Category: PM News

Three secondary school teenage students have been arrested by the police during a suspected cult initiation ceremony in Owode-Yewa area of Ogun State.

The suspects, aged 12, 18 and 18, were arrested following intelligence about a planned cult-related activity tagged ‘Kito Day’, involving students from different secondary schools, spokesperson for Ogun Police Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a statement in Abeokuta on Friday.

According to Babaseyi, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Owode-Yewa, deployed detectives in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria to the scene on Thursday.

He added that the operation led to the arrest of the three suspects and the recovery of an axe, two knives, a short cutlass, a rubber toy gun and a school bag.

Babaseyi said that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta for further investigation and possible prosecution.

‘The case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, today, Friday for further investigation and possible prosecution,’ he said.

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a principal suspect in the murder of a 61-year-old retired teacher, Mrs Adedotun Adeteju Oluwaseun, nearly eight months after she was found dead at her residence in Abeokuta.

The suspect, identified as Alhaji Saburi Lateef Ayinde, popularly known as ‘OKI-OCEAN’, was arrested on October 19, 2026, following sustained investigations by detectives attached to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, saying the arrest represented a breakthrough in the investigation into the killing.

Oluwaseun was allegedly murdered at her residence in Agbaakin Emere, Bode-Olude, Abeokuta, on February 27, 2026. Her lifeless body was discovered in the toilet of the house the following day, shortly after she reportedly returned from a retirement celebration organised by her colleagues.

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the retired teacher was allegedly strangled and attacked with a machete during an altercation with the suspect.

The suspect reportedly confessed to the killing and linked the incident to financial dealings with the deceased, although detectives are still working to corroborate his account and establish the full circumstances surrounding the murder.

The police said Ayinde claimed he had entrusted ?3.45 million to Oluwaseun for safekeeping, under an arrangement in which she was expected to lend him ?1.5 million to purchase another vehicle.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the investigating officers for their persistence, professionalism and commitment to securing the breakthrough.

Ojajuni reiterated the command’s resolve to investigate serious crimes diligently, ensure accountability and bring suspects to justice through lawful prosecution.

The police said the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation.

The command also urged residents to resolve disputes through lawful means and promptly report suspicious or criminal activities, assuring the public that credible information would be handled professionally.

Tuesday, October 13, 2026, was a day of glory and celebration for Mrs. Odunola Arike Ayeni (JP), retired Headmistress and Chairperson of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), as dignitaries and well-wishers from all walks of life gathered at St. John’s R.C.M. Primary School, Ifon, Osun State, for a befitting retirement send-off ceremony in her honour.

The event served as a joyous reunion of Mrs. Ayeni’s childhood friends, family members, schoolmates, professional colleagues and associates from various spheres of life.

It was a day of spectacular gratitude to God as the crowd joined her in praise singing and dancing, celebrating a teaching career that ended well.

Early Life and Education

Born on December 25, 1965, into the family of Pa Theophilus Ilesanmi Omole and Ruth Omole, both of blessed memory, Mrs. Ayeni hails from Ijebu Ijesa in the then Obokun Local Government Area, now Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.

She began her elementary education at CAC Primary School, Latona, Osogbo, between 1971 and 1977, before proceeding to CAC Modern School, Gbomni, Osogbo, from 1977 to 1978. She thereafter attended Baptist Girls’ High School for her secondary education from 1978 to 1983.

In her quest for higher education, she gained admission to Divisional Teachers’ Training College, Ijebu Ijesa, where she studied between 1984 and 1987, earning her Grade II certificate. She furthered her education at Oyo State Polytechnic, Iree, where she obtained the National Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1994. Determined to reach the pinnacle of her profession, she proceeded to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, in 1999 and graduated in 2003 with a B.A. Ed. in English.

Illustrious Career

Mrs. Ayeni began her teaching career in October 1990 and served in the following schools:

· AUD Primary School, Ifon-Osun (1990-1998)

· Baptist Primary School, Ifon-Osun (1998-2003)

· CAC Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2003-2006)

· St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2006)

· CAC Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2006-2009)

· Eleesi Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2009-2015)

· St. John’s R.C.M. Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2015-2016)

She rose through the ranks to become Assistant Headmistress at Eleesi Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2016-2017), and St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2017-2018).

She subsequently served as Headmistress in the following schools:

· Araromi Eesa Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2018)

· Molufon Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2018-2019)

· Baptist Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2019-2020)

· Odo-Oje Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2020-2022)

· AUD Primary School 2, Ifon-Osun (October 2022-April 2024)

· St. John’s R.C.M. Primary School, Ifon-Osun (April 2024-September 30, 2025)

She retired on September 30, 2025, after 35 years of meritorious service to the teaching profession.

Leadership and Union Activities

Mrs. Ayeni’s leadership qualities were evident in her active involvement in professional associations and unions. She served as Chairperson of the Association of Primary School Headteachers, Orolu Local Government Chapter, from April 2024 to September 2025; Chairperson, Orolu Primary School General Set-off (2019-2022); and Osogbo Zonal AOPSHON Chairman, covering Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun and Orolu Local Governments (2024-2025).

Her union activities include serving as Second-Term Branch Assistant Secretary for Orolu (1997-2005); First State Representative for Orolu (2005-2009); member of the State Social Committee (2010-2013); and Assistant State Coordinator, Nigeria Women in Education Network (NIWEN), from 2018 to 2025. She was also Assistant Secretary, Women’s Wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State, between 2013 and 2017.

Church and Community Service

A devoted Christian, Mrs. Ayeni is a Deaconess and District Women’s Representative at Christ Apostolic Church, Olorun Kolasinnu, Osogbo, Osun State. She is Patron of Ina Olorun Tan and Treasurer of the church’s choir group.

In recognition of her exemplary character, she was bestowed with the ‘Virtuous Woman’ award at Bethel Baptist Church, Iton-Osun, in 2016.

She is described as ‘a dedicated, hardworking and committed educationist who has contributed immensely to the development of education and the welfare of teachers throughout her years of service.’

She is also testified to as having ‘served diligently as AOPSHON Chairperson, Orolu Chapter and Osogbo Zone, where she demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment and concern for the welfare of her colleagues.’

Family Life

Mrs. Odunola Arike Ayeni is happily married to Mr. Ayeni, a respected community leader, and the union is blessed with wonderful children. She successfully combined her responsibilities as a wife, mother, teacher and leader, demonstrating dedication, humility and perseverance throughout her career and family life.

After 35 years of distinguished service to the teaching profession, Mrs. Ayeni retired with honour and gratitude to God for His faithfulness, preservation and grace throughout her journey.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says 15 ships carrying petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos between Friday and Wednesday.

The NPA disclosed this in its Daily Shipping Position on Friday.

It said seven of the expected ships would carry containers of various goods, while the remaining eight would convey bulk wheat, bulk salt, general cargo, trucks, diesel base oil and aviation fuel.

The authority also said five ships, including tankers, had arrived at the ports and were waiting to berth with containers, transformers, petrol and general cargo.

It added that 16 ships were currently discharging cargo at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

The cargoes include bulk wheat, base oil, bulk fertiliser, trucks, general cargo, fresh fish, containers, bulk sugar, steel and petrol.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a residential building in Lagos where more than 100 sacks of empty alcoholic beverage bottles were allegedly stockpiled for suspected use in the production of counterfeit drinks.

The bottles were discovered at a property located at 322B Meiran Road, Agbado Oke-Odo, Lagos, during an operation by the agency’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate.

NAFDAC said the bottles were destroyed to prevent them from being reused in the production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

An Assistant Director in the directorate, Kunle Ojo, disclosed the development in a video released by the agency on Friday, explaining that the operation followed credible intelligence about activities at the location.

According to Ojo, the building was situated in a secluded residential area where different materials, including empty alcoholic beverage bottles covered with tarpaulins, were being stored.

The recovered bottles reportedly came in different sizes and included containers bearing labels associated with several alcoholic beverage brands, including Action Bitter and Royal Circle Premium Whiskey.

Ojo said investigators suspected that the bottles were being accumulated for onward distribution to individuals involved in the production of counterfeit alcoholic drinks.

He explained that the suspected practice involved supplying empty branded bottles to counterfeiters for reuse in packaging other products presented as genuine alcoholic beverages.

The discovery has raised concerns about the potential public health risks associated with counterfeit alcohol, which may be packaged in containers bearing the names and labels of established brands, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish genuine products from fake ones.

NAFDAC condemned the use of a residential property for the suspected activity, stressing that the operation was part of its efforts to protect public health and curb the production and distribution of counterfeit products.

The agency urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities in their neighbourhoods to the nearest NAFDAC office, noting that information from residents could help enforcement officers identify and disrupt suspected counterfeiting operations.

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has vowed that he will sign the death warrants of four kidnappers sentenced to death by the state’s Special Criminal Court, if they fail to appeal within 30 days.

Okpebholo stated this while recounting his administration’s efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities at the God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, Ekpoma, on Friday.

The four defendants were sentenced to death by an Edo State Special Criminal Court on Sept. 29, over the abduction of a woman at the vegetable market along Airport Road, Benin.

The governor said insecurity was a major concern when he assumed office but decided to priotise tackling it, after raising the issue with President Bola Tinubu, who urged him to go ahead.

‘When the kidnappers attacked the vegetable market area, I told the commissioner of Police that I wanted them arrested without delay ,’ he said.

The governor said the suspects had been sentenced to death and expressed hope that they would not appeal the judgment.

‘If within 30 days they don’t appeal, I will execute,’ he added.

The governor also said he had consulted prominent traditional rulers across the state before commencing his administration’s campaign against kidnapping and cultism.

Okpebholo said he warned the traditional rulers against intervening on behalf of anyone involved in criminal activities.

‘I told them not to come begging me because I will not listen,’ he said.

The governor recounted incidents he associated with spiritual forces following his administration’s demolition of a building linked to a cult group.

‘A black bird died in my office when I demolished their building. A vulture also died in my bed while I was contesting for governorship,’ he added.

Earlier, the clergyman, Ehijele Umuahia, Founder of God’s People Worldwide Prayer Ministry, urged his church members to vote for Okpebholo and his preferred candidates in the 2027 general elections.

Umuahia, citing Proverbs 29:2, urged the congregation to complement their prayers for the governor with active participation in the electoral process.

He said Christians should not only pray for Okpebholo but also come out en masse to vote for him and his preferred candidates.

The clergyman described the governor as a humble man, whose commitment to the things of God predated his emergence as governor.

‘I have known him for over 15 years, dating back to the days of Chief Tony Anenih, of blessed memory.

‘Whenever Anenih came to visit me, he was one of those, who accompanied him. That was how we came to know each other,’ he said.

Umuahia said Okpebholo had maintained his devotion to God in spite of his demanding schedule before becoming governor.

Police operatives have explained how seven members of a kidnap gang murdered of one of their victims for resisting their attempt to rape her in Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The kidnappers had also previously collected N16.5 million ransom to free the lady.

The decomposing body of the victim identified as Miss Oluwadamilola Adedayo was later recovered from a forest at Tukuba Community in Kuje Area of the FCT.

The Commander of the Nigeria Police Force Special Tactical Squad (STS), ACP Godfrey Victor, revealed this while parading the seven suspects involved in the kidnapping and murder of Adedayo during a news conference on Friday in Abuja.

He said the arrest of the suspects followed actionable intelligence in collaboration with vigilante operatives, and other security agencies at Rijana community in Kaduna State and Sabo Lugbe community in the FCT.

The commander said the operation followed a report of an abduction at gunpoint in a ‘commando-style operation’ at Plot B184, Adedayo Adeosun Street in Kuchiyako Community in Kuje Area Council.

Victor said Adedayo and three other members of her family, her mother, Mrs Nancy, her 12-year-old brother, King David and their housemaid, Jennifer David were abducted during the attack.

The commander said their mother was released about one hour after the abduction to coordinate ransom payment.

‘The housemaid and the 12-year-old boy were severely assaulted and abandoned unconscious in a forest but later regained consciousness and found their way home.

‘The family subsequently paid a ransom of N16.2 million for the release of their daughter with an additional request for N50 million by the kidnappers,’ he said.

The commander said further investigation revealed that on Sept. 24, the same syndicate abducted Mr John Ali, a businessman at Kuje and collected N3 million alongside recharge cards valued N100,000 before releasing him.

He said operatives of the STS commenced an intelligence led operation that led to the arrest of two members of the syndicate in Rijana Community in Kaduna State following a petition to the I-G on Oct. 15.

According to him, five additional suspects were subsequently arrested at Sabo Lugbe area of Abuja through the joint efforts of operatives of STS, vigilante groups, and other security agencies.

Victor said the decomposing body of Oluwadamilola Adedayo was recovered on Oct. 19, following an operation he led where operatives proceeded to the gang’s camp in Tukuba forest in Kuje Area Council.

He said investigation had revealed that the victim was murdered after resisting an attempt to rape her.

The commander said the remains had been evacuated to a hospital mortuary for preservation and possible autopsy.

He said items recovered from the suspects were one mobile phone, used for negotiation, four Ak-47 riffles, one locally made revolver pistol and 63 rounds of live ammunition.

The Police have confirmed one person dead and three others injured following an alleged attack on the convoy of one Offia-Nwali, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Assembly candidate in Ebonyi State.

The spokesperson for Ebonyi Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed this on Friday in Abakaliki.

Ukandu said the incident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Thursday at Amaezekwe community in Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

The PPRO said the command received a distress call reporting a disturbance in the community and immediately dispatched operatives to the scene.

He said upon arrival, the operatives found four individuals with gunshot wounds and a burnt vehicle.

The Ebonyi police spokesperson said one of the victims was confirmed dead at the hospital, while the three others are receiving medical treatment,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the NDC candidate for Ezza South Constituency in the state, Mr Offia-Nwali, said suspected political thugs attacked his motorcade and set his Toyota Hilux vehicle ablaze.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, Offia-Nwali said he and members of his entourage escaped unhurt during the incident.

He expressed sympathy with those affected by the attack and urged youths in the state not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to pursue personal ambitions.

‘No political ambition is worth the life of any young person,’ he said.

The Nigerian Army has commenced the deployment of 600 troops to India for specialised jungle and mountain warfare training aimed at enhancing troops’ combat proficiency in difficult terrains.

Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations said this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the deployment of the troops to India for the training by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu will also help to strengthen Army’s capacity to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

Appolonia said the first batch of 300 personnel departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Thursday, 22 October 2026, aboard two Indian Air Force aircraft, a C-17 and an Airbus A321.

The Coordinator, Nigerian Military Training Support and Advisory Team, Army Headquarters Department of Army Training, Major General UG Yusuf, who represented the COAS, witnessed the departure of the troops alongside the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria.

‘The training underscores the COAS’s commitment to building a professional, adaptable and combat-ready force capable of confronting terrorists, insurgents and other criminal elements operating in forests, mountainous areas and other challenging environments.

‘It also aligns with his Command Philosophy, which prioritises operational effectiveness, realistic training, personnel development and enhanced combat readiness.

The specialised programme is expected to equip personnel with advanced jungle and mountain warfare skills, improve operational manoeuvrability and strengthen their capacity to deny criminal elements safe havens in difficult terrains.

‘It will further reinforce Nigeria-India defence cooperation and the COAS’s determination to sustain a resilient, mission-ready Army capable of defending the nation’s sovereignty and protecting lives and property.

‘Arrangements are also underway to airlift the remaining 300 personnel to India for the training,’ Appolonia said.

A former Principal Stock Verifier at the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Williams Oluwole has bagged a seven-year jail term for issuing a false stock verification certificate that facilitated the payment of ?29.9 million for pharmaceutical products by the federal government.

Oluwole, who was prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was convicted and jailed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, by Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

He was arraigned before the court by ICPC on a two-count charge bordering on knowingly furnishing false statements in the discharge of his official duties, J. Okor Odey, the spokesperson for ICPC said in a statement on Thursday.

The convict, who served as Principal Stock Verifier at the Federal Ministry of Health, was accused of issuing a Stock Verification Certificate of Completion in favour of Mubaraq Pharmacy Limited in May 2015, falsely certifying that certain pharmaceutical products had been supplied when the items had yet to arrive in Nigeria.

During the trial, the prosecution established that Oluwole issued Stock Verification Certificate of Completion No. CA 0329, which facilitated the payment of ?29,996,120.00 to Mubaraq Pharmacy Limited for the purported supply of 5,113 Ribavirin injections and 5,681 Globavirin tablets.

The court held that the pharmaceutical products covered by the certificate had not been supplied at the time the convict certified their receipt, thereby creating a false impression that the contractor had fulfilled its contractual obligations and was entitled to payment.

In Count One of Charge No. CR/94/2017, the Commission accused Oluwole of knowingly furnishing a false statement in his capacity as Principal Stock Verifier at the Federal Ministry of Health by issuing the certificate upon which payment was made for the undelivered pharmaceutical products.

The offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 16 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The second count bordered on making a false statement to the then Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. Linus Awute, contrary to Section 25(1)(a) of the same Act.

In prosecuting the case, the ICPC, through its counsel, N. J. Onwuka, Esq., who appeared alongside P. N. Emeka, Esq., presented its case against the defendant, who was represented by Abubakar Adamu, Esq.

Delivering judgment, Justice Halilu found Oluwole guilty and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment on Count One.

The court also imposed a fine of ?100,000 on Count Two.

The trial judge further directed that the convict to serve his prison sentence at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.

The conviction underscores the criminal consequences of falsifying official records and certification documents in public procurement processes, particularly where such documents, and accountability in the management of public resources.