Catholic priest reportedly flogs women, choir members in Enugu - Newstrends
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Catholic priest reportedly flogs women, choir members in Enugu

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Pope Leo XIV Mourns as Gunmen Kill Catholic Bishop
Catholic Church

Catholic priest reportedly flogs women, choir members in Enugu

A priest in the Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Linus Okwu, has reportedly flogged women, girls and other choir members of his church for allegedly failing to clear grasses within the church premises.

Okwu, who is the parish priest of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, Agbani in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, allegedly whipped the parishioners, comprising mothers, young men, ladies and teenagers.

Trouble was said to have started when the angry priest, armed with canes, interrupted a choir practice in his parish and demanded an explanation on why the church field was yet to be cleared.

Not satisfied with the responses he got, he ordered the choir members to kneel and started flogging them mercilessly.

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One of the victims who pleaded anonymity said she went home with bruises.

She further stated that the shock would continue to live with her for a lifetime.

The source said: “The Priest, who was visibly furious while addressing the choir members told us that since we hardly comply with the teaching and instruction of the church, that he would apply the stick approach to ensure compliance.

“I was sitting on a row of seats where teenage members of our choir were, so, when he started flogging, I withdrew to the back seat with the hope that he wouldn’t flog adults and mothers amongst us, but to my surprise, he flogged everybody, including myself.

“When I tried to put up resistance, he told me that if my father flogs me at home when I wrong him, he also reserves the right to whip members of his congregation as the father of the church if they falter. I was badly bruised when he finished with me.”

Our correspondent attempted to contact the director of communication of the Enugu Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Aneke, but he was not available.

Catholic priest reportedly flogs women, choir members in Enugu

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11 NYSC Members Rescued, Others Remain in Captivity as Gunmen Attack Travellers on Kogi Highway

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August 28, 2026

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11 NYSC Members Rescued, Others Remain in Captivity as Gunmen Attack Travellers on Kogi Highway
Spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Oyiza Afusat Salihu

11 NYSC Members Rescued, Others Remain in Captivity as Gunmen Attack Travellers on Kogi Highway

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of passengers, including a number of National Youth Service Corps members, along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area, with 11 victims successfully rescued in a joint security operation. However, several corps members are still believed to be in captivity as security forces continue to comb the surrounding forests.

The attack occurred on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 4:40 p.m. near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, when armed hoodlums emerged from the bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions. The victims were members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II, returning to Abuja after completing their mandatory three-week orientation programme at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, security operatives launched an immediate rescue operation following a distress call. The Divisional Police Officer in Ofu led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles—a white Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus—were recovered. A coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation was subsequently launched, resulting in the rescue of 11 abducted victims, including the drivers of both buses. “Preliminary debriefing indicates that most of the rescued victims are NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja,” Afusat stated. The rescued victims were debriefed and, after necessary procedures, were allowed to continue their journey.

However, reports indicate that not all victims have been accounted for. A relative of one of the abducted corps members told the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) that 15 corps members were kidnapped during the attack. The source identified his brother, Ayodele David, as among those still in captivity. According to the relative, the driver of the Peace Mass Transit bus was left behind after sustaining injuries during the attack, and the abductors reportedly spoke Fulfulde, Hausa, and English. The police spokesperson confirmed that the joint security operation remains ongoing in the surrounding forest, with the objectives of rescuing any remaining victims, arresting the criminals, and bringing them to justice. The command assured the public that all available operational and intelligence resources are being deployed to secure the region and ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims.

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The police confirmation followed a viral video in which a woman identifying herself as the sister of one of the abducted corps members made an emotional appeal for government help. She stated that her sister had been to Bayelsa for the orientation training and was returning to Abuja when the vehicle she was travelling in was attacked. The woman disclosed that her family had recently lost their mother and pleaded for help in securing her sister’s safe return. “I am begging Nigerians… Nothing should happen to them. Nothing should happen to my sister,” she said. Another relative, Chisom Ede, also claimed his sister was among the abducted corps members and called on the NYSC, Federal Government, and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts. According to social media reports, families have alleged that the abductors are demanding N20 million in ransom, though authorities have not officially confirmed this claim.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the abduction, demanding the immediate rescue and safe return of all corps members. In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said it was “shocked and angry” that young Nigerians serving their country could still be kidnapped while travelling on Nigerian highways. “How many more corps members must be kidnapped before the government wakes up?” the organisation asked. HURIWA called for an urgent review of the NYSC scheme, particularly the movement of corps members through areas known to pose serious security risks. The organisation questioned why corps members travelling from high-risk areas could not be provided with safer transportation arrangements, including air transport where necessary, before proceeding to their places of primary assignment. “The government cannot keep posting young Nigerians to dangerous areas and then leave them to face armed kidnappers on the highways,” HURIWA said, describing the situation as unacceptable.

The abduction is the latest in a series of kidnapping incidents reported along Kogi State’s highways in recent weeks. Earlier in August, security agencies reported another kidnapping along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area, with the Nigerian Army subsequently rescuing 16 victims. The recurring attacks have heightened concerns about the safety of Nigerians travelling on the country’s highways, particularly in areas where criminal gangs exploit vast forests and poorly secured stretches of road to carry out attacks. The incident has once again raised questions about the security arrangements for corps members and other travellers using vulnerable routes across the country. The Kogi abduction is more than another isolated security incident. It highlights the growing vulnerability of ordinary Nigerians who must travel across the country for work, education, national service, and other legitimate purposes.

11 NYSC Members Rescued, Others Remain in Captivity as Gunmen Attack Travellers on Kogi Highway

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“Son of a Nobody”: VeryDarkMan Fires Back at Falana, Defends NBA Conference Invite

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August 28, 2026

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"Son of a Nobody": VeryDarkMan Fires Back at Falana, Defends NBA Conference Invite
Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana

“Son of a Nobody”: VeryDarkMan Fires Back at Falana, Defends NBA Conference Invite

Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) , has launched a blistering counter-attack against human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, over criticism of his invitation to speak at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference. VDM accused Falana and other critics of “classism,” arguing that his background as the “son of a nobody” is the real reason his participation at the elite legal gathering drew backlash.

The controversy erupted after Falana, in an interview with Channels Television, questioned the NBA‘s decision to invite VDM as a panelist for a session on insecurity at its 66th Annual General Conference in Port Harcourt. Falana stated that past NBA conferences were not “circus shows” and that discussions on national security should feature individuals with demonstrable professional experience in the country’s security architecture. “Why would you just go and bring somebody from nowhere to come and entertain you? There are problems with that,” Falana remarked, arguing that the conference should return to its intellectual tradition.

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In a video posted on Friday, VDM expressed deep disappointment with Falana’s comments but stated they revealed the true reason behind the opposition to his invitation. “The problem these people have is that the son of a nobody was invited to come and speak where elites are seated,” VDM said. He described the criticism as a clear manifestation of “classism” from a section of the legal elite who are uncomfortable with his social status.

Countering Falana’s argument on expertise, VDM insisted that his firsthand experiences with insecurity in Nigeria are a valid qualification. “This is not about book. It’s about experience,” he said. “I have seen things that a lot of security experts have not seen.” The activist further maintained that security is a universal concern and should not be treated as an exclusive topic for professionals. He stated that his presence at the conference was to give a voice to ordinary Nigerians who are often voiceless in such elite conversations. “I spoke on behalf of the poor masses. I spoke on behalf of the people that don’t have a voice,” VDM said.

VDM had appeared as a panelist at the NBA conference on Tuesday in a session titled “Known Gunmen or Unknown Gunmen.” During the session, he alleged that some police officers at checkpoints identify wealthy travellers and pass information to kidnappers, facilitating abductions. The Nigeria Police Force has since invited VDM to substantiate his claims with evidence. VDM concluded by admitting he hadn’t anticipated Falana’s stance, saying, “I wasn’t expecting this angle from Femi Falana SAN, but well, it is what it is.”

“Son of a Nobody”: VeryDarkMan Fires Back at Falana, Defends NBA Conference Invite

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EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths

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August 28, 2026

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EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths
Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle

EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has facilitated the extradition of two Nigerian men to the United States to face prosecution over alleged online sextortion and child sexual exploitation linked to the deaths of two American teenagers.

The suspects, identified as Mudashiru Afeez Olawale and Adebola Festus Adekunle, were extradited on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, following separate investigations conducted in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on Friday, explaining that the two men were identified during separate FBI investigations into alleged sextortion schemes targeting male minors, particularly teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17.

According to the commission, the alleged schemes involved obtaining or using Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) to threaten and extort victims for money. The alleged perpetrators reportedly demanded payments through money remittance services, gift cards and cryptocurrency.

The FBI linked the investigations involving the two Nigerian suspects to separate cases in which American teenagers died by suicide after allegedly being subjected to online sexual exploitation and extortion.

One of the cases involved a 13-year-old boy who reportedly received a direct message on Instagram from an individual seeking an exchange of nude photographs.

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After the photographs were allegedly obtained, the individual reportedly threatened to send them to the teenager’s Instagram contacts unless money was paid.

The EFCC said communications between the individual and the minor continued even after the teenager indicated that he intended to take his own life.

Following intelligence provided by the FBI, the EFCC said it conducted investigations that led to the identification and arrest of Adekunle.

In a separate case involving Olawale, US authorities sought his extradition over a seven-count charge relating to the alleged sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, attempted sexual exploitation, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, interstate threatening communications, and the alleged distribution and attempted distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The EFCC subsequently commenced extradition proceedings against Olawale at the Federal High Court in Lagos, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/353/2024, before Justice A. Lewis-Allagoa.

The Federal High Court initially rejected the extradition application on June 10, 2024. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation subsequently appealed the decision.

The case was eventually determined by the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, which on July 7, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/LAG/CV/721/2024, set aside the Federal High Court’s decision and cleared the way for Olawale’s extradition to the United States.

Following the appellate court’s decision, the EFCC completed the extradition process, leading to the transfer of Olawale and Adekunle to US authorities on August 26.

The commission said the development demonstrates the continued cooperation between the EFCC and FBI in investigating and prosecuting transnational financial and cyber-enabled crimes, particularly cases involving the exploitation of minors.

The case also highlights concerns over the growing use of social media and digital platforms in online sextortion, where offenders allegedly obtain intimate images or other sensitive material and then threaten victims with exposure in an attempt to obtain money or force further compliance.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution in the United States over the allegations. The extradition and charges do not constitute a conviction, and the allegations against both men remain subject to determination by the US courts.

EFCC extradites two Nigerians to US over alleged sextortion linked to teen deaths

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