metro
Police foil cult initiation, arrest 13 suspects, recover cars
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested 13 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the arrest followed an intelligence report gathered by the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku, on Thursday, February 24, 2022, that some cultists planned an initiation ceremony at the Ukwu Nzu Forest, in the Issele-Uku area of the state.
The DPO was said to have detailed an anti-cult team to the initiation venue.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said the police arrested 13 suspects.
“A locally-made double-barrelled shotgun, 25 live cartridges, a Toyota Corolla and a Lexus 350 SUV were recovered from the suspects,” he added.
In another development, operatives of the Delta Dragon 18 Patrol Team, while on a routine stop and search on February 24, along ECN/Otu-Jeremi Aladja Road, reportedly sighted a Mercedes Benz ML 350 and a Lexus 350, parked by the roadside.
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The police spokesperson said, “While observing the two vehicles, a kidnapped victim, aged 62, on sighting the police raised the alarm that he had been kidnapped.
“As the patrol team swung into action, advancing towards the vehicles, they suddenly heard gunshots from the abductors, but the security operatives immediately returned fire, which made the hoodlums to abandon the victim and escape into the bush, while the team rescued the victim unhurt.
“On interrogation, the victim disclosed that he was kidnapped around 6.50pm of the same date at the entrance of his gate in Afisere Road, Ughelli.,” the PPRO added.
Also, the police spokesperson said on February 25, around 2.20pm, operatives of ‘B’ Division, Warri patrol team, while on a patrol along lower Erejuwa by Old Welfare Road, received information that a notorious armed robber, popularly known as Getay, and his gang that had been on the command’s wanted list, were operating around the neighbourhood.
“The team immediately proceeded, but upon sighting the police patrol team, the hoodlums opened fire on the operatives while the team equally responded.
“In the ensuing gun duel, Getay sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment,” he added.
Punch
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metro
FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams
FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams
Lagos, Nigeria — Following the Federal Government’s introduction of the N50,000 relief package, leading financial technology platform, OPay, has released comprehensive guidelines on how customers can verify their eligibility for the funds. The company has simultaneously issued a stern warning to users regarding the rise of fraudulent schemes targeting beneficiaries.
In a statement released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and reported by Punch, OPay clarified the procedural steps for Nigerians to determine if they qualify for the government’s financial intervention. The move comes as millions of citizens seek clarity on accessing the relief aimed at cushioning economic hardship.
How to Check Eligibility
According to OPay, the verification process is designed to be seamless and accessible directly through the OPay mobile application. Customers are advised to log into their updated OPay app to access the dedicated section for the Federal Government’s relief program.
The fintech giant explained that users will be required to provide specific details to verify their status. Once logged in, customers can navigate to the designated “Government Relief” or notification tab where the eligibility checker is situated. The system cross-references the user’s verified identity (such as their Bank Verification Number, BVN, and National Identification Number, NIN) with government databases to confirm qualification.
Strict Warning Against Fraudsters
In a critical advisory, OPay warned customers to remain vigilant against scammers who are leveraging the news of the N50,000 relief to defraud unsuspecting citizens. The company emphasized that it will never ask customers to pay a fee or provide sensitive information over the phone to claim the relief.
“OPay urges all Nigerians to be cautious. The N50,000 relief is a government initiative, and no fee is required to check eligibility or receive funds,” a representative stated. “We will never ask for your OPay PIN, passwords, or OTPs via phone calls, text messages, or social media. Beware of fake links claiming to be from OPay or the government.”
Security Tips for Users
To ensure safety, OPay advised users to follow these guidelines:
· Use Only the App: Only check your eligibility through the official OPay mobile application.
· Protect Your Data: Never share your ATM card details, OPay PIN, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with anyone.
· Ignore Suspicious Links: Do not click on links received via SMS or WhatsApp claiming to offer the N50,000 relief.
· Verify Information: Always confirm information through OPay’s official customer service channels or verified social media pages.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to the financial security of its customers and stated that it is working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth and transparent disbursement process for eligible beneficiaries.
For those who may face difficulties checking their eligibility, OPay has encouraged customers to contact their customer care team through the in-app support feature.
FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams
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metro
‘I Went to My Pastor for Deliverance, Ended Up in Bed With Him’ – Lady Recounts Encounter
‘I Went to My Pastor for Deliverance, Ended Up in Bed With Him’ – Lady Recounts Encounter
A Nigerian woman has sparked controversy on social media after recounting an alleged sexual encounter with her former pastor during a deliverance session.
The unidentified woman reportedly made the revelation during a video interview shared by social media platform NewsVista, claiming that what began as a visit to seek spiritual intervention eventually ended in a sexual encounter.
In the viral clip, the woman expressed confusion over how the incident happened, insisting that she still struggles to understand how a session she had expected to be devoted to prayer and deliverance turned into an intimate encounter.
The interview has since attracted attention online, with the allegation raising concerns about the relationship between religious leaders and members who approach them for spiritual guidance and counselling.
Although details surrounding the alleged incident remain unclear, the woman’s account has triggered discussions about the responsibility of religious leaders to maintain professional and ethical boundaries while attending to vulnerable members of their congregations.
Some social media users have criticised the alleged conduct, arguing that pastors and other religious leaders occupy positions of trust and should not exploit their spiritual authority or the vulnerability of people seeking assistance.
Others have called for religious organisations to strengthen accountability measures and introduce safeguards for private counselling and deliverance sessions.
However, the identity of the pastor, the church involved and the location where the alleged incident occurred have not been disclosed.
It is also unclear when the alleged encounter took place or whether the woman has made any formal complaint to the relevant authorities.
NewsTrends.ng cannot independently verify the circumstances surrounding the woman’s account. The allegation should therefore be treated as unverified pending further details or an official response from the person concerned.
The development has once again drawn attention to the need for accountability, transparency and appropriate boundaries in religious counselling, particularly where individuals place their trust in spiritual leaders for help with personal challenges.
‘I Went to My Pastor for Deliverance, Ended Up in Bed With Him’ – Lady Recounts Encounter
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metro
Port Harcourt Married Women Use Husbands’ Cars To Visit Lovers, Lady Alleges
Port Harcourt Married Women Use Husbands’ Cars To Visit Lovers, Lady Alleges
A Nigerian lady has stirred controversy on social media after making a sweeping allegation about the alleged infidelity of some married women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The unidentified woman reportedly made the controversial claim in a viral video, alleging that some married women in the oil-rich city use vehicles provided by their husbands to visit their secret lovers.
According to a report by Gistlover dated November 3, 2026, the lady claimed that the alleged practice was particularly common in Port Harcourt, a remark that has since triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms.
In the video, she reportedly expressed surprise at what she portrayed as a disturbing pattern of marital betrayal, suggesting that some women allegedly use the comfort and resources provided by their husbands to maintain extramarital relationships.
Her remarks have generated mixed reactions among social media users, with some finding the allegation amusing, while others criticised the generalisation, arguing that infidelity is not peculiar to any city or gender.
Others questioned the basis of her claim, insisting that allegations involving marital relationships should not be used to stereotype women or residents of an entire city.
The controversy has once again sparked conversations about marital trust, fidelity, loyalty and the growing debate surrounding infidelity in modern relationships.
However, the woman’s allegation has not been independently verified, and there is no evidence establishing that the alleged conduct is widespread among married women in Port Harcourt.
Port Harcourt Married Women Use Husbands’ Cars To Visit Lovers, Lady Alleges
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