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NSCDC Orders Probe As Suspected Illegal Miners Die In Custody
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State and constituted a high-powered team to investigate the incident.
The suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, triggering a national directive from the Corps headquarters.
In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
According to the Corps, the team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
The Corps is also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken, while the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody is being given utmost priority.
The national headquarters of NSCDC however cautioned against speculation on the cause of death, while the Niger State Command attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, the headquarters clarified that reports linking the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” the statement said.
While the official statement refers to “some” deaths, reports from the Niger State Command put the figure at 33 suspected miners who allegedly died after being among about 40 persons detained in the male section of the cell.
The state command had said the arrests followed a “burst operation” against illegal mining. Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has also ordered a separate investigation.
The Commissioner of Police directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Minna, to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
The Corps urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigative and medical processes to take their course, assuring that further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has denied being a member of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council ahead of the 2027 elections.
Her reaction followed the release of the party’s campaign council list on Thursday, which included her among 33 personalities under its Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate.
In a statement shared on her Instagram Story, Abraham said she had decided to stay out of politics and asked the public to disregard her inclusion in the campaign structure.
“I’m not a member of any campaign council. I have said it recently; I am staying out of politics. Please disregard the supposed inclusion of my name in any campaign committee,” she said.
The Lagos APC campaign council is scheduled for formal inauguration on Friday, September 18, at the party’s secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja.
Meanwhile, veteran actor Jide Kosoko, Fuji musicians Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, Abass Akande Obesere and Adewale Ayuba, and Nollywood stars Eniola Badmus and Bimbo Akintola were named members of the Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council.
The entertainers are among 33 personalities listed under the party’s Entertainment and Creative Economy Directorate in the campaign council released by the Kadri Obafemi Hamzat Media Centre on Thursday.
According to the list, Toke Benson-Awoyinka will serve as Director of the directorate, while Kosoko is named Co-Director and Badmus as Deputy Director.
Akeem Alimi, popularly known as Ajala Jalingo, is listed as Secretary, with Dare Olateju as Assistant Secretary.
A tortoise known as “Baba”, believed by the Alaafin of Oyo Palace to have lived for about 420 years, has died after falling ill and losing its appetite.
Baba died on Monday at the Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, according to the palace’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.
The reported age of the tortoise could not be independently verified through scientific records.
The 420-year estimate is based on the Palace’s oral history, which holds that Baba had survived several generations of Oyo monarchs.
Durojaiye said Baba was regarded as more than a pet, describing the tortoise as a historical relic inherited by successive Alaafins.
“Baba was regarded as the oldest indigene. It was the Alaafin’s most besotted pet. The incumbent Paramount Ruler met it in the Palace, as Baba was nourished by a succession of Kings, who inherited him as part of the relics of their ancestors,” he said.
According to the palace official, oral accounts traced Baba’s arrival at the present palace to Oyo-Ile, the capital of the old Oyo Empire.
The tortoise reportedly became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors who wanted to see an animal believed to have survived for centuries.
Its name, “Baba”, means father in Yoruba and reflected the affection and respect attached to the animal.
“Baba was more than a turtle in status. He represented a part of the oral history of the Yoruba race,” Durojaiye said.
He said the tortoise was cared for by two palace officials and fed with watermelon, corn pap wrapped in leaves and grass.
Durojaiye said Baba remained strong and friendly and often attracted crowds whenever visitors came to the palace.
However, the tortoise reportedly fell ill on Monday and stopped eating.
“It was just a little sickness, and Baba couldn’t eat anymore.
Then he died. Just like that,” Durojaiye said.
Baba has since been buried.
“Now, the Alaafin has lost an ageless companion,” Durojaiye said.
The African Action Congress, AAC, presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore has vowed to scrap the office of the First Lady if he becomes president in 2027.
Sowore explained that the Nigerian constitution does not give room for the office of the First Lady.
Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Tonight on Thursday, Sowore said being elected president wouldn’t change his marriage, but his wife would not take on an official role as First Lady.
He said: “The Nigerian Constitution does not include a position called First Lady. Becoming president won’t end my marriage, but I won’t take on the role of First Lady.”
He said women would still have a say in his government, but argued that keeping a job for the president’s wife was using public money for a role that isn’t officially allowed by the Constitution.
Sowore added: “Women’s voices will be heard, but I don’t think we need a First Lady who is in a position that goes against the constitution and is just spending money that should be used for moving forward and building things.
“I’m just letting you know, based on our policies, there won’t be a position for the first lady during Sowore’s presidency.”
Nollywood Actress, Toyin Abraham Rejects APC’s Appointment
NSCDC Orders Probe As Suspected Illegal Miners Die In Custody
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