News
JUST IN: Police Release Ibadan-based Ace Broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat
Published
3 years agoon
By
Editor
Ace broadcaster and owner of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has been released from police custody.
The PUNCH had reported that Hamzat, who had consistently advocated for justice in a murder case involving Hilton Hotel, Ile-Ife owner, Chief Rahman Adedoyin, was arrested on Thursday.
The management of his radio station confirmed his release in a statement on Friday, faulting the claims of the police over the reasons stated for Oriyomi’s arrest.
The statement read, “It is with a heart filled with immense gratitude and huge relief that we confirm to the general public that Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat has finally regained his freedom after the arrest that spanned the entirety of yesterday.
“He was released on bail to his lawyers after due conversations with the authorities, particularly with respect to the petition written against him by Rahmon Adedoyin’s lawyers and the validity of his consequent arrest.
READ Police Arrest Ibadan-based Broadcaster
“As we have rightly stated yesterday, at no point was Mr. Oriyomi Hamat found guilty of cyberbullying neither did he refuse at any point to not honour invitations from the Nigeria Police Force as wrongly alleged by the Force PRO. Why this false insinuation is being purveyed is completely beyond our grasp.
“Nonetheless, it is at this juncture; that we express our heartfelt appreciation to all Nigerians who stood by us throughout yesterday’s trying moment, and lent their voice to #FreeOriyomiliamat. This might not have been possible; especially this soon, without your amplification of our concerns.
“We also say a huge thank you to the general public who joined in the peaceful protests that were held in Ibadan yesterday, to Nigerians in Diaspora for their prompt reactions, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and to all of our colleagues who considered Mr. Oriyomi Hamzat’s arrest as an injury to one that equates an injury to all.
“We also appreciate the efforts of the legal team led by Barrister Adekunle Ridwan. This wasn’t just an attempt to stem the undue incarceration of a man calling for justice but also an exercise in protecting the sanctity of free speech.
“We’ll keep the general public abreast of further developments. Oriyomi Hainzat is a free man now.”
Why Hamzat was arrested -Police
In a statement on Thursday, the police said Hamzat was arrested in connection with a case of cyberbullying without stating who was bullied.
The police’s reaction was contained in a statement by its spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, titled, ‘Oriyomi Hamzat was arrested by police with warrant – Force PRO’.
The police claimed that the Ibadan-based broadcaster ignored their invitation severally, stating that the broadcaster is under investigation.
The statement read, “The popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, was arrested in Ibadan today by our Force Intelligence Bureau operatives in connection with a case of Cyber Bullying under investigation
“Oriyomi’s arrest was sequel to his refusal to honour Police invitation severally, which prompted the police to secure a warrant for his arrest.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Why Agidigbo FM Owner, Oriyomi Hamzat, Was Arrested – Police
“We are looking into the petition written against him on his violation of the Cyber Crime Act, 2015, and necessary action will be taken to do justice in the matter. Further development will be communicated to you all.”
When asked to throw more light on how Hamzat ran foul of the Cybercrime Act, the Force Public Relations Officer replied a tweep, “Go and read Cybercrime Act, 2015, because I am sure you have not seen it, let alone read. It’s even good for everyone to read it, more so that we all operate on social media, share news or broadcast what we see or hear. Go and read the Act as a guide.”
How Hamzat was arrested -Radio station
Earlier, the Head of Station, Agidigbo 88.7FM, Adebayo Grey, complained that Hamzat was arrested over his call for justice on the murder of a student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Timothy Adegoke.
In a statement, the station manager noted that the station’s chairman was whisked to Abuja by officers of the Force Intelligence Bureau.
The statement read, “We have been inundated with repeated calls and messages since the early hours of today following widespread concerns by well-meaning Nigerians home and abroad, our colleagues in the media and the general public about the safety of our Chairman at Sure Etiquette Media Plus Ltd, the parent company for Agidigbo FM, Ibadan, Agidigbo FM, Lagos and Agidigbo Television, Mr Oriyomi Hamzat.
“Hence, we will like to use this medium to inform everyone that Mr Oriyomi Hamzat has, in the past few days, been subjected to regular invites and questioning by several security operatives, including but not limited to, the State Intelligence Bureau; all of which he dutifully honoured and attended to.
“The premise of these invites and questioning is not unconnected with his consistent call for due diligence in the trial of Chief Rahman Adegoke Adedoyin over the death of Timothy Adegoke who died under unfortunate circumstances in the former’s hotel in Osun State. It would be realised that Mr Oriyomi Hamzat’s constant call for justice for the deceased has been a source of concern for the accused.
“However, the entire situation began to escalate when the SIB started plans to hand over Mr Hamzat to the Force Intelligence Bureau. In the early hours of today, Thursday, 26th of May, 2022, he was arrested and as we speak has been whisked away to Abuja.
“We seek to reiterate here to well-meaning Nigerians, the media and the general public, that the reason for which Mr Oriyomi Hamzat was arrested is his defiant call for justice for Timothy Adegoke and extensive support for the deceased’s family.
“We, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians to kindly lend their voices to ensure that Oriyomi Hamzat won’t be subjected to inhumane treatment and undue incarceration just for standing for the truth and for humanity.
“We are strengthened by the staunch support and camaraderie from several corners so far and we promise to keep the general public abreast of further developments.”
News
DSS Issues Warning, Arrests Man For Circulating Fake Recruitment Materials
Published
19 hours agoon
August 24, 2025By
Editor
The Department of State Services (DSS) has disclosed the arrest of one Mr. Eze Ezenwa Benard, who was recently apprehended for circulating fake DSS recruitment past questions and answers on Facebook.
The agency, while warning the public in a statement on Saturday, said the suspect operated through a page known as “Jobs and Education”, where he advertised the fraudulent materials and charged unsuspecting members of the public one thousand naira (N1,000) for access.
“The public is hereby cautioned to disregard any materials, as the DSS does not sell or distribute recruitment questions, answers, or examination guides through private individuals or social media pages. Recruitment into the Service, when necessary, follows specialised procedure in accordance with extant laws and due process,” the statement reads.
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Continuing, DSS said Ezenwa’s arrest underscores the Service’s determination to safeguard Nigerians from the fraudulent schemes of unpatriotic elements. “Citizens are therefore encouraged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources and report suspicious recruitment adverts or individuals attempting to extort money under false pretense.”
The agency assured that it will continue to protect the integrity of its recruitment process while ensuring that perpetrators of fraud face the full weight of the law.
News
‘Na Only People You Gave Work Love You,’ Singer Speed Darlington Tells Tinubu
Published
20 hours agoon
August 24, 2025By
Editor
Singer Speed Darlington has told President Bola Tinubu that public admiration cannot be bought, warning that only those who received appointments or jobs from the government truly support him.
In a video posted on Saturday, August 23, the singer said, “Everything isn’t about the economy! There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you.”
READ ALSO:Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Darlington, an Igbo man, urged Tinubu to focus on police reform and respect for human rights. “The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate. Please, before you leave office, please speak to your Yoruba brother IGP man,” he added.
News
Before You Leave Office, Reform The Police — Speed Darlington Urges Tinubu
Published
20 hours agoon
August 24, 2025By
Editor
Popular controversial singer Speed Darlington has called on President Bola Tinubu to reform the Nigerian Police Force, urging the government to prioritise citizens’ rights alongside economic growth.
In a video posted on Saturday, the entertainer criticised what he described as the police’s systemic human rights violations and oppressive practices.
“Mr President, before you leave office, whether you secure a second term or not, try your best to improve Nigeria. Everything isn’t about the economy!
“There is more to leadership than the economy. See as everybody dey call your name, dey complain. Nobody loves you. Na only the ones you gave work, na them love you. Even your own tribe dey complain about you,” he said.
READ ALSO:Obi Blames Tinubu For 70% Investment Crash
The singer, who identifies as Igbo, urged Tinubu to engage with the Inspector-General of Police and implement reforms.
“As an Igbo man, the advice I can give you so people will know your name and remember you for something good is to reform the police. Reform the police.
“The Nigerian police is an oppressive agency rooted in human rights violation. As a matter of fact, if they do not violate you, it’s as if they are not even doing their job.
“The idea of arrest before investigation is a pure human rights violation. You arrest and hold a person before you dey investigate,” he added.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Subsidises Kidney Dialysis Cost By 76% In Federal Hospitals
Darlington also recounted his personal ordeal with law enforcement, highlighting the system’s abuse of power.
“I was held for two months after the judge had ordered my release. FID held me for two months. According to my lawyer, the Nigerian law gives only 28 days for investigation.
“They held me for two months. What is the extra month for? Because they can. If you give them money, they oppress your enemy. I have experienced it,” he said.
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