Metro

Edo: Gunmen Kidnap Nine In Commando Style

Published

2 years ago

May 4, 2023

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Tuesday evening hijacked vehicles plying the Afuze ihievbe road in Owan East Local Governmemt Area of Edo State and made away with over 12 persons.

According to reports the incident happened between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the victims including a child of about nine years old were kidnapped in a sienna bus.

In a viral video with a voiceover, it is reported that the kidnappers took over the lonely road in a commando style, hijacked a jeep with the occupants and drove into the bush.

The voice over, also reported that another upcoming car was lucky to have sighted the kidnappers, parked and escaped into the bush.

The sienna bus, was, however, unfortunately as it ran into the hands of the kidnappers, the voiceover reported.

In the video, three vehicles – ML 320 Jeep with registration number AGD 542 GU – were said to be hijacked by the gunmen but non of the occupants were inside, an indication that they might have been kidnapped.

A Sienna Jeep with registration number Kogi LKJ 464 YE with about 10 occupants were said to be kidnapped including a nine year old child whose mother’s was the only person that escaped into the bush.

In the third vehicle the driver and the occupants were said to have escaped unhurt.

A resident from Ihievbe who spoke on condition of anonymity, however, said nine persons were kidnapped while two persons escaped.

He said members of vigilante group in the locality have combed off forestry and bush in the locality, Warrake and other communities in rescue of the victims.

“The passengers were ambushed with some of them which include a woman who managed to escape but could not take her daughter who is said to be about 9years old along.

“The vigilantes from the Ihievbe- Afuze axis are said to be in the bush on trail of the kidnappers.

“The Auchi Afuze road is known as a notorious route for kidnappers, but the situation was, however curtailed with the presence of soldiers and local vigilantes before the present resurgence.”

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, SP Chidi Nwabuzor said he was not aware of the incident.

Metro

Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

Published

11 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

12 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

12 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.