Metro

Ex-convict Loots Shops, Steals Goods Worth N34m

Published

3 years ago

August 15, 2022

Osun State Police Command has arrested an ex-convict, Akintunde Olaniyi, who had allegedly broken into 9 shops stealing electrical materials, mobile phones and other items worth over N34million.

A statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, said before he was caught, the suspect had broken into about 9 shops located within Ede metropolis.

Opalola said Olaniyi was sometimes in 2018 tried and convicted for a year jail term, which he observed in Ile-Ife correctional facility.

According to her, the suspect was arrested after an investigation into a complaint lodged at A’ Divisional Police Headquarter, Ede, by a shop owner in the town, who alleged that since March, 2022, his shops had been reportedly broken with items worth millions of naira stolen.

She said, “The police from Anti-vice intelligence squad immediately set investigation mechanism rolling and the suspect who claimed to be a student in one of the higher institutions in the state was arrested and one of the iPhones being a property of one of the complainants was recovered from him.

“The suspect one Akintunde Olaniyi Joy an ex-convict was convicted some times in the year 2018, imprisoned at Ile-Ife correctional centre and later released having served his one-year jail term and continues with his nefarious activities.

“During interrogation, he confessed to the alleged crime(s) and stated that sometime in March 2022, he and others at large broke into the shop of the complainant located at no. 4, Polytechnic road, Ede at midnight and carted away different types of phones valued about three million, eight hundred thousand naira only.

“On 27th April 2022 at about 2 am the same suspect and gangs robbed the same complainant shop where they tied the night guard and went away with phones worth twenty-nine million naira only. In the same modus operandi, the suspect and his accomplices at large went to the same shop on 29th May 2022 and made away with different types of phones valued at about one million, two hundred thousand naira only.”

Opalola said the suspect would be charged to court as soon as the investigation was concluded, adding that victims had been coming around to identify their property from those recovered from Olaniyi.

PUNCH.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

6 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

7 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.

Metro

Man, 49, Arrested For Allegedly Defiling 13-year-old Girl In Oyo

Published

10 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man, Peter Adubi, in connection with the alleged defilement of a 13-year-old girl.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade.

According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended after the victim’s guardian reported the incident to the police on January 8, 2026, at about 8:50 p.m.

Ayanlade explained that the guardian became concerned after observing unusual sexual-related behavioural changes in the minor.

Upon gentle questioning, the girl disclosed that she had been sexually abused in 2022 while living with her mother in the Molade area of Ibadan.

He said, “Upon receipt of the report, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect (Adubi) allegedly committed the offence during that period. This disclosure provided the basis for immediate medical intervention to establish the facts of the case.

“Consequently, the minor was taken to the hospital for a medical examination, which confirmed sexual abuse. This medical evidence strengthened the case against the suspect and guided the next steps in the investigation.

“As a result, the suspect (Adubi) was taken into custody. The crime scene was visited, and the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Gender Desk, for a discreet and thorough investigation.”

The Police Command assured residents that justice would be diligently pursued and urged them to remain vigilant, reporting any incidents of sexual abuse promptly, as community cooperation is vital in safeguarding children and ensuring a safer society.