The Oyo State Police Command has released five individuals who were arrested in connection with the tragic stampede at the Ibadan funfair, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children at the Islamic High School, Orita Basorun, Ibadan.

The individuals who were freed include Genesis Christopher (24), Tanimowo Moruf (52), Anisolaja Olabode (42), Idowu Ibrahim (35), and Abiola Oluwatimilehin (25).

The release of these five suspects took place on Monday, according to sources.

However, other key suspects in the case, including Naomi Silekunola, the former wife of the Ooni of Ife; Oriyomi Hamzat, the owner of Agidigbo FM, a popular Ibadan-based radio station; and Fasasi Abdulahi, the principal of the Islamic High School, are set to face arraignment in court today.

Reports indicate that Hamzat, who was arrested while receiving treatment in a hospital, will be among those appearing before the court.

At least 15 people were killed in a deadly attack on the Gidan Ado community in Ganawuri, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, while others were left injured and are currently receiving medical treatment.

This assault occurred despite extensive meetings and security measures aimed at preventing such violence during the festive season.

A year ago, similar attacks disrupted Christmas celebrations across Mangu, Barkin Ladi, and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

Security forces had been working with local communities and stakeholders to ensure safety, but the attackers managed to carry out their brutal assault.

The community, primarily inhabited by the Irigwe people from Bassa Local Government Area, suffered significant loss.

Although the state police and Operation Safe Haven (OpSH) have not yet released detailed information, Riyom Council Chairman Sati Shuwa confirmed the attack to Vanguard, explaining that 15 individuals were killed and two survivors are receiving hospital care.

A mass burial was held for the victims.

The spokesperson for OpSH, Major Samson Zhakom, was unavailable for comment, and Police spokesperson Alfred Alabo stated that investigations are ongoing to fully understand the situation.

Sam Jugo, National Publicity Secretary of the Irigwe Development Association (IDA), expressed deep sorrow, noting that the attack took place at Ri Do (Gidan Ado), a hamlet predominantly inhabited by the Irigwe people.

He lamented the loss of lives just before the festive season and extended condolences to the grieving families and the Irigwe community.

The Yoruba Nation Youths have firmly rejected any plans to introduce Sharia law or establish Sharia courts in the South-West region.

In a statement issued by the group’s leaders, Ayodele Ologunloluwa (Diaspora) and Oyegunle Omotoyole (Homebase), they pledged to protect their ancestral land against any efforts to destabilize it, including the imposition of Sharia law.

The statement comes in response to reports that the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter) plans to inaugurate a Sharia court in Oyo town on January 11, 2025.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Muslim Community Islamic Centre, located on Oba Adeyemi High School Road, Mobolaje area, Agbogangan, Oyo.

The Yoruba youths condemned the plan, calling it “laughable” and warning of strong resistance should it proceed.

“We will resist any attempt to impose Sharia law or Sharia courts in Yorubaland,” the statement emphasized. “Yoruba culture and traditions are unique, and any effort to introduce foreign laws will face fierce opposition.”

The group also issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, urging it not to sow division in the region.

“Our focus is on Yoruba Nation self-determination, and we will not allow any external forces to derail our cause,” they said. “Rather than submitting to Hausa-Fulani influence, it is better to stand firm and fight for our rights.”

The youths asserted that Sharia law is incompatible with their values, culture, and way of life.

“We will not allow anyone to disturb the peace of Yorubaland under the guise of religious imposition,” they declared.

“We reject any effort to undermine our faith, culture, and identity. We will fight this agenda with all our strength.”

“No force, either on earth or in hell, can stop the rise of a sovereign Yoruba state.” It concluded.

A Lagos Magistrate’s Court in Ogba has rejected the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) request to remand Nigerian TikToker Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as SeaKing, for 30 days. Instead, the court granted him bail.

SeaKing was arrested and charged by the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly inciting the public.

The TikToker had expressed anger over police brutality, urging Nigerian youths to retaliate against any police officer who assaulted them.

He also allegedly insulted President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, attributing the country’s economic struggles to their leadership.

Following these remarks, the police arrested SeaKing shortly after Force Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi described his actions as cyberbullying.

In a twist, SeaKing’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, encountered a delay in visiting his client at the police command.

Effiong, accompanied by his colleague Jeremiah Okoro and SeaKing’s wife with their infant child, was initially denied access.

Effiong then reported the situation to Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola. However, while waiting to speak with the CP, SeaKing was secretly moved from the CP Tactical Squad 1 custody and taken to the Ogba Magistrate’s Court for remand proceedings.

Effiong quickly followed the information and arrived at the court, where he found SeaKing with police officers.

The police filed a remand application, charging SeaKing with treason, cyberstalking, conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and provoking a breach of peace. They accused him of calling on youths to wage war against the police.

Effiong opposed the remand request, arguing that the police had failed to provide sufficient grounds for detaining SeaKing for 30 days.

He requested bail under the provisions of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, Section 264 (5).

The Magistrate, after hearing arguments from both sides, ruled in favor of the defense, stating that the police had not shown probable cause to justify a 30-day remand.

SeaKing was granted bail on liberal terms, set at N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a family member, and both sureties must reside in Lagos State and be employed.

The case has been adjourned to January 16, 2025, for the report on the Director of Public Prosecution’s (DPP) advice.

Police in Delta State have uncovered the remains of Paulinus Okon, a victim of a gruesome murder allegedly orchestrated by his close friend, Efe Onoeti.

This was confirmed by the State’s Police Commissioner, Abaniwonda Olufemi, in a press briefing.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the CP ordered an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) after learning about the horrific crime.

The sequence of events leading to Paulinus’ death began when he was reported missing on September 8, 2024, by his brother, after going out with his friend, Efe Onoeti, a 30-year-old man.

Initially, Efe denied knowing anything about Paulinus’ whereabouts. However, he later visited the family, claiming Paulinus had been kidnapped and requested a ransom of N500,000 to consult a herbalist who could locate him.

Eventually, Efe allegedly collected a ransom of N20.7 million from the victim’s brother, claiming he was in touch with the kidnappers.

As suspicion grew around Efe, he was arrested, and the investigation was taken over by the State CID.

After further intelligence gathering, one of the suspects, Okeimute Ogaga, a 48-year-old man, was apprehended.

During interrogation, Okeimute confessed that on the night of September 8, 2024, Efe, Okeimute, Sunday, and a 30-year-old herbalist named Lawrence Jo lured Paulinus to Orere River in Otokutu, tied him to a stake, and beheaded him.

The body was discarded in the river, and the head was buried at a shrine by the herbalist.

In a shocking revelation, Efe explained that the motive behind the murder was financial.

He had convinced Paulinus to invest N30 million in a property he claimed was for sale, but instead of using the money to purchase the house, Efe used it for personal gain, buying land and constructing a duplex.

Fearing Paulinus would find out, Efe decided to murder him to avoid the consequences of his actions.

Following the confession, police recovered Paulinus’ skull from the shrine in Otokutu. Efe and the other suspects are now in custody.

The case has sparked widespread outrage, with local activist Mr. Israel Joe bringing attention to the crime on social media.

Joe, who has been advocating for justice, revealed that Paulinus had been running a successful boutique business in the Otokutu area before his tragic death.

In his social media posts, Joe emphasized the need for justice for Paulinus’ family, calling attention to the betrayal by a close friend and the extortion that continued even after the beheading.

A viral video from Joe also featured a man recounting previous attempts on Paulinus’ life, adding to the chilling nature of the crime.