Police hunt for last suspect in LASU graduate killing

The Lagos State Police Command on Monday said it had intensified its search for Teniola Ajisomo, who is the remaining suspect linked to the murder of a 28-year-old graduate of Lagos State University, Adedamola Ogunbode.

The Lagos State Police Command on March 12, exhumed the body of the late Ogunbode from a shallow grave behind the LASU fence in its Ojo campus.

Newstrends reported that the deceased, a Political Science Education graduate, had been missing since January 16.

Among those arrested during police investigations were Sunday Whepetoji, a pastor, who allegedly received N70,000 from the victim’s account; and Sheriff Adebayo, a church member, accused of also receiving N300,000.

Also, Omolara Ajisomo, who allegedly helped her children, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, escape to Cotonou, Benin Republic, after each received N300,000 from the victim’s account, was arrested too.

Meanwhile, Olaoluwa was arrested in the Alakuko area of the state before leading the police to the shallow grave.

Reacting to an inquiry by PUNCH Metro on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said Teniola was still on the run.

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He said, “The suspect is still at large and we are trying to get him and we will soon get him. The Shepherd and Sheriff are in Ikoyi correctional centre and Ajisomo who took us to the grave is still with us and is assisting with the investigation.”

Hundeyin also confirmed that Omolara who aided the escape of her children had been released.

“The mother of two of the suspects has been released. She was arrested because her children used her identity to register the SIM. It was the SIM registration that led us to her. But when we discovered that she was not the one using the phone and we arrested the person using the phone, so we let the mother go.”

Hundeyin who addressed newsmen in the course of the probe said the church where some people alleged that the missing boy was killed and buried had been sealed to prevent it from being burned.

“The church was sealed following intelligence reports that some people planned to burn it down out of vengeance, and we do not want that to happen.

“It is still a suspected crime scene, we still need to go over it, and we may need to revisit that scene multiple times for us to gather evidential value.

“The church has been sealed for now to prevent it from being burnt. And we assure the public that updates will be given about the investigation and the progress we have made as soon as we get new updates,” he said.

Punch

Police hunt for last suspect in LASU graduate killing

Ebonyi governor orders arrest of six commissioners, LG chair over contract

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has ordered the arrest of six commissioners and a local government chairman for their alleged involvement in a contract breach.

The governor gave the directive on Monday, stating that the officials had violated contract terms related to the construction of 140 housing units in the Izzo and Amaze communities of Ishielu Local Government Area.

The arrested commissioners were Professor Omari Omaka, (Tertiary Education), Victor Chukwu, (Environment) Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Ifeanyi Ogbuewu.

Others are: the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Igwe, Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Felix Igboke and the Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Area, Mr Timothy Nwach.

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It was gathered that the affected commissioners were declared wanted by the state government before they were arrested.

Sources within the government alleged that the affected commissioners and contractors are sabotaging the efforts and plan of the governor to commission the 140 Housing Units for Izzo and Amaze communities to mark his second anniversary in the state.

Speaking on the arrest, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisations, Ebonyi Central, Mrs. Maria Okohu, said that the non-completion of projects by the contractor and the failure of some of the commissioners to supervise them as directed by the governor was an act of sabotage.

The governor insisted that the arrest would continue until all the commissioners and contractors involved were brought to book and as well do the needful.

Sources said the police have reportedly invited some fleeing commissioners and contractors connected to the contract.

Ebonyi governor orders arrest of six commissioners, LG chair over contract

Nigerian Army opens online registration for new intakes

The Nigerian Army has officially commenced online registration for its 89 Regular Recruits Intake Exercise, inviting applications from qualified tradesmen, non-tradesmen, and women.

Announced via the Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the recruitment drive aims to enlist capable individuals to serve in various capacities within the force.

This initiative presents a significant opportunity for Nigerians aspiring to build a career in the military.

Prospective candidates are encouraged to visit the Nigerian Army’s recruitment portal to complete their registration.

According to the Army, the registration period will run from March 31 to May 7, 2025, encouraging interested individuals to apply via the official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng.

In a detailed breakdown of the eligibility criteria, the Nigerian Army emphasised that applicants must be single Nigerian citizens by birth and possess a valid National Identity Card (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

Interested candidates must also be medically, physically, and psychologically fit in accordance with the Army’s standards, and must not have any criminal conviction by a court of law.

Also, applicants must have at least four passes, including English Language, in WASSEC/NECO/GCE/NABTEB, and tradesmen/women must possess a valid trade test/certificate.

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Applicants must present a valid birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission, hospital, or local government council as part of the application requirements.

The announcement also gave the age limit at 18-22 years for non-tradesmen/women, and 18-26 years for tradesmen/women, and such persons’ minimum height requirements are 1.68m for male candidates and 1.65m for female candidates.

A state of origin certificate is also required as part of the requirements.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, warning applicants against making payments to any individual or group claiming to influence the selection process.

“Candidates are advised to conduct their own due diligence and not engage in any form of financial transaction to secure recruitment,” the statement read.

The Army also stated that successful recruits will enjoy several benefits, including career opportunities in the military, regular and enhanced pay allowances, opportunities for further education and interaction with people from diverse backgrounds.

Other benefits include health and insurance housing in choice locations across Nigeria, pension and gratuity upon retirement, and the opportunity to serve the nation within and outside Nigeria.

Interested candidates must apply via the official portal https://recruitment.army.mil.ng.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a screening exercise from June 2 to June 19, 2025, at their respective states of origin.

To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process, the Army warned that all documents submitted will be thoroughly verified by the appropriate issuing authorities.

“All those with fake documents will be handed over to the police for prosecution,” the Army cautioned.

The Nigerian Army also reminded applicants that there will be no pre-selection computer-based test, and all shortlisted candidates must participate in the physical screening exercise at designated centers.

The Army’s announcement concluded with an appeal to young Nigerians to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to national security and territorial integrity.

“Join the Nigerian Army and contribute to the preservation and protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Army stated.

Nigerian Army opens online registration for new intakes