Metro

Edo: Four Feared Dead In Cult Clash As Lecturers Reportedly Go On Hiding

Published

2 years ago

July 7, 2023

No fewer than four persons have been reportedly killed, following a renewed cult war between rival groups in Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, the Administrative Headquarters of Etsako West Local Area of Edo State.

According to findings, the victims were killed in different locations during a violent clash between the Black Axe and Supreme Vikings confraternities.

It was learnt that trouble started on Saturday, June 24 when a National Youth Service Corpse member alleged to be a member of the Black Axe confraternity was shot by the rival Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

The alleged NYSC member, according to sources, was later rushed to the hospital for treatment and had since been discharged.

Reports say in a reprisal attack, a member of Vickings group was reportedly killed around Mr. Biggs in Jattu, Auchi, while three other victims were shot dead around Mechanic Site, Vacchi and Winners Road, all in Auchi.

According to reports, due to their involvement in cultism, some lecturers of the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi were said to have abandoned invigilation of of the ongoing SPAT Examinations on Friday morning for fear of being attacked.

But in a swift response, the Assistant Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, Mrs. Adebola Ogunboyowa, debunked the rumour, maintaining that the school ended its SPAT examinations on Friday as students are expected to vocate hall of residence on Saturday.

She said: “The allegation is not true. But in the first place, whatever is happening, maybe the issue of cult clashes, nothing happened in the polytechnic community.

“As I speak to you right now, I am in school and nothing is happening within the polytechnic community.

“Whatever is happening outside the polytechnic community because we have surrounding host communities, we have no power over it”, she said

Attempts to get response from the Edo State Police Command failed as several calls put across to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwanbuzor, were unanswered.

Metro

Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

Published

2 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a football coach, Hayatu Muhammad, to eight years in prison for sodomising one of his underage players.

The presiding judge, Justice Musa Dahuru Muhammad, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, sentencing Hayatu without the option of a fine.

According to the prosecution, the coach, who lives in Sanka area of Kano metropolis, committed the offence twice in different locations. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

To prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, the state counsel, Barrister Ibrahim Arif Garba, presented five witnesses who testified against the defendant.

In his defense, Hayatu took the witness stand alone.

The prosecution stated that his action violated Section 284 of the Penal Code Law, which criminalises sodomy.

After reviewing all the evidence and witness statements, Justice Dahuru ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved the case.

He sentenced Hayatu to four years in prison on each of the two counts, to run concurrently — meaning he will serve a total of eight years starting from the day of the judgment.

Metro

Lagos Fire Service Rescues Woman From 60-foot Well In Ikorodu

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has saved a 32-year-old woman who accidentally fell into an uncovered well approximately 60 feet deep at No. 14 Mustapha Bolatiwa Street, off Agric Bus Stop, in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The incident, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, was described by residents as “nothing short of a miracle.”

Eyewitnesses said the woman, whose identity had not been immediately confirmed, reportedly wandered from a nearby compound and was seated on the edge of the well before losing balance and falling in.

Following a distress call, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived swiftly and launched a well-coordinated rescue operation.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the agency, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the woman was pulled out alive after a tense and delicate rescue effort.

“She was immediately stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care,” Adeseye said.

She cautioned residents to ensure all open wells and similar structures are securely covered to prevent avoidable accidents.

Adeseye also praised the professionalism and prompt response of her team, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State.

Metro

DSS Arrests Two Dismissed Officers Over Impersonation, Fraud

Published

3 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accused of impersonating the Service to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The DSS, in a statement issued on Wednesday, confirmed that both individuals, earlier declared wanted in separate public warnings, have been arrested and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Department of State Services recently issued disclaimers on two dismissed personnel of the Service, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin. These individuals were alleged to be cloaking under the Service to engage in fraudulent activities.

“The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the Service said.

This comes after a series of alerts by the DSS warning Nigerians against dealing with the former officers dismissed for misconduct but still parading themselves as active operatives.

Recall that the secret police had raised the alarm over the activities of Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accusing him of using the DSS name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

In the same vein, on October 8, a separate statement was issued concerning Barry Donald, another dismissed officer alleged to be impersonating the agency for fraudulent purposes.

The DSS said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians from impostors and maintaining public trust in the Service. It also revealed plans to publish the names of other previously dismissed personnel to prevent citizens from falling victim to similar schemes.

The DSS urged members of the public to verify all official engagements through its verified communication channels and to report any suspicious activities involving persons claiming to represent the Service.