Metro

Gunmen Set 90-year-old Man Ablaze, Machete Two

Published

3 years ago

December 10, 2022

Editor

Photo: file copy

A 90-year-old man was burnt to death, while two other persons have been confirmed dead following the invasion of Amtawalam and Pobawure communities in the Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State, by bandits early Thursday.

Speaking during an assessment of the scene of the incident on Friday, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya decried the killings and destruction of food items.

He described the assailants as ‘bandits and cattle rustlers’, stressing that such actions capable of causing chaos would not be tolerated by his government.

“We came to see for ourselves the level of destruction and lives lost as a result of the attack by bandits, cattle rustlers in this two communities Amtawalam and Pobawure.

“It’s really very disheartening because of the peaceful nature of our place and we have been living in peace. It seems like the spiral effect of the activities of bandits in Bauchi and Plateau states is coming to our state Gombe,” Yahaya said.

He disclosed that he had ordered for an immediate establishment of police outpost, while harping on the importance of community participation in maintaining security.

He added, “Community policing is of essence. We will ensure community policing takes place not only here but the entire state, knowing full well we have our outfit like GOSTEC, the vigilance group and other agencies, we shall all join hands and we shall succeed.”

On his part, Commissioner of Police, Oqua Etim, “The bandits came specially to destroy their farm produce; they did not steal anything. We are on top of the situation, that is why we are here. The moment His Excellency got the news, he gave directives that we should be on the ground and ensure law and order.

“Three causalities, a 90-year-old man was burnt and two other young persons were savagely killed and we have recorded two to three injured.”

Metro

Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

Published

1 hour 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.