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Herdsmen: Ogun monarchs, residents accuse soldiers of assault
Some monarchs and residents of Ketu-speaking villages in the Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State have accused some soldiers from 35 Artillery Brigade Alamala, Abeokuta of flogging them for preventing herdsmen to from grazing in their communities.
They told The Nation that the soldiers, numbering about 10, humiliated them when they escorted the herders to graze in their villages.
One of the residents, identified simply as Mulero, was said to have been beaten mercilessly, leaving him with serious injuries, for insisting that the herdsmen would not be allowed to graze.
It was also gathered that traditional rulers were beaten after they were forced to convoke a meeting.
According to them, the herdsmen, who had departed the village after their continued presence was rejected suddenly resurfaced about 2pm on December 19, 2020 with the soldiers from the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta.
The soldiers headed straight to the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, Chief Olaleye Adigun, calling out the villagers and warning them against preventing the evicted herdsmen from returning to the village.
It was in the middle of this strange encounter that the soldiers were told that the herders would not be allowed to remain in the community because of their brutal killing of residents and the destruction of their farmlands in recent times.
“Everyone was frightened by the action and utterances of the soldiers but I summoned courage to tell them how a Geography teacher Mr. Yomi Akinola, and two students of the Community High School, Ibeku, among others, were killed by the herdsmen while our women were raped and killed on their way to the farm,” a resident said
The resident also said, “Before I knew it, the herdsmen had motioned to the soldiers who immediately pulled me out of the audience and flogged me mercilessly with a wire whip. It was as if I stole something valuable.
“As I speak, my body still aches because of the wounds, even after I had been treated in a hospital.
“Numerous other villagers were subjected to the brutal act as the soldiers escorted the herdsmen from one village to another all in a bid to intimidate us into allowing them to graze on our farms.”
Indigenes of Iselu, Ibeku, Agbon-Ojodu, Asa and other villages were also assaulted by the soldiers at the instance of the herdsmen.
One of them, Gabriel, was said to be given deafening slaps after he was identified as one of those who resisted the herdsmen’s attempt to graze.
Narrating their ordeal in a petition, the traditional rulers said the herdsmen confirmed that they invited the soldiers to intimidate and beat them.
The traditional rulers are the Oniggua of Iggualand, Oba Micheal Dosumu; the Eselu of Iseluland, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi; and the Alademeso of Igan Alade, Oba Gabriel Olalowo.
The monarchs in a petition addressed to the Brigade Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Alamala, Abeokuta, titled, ‘Matter of urgency,’ dated January 7, 2020, said, “The Baale was asked to gather his subjects and people from nearby villages which he did.
“The soldiers told the people that the purpose of their visit was to inform them that the Fulani herders would be coming into their communities to graze cows.
“After their address, they asked if anyone had questions or comments to make in reaction to the information. Expectedly, one Mr Seye Mulero responded by calling the attention of the soldiers to the inherent challenges of allowing the herders in their communities based on the sad previous experiences in the community.
“That the said Seye Mulero further cited past killings, maiming and destruction of farms to buttress his point. Sadly, at this point, the soldiers seized him and mercilessly beat him up.
“In the same manner, the Fulani herders in company with the suspected soldiers left Ibeku for Asa, the adjoining village, to address the Baale of Asa and his subjects as they had earlier done at Ibeku, the people refused to respond, having heard what transpired at Ibeku.
“However, one of the Fulani herders sighted some people in the audience and picked on them as those that purportedly shouted on them at Ibeku while brutalising their victim (Seye Mulero). The herders asked the soldiers to also deal with them.”
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Offa Robbery: Kwara Files Fresh 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed
Offa Robbery: Kwara Files Fresh 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed
The Kwara State Government has filed a 20-count criminal charge against former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and ex-governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, over alleged involvement in the 2018 Offa robbery that claimed dozens of lives.
Also listed as defendants in the suit are Yusuf Abdulwahab, a former Chief of Staff to Ahmed, and Alabi Olalekan, alongside five individuals previously convicted in connection with the deadly attack.
The charges, filed on April 9, 2026, before the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, allege that the defendants conspired on April 5, 2018, in Offa to execute coordinated attacks on several commercial banks. The affected financial institutions include branches of Guaranty Trust Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Ecobank, Union Bank, and Zenith Bank, all targeted during the large-scale operation.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly provided arms, financial support, and logistics to the robbery gang, an offence punishable under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act. The government maintains that the charges are based on evidence linking the accused persons to the planning and execution of the attacks.
The Offa robbery remains one of Nigeria’s most brutal criminal incidents in recent years. On April 5, 2018, gunmen launched coordinated assaults on banks and a police station in Offa, Kwara State, killing at least 33 people, including a pregnant woman and 12 police officers, sparking nationwide outrage.
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In September 2024, a Kwara State High Court convicted five suspects—Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibikunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salahudeen Azeez, and Niyi Ogundiran—for armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and culpable homicide. Their convictions and sentences were upheld by the Court of Appeal in January 2026, reinforcing earlier judicial findings in the case.
Following the 2018 incident, the Nigeria Police invited Saraki for questioning after allegations that the gang leader, Akinnibosun, linked members of the robbery gang to him as political associates. Authorities also claimed that the gang received vehicles and financial support through Abdulwahab.
However, during court proceedings in March 2019, Akinnibosun alleged that Abba Kyari, then a Deputy Commissioner of Police, pressured him and others to implicate Saraki and coerced confessional statements. This development introduced controversy into the case and raised questions about the credibility of earlier testimonies.
Saraki has consistently denied any involvement, describing the allegations as false, politically motivated, and lacking credible evidence. Ahmed and the other defendants are also expected to challenge the charges as the case proceeds in court.
The fresh legal action sets the stage for a high-profile trial that could reignite debate over political accountability, criminal justice, and the integrity of investigations in Nigeria. Observers say the outcome will depend largely on the prosecution’s ability to establish a clear and direct link between the accused and the convicted robbers.
Offa Robbery: Kwara Files Fresh 20-Count Charge Against Saraki, Ahmed
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US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies During Free Medical Outreach in Nigeria
US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies During Free Medical Outreach in Nigeria
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of U.S.-based Nigerian physician, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, who passed away while participating in a free medical outreach in Abia State.
In a condolence message personally signed and released in Umuahia, the governor described the late doctor as a committed, compassionate, and selfless professional who died in the line of humanitarian service.
The outreach programme, organised by the Abia State Government in partnership with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), was a five-day free healthcare initiative held from April 13 to April 17, targeting underserved communities across the state.
According to Otti, Dr. Nwaubani, a respected obstetrician and gynaecologist, travelled from the United States alongside her husband and daughter—who is a final-year medical student—to render free medical services to residents.
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During the outreach, she reportedly suffered a sudden medical emergency and was rushed to a hospital for urgent care. The governor revealed that both ANPA members and local medical professionals worked intensively in a coordinated effort to save her life.
“Despite the gallant efforts of the highly skilled medical team to resuscitate her, she could not make it,” Otti said.
The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues, and ANPA leadership, noting that the Abia State Government has already made contact with them and will provide the necessary support during the mourning period.
He further commended the resilience of ANPA and the late doctor’s family for allowing the outreach programme to continue despite the tragic loss, ensuring that many residents still benefited from the humanitarian medical mission.
Describing her death as a huge loss to Nigeria’s healthcare sector and the diaspora community, Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Abia State and safeguarding the well-being of both citizens and visiting professionals.
He also prayed for the peaceful repose of her soul and strength for her loved ones in this difficult time.
US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies During Free Medical Outreach in Nigeria
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Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has strongly denied any involvement in the 2018 Offa armed robbery, accusing Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, of reviving “baseless allegations” to pursue a political witch-hunt.
In a statement issued on Friday, Saraki described attempts to initiate criminal proceedings against him as “insidious,” insisting he has no direct or indirect link to the crime or any form of criminal activity. He said he was compelled to respond due to growing public concern and what he described as deliberate efforts to mislead Nigerians.
Saraki further alleged that the Offa robbery case was politicised from the outset, claiming it was used during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari as a tool to weaken his political influence ahead of the 2019 general elections. According to him, the renewed claims are part of a broader attempt to tarnish his image following his recent comments on insecurity in Kwara State.
The former Senate President also cited legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, noting that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had twice found no evidence linking him to the Offa robbery. He explained that the reports concluded there was no nexus between him and the suspects and that no prima facie case could be established for offences including armed robbery, criminal conspiracy, and culpable homicide.
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He added that suspects arrested in connection with the robbery were prosecuted and convicted, with their convictions upheld on appeal, while the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court. Saraki argued that revisiting the case despite these outcomes amounts to an abuse of judicial process.
Saraki also vowed to challenge any fresh move against him in court, stating that his legal team is prepared to defend his innocence. He further alleged that attempts were made to involve families of victims in civil actions against him, but claimed those efforts failed.
The Offa robbery incident, which occurred in April 2018 in Offa, involved coordinated attacks on banks and police facilities, resulting in the deaths of several people, including security personnel. The case drew nationwide attention and led to multiple arrests by the Nigeria Police Force.
The renewed controversy highlights ongoing political tensions in Kwara State between Saraki and Governor AbdulRazaq, with analysts suggesting the dispute may be linked to evolving political alignments and early positioning ahead of future elections.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kwara State Government has not issued a detailed response to Saraki’s latest claims.
Saraki Denies Offa Robbery Link, Accuses AbdulRazaq of Witch-Hunt
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