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Hoodlums kidnap six women, four children, impose levy on Rivers community

Published

2 years ago

August 12, 2023

Grace Iringe-Koko, Rivers State PPRO

Hoodlums kidnap six women, four children, impose levy on Rivers community

Hoodlums believed to be Creek dwellers have reportedly abducted 10 persons including four children in Isua, JK2 community in Engenni, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The victims, six women and four children with them were taken when the former had gone to their farms to harvest crops to avoid destruction from the impending floods.

A source in the local government simply identified as Ezuwa told newsmen that the hoodlums came from a nearby community called Oshobele, after crossing the River.

He stated that the development has left villagers and residents terrified, describing the kidnap as one, out of the many security issues confronting the community.

Ezuwa stated, “These women went to their farms to harvest crops because of the floods coming. And these boys (abductors) have to cross from the neighbouring Oshobele areas to the farm and kidnap them and their children.

“This is just one out of the many that have been going on in the local government. The people have raised concerns to the local government chairman and the Police Division in Akinima, but nothing has been done so far.”

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He disclosed that the latest incident was capable of igniting a communal crisis, ” Because it is now seen as an Ekpeye and Engenni thing.”

Ezuwa also said the hoodlums had hitherto demanded N450,000 from the community which they term a security vote and was paid by the community last Sunday.

He decried the absence of policemen in the community, which he said was why the miscreants operate with audacity.

While noting that many persons have fled the community, Ezuwa said, “The few one’s at home they ask them to pay a kind of living allowance, N450, 000 or else they are going to kill everybody in the community.

“Out of fear, they paid the money. They now brought new guidelines for each household to be paying N1,500 every week which will be remitted to the criminals.

“And because of fear, nobody can even go outside. So this is what is going on. We can’t really tell the community they hail from, but they came through Oshobele community, kidnapped these people at Isua and cross back to Oshobele community again which is their hideout.”

While calling on the Rivers State Government to ensure the release of the women and their children, he said i not properly handled, it could spark a communal crisis between Isua and their neighbouring Oshobele community.

“My call is for the Rivers State Government to come in because it is obvious that the Division (Police) in Ahoada West, even the local government authorities too can’t handle it.

“The people have written several to the Local Government Council, yet nothing has been done. So, our call is for the Rivers State Government to come and help us. That is the only hope we have.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, said, “Yes, and efforts are on to ensure the release of the women and the children, and as you know the command is not sleeping.

“We are after the kidnappers. As we speak, the Commissioner of Police has deployed the tactical team to ensure they are arrested and made to face the law for their actions.”

Hoodlums kidnap six women, four children, impose levy on Rivers community

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Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash

Published

7 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash

Two close associates of former heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Monday.

Joshua’s promoter, Matchroom Boxing, identified the victims as Sina Ghami and Latif “Latz” Ayodele, both long-standing members of the boxer’s inner circle. The organisation confirmed the development in an official statement.

“With profound sadness, it has been confirmed that two close friends and team members Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele have tragically passed away,” Matchroom Boxing said.

The statement added that Anthony Joshua sustained injuries in the crash and was taken to hospital for medical evaluation. “He is in a stable condition and remains under observation,” it said.

The BBC also confirmed that the deceased were key members of Joshua’s team. Just hours before the accident, Joshua had shared an Instagram story showing him playing table tennis with Ayodele, popularly known as Latz.

Victims Identified

Sina Ghami served as Joshua’s strength and conditioning coach for more than a decade and was a close personal friend. He co-founded Evolve Gym in London and was a qualified sports and exercise rehabilitator, specialising in musculoskeletal injuries and corrective exercise.

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According to reports, Ghami worked with elite athletes across several sports, including the NFL, NBA, and Michigan State University’s football programme. He had shared photos from Lagos shortly before the crash and frequently appeared alongside Joshua on social media.

Latif Ayodele, widely known as Latz, was Joshua’s personal trainer. His social media posts often highlighted his dedication to fitness and faith, as well as his professional relationship with the boxer. He was seen with Joshua shortly before the accident and appeared in a video shared online hours earlier.

How the Crash Happened

The accident occurred around 11:00 a.m. at Makun, near Danco Filling Station, before the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound lane of the expressway.

An eyewitness said the incident involved a two-vehicle convoy comprising a Lexus SUV and a Pajero SUV.

“It was a two-vehicle convoy. Joshua was seated behind the driver, with another passenger beside him. His security detail was in the vehicle behind them,” the witness said, adding that rescue efforts began immediately before officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived.

Two passengers reportedly died at the scene, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.

Official Confirmation

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that two occupants died instantly, while Anthony Joshua and another individual were taken to hospital. The bodies were deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu, as investigations commenced.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC attributed the crash to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, noting that the Lexus SUV lost control before colliding with a stationary truck.

Joshua, who was born to British-Nigerian parents, attended boarding school in Ikenne, just a few kilometres from the crash site.

Presidential Reaction and Tributes

President Bola Tinubu later confirmed the identities of the deceased and disclosed that he had spoken directly with Joshua and his mother.

“AJ assured me he is receiving the best possible care,” Tinubu said in a post on X.

Tributes have continued to pour in from fans, athletes and public figures. Joshua’s recent opponent, Jake Paul, wrote: “I am praying for the lost lives, AJ and everyone impacted by today’s unfortunate accident.”

Two Close Aides of Anthony Joshua Identified as Victims of Fatal Crash

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Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC

Published

16 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Anthony Joshua accident scene

Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has attributed the motor accident involving Anthony Joshua on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, describing the violations as major contributors to fatal crashes on Nigerian highways.

Two people were confirmed dead on Monday after a Lexus SUV conveying the Nigerian-British boxing star collided with a stationary truck around the Sinoma area near the Sagamu axis of the expressway. The accident occurred at about 12 noon, while Joshua sustained minor injuries.

In a statement, the FRSC said preliminary investigations revealed that the SUV was travelling beyond the legally prescribed speed limit before the driver lost control during an overtaking manoeuvre, resulting in the crash.

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“The primary causes of the crash, being excessive speed and wrongful overtaking, constitute serious traffic violations and remain among the leading causes of fatal road crashes on Nigerian highways,” the statement said.

The corps confirmed that the bodies of the two deceased victims have been deposited at Livewell Morgue, Ajaka, Sagamu, while the Nigeria Police Motor Traffic Division (MTD) has been notified to support further investigation.

FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, on behalf of the management and staff of the agency, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished Anthony Joshua a speedy recovery.

Although born in England, Joshua frequently visits his hometown of Sagamu, Ogun State, and has remained closely connected to Nigeria. During a visit last year, he socialised with local celebrities and presented President Bola Tinubu with a signed boxing glove.

The latest visit comes just days after Joshua knocked out Jake Paul in an exhibition heavyweight bout at the Kaseya Centre, Miami.

Wrongful Overtaking Led to Anthony Joshua Auto Crash, Says FRSC

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Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates

Published

36 minutes ago

December 30, 2025

Trends Admin

Anthony Joshua

Tinubu Condoles Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash That Killed Two Associates

President Bola Tinubu has spoken with Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British boxing star, following a tragic road accident in Ogun State that left the boxer injured and claimed the lives of two of his associates.

Tinubu, who is currently abroad, disclosed that he personally called Joshua to express condolences over the loss and to wish him a speedy recovery.

“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital,” the President said.

Reno Omokri has criticized Nigerians' use of social media to "de-market" the country following the car accident involving ex-world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in Ogun State. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu added that he also spoke with Joshua’s mother, who expressed appreciation for the gesture. The President further revealed that he contacted Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was at the hospital with Joshua, and received assurances that the boxer was receiving optimal medical attention.

Earlier, in a post on X, President Tinubu expressed deep sympathy with Joshua and his family over the incident, which occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

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“I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident. As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride,” Tinubu wrote.

The President prayed for Joshua’s quick recovery and asked God to grant eternal rest to the souls of the deceased.

The accident reportedly occurred at the Makun area of Ogun State, when a Lexus Jeep conveying Anthony Joshua, with registration number KRD 850 HN, collided with a stationary truck.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun State said the crash involved five persons. According to the FRSC Public Education Officer, Afolabi Odunsi, the accident was caused by excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking.

“Five people were involved; one injured, two were unhurt, while two were killed in the crash. It was discovered that Anthony Joshua (international boxer) was involved. He sustained injuries and was taken to an undisclosed hospital by security officers attached to him,” Odunsi stated.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at a morgue and that road obstructions caused by the crash had been cleared.

The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who said the victims were deposited at Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.