Metro
Police begin probe into death of hotel worker in Edo
The Edo State Police Command has announced that an investigation is underway into the mysterious death of Fidelis Osaghae in the Auchi area of Edo State.
Fidelis, an employee of Valchi Fast Food and Bar, is reported to have died under questionable circumstances on Monday, 29 July 2024, after allegedly being summoned by his employer, Valentine Oyemike, in the early hours of the morning.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Joel, informed our correspondent on Saturday that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
“The case has been transferred to the homicide section of the SCID for investigation. It is a case of murder, not theft. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation is necessary. The outcome will be made public as soon as it is concluded.”
The deceased’s wife, Esther, has called for an investigation into her husband’s suspicious death.
Speaking to our correspondent last Tuesday, the nursing mother said she grew concerned when she woke up around 5 am and discovered that he had not returned from work.
She said, “My husband went to work on Sunday, 28 July.
While at work in the early hours of Monday, 29 July 2024, he called me on a video call at about 1:30 am. It is his usual practice to video call me if he is delayed in returning home.
He later rushed home at 2:30 am and told me his boss had asked him to bring ‘something’ back to work. He then left and returned to work around 2:30 am, saying he would be back soon. When it was about 5 am, I woke up and realised he had not returned. I started calling his phone but could not reach him.”
She later claimed to have contacted the supervisor at the facility, who assured her that everything was under control and ended the call. Esther added that Mr. Valentine later called her to come to the hospital.
“Several attempts to reach the supervisor to find out what happened to my husband were unsuccessful as she no longer answered her calls. Later that morning, around 6 am, I received a call from Mr. Valentine, who told me to come to Favour Hospital, Afasho, Edo State. I asked him if there was a problem, but he assured me that all was well with my husband. Since I am a nursing mother, my elder sister went to the hospital on my behalf.”
Esther said that upon arriving at the hospital, her sister found her husband’s body in Mr. Valentine’s car.
She added that the hospital later informed her that her husband’s corpse was rejected because it was brought in dead.
She also noted that she and her sister observed strange marks and injuries on the deceased’s body, which may have been a result of torture and pain inflicted before his death.
In a petition titled “Request for Investigation into the Death of Mr. Fidelis Osaghae on 29 July 2024 in Edo State,” filed by the Akin Fadeyi Foundation on behalf of the deceased’s wife, the Inspector-General of Police is urged to investigate her husband’s death.
Signed by the Executive Director, Akin Fadeyi, the foundation alleged that the local police division in Auchi has shown a lack of willingness to investigate the matter thoroughly and has already exonerated Mr. Valentine, who is reportedly an influential person in the area.
“The circumstances surrounding Mr. Fidelis’ death are suspicious, and we strongly believe that he was in the custody of Mr. Oyemike Valentine until his death.
“We are unable to place our confidence in the investigation by the Auchi division due to concerns of interference and compromise,” the petition partly read.
The foundation also claimed that the police have failed to take necessary actions to address the suspicious homicide, raising concerns of police complicity and cover-up.
“We acknowledge the presumption of innocence until proven guilty before the law in Nigeria. However, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Fidelis’ death demand a thorough investigation,” said Fadeyi.
He added that the IGP has acknowledged receipt of the petition and is expected to order a swift and comprehensive investigation into the matter.
When contacted, Valentine declined to comment, stating that he had been invited by the police.
He said, “I cannot make any comment. I have been invited by the police, and that is where I am going now. Thanks.”
Metro
School principal suspended in Akwa Ibom over poor feeding of students
The principal of Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, Akwa Ibom State, Dr NSE Sunday Umoh, has been suspended following an alleged poor feeding of students of the school.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, who announced this in a statement in Uyo on Saturday, said the suspension was in the wake of a viral video where the students were seen eating unpalatable and non-nutritious meals.
Etiebet, while condemning the act, ordered a full investigation into the incident as well as the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.
She said the review, which will focus on hostels, dining halls, recreation areas, menus, kitchens, and sanitary facilities, will be jointly overseen by the permanent secretaries of the Ministry of Education and the State Secondary Education Board.
She said: “Following the very disturbing video where students were fed with unpalatable and innutrious meals at Presbyterian Senior Science College, Ididep, I paid an unscheduled visit to the school. I have directed a comprehensive investigation into the state of boarding facilities in the school and the other 25 boarding secondary schools across the state.
“Consequently, I have also directed the immediate suspension of the principal of the school, Dr NSE Sunday Umoh, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Ministry is committed to ensuring that all public school facilities meet irreducible minimum standards that uphold the well-being of both learners and staff.”
The commissioner said though the free education policy of the state government covers tuition fees only and not boarding fees, the welfare and dignity of all students, especially those in public schools, remain a priority to government, appealing to parents to support their children.
Metro
Man Cancels Wedding Over N3.5m Bride Price List
In a story sparking intense online discussion, a man has reportedly withdrawn from a marriage proposal due to a highly demanding traditional bride price list provided by the woman’s family.
The incident, shared by social media user Princess Adeola, highlighted the emotional toll on the man and drew attention to cultural practices that some argue may discourage potential suitors.
The bride price list, meant to honor the family, included numerous items such as crates of drinks, livestock, clothing, and monetary gifts for various members of the bride’s extended family. The total value was estimated at ₦3.5 million.
The prospective groom, reportedly eager to marry and even committed to taking the bride abroad and sponsoring her education, expressed heartbreak after realizing the bride herself supported her family’s demands, citing the rising costs of living in Nigeria.
Adeola expressed sympathy for the man, describing him as a “good man” who was willing to go to great lengths for his partner. She criticized the bride’s family for what she termed “greed” and urged women to advocate for reasonable expectations from their families.
Many online users joined the discussion, debating the relevance and practicality of traditional marriage customs in modern times. While some defended the practice as a cultural heritage, others viewed it as a hindrance to relationships and an unnecessary financial burden.
See the tweets below……
https://twitter.com/_esosa/status/1860283501225902524?s=19
https://twitter.com/dearolaa/status/1860214914826051631?s=19
https://twitter.com/dearolaa/status/1860215605489811876?s=19
https://twitter.com/dearolaa/status/1860224037680546136?s=19
Metro
Nigerian Woman Arrested, Detained In Libyan Capital With 2Kg Of Cocaine
According to the report, the woman was apprehended during a targeted operation aimed at dismantling drug networks in the Libyan capital.
A Nigerian woman has been arrested by the 444th Combat Brigade during a sting operation in Tripoli, Libya, for allegedly possessing an estimated 2 kilogrammes of cocaine.
It was gathered that the woman, in collaboration with foreign accomplices, attempted to distribute the drugs on the local market.
Migrant Rescue Watch, a humanitarian monitoring group, disclosed the arrest on Saturday via their X (formerly Twitter) account.
According to the report, the woman was apprehended during a targeted operation aimed at dismantling drug networks in the Libyan capital.
The suspect is currently in custody following the completion of preliminary criminal investigations.
The statement read, “Units of 444th Combat Brig. during sting-operation in Tripoli arrested a female of Nigerian nationality in possession of est. 2 kg of cocaine. The accused in collaboration with foreign accomplices attempted to sell the drugs on the local market. #Frontex
“Following completion of criminal investigation the accused female remains in custody and the case was referred to public prosecution.”
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