Metro

Police Reveal Cause Of Death Of Bodies Found On Lagos Riverbank

Published

4 months ago

September 8, 2025

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that the five bodies recovered along the Oreta riverbank in the Igbogbo community, Ikorodu Local Government Area, on Wednesday were victims of a cult-related attack.

Panic spread through the community after residents discovered the lifeless bodies of young men by the riverside.

A video clip, less than 30 seconds long, captured some of the corpses sprawled along the riverbank. One of the deceased was seen facedown in a blue hoodie, while another in a black-and-white shirt lay motionless with bloodstains nearby.

The killings add to a series of cult-related incidents across Lagos, which have so far led to the arrest of more than 26 suspects, according to the command.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Saturday, the state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, said new interventions were being deployed in Ikorodu and other flashpoints across the state.

He confirmed the incident was cult-related, adding that investigations were ongoing.

“That is why we are investigating. You know that we recovered the bodies and sent scene-of-crime experts to the place.

“The team has briefed me, and we have given more directives on areas to touch. We will make the outcome of the investigation public.”

The police boss explained that he had dedicated anti-cultism units established across all area commands in the state, as well as a central squad at the command headquarters to combat cult clashes.

“I have created anti-cultism groups in every area command. Parents and guardians must also be urged to advise and compel their children to stop cultism, as we are seeing attacks and counterattacks.

“If you look at the last two days, you will see that we have been able to control the situation through constant patrol of all the areas,” the CP noted.

Jimoh further revealed that specialised forces had been deployed to coastal areas to maintain peace.

“The coast strike force has been deployed to Lekki. They have been working day and night. The areas are now peaceful.

“The five bodies we recovered – we are investigating the circumstances, but it is cult-related. We have been able to bring it under control.

“After the arrest of 26 suspects, we have arrested more suspects since then, and arrests are still ongoing.

“Nowadays, it is not idleness or joblessness that forces people into cultism. These days, you will even see artisans and others engaging in cultism.

“The kind of successful operation we had in Mushin, where we suppressed cultism to zero level, is what we are replicating in Ikorodu. All residents should go about their lawful businesses, as everything is under control.”

The violence in Oreta came just a day after a man was gruesomely killed in Bayeku, another community in Ikorodu.

The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Aroyewun, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Oluwaseun Ajayi, said, “The incident, which shook the community and heightened fears over safety, drew an immediate response from the Council Chairman.”

Earlier in the week, three suspected cultists were also murdered during a festival on Lagos Island, further heightening concerns about cult violence across the state.

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

11 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

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.

“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.

“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

Published

12 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

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.

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

Published

15 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

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.

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.

“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.