The Ogun State Police Command is investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, whose mutilated body was discovered days after he was declared missing.
Wahab, who was living with his grandmother, was reported missing by his father, Lawal Olumide, before his decomposing remains were found on July 23 along the Old Express Road in Igbile-Ijebu.
In a statement released on Saturday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, described the case as a disturbing case of suspected ritual murder.
She said, “A preliminary examination revealed that the head, both wrists, heart, and genitals had been gruesomely removed — suggesting ritualistic motives.”
Odutola confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the killing.
“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers from Omu-Ijebu Division apprehended suspects identified as Salawu Omikansola (25 years), Serefusi Agemo, and others,” she said.
According to her, one of the suspects made a voluntary confessional statement, which was also recorded on video.
Odutola confirmed that the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the condition of his remains.
“The deceased has since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the state of the remains,” she said.
Odutola said that the case file and relevant exhibits were being prepared for immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran.
She added, “Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.
“The Ogun State Police Command condemns this heinous act and assures the public that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion.”
She further urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday charged the 404 newly recruited personnel of Amotekun, Agro Marshal and Grazing Marshal corps on crime reduction, protection of lives and property and as well agricultural projects to ensure food security.
Oyebanji charged them on the need for enhanced intelligence gathering and sharing and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure security across the nooks and crannies of the state.
The governor, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd.), spoke at the National Youths Service Corps Orientation Camp, Emure/Ise/Orun during the Passing out Parade of the new recruits.
He described the recruitment of the new security operatives as a sustained investment in the state’s security architecture, which underscores the All Progressives Congress administration’s commitment to safety of lives and property of residents of the state.
He said, “Recruitment of additional 404 personnel into Amotekun, Agro Marshall and Grazing Marshal Corps is part of its efforts to strengthen the state’s security architecture especially at the grassroots.
“Recruitment of the new security operatives is a sustained investment in the state’s security architecture, which underscores the administration’s commitment to safety of lives and property of residents of the state.
“The move aims at further strengthening the state’s security framework as government considered it necessary to rejig the security architecture of the state by establishing additional informal security outfits that will have community participation and complement efforts of the formal security agencies in the state.
“The move, which marked a significant milestone in the collective pursuit of a safer Ekiti State came as a result of the marching order issued to the security agencies to reposition and address the emerging security challenges in the state.”
Oyebanji hinged the state’s relative peaceful atmosphere on “deliberate planning, unrelenting investment, and concerted efforts aimed at creating a safe and conducive atmosphere to grow the economy through protection of lives and property, protection of the agricultural clusters to ensure food security and enhance intelligence gathering and sharing.”
He further charged the new recruits to work collaboratively, discharge their responsibilities with dignity and prioritize the safety and security of our citizens at their various beats where they would be strategically deployed across the state to ensure maximum coverage.
The Mediation Training Institute has called on Nigerians to make mediation a daily practice to resolve disputes peacefully and build stronger relationships at all levels of society.
In a statement to mark the International Day of Mediation on Thursday, the MTI President, Segun Ogunyannwo, said mediation should be viewed as an essential life skill rather than an occasional option.
“Mediation should not be like a garment that you put on whenever it suits you and put off when it does not serve your interest or purpose.
“In our thoughts, words, and deeds, we should reflect the high standards and ideals of the very fulfilling ministry of reconciliation—mediation,” he said.
He noted that the institute chose July 24 as symbolic, underscoring the message that mediation should be practised “24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
Ogunyannwo urged Nigerians to use mediation to address disputes in families, workplaces, communities, and business relationships, stressing its role in sustaining harmony in a conflict-prone society.
He also encouraged individuals to take practical steps by mediating real disputes on the day and sharing their experiences with the institute via email for recognition of their peacebuilding efforts.
“Mediation skills are life skills”, Ogunyannwo noted, adding that these skills are vital for managing differences, preserving relationships, and fostering peaceful co-existence.
He reminded mediators to uphold confidentiality and respect privacy in all interventions, stating that the International Day of Mediation continues to serve as a platform to promote dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation across Nigeria.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control on Wednesday in Kano State destroyed 491,000 tablets of tramadol worth N91 million.
The destruction of the drugs which was seized by the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Area Command, was witnessed by the NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the Director, Investigation and Enforcement, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.
Speaking at the occasion, Adeyeye thanked the NCS for successfully intercepting the consignment and handing it over to NAFDAC.
The Tramadol tablets are being destroyed in an incinerator at AKTH on Wednesday. Source: NAFDAC
“We are pleased to have you witness this important exercise today. On May 28th, 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service, Kano/Jigawa Command, headed by Comptroller Abubakar Zurmi, successfully intercepted and handed over 491 rolls containing 10 x 10 x 10 tablets each, equivalent to 491,000 tablets of Tramadol 225mg.
“The NCS intercepted this consignment when unscrupulous elements attempted to smuggle it into Nigeria. The culprits abandoned the consignment when overwhelmed by NCS operatives,” she said.
She said it was in line with international best practices for the destruction of pharmaceutical products, the agency invited journalists to witness the destruction exercise using an incinerator.
The seized Tramadol tablets before they were destroyed on Wednesday by NAFDAC in Kano State. Source: NAFDAC
“According to the NCS, the duty value of this consignment would have been N91 million,” Adeyeye said.
The NAFDAC DG said the operation demonstrates excellent inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnership aimed at strengthening control measures and curbing the menace of illicit drug trade.
“We remain committed to strengthening this partnership, in line with our national action plan and memorandum of understanding between the two foremost agencies of government,” she said.
Adeyeye reiterated the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the health of all Nigerians, urging anyone with information on those perpetrating such acts to report to the nearest NAFDAC office for immediate action.
The destruction that took place at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital was witnessed by the NAFDAC Kano Zonal Coordinator, Kasim Ibrahim, and a representative of the AKTH Chief Medical Director.
A Catholic Reverend Father in Borno State, Alphonsus Adina, who was kidnapped on June 1st by Boko Haram insurgents, has regained freedom.
Our correspondent gathered that the Reverend Father and others who were kidnapped during an insurgent attack around Gwoza-Ngwocche area of the state were released on Monday.
Confirming his release to PUNCH, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno State Chapter, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, stated that the father regained his freedom alive.
“He was released yesterday (Monday). He was kidnapped in an attack in the axis between Gwoza and Ngwoche where an NGO staff passed away. It was that day.”
Speaking on other kidnapped victims, he said, “Currently, this is the one we know; we are yet to know of the others.”
However, security sources who pleaded not to be identified told PUNCH Online that 10 other victims, particularly women, were rescued alongside Afina by the operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army.
“10 women were rescued alongside the Reverend father alive,” the source said.
Oyo State Emergency Management Agency, on Tuesday, alerted people living in flood-prone communities in the state to start preparing for heavy rain and its attendant flooding.
This was contained in a statement released by the Administrative Secretary of SEMA, Ojuolape Busari, in Ibadan, the state capital.
She explained that the reports from the state Flood Early Warning System indicated that the areas to the east and northeast of Ibadan city centre are likely to experience the heaviest rainfall.
Busari said, “This includes parts of Lagelu Local Government Area, especially areas like Iyana Offa; Moniya (eastern parts), and communities further east towards Osun State.
“According to the information made available by the state Flood Early Warning System, some parts of the north of Ibadan city, possibly parts of Egbeda LGA (eastern edges) and areas bordering Lagelu LGA, will experience heavy rainfall today.
“Communities along the Ibadan-Ife Road (A5 highway) eastward: Areas like Egbeda and further east on this major road, will also experience heavy rainfall.”
The administrative secretary further said areas with moderate to heavy rainfall, determined by the flood early warning system, and ascertained by Google Maps, will encompass most of Ibadan Metropolis (eastern and central parts).
She said, “This includes areas like IITA itself, the Ibadan Airport, University of Ibadan, Ojoo, Akobo, Basorun, Gate, Challenge, Ring Road, and many other densely populated areas within the city.
“Parts of Akinyele Local Government, especially the eastern and central parts, parts of Oluyole Local Government, especially Northeastern sections too.”
Busari assured all that the agency and other relevant agencies of government, voluntary agencies, and civil society groups are prepared to intervene and ameliorate the plight of persons and communities who might be affected.
She, therefore, urged people of the state to immediately commence preparations to avert dire consequences, saying, “discretion is the better part of valour.”
The Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has granted an interim order restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from arresting or harassing a Dubai-based Nigerian businessman, Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani, declared wanted by the commission over alleged $1.9m money laundering charges.
The two respondents in the matter are EFCC and one Ifeanyi Ezeokoli.
The order, granted on July 21 and obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday, was issued by Justice H. Buhari in response to an ex parte motion filed by the applicant’s counsel on July 16, 2025, seeking the protection of Tijjani’s fundamental rights to liberty and freedom of movement as enshrined in Sections 35 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution.
After reviewing the application, Justice Buhari granted an interim order restraining the EFCC from inviting, arresting, detaining, harassing, or prosecuting Tijjani, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive motion.
“An interim order restraining the commission or its agents, servants, privies, officer arresting, detaining, harassing, arraigning thẹ or relating to the complaint of the second respondent motion on notice.
“And such further others as this honourable court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of the case.
“Motion ex-parte dated 14th day of July and filed on 16th day of July, 2025 is granted as prayed,” the ruling reads in part.
The case was adjourned to September 18, 2025, for further proceedings.
The EFCC declared Tijjani wanted over alleged money laundering involving $1,931,700.12.
The declaration was made in a notice signed by Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, dated July 11, 2025.
Reacting, he threatened legal action against the EFCC for allegedly damaging his reputation by declaring him wanted over a $1.9m money laundering allegation.
Auwalu described the allegation as false, insisting that the transaction in question was a legitimate business deal involving currency exchanges with one Ifeanyi Ezeokolu, totalling over $77m across a year.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who became a household name as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at age 54 after an accidental drowning off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, officials and multiple news sources report.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner at the Deadline Contenders Television event at Directors Guild Of America on April 16, 2023 in Los Angeles | Credit: PEOPLE
Warner was on a family trip when the incident occurred, AP News, Reuters among many others reported on Monday.
Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department (OIJ) said Warner was swimming at Playa Cocles in Limón Province on Sunday afternoon, July 20, when a strong current pulled him out to sea.
Beachgoers brought him to shore; first responders from the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted lifesaving measures but he was pronounced dead at the scene, CBS News also reported.
The Red Cross said it was alerted at about 2:10 p.m. local time and treated two adult men, transporting one in critical condition.
Local authorities subsequently listed the official cause of death as “asphyxia by submersion,” language echoed in statements provided to U.S. media outlets.
Police told ABC News that Warner had been caught in a rip current; Entertainment Weekly and PEOPLE likewise reported that preliminary findings pointed to asphyxiation following submersion.
In a statement, the OIJ said the victim “appears to have entered the sea and was apparently swept away by a current… [and] was declared lifeless at the scene” after treatment by the Costa Rican Red Cross.
Fox Entertainment, which worked with Warner during his run as cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. AJ Austin on the network drama The Resident, called the loss “tragic.”
“Everyone at FOX is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner,” the company said in a statement.
Theo Huxtable OR Malcolm-Jamal Warner?
Born August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and named after Malcolm X and jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, Warner pursued performance from an early age and attended the Professional Children’s School in New York.
He broke out as the witty, vulnerable Theo in The Cosby Show (1984–1992), earning an Emmy nomination in 1986.
He later starred in Malcolm & Eddie, appeared in Reed Between the Lines, and had a prominent turn in The Resident.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment world, AP, CBS News and Reuters all reported.
Viola Davis remembered the actor’s cultural impact, writing that “Theo was OUR son, OUR brother, OUR friend… we are gutted by this loss.”
Actor Morris Chestnut, who appeared with Warner on The Resident, told PEOPLE, “He was just a really, really good, genuine guy,” adding that Warner welcomed him warmly and even took him to dinner early in their working relationship. Author-activist Kevin Powell told CBS News that Warner “was never someone who was into the celebrity of it… He literally was America’s son.”
A spokesperson for Bill Cosby said the comedian found the news “devastating,” likening the shock to the 1997 killing of his own son Ennis.
The NAACP also honored Warner on social media, writing “#RestinPower… Your talent and spirit touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire.”
Warner’s talents extended beyond acting: he directed episodes of hit television series, recorded spoken-word and music projects, and won a Grammy Award in 2015 for his contribution to a cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Jesus Children of America.”
He kept his personal life largely private, but is survived by his wife and daughter, whom he rarely discussed publicly.
The Oyo State government has commenced the demolition of an abandoned structure popularly known as De Castle Inn in Ibadan over the weekend, citing it as a safety measure for the area.
The structure located at the Total Garden Area along the ever-busy Mokola-Agodi Gate road was previously used as a hotel in the metropolis, before it was abandoned.
PUNCH Online learnt that the property within the premises had been removed a few days before the demolition, with the inspection of security personnel.
The Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, Mr William Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed that the building had been abandoned by its owner for years, and recalled that the state government had earlier warned owners of abandoned structures in the state to put them to use.
The government claimed that such abandoned structures constituted security threats as they were being used by criminals to perpetrate evil acts.
According to Akin-Funmilayo, the government had, in a statement issued in February this year, cautioned that it would take over any abandoned structures posing a threat to the public.
The statement said,”The government got information from the public and security agencies that the structure had been constituting a security threat to the environment, as criminals and hoodlums usually hid there.
“They go on the streets to snatch telephones, bags, and other valuables from passersby. In addition, it has become a home for illicit drug users, who trade in illicit drugs as well as smoke different kinds of things.
“We are here to confirm what we heard and what we have seen, and this place has been abandoned for the past 10 to 13 years.
“We are here to ensure the safety of the people living in this environment. So, we have seen for ourselves that this is a completely abandoned building.
“The government will work within the ambit of the law to take possession of the building to stop what is constituting a threat.”
According to our correspondent, the demolition of the structure was ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old ex-convict, Mohammed Usman of Kofar Wambai Quarters, for allegedly deceiving and stealing mobile phones from women across the state under the guise of offering government assistance.
Usman was apprehended on July 14, 2025, after a woman from Ahmadiyya Brigade Quarters reported that he tricked her into handing over her phone by pretending to offer help through a fake government intervention scheme.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, the police said at least 17 more women have come forward with similar complaints.
Investigations also led to the arrest of three suspected receivers and the recovery of eight stolen phones.
“The suspect called unsuspecting women, claimed to be offering support from a government programme, gained their trust, then made away with their phones,” Kiyawa said.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Bakori, urged residents to be cautious of suspicious offers and reassured the public of continued efforts to tackle fraud and theft in the state.
