we have today is where the family comes together to shield people who have committed crimes. Unless there is a total reappraisal of our value system, we will continue to have this problem. We need to go back to the family,” he added.

The Attorney General said his visit to the Correctional Centre was to see the conditions of the inmates and the facilities, with a view to doing the needful to ensure that the centre worked the way it was designed and that the inmates were not made to go through excruciating suffering.

Oyo State Government has announced that private health facilities caught operating with unqualified personnel in the State will be shut down with immediate effect.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi stated this in a separate meeting with the Executives of Clinics and Maternity Proprietors and Proprietress Association of Nigeria (CAMPPAN), Oyo State branch and the Stakeholders in the Private Healthcare Industries, held at the Conference Room of the Ministry.

According to her, valuable lives are constantly being lost to quackery practices, hence the need to call the relevant bodies into order for proper regulations among their members.

The Commissioner reiterated that hospitals without qualified personnel constitute a danger to the society. Therefore, any private hospital operating in the State without qualified personnel will be shut down.

Dr. Ajetunmobi explained that hospital owners who are not in the medical line must have a qualified doctor on the ground with an up-to-date Annual Practicing License and other staff must also have their registration up to date.

She noted that anyone practicing with an expired license is regarded as a quack; therefore, such hospitals will not be spared from the wrath of the government. We need to do this in the interest of our people.

The Commissioner equally urged the private hospital owners to stay within their limits, adding that going beyond their scope and jurisdiction is also a form of quackery practice that is strongly frowned upon.

“Clinics are not meant for admission of patients but for observation and onward referrals, they should not do the work of hospitals”

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde reiterated that the quality of health treatment received by the people is paramount to the government; therefore, the people establishing hospitals without the appropriate qualifications will face appropriate sanction.

Dr. Akintunde therefore urged relevant bodies to work with the government to fish out the bad eggs among them to reduce quackery and malpractices in the state.

In their separate remarks, the representatives of the associations promised to cooperate with the government to achieve their goals of fighting quackery in the state.

Present at the meeting were Directors from the Ministry led by the Director of Secondary Health Care and Training Dr. Adekunle Aremu, who also doubles as the Chairman of the Oyo State Anti-quackery Committee.

The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended a 30-year-old man, Samuel Egbetokun, for allegedly poisoning cattle in the Alabata community of Odeda Local Government Area.

According to police spokesperson Omolola Odutola, the suspect laced cassava with rat poison and threw it to grazing cattle. Tragically, two out of the three affected animals died instantly, while the third collapsed but survived.

The incident, reported on January 16, 2025, by a local farmer, Idris Lawal, came to light when his cattle rearer, Boji Sanni, caught Egbetokun in the act on January 15. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the act.