Ondo High Chief Shot Dead During Colleague’s Burial, One Arrested

A traditional ruler in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, has been shot dead during the burial rites of a fellow traditional ruler.

The incident occurred on Tuesday as traditional rulers, community leaders and other mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony.

Akinola was reportedly struck in the head by a bullet during the proceedings and died from his injuries.

The shooting triggered panic among mourners and disrupted the burial ceremony as people scrambled for safety.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. Some accounts in the community have described it as an accidental discharge, but the police have not confirmed that explanation.

The Ondo State Police Command has, however, confirmed the death and announced the arrest of one suspect in connection with the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said a thorough investigation had commenced.

“One suspect arrested. Meanwhile, thorough investigation has commenced,” Jimoh said.

The police have not publicly identified the suspect or disclosed the type of firearm involved.

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Investigators are expected to establish who was handling the weapon, how it was discharged and whether the shooting was accidental or deliberate.

A video reportedly showing part of the funeral gathering circulated online after the incident, although the full circumstances surrounding the footage and the shooting have not been independently established.

The death has thrown Ayeka community into mourning, coming at a ceremony intended to honour another traditional ruler who had died.

The incident has also renewed concerns about the presence and handling of firearms during public gatherings and traditional ceremonies.

For now, the police investigation remains ongoing, and no official conclusion has been reached on whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.

Ondo High Chief Shot Dead During Colleague’s Burial, One Arrested

NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has warned Nigerians, particularly job seekers, against fake recruitment advertisements and forged appointment letters being circulated by fraudsters seeking to deceive members of the public.

The warning was contained in a public notice issued by the Fund and circulated to its Regional and Branch Managers through a memorandum dated October 5, 2026, signed by the Executive Director, Administration, Samaila Abdu.

NSITF said it is not currently recruiting for any position, describing employment advertisements circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, as fake.

The Fund said individuals and groups were falsely presenting themselves as representatives of NSITF and using purported employment opportunities to target unsuspecting members of the public.

It urged Nigerians to disregard such advertisements and not make payments to anyone in exchange for employment opportunities.

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NSITF stressed that it does not charge applicants any fee for employment and does not conduct recruitment through unofficial social media platforms or other unauthorised channels.

The Fund said genuine NSITF recruitment opportunities, whenever available, would be announced through its official communication channels.

“Stay alert, stay safe,” the Fund advised, urging anyone who encounters suspicious recruitment advertisements or requests to avoid responding and report them to the appropriate NSITF authorities.

The Fund has also directed all its Regional and Branch Managers to prominently display the warning at strategic locations within their offices.

The directive covers reception areas, main entrances and exits, notice boards, SERVICOM desks and other locations accessible to staff and members of the public.

NSITF said the notices should remain visible to help protect job seekers and other members of the public from fraudulent recruitment activities.

The Fund further urged Nigerians to verify recruitment claims through official NSITF channels before providing personal information, making payments or taking any other action.

The NSITF warning comes amid continued concerns over online recruitment scams in which fraudsters exploit job seekers by offering supposed government employment in exchange for money or personal information.

NSITF reiterated that legitimate employment opportunities would be communicated through its recognised channels and warned Nigerians to remain vigilant when responding to unsolicited job offers.

NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters

Court Denies Bail To Anambra Pastor Accused Of Marrying Mother, Daughter

The Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka has denied bail to Harrison Anazodo, a pastor and spiritualist facing a seven-count charge over alleged abduction, forced marriage and other offences.

Justice Jude Obiora rejected the bail application as proceedings continued in the case involving the General Overseer of Day Spring Assembly.

Anazodo had sought bail through his lawyer, W. Abonye, who reportedly cited health concerns in asking the court to release his client.

However, the prosecution, led by Chief State Counsel Chineze Ekwerekwu, opposed the application.

The prosecution filed a 20-paragraph counter-affidavit and two exhibits in opposition to the bail request and told the court that the state was ready to proceed with the trial.

The allegations against Anazodo include claims that he abducted a woman and her daughter and allegedly subjected them to forced marriage. He is also accused of taking several women as wives and engaging in conduct allegedly prohibited under the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, 2025.

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Anazodo has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the allegations against him have not been established by the court.

The case attracted public attention following his arrest by officials of the Anambra State Government in June. Reports surrounding the arrest also alleged that about 11 babies were found at his residence.

The prosecution is expected to call witnesses as the trial progresses, with the state indicating its readiness to present its case.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until October 16, 2026, for further proceedings.

There was also a confrontation involving some of the defendant’s supporters and journalists at the court premises. Reports said some journalists were allegedly prevented from recording the defendant’s arrival, with claims that phones and cameras belonging to some members of the media were damaged.

The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of the court by Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN. Defence counsel subsequently apologised over the incident, while the court directed that damaged equipment be replaced.

With the bail application rejected, Anazodo will remain in custody as the criminal trial continues.

Court Denies Bail To Anambra Pastor Accused Of Marrying Mother, Daughter