News
Stampede: Court grants bail to Ooni’s Ex-Queen, two others

By Francesca Hangeior
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of a High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted bail to three suspects remanded over a food queue stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, last December.
The three suspects are ex-Queen Naomi Silekunola, Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and a school principal Abdullahi Fasasi.
The accused are facing four counts of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin of a High Court sitting in Ibadan has granted bail to three suspects remanded over a food queue stampede that claimed the lives of 35 minors in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, last December.
The three suspects are ex-Queen Naomi Silekunola, Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat and a school principal Abdullahi Fasasi.
The accused are facing four counts of conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
The trio were granted bail in the sum of N10 million and two sureties in like sum.
The court also ruled that Hamzat’s organisation, Agidigbo FM, must not broadcast any news relating to the ongoing trial.
Earlier, the defendants argued their bail applications before the court last Tuesday, but the court ruled that the defendants should be remanded in a correctional facility till Monday, January 13, for a ruling on their bail applications.
Last Tuesday, the defence team made a case for bail, arguing that the accused didn’t pose a flight risk and were willing to cooperate with the investigation.
However, the Oyo State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Abiodun Aikomo, opposed the applications, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the need to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
The defendants were arrested over the stampede at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, venue of a children funfair which claimed the lives of about 35 children.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had insisted that those involved in the stampede must face trial.
He, however, added that he wasn’t against the suspects being granted bail.
The trio were facing trial on a four-count charge bordering on negligence, criminal conspiracy, among others.
News
Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.
According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.
Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.
He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.
During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.
In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.
Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).
The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).
All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.
Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.
He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.
While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,
Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”
In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.
The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.
The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.
A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.
Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.
“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”
He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.
“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.
“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.
News
OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme
In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D
Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.
Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.
“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.
The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.
Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.
Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.
News
Just in: Founder of Diamond Bank and ex-chairman of MTN, Paschal Dozie is dead

Pascal Gabriel Dozie, founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and a former chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at 85 from an undisclosed ailment, a source close to the family revealed.
-
News21 hours ago
Just in: Presidency Insists INEC Chairman, Yakubu Not Sacked
-
News2 hours ago
Just in: Founder of Diamond Bank and ex-chairman of MTN, Paschal Dozie is dead
-
News22 hours ago
JUST IN: Police Nab leaders of April 7 nationwide protest
-
News9 hours ago
Rainfall washes away newly constructed multi-million naira road in Edo State
-
News21 hours ago
FG Orders NYSC To Stop Early Morning Drills For Corps Members
-
News21 hours ago
Just in: Saudi Arabia Suspends Visa Issuance to Nigeria, 13 Other Countries
-
News8 hours ago
Evangelist Kekere Jesu buried amidst deep sorrow
-
Metro9 hours ago
Stray bullet from VIP convoy kills bystander in Abuja