Metro

Police Begin Probe Into Death Of Hotel Worker In Edo

Published

10 months ago

August 11, 2024

The Edo State Police Command has announced that an investigation is underway into the mysterious death of Fidelis Osaghae in the Auchi area of Edo State.

Fidelis, an employee of Valchi Fast Food and Bar, is reported to have died under questionable circumstances on Monday, 29 July 2024, after allegedly being summoned by his employer, Valentine Oyemike, in the early hours of the morning.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Joel, informed our correspondent on Saturday that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

“The case has been transferred to the homicide section of the SCID for investigation. It is a case of murder, not theft. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is necessary. The outcome will be made public as soon as it is concluded.”

The deceased’s wife, Esther, has called for an investigation into her husband’s suspicious death.

Speaking to our correspondent last Tuesday, the nursing mother said she grew concerned when she woke up around 5 am and discovered that he had not returned from work.
She said, “My husband went to work on Sunday, 28 July.

While at work in the early hours of Monday, 29 July 2024, he called me on a video call at about 1:30 am. It is his usual practice to video call me if he is delayed in returning home.

He later rushed home at 2:30 am and told me his boss had asked him to bring ‘something’ back to work. He then left and returned to work around 2:30 am, saying he would be back soon. When it was about 5 am, I woke up and realised he had not returned. I started calling his phone but could not reach him.”

She later claimed to have contacted the supervisor at the facility, who assured her that everything was under control and ended the call. Esther added that Mr. Valentine later called her to come to the hospital.

“Several attempts to reach the supervisor to find out what happened to my husband were unsuccessful as she no longer answered her calls. Later that morning, around 6 am, I received a call from Mr. Valentine, who told me to come to Favour Hospital, Afasho, Edo State. I asked him if there was a problem, but he assured me that all was well with my husband. Since I am a nursing mother, my elder sister went to the hospital on my behalf.”

Esther said that upon arriving at the hospital, her sister found her husband’s body in Mr. Valentine’s car.

She added that the hospital later informed her that her husband’s corpse was rejected because it was brought in dead.

She also noted that she and her sister observed strange marks and injuries on the deceased’s body, which may have been a result of torture and pain inflicted before his death.

In a petition titled “Request for Investigation into the Death of Mr. Fidelis Osaghae on 29 July 2024 in Edo State,” filed by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation on behalf of the deceased’s wife, the Inspector-General of Police is urged to investigate her husband’s death.

Signed by the Executive Director, Akin Fadeyi, the foundation alleged that the local police division in Auchi has shown a lack of willingness to investigate the matter thoroughly and has already exonerated Mr. Valentine, who is reportedly an influential person in the area.

“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Fidelis’ death are suspicious, and we strongly believe that he was in the custody of Mr. Oyemike Valentine until his death.

“We are unable to place our confidence in the investigation by the Auchi division due to concerns of interference and compromise,” the petition partly read.

The foundation also claimed that the police have failed to take necessary actions to address the suspicious homicide, raising concerns of police complicity and cover-up.

“We acknowledge the presumption of innocence until proven guilty before the law in Nigeria. However, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fidelis’ death demand a thorough investigation,” said Fadeyi.

He added that the IGP has acknowledged receipt of the petition and is expected to order a swift and comprehensive investigation into the matter.

When contacted, Valentine declined to comment, stating that he had been invited by the police.

He said, “I cannot make any comment. I have been invited by the police, and that is where I am going now. Thanks.”

Metro

Natasha: Appeal Court Strikes Out Akpabio’s Motions, Imposes N100,000 Fine

Published

8 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has struck out two motions filed by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and awarded costs of ₦100,000 against him.

A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Justice Hamman Barka, struck out the motions on May 21, 2025, following the request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The PUNCH a certified true copy of the ruling on Tuesday night.

The motions, dated March 3, 2025, and March 25, 2025, and marked CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025, listed Akpabio as the appellant.

The respondents were Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, Senator Neda Imasuem.

In the appeal, Akpabio sought the following reliefs: “An order of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may seek leave to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025 on grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal.

“An order of this Honourable Court granting leave to the Appellant/Applicant to appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice | Obiora Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025, on Grounds of mixed law and fact as contained in the proposed Notice of Appeal attached as Exhibit B.

“An order of this Honourable Court enlarging the time within which the Appellant/Applicant may file their Notice of appeal against the decision of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu) delivered on March 10, 2025.

“An order of this Honourable Court staying further proceeding in Suit No: FCH/ABJ/CS/384/2025 between Senator Natasha AkpotiUduaghan v. Clerk of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and 3 Others. (Coram: Honourable Justice Obiora Egwuatu), pending the hearing and determination of the Appellant/Applicant’s appeal before this Honourable Court.”

The court, in its ruling, held, “Application seeking to withdraw the two motions dated and filed on 20/3/2025 and 25/3/2025 is granted and the motions are struck out.

“Costs of ₦100,000 are awarded to the 1st Respondent. Appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/395M/2025 to be deleted.”

Metro

JUST IN: Drama As Oshiomhole Shuts Down Lagos Airport’s Zulu Terminal After Missing Flight To Abuja [VIDEO]

Published

8 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

In an arrogant display of political privilege and disregard for public inconvenience, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former Edo State governor and current senator for Edo North, on Wednesday forced the closure of the Zulu Terminal at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos after arriving late for his flight to Abuja.

SaharaReporters gathered from credible sources at the airport that Oshiomhole blocked the entrance to the Zulu Terminal of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) after arriving at the terminal well past the scheduled departure time of his flight.

Oshiomhole was scheduled to travel on an early morning Air Peace flight. His departure time for the flight to Abuja was 6:30 am.

Sources at the airport said the senator blocked the entrance to the terminal entirely, refusing to budge despite multiple pleas from the terminal manager.

According to eyewitnesses, rather than accept responsibility for his lateness, the senator blocked the terminal’s entrance, creating a gridlock that left dozens of passengers stranded and delayed.

Sources said the terminal manager’s repeated efforts to resolve the disruption were met with obstinate refusal by Oshiomhole, forcing the regional manager to intervene.

A management meeting was hurriedly convened to pacify the senator and convince him to allow normal operations to resume.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and humiliating for airline and airport staff, who were seen pleading with the senator to de-escalate the situation.

Air Peace, the airline scheduled to fly the senator to Abuja, refused to accommodate him, citing his late arrival and adherence to strict check-in policies.

“He missed the flight. That’s the simple truth. He wanted them to delay the flight for him, but Air Peace refused,” a source familiar with the incident said.

“Oshiomhole blocked the terminal

https://x.com/SaharaReporters/status/1932776554347610343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1932776554347610343%7Ctwgr%5E2fa07ed71d8279348ed453c1552852f6c48ea541%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2F2025%2F06%2F11%2Fair-peace-lambasts-senator-oshiomhole-unruly-conduct-assaulting-staff-barricadinghttps://x.com/SaharaReporters/status/1932776554347610343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1932776554347610343%7Ctwgr%5E2fa07ed71d8279348ed453c1552852f6c48ea541%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fsaharareporters.com%2F2025%2F06%2F11%2Fair-peace-lambasts-senator-oshiomhole-unruly-conduct-assaulting-staff-barricading

Metro

Air Peace Lambasts Oshiomhole For Unruly Conduct, Assaulting Staff, Barricading Terminal Entrance At Lagos Airpor

Published

8 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

A Nigerian airline, Air Peace, has strongly condemned the disruptive actions of former Edo governor and serving Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, who reportedly caused major disturbances at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) on Wednesday morning.

The airline made its position known in a statement signed by its management.

“Air Peace strongly condemns the unruly conduct of a prominent Nigerian politician who disrupted airport operations on the morning of Wednesday, June 11, 2025,” the airline said in an official release signed by its management.

According to the airline, the individual in question arrived at the terminal at approximately 06:10 AM for Flight P47120, which was scheduled to depart Lagos for Abuja at 06:30 AM.

“The prominent individual in question arrived at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) at approximately 06:10 AM for Flight P47120 scheduled to depart Lagos for Abuja at 06:30 AM. In line with our standard on-time departure policy, the boarding process had closed, and the flight departed as scheduled.”

“The airline said, “The politician resorted to violence, physically assaulting our staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance.”

The statement continues, detailing the extent of the disruption.

“He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal.”

“This unacceptable behaviour caused significant disruption to ongoing operations and affected numerous travellers scheduled for various flights.”

Air Peace said it swiftly activated contingency measures to minimise the fallout from the incident.

“To minimise further inconvenience, Air Peace swiftly activated operational contingency plan to board affected passengers through an alternate terminal, ensuring the continuity of their travel plans.”

The airline expressed dismay over the incident, particularly considering the stature of the individual involved.

REAS ALSO: Air Peace Slashes London-Lagos Airfare

“We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel. Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our staff and passengers. We urge all guests, to remain civil and cooperative at all times.”

Reiterating its commitment to operational integrity, Air Peace emphasised the importance of adhering to aviation protocols.

“Aviation operations are bound by strict timelines and safety protocols, and we remain committed to upholding these standards while delivering safe and timely services to the Nigerian public.”

“Air Peace continues to stand for discipline, integrity, and respect for due process. No individual, no matter how influential, is above these values.”

Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that in an arrogant display of political privilege, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, the former Edo State governor and current senator for Edo North, on Wednesday forced the closure of the Zulu Terminal at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos after arriving late for his flight to Abuja.

SaharaReporters had gathered from credible sources at the airport that Oshiomhole blocked the entrance to the Zulu Terminal of the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) after arriving at the terminal well past the scheduled departure time of his flight.

Oshiomhole was scheduled to travel on an early morning Air Peace flight. His departure time for the flight to Abuja was 6:30 am.

Sources at the airport said the senator blocked the entrance to the terminal entirely, refusing to budge despite multiple pleas from the terminal manager.

According to eyewitnesses, rather than accept responsibility for his lateness, the senator blocked the terminal’s entrance, creating a gridlock that left dozens of passengers stranded and delayed.

Sources said the terminal manager’s repeated efforts to resolve the disruption were met with obstinate refusal by Oshiomhole, forcing the regional manager to intervene.

A management meeting was hurriedly convened to pacify the senator and convince him to allow normal operations to resume.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and humiliating for airline and airport staff, who were seen pleading with the senator to de-escalate the situation.

Air Peace, the airline scheduled to fly the senator to Abuja, refused to accommodate him, citing his late arrival and adherence to strict check-in policies.

“He missed the flight. That’s the simple truth. He wanted them to delay the flight for him, but Air Peace refused,” a source familiar with the incident said.