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SECURITY : OYSSTF to buy, repair police APC, vehicles

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•Solicits information support for police

 

 

IN response to the unfortunate bank robbery incident that left many security operatives and innocent individuals dead in Offa, Kwara state, the Oyo State Security Trust Fund has again called on the attention of the people of Oyo state not to leave the task of security of lives and property solely in the hands of the government but support same by reporting suspected criminal activities promptly to the security operatives.

While calling on the people to always avail the security operatives particularly the police, information that can help nip criminal activities in the bud, the agency says people must be ready and willing to partner with and support the government effort in the interest of sustaining peace.

The agency made the call while informing journalists of its plans to refurbish and repair security operatives vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) as well as complete the installations of Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in some crisis-prone areas in the state.

Speaking with journalists on Monday at the Onireke office of the agency after the meeting of the members of the board of the agency, the Executive Secretary of OYSSTF, Mr Femi Oyedipe said the latest release is the third phase of the agency support initiative to bolster the peace and security being enjoyed in the state.

Lamenting the high number of victims of the Offa bank robbery incident, Oyedipe wondered why such innocent people had to pay with their lives, insisting that the security agencies must be supported with valuable information about criminals and their activities, among others.

The OYSSTF Chief who did not disclosed the amount approved by the Board also said disclosing the areas the CCTV are being installed would be a direct information for criminals to know how to avoid such areas and perpetrate their crimes elsewhere.

His words, “the money released is to improve the security architecture of the state in the wake of recent Offa robbery incidents that left scores of security and civilians killed. The Trust Fund did the Phase 1 of Police vehicles repairs in August 2017, when 20 vehicles were added to the fleet of Operation Burst Vehicles.

“The Phase 2 held in December 2017 with the refurbishing of faulty vehicles for all security agencies in Oyo State. The latest release of funds is for the phase 3, which aims to buy and refurbish police Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC), patrol vehicles, and complement the state government initiatives in the completion of CCTV installations.

“The Board of Trustees of OYSSTF met on Friday, April 13, 2018, and it was agreed that all hands must be on deck in ensuring security is not left alone for government to fund, especially in the wake of the unfortunate bank robbery incident at Offa, Kwara state, where many lives were lost.

Oyo Security Trust Fund boss charges residents to report unusual activities

“It was sad that such a number of policemen could die in an incident occurring at a peacetime. We, therefore, called in all citizens to report any suspicious movement around them because the security agencies are to be supported by providing valuable information on criminals”.

The Executive Secretary, however assured that the Board will continue to support every government initiative in ensuring that the state remains safe for all, particularly with the recently released funds, which he said would enable the security agencies to increase their operational fleet as well as ensuring that their Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) are functional.

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Crime & Court

Joshua crash: Driver faces fresh charges as court adjourns trial

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File photo of Adeniyi and Anthony Joshua

The Ogun State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Sagamu has adjourned the trial of the driver involved in the road crash that affected former heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, to June 2, 2026.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Olufunilayo Somefun, fixed the new date to allow the prosecution to file fresh charges in the case.

The defendant, Adeniyi Mobolaji, is facing a four-count charge bordering on dangerous and negligent driving resulting in death.

It was gathered that the matter had been adjourned about four times to enable the prosecuting counsel, G. O. Ogunyomi, amend the charges before the court.

Mobolaji was accused of reckless and negligent driving, contrary to Section 6(1) of the relevant law, as well as driving without due care and attention, causing bodily harm, and damage to property under Section 7(1).

He was also alleged to have driven without a valid national driver’s licence, contrary to Section 10(1) of the Federal Highway Act.

Ruling on the prosecution’s application for adjournment, the magistrate granted the request and fixed June 2 for proper hearing. The defence counsel did not oppose the application.

Speaking after the proceedings, counsel to the defendant, Abiodun Olalekan, said the adjournment was necessary to ensure justice for all parties involved.

The 46-year-old defendant was involved in the fatal crash that claimed the lives of Joshua’s personal trainer, Latif Ayodele, and strength and conditioning coach, Sina Ghami, along the Lagos-Ibadan

Expressway on December 29, 2025.
The Lexus SUV conveying the boxer collided with a stationary truck, leaving Joshua and the driver with minor injuries.

Joshua was later discharged from the hospital after being certified clinically stable.

The deaths of Ayodele and Ghami drew widespread reactions within the international boxing community, where both men were regarded as key figures in Joshua’s camp.

Their remains were subsequently repatriated to the United Kingdom, where a funeral prayer was held on January 4, 2026, at the London Central Mosque.

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Crime & Court

NDLEA Ends 15-Year Hunt for Alleged Drug Lord in Lagos

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old alleged drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had reportedly been on the agency’s wanted list and that of British authorities for over 15 years.

Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following what the agency described as a high-level, coordinated operation by officers of its Special Operations Unit.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Media and Advocacy of the agency, Femi Babafemi.

Babafemi said the suspect’s arrest ended a prolonged manhunt linked to his alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities across Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

According to the statement, Ilomuanya was first arrested in February 2003 in the United Kingdom and convicted for drug trafficking.

He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment but was released after serving two years following a successful appeal.

Babafemi added that the suspect was again arrested in the UK in July 2011 over drug-related offences.

He said, “He was granted administrative bail but jumped jurisdiction and fled to Nigeria.

“Typical of a recidivist, Ilomuanya was in November 2018 arrested in Nigeria by NDLEA operatives following the discovery of two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in his Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area country home in Imo State and at his No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close, Lagos residence where officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive production equipment.

“He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos, after which he jumped court bail and has been on the run since then.”

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing war against drug trafficking networks.

Marwa said the operation demonstrated the agency’s resolve to track down criminal elements regardless of how long they evade the law.

He said, “This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice.

“Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation.

“We remain committed to our international collaborations to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a sanctuary for global drug lords.”

Marwa also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism and persistence in tracking down the suspect.

He added that the agency would continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations and international cooperation to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.

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Crime & Court

Court Acquits Suspended DCP  Kyari, Faults NDLEA Over Weak Evidence

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File photo of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday discharged and acquitted a suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, of a 23-count charge bordering on alleged non-declaration of assets filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations against the defendants.

Kyari was arraigned alongside his two brothers, who were accused of swearing to false affidavits in an alleged attempt to conceal the origin of certain properties.

However, the court ruled that the anti-drug agency failed to establish that the properties allegedly not declared by Kyari were actually owned by him.

Justice Omotosho explained that ownership of landed property could be established through traditional history, title documents, acts of possession, or possession by connection.

According to the judge, the prosecution did not present any of these forms of evidence to prove that the properties located at Fountain Estate in Karsana, said to belong to Ramatu Kyari, were owned by the suspended police officer.

The court also held that the prosecution failed to produce material evidence linking Kyari to properties located on Linda Choko Road in Asokoro, Abuja, as well as properties in Maiduguri, Borno State.

In his defence, Kyari maintained that the properties in Borno State belonged to his late father, who bequeathed them to him and his siblings.

The judge held that the prosecution failed to prove otherwise.

Justice Omotosho also faulted the prosecution for charging Kyari’s brothers with conspiracy, describing the allegation as unsubstantiated.

He described the NDLEA’s case as weak and lacking credible evidence, adding that the defendant had served the country well and should not be subjected to persecution.

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