Metro
Gunmen Kidnap, Kill Imo Monarch

The traditional ruler of Otulu community in the Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze Joe Ochulor, has been murdered.
The monarch who was kidnapped by yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Saturday morning was killed in the evening of the same day.
A source who doesn’t want to be mentioned told our correspondent on Sunday that the king’s lifeless body was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in the neighboring Aboh Mbaise LGA on Saturday night.
READ ALSO: Police Arrest Inspector In Viral Video Assault Of Imo Resident
The source said, “The traditional ruler of Otulu community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State has been killed. The lifeless body of the king was found on the roadside at Mbutu community in Aboh Mbaise LGA on Saturday night. He was abducted from his palace on Saturday morning.
“There is fear everywhere. Villagers are afraid because the traditional ruler was taken from his home on Saturday morning only for his lifeless body to be found on the same Saturday. This is horrifying.”
Contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the monarch’s killing stating that, “The story is true. It is an unfortunate circumstance but the state Commissioner of Police has declared the suspects wanted. We are on the trail of the suspects and we are doing everything possible to close in on the suspects and bring them to book.
READ ALSO: How My Pastor Snatched, Impregnated My Wife – Choir Coordinator
“The command is open to anybody with useful information that will lead to the swift arrest of the suspects. We are assuring the public that this development is not above us. The CP is on top of the situation.”
The abduction and killing of the traditional ruler came just a few days after the ward chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in the Ife/ Akpodim/ Chokoneze ward in the same Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA , Chiedoziem Anyanwu, was assassinated in the presence of his wife.
The gunmen had arrived and demanded to see him. Upon confirming that he was the one they were looking for, they shot him and confirmed that he was dead before they left the scene.
PUNCH
Metro
AAU Postpones Resumption Date

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.
READ ALSO:AAU Acting VC Meets With Journalists, Rolls Out Achievements
“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.
READ ALSO:Arrears: AAU Management Replies ASUU
“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

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.
READ ALSO:AAU Ekpoma Students Flee Campus, Classes Over Fear Of EFCC’s Arrest
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

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.
READ ALSO:Imo Police Arrest Man Accused Of Defilement In Viral Video
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.
READ ALSO:Man Allegedly Defiles Minor At Wedding Ceremony In Adamawa
“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.
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