Cultists Storm Lagos Wedding, Kill Bride’s Father, Hypeman

A wedding celebration in Lagos State turned deadly on Saturday after suspected cultists stormed a reception venue and shot dead a bride’s father and a popular hypeman identified as Victor in the Ikotun area.

The incident reportedly occurred on Governor’s Road, Oviawe Street, shortly after the wedding ceremony had ended and guests had moved to an after-party event.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly and opened fire indiscriminately, causing guests to flee in panic. The hypeman, Victor, was said to have been entertaining guests when the gunmen invaded the venue.

A resident identified as Tosin said the attackers immediately targeted Victor, dragging him outside before assaulting him with weapons.

“They went straight to Victor, dragged him outside and started beating him with dangerous weapons,” he said.

Another witness said the bride’s father was killed while attempting to intervene and plead for Victor’s life.

“When the gunmen were beating Victor, the bride’s father rushed to intervene. They shot both of them. They died on the spot,” the source said.

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The attack reportedly caused chaos across the community, with residents and business owners rushing indoors as gunshots rang out. The violence is believed to have occurred during a crowded celebration, making escape difficult for many guests.

Locals suggested the incident may not have been directly linked to the wedding itself but could be connected to ongoing cult-related violence in the Ikotun area, which has experienced repeated clashes between rival groups in recent months.

Another resident, who identified Victor as a familiar figure in the community, described him as a well-known entertainer who regularly performed at local events.

Police spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command confirmed that an investigation has begun and that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further probe.

“The matter is being investigated; it will be transferred to the SCID today unfailingly,” the spokesperson said.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects involved, while security has been stepped up in the area following the attack.

The incident adds to growing concerns over cult violence in Lagos communities, where rival groups have increasingly disrupted public gatherings and residential areas, raising fears over civilian safety during social events.

Cultists Storm Lagos Wedding, Kill Bride’s Father, Hypeman

EFCC Arraigns Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Over Alleged ₦36bn Misappropriation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Apo, Abuja, over alleged large-scale financial misconduct.

Ayeni was docked on Monday on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds, and unlawful transfer of depositors’ money. He is accused of diverting funds allegedly worth about ₦36 billion during his tenure as chairman of the bank.

The EFCC told the court that between October 21 and November 19, 2014, Ayeni allegedly had control over depositors’ funds domiciled in the bank’s suspense account and dishonestly misappropriated ₦3.2 billion. The agency further alleged that the funds were transferred to Misa Limited’s account with Zenith Bank Plc in violation of banking regulations, including prudential guidelines governing financial institutions.

The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 311 and 286 of the Penal Code and are punishable under Sections 312 and 287 of the same law.

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When the charges were read in open court, Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ekele Iheanacho, urged the court to fix a date for trial and requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending commencement of proceedings.

Ayeni’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution. He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to allow the application to be heard, describing his client as a seasoned legal practitioner of over 35 years and assuring the court that he would ensure the defendant’s appearance at subsequent hearings.

After listening to both sides, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application. The judge also ordered that Ayeni be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail request.

The case is part of ongoing EFCC efforts to prosecute legacy financial sector cases linked to alleged corporate governance failures and mismanagement in the banking sector, particularly around the period leading to the restructuring of Skye Bank, which was later replaced by Polaris Bank following regulatory intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

EFCC Arraigns Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Over Alleged ₦36bn Misappropriation

Xenophobia: Nigeria Demands Justice Over Killing of Citizens in South Africa

The Federal Government has stepped up diplomatic pressure on South Africa, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of two Nigerians, as concerns grow over renewed xenophobic tensions targeting foreign nationals.

The position was made known by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, following a high-level meeting in Abuja between Nigerian officials and South Africa’s diplomatic representatives.

The meeting involved the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria, Lesoli Machele, among other diplomats, and was held on the directive of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Nigeria expressed deep concern over ongoing protests in parts of South Africa where groups have reportedly called for foreigners—particularly black Africans—to leave the country, warning that the situation has heightened fear among Nigerians living there.

The government confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians—Nnaemeka Matthew Andrew Ekpeyong and Kelvin Chidiebere Amaramiro—who allegedly died after sustaining injuries while in the custody of South African security agencies. According to officials, Ekpeyong died on April 21, 2026, while in the custody of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, after reportedly suffering injuries linked to personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Amaramiro, on the other hand, died on April 25, 2026, at Livingstone Hospital in the Eastern Cape following an alleged assault by SANDF personnel.

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The Federal Government described the incidents as disturbing and said they have triggered anxiety within the Nigerian community, calling for urgent and credible remedial action.

Nigeria has formally demanded a transparent investigation into the deaths, including access to autopsy reports, post-mortem documentation, and relevant case files. It also stressed the need for accountability, insisting that any personnel found culpable must face appropriate disciplinary and legal consequences.

Beyond the specific incidents, Nigeria raised alarm over broader threats against foreign nationals, urging South African authorities to take proactive steps to prevent incitement, intimidation, and violence.

As part of diplomatic measures, Nigeria is fast-tracking the implementation of a bilateral Early Warning Mechanism designed to improve rapid response to xenophobic threats. The government confirmed that it recently received a signed copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from South Africa and is pushing for its immediate activation.

Officials say the mechanism will serve as a practical channel for intelligence sharing, early alerts, and de-escalation whenever threats to Nigerians arise.

The government also called on South Africa to ensure the safety and dignity of Nigerians residing lawfully in the country, emphasizing the need to rebuild confidence among the diaspora community.

Meanwhile, Nigeria acknowledged recent protests by its citizens at the South African High Commission in Abuja but urged restraint, while assuring that diplomatic engagement remains ongoing.

During discussions, concerns were raised over the lack of arrests and what many perceive as repeated assurances without concrete action. In response, the Nigerian government stressed that it expects more than verbal commitments.

“We are not satisfied with just statements. We need actions,” the ministry’s spokesperson said, underscoring Nigeria’s demand for tangible outcomes.

On the issue of Nigerians seeking to return home, the government noted that there are different categories of returnees, including those who feel unsafe and those facing documentation challenges. While voluntary return remains self-funded for now, officials indicated that government intervention could be considered if the situation deteriorates further.

Analysts say the latest development underscores recurring tensions in Nigeria–South Africa relations, particularly around xenophobic violence, and highlights the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and stronger enforcement mechanisms to protect foreign nationals.

Xenophobia: Nigeria Demands Justice Over Killing of Citizens in South Africa