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Babcock says missing student left campus without clearance

Published

8 months ago

May 6, 2025

Oladipupo Siwajuola

Babcock says missing student left campus without clearance

The management of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, has responded to recent reports surrounding the disappearance and reappearance of one of its students, Oladipupo Siwajuola.

In an official statement released by the institution’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, Joshua Suleiman, the university clarified that Siwajuola left the campus without securing proper clearance, thereby violating the school’s established protocols.

Contrary to the widespread narrative suggesting foul play or negligence on the part of the institution, the statement emphasized that the student’s exit was unauthorized and not in line with Babcock University’s procedures for student movement.

Suleiman reiterated the university’s commitment to student safety and well-being, noting that measures are in place to prevent such incidents, provided students adhere to the laid-down guidelines.

“The student’s exit from the University campus was neither approved nor known to the University at the time. In an unfortunate turn, the student’s mother took to social media to sensationalise the situation, falsely accusing Babcock University and its students of negligence and complicity.

“These public allegations were not only misleading but deeply regrettable. She was doing this while the University, rather than joining the needless engagement on social media was busy galvanizing efforts, urgently and assiduously in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), other security agencies, ever patriotic and dedicated Babcock student bodies and concerned citizens to ensure the safety and return of the student,” it stated

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Suleiman added that certain reliable sources indicated that the student, Oladipupo has returned from his hiding place to her mother’s care.

Unverified reports indicated that the student emerged from his hiding place in Akute in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, where he previously attended secondary school.

It added that Babcock University, however, has not received any official confirmation or denial of this information from the NPF.

The statement added that the mother has not contacted the University to confirm the situation. “The University currently awaits the outcome of the full scale investigation by the NPF authorities into the circumstances surrounding the student’s disappearance and re-emergence.

“It is however important to note that from the University’s records, Oladipupo exited the University’s campus without authorisation and did not follow the approved procedures for leaving University premises.

“Let it be clearly stated that Babcock University is a responsible, faith-based academic institution that takes the safety, security, and well-being of its students with the utmost seriousness.

“Our protocols for student welfare, hall monitoring, and campus safety are firmly in place and are constantly reviewed to capture emerging trends and challenges as many members of the public who have transacted with the University are already aware.

“With an on campus resident student population in the neighbourhood of 13,000, right from the start of their academic programmes till the end – the highest of such in Nigeria, Babcock University has never experienced a case of this nature in its decades-long history.

“That is a testament to the integrity of our systems and the values we uphold. Our students thrive in a morally guided, academically sound environment that has consistently produced graduates who excel in professional and public spaces across the globe; these assertions are clearly evident in the public domain,” the institution further stated.

He further disclosed that Oladipupo will appear before the Student Disciplinary Committee of the University, particularly to be given, as usual, the opportunity of fair hearing to clear himself for the misconduct allegedly perpetrated by him.

“In the same vein, any other alleged person (student or employee) indicted in the ongoing investigation, will equally appear before the appropriate University committee,” the management said.

Recall that Oladipupo’s distraught mother, Fijabi Oyindamola Omotayo who had earlier announced the disappearance of her son through the social media, confirmed that he had been found on Sunday.

“My son has been found,” Omotayo wrote without explaining the circumstances leading to the reappearance of the missing undergraduate.

Oyindamola, while making efforts to locate her son accused the school management of shielding two students – Lampard and Tobi, whom she claimed to be the last people to see Oladipupo.

“Can you explain why Lampard and Tobi, who were the last to see him, are being shielded? Why haven’t they been questioned thoroughly? Why are they being protected?” she had asked.

Babcock says missing student left campus without clearance

Related Topics:Babcock clearance Missing student

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Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending

Published

2 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Governor Siminalayi Fubara

Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have returned the ₦100,000 Christmas bonus paid into their personal bank accounts by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing the payment as unsolicited, unapproved, and a violation of constitutional provisions on public expenditure.

The lawmakers made their position known in a statement issued on Tuesday night and signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi Alabo George.

According to the statement, members of the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly received bank alerts of ₦100,000 each on December 30, 2025, following a directive from the governor. However, the Assembly said the funds were transferred without legislative approval and were therefore rejected.

George explained that upon discovering the transfers, lawmakers immediately took steps to refund the money to the Rivers State Government, stressing that the Assembly would not participate in any action that falls short of the law.

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The House recalled that Governor Fubara had approved the payment of ₦100,000 as a festive bonus for civil servants and some public office holders, but insisted that such expenditure must comply with due process and receive legislative backing.

The lawmakers further accused the governor of persistently withdrawing funds from the Consolidated Revenue Account of Rivers State without the approval of the legislature since assuming office in 2023, despite repeated warnings, court judgments, and constitutional provisions.

“As an institution established by law and guided strictly by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rivers State House of Assembly maintains that all public expenditures must follow due process, including legislative approval,” the statement read.

The Assembly also warned civil servants and government officials alleged to be collaborating in what it described as unlawful withdrawals to desist, noting that the House is aware of actions that contravene the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers.

Rivers Assembly Returns ₦100,000 Christmas Bonus, Accuses Fubara of Illegal Spending

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Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials

Published

3 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Army headquarters reviews troops combat readiness

Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials

Barely days after a deadly suicide bomb attack at Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, which claimed the lives of several worshippers, troops of the Joint Task Force North East (JTF NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected suicide bomber and the interception of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials in Borno State.

The successful operation followed sustained intelligence-led security operations aimed at securing Banki town in Bama Local Government Area, carried out by troops of the 152 Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with other security agencies.

In a statement issued Tuesday night by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, it was revealed that the suspect was apprehended at the Banki Central Mosque.

“At about 1740 hours on Monday, December 29, 2025, troops deployed at Banki Central Mosque arrested a suspected suicide bomber identified as Abubakar Mustapha,” the statement said.

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According to the military, the suspect was found in possession of primed IED components, suggesting an imminent terror attack. Preliminary investigations revealed that Mustapha hails from Bama Local Government Area and was further discovered to be in possession of other incriminating items linked to terrorist activities.

“He is currently undergoing detailed interrogation to establish his sponsors, collaborators, and possible links with JAS/ISWAP terrorist networks operating in the area,” Uba added.

In a related development, troops deployed at the Cameroon–Nigeria border gate intercepted a Peugeot vehicle conveying six bags of urea fertiliser, a critical IED precursor material. The vehicle and the fertiliser were immediately taken into military custody.

Further intelligence exploitation led to the arrest of the fertiliser dealer and the recovery of an additional six bags of urea, bringing the total seized to 12 bags. All suspects and recovered items are currently in custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Lt. Col. Uba said troops of JTF NE OPHK continue to dominate their areas of responsibility through aggressive patrols, sustained presence, and intelligence-driven operations to deny terrorists freedom of action and prevent attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure.

He assured the public that the morale and fighting efficiency of troops remain high, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and security in North East Nigeria.

The military also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies in support of ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Borno: Troops Foil Suicide Attack, Arrest Bomber, Seize IED Materials

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VIDEO: Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos

Published

3 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

VIDEO: Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos

Traders at the Army Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos State, were thrown into panic on Tuesday evening following a fire outbreak that engulfed sections of the busy commercial hub, destroying several shops and goods.

The incident was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle. LASTMA disclosed that emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene to contain the inferno.

“There’s a fire outbreak inside Arena Shopping Mall along Agege Motor Road, Oshodi. Men of @LagosRescue are on ground to extinguish the inferno,” the agency stated.

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Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly through parts of the market, forcing traders and customers to flee for safety as thick smoke billowed into the sky. Several container shops were reportedly razed, with traders lamenting the loss of valuable merchandise, including textiles, electronics, and household goods.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, alongside other emergency agencies, worked to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining sections of the market and nearby buildings. As of the time of filing this report, no casualties had been officially confirmed, while the cause of the fire was yet to be determined.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over frequent fire outbreaks in Lagos markets, particularly in densely populated commercial centres such as Oshodi, where traders have repeatedly called for improved fire safety measures, better electrical standards, and faster emergency response.

Oshodi Traders Count Losses as Fire Ravages Army Arena Market in Lagos

Wike | Sina Ghami | #NIGUGA | Accident | Diogo Jota | #โดมปกรณ์ลัม | Anthony Joshua pic.twitter.com/UrFd9MZnt1

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) December 30, 2025