Ogun State

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a Lexus 460 SUV valued at N45m and arrested a 28-year-old suspect allegedly involved in its theft and a planned attempt to sell it in the neighbouring Republic of Benin for N10m.

The suspect, identified as Jeremiah Emmanuel, was arrested by detectives within hours of the police receiving a report about the missing vehicle.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

According to the statement, the police received the theft report at about 7pm on Thursday. The vehicle was allegedly taken by Emmanuel, who worked as the owner’s driver.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had earlier driven his employer to his office before leaving with the SUV without permission. He allegedly claimed that his wife was indisposed.

The police further alleged that Emmanuel subsequently contacted two other individuals, identified as 34-year-old Akeem Olawale and Monday Keshi, who is currently at large, to arrange the vehicle’s transportation to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sale.

The statement read, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver had conveyed his employer to his office earlier in the day but subsequently left with the vehicle without authorisation, allegedly claiming that his wife was indisposed.

“He reportedly took the vehicle to meet two other individuals, Akeem Olawale, aged 34, and Monday Keshi, who is currently at large. The suspects had allegedly arranged to take the vehicle to Cotonou, Benin Republic, for sale at N10 million, despite its estimated value of N45 million.

“Upon receiving the report, detectives of Agbado Division immediately swung into action, deploying their investigative resources to track down the suspects. The operation led to the arrest of one of the suspects at Agbado Crossing at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day, while the stolen Lexus was successfully recovered.”

The command added that the arrested suspect allegedly admitted his involvement in the planned transportation of the vehicle to Cotonou during preliminary questioning.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplice, while the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for discreet investigation and further necessary action,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing, the disruption of criminal networks and the prosecution of individuals involved in criminal activities.

He also assured residents that the police would continue to intensify efforts to prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over alleged illegal lithium processing operations at four plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

The commission disclosed this in a statement published on its official X account on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the suspects were apprehended on Friday, October 23, following intelligence gathering and surveillance.

According to the EFCC, its operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 raided the four facilities and recovered several items believed to be connected to the operations.

The recovered items included bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile phones and other mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.

The commission said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court after the conclusion of the process.

The arrests come amid growing concerns over illegal mineral extraction and processing in Nigeria, particularly involving valuable minerals such as lithium, which is used in batteries and other energy-storage technologies.

Nigeria has sought to attract investment into its solid minerals sector while tackling illegal mining and activities that deprive the government of revenue and undermine regulatory oversight.

In a related development, the EFCC recently arraigned two defendants, Marian Elia, 19, and Izuchukwu Uzoma, 21, over the alleged theft of ₦35.92 million belonging to a woman, Esther Ogbeifun, in Benin City, Edo State.

The commission alleged that the defendants faced a seven-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime and stealing. It further alleged that Elia, who grew up in the victim’s home, used access to the woman’s phones and banking information to transfer money into an account belonging to Uzoma, her boyfriend.

The allegations in that case remain subject to court proceedings.

In another case involving alleged illegal laboratory operations, authorities in May uncovered a suspected methamphetamine production facility in a forest in Ogun State, with raids also conducted in Lagos. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency described the operation as the largest clandestine methamphetamine seizure in Nigeria’s history.

The latest arrests underline the continued efforts of law enforcement agencies to investigate suspected illegal industrial and commercial activities across the country.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that an ATR-42 aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026, while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

The NAF, in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said it had commenced immediate search and rescue operations in coordination with relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.

“The Nigerian Air Force has commenced an immediate Search and Rescue operation following an ATR-42 aircraft accident in Igbokoda Area of Ondo State on 5th October 2026,” the statement said.

The Air Force clarified that the aircraft involved was an ATR-42, not a helicopter as initially reported. It did not disclose the number of people on board or whether there were casualties.

The confirmation followed an earlier SaharaReporters report that residents feared several people dead after an aircraft believed to be a helicopter crashed in the coastal community. A resident said the incident caused panic in Igbokoda.

Ondo State Police Command spokesperson Abayomi Jimoh had said he was unaware of the incident but would make inquiries.

Igbokoda is a riverine community and commercial hub in Ilaje, one of Ondo State’s oil-producing areas, and is also used for aviation operations connected to the oil and gas industry. Further details are expected as search and rescue efforts continue.

By Uzair Adam 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized that the fight against corruption in Nigeria must begin with accountability at the highest levels of leadership to inspire public confidence and ensure effective governance.  

Speaking during a virtual interactive session tagged “Boiling Point Arena” on Sunday, hosted by a private radio station in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo asserted that leadership plays a pivotal role in combating corruption, which he described as deeply entrenched in Nigerian society.  

“The best way to fight corruption is by starting from the head. Leadership must set the example for transparency and integrity to achieve meaningful progress in this battle,” he stated.

Several private radio stations in Abeokuta broadcast the session, which focused on Obasanjo’s legacies and views on contemporary Nigeria.  

Highlighting the complex nature of corruption, Obasanjo likened it to a “babbar riga,” saying, “If you fold it on one side, it falls apart on the other side. 

It is not a one-day affair, nor is it limited to one regime. It must be a consistent and daily effort. Once any regime lets its guard down, corruption spreads.”  

The former president called for reforms in the recruitment and appointment of leaders, advocating for merit-based selections over political or tribal considerations.  

On leadership, he argued that only leaders ordained by God are likely to succeed, warning against self-made leaders or those installed through corrupt or malevolent means.  

“We must acknowledge that while some leaders are prepared by God, others may be made by Satan. The power of Satan is real, and it must not be underestimated,” he remarked. 

Obasanjo concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to holding leaders accountable, stressing that corruption can only be curtailed with sustained effort and collective responsibility.

By Anas Abbas

In a dramatic turnaround, operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two kidnappers and freed four captives, including a Nigerian and three Indian nationals, in a daring operation.

The rescue mission occurred on Sunday night along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway, near Delabo Junction, after a driver was shot and travellers kidnapped by gunmen.

Police Commissioner Abiodun Alamutu briefed reporters at the state headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, saying the anti-kidnapping squad traced the hoodlums to a bush hideout, where a fierce gun battle ensued.

“The suspects engaged our men, but our superior firepower led to the elimination of two kidnappers while others fled with injuries,” Alamutu said.

The police recovered 109 rounds of ammunition, five AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines, and two cell phones from the suspects.

The rescued hostages were reunited with their families, unharmed. The police commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, saying, “We will not tolerate criminality in Ogun State.”

This operation marks a significant victory in the fight against kidnapping and crime in the state.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

A landlord, Benjamin Apeh, has tragically died after collapsing during an argument with his tenant over unpaid rent. 

The incident occurred on Sunday at Arigbabu Village, Sotubo, in the Sagamu local government area of Ogun.

“The suspect fled the scene, but efforts are underway to apprehend him,” said SP Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer, Police Command, Ogun.

According to the police, the argument started on Saturday evening and continued on Sunday morning, with the tenant threatening to kill the landlord. 

“At around 6:30 a.m., on Sunday, she (the daughter of the deceased) heard her father again arguing with the tenant, who threatened to kill him,” said Odutola.

Unfortunately, the landlord collapsed and was rushed to NNPC Hospital, Mosimi, where he was pronounced dead. “He was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty,” said Odutola.

The body of the deceased has been deposited at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH) Morgue, Sagamu.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

In a decisive operation on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Benin expressway, the Ogun State Police Command has neutralized two suspected kidnappers in a shootout, as announced by Omolola Odutola, the command’s spokesperson.

According to Ms Odutola, the suspects met their fate during a daring rescue mission executed by police personnel to liberate abducted Indian nationals. 

The successful operation, aided by local vigilantes, led to the safe recovery of the hostages.

Identified as Tejaram Chauhan, Kaduwal Pradhan, and Medani Kathiwada, the Indian nationals had fallen victim to abduction on Friday. 

Alongside their rescue, authorities seized a substantial sum of N7.9 million, along with 1,500 Indian Rupees, believed to be part of the ransom extorted by the kidnappers.

The ordeal began when the Manager of Breeze Company Nigeria Limited, situated on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway, reported an attack to the Divisional Police Officer, Mowe Divisional Headquarters. 

The incident involved gunfire directed at vehicles transporting the manager’s principals at Kajola junction along the Sagamu-Siun-Abeokuta expressway.

While the police escort accompanying the first vehicle managed to repel the assailants and safeguard all occupants, three Indian nationals in the second vehicle were abducted. 

Prompt response from the anti-kidnapping section, in collaboration with local security units, initiated a thorough search of the area.

A fierce confrontation ensued in the forest along the Benin-Sagamu Papalanto route, resulting in the rescue of the hostages unharmed. 

Two of the six kidnappers were incapacitated during the exchange of fire, with authorities recovering two AK-47 rifles, a single-barrel locally made gun, a sword, cell phones, criminal paraphernalia, and 65 rounds of ammunition.

The deceased suspects have been transferred to the public mortuary while intensive efforts are underway to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Armed bandits struck terror into the hearts of travellers on their way to the southeast for Easter celebrations, intercepting an Abakaliki-bound luxury bus along the Ijebu Ode-Ore-Benin expressway in Ogun State.

The harrowing incident occurred at the Oke Ado junction at Ijebu Mushin.

Confirming the distressing event, SP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, revealed that the criminals, armed with cutlasses, stopped the luxury Mercedes-Benz bus that originated from Maza Maza.

They proceeded to rob all 59 passengers on board, leaving them stripped of their belongings. Without hesitation, they locked the passengers inside the bus and set it ablaze.

However, by sheer willpower and determination, the passengers managed to break the glass windows and escape from the inferno before it engulfed the entire bus.

The survivors recounted the terrifying ordeal, expressing gratitude that no lives were lost despite the loss of their possessions.

The management of Ifesinachi Transport Nig. Ltd. confirmed that the attacked bus belonged to their company, expressing shock and dismay over the tragic turn of events.

In a distressing video shared on social media, survivors recounted the brutality of the bandits, who subjected them to physical assault and robbed them of everything they possessed.

Despite the trauma inflicted upon them, they expressed gratitude for their survival.

As investigations continue into this appalling incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing travellers on Nigerian highways.

The authorities are urged to take swift and decisive action to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safety of all citizens.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A dispute over an electricity bill in Ogun State has led to the murder of a 50-year-old landlord, Monday Surulere, by a female tenant, Ifeoma Ossai, on Monday.

It was reported that the woman had a fight with Surulere over the electricity bill, which led to his death after she grabbed his manhood and dragged him with it.

However, The Daily Reality gathered that the woman was arrested by the Operatives of the Ogun Police Command on Monday.

Her arrest followed a report lodged at Sango Ota divisional headquarters by one Olaleye Taiwo, the landlord’s brother.

According to the Police Spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, following the report, the DPO Ota division, Saleh Dahiru, led his detectives to the scene, where the suspect was arrested and taken into custody for investigation.

He stated, “On interrogation, the suspect claimed that the deceased asked her to pay for the electricity bill, but she insisted that until water is directly connected to her apartment as promised by the landlord before she packed in, she will not pay the electricity or any other utility bill.

“This led to a scuffle between them consequence upon which the suspect grabbed the manhood of the deceased and dragged him with it.

“The deceased subsequently slumped, and he was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead by a doctor on duty,” Oyeyemi said.

Meanwhile, the corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the hospital mortuary for a postmortem, and the suspect has been transferred to the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended five persons suspected of being part of a group known for exhuming bodies from cemeteries and taking body parts for use in rituals.

The accused, Oshole Fayemi, 60; Oseni Adesanya, 39; Ismaila Seidu, 30; Oseni Oluwasegun, 69; and Lawal Olaiya, 50, were detained on Saturday in Odogbolu.

This was revealed by police public relations officer Abimbola Oyeyemi on Sunday.

After receiving a tip, Divisional Police Officer Godwin Idehai and his colleagues tracked them down just as they were about to leave for another human parts harvest in Ososa town.

The statement partly reads, “They said that they usually sold the exhumed body parts to their clients, who used them for money-making rituals.”

The Police PRO also revealed that Police Commissioner Frank Mba had ordered the accused to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for additional investigation and legal action.