Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped - Newstrends
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Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

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Jason Hughes
Jason Hughes

Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

The family of Jason Hughes, a Georgia high school teacher who died after a student prank went wrong, has called on authorities to drop the criminal charges filed against the teenagers involved.

Hughes, 40, a mathematics teacher at North Hall High School in Hall County, Georgia, died on Friday, March 6, after he was accidentally run over during a prank outside his home.

According to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, a group of students had gone to the teacher’s residence to carry out a prank commonly known as “toilet papering” or “rolling”, where trees and yards are covered with toilet paper.

Investigators said the students attempted to leave the area in two vehicles when Hughes came outside after noticing the prank.

Because it had been raining, Hughes reportedly slipped while moving toward the students and fell into the road.

Authorities said Jayden Ryan Wallace, 18, was driving one of the vehicles when Hughes fell into the roadway and was struck as the car drove away.

The teenagers stopped immediately and attempted to help the teacher before emergency responders arrived. Hughes was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

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Following the incident, Wallace was charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, criminal trespass and littering, while the four other teenagers involved were charged with criminal trespass and littering.

Despite the charges, Hughes’ family has publicly appealed for leniency, describing the incident as a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act.

In a statement to NBC News, the family revealed that Hughes had actually been aware that students planned to prank him and had been looking forward to catching them in the act.

They explained that the teacher slipped on the wet ground and fell into the street moments before the vehicle passed.

According to the family, Hughes had a deep connection with his students and dedicated much of his life to supporting them.

“He loved these kids, and they loved him too,” the family said, adding that they support dropping the charges against all the students involved.

“Our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring by ruining the lives of these students. That would go against Jason’s lifelong dedication to investing in the lives of young people,” the statement read.

The family also asked the public to pray for both their family and the students involved.

“We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families,” they said.

Hughes’ brother, Richard Hughes, described him as an exceptional person and mentor.

“He was my mentor and someone I looked up to. It’s just tragic and sad all around,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lee Darragh said the case is still under investigation and it is too early to determine whether the charges will proceed.

“It is much too early in this process. I’ll not be commenting until the closure of the case,” Darragh said.

Authorities say the Hall County Sheriff’s Office investigation is ongoing as they continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.

The tragedy has sparked wider conversations about student pranks, school safety, and how seemingly harmless acts can quickly lead to devastating consequences.

Family of Teacher Killed in Student Prank Tragedy Wants Charges Against Teens Dropped

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Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

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July 24, 2026

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Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists
Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

The Nigerian Army has declared Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu wanted for allegedly selling military uniforms to terrorists and criminal groups, raising urgent concerns about insider threats and national security vulnerabilities.

The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) announced the development in a statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026, signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko. The military authorities said preliminary investigations linked Amutu to the unauthorised distribution of military uniforms before he reportedly disappeared from his duty post. According to the Army, Amutu was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he allegedly absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026. His disappearance triggered further investigations, which uncovered allegations connecting him to the illegal movement and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements. Military authorities have since declared him wanted, and intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him so that he can face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with existing military laws. “The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements,” the statement read.

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Emphasising its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps warned that any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals, or other non-state actors through the unauthorised sale, diversion, or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements, or other controlled items would face the full weight of both military and civil laws. “The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps wishes to state unequivocally that it has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security,” Aluko stated. The Corps said it is committed to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of military assets. It assured Nigerians that it would continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated, while those found culpable are held fully accountable.

Security experts say the unauthorised sale of military uniforms poses a critical security risk, as it allows terrorist groups to disguise themselves as soldiers during attacks, making it difficult for civilians to differentiate between genuine troops and impostors. The development comes barely days after the Presidency warned of the possible infiltration of security agencies by terrorists and criminal elements, raising fresh concerns over insider threats within the nation’s security architecture. Military uniforms and related items are considered controlled materials whose unauthorised distribution poses serious security risks, especially when they fall into the hands of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups. Security agencies have repeatedly expressed concerns over the use of military uniforms by criminal elements to deceive members of the public, evade security checks, and carry out attacks while impersonating security personnel.

The Corps appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier. Anyone with useful information regarding Amutu’s whereabouts has been urged to report to the nearest military formation or any security agency for immediate action. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of military assets. It reiterated that allegations of misconduct involving its personnel would not be ignored and would be subjected to transparent investigation.

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

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Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits

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July 24, 2026

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Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits

Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, officially launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara State on Thursday, declaring that the outfit would flush bandits out of the state’s forests and prevent criminal groups from using the areas as safe havens.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Igbomina House in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, marked a significant step in Igboho’s efforts to establish a regional security framework to complement the work of conventional security agencies.

Speaking at the launch, Igboho announced that the Iru Ekun Security Network would immediately commence operations in Babanla, a community he described as a “stronghold of bandits,” and later return to Eruku, which the group had passed through on its way from Kogi State. “The presence of the Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara has already unsettled the criminals. We are heading to Babanla, which many people now describe as a stronghold of bandits,” Igboho declared. “We also passed through Eruku on our way from Kogi State, and we will return there. This is our ancestral land, and no criminal can force us to abandon it. Those hiding in our forests cannot intimidate us into surrendering our communities,” he added.

The activist stressed that the security outfit was established not to replace the Nigeria Police Force, military, or other security agencies but to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace across the state. “Our mission in Kwara is to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies. While local communities can contribute to protecting themselves, that alone is not enough. We must work hand in hand with the police, the military and other security agencies. If we unite, we can drastically reduce kidnapping, banditry and every other form of terrorism in our society,” he said.

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Igboho alleged that the activities of bandits and kidnappers had persisted largely because of information and support provided by local collaborators within communities, and he urged residents, particularly young people, to assist in exposing criminal elements. “Bandits are not spirits. They have continued to operate because some people within our communities provide them with information and support. It is time for us to hold ourselves accountable. Our youths must rise to defend their communities because, with unity and cooperation, we can confront these criminals,” he said. He issued a stern warning to those involved in aiding criminal groups: “If you know you are involved in activities that encourage banditry or threaten the peace of our state, this is the time to stop or leave. Anyone found participating in such crimes will face the consequences.”

The activist firmly dismissed claims that the Iru Ekun Security Network was established to target Fulani people, insisting that its operations are directed solely at criminals irrespective of their ethnic background. “Some people have been spreading the false narrative that Sunday Igboho has come to Kwara to fight the Fulani. That is completely untrue. We have no problem with innocent Fulani people or any other ethnic group. Our fight is against criminals, regardless of where they come from. We are all Nigerians,” he stated. He advised residents not to take the law into their own hands but to report suspected criminals to the police, adding: “If you suspect anyone of aiding bandits and the person is unarmed, hand the suspect over to the police. Do not take the law into your own hands. However, anyone carrying sophisticated weapons in our forests or attempting to invade our communities poses an immediate threat to innocent lives and must be stopped before carrying out any attack.”

Igboho commended the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, for what he described as his professionalism and willingness to collaborate with local security initiatives, recalling a previous operation around the Oyo-Kwara boundary where police personnel were deployed to support rescue efforts. “The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, is a hardworking and dedicated officer. During one of our rescue operations, we combed the forests linking Oyo and Kwara states. When we crossed into the Kwara axis, I informed him of our movement, and he immediately deployed police personnel to support us on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police,” Igboho said. He also dismissed reports that Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had opposed his visit to the state, saying he believed the governor shared the concerns of residents over the worsening security situation. This followed earlier allegations from his aide that the governor, being Fulani, had stopped the visit. “I should have arrived in Ilorin much earlier, but there were rumours that the governor did not approve of my visit. I found that difficult to believe because I know Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq would not make such a decision. I also believe he is deeply concerned about the persistent killings and kidnappings in Kwara. If that were not the case, he would not have deployed security agencies to protect the people,” he said.

The activist attributed the establishment of the Iru Ekun Security Network to President Bola Tinubu and offered prayers for the President’s continued good health and successful tenure. “All the praise being showered on the Iru Ekun Security Network belongs to President Bola Tinubu. May God grant him good health and the grace to successfully complete his eight years in office,” he said. Igboho added that members of the outfit had been directed to operate in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other recognised security agencies while carrying out their activities in Kwara State.

The inauguration comes amid heightened insecurity in parts of Kwara South Senatorial District, where recurring attacks by armed groups have displaced residents and forced some traditional rulers to abandon their communities. The launch followed days of controversy over Igboho’s planned visit after reports claimed the Kwara State Government had barred him from entering the state. Despite the speculation, the event went ahead in Ilorin, with Igboho reaffirming that the Iru Ekun Security Network would collaborate with existing security agencies in efforts to tackle insecurity across the state. The launch also comes amid growing concerns among Fulani residents in the South-West, who have expressed fear over the profiling of their community in connection with criminal activities, while security experts have called for proper regulation of non-state security outfits to prevent ethnic witch-hunts and ensure accountability.

Igboho Launches Iru Ekun Security Network in Kwara, Vows to Reclaim Forests from Bandits

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Trackers, Profiling as FG Unveils Special Guards to Secure Coastal Highway

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July 24, 2026

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Trackers, Profiling as FG Unveils Special Guards to Secure Coastal Highway

By Dada Jackson

The Federal Government has stepped up efforts to safeguard the multi-billion-naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway from vandalism by profiling all 40 newly inaugurated Coastal Road Guards, documenting their guarantors and installing tracking devices on their patrol motorcycles to ensure they are used strictly for official duties.

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mr. Olufemi Dare, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of the specially trained guards, saying the initiative was designed to provide round-the-clock surveillance and protect the strategic highway from criminal activities and infrastructure vandalism.

According to Dare, the decision followed repeated cases of vandalism along the highway, where newly installed manhole covers, directional signs and other road facilities were stolen or damaged shortly after installation, even after being replaced.

He said the persistent destruction of public infrastructure made it imperative for the Ministry of Works to establish a dedicated security outfit focused solely on protecting the highway and preserving the huge investment committed to the project.

Dare explained that the 40 guards underwent specialised training conducted by the Nigeria Police Force and were equipped with motorcycles, helmets, walkie-talkies, flashlights and other operational tools to enhance their efficiency on patrol.

He stressed that every member of the team had been properly profiled, with guarantors documented, while trackers had been fitted to their motorcycles to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of government property.

The controller urged the guards to discharge their responsibilities with discipline, professionalism and integrity, warning that any misconduct would attract appropriate sanctions.

He outlined their responsibilities to include preventing the use of motorcycles and tricycles on the highway, stopping indiscriminate parking of trailers and trucks, checking illegal U-turns, curbing vandalism of road facilities, preventing illegal grazing, street trading, unlawful occupation of the highway corridor and indiscriminate dumping of refuse.

“The guards are expected to monitor the highway day and night, arrest offenders where necessary and hand them over to the appropriate security agencies,” Dare said.

He also commended the supervisors, administrative officers and guards for their dedication throughout the training programme and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Speaking on behalf of the team, the Deputy Team Lead of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Kelvin Okereke, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Omahi, for creating the initiative, describing it as a valuable source of employment and empowerment for many Nigerians.

Okereke noted that beyond opening up economic opportunities through the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the project had also reinforced the need for Nigerians to protect critical national infrastructure.

He appealed to members of the public to regard the protection of government assets as a shared civic responsibility.

Also speaking, the Chief Security Officer of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Paul Mbam, said the initiative had not only provided him with gainful employment but also equipped him with valuable security training and operational skills that would enhance his effectiveness on the job.

The Administrative Officer of the Coastal Road Guards, Mr. Augustine Usumero, assured that the team would maintain proper operational records, ensure prudent management of government assets entrusted to it and work closely with relevant authorities to achieve the programme’s objectives.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would deliver the desired results, noting that the guards had already demonstrated a high level of commitment during their training and preliminary assessments.

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