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CP LAWAL ADEBOWALE ASSUMES DUTY AS 46TH COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, ONDO STATE COMMAND

The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that Commissioner of Police Lawal Adebowale, psc(+), mnips, has officially assumed duty as the 46th Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command. He takes over from CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc(+), mnips, who has been redeployed to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

CP Lawal Adebowale is a seasoned and accomplished law enforcement officer with over 30 years of distinguished service in the Nigeria Police Force. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from the University of Ilorin and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). His educational background is complemented by extensive professional training both locally and internationally.

Over the course of his career, CP Adebowale has served in various strategic and operational capacities across several commands in Nigeria, including Edo, Yobe, Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Rivers, Cross River, Katsina, Enugu, and the Force Headquarters, Abuja. He has held key positions such as Divisional Police Officer, Area Commander, Officer-in-Charge of Anti-Robbery, Anti-Kidnapping, and Community Policing Units, as well as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the IGP X-Squad and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Professional Studies at the Nigeria Police Academy, he has also served as the Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigation Departments (ZCIDs) in zone 14 Katsina State.

He was also seconded to INTERPOL between 2006 and 2009, where he served as Sub-Regional Bureau Officer overseeing critical international crime management portfolios such as stolen vehicles, travel documents, fingerprint and DNA records, and stolen works of art across West and Central Africa. His work in this capacity contributed significantly to regional law enforcement collaboration and capacity building.

Until his recent posting to Ondo State, CP Adebowale was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Force Quartermaster, Force Headquarters, Abuja. His appointment to the Ondo State Command comes at a critical time, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in crime prevention, intelligence-led policing, and community engagement.

The Commissioner of Police, extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D NPM for the confidence repose in him to serve as the 46th commissioner of Police of Ondo State Police Command and also to the outgoing Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, for his dedicated service, professionalism, and contributions to the peace and security of the state. The Command wishes him continued success in his new role.

CP Lawal Adebowale has assured the government and good people of Ondo State of his unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety, enforcing the rule of law, and strengthening community trust. He calls for the continued support and cooperation of residents, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and sister security agencies in promoting peace and security across the state.

Members of the public can contact the Commissioner of Police directly on 09060588958 for security-related matters or credible information that can aid the Police in crime prevention and investigation.

All Political Stalwarts in Oshodi/Isolo Endorse Kendoo for Second Term

As the July 12 chairmanship election draws near in Lagos State, the political atmosphere in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area is charged with optimism and unity as all major political stakeholders have thrown their weight behind the incumbent chairman, Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede, popularly known as Kendoo.

The resounding endorsement from across party lines, community leaders, youth organizations, market associations, and residents is not just a political gesture—it is a statement of confidence in a leader whose first term has transformed one of Lagos’s most volatile and neglected areas into a symbol of progress and hope.

When Kendoo assumed office, Oshodi bore the reputation of a chaotic and unsafe zone—a place where miscreants and touts harassed residents and visitors alike, and where filth had become a daily burden. However, under his stewardship, that narrative has changed dramatically. Roads that were once riddled with potholes and impassable during rainy seasons have now been tarred and opened up for smooth movement. Major arteries in the local government, critical to commerce and daily life, have been reconstructed, boosting trade and easing transport.

More importantly, security, long absent in the area, has been restored. Through a strategic partnership with law enforcement and the introduction of community-based initiatives, Kendoo has taken back Oshodi from the hands of street gangs and criminal elements. The once-infamous hub of unrest is now a safer, more welcoming space for businesses and families alike.

Environmental sanitation, too, has received unprecedented attention. The filth that plagued markets and streets has been tackled head-on, thanks to the chairman’s aggressive clean-up campaigns and infrastructural interventions. Markets are now more organized, cleaner, and conducive for traders and customers, with improved waste management systems ensuring a healthier environment.

This is why the chorus of support for Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede’s re-election is not just political rhetoric—it is an endorsement rooted in visible transformation and tangible change. Residents now live with a renewed sense of pride in their community, and many who once avoided Oshodi now do business there with confidence.

With his achievements speaking louder than any campaign slogan, Kendoo is not just the favored candidate; he is the proven choice. As July 12 approaches, the message from Oshodi/Isolo is clear: progress must not be paused. Voters are being urged to come out en masse and re-elect a leader who has delivered on his promises and who represents continuity, stability, and sustained development.

Kehinde Almoroof Oloyede has earned another term—not through words, but through results.

‘Take it Back’ Movement Protest Not Responsible For CP Afolabi’s Redeployment – Police Source reveals

A senior officer of the Ondo State Police Command has dismissed as false and misleading a recent report by Sahara Reporters suggesting that the redeployment of Commissioner of Police Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, Psc+, mnips, was linked to a protest by the “Take It Back” movement.

According to the top officer who claimed anonymity, the publication not only lacks merit but also misrepresents the facts surrounding CP Afolabi’s redeployment.

“The claims are not only unverified but seem aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy and tarnishing the image of a highly disciplined officer,” the source told our correspondent.

The senior officer stated that transfers and redeployments are a routine part of the Nigeria Police Force and should not be politicized.

“There is absolutely no connection between the CP’s redeployment and any protest activity,” he said, adding that the protest mentioned was handled with professionalism and even received commendations from both the public and police authorities.

Commissioner Afolabi, a veteran officer with over 30 years of service, is known for his calm, faith-driven leadership style and strong commitment to police ethics. During his tenure in Ondo State, the command recorded several achievements, including the arrest of over 30 kidnappers, the dismantling of 83 cult groups, and the apprehension of numerous armed robbers and car snatchers.

The officer noted that CP Afolabi has expressed no regrets about his redeployment and remains focused on his duties, urging officers under his leadership to stay professional and emotionally detached from the routine nature of transfers.

“He has already reached out to his successor and scheduled a formal handover for Monday, June 30th. His conduct reflects the very professionalism he preaches,” the officer added.

The public has been advised to disregard the online publication, which has been described as an example of “armchair journalism” designed to cause disaffection and spread misinformation.

“CP Afolabi remains committed to the core values of the Nigeria Police Force — honour, integrity, and service under God,” the officer concluded.

UDUTH seeks help to identify three unclaimed corpses

The statement signed by Malam Sani Muhammad of the Mortuary Department, read, “The first corpse is that of a man found in the Arkilla area of Sokoto on May 31, 2025. He is believed to be named Umar Adamu Yar Katanga, though this remains unconfirmed.

“The second corpse is of a man who reportedly died following a collision with a vehicle. His body was recovered on Friday, June 13, 2025, in Sokoto town, and remains unidentified eight days later.

“The third deceased is a woman who allegedly died after falling from a moving commercial vehicle. Reports suggest she boarded the vehicle from the Illela motor park en route to Kauyen Ummaruma. Her body was recovered on Friday, June 20, 2025. She was not carrying any fresh produce, as initially speculated.

“None of the three had any form of identification such as an ID card, making it difficult for authorities to trace their families or communities. The hospital is urging members of the public, especially those with missing relatives, to visit the UDUTH mortuary to help identify the corpses.”

The statement also appealed to citizens to always carry some form of identification to aid recognition in emergency situations.For more information or to assist in the identification process, the public is encouraged to contact the UDUTH Mortuary on 07037625504.

EU urges restraint as US joins Israel-Iran conflict

The European Union on Sunday called for de-escalation and a return to negotiations after the United States joined Israel’s war with Iran by striking Iranian nuclear sites.

Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign on Iran on June 13. Tehran has responded by firing missiles at Israel and had vowed to retaliate if Washington joined in.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Iran “must never acquire the bomb” and the bloc’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas described the possibility as “a threat to international security.”

But both stressed that Brussels remained committed to diplomacy at a flashpoint moment for the Middle East.

“I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table, and prevent further escalation,” Kallas wrote on X, adding that EU foreign ministers would discuss the situation on Monday.

“The negotiating table is the only place to end this crisis,” von der Leyen echoed, also writing on the social media platform.Top diplomats from the bloc’s 27 nations were already due to gather in Brussels for talks on a range of issues, from Russia’s war in Ukraine to Gaza, but Iran is now expected to dominate the agenda.

The appeals came after Kallas joined top diplomats from France, Germany, and Britain for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday.

The European powers had urged Tehran to revive diplomatic efforts with the United States to find a solution to the standoff over its nuclear programme.

But Iran had retorted that it could only consider diplomacy once Israel halted its bombardment of the Islamic Republic.

“Diplomacy remains the only way to bring peace and security to the Middle East region. Too many civilians will once again be the victims of a further escalation,” Antonio Costa, the head of the European Council representing EU member states, said on Sunday.

AFP

Police arrest seven, recover illegal arms in Enugu crackdown

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested seven suspects linked to cultism and illegal firearms, as seven guns, ammunition, and weapon repair tools were recovered in a recent crackdown across the state.

The suspects were arrested between June 15 and 21, during separate operations carried out in Enugu North, Nkanu West, and 9th Mile areas by tactical units of the Command.

The state Police Command spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, who disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, said the operations followed credible intelligence and were guided by the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa.

“Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad and other tactical teams, acting on credible information, arrested seven male suspects and recovered seven firearms, one expended and two live cartridges, and tools used for firearm repairs,” Ndukwe said.

According to him, one of the suspects, Yusuf John, a 25-year-old, was arrested on Saturday at 9th Mile with a cut-to-size double-barrelled gun and one expended cartridge.

His arrest was based on credible intelligence from his syndicate, which claimed they were all members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

“His arrest followed the confessional statements of three earlier-arrested suspects, namely: Ebube Victor, aged 22; Kenechukwu Chiegwu, aged 23; and Tochukwu Kingsley Nwodo, aged 26.

“They all confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted to using the firearm in the commission of various crimes,” Ndukwe said.

In a separate operation on Tuesday, the operatives arrested a 22-year-old suspect identified as Ugwualor Obumneke, after a confession from Onah Uchenna, who had been arrested for alleged armed robbery and cultism.

Uchenna, whose firearm repair tools were recovered from her, said she uses them to maintain her weapons.

Ndukwe said,” Further investigation led to the recovery of a locally made Beretta-like pistol, two double-barrel and one single-barrel pistols, the chamber of an English-made double-barrel gun, and a set of tools used for firearm repairs.

“The suspects confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity and admitted to using the firearms for criminal activities.

“Onah Uchenna further confessed to owning the repair tools and to specialising in the maintenance of firearms.”

The spokesperson said between June 15 and 20, a joint team from the SWAT and Octopus Tactical Squads raided black spots in Nkanu West and Enugu North LGAs, and arrested Iloh Chukwunonso, who firearms were recovered from.

“A locally fabricated Beretta-like pistol was recovered from him.

“ A cut-to-size gun and two live cartridges abandoned by fleeing suspects were also recovered during the operation,” Ndukwe said.

He confirmed that all suspects would be arraigned upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Commending the operatives, the Police Commissioner Giwa said, “The Command remains committed to ridding Enugu State of criminal elements.

“I urge our personnel to remain resolute until the state becomes increasingly uninhabitable for criminals.”

VIDEO: NDLEA uncovers cocaine concealed in clothes hangers, dresses

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a consignment of cocaine concealed in clothes hangers and sewn into dresses packed in a travellers’ luggage.

This was made known in a statement released by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.

The illicit substance was discovered during a routine search by NDLEA officers at an undisclosed airport, as traffickers continue to devise new methods to beat security checks.

He wrote, “How could anyone have imagined that cocaine is buried inside the hangers holding the clothes they’re travelling with or sewn into the dress in their luggage? But that’s the reality of the desperation by the cartels as discovered by #ndlea_nigeria officers in their latest seizure.”

Sokoto windstorm kills five, destroys over 1,400 homes

The windstorms that swept through Gwadabawa and Kware Local Government Areas of Sokoto State on Tuesday have claimed the lives of five residents, injured dozens, and left a trail of widespread destruction across both communities.

Officials from the Sokoto State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency, who conducted a joint on-the-spot assessment, disclosed the grim aftermath during a visit to the affected areas on Saturday.

According to the assessment report, the storm affected over 1,400 homes and vital public infrastructure, including schools and other government buildings.

It was said that in Gwadabawa LGA alone, the disaster led to the destruction of 878 houses, affecting 1,306 households and displacing an estimated 7,836 individuals.

“Eleven people sustained varying degrees of injuries. Officials confirmed five fatalities in the Marabawa community, including two children aged 18 months and 3 years, who were identified as the children of one Mansur Salihu Talhi”

The assessment team in Gwadabawa, according to SEMA, included DPM Shehu Muhammad, Councillor for Gidan-Kaya Ward Hon. Siba Sodangi, community elder Adamu Abdullahi Talhi, and SEMA Desk Officer Nafi’u Bello.

“Several public structures, including parts of Government Secondary School Kware, suffered significant damage to fences and classrooms.

“A particularly hard-hit area was Kofar-Barga in Kware, where the home of a resident, Ahmad Abbas, was flattened.

“Similarly, approximately 100 houses were damaged in the 30-Quarters area of the town.”

SEMA also confirmed that documentation of all affected individuals and properties is ongoing.

The agency said, “The data will be submitted to the state and federal governments to facilitate swift humanitarian assistance for the victims”

Nigerians to see cheaper fuel soon, thanks to Dangote refinery – Analyst

Nigerians can anticipate a downward reduction in petrol pump prices in the coming weeks, largely due to the increasing impact and strategic operations of the Dangote Refinery.

This projection comes from an analyst and Head, Investment Research at Comercio Partners Limited, Ifeayi Ubah, interviewed on ARISE TV on Saturday, highlighting a significant shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape.

The analyst emphasised that the Dangote Refinery’s recent price adjustments are a direct response to international market trends.

“For the Dangote Refineries slashing prices, he’s just following what the international prices are. So, we saw the international prices go down the time Danger Day slashed prices,” Ubah said in the interview.

This positive outlook is rooted in Nigeria’s evolving position within the global petroleum market. The nation is gradually transitioning from being heavily reliant on imported finished products to becoming a prominent exporter.

The strategic shift is expected to significantly reduce the drain on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, which previously went towards fuel imports. The interview also hinted at another refinery, Buharabi, being established in the South-South region, which could further boost domestic supply and potentially lead to a surplus of petroleum products.

While acknowledging the inherent volatility in global energy prices, the analyst, Ubah, stressed that the long-term impact of local refining capacity would override temporary fluctuations.

Power surge sparks fire in Kwara plaza, firefighters save building

The Kwara State Fire Service on Saturday prevented a major disaster by saving nine units of two-bedroom flats and ten shops from destruction during a fire outbreak in Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

The affected flats, located at God First Plaza, opposite the Transmission Company of Nigeria, along Ogbondoroko Road, Ganmo, were engulfed by fire in the early hours of the day.

According to the Fire Service, the fire was caused by a power surge that originated from one of the ten flats in the building.

It was further gathered that combustible materials, including mattresses and planks, inside the affected flat intensified the fire.

No lives were lost in the incident. The ten shops, which include cosmetics stores, were also saved through the swift response of the firemen, who succeeded in preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the building.

In a statement signed by Hassan Adekunle, a Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity on behalf of the Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, details of the incident were provided.“On Saturday, 21st June 2025, at about 06:20 hours, the Kwara State Fire Service received a distress call reporting a fire outbreak at God First Plaza, opposite TCN, Ogbondoroko Road, Ganmo, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Kwara State.

“The fire crew promptly responded and arrived at the scene to find a one-storey building housing 10 units of two-bedroom flats and 10 shops engulfed in flames.

“Undeterred, the firemen immediately swung into action, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and expertise. Their swift intervention successfully curtailed the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjacent structures.

“During the firefighting operation, a loud explosion from shattering glass startled occupants, causing them to flee the scene. Thankfully, no injuries were recorded, and all fire officers remained unharmed. Due to the firemen’s courageous efforts, only one flat was affected by the outbreak.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was triggered by a power surge. The affected flat contained numerous combustible materials, which contributed to the rapid escalation of the flames,” the statement said.

Adekunle further stated that: “The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, sympathized with those affected and urged the public to strictly observe fire safety precautions to prevent future occurrences.”