OgunInsight.com

Kidnappings in Ogun: Ransom bag found in Seriki Fulani’s kitchen, says police

IJEBU ODE, Ogun State – A bag used to deliver ransom for kidnapped victims has been recovered from the kitchen of Abdullahi Muhammadu, the 67-year-old Seriki Fulani and leader of the Fulani community in Ijebu Ode, who was arrested alongside his eldest son over recent kidnappings in the Ijebu area, police have said.

Muhammadu has pleaded innocence but admitted he was aware that one of his sons, Bala Muhammadu, was involved in kidnapping. He said he believed his son had turned a new leaf after serving a five-year prison term for the same offence.

“I know that Bala was into kidnapping. He was arrested and sent to prison. After he came back, I took him to the hospital, where he spent one month for treatment,” Muhammadu told newsmen.

“I thought that he had turned a new leaf because he is now into farming and cattle rearing. I didn’t know that he is still into kidnapping. I don’t know if any of my other sons are into kidnapping. I am not into kidnapping and I will not encourage it.”

The police said the wanted Bala and two of his brothers escaped through the bush after being tipped off that security operatives were approaching their family compound.

Bag found in kitchen

A police source told journalists that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by SP Bamidele Shirtu, linked a series of kidnappings around Ijebu Ode, Imodi, Irewon, Iwode, Okun Owa and other communities to Bala, who had only recently been released from prison.

“After painstaking and intelligence investigation, one of the bags which was used in the payment of the ransom for one of the victims was recovered in the father’s kitchen,” the source said.

“One of the children who saw us coming into the community already hinted Bala and his other brothers and they had escaped through the bush. It is not only Bala who is into the business. There is also Ndaji and one other and we are on their trail. There was an upsurge in kidnapping in the area after Bala was released from prison. He spent five years in prison for kidnapping.”

‘I don’t know anything about the bag’

The Seriki Fulani, who said he has lived in Yorubaland for more than 30 years and has four wives and 30 children, insisted he had no hand in his son’s criminal activities.

“I don’t know anything about the bag that was found in my house. I live in the same compound with my children and wives. I have never kidnapped anybody in my life,” he said.

He explained his decision to take his son to hospital after his release: “I didn’t want him to die when he came back from prison. He was looking very sick and pale. I wanted the best for him and other children. I took him to the hospital for treatment. I also encouraged him to stay away from crime.”

Elder brother arrested

Bello Muhammadu, the eldest child of the Seriki Fulani, was also arrested. He told reporters he was on his farm when his father called him about the police operation.

“I am not into kidnapping. I am a herder. I only know that my younger brother, Bala, was arrested and taken to prison some years back. I don’t know anything about what he and any of my brothers are doing,” Bello said.

“If my father had known that Bala had returned to the crime, he would have killed him himself. He does not encourage anything like that.”

Police commend IGP’s support

The Ogun State Police Command’s image maker, Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the successful operation was due to support from the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

“The Ogun State Police Command commends IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu for his continued support towards tactical policing, intelligence-led operations, and the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” Babaseyi said.

“The command equally appreciates the strategic leadership and operational direction of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, which have continued to yield remarkable security successes within Ogun State.”

He described the operation by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit as a demonstration of “bravery, professionalism and unwavering dedication”, adding that sustained efforts are being intensified to dismantle criminal syndicates in the state.

The command urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

Ogun Police Arrest Two ‘One-Chance’ Robbers After Swift Response in Obantoko

ABEOKUTA – Police operatives in Ogun State have arrested two suspected “one-chance” robbers accused of robbing three female passengers of their valuables in the Obantoko area of Abeokuta.

The suspects, identified as Odunuga Kehinde and Olajide Rasak, were apprehended on May 28 following a rapid deployment of officers from the Obantoko Division, police said.

According to preliminary investigations, the three victims boarded a Nissan Micra taxi from Somorin heading to NNPC Kuto. Midway through the journey, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly veered off the agreed route, turned violent, and forced the women out of the car after stealing their belongings. One of the victims later discovered that her iPhone 12 Pro was missing and raised an alarm.

Detectives, acting on the alert and in collaboration with local residents, mobilised to the scene and arrested the two suspects. The operational vehicle, however, managed to escape. Police noted that their swift intervention helped prevent a potential mob action by agitated residents who had gathered at the scene.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the crime. Officers recovered the stolen iPhone 12 Pro as well as several other mobile phones believed to have been taken from previous victims. The iPhone has since been returned to its owner, while the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.

Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism of the officers and the cooperation of the public, stating that the synergy was crucial to the successful arrest. He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.

BREAKING: APC South-West Zonal Woman Leader, Arabirin Yetunde Shakirat Adesanya, Dies in Lagos

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Zonal Woman Leader for the South-West, Arabirin Yetunde Shakirat Adesanya, is dead.

She passed away on Friday evening at her residence in Lagos, according to family sources.

Adesanya was a prominent figure within the ruling party in Ogun state and Nigeria, championing women’s political participation across the six South-West states.

Party chieftains are expected to release official statements shortly.

More details to follow.

Police Rescue Burglary Suspect from Mob in Odeda, Ogun State

OGUN STATE, Nigeria – Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have rescued a suspected burglar, Olaleye Williams, from a mob attack in the Oluwo community, Odeda Local Government Area.

The command's Public Relations Officer, Babaseyi Oluseyi, told PUNCH Metro on Thursday that the 41-year-old suspect had already sustained injuries from the mob before police arrived at the scene. He was subsequently taken into custody after receiving medical attention.

According to Oluseyi, the incident occurred in the early hours of May 27, when Williams allegedly attempted to steal goods from a shop in the area. Traders, who had grown frustrated by repeated theft incidents, mounted surveillance and caught him in the act.

"Detectives of the FUNAAB Division swiftly responded to the scene, rescued the suspect from an angry mob, and ensured he was taken for medical attention," Oluseyi said.

The police spokesperson reiterated the command's warning against jungle justice, urging residents to report criminal activities to law enforcement for proper intervention. An investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Five Burnt to Death, 10 Injured in Ogun Auto Crash

No fewer than five persons were burnt to death, while 10 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a lone accident along the Abeokuta-Lagos Expressway in Ogun State on Thursday.

The tragic incident occurred at about 11:12 a.m. around the Iyana Egbado area of the expressway.

The spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State, Afolabi Odunsi-Oyewole, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists.

According to him, the crash involved a white Mazda E2000 bus with registration number KRD 809 XC carrying 20 passengers.

Odunsi-Oyewole disclosed that the occupants comprised six adult males, 11 adult females, one male child, and two female children.

He explained that five persons lost their lives in the accident, including one adult male, two adult females, one male child, and one female child.

“Out of the twenty persons involved, five persons were killed, comprising one adult male, two adult females, one male child, and one female child. Ten persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, while five persons escaped unhurt,” he stated.

The FRSC spokesperson attributed the crash to speeding and overloading.

He added that the injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the corpses of the deceased were deposited at a morgue.

Odunsi-Oyewole urged motorists to avoid excessive speeding and overloading, warning that such traffic violations continue to contribute to fatal road crashes across the country.

Amaechi Rejects ADC Presidential Primary Results, Alleges Widespread Disenfranchisement

Former Rivers State Governor says party engaged in same malpractices it criticises ruling APC for

Abuja, Nigeria – Former Minister of Transportation and presidential aspirant, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has rejected the results of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries held yesterday, describing them as “concocted” and a betrayal of the party’s founding values.

In a strongly-worded statement issued on Sunday, Amaechi said he would not accept an outcome that emerged from a process marred by widespread voter disenfranchisement across most parts of the country.

“I had initially stated that I will only accept the outcome of the Primaries if the process was free, fair, and transparent, and I stand by my word,” Amaechi said. “I will not accept results from a process that does not reflect the values that the ADC had pledged to uphold.”

The former presidential aide claimed that approximately eighty percent of party members were not allowed to vote, rendering the exercise illegitimate.

“There’s no way that about eighty percent of members of the party were not allowed to vote, and you expect me to accept such results,” he said. “Then what makes us different from the others?”

Amaechi reminded the party that the ADC was founded to give Nigerians a platform to amplify the voices of the downtrodden and make the country better for all, irrespective of background, ethnicity, or religion.

He drew a sharp contrast between the party’s rhetoric and its actions, accusing ADC organisers of engaging in the very electoral malpractices they have publicly condemned.

“A party that criticises the ruling APC and INEC for vote buying, rigging and writing of results, cannot be engaged in vote buying, writing of results, and other electoral malpractices that leads to the disenfranchisement of voters who are party members,” Amaechi said. “This is not acceptable!”

The ADC has yet to officially respond to Amaechi’s allegations. Details of the primary results, including the declared winner, have not been independently verified as of press time.

HANDWRITTEN DOCUMENT REVEALS ALLEGED PROPOSED GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE AFTER TINUBU'S PLANNED OVERTHROW

Abuja, Nigeria – Fresh revelations have emerged in the ongoing investigation into the alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, following the discovery of a handwritten document said to contain plans for a replacement government if the operation had succeeded.

The document, reportedly recovered during investigations and reviewed by Pointblanknews.com, allegedly outlined proposed political appointments and administrative structures intended to take effect after the planned removal of the Tinubu government.

According to the handwritten notes, the proposed leadership included a position designated as "Leader of New Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief," with a Vice President or Prime Minister serving as second-in-command. Other key positions listed were Chief of Army Staff, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Attorney-General of the Federation, and National Security Adviser.

Top positions in security and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS), were also reportedly captured in the notes.

Investigators further claimed the alleged plotters proposed the establishment of a "National Patriotic Ruling Council" (NPRC) – a body said to mirror the Armed Forces Ruling Council that operated during Nigeria's military era.

The handwritten document allegedly contained plans to create new government agencies, including the National Religion Regulatory Agency, National Infrastructure Development Maintenance Agency, and the Nigerian Internal Security Committee.

Other proposals reportedly included setting up committees to review the final removal of petroleum subsidy and improve salaries and welfare packages for members of the armed forces and other security agencies.

Security sources said the alleged conspirators also planned a major restructuring of the military into six command zones, with three General Officers Commanding assigned to each zone. Another proposal allegedly involved merging the EFCC with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Authorities continue to investigate the authenticity and full scope of the document as the inquiry into the alleged plot proceeds.

Federal Government Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Eid ul Adha Celebration

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, 27th May and Thursday, 28th May, 2026 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid ul Adha celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration in a statement issued on Monday. The move affirms the government’s profound respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims who join the global Islamic community in observing the sacred occasion.

In the statement, Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended the Federal Government’s warm felicitations to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and throughout the diaspora. He described Eid ul Adha as a festival of deep spiritual significance, grounded in the values of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for one’s fellow man.

The Federal Government urged all Nigerians to use the period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen.

“It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal Government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration,” the statement read.

The announcement was e-signed by Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, dated 25th May 2026.

Salisu Officially Returned as APC Candidate for Ogun Central, Receives Congratulations from Senate President Akpabio

Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, OMOYAYI, FNCS, representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, has been officially declared winner of the Ogun Central Senatorial Primary Election and returned as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the district.

The formal presentation of the election result was made by the Chairman of the Ogun State National Assembly Primary Elections Committee, His Excellency, Comrade Philip Shaibu, who handed over the result to Senator Salisu and affirmed his emergence as the party’s candidate following the primary exercise.

Describing the development as another significant milestone in the collective journey of the people of Ogun Central, Senator Salisu expressed profound appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, delegates, and members of the APC across the district for the confidence and overwhelming support shown towards him.

He noted that the victory transcends personal achievement and represents the collective trust and belief of party faithful in the shared vision for a stronger, more united, and prosperous Ogun Central.

The lawmaker stated that he accepted the mandate with a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility, while reaffirming his commitment to purposeful representation, inclusive development, and sustained service to the people of Ogun Central Senatorial District.

In a related development, Senator Salisu was also among prominent political leaders and stakeholders present at the declaration of the Presidential Primary Election result held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

During the event, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, personally congratulated Senator Salisu on his victory in the Senatorial Primary Election.

The congratulatory gesture by the Senate President, according to Senator Salisu, served as encouragement and further strengthened his resolve to continue providing dedicated and impactful representation to the people of Ogun Central.

The senator also shared moments with the Deputy President of the Senate and Senator Yunus Akintunde of Oyo Central, engagements he described as reflective of the spirit of unity, collaboration, and shared purpose within the party and among members of the National Assembly.

Senator Salisu reiterated his appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue working diligently in advancing the interests and aspirations of Ogun Central and Nigeria at large.

Ogun State Appoints Olanrewaju Saka as New Head of Service

ABEOKUTA – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun (CON), has approved the appointment of Mr. Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka as the new Head of the Public Service of Ogun State.

The appointment follows the statutory retirement of the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya.

Until his elevation, Mr. Saka served as Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services. A career civil servant, he joined the Ogun State Public Service as a Classroom Teacher on Grade Level 08 on May 15, 1993, before transferring to the mainstream civil service as a Senior Administrative Officer on Grade Level 09 in 2006.

Born on February 15, 1968, Saka is described as a seasoned administrator with extensive experience in policy coordination and implementation strategies. He is a distinguished member of several professional bodies, including the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, and is also a Fellow of the Institute of Policy Management Development.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the appointment recognises Saka’s hard work, dedication, commitment to duty, and outstanding service to the Ogun State Public Service.