Two young siblings, Jelad Oluwaranakinse, aged five, and his brother, Jenson, aged three, were burnt to death in a fire that engulfed their apartment in the Oluwatuyi area of Akure, Ondo State, on Wednesday.
According to eyewitnesses, the children were allegedly locked inside their home by their mother, Mrs Deborah Oluwaranakinse, who had stepped out to buy food.
Tragically, the fire broke out in her absence, reducing the apartment to ashes and claiming the lives of the two boys.
“When the fire started, the neighbours around made efforts to put it out and rescue the kids, but their efforts were unsuccessful,” an eyewitness recounted.
“People called the state fire service, but by the time they arrived, things had gone out of hand. The kids had died.”
Another witness said the fire erupted suddenly, with no clear cause identified at the time of reporting.
Despite desperate attempts by neighbours to extinguish the flames and save the children, the inferno proved relentless.
The charred remains of the children were later evacuated and deposited at the morgue of the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Akure.
Confirming the tragic incident on Thursday, Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, said investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire.
“The two male children left in the room were choked and burnt. One is Jelad Oluwaranakinse, aged five, and the second is Jenson Oluwaranakinse, aged three.
“Their mother, one Mrs Deborah Oluwaranakinse, locked the two children inside their room and went out to search for food. An investigation has commenced,” the PPRO stated.
A 15-year-old girl, Khadija Abimbola, has been found wandering in Owode-Ede Town, Osun State.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent findings indicated that a good Samaritan who noticed Khadija was roaming the street brought her to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Owode – Ede division.
Khadija was said to have travelled with her mother, Mrs. Aishat Abimbola, and her three siblings from Lagos to Osun State to celebrate the new year.
After the celebrations, her mother reportedly took her to the Owode-Ede market to sell detergent, promising to return later in the day. However, her mother failed to come back.
The Osun State command of the NSCDC, Public Relations Officer, Mrs Kehinde Adeleke called on the Public for assistance in reuniting the girl with her family.
A 29-year-old footballer, Adewale Adeyemi, playing for the Ilesa West Local Government Area football team, tragically passed away after collapsing during a football competition in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent findings revealed that the incident occurred Yesterday ( Thursday) during the Adeleke Memorial Cup Final at Ataoja School of Science, where Adewale suddenly slumped on the pitch.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Yemisi Opalola in a statement made available to newsmen, disclosed that Adewale collapsed on the pitch during the match and was immediately rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
The Statement reads “Today, 16/01/2025, while the Adeleke Memorial Cup Final match was going on at Ataoja School of Science, one Adeyemi Adewale, ‘M’, 29 years, a player from Ilesa West Football Team, slumped on the pitch.
“He was rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by the doctor.” The Statement adds.
One of his relatives, who preferred to be anonymous said, the ugly incident coincided with the birthday of the late footballer.
Meanwhile, The remains of the deceased had been deposited at the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital morgue in Osogbo.
In Osogbo, the Police have begun an investigation into the alleged exhumation of the remains of a community leader, Pa Azeez Rauf from the grave in his house and the sale of the house by one of his sons, identified as Mutiu Rauf Okunola.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, told newsmen that a suspect identified as Rauf was arrested in connection with the alleged exhuming of the corpse and the sale of the house around Dada Estate, Osogbo.
Mrs Opalola, who explained that the matter was being handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), added that the suspect had been granted bail while an investigation into the matter was ongoing.
Findings by Radio Nigeria indicated that the sold property, located around the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State capital had generated issues amongst the children of the deceased.
The other children of Late Azeez Rauf accused their sibling, Rauf Mutiu Okunola, also known as Tato of selling their late parents’ property and exhuming their corpses without the consent of the remaining children.
The dispute was said to have begun when Mrs Adedoyin Rukayat, one of the surviving children, discovered that the family property had been sold.
Apart from selling the house, Mrs Rukayat, who spoke to journalists, also alleged that her brother exhumed the remains of their parents without consulting other children.
Disturbed by these actions, Rukayat reported the case to Dada Estate Police Station in Osogbo, which led to the arrest of Mutiu on December 31, 2024
Radio Nigeria further gathered that policemen, who stormed the premises to arrest the suspect stopped further exhumation of their mother’s remains after the corpse of Late Azeez Rauf had already been dug out from the grave.
Tragedy struck in Ogbomoso on Tuesday as a container-laden truck lost control and fell on a commercial tricycle, claiming three lives.
It was gathered that the articulated vehicle lost control while navigating a bend at Takie junction, causing the container to topple and crush the tricycle.
Two female passengers and the tricycle rider were killed in the accident.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to remove the container from the road to avert further accidents and restore traffic flow in the area.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while approaching the affected section of the road.
It was a roll call of who is who in Ogun State as the remains of the late notable businesswoman and socialite, Chief Adebisi Edionseri, widely known as Cash Madam were buried at her Ibara, Abeokuta, Government Reservation Area, GRA residence.
The Janazah prayer and other Islamic rites performed for the deceased Iya Suna of Ogun State attracted an array of dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his daughter, Senator Iyabo, former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Isola, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun, National and State lawmakers as well as members of the judiciary, led by the state Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Dapo Abiodun who led key members of his cabinet to the event, recalled that his last discussion with the late socialite at a wedding ceremony 3 days before her demise was focused on preparations for her proposed 90th birthday in April, noting that he was devastated that Chief Edionseri did not live to witness her anniversary.
Governor Abiodun urged the people to emulate the impactful life of the self-made philanthropist and successful entrepreneur while praying to God to grant the children and everyone affected by her death the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a sermon after the burial rites, the Alfa Tafsir Egba Muslim Community, Alhaji Taofeek Amolegbe said death was inevitable and advised the faithful to dedicate their resources to the service of Allah and humanity for them to earn good rewards on earth and in the hereafter.
In a remark, a spokesman for the deceased’s family, Dr Bayo Adewole, who described the death of their mother as a great loss expressed gratitude to God and everyone for standing by them during the burial.
Oyo State governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde says Nigerians do not want a one-party system.
He said this during a visit by the National Working Committee members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to commiserate with the governor on the death of 35 children during a stampede and to present the new National Secretary of the party, Rt. Hon. SKE Udeh-Okoye, to him.
Governor Makinde said Nigerians want a situation where they would be able to kick out non-performing leaders, maintaining that this would only be possible if there are alternatives.
The governor said, “The leaders in the party and members of the NWC came to commiserate with us on the unfortunate incident that happened towards the end of last year. Because of that, I cancelled my birthday celebration. Even though belated, they still felt they should come and wish me well at the beginning of a New Year.
“Yes, this New Year has given us the opportunity to talk about happenings within our party, especially the issues surrounding the rule of law.
“There is a court pronouncement on the issue of the National Secretary. My position was clear from day one and I will always follow the rule of law. This is the new National Secretary by court pronouncement. I said without mincing words that we will stay on the side of the law.
“We deliberated a little bit on what are the things ahead of us. 2025 is going to be a pivotal year for us as a party. “Four years ago, I was the secretary of the Convention Planning Committee that midwived this NWC, and four years after, we have to conduct the exercise again.
“We do know that Nigerians are waiting for the PDP to get its acts together. You can see how united the members of the NWC of our party are. There is no faction and this will give a headache to some people.
“Well, this is the beginning of a lot of good things to come in terms of party administration and commitment. I heard good things from these leaders; things that I was not even thinking deeply about. “One of them said to us that there should not be any sacrifice that would be too big to make in the interest of our party and the interest of Nigerians. We are looking forward to not a one-party state.
Nigerians don’t want a one-party state. They want alternatives. They want to be able to kick people out if they are not delivering on their promises. “So, there is commitment to ensure that Nigeria does not slide into a one-party state.”
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the NWC members, the new National Secretary of the PDP, Udeh-Okoye, commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State on the unfortunate stampede that resulted in death.
The NWC members in attendance include Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy National Chairman; Hon. Mrs Amina Bryhm, National Women Leader; Kamaldeen Ajibade SAN, National Legal Adviser; Hon. Setonji Koshoedo, Deputy National Secretary.
Also in attendance were Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, National Treasurer; Obi Okechukwu, National Auditor; Hon. Barr. Debo Ologunagba, National Publicity Secretary; Dr Woyengikuro Daniel, National Financial Secretary; Dr. Bovoa Emmanuel, National Vice Chairman PDP North-East and High Chief Ali Odefa, National Vice Chairman PDP South-East.
Oyo State governor, Engineeer ‘Seyi Makinde says the death of some children in a stampede at a private funfare held in Ibadan, the state capital, was sobering and could have been avoided if due diligence had been done by the organisers.
The governor stated when he received leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-East geopolitical zone, who paid him a visit to condole with him over the deaths.
Governor Makinde declared that apart from cancelling a birthday lecture planned in his honour in Ebonyi State, he had decided to cancel his birthday party on 25th of December to honour the departed souls.
The governor appreciated the South-East PDP leaders led by the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees and former Senate President, Dr Adolphus Wabara, for their show of love and for letting the residents of Oyo State know that “they are not alone in these sad times.”
Those in the South-East PDP delegation also include a former governor of Ebonyi State, Dr Sam Egwu; a former National Secretary of the PDP, Senator Ben Obi; a former National Woman Leader of the PDP, Iyom Josephine Anenih; new National Secretary of the PDP, Chief SKE Udeokoye; PDP National Vice Chairman (South-East), Chief Ali Odefa; Chief Obasi Elebi and the Ebonyi State PDP chairman, Chief Onyema Nwele.
The governor said: “We flew into Abuja and planned to be on our way to Ebonyi, when the sad event started unfolding on Wednesday. First, we had to secure the place. I sent the security people in there. “The most painful part for me was that this incident could have been avoided altogether and the deceased are innocent children.
“By the time I got to Abuja and I got the full report, I said there was no way we could go on to Ebonyi. But I appreciate all the arrangements and commitment that we were able to see, from my able leader and former National Secretary, Senator Ben Obi.
“The love from the South-East is not lost on me and the people of Oyo State. I really want to say thank you for the love. You are the first set of leaders that came physically to commiserate with the Government and the people of Oyo State for that unfortunate incident.
“Yes, some people have called, reached out but in terms of physical presence, you are the first. That will not be lost on the people of Oyo State.
“This is not a day for long speeches; it is a day that is really sobering for me personally. Not only did I cancel the event in Ebonyi, I told everyone that I would stay indoors on my birthday. There is no party; I have sent the message out. “It has been a difficult year, really. Early in the year, we had the Bodija explosion. We managed through quite a bit. But we are strengthened by the show of support for us, to let us know that we are not alone in facing all of these.
“So, on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, we want to appreciate you for coming to commiserate with us and to let us know we are not alone.”
Earlier, Dr Wabara, expressed the condolences of the South-East PDP to Governor Makinde, noting that the governor is much loved in the South-East and the PDP leaders have chosen to visit to commiserate with him and the people of the state.
Dr Waraba however advised the new National Secretary to be firm and to provide leadership, saying: “For the newly-minted PDP National Secretary, I wrote to the BOT that fair is fair and we also said we should respect whatever it is that the South-East would love to have. I am glad that the court has made its pronouncement. That is the last hope of the common man. Congratulations.
It was a befitting farewell for the first female Professor of Classics in Sub-Saharan Africa, Professor Folake Oritsegbubemi Onayemi as both town and gown gathered to bid her goodbye at all the programmes held in her honour.
Earlier on Friday at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, family members, colleagues from the academia as well as friends and well-wishers filed out in their numbers to pay their last respects to a towering figure in the field of Classics.
At the funeral service held later at the Christ Jubilee Church, Occupy World Outreach Ministries (OWOM) Oke-Ayo, Ring Road, Ibadan, the pallbearers lifted her brown casket which had on it a wreath of flowers, and her insignia of office as the Ỳeýe Èkólérè of Ondo Kingdom into the Church sanctuary for the last time.
In a message titled “The Biblical concept of Death and Resurrection” the Preacher, Apostle Nicholas Osameyan noted that for Christians not to experience the Resurrection to death but rather the Resurrection to life, it was important for them to give their lives to Jesus Christ, live right and also prepare for death.
While describing the deceased as a great daughter of Africa and a true and committed child of God who gave so much for the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Apostle Osameyan advised everyone to live a life of impact.
While giving his tribute, the International President of the church she attended for about thirty years, Occupy World Outreach Ministries, OWOM, Apostle Victor Amosun recalled her many sacrifices and impact especially as Head of the Children’s Ministry, referring to her as an Educational missionary.
Others who extolled the sterling virtues of late Professor Folake Onayemi included a Lecturer of Classics from the University of Ghana, Legon, an institution where she helped resuscitate the Department of Classics as a visiting Professor between August 2009 and December 2010 as well as August 2013 to July 2014 and August 2018 to July 2020.
In his remarks on behalf of the Nigeria Academy of Letters, Professor Solomon Oyetade described her death as a great loss to the body to which she contributed immensely.
In her emotion-laden tribute, the sister to the deceased and former staff of Radio Nigeria, Ibadan, Dr Omolola Tosan Akinwole said she would miss the true love of a sister who was not only a sibling and friend but a mother too.
Also in attendance at the funeral service were chiefs of the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo who represented the monarch.
Born Folake Oritsegbubemi Akinwole to an Ondo Father, Festus Akinwole Olapetun and an Itsekiri Mother, Patricia Akinwole on 4th October 1964 in Ijebu-Jesa where her father was a teacher at Ijebu- Jesa Grammar School in the old Western Region.
For her primary education, she attended Mount Olives Primary School Bodija and later Sacred Heart Primary School Odo-Ona both in Ibadan
She attended Our Lady OF Apostles Grammar School, Mary Way, Odo-Ona, Ibadan from 1975 to 1980 and thereafter Federal School of Arts and Science, Ondo from 1980 to 1982. She gained admission into the University of Ibadan in 1983 and graduated in 1986 with a Second Class Upper Division Degree in Classics.
Professor Onayemi began her academic career at the University of Ibadan in July 1994 as an Assistant Lecturer and Rose through the ranks to become a full professor on the 1st of October, 2008. Upon attaining this post, she became the first black woman Professor of Classics in Africa, South of the Sahara.
She distinguished herself as an eminent literary scholar whose works have shown deep insights into Classical and African cultural evolution. She wrote and published books, poetry collections and several peer-reviewed journal articles.
Professor Folake Onayemi organised talks and Outreaches for Youths, with particular attention to making them impactful and balanced adults who can make the right choices in their lives, homes and society. She also loved many aspects of the African/Yoruba culture, among which is the “oriki”. She was in fact fond of rendering the oriki of her lineage
In recognition of her outstanding academic achievements as the first Female Professor of Ondo origin in the Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, she was conferred with the honorary chieftains title of Ỳeýe Èkólérè of Ondo Kingdom by the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Adesimbo Victor Kiladejo on the occasion of his 70th birthday and 15th coronation anniversary in November 2023.
Professor Onayemi belonged to many associations and learned societies such as the Nigeria Academy of Letters, Classical Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Representative, and the International Federation of the Societies of Classical Studies among others.
Professor Folake Oritsegbubemi Onayemi( Nee Akinwole) died on the 14th February, 2024 and is survived by siblings, children and grandchildren.
Onus lies on governments, religious leaders and other relevant stakeholders to address the issues of common discrimination, rejection and victimisation of widows in the society in order not to add to their pains.
An Islamic cleric and founder of Shafaudeen in Islam Worldwide, Professor gave the advice while speaking in an interview with Radio Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State, on this year’s World Widow’s Day
Professor Olagoke, who frowned at inhuman treatments being meted on some of the widows, noted that such treatments geared towards dehumanizing them could give the victim a painful and psychological trauma that might affect them throughout their lifetime.
He called on the Government at all levels to be more committed to championing the cause of widows through Programmes and initiatives that would support their socio economic life, guarantee their financial independence and create educational opportunities for their children.
Professor Olagoke enjoined Widows not to allow the death of their husband to render them to be inactive or irrelevant, rather, they should venture into legitimate skills or enterprises that would make them self reliant in the society.
International Widow’s Day is being held on every 23rd of June.
The Ondo State Police Command says it has commenced investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a man and his girlfriend in the state.
A middle-aged man identified as Eric and his yet-to-be-identified girlfriend were reportedly found dead at a new apartment located in the Ayeyemi area of Ondo town, Ondo State, on Thursday.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the lifeless bodies of the lovers were found stuck together in a sexual position, indicating that they were having sex before the incident happened. They were said to have been separated by a doctor but they had died.
The real cause of the death of the secret lovers had yet to be unravelled as of the time of filing this report but a source claimed that the secret lovers were electrocuted during the sex romp.
The source who refused to identify himself because he did not have the authority to speak to the media on the matter said, “The generator running on the premises of their building and a phone was seen charging on a socket placed on the bed. It may be possible that they had contact with a naked wire, resulting in their electrocution.”
Another source said the relatives of the deceased found them dead when they checked on him after they didn’t answer their phone calls the following day. They looked through a window, spotted the bodies, and then broke down the door to enter.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation had commenced into the incident.
“The man and the woman were lovers who were known by both relatives. They died in the room but they were not stuck together. We have yet to know the cause but an investigation has commenced,” the PPRO stated.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed the registration of citizens with disabilities without a fee.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Needs, Mr. Kamil Aransi, in a statement, said the registration exercise wwould be done in ten days from Monday, May 27, 2024, to Friday, June 7, 2024.
Mr. Aransi explained that the registration would assist the government in knowing the precise number of people with special needs, especially in terms of wants and demands such as physical, sensory, cognitive, and intellectual impairments.
He said the data gotten from the registration would help government develop targeted programs and services, ensuring that individuals with special needs received the necessary support and resources to lead fulfilling lives.
Mr. Aransiola described Governor Adeleke as a compassionate leader, who cares for people with special needs to make life easy for them.
The Osun State Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Bill has scaled its final passage on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The legislators passed the bill during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun.
The bill, which had earlier gone through a public hearing in November, last year, is meant to ensure complete inclusivity of the persons with disabilities in the state.
Prince Egbedun said the clean copy of the bill would be sent to Governor Ademola Adeleke for his assent and final passage into law.
The bill provides persons with disabilities access to health, education, employment, and other social amenities that bring about inclusion.
Meanwhile, sequel to the nomination of the Local Government Auditor General by the State Governor, the legislators had screened and confirmed, Dr. Isiaq Oyewole Awotunde as the Auditor General for Local Government in the state.
Also, the Osun State Public Political Office Holders Revised Remuneration Package Amendment (II) Bill, 2024 scales its first reading.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has urged Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu to look into the matter of alleged deportation of Osun indigenes from Lagos to Ilesa area of Osun State.
In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said he spoke with Governor Sanwoolu who was surprised and denied ever authorizing such action.
In a report by an investigation team set up by the Osun State Government, eyewitness accounts confirmed that the youths were systematically dropped at Ilesa-Akure Express junction, Breweries; Ilesa – Ibodi – Iginla to Ife Express junction; Osun Ankara Express junction; Imelu Express junction; and Iperindo Express junction.
The state team reported that the dropping of the youths in several luxurious buses by a team suspected to be from Lagos State.
“Governor Sanwoolu has promised an immediate investigation to unravel the facts of the situation. The Lagos team will update us as quickly as possible.
Governor Adeleke has, therefore, directed security agencies in Osun State to mount surveillance in and around Ilesa to track the deported youths and their destinations.
It will be recalled that Sahara Reporters had on Saturday published a story about several luxurious buses dropping hundreds of youth at Ilesa after allegedly rounding them up in several parts of Lagos State.
Another batch of 46 inmates awaiting trial at both the Old Abeokuta Custodial Center, Ibara and the new facility at Oba, Ogun State have been granted freedom by the State Chief judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu.
This brings to 49 the total number of persons released by the Chief Judge in the quarterly jail delivery exercise and visits of the Sub-Committee on Decongestion of Nigerian Correctional Centers in Ogun State to Ilaro and Abeokuta Correctional Centres.
Justice Dipeolu used the occasion to call for the expansion of correctional centers nationwide, noting that, decongestion of prisons was not the only way to address the growing number of inmates.
The State Chief judge who attributed the crime rate to the growing national population, expressed concern over the living conditions of inmates, calling for improvements in the areas of medical and psychological care as well as the general welfare of inmates.
In a remark, Deputy Controller of the Correctional Centre, Mr Opadeji Ayodele who lamented that a large percentage of the inmates were teenagers encouraged the parents and guardians to pay more attention to proper monitoring, in the process of raising responsible of individuals.
Three Inmates in Ogun State have been granted amnesty by the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu as part of efforts to decongest correctional facilities across the state.
The trio Joseph Apan, Nureni Oladosu and Babatunde Fagbayi were released during Prison Visit and Jail delivery exercise, at the Ilaro Correctional Centre, Ilaro, Ogun State.
Justice Dipeolu, who lamented the bad conditions of correctional facilities, noted that the exercise would help decongest the facility adding that they cannot afford to have deaths due to overcrowding.
The Chief Judge promised prompt action to combat decongestion, pointing out that although courts strive to expedite cases, the core cause of congestion must be addressed.
She affirmed that some people had been awaiting trial since 2018, which she deemed intolerable.
In his remarks, Controller of the Correctional Centre, Mr. Saliu Adepoju, appreciated the Chief Judge and her team for their efforts to protect judicial standards.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has expressed great sympathy for the victims of a gas explosion at the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta, the state capital.
Ggovernor Abiodun also ordered that some of the buildings affected by Saturday’s gas explosion at Ita-Oshin in Abeokuta North Local Government area of the state be evacuated.
This is to allow for integrity tests to be carried out on the affected buildings.
Prince Abiodun made this known on Sunday during on-the-spot assessment of damage done to properties and businesses around the area.
Abiodun howeved promised that those whose properties were damaged or destroyed would be adequately compensated by his administration, while the state government would also take over the treatment of those in the hospital.
Governor Abiodun noted that there was the need to now begin to look at the kind of policy frameworks and regulatory oversights that would ensure that such an accident does not happen again in the state.
Governor Abiodun charged the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to be on top of the fast evolution of the industry, saying that they should as a matter of urgency ensure that the standards of the CNG tanks used by trucks meet the required standards.
Police have encouraged residents of Ogun state to give necessary support and seek experts’ assistance for their family members whose relatives or loved ones required emotional support.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alamutu stated this in a statement while reacting to the death of a 49 year old woman, Mrs Idowu Victoria who allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself on the ceiling fan inside her room in Ibafo area of the state.
Mr Alamutu who spoke through the command’s spokesperson, Omotola Odutola said the son of the deceased Idowu Qudus had reported the incident at Ibafo Divisional Police officers.
Idowu Qudus told the policemen that he had met his mother hung on the ceiling fan when returned from the Church.
Mr Alamutu who noted that there was no suicide note found at the scene when officers arrived the place described suicide as unlawful act, noting that, sufferers of mental health needed more support from their family to prevent fatality.
A day-old baby boy abandoned in a polythene bag has been rescued at Alhaji Masha Road, in the Surulere area of Lagos State.
It was gathered that a yet-to-be-identified social worker attached to a hospital in Surulere, while on her way to a destination, heard the sound of a crying baby emanating from the polythene bag.
Upon observing what was in the polytene bag, the social worker saw the baby boy and quickly rushed him to the Randle General Hospital for quick medical intervention.
It was learnt that the baby had been responding to treatment and that the Divisional Police Officer and a team from the family support unit visited the scene of the incident.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.
He said, “The case of the day-old baby abandoned by unknown persons in a polythene bag was reported at the Surulere Division on April 15, 2024, around 1:40 pm, by the social worker.
“The baby has been rescued and is responding to treatment. The Divisional Police Officer and a team from the family support unit visited the scene of the incident. The investigation is in progress.”
Police authorities in Anambra have recovered three more bodies from a boat accident involving a movie cast.
Nollywood star, Junior Pope Odonwodo was part of the crew that drowned in the boat mishap on Wednesday.
While some crew members were yet to be found following the boat tragedy, the spokesperson of the Anambra Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga said three more bodies of members of the movie cast have been recovered.
“Marine Police of Anambra State Command has recovered bodies of the three remaining victims of the unfortunate boat accident involving a movie cast,” he said in a Friday statement.
“Two of the bodies were recovered yesterday 11th April, 2024 while the last was washed in by the tide this morning.”
The bodies have been deposited at a morgue in Asaba, Delta State while authorities of the guild of actors have also been informed about the recovery.
The spokesman quoted the state’s Police Commissioner, Aderemi Adeoye as advising water commuters to be safety conscious while in transit.
According to the commissioner, the Police are fast-tracking the investigation into the accident.
However, The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has banned the shooting of movies in riverine areas and also suspended filmmaker, Adanma Luke following the death of actor Junior Pope Odonwodo.
Junior Pope was among the persons who drowned while returning from a shoot for a movie called “Another Side of Life” which was being produced by Adanma.
Their boat capsized around Cable Point at the waterside of River Niger in Asaba, Delta State.
While there were initial claims that Junior Pope was revived, the AGN said the actor is dead, prompting its suspension of shoots involving riverine areas and boat rides.
“The leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions: (1) All films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are at this moment suspended indefinitely, (2) no shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday, 11 April 2024, ” the AGN president Emeka Rollas said in a statement on Thursday.
“(3)The film titled ‘Another Side of Life’ is suspended indefinitely (4) No actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice. (5) While we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace.”
The move is coming after the AGN president said the actor was alive after initially confirming Junior Pope’s death. But hours later, he deleted the post on his Instagram handle, posting another one where he said reconfirmed the actor’s death.
“It’s so so sad that our joy was shortlived. My first post was out of excitement when we noticed his tingling fingers. Two notable hospitals tried their best to revive him but to no avail. God knows the best,” he said on his Instagram handle.
“We finally lost him. Mr Friday’s corpse has been identified but three other corpses are yet to be found.”
A stray dog foraging for food has retrieved an abandoned baby boy in a forest in Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The stray dog was said to have carried the infant across a busy road and kept him in a public glare, apparently for passersby to pick up for rehabilitation.
The baby was said to have been found by the dog in a plastic bag in which he was abandoned in the forest. The baby who was said to be stable might have been abandoned in the forest for about two days before the dog discovered him.
Corroborating the story in a trending video online, some women believed to be local midwives were seen cleaning the baby while condemning the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
The women and a male in the video wondered how someone would carry a baby for nine months, only to throw such a child away after delivery.
While thanking God for saving the baby from being devoured by animals, they implored perpetrators of such acts to hand over babies to people to take care of instead of throwing them away.
The police are yet to comment on the matter as of now. Calls put across to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra Tochukwu Ikenga did not go through.
Many may not know, but beyond the beautiful and charming looks of some women are tales of encounters they felt not too comfortable to share.
One of them is sexual harassment. Quietly, many female workers are sexually harassed in their places of work.
Unfortunately, due to customs and traditions among other factors, many have suffered in silence nursing the wounds alone.
Such reasons may include fear of losing their jobs and the stigma of reporting the acts may have on their lives.
At an automobile assembly plant in the United States, four women on behalf of other female workers filed a lawsuit saying sexual harassment at the plant was out of control.
According to them, supervisors and co-workers sexually harassed them.
In Ibadan, Radio Nigeria also caught up with some women who had experienced such;
Woman 1: “I had an experience with a senior officer who called me into his office. He tried to make some moves. He wanted to touch me and I had to stop him. Since that day, I avoided any form of intimacy between us”. Woman 2: “When the person who was harassing me was taking it too far, I had to tell someone but when no step was taken, I had to quit”. Woman 3: “When I was in search of a job, there was this company I went to. The manager there was very funny, telling me to use what I have to get what I wanted. I had to leave the company because I knew even if I gave him what he wanted, he would do the same thing to another girl coming”.
The women affirmed that the development has contributed to low productivity in workplaces as it promotes mediocrity.
Section 224 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria.
According to the nigerian law; “procuring defilement of woman by threats or fraud, or administering drugs. Any person who‐(1) by threats or intimidation of any kind procures a woman or girl, to have unlawful carnal connection with a man either in Nigeria or elsewhere; or(2) by any false pretence procures a woman or girl to have unlawful carnal connection with a man either in Nigeria or elsewhere; or(3) administers to a woman or girl, or causes a woman or girl, to take, any drug or other thing with intent to stupefy or overpower her in order to enable any man, whether a particular man or not, to have unlawful carnal knowledge of her, is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years. A person cannot be convicted of any of the offences defined in this section upon the uncorroborated testimony of one witness“.
A Psychologist, Dr. Bayo Olagoke, identified stress, depression and suicidal thoughts as some of the psychological effects of sexual harassment on women.
Dr. Olagoke advised female workers to be hardworking, self-confident and avoid soliciting unnecessary favours from their male colleagues.
He equally, enjoined employers of labour to include in their staff regulation handbooks penalties for members of staff who indulge in sexual harassment.
A legal practitioner, Mr Tayo Salami pointed out that victims of sexual harassment must be armed with enough evidence against culprits.
Mr Salami explained that in some cases, the culprits and the victims could have been in a love relationship before they parted ways.
The legal practitioner called on civil societies to intensify campaigns on the rights of women and the need for them to know that when convicted, those guilty of the offence would be sentenced to a jail term of 2 years.
Other respondents on the battle against sexual harassment on female workers were of the opinion that discrimination against victims of sexual abuse should also be addressed so as not to have everlasting negative effects on the victims.
An Igede man from Benue State, Sunday Ogah has drowned in a river in Eyinwa Community in Odogbolu Local government area of Ogun State.
The friend of the deceased Abayomi Otusanya who reported the incident at Odogbolu Divisional Police Station explained that he came with his friend from Ikorodu area of Lagos State to the Community.
While explaining that his friend left him and others to an unknown destination without notifying anyone, Otusanya said that information later got to him that his friend had gone to swim at Eyinwa River where he got drowned.
Upon the receipt of the information, the DPO Odogbolu detailed surveillance Police officers in collaboration with some local divers to locate the corpse, but their efforts proved abortive.
Meanwhile, effort was still ongoing to recover the corpse and reach out to the family, to inform them of the sad occurrence.
Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola who confirmed the incident, said that the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Abiodun Alamutu extended his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased during this difficult time, and gave the assurance that the Command was committed to promoting public safety and preventing such tragedies in the future.
The Commissioner also warned restive young persons to steer clear of Rivers whose depth could not be predicted.
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Three weeks after losing one of its comic actors to the pang of death, the Nigerian movie industry is mourning again as it has lost yet another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor, to the cold hands of death.
Muonagor died yesterday after battling kidney disease for a long time.
This came few days after a viral video where he solicited financial assistance from Nigerians to enable him travel abroad for a kidney transplant.
Confirming the sad news to Vanguard yesterday, a popular actor and film director, Ugeze J. Ugeze said the late actor was discharged from the hospital recently, while waiting to raise funds for his further treatment abroad.
He described the deceased as a dedicated actor, who was always ready to be directed while on set.
“Muonagor gave his all. He was somebody I directed several times. God knows the best,“ Ugeze said.
Also confirming the news, a popular social media influencer and chairman of Delta State Sports Association, Morris Monye, wrote on his official X formerly Twitter that famous Nigerian actor, Amaechi Muonagor is dead.
According to him, he was deeply heartbroken by the actor’s death.
“Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor’s passing. He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.
“We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.
“This tragic loss highlights the need for better healthcare in our country,” he wrote.
Recall that barely a week ago, the 61-year-old Nollywood actor, in a distressing video, begged Nigerians for financial help for his kidney transplant.
On November 27, 2023, the actor’s relative, Tony ‘Oneweek’ Muonagor, confirmed that he was down with kidney disease.
During his career, Muonagor has appeared in dozens of films, including Aki and Paw Paw, one of his most famous roles, where he played the father of two mischief-making, exuberant teenagers.
Muonagor’s death followed that of Mr Ibu (John Okafor), who died on March 2, 2024.
Amaechi was born in Obosi, a village in Idemili North, Anambra State. He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Obosi, Oraifite Grammar School before he furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he studied economics and graduated in 1987.
In 1989 after his youth service, Amaechi started working for NAN (News Agency of Nigeria). He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie as Akunatakasi in Taboo 1, a Nigerian movie.
A yet-to-be-identified male adult has been confirmed dead after an electric cable drum fell on him at Ojo-Igbede Road in the Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
It was gathered that the incident happened on Thursday while a forklifter was transloading armoured cables from a container into its body.
A Police source who spoke to newsmen on Saturday said the transloading was ongoing when one of the cable drums disconnected and fell on the deceased victim who was said to be walking past the spot while pressing his phone.
The source said the victim died on the way to the hospital.
“A Hiab fork lifter was transloading their company’s armored cables from a container into its body, along Ojo-Igbede road by St. Andrew’s Catholic church.
“Incidentally, one of the cable drums disconnected and fell on a passerby, who was said to be pressing his phone while walking and he gave up the ghost on the way to hospital. The scene was visited by detectives of the Ilemba-Hausa division and inquiries were made,” the Police source disclosed.
Meanwhile, the owner of the company has been taken into custody for interrogation.
“He is being interrogated for reckless and negligent acts by refusing to place any sign signifying the inherent danger nor hiring a guard to direct other road users away from the scene,” the source added.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident.
Hundeyin said, “The corpse has been deposited in the mortuary for autopsy and preservation. An investigation is ongoing.”
