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Ogun: Two down as cultists operate in broad daylight, ignore Gov Abiodun’s threat

Published

4 years ago

November 4, 2021

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun

The once peaceful Ogun State seems to be gradually becoming a ‘battlefield’ where cultists carry out their nefarious activities with no holds barred, DAILY POST reports.

Lately, cultists and other criminal gangs have dared the police and the state government by going after their victims in broad daylight, killing and maiming.

This is happening in spite of threats by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, that he would deal decisively with cultists, demolish their houses and prosecute their parents.

“If I catch anybody engaging in cultism, the person, his parents and their house will be severely dealt with.

“Any house where a cultist is discovered will be demolished. Parents should warn their children because it is going to be tough.

“Our state is adjudged the most peaceful state in this country. Without peace, there cannot be meaningful socio-economic development. So, we will deal decisively with anyone that wants to disturb our peace in this state,” the governor seriously warned recently.

However, it appears the cultists in Ogun were not moved by the governor’s threat as cult clashes became a regular occurrence in the Gateway State, especially in Abeokuta, the State capital and in Ijebu-Ode.

Recently, Abiodun admitted that cultism is one of the security challenges facing the State. He, however, said he believed “that the cult activities have abated now because of the joint efforts of the Nigeria Police, the State Security Services and the Nigerian Army.”

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But, the current reality in Ogun did not correlate with Abiodun’s claim that cult clashes were abating in the State. This is because the cultists, who usually carried out their deadly clashes at night before, have now been emboldened to the extent of chasing a victim on a motorcycle until he was hacked to death at Kuto around 2:30pm on Tuesday.

That same day, another young man simply identified as Alagbole was killed by the same set of people at Elite road, Abeokuta, in the full glare of traders and passers-by.

The cultists threw a section of Abeokuta into confusion by parading the metropolis on about three motorcycles with dangerous weapons without any regard for security agents.

The police in Ogun State has confirmed the worrisome incident that left many disturbed, adding that some of those behind the criminal acts have been arrested.

While confirming that one person was killed at Elite road, Oyeyemi said he was yet to be briefed about the Kuto incident.

But a reliable source confirmed to our correspondent that the okada rider hacked at Kuto had his body deposited at a mortuary in Abeokuta.

Oyeyemi said the killings could not be unconnected with the usual supremacy battle between the various cult groups.

Interestingly, when the killings were going on in Abeokuta yesterday, Gov Abiodun was in Lagos, revealing how the state under his watch had been tackling insecurity and making Ogun safe for investors.

Abiodun spoke at the 2021 Capacity Building Workshop for security agencies in Lagos and Ogun States, organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone II Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.

According to him, local vigilantes, Community Development Associations and the Amotekun Corps had been mainstreamed into the state security architecture to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in policing Ogun.

He pointed out that the current insecurity in the country could be reduced to the barest minimum if more jobs were created and more youths empowered.

“Fighting insecurity is not just by arming the police and the military. There is a nexus between insecurity, poverty, education, drug abuse and all other socio-economics indices. As much as it is good to equip the police as we have done that in Ogun. It is important to ensure that we look at the various interventions on how to reduce unemployment,” he added.

Abiodun said state-based security agencies had been created to deal with peculiar security challenges because the national police would not be able to handle the enormous security issues in all parts of the country.

However, speaking on the security challenges in Ogun, a resident, Michael Ogunsiji, said: “Governor Dapo Abiodun declared open 2021 Capacity Building for Nigeria Police Force in Lagos with the theme: ‘Internal security operations in a democratic dispensation.’

“But, his home state, cultists are having field days carrying arms and other dangerous weapons freely without any disturbance; killing two people at Elite road and Kuto today in broad daylight. Yet, some ‘no brainers’ are saying Ogun is safe in the hand of the Governor.

“If this can happen in the state capital without anyone challenging these criminals and other security threats, what would be the faith of the rural settlers?

“Mr. Governor, the killings are getting too much. You need to wake up and do something.

“Residents of Sapon, Oke-Ijemo, Ake, Ijemo, Ago-Oko, Oke Lantoro, Leme, Mokola, Saje, Ajitadun, Arinlese, Oju Ogbara, Ijaiye, Ilugun cannot sleep with their two eyes closed.

“It has worsened to the extent that, residents and shop owners of these areas have to close their businesses as soon it is 7pm for fear of cultists attacks.”

Meanwhile, other residents of Abeokuta have called on Abiodun to make good his threat by waging serious way against cultism and other acts of criminality in the State, especially kidnapping which the governor himself has identified as another challenge.

One Dayo Akanbi narrated how cultists trouble places like Ijemo, Ilogbo, Ago Oko, Isale Ake, Ejigbo, Oke Lantoro and others, asking the police and government to take action.

He said, “There is no more security in Abeokuta again. On daily basis, cultists engage in clashes, fighting and killing one another. They are even using the opportunity to rob people in places around Abeokuta. The government should do something before everything gets out of hand.”

In his word, a commentator, Akorode Khameel, asked, “Where were the security operatives when these cultists were butchering an Okada rider without getting disturbed right in the act?”

Khameel spoke further that, “Talk of the spate of insecurity again in the state and the country in general. How did we get here? I know cultists have no regard for values but, what about laws? Now people will start living in perpetual fear. The government should please make Abeokuta and other areas in the state safe for us.”

David Adegbola suggested that Ogun government should set up a joint security patrol, involving the police and the military.

“I think there should be a joint task patrol in the state, especially Abeokuta metropolis. It is not until an election is coming before joint task force patrol should come up. Also, it should be made up of police, the Army, Navy and other security agencies.”

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Anambra Govt Shuts NASPA Market Over Sit‑At‑Home Defiance

Published

2 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo

Anambra Govt Shuts NASPA Market Over Sit‑At‑Home Defiance

The Anambra State Government has closed the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market at Nkwo Nnewi after traders failed to comply with a directive by Chukwuma Soludo to end the Monday sit‑at‑home order that had disrupted business activities in the state.

The closure, which took effect from midnight Monday, will last until Monday, March 2, with a warning from authorities that further sanctions may follow if compliance remains low when the market reopens.

According to Dr. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, the shutdown followed low adherence to Gov. Soludo’s earlier directive requiring markets, schools, and businesses to operate normally on Mondays. The closure order was issued on behalf of the governor by the Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.

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“Traders and customers are advised to avoid NASPA Market until next Monday to prevent any issues with law enforcement agents,” Mefor said, stressing the importance of restoring economic normalcy in Anambra.

While most markets in the state resumed regular operations on Monday following the governor’s late January order, some traders at NASPA Market opted to remain closed, citing pressure from groups supporting the sit‑at‑home practice.

Market leaders explained that many traders initially feared unrest and potential backlash, but state authorities have increased security presence and engaged with local stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for business.

Analysts note that the government’s action reflects its commitment to economic recovery, safeguarding livelihoods, and reinforcing compliance with state directives in key commercial hubs like Nnewi and Awka, known for their vibrant trading activities.

The state government reiterated that its firm stance is aimed at protecting jobs, boosting business confidence, and ensuring uninterrupted trade across Anambra State.

Anambra Govt Shuts NASPA Market Over Sit‑At‑Home Defiance

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EFCC Nabs 20, Seizes ₦17m Over Vote Buying in FCT Elections

Published

2 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

EFCC Nabs 20, Seizes ₦17m Over Vote Buying in FCT Elections

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 20 suspects over alleged vote buying and other electoral offences during Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, the anti-graft agency disclosed that its operatives recovered more than ₦17 million in cash from some of the suspects during coordinated enforcement operations across the territory.

According to the EFCC, arrests were recorded in Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils, with offences ranging from vote buying and vote selling to the unlawful possession of large sums of cash near polling units.

The commission revealed that one suspect was intercepted with ₦13.5 million inside a vehicle parked close to a polling unit in Kwali Area Council, raising strong suspicion that the money was intended for voter inducement. Other suspects were arrested with varying amounts of cash allegedly meant to influence voters during the election.

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The EFCC said the operation was part of its pre-election and election-day deployment aimed at curbing the influence of money in the electoral process and strengthening electoral integrity in the nation’s capital.

“All suspects arrested will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the commission stated, reiterating that vote buying and selling are criminal offences under Nigeria’s laws.

The FCT Area Council elections recorded low voter turnout, while allegations of electoral malpractice emerged from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose candidates lost in several councils.

Despite the controversy, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated the polls, winning five of the six chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair and credible elections, warning politicians, party agents and voters that the commission would continue to deploy operatives to monitor elections and prosecute offenders.

EFCC Nabs 20, Seizes ₦17m Over Vote Buying in FCT Elections

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El-Rufai Sues ICPC for ₦1bn Over Alleged Illegal Raid on Abuja Residence

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2 hours ago

February 23, 2026

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Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai

El-Rufai Sues ICPC for ₦1bn Over Alleged Illegal Raid on Abuja Residence

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has instituted a ₦1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the alleged unlawful invasion and search of his Abuja residence.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, El-Rufai is asking the court to invalidate a search warrant issued on February 4 by a Chief Magistrate of the Magistrate’s Court of the FCT, describing it as defective, vague, and unconstitutional.

The former governor, through his legal team led by Oluwole Iyamu, argued that the warrant lacked specificity, contained material drafting and typographical errors, was overbroad, and was issued without probable cause, thereby violating his constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

El-Rufai named the ICPC, the Chief Magistrate of the FCT Magistrate’s Court, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents in the suit.

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According to court documents, operatives of the ICPC and Nigeria Police Force allegedly invaded El-Rufai’s residence at House 12, Mambilla Street, Aso Drive, Abuja, on February 19 at about 2:00 p.m., acting under the disputed warrant. He claimed the operation amounted to a gross violation of his fundamental rights, including the right to dignity of the human person, personal liberty, fair hearing, and privacy, as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 36, and 37 of the Constitution.

The former governor further urged the court to rule that any evidence obtained during the search is inadmissible, having been procured through an illegal and unconstitutional process. He also sought an injunction restraining the respondents from relying on, using, or tendering any items seized during the operation.

As part of his reliefs, El-Rufai demanded ₦1 billion in damages, broken down into ₦300 million as compensatory damages for psychological trauma and emotional distress, ₦400 million as exemplary damages to deter future misconduct by law enforcement agencies, and ₦300 million as aggravated damages for what he described as the malicious, high-handed, and oppressive conduct of the respondents. He also requested ₦100 million as cost of litigation, covering legal fees and associated expenses.

In his legal arguments, Iyamu maintained that the warrant violated provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, particularly Sections 143–148, as well as Section 36 of the ICPC Act, 2000. He argued that the warrant failed to clearly describe the items to be seized, was improperly addressed, and lacked the sworn information required to justify its issuance.

An affidavit in support of the application, deposed to by Mohammed Shaba, stated that officers involved in the raid did not submit themselves for search, seized personal documents and electronic devices, and have failed to return the items. He added that the incident caused humiliation, distress, and psychological trauma to the former governor.

The case is expected to test the limits of search-and-seizure powers of anti-graft and law enforcement agencies, as well as reinforce judicial scrutiny over the use of search warrants in high-profile investigations.