Metro

Ebonyi: How Nigerian Student Was Drugged To Death By His Friend On Birthday

Published

1 year ago

April 21, 2024

The death of a 23-year-old student of the Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Uwana, Ebonyi State, who was allegedly drugged to death on his birthday by his friend on Thursday, has been confirmed by the Nigerian Police Force.

The deceased identified as Chinedu Hope was lured by his friend, Dan, after much persuasion to a hideout operated by a drug baron, simply known as Yoko in Umuodudu Ibeku.

Mrs Stella Ogbonnaya, Dan’s mother, recounted that when they arrived at the location, Chinedu, who did not use hard drugs, decided to wait for Dan inside his (Dan’s) Keke while Dan entered the bunk.

Ogbonnaya stated that after waiting too long, Chinedu decided to go into the place to phone Dan.

According to PUNCH, she said, “When Chinedu went inside, the operator of the hideout, Yoko, and four others who are also from Umuodudu were all in the hideout.

“When Chinedu got inside, Yoko said that whoever steps into the bunk, must partake in what they are taking. But Chinedu doesn’t take ice, (otherwise known as methamphetamine or mkpurummiri) or jico and Chinedu told Yoko he wouldn’t take it.

“It was at that time that Yoko ordered the rest to tie Chinedu with rope. Dan assisted them in tying him, both hands and legs, threw him on the ground, mixed the ice (methamphetamine) and jico, used a spoon to open his mouth, and poured the mixed substance into his mouth while hitting him with a hammer to make him swallow it.

“After he had swallowed all of the mixed substance, they took him to where they had digged a pit and threw him into the pit. He was struggling inside the pit with both hands and legs with the rope while he kept shouting ‘my stomach, my stomach’”, Ogbonnaya narrated.

When they noticed Chinedu was struggling to breathe, Madam Ogbonnaya stated, one of the individuals at the hideout picked up his phone and called a young man known only as Aham, telling him what had happened.

Aham rushed the dying Chinedu to the Keke to revive him, and when he was taken to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

Reacting to the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in Umuaha, ASP Maureen Chinaka confirmed the incident stating that “investigation is on”.

The PPRO continued, “On 19/4/2024, the Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia received a report from Hope Oluoha, a 52-year-old Male of Agbo Emede Ibeku Umuahia that on 18/4/2024, one Daniel Otuechere male 27 years old of same address took his son, Hope Chinedu Prosper, male 23 years old to an unknown destination and returned home with his lifeless body.

“The body was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead.

“Detectives from the Command visited the scene and the body has been deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

“Suspects connected with the crime have been arrested, and a discreet investigation is ongoing.”

Metro

ARISE News Broadcaster Killed In Abuja

Published

5 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

The management and staff of ARISE News Channel have announced the untimely death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, one of their brightest talents, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, and is now under investigation by the Nigeria Police Force.

Born on December 26, 1995, Maduagwu, fondly known as Sommie, at just 29 years old, had already established herself as a dynamic news anchor, reporter, and producer with ARISE News.

Known for her professionalism and captivating on-screen presence, she was a rising star in Nigerian journalism whose voice connected deeply with audiences across the country.

Beyond journalism, Sommie was a trained lawyer who brought sharp analytical skills and a passion for justice into her reporting. Colleagues describe her as a dedicated professional, a supportive teammate, and a cherished friend whose warmth left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

In a statement, ARISE News expressed profound sorrow, describing her passing as a devastating loss: “Somtochukwu was not only a cherished member of our ARISE family but also a vibrant voice who inspired, informed, and connected with viewers. Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion, and legacy will endure in our collective memory.”

The channel extended heartfelt condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones while calling for justice.

“We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits,” the statement read.

The late Somtochukwu’s death has sent waves of grief across Nigeria’s media industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and viewers who admired her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth.

Her legacy as both a journalist and lawyer will be remembered as one that blended intellect, courage, and humanity.

Metro

Motorists, Commuters Lament Slow Pace Of Repairs On Benin-Sapele Road

Published

7 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

Residents living on the Benin-Sapele Road axis of the ancient city on Monday decried the slow pace of the ongoing repairs on the highway.

Signs of the failed road stretching from the By-pass axis to the Ologbo-koko Junction began in 2018 due to poor drainage design or failure to maintain drains.

At a stage, the road became near impassable due to political differences between the state government who ought to have done some palliative work, and the Federal Government whose duty it is to rehabilitate the road that linked the west to the South-south corridors.

Signs of relief however set in when the current Edo State Government took over a portion of rehabilitation the road earlier embarked upon by Levant Construction Firm.

However, despite the take over of the portion of the ongoing repairs, there seems to be no tangible improvement.

Lamenting the slow pace of the ongoing repairs, a resident of Ogheghe by the by-pass who identified himself as Igbinovia Lucky, said since he moved into his apartment in 2022, it has been a nightmare coming to the city and going back home at close of work.

According to him, more times are spent on the road especially in the evenings when workers are going back home.

He said most times, a journey which ordinarily should take an average of 30 – 45 minutes, lasts up to 5 or 6 hours.

Also, a transporter, Sunday Ochuko, who ply the road said the bad state of the road has drastically reduced the number of hours and trips per day for drivers.

“The bad state of the road has increased accident risks occasioned by trucks that often get stuck, tip over, or delay for days. The end results is incidents of theft, livestock being abandoned or offloaded from trucks, and security concerns including kidnappings along certain stretches.”

According to him, vehicles suffer greater wear and tear with motorists spending more on fuel (due to inefficiencies, slow speeds, detours) and repairs.

“Apart from businesses, individuals are affected. What might be a 1‑hour trip becomes 5‑6 hours. This reduces the number of trips, lowers work hours, and increases delays in supply chains.

“The corridor is vital for trade between Edo and Delta states, but poor road quality makes it harder to move goods efficiently to market, possibly reducing competitiveness”, Ochuko said.

He continued: “Farmers face similar difficulties transporting produce; some goods spoilt or get damaged before reaching markets, thus reducing their incomes, reduced food supply and raising costs.

“Fares for passengers have nearly doubled on the Benin to Sapele route. Transport operators are making fewer trips per day.”

On her part, a fruit seller who buys fruits from Benin to sell in Sapele lamented the delays and losses of goods due to damage, spoilage, or pilferage.

She said due to the bad road, sellers many times have to raise prices because transporters who pass along the road Increased fares.

Metro

Gunmen Kill 12 Forest Guards In Kwara

Published

7 hours ago

September 29, 2025

Editor

Gunmen in central Nigeria have killed at least a dozen guards who protect forests and flush out criminal gangs and jihadists, police said.

The attack occurred on Sunday when the attackers raided Oke-Ode, a small town around 70 kilometres (45 miles) from the Kwara state capital, Ilorin.

Police said the armed men “invaded” the area, “shooting sporadically”.

Police and forest security services responded and “discovered 12 lifeless bodies” of the guards. Four others were wounded.

It was not immediately clear who the gunmen were.

But gangs known locally as bandits and jihadists operate out of bases hidden in forests across the northern and central states.

The criminal gangs loot and burn down villages as well as carry out kidnapping for ransom.

The state has witnessed a series of deadly attacks in recent months, with locals blaming the Mahmuda group, a gang loyal to Mahmud al-Nigeri, a senior leader of the Ansaru terror group.

Ansaru grew out of a 2021 split within the Boko Haram group and the group then allied itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

Nigeria’s national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu said last month that Ansaru has “urban sleeper cells” and “remote forest bases” in Niger and Kwara states in central Nigeria.

In mid-August, Nigerian authorities announced the capture of al-Nigeri along with fellow Ansaru figure Mahmud Muhammad Usman.

Kwara state governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called for “increased security deployments” to help “roll back the activities of criminals.”