How My Son Was Killed By Cultists In Ikorodu While My Wife Watched Helplessly - Father

Mr Tunde Bakare, father of 22-year-old tailor Abdulmalik, who was allegedly killed by suspected cultists during a violent attack in Oreta, Ikorodu, Lagos State, speaks with DANIEL AYANTOYE about the tragic loss of his son, the impact of the incident on his family, his quest for justice, and the need for stronger government action to curb recurring cult-related violence in the community

Your son was recently killed by suspected cultists. How did it happen?

Around 12 noon last Wednesday, a truck carrying a container arrived in the Ajebo area of Ikorodu. Some boys in the area demanded land money from the driver, but they were told that boys from Oreta had already collected the money for the container.

One of the boys who climbed the trailer fell, and he was run over. He died instantly.

Later, around 3 pm, I saw a crowd enter our area in Oreta. I was sitting outside my wife’s shop when I saw them. One of them was shouting, “We will kill all of you in Oreta today.”

I thought it was one of those usual threats, so I left when a job came up.

Around 6 pm, I called my son and he told me he was at home. I asked him to go and help his mother at the shop, which he did. By the time I returned, I was exhausted, so I went home and slept.

Around 8 pm, the cultists stormed our area and started shooting indiscriminately. They killed one person along the road and a disabled man outside my wife’s shop. They then entered the shop and shot my son dead.

My wife had stepped out to relieve herself, but by the time she returned, they had already shot him. She was then shot in the leg. Fortunately, their ammunition ran out at that point, which saved her from being killed.

How is your wife doing now?

She has received treatment and is recovering, but she has been crying constantly because she witnessed the death of her son. Many people have been trying to console her. She has to accept what has happened, and so do I.

When they asked me to go and identify my son’s body at the hospital, I refused. It is too traumatic for a parent to see the corpse of their own child. I asked a relative to handle it for me. I cannot bring myself to look at my son’s body.

Was your son connected to them in any way that made them target your shop?

No. My son did not know them, and we had nothing to do with them.

It was a man called Wasiu who invited the cultists into the area, and they started attacking anyone they saw. The boys from Ajebo were fighting over land-related issues and the money collected from trucks.

My son had nothing to do with any of them. He hardly went out. It was only that evening that he went to assist his mother at the shop. They were preparing to close when the attackers struck.

Where were you when it happened?

I was at home. When I returned from work, I was very tired and fell asleep. I was later woken up by noise and people banging on my gate. That was when I heard that my son had been killed.

They destroyed several shops in the area, including my wife’s shop. She sells soft drinks and other items. There was blood everywhere inside the shop. After it was cleaned, spent bullet shells were found scattered all over the place.

What is your occupation?

I am a businessman. I sell granite.

How many people carried out the attack?

Some of them arrived on five motorcycles, while others came in a tricycle. They appeared determined to kill anyone they could find, but many residents fled. Witnesses said the attackers were calling out the name “Ayana.”

What have the police done since the incident?

After the attack, my son’s body was taken to the mortuary at Ikorodu General Hospital, and the police launched an investigation. They have arrested six people so far, and the Divisional Police Officer promised a thorough investigation. The case has now been transferred to Panti.

Earlier that same day, after the boy was killed by the truck, the police came to our area with some of the boys involved. One of them openly said, “We are coming back tonight to kill you, people.” I even saw one of those boys being brought to the station that afternoon.

Are you sure those arrested were responsible for the attack?

The police are still interrogating them. Their findings will determine that.

Has your son’s body been released to you?

No. Not yet.

What reason were you given for the delay?

They said the body is being held for investigation. They want to conduct an autopsy and complete the process of charging and arraigning those arrested.

What do you want from this case?

I just want my son to be buried.

Don’t you want justice?

Yes, I want justice. You cannot kill someone and simply walk free in a society governed by laws. Every action has consequences.

The police told me that even if I decide not to pursue the case, they will continue with it and ensure justice is served. They said the matter is no longer just my concern but the government’s responsibility. Still, I want my son buried.

What is your community saying about the incident?

People have been visiting me constantly since it happened. Almost the entire community has come to see me.

What are they asking for?

They are pleading with me to allow the matter to be resolved amicably. They claim Wasiu knew nothing about the attack.

I reminded them that Wasiu himself reportedly said that his apprentice, the boy who was killed by the truck, had been killed and that others would follow. People who recorded him saying that confirmed it.

They later told me that he spoke in anger and didn’t mean what he said. I told them that he had already been arrested and was at Panti. The matter is no longer in my hands.

Tell us about your late son.

He was a calm and easy-going young man. He never liked troubling anyone.

He sat for the last UTME and scored 200. He wanted to attend a school in Ijebu-Ode, but when he got there, he discovered he did not have Economics, which was required for the Business Administration programme he wanted to study.

I paid N70,000 for him to register for another NECO so he could make up for the subject. He was waiting to write it.

Before leaving secondary school, he had learned tailoring because he planned to travel to Germany someday. While preparing for further studies, he continued working as a tailor. As a result, he was rarely at home. Even on the day he was killed, he had spent most of the day away.

His mother and I were also preparing for our Nikkah (Islamic marriage ceremony), which was scheduled for the following Sunday. He had been busy sewing clothes for his siblings. He came home, and then this tragedy happened.

Culled from the Punch 

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No Suspect Has Been Arrested Six Weeks After Madam Olanike Adeola's Kidnap Ordeal In Lagos - Family

Six weeks after the abduction of Lagos resident, Madam Olanike Adebimpe Adeola, concerns are growing over the lack of arrests in the case, amid broader worries about Nigeria’s worsening security situation and the increasing prevalence of kidnapping across the country.

Madam Adeola was abducted in the early hours of April 21, 2026, when armed men reportedly forced their way into her residence in Lagos and took her away. According to accounts from the family, the attackers subjected her to physical and emotional trauma before demanding a ransom of ₦60 million for her release. The victim spent three days in captivity before regaining her freedom after relatives, friends, and supporters raised and paid US$15,000, the amount eventually negotiated with the kidnappers.

While her release brought relief to family members and well-wishers, the aftermath of the incident continues to take a toll on the victim and her loved ones. Family sources say the emotional and psychological effects of the ordeal remain significant, with concerns heightened by the fact that no suspects have been arrested six weeks after the incident.

The absence of arrests or publicly disclosed progress in the investigation has raised questions about accountability and the effectiveness of efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes. The case has also renewed attention on Nigeria’s broader security challenges. Kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common in several parts of the country, prompting calls for stronger security measures and improved protection for citizens.

Security analysts have repeatedly warned that the growing threat of abduction and violent crime is undermining public confidence and creating fear among residents, many of whom worry about their safety in homes and communities. The Adeola case underscores the need for sustained action by security agencies to track down perpetrators, strengthen intelligence gathering, and improve response mechanisms to violent crimes.

  

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LASU Student Shot In Robbery Attack Finally Dies In Hospital

A student of Lagos State University has died from injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack in the Iba area of Lagos.

The deceased, identified as Otabor Boluwatife Joseph, was a student of the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts.

In a statement issued by the Acting Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Mr Olaniyi Jeariogbe on Thursday, the university said the

attack occurred off campus on the night of May 29, 2026, when Otabor and his friends were attacked by armed robbers.

“The Management of Lagos State University received with profound sadness the news of the death of one of its students, OTABOR Boluwatife Joseph (Matric

No. 240341269) of the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, following injuries sustained during an armed robbery attack in

the Iba area of Lagos,” the statement read.

The university said it immediately responded after receiving reports of the incident. According to the statement, the Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs,

Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, provided support, briefed the Vice-Chancellor and maintained contact with medical personnel involved in the student’s treatment

while monitoring developments throughout his hospitalisation.

Otabor later died on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Following his death, representatives of the university met with his family, officials of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and law enforcement

authorities.

LASU said it was actively cooperating with security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation into the attack and the prosecution of those responsible.

“The University is actively cooperating with security agencies to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the attack are thoroughly investigated and

those responsible are brought to justice,” the statement added.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased on behalf of the university

community.

The university also prayed for the repose of Otabor’s soul and urged that those responsible for the attack be brought to justice.

  

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Blogger Remanded Over Defamatory Post Against Tony Elumelu

The police on Friday arraigned a 19-year-old blogger, Nurenorue Surpruchi, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged cyberstalking and defamatory posts against the Chairman of United Bank for Africa, Tony Elumelu.

Surpruchi was arraigned before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cyberstalking, bullying and defamation.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

According to the prosecution, the defendant and others still at large allegedly conspired on April 5, 2026, to use a computer system and network to disseminate false and injurious information against Elumelu.

When the matter came up for arraignment, prosecution counsel, A.G. Obi, from the Directorate of Legal Services, Force Criminal Investigation Department, Alagbon, Lagos, informed the court that the prosecution had filed a four-count charge against the defendant and urged the court to direct that the charges be read to him for plea.

The charges were subsequently read, and the defendant pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, Obi told the court that although the prosecution was ready to proceed with the matter, it had only just been served with the defendant’s bail application earlier in the day.

She said the prosecution would require time to study the application and file an appropriate response, urged the court to remand the defendant in the custody of the Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of the bail application.

The prosecutor also asked the court for a trial date.

Defence counsel, A. Edoh, confirmed that the bail application had only just been served on the prosecution and appealed for a short adjournment to enable the court to hear the application.

After listening to both parties, Justice Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the matter until June 19, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Correctional Service.

In one of the counts, the prosecution alleged that the defendant used an X account identified as “@PROBLElEMCHIMKYI,” allegedly registered in his name, to publish false and offensive statements claiming that Elumelu had divorced his wife after discovering through DNA tests that none of his seven children belonged to him.

The prosecution further alleged that the publication, which reportedly garnered about 1.9 million views, 1,600 reposts, 6,300 likes and over 600 saves, was intended to bully, threaten and harass the UBA chairman, thereby injuring his reputation and exposing him to public ridicule.

  

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Yahoo Boy Shot Dead In Igando By Fellow Gang Members Over Sharing Of Loot

A male adult identified simply as Golden has been confirmed dead after he was shot by unknown assailants in the Igando area of Lagos State.

It was learnt that the incident occurred in the Fatoki area of the community.

It was gathered that the assailants, numbering about two, rode into the community on a motorcycle in search of the deceased.

The assailants thereafter located him in the area and allegedly shot him in the process.

“We got a report that someone was shot on Fatoki Street, and when our men were deployed to the scene, the deceased was found lying lifeless in a pool of blood. He was taken to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead and later taken to the morgue,” the source disclosed.

The police, however, could not disclose the cause of the incident, noting that an investigation was ongoing.

Meanwhile, an anti-cultism advocacy platform, Confra Naija, in a post on Thursday, noted that the incident was business-related.

It wrote, “The victim in that incident was identified as Golden. Although two cult groups (Aye and Vikings) were mentioned in this incident, sources confirmed that the attack was not cult-related but rather a case of a business dispute involving Yahoo money.”

The platform added that Golden was sitting outside before the attackers entered the street on a motorcycle and shot him in the head.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, was unreachable as calls to her telephone lines went unanswered. A text message sent to her had yet to be replied to by the time this report was filed.

The incident occurred barely five days after a shawarma vendor identified simply as Andy was shot dead by suspected cultists in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State.

  

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Shawarma Vendor Shot Dead By Alleged Cultists At Sangotedo Area Of Lagos

A shawarma vendor identified simply as Andy has been shot dead by suspected cultists in the Sangotedo area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday evening. According to sources, Andy was attending to customers at his shawarma stand when some masked men stormed the spot and opened fire on him at close range.

The attackers were said to have fled immediately after the shooting, leaving the victim in a pool of blood.

A police source familiar with the incident said the assailants allegedly disguised themselves as customers before launching the attack.

“The information we received was that the suspects came to the spot pretending to be customers who wanted to buy shawarma.

“The victim was attending to them when they suddenly brought out guns and shot him in the head before escaping.

“Our officers later moved to the scene and saw the lifeless body in a pool of blood. The body was later evacuated from the scene,” the source said.

The police source added that the incident had yet to be linked to cultism until investigations were concluded.

Meanwhile, an anti-cultism platform, Confra Naija, stated that the incident was cult-related.

The platform also described the deceased as peaceful and hardworking.

“Yesterday, a young man named Andy, popularly known as Aboki De Junior, was shot dead around the ShopRite area of Sangotedo, Lagos State. Armed men reportedly arrived at Aboki De Junior’s shawarma spot and opened fire, killing him.

“After the attack, Eiye cultists claimed responsibility. Aboki De Junior was a peaceful and hardworking shawarma seller from Benue State, known as a calm and friendly businessman who welcomed everybody and had Aye members as friends,” the platform partly wrote.

In a video attached to the post, some residents were seen gathered around the lifeless body while some of them wept over the incident.

A female adult believed to be related to the victim was also seen clutching the lifeless body and crying uncontrollably.

The Lagos state police command was yet to make any statement regarding the incident as at the time of filing this report. 

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How An Over 65 Years Old Grandma Was Raped To Death By Hoodlums In Badagry

Residents of Oke Egan in the Ilogbo-Eremi area of Badagry, Lagos State, were thrown into shock on Friday after the body of a sexagenarian woman, Victoria Adegoke, was found abandoned in a nearby bush.

According to the Punch, the deceased was allegedly found naked and was suspected of having been raped and strangled before her body was dragged into the bush.

One of the photographs obtained by PUNCH Metro on Sunday showed what appeared to be marks indicating that the victim’s hands had been tied by her assailants.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the incident, said Adegoke, believed to be in her 60s and a grandmother, was found around 6:10am on Friday.

He told Punch correspondent that the deceased had attended a programme at The Joy of Christ Ministry, popularly known as Ayo Jesu Church.

According to the source, Adegoke was allegedly ambushed by some hoodlums while returning home in the early hours of the day.

“The deceased is someone I know. Her daughter stays abroad. She went to church last Tuesday and had been there for some time because they were holding a programme that ended four days ago.

“She later stayed with one of her siblings who lives close to the church. It was while she was returning home around six in the morning that she was reportedly attacked.

“The suspects removed her clothes and underwear. They strangled her and also took her phone. Her ATM card and Bible were found at the scene,” the source said.

Another resident who identified himself only as Adeola described the incident as shocking, questioning why an elderly woman would be subjected to such brutality.

“She should be between 65 and 68 years old. Passersby found her body inside the bush and reported the matter at the police post in Ilogbo-Eremi.

“The police are aware of the incident and should be able to track the assailants through the woman’s stolen phone,” the resident said.

A community member, who also requested anonymity for fear of attack, described the area of the incident as notorious for violent crimes.

“The community is along the boundary between Lagos and Ogun states and is known for criminal activities. This is not the first time such a crime has happened here.

In fact, this would be about the fourth such incident reported in the area.

“The place is prone to violence, so people have to be careful. She was a grandmother, not a young woman. She was found naked, and it was when the police arrived that her body was covered. Her pants had been removed, which suggested she was raped,” the source added.

When contacted on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, did not respond to calls or a WhatsApp message sent to his line at the time of this report.

This is not the first time a disturbing incident has been reported in Badagry. In November 2025, the corpse of an unidentified man was discovered in front of a filling station in the Seme area of the town.

The discovery was first reported by CityMood Badagry, a local social media news platform.

The deceased was found lying face-up, wearing what appeared to be a white top with black stripes, with parts of his chest and neck visibly exposed.

Culled from the Punch 

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Popular Influencer Blessing CEO Remanded In EFCC Custody Over N36 Million Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday said a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, had remanded social media influencer, Okoro Nkiruka,

popularly known as Blessing CEO, in its custody over an alleged N36m fraud.

In a statement, the commission said the defendant was arraigned by its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 before Justice D.I. Dipeolu

on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.

According to the EFCC, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to her.

The commission stated that during the proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24m to the nominal

complainant and sought a short adjournment to allow both parties resolve the outstanding balance.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24m out of the N36m.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail

on the EFCC to drop the case,” said the statement.

However, prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, told the court that the Federal Government was the complainant in the matter and that the prosecution was

not aware of any arrangement between the defendant and the petitioner.

The statement noted that the court held that any discussion between the defendant and the nominal complainant would not affect the proceedings and directed

that the defendant takes her plea.

The EFCC in the statement says “One of the counts alleged that the defendant, between July 14 and 17, 2024, obtained N36 million from one Ifeyinwa Nonye

Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex in Lekki, Lagos, which representation she allegedly knew to be false.

“Another count, according to the commission, accused her of fraudulently converting the said sum to personal use,”.

Following her plea, the prosecution applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.

Defence counsel, however, urged the court to remand her in EFCC custody, noting that she had just been served with the charges and was still perfecting

her bail application.

Justice Dipeolu granted the request and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.

The case was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial, the statement added.

  

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Lagos Debunks Viral Video Claims Of Minor's Detention, Insists Detainee Is An Adult Armed Robbery Suspect

The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations circulating in a viral video that a minor, Michael Adekunle, is being unlawfully detained at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre, describing the claims as misleading and a calculated attempt to generate public sympathy.

The controversy followed a video by social media influencer Seaking, who alleged that during a visit to the facility, the detainee claimed he was 14 years old at the time of his arrest in 2023 but was recorded by the police as 18.

The influencer also claimed the suspect was forced to adopt the name Michael Adebiyi instead of Michael Adekunle, insisting the detainee is currently 17 years old.

However, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), refuted the claims, maintaining that the individual in custody is Michael Adebiyi, who was 18 years old at the time of his arrest.

Pedro disclosed that Adebiyi was arrested in 2022 alongside two others Adedeji Kabiru and Adekunle Waris over alleged armed robbery.

According to him, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice received the duplicate case file on January 6, 2023, and issued legal advice on January 25, 2023, after reviewing evidence in the police file.

“The available evidence established a prima facie case against Adebiyi and Kabiru for conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery under Sections 299 and 297(2)(a) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015,” he said.

He added that the third suspect, Adekunle Waris, was recommended for discharge after investigations failed to link him to the alleged offences.

The Attorney-General further explained that the state filed charges against Adebiyi and Kabiru before the High Court on May 31, 2023.

The case was initially assigned to Justice A.J. Coker but later reassigned to Justice Hakeem Oshodi following Coker’s deployment on national duty.

Providing an update, Pedro said the prosecution has closed its case after calling witnesses, while the defence has filed a no-case submission, served on the prosecution on April 23, 2026.

The matter has been adjourned to July 1, 2026, for hearing of the no-case submission.
Pedro stressed that at no point during proceedings did the defendant or his counsel raise any issue regarding age or identity before the court a move that would have triggered an inquiry under Section 206 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015.

“The facts contained in the extra-judicial statement of the defendant clearly indicate that his name is Michael Adebiyi and that he was 18 years old at the time of arrest.”

He urged the public to disregard the viral claims, describing them as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, inflame sentiment, and interfere with due judicial process.

Pedro reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the rule of law, insisting that all criminal proceedings are being conducted in line with due process and established legal standards.

  

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How Jilted Lover Bathed Spa Worker With Acid In Lekki

    

A female spa worker in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State, Olorunseunfunmi Awosogbon, is receiving medical treatment after she was reportedly attacked with a corrosive substance suspected to be acid in an incident linked to a dispute involving her employer.

It was gathered that Awosogbon, popularly known as Ajoke, had been assigned to a client who booked a home massage session on October 25, 2025.

The appointment was scheduled for Lakowe Golf Gate, near Utmost Care Hospital, Lakowe, where the incident occurred.

She was said to have arrived at the location in a ride-hailing vehicle when a man, identified in court filings as 37-year-old Ziaulihak Zakari, allegedly approached and poured the substance on her.

According to court documents and the spa owner, Olorunmaye Ifeoluwa, the suspect was allegedly engaged by a 25-year-old man, Owolabi Daniel, following the breakdown of a personal relationship between Ifeoluwa and Daniel.

Recounting events leading up to the incident, Ifeoluwa said she met Daniel earlier in 2025 when he booked a massage session at her spa.

“He requested that I attend to him personally. After that, he kept in touch and expressed interest in a relationship,” she said.

She explained that the relationship lasted a few months and was marked by disagreements.

“I later told him I needed space and that the relationship would not work. He continued to reach out, but I made it clear I did not want to continue,” she added.

According to her, she subsequently began receiving threatening messages from unknown numbers.

“The messages contained threats to my life. I reported the matter, but the numbers could not be traced at the time,” she said.

She also noted that suspicious home-service bookings had been made shortly before the attack.

“On one occasion, a client stopped responding after my staff arrived at the location. A similar booking came in later for the same area,” she said.

Describing the day of the incident, Ifeoluwa said, “Awosogbon called me in distress, saying a substance had been poured on her and that it was suspected to be acid. I immediately arranged for her to be taken to the hospital.”

Awosogbon was initially treated at a medical facility in Lekki before being transferred to another hospital in Ikeja for specialist care.

Ifeoluwa alleged that threatening messages continued after the attack.

“The sender indicated that the attack was not the end and that I was still being targeted. ‘I’m going to kill you soon. You deserve to be in a grave,’ among others,” she said.

She added that a private investigation later linked the messages to a known individual, after which the matter was reported to the police and an arrest made.

Undated charge sheets filed at a Magistrate Court in Ebute-Metta indicate that Zakari and Daniel are facing counts including conspiracy, alleged threats to life, and causing bodily harm.

One of the counts states that the defendants “conspired to commit a felony” under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Another alleges that Daniel sent threatening electronic messages, while a third states that the victim sustained injuries after a chemical substance was poured on her.

Efforts to speak directly with Awosogbon were unsuccessful as she was said to be undergoing medical procedures.

However, Ifeoluwa expressed concern over her safety, noting that Daniel had been granted bail.

“I am worried about my safety and that of my staff,” she said.

The victim’s lawyer, John Olobayo, criticised the handling of the case, arguing that the charges did not reflect the severity of the allegations.

“Based on the available information, we believe more serious charges should be considered,” he said, adding that petitions had been submitted to relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Justice.

When contacted, the father of one of the suspects, Mr Owolabi, declined to comment in detail and referred enquiries to his lawyer.

“Everything we did was through the lawyer,” he said, adding that he had contributed financially to the victim’s treatment.

Responding to questions about an alleged N60m payment for the victim’s surgery, he said in Yoruba, “Everything we have done was through the lawyer. I sold my house to pay the money. I don’t know what more is expected of us.”

When informed that journalistic ethics do not permit disclosure of sources, he declined further comment.

 

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Court Fixes June 22 For Judgement On The Murder Of Sound Engineer David Imoh At Lekki

Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Igbosere has fixed June 22, 2026, for judgment in the trial of commercial motorcyclist

Dahiru Ayuba and five others accused of killing sound engineer David Imoh.

The judge adjourned the matter on Tuesday after counsel for both the prosecution and defence adopted their final written addresses.

Imoh was allegedly lynched and burnt to death on May 12, 2022, at NITEL Junction, Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, following a dispute over a N100

transportation fare balance with a commercial motorcyclist.

The 37-year-old was reportedly attacked by a mob and set ablaze during the incident.

The defendants — Dahiru Ayuba, Susan Moses, Chigozie Anthony, Christopher Dauda, Joseph Tella and Sunday Azi — were arraigned on October 20, 2022, on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder and infliction of grievous harm, preferred by the Lagos State Government.

At the resumed proceedings, the court granted applications by defence counsel seeking extension of time to regularise their final written addresses, which

had been filed out of time.

Counsel for the first defendant, A.O. Idowu, told the court that his client’s address, dated April 17, 2026, urged the court to dismiss the prosecution’s

case and acquit him.

Similarly, counsel for the second defendant, Steven Eluwa, said his address, dated February 16, 2026, asked the court to discharge and acquit his client

on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.

“In response to the prosecution’s address, we filed a reply on points of law dated May 4, 2026. We urge the court to discharge and acquit the second defendant,”

he said.

Counsel for the third defendant, Sylvester Effiong, whose address was filed on March 30, 2026, also urged the court to resolve all issues in favour of

his client and discharge her.

Olayinka Lawal, counsel for the fourth defendant, argued that evidence before the court showed that some defendants testified they did not see his client

at the scene of the crime.

He also challenged the prosecution’s claim that all defendants made confessional statements, adding that the police failed to investigate his client’s

alibi.

“When the fourth defendant was arrested, he stated that he was with one Mr Elias, but neither the police nor the prosecution investigated that claim,”

Lawal submitted.

Counsel for the fifth defendant, Yusuf Temilola-Nurudeen, argued that none of the prosecution’s six witnesses directly implicated his client in the alleged

offences.

“The video evidence tendered by the prosecution did not feature the fifth defendant. The only allegation is that he took active part, but in what exactly?”

he said, urging the court to acquit him.

He also asked the court to expunge parts of the testimony of the fourth prosecution witness.

Counsel for the sixth defendant, A.O. Olayinka, urged the court to deem her address, dated March 3, 2026, as properly filed and to discharge and acquit

her client.

In response, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr Bajide Martins, urged the court to convict the defendants, submitting that the evidence before the

court established their involvement in the mob attack.

“My Lord saw the witnesses and observed their demeanour,” he said.

After hearing the submissions, Justice Harrison adjourned judgment until June 22, 2026.

At the arraignment, the prosecution had alleged that the defendants unlawfully caused Imoh’s death by beating him and setting him ablaze.

They were also accused of attempting to murder Frank Olatunji and keyboardist Philip Balogun, who were reportedly assaulted during the incident.

All six defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the trial, Balogun, one of the victims, told the court that he sustained injuries to his head and ear and was hospitalised for five days at the

Federal Medical Centre, Yaba, and Evercare Hospital.

He added that he is still receiving eye treatment in Ikeja.

The witness identified the second defendant as one of his attackers and alleged that the third defendant, Susan Moses, pointed out where Imoh was hiding

before he was dragged out and attacked.

  

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Popular Lagos Socialite Jailed 15 Years For Drug Trafficking

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced Lagos socialite, Mrs Funmilola Ogbuaya, popularly known in social circles as “Ariket,” to 15 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the trafficking of cocaine.

The conviction comes nine years after her co-conspirator, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Olabisi, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for her role in the same drug trafficking operation.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution had successfully established its case against Ogbuaya beyond reasonable doubt.

After reviewing the arguments of both parties, the judge found her guilty of conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the attempted illegal export of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.

“The prosecution has proved all the essential ingredients of the offences charged against the convict,” Justice Dipeolu held.

He subsequently sentenced Ogbuaya to 15 years’ imprisonment but ordered that the term should run concurrently with the earlier 25-year sentence already imposed in connection with the matter.

The court further ruled that the jail term would take effect from May 19, 2017.

The case dates back to 2017, when Ogbuaya and Omolara were first arraigned before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari, now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of cocaine, aiding and abetting, and attempted export of the prohibited drug.

While Omolara faced charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and attempted exportation of cocaine, Ogbuaya was specifically charged with conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and procuring Omolara to traffic the narcotic substance.

Both convicts initially pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on varying terms.

However, midway into the trial, Omolara informed the court of her decision to change her plea.

Following a re-reading of the charge, she pleaded guilty to attempting to illegally export the narcotic drug to Saudi Arabia

Justice Rabiu-Shagari subsequently sentenced her to 25 years’ imprisonment.

Omolara had challenged the conviction at the Court of Appeal, but her appeal was dismissed on February 26, 2021.

A three-member appellate panel, led by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, affirmed the lower court’s decision and held that the appeal lacked merit.

The prosecution, led by NDLEA counsel Abu Ibrahim, thereafter proceeded with Ogbuaya’s trial, calling nine witnesses and tendering several documentary exhibits, including the seized cocaine, all of which were admitted in evidence.

At the close of the prosecution’s case, Ogbuaya opted to file a no-case submission instead of opening her defence.

Arguing for the no-case submission on February 26, 2025, her counsel urged the court to discharge her on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.

But in a ruling delivered on April 24, 2025, Justice Dipeolu dismissed the application.

“From the evidence adduced by prosecution witnesses one to nine, a prima facie case has been established against the defendant. There is a need for the defendant to open her defence against the charges against her,” the judge ruled.

Following the dismissal, Ogbuaya opened her defence, after which both parties filed and adopted their final written addresses.

The matter was then adjourned to April 28, 2026, for judgment.

Delivering the final verdict, Justice Dipeolu upheld the prosecution’s submissions and pronounced the socialite guilty as charged, but she was not sentenced until Wednesday.

The charges against Ogbuaya and her co-convict stated that they conspired on February 23, 2017, to export 1.595 kilograms of cocaine, contrary to Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.

  

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EFCC Declares Abuja-based Lagos Woman Wanted Over Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared a Lagos indigene identified as, Halimat Tejuosho, wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence.

In a notice issued by the anti-graft agency, and signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, the Commission said 41-year-old Tejuosho, is being sought in connection with the alleged offence.

“The public is hereby notified that Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence,” the notice read.

According to the EFCC, the suspect’s last known address is House A26, Aso Grove Estate, Maitama Extension, Abuja.

The agency called on members of the public to assist with information that could lead to her arrest.

“Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices,” the statement added.

It also urged the public to reach out through its official communication channels or report to the nearest police station and other security agencies.

  

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