Metro

Gunmen Abduct Alao-Akala’s Farm Supervisor, Demand N100m Ransom

Published

3 years ago

July 19, 2022

Editor

The supervisor of a farm belonging to the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State, Christopher Bakare, has been abducted by some gun-wielding kidnappers.

Bakare was reportedly abducted around 7pm on Saturday by hoodlums suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

The farm supervisor, who is an indigene of Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State, was said to have been kidnapped on the farm named TDB farms located at Jabata community in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State.

A source close to the farm told journalists on Tuesday that the kidnappers had since contacted the family and demanded that N100m ransom be paid to secure the release of their captive.

The source said the incident had been reported to the police and the police told them that they were working to ensure his release.

He said, “The matter was reported to the police and we have been trying to negotiate with them even though the police had been informed.

“We informed the Police Area Command in Ogbomoso about the incident and we hope he will be freed soon.”

The Police Public Relations Officer in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident when contacted by our correspondent.

The PPRO said, “The incident is under investigation and close monitoring. Updates would be provided accordingly.”

Recall that some youths in Ogbomoso on the platform ofOgbomoso Community Youth Forum led by the President, Rev’d Peter Olaleye and Secretary, Idowu Adeniji, recently in a communique lamented the worsening insecurity in the town and called on Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure that security in the area was beefed up.

The communique read, “Farmers and people generally cannot venture out into their farms again due to fear of falling victims to these ruthless bandits.

“Herdsmen’s brutalities have now become the order of the day in areas like Federal Housing Estate, Aroje, Ogbegun, Igbo’le, LAUTECH extension, Iya-Oje, Ikoyi and Oriire Local Government Area in general.

“Our people can’t take laws into their hands as law-abiding citizens but the limitation imposed on government’s security agents is worrisome.

“The Amotekun corps, an initiative of South West states to improve the security architecture is also impeded by its operatives’ inability to bear arms. Where therefore do we go from here?

“The marauders seem to have succeeded in keeping people away from their farms; they are now turning to keeping us from worship centres.”

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

2 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

2 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.