Insecurity: Kwara Govt Bans School Graduation, Valedictory Ceremonies

The Kwara State Government has directed all public and private schools across the state to suspend graduation ceremonies, valedictory services, prize-giving days, and other end-of-session celebrations, citing prevailing security concerns and the need to safeguard students and school communities.

The directive was conveyed in an official letter signed by Mrs. Bunmi Osanupin, a director in the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, on behalf of the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe.

The letter, addressed to the Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Raheem Adaramaja, was made available to journalists in Ilorin on Friday.

According to the state government, the decision was taken in response to current security challenges and the need to maintain order, safety, and decorum within educational institutions across the state.

The ministry directed school proprietors, principals, headteachers, and administrators to ensure strict compliance with the directive, warning that any school found violating the order would face sanctions under existing regulations.

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“All school proprietors, principals, headteachers, and administrators are required to ensure strict compliance with this directive.

“Any school found to be in violation of this directive shall be liable to appropriate sanctions in accordance with existing regulations.

“By this notice, all concerned are advised to be guided accordingly,” the letter stated.

The government did not specify how long the suspension would remain in effect, but education authorities indicated that schools are expected to conclude academic activities without organising large gatherings that could pose security risks.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over security in parts of Kwara State and neighbouring North-Central states, where authorities have intensified efforts to prevent criminal attacks and protect public gatherings. Security agencies have repeatedly urged institutions and event organisers to adopt precautionary measures, especially during periods that attract large crowds.

Although graduation and valedictory ceremonies are traditionally held at the end of the academic session to celebrate graduating pupils and students, the state government said public safety must take precedence over social activities.

The directive affects nursery, primary, and secondary schools across the state, including privately owned institutions that typically organise elaborate end-of-year events.

Education stakeholders are expected to comply with the order while awaiting further guidance from the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development on alternative arrangements for marking the end of the 2025/2026 academic session.

The latest directive underscores the Kwara State Government’s commitment to prioritising the safety of students, teachers, parents, and school administrators amid evolving security challenges.

Insecurity: Kwara Govt Bans School Graduation, Valedictory Ceremonies

Mother, Sister of Slain Bandit Kingpin Sentenced to 40 Years for Terrorism Offences

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two women linked to slain terrorist and bandit leader Kachallah Ibrahim Battujo to a combined 40 years imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi, identified as the mother and sister of Battujo, were convicted following investigations conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa delivered the judgment on Friday after both women pleaded guilty to multiple counts contained in a five-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

Battujo, described by security agencies as a notorious bandit and terrorist commander operating across parts of Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West regions, was killed by security operatives on June 10, 2026, during a military operation in a forest near Iluke in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The convicts, Safiya Salihu and Halima Abdullahi

During proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Oyedepo Rotimi (SAN), applied to withdraw Counts 1 and 3 of the charge. The court subsequently struck out the counts, which alleged that the defendants knowingly received N490,300 from Battujo despite being aware that the funds were proceeds of terrorism and that they participated in a Hajj pilgrimage sponsored with money linked to terrorist activities.

However, both women admitted guilt to Count 2, which accused them of aiding and abetting the activities of Battujo by passing information to him through telephone conversations while he was actively involved in banditry and terrorism operations.

The charge stated that the defendants knowingly provided information and support to the wanted bandit leader, an offence punishable under Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

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Safiya Salihu also pleaded guilty to Count 5, which alleged that she deliberately withheld information about her son’s terrorist activities from security agencies despite having knowledge that could have assisted in his arrest.

Similarly, Halima Abdullahi admitted guilt to an additional count relating to the concealment of information concerning her brother’s possession of firearms and activities within his forest hideout, which she reportedly observed during visits to his camp.

In her judgment, Justice Yilwa sentenced each defendant to 20 years imprisonment on every count for which they were convicted. The court ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning each woman will serve 20 years in prison rather than separate consecutive terms.

The judge further directed that both convicts undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation programmes upon completion of their prison terms before reintegration into society.

The case is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing crackdown on terrorism financing, logistics support networks, and individuals accused of aiding terrorist and bandit groups across the country. Under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, offences involving support for terrorist activities, concealment of information, and aiding terrorist operations attract severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. Recent terrorism-related convictions by the Federal High Court have similarly resulted in prison terms ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment. (Businessday NG)

Security agencies had previously identified Battujo as one of the key figures behind violent criminal operations in parts of the North-Central and North-West zones before his elimination earlier this month. Authorities say investigations into his network and alleged collaborators remain ongoing.

The conviction of his mother and sister underscores the government’s determination to prosecute not only armed perpetrators but also individuals accused of providing intelligence, concealment, financing, or other forms of support to terrorist organisations and bandit groups.

Mother, Sister of Slain Bandit Kingpin Sentenced to 40 Years for Terrorism Offences

‘Privacy Is Peace to Me’ – Baba Ijesha’s Wife Abiodun Tokunbo Finally Speaks Out

• Fashion entrepreneur and CEO of House of Luminee shares heartfelt journey with Nollywood actor as couple welcomes baby boy after 12 years together

LAGOS, Nigeria – For years, Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo watched from the shadows as her husband, Nollywood actor Olanrewaju Omiyinka – better known as Baba Ijesha – dominated headlines for both his craft and his controversies. Through it all, she remained silent, private, and deliberately out of the public eye. Now, for the first time, she is explaining why.

In a heartfelt Instagram post that has since gone viral, the fashion entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of House of Luminee finally broke her silence on her marriage to the embattled actor, revealing that privacy is peace to me – a philosophy she has held onto throughout their relationship. The revelation comes days after Baba Ijesha announced the birth of their son, King Kagar Omiyinka, a moment that prompted Tokunbo to reflect on their journey together and share a glimpse into their private world.

Tokunbo took to Instagram to share a photograph documenting her journey with the actor over the years. She accompanied the image with a powerful message expressing gratitude despite the challenges they have faced together. “Before and After. Aanu Ni! Oju ri! But Anu speaks. This right time to fly together. Privacy is peace to me,” she wrote. Her words resonated deeply with followers who had no idea the couple had been together for over a decade. The post marked the first time Tokunbo publicly acknowledged her relationship with the actor, ending years of speculation about his personal life.

Tokunbo’s comments came shortly after Baba Ijesha announced that the couple had welcomed a baby boy together. On Monday, the actor took to social media to share the good news, introducing their child as King Kagar Omiyinka. He also showered praises on Tokunbo, describing her as “my ever beautiful wife, strong Jagaban.” The announcement surprised many followers, as neither Baba Ijesha nor Tokunbo had publicly disclosed a romantic relationship before now. The couple had deliberately kept their relationship away from public scrutiny, a decision Tokunbo now explains was essential to her peace of mind and overall well-being. Tokunbo revealed that the newborn is their first child together after 12 years, referencing her daughter in earlier remarks. However, it remains unclear whether the couple had been together for over 12 years. Actor and filmmaker Yomi Fabiyi, a longtime ally of Baba Ijesha, appeared to confirm the news when he shared a video of the couple and congratulated them on the birth.

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The birth announcement comes nearly seven months after Baba Ijesha regained his freedom following the completion of a prison sentence imposed after his conviction in a child sexual assault case. Monday’s announcement marks one of the most significant personal developments the actor has publicly shared since leaving prison and signals a new chapter in his private life, even as public discussions around his conviction continue. Baba Ijesha was convicted in July 2022 for the sexual assault of a minor and sentenced to five years in prison. He completed his sentence earlier in 2026 and has since been attempting to rebuild his career and personal life. The birth of his son with Tokunbo marks a fresh start for the actor, who has largely stayed out of the public eye since his release.

Abiodun Folashade Tokunbo, the woman behind the actor’s quiet personal life, is a force in her own right. She hails from Ijesha Isu, Ekiti State, where she was born as the sixth daughter in a family of eight. She attended Hosanna Africa Primary School before proceeding to Methodist Girls High School for her secondary education. She later obtained a National Diploma in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lagos State University. She launched her fashion brand, House of Luminee, in 2013, shortly after completing her final examinations at LASU. Her big break came when Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe discovered one of her designs online and reached out to the model featured in the post. Since then, she has built a notable presence in the Nigerian fashion space, working with A-list celebrities including Mercy Aigbe, Shola Shobowale, Ini Edo, Queen Silekunola Ogunwusi, Mide Martins, Mercy Johnson, and others. Today, House of Luminee is recognized as one of Lagos’s premier fashion houses, known for its elegant and sophisticated designs. Tokunbo has built a reputation for excellence in the industry, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.

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The couple’s decision to keep their relationship private has sparked widespread curiosity. While Baba Ijesha has been a public figure for decades, Tokunbo remained firmly in the background, never appearing at red-carpet events or granting interviews about her personal life. Her Instagram post now offers a rare glimpse into their relationship, showing that they have weathered storms together – both professional and personal. The phrase “Oju ri” (meaning “we have seen it all” in Yoruba) suggests a shared history of trials and triumphs, while “Aanu ni” (meaning “it is mercy”) reflects gratitude for how far they have come.

The couple’s announcement drew widespread attention online, largely because they had deliberately kept their relationship away from public scrutiny over the years. Fans and followers have since reacted with congratulations and admiration for the couple’s milestone. Many praised Tokunbo for her grace and discretion, while others expressed surprise at the revelation. “Finally, we know the woman behind the man. Congratulations to you both,” one follower wrote. Another commented: “Privacy is indeed peace. Wishing you both all the best with your new baby.”

The public acknowledgment of his marriage and the birth of his son could mark a turning point for Baba Ijesha as he seeks to rebuild his public image. While his conviction and imprisonment left a stain on his reputation, his recent personal milestones suggest a man attempting to move forward. Tokunbo’s public support and the announcement of their child together present a narrative of redemption and new beginnings. However, it remains to be seen whether the actor can fully rehabilitate his career in an industry where public perception often determines success.

As Abiodun Tokunbo and Baba Ijesha embark on this new chapter together, her words ring true: “This right time to fly together.” After years of secrecy, the couple has chosen to share their joy with the world, even as they maintain the privacy that Tokunbo holds dear. For Tokunbo, the decision to keep her marriage private was never about shame or secrecy – it was about protecting her peace. And now, with her son in her arms and her husband by her side, she is ready to embrace the future with gratitude and grace.

‘Privacy Is Peace to Me’ – Baba Ijesha’s Wife Abiodun Tokunbo Finally Speaks Out