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Imo: Family Alleges Police Neglect as Gunmen Abduct Inspector on Official Duty

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Imo: Family Alleges Police Neglect as Gunmen Abduct Inspector on Official Duty

The family of a police inspector allegedly kidnapped while on official duty in Imo State has accused the state police command of failing to take meaningful steps towards securing his release.

Inspector Eku Egim Eku was reportedly abducted by armed men on Monday, May 25, 2026, while travelling to Orlu, where he had been assigned to provide security services at a financial institution. According to family members, the officer was officially drafted by his unit command to provide armed security escort and bank guard services at a financial institution in Orlu town—a geographic zone that has been heavily criminalized by violent separatist gunmen and rogue militia cells. The inspector was intercepted midway through his journey by the gunmen, disarmed, and dragged into the dense forests characteristically used by terrorists as operational bases in the state.

Speaking on the incident, a family member expressed frustration over what he described as the lack of response from the Imo State Police Command since the incident occurred. According to information gathered, the officer was deployed by his unit to undertake bank guard duties in Orlu, an area that has witnessed repeated security challenges in recent years. During the journey, he was allegedly intercepted by gunmen, disarmed and taken away.

“One inspector, EKU EGIM EKU, has been kidnapped by armed terrorists in Imo State,” the victim’s brother cried out. “The said inspector is my brother. He was kidnapped on Monday while on his way to Orlu in Imo State for a bank guard duty.”

The family further alleged that despite several appeals, they have received no assistance from the police authorities in the state. Speaking to SaharaReporters on Saturday, May 30, a direct sibling of the abducted officer exposed how the family’s frantic appeals for assistance from the state police command have been completely stonewalled. The distraught family members accused the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, of showing absolute “indifference” and refusing to deploy tactical search-and-rescue teams to track down the kidnappers.

“All efforts from us the family proved abortive as the command is totally not willing to offer any support,” the heartbroken sibling claimed on Saturday.

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The relative claimed that five days after the abduction, the family had yet to receive updates or assurances regarding efforts to locate and rescue the officer. The most damning aspect of the officer’s disappearance, according to the family, is the alleged refusal of the top brass of the Imo State Police Command to acknowledge the incident or initiate standard hostage-rescue protocols, leaving the family entirely at the mercy of non-state actors.

Attempts to obtain the reaction of the Imo State Police Command were unsuccessful. All efforts by SaharaReporters to speak with the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, regarding the incident were completely unsuccessful. The command’s spokesperson did not answer multiple phone calls placed to his mobile line and failed to respond to a detailed text message seeking his comment on the development as of the time of filing this report.

Orlu and surrounding communities have experienced recurring security incidents in recent years, with security personnel among those targeted in attacks by armed groups operating in parts of the area. The Orlu senatorial district of Imo State has degenerated into a high-risk zone for uniform-wearing security personnel. Dozens of soldiers, police operatives, and civil defense corps members have been killed, decapitated, or vanished without a trace along this axis over the past few years.

This incident has again drawn attention to the security challenges facing the Orlu axis of Imo State, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks on security personnel and public institutions in recent years. Security observers have previously raised concerns about the safety measures available to officers deployed to high-risk locations, urging authorities to strengthen operational support and surveillance capabilities to reduce their exposure to attacks.

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Security analysts have repeatedly criticised the police hierarchy for failing to provide adequate armored transport or tactical air surveillance for personnel deployed to high-risk zones like Orlu, effectively leaving lower-ranking officers vulnerable to well-armed ambush squads. They have consistently warned about the dangers confronting officers deployed to volatile areas, urging authorities to improve operational support, intelligence gathering and protection measures for personnel working in high-risk zones.

The abduction of Inspector Eku comes amid a broader pattern of violent incidents targeting security personnel and civilians in Imo State. Just days earlier, on May 30, 2026, unidentified gunmen killed at least eight people, including security personnel, in Abacheke community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state. The attackers reportedly stormed a checkpoint within the community and opened fire, causing residents to flee for their lives.

On May 13, 2026, gunmen also attempted an abduction along the Umuokwo Ihiagwa/Eziobodo Road in Owerri West LGA, an area that hosts the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). That operation failed following a swift response by police operatives, local vigilante groups, and community members who mobilised in large numbers. In response to that incident, the Commissioner of Police for Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, ordered the deployment of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) , alongside other tactical and intelligence assets, to the affected area.

Despite these security challenges, the Imo State Police Command has recorded some successes in recent months. In March 2026, the command announced the arrest of 75 suspects linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism, with recoveries including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 65 rounds of live ammunition, two locally made pistols, one Beretta pistol, and six stolen motorcycles. In February 2026, the command arrested 15 suspects over alleged offences ranging from kidnapping, murder, and armed robbery to cultism, child trafficking, and terrorism-related activities linked to IPOB/ESN, recovering 10 firearms including four AK-47 rifles and 260 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, in March 2026, police operatives neutralized a suspected terrorist and recovered arms following an attack on Adapalm in Ohaji/Egbema local government area.

However, critics argue that these tactical successes have not translated into sustained security for officers on routine assignments like bank guard duties. The abduction of Inspector Eku highlights the persistent vulnerability of police personnel operating in high-risk areas of the state.

Security experts have also raised concerns about the lack of official acknowledgment of the incident by the police command. The family’s allegation that the Commissioner of Police has shown “indifference” to their pleas suggests a breakdown in communication between the command and the families of officers serving in dangerous postings.

As of the time of this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction of Inspector Eku Egim Eku, and his whereabouts remain unknown. The Imo State Police Command has not issued any official statement on the incident. The family continues to appeal to the authorities for urgent intervention to secure the officer’s release.

Imo: Family Alleges Police Neglect as Gunmen Abduct Inspector on Official Duty

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Delta Police Arrest Content Creator Over Alleged Rape, Death of Nursing Student

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Delta Police Arrest Content Creator Over Alleged Rape, Death of Nursing Student

Delta Police Arrest Content Creator Over Alleged Rape, Death of Nursing Student

The Delta State Police Command has arrested popular content creator Ifeanyi Ogbonna, widely known as ‘Odogwu of Asaba’, in connection with the alleged rape of a 20-year-old nursing student, Favour Agbro, who later died by suicide. The suspect, 40, was arrested at his residence in Asaba on Tuesday following a petition by Warri-based human rights activist, Comrade Israel Joe, who had been championing the case and demanding justice for the deceased. Favour Agbro, a native of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, was a practicing nurse at Wingate Hospital in Okuokoko, Warri, where she was known as a dedicated and promising young professional. According to activist Israel Joe, she travelled to Asaba on June 1, 2026, after being invited by the suspect, who had advertised a training programme on how to monetise Facebook and TikTok accounts, a lure that tragically led to her untimely death.

Upon her arrival in Asaba, the suspect allegedly took her to a hotel room where he reportedly raped and physically assaulted her, turning what she believed was an opportunity for professional development into a nightmare of sexual violence. According to activist Israel Joe, the deceased had made it clear to the suspect via WhatsApp that she was a virgin and was not interested in any form of relationship, making her intentions clear before she even travelled to meet him. “She told him she was a virgin, ‘I’ve never slept with a man. Please if that is what you are thinking, I can’t.’ He entered the room, raped the girl despite her plea. The girl even never chop. Odogwu Asaba no give this girl food,” Joe recounted, painting a disturbing picture of the callousness with which the suspect allegedly treated his victim. After the assault, the victim allegedly sustained injuries and began bleeding, a testament to the violence she endured at his hands. She contacted the suspect, who reportedly sent her N10,000 while also intimidating her, adding insult to injury and further traumatizing the young woman. She returned to Warri visibly traumatised and disclosed the incident to her twin sister and mother, who were devastated by the revelation of what had happened to their daughter and sibling.

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The activist further revealed that the victim approached an activist in Asaba to report the rape but was allegedly told to “let sleeping dogs lie” because the suspect was an influential person, a response that compounded her trauma and left her feeling abandoned by those who should have helped her. This setback reportedly pushed Favour into deep depression, leading her to ingest a toxic substance in a desperate act of despair. After taking the poisonous substance, she was rushed to Wingate Hospital where she worked, but she was reportedly rejected there, a cruel irony that she would be turned away from the very place where she had dedicated herself to caring for others. She was then taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), but hospital staff were allegedly on strike and could not attend to her, further delaying the urgent medical attention she desperately needed. She was finally rushed to Capitol Hill Hospital in Warri, where she eventually died, her life cut short at just 20 years old. She was buried about three weeks ago, but plans are underway to exhume her body for autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed that before her death, the victim made a video recording in which she recounted her experience and the severe emotional distress she suffered following the alleged assault, providing crucial evidence that has aided the investigation. She subsequently ingested a toxic substance and died despite efforts to save her life, leaving behind a grieving family and a community demanding justice. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, providing details of the police response to the petition. He stated that upon receipt of the petition, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, directed the Area Command Effurun to carry out an immediate and thorough investigation, demonstrating the command’s commitment to addressing the serious allegations. “During preliminary investigation, the suspect reportedly made useful statements to the police, while further investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case,” Edafe stated, indicating that the suspect was cooperating with investigators. CP Yemi Oyeniyi assured the deceased’s family and the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that no aspect of the allegations will be overlooked, offering a measure of reassurance that justice will be pursued. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that the investigation is conducted professionally and that appropriate legal action is taken in accordance with the law, signaling that the police are determined to see the case through to its conclusion. According to activist Israel Joe, the suspect did not deny the allegations when confronted with evidence during interrogation, a development that suggests the strength of the case against him. The case has sparked widespread public concern and renewed calls for justice over sexual violence and the protection of young women in Nigeria, with many taking to social media to demand accountability and systemic change.

Delta Police Arrest Content Creator Over Alleged Rape, Death of Nursing Student

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APC Guber Candidate Sharafadeen Alli Gifts Brand-New Toyota Camry to Rescued Oyo Principal

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APC Guber Candidate Sharafadeen Alli Gifts Brand-New Toyota Camry to Rescued Oyo Principal
Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Mrs Rachael Alamu

APC Guber Candidate Sharafadeen Alli Gifts Brand-New Toyota Camry to Rescued Oyo Principal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has donated a brand-new Toyota Camry to Mrs Rachael Alamu, the principal of Community High School, Esiele, Oriire Local Government Area, following her release from captivity. The presentation took place after Mrs Alamu and other abducted victims were formally handed over to Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where the emotional reunion unfolded before officials and family members who had gathered to receive the rescued victims. Photos shared by Ibadan-based radio station Yes FM showed Alli presenting the vehicle alongside the member representing Afijio/Oyo East/Oyo West/Atiba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Akeem Adeyemi, as the principal received the gift with visible appreciation and gratitude. The gesture has drawn attention to the sacrifices teachers continue to make while serving in vulnerable rural communities, with many describing it as a compassionate intervention that recognizes the dedication of educators who put their lives on the line in the service of their students. Mrs Alamu was among the teachers and pupils abducted on May 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area—Community High School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, plunging the entire state into mourning and sparking widespread calls for improved security in educational institutions across Oyo State. The victims regained their freedom on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity, bringing relief to their families and the entire Oyo State community, who had endured weeks of anxiety and uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.

After her rescue, a video shared online showed the visibly emotional principal asking security operatives about her husband and her vehicle, her voice trembling with relief and concern as she sought reassurance that her loved ones were safe. She later explained that she initially believed the police had recovered her car before learning that her abductors had burnt it, adding another layer of distress to the trauma she had already endured during the long weeks in captivity. Recounting her harrowing experience after being officially received by Governor Makinde, Mrs Alamu revealed the gruesome details of their 56-day ordeal in the forest, painting a vivid picture of the suffering and deprivation they endured at the hands of their captors. She disclosed that the kidnappers repeatedly forced the captives to undertake dangerous night-time treks through forests whenever they feared security operatives were closing in on their hideouts, subjecting already traumatized victims to additional physical and psychological stress. “When the place was discovered, we had to move, and that usually started around seven or eight at night. Sometimes we walked for three to four hours. That is why you see bruises on our bodies,” she said, explaining the visible marks of their arduous journeys through difficult terrain. She explained that the younger children were carried by the kidnappers, but older pupils had to endure the exhausting journeys, often falling multiple times due to fatigue and the challenging forest conditions. “The younger ones were carried, but the older children had to walk. They fell many times. It was very difficult,” she recounted, her voice heavy with the memory of the children’s suffering during those forced nocturnal movements.

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Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has donated a brand-new Toyota Camry to Mrs Rachael Alamu

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has donated a brand-new Toyota Camry to Mrs Rachael Alamu

Mrs Alamu also disclosed that the abductors subjected the victims to extreme cruelty to maintain silence and avoid detection, employing harsh methods to control their captives and prevent any attempts at escape or communication with the outside world. “Personally, I was not beaten, but some of the children were beaten. What they hated most was noise because they believed it could attract attention. The youngest children suffered the most. They would tie their mouths with pieces of cloth and beat them very well,” she revealed, describing the systematic brutality directed at the most vulnerable among them. The male teachers endured even harsher treatment during the 56-day captivity, facing additional restraints and harsher conditions than their female counterparts. “The men had it worse than us. They were blindfolded, handcuffed and chained on their legs,” she said, highlighting the gender-based disparity in the treatment of captives. Despite the harsh conditions and the constant threat of violence, the principal stated that none of the victims was sexually assaulted during the period in captivity, offering a small measure of relief in an otherwise harrowing narrative of abuse and deprivation.

During her emotional account, Mrs Alamu revealed that two teachers lost their lives during the ordeal, a loss that has cast a shadow over the relief of the victims’ rescue and reunification with their families. The mathematics teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was killed on the second day of their captivity, while Deacon Esiyan Adegboye was murdered on the first Sunday of June, their deaths serving as brutal reminders of the kidnappers’ willingness to commit murder to achieve their demands. “There are times when we had hope that we won’t come out alive. Mr Michael was killed on the second day we got there. Deacon was killed on the first Sunday of June. They killed them purposely because they felt that would force the hand of the government to give them whatever they wanted,” she recounted, her words echoing the trauma of witnessing colleagues murdered in cold blood. The abductors also subjected the victims to psychological torture, repeatedly telling them that the government had abandoned them and was no longer interested in securing their release, employing mental manipulation alongside physical abuse. “Many times, they used fear to subdue us. At one point they told us the government wasn’t interested in our case anymore because they didn’t value us,” she recalled, describing the psychological warfare that compounded the physical suffering of the 56-day captivity.

Senator Alli explained that the vehicle donation was in recognition of Mrs Alamu’s exceptional leadership, resilience, and motherly courage during the traumatic experience, highlighting her role in protecting and caring for the abducted pupils throughout the ordeal. A statement on his campaign Facebook page read: “The donation was in recognition of the exceptional leadership, resilience, and motherly courage Mrs Alamu displayed during her traumatic experience in the captivity of her abductors. Her composure, strength of character, and unwavering determination in the face of adversity have inspired many across Oyo State,” reflecting the admiration many have expressed for the principal’s strength under unimaginable circumstances. The APC governorship candidate described the gift as “a modest token of appreciation” for her courage and a demonstration of solidarity with victims of insecurity, emphasizing that such acts of exceptional character deserve recognition and encouragement from public figures. The statement further noted that the gesture reflected Alli’s belief that “acts of exceptional character and sacrifice deserve recognition and encouragement,” positioning the donation within a broader commitment to honouring those who display extraordinary courage in service to others.

The rescued victims were officially received by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, where he expressed relief at their safe return and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting its citizens. Speaking during the handover, Governor Makinde called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct a full-scale independent investigation into the abduction, describing the circumstances as “sufficiently grave and unusual to warrant independent scrutiny beyond our domestic institutions,” signalling the gravity with which his administration views the incident. The governor announced that the state government would immediately strengthen oversight of all access routes leading into and out of the Old Oyo National Park through adjoining local government areas, taking proactive measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. He also directed that the rescued pupils and teachers be reunited with their families immediately, describing the reunion as a critical step towards emotional healing after nearly two months in captivity, acknowledging the psychological scars that such ordeals leave behind. The BSA Diaspora Vanguard North America Chapter praised Senator Alli for his “swift and compassionate intervention,” describing the gesture as a reflection of true leadership, empathy, and commitment to the welfare of citizens. “Leadership is about showing up for the people, especially in their darkest moments. Barr. Sharafadeen Alli has demonstrated empathy, responsiveness, and commitment to the welfare of Oyo State citizens,” the group stated, commending the APC candidate for his responsiveness to the needs of victims and their families. Residents and stakeholders in Oriire Local Government also commended the senator’s gesture, describing it as a compassionate intervention and a fitting recognition of the sacrifices and dedication of teachers serving under challenging conditions, with many calling for similar support for the families of the two teachers who lost their lives during the kidnapping.

APC Guber Candidate Sharafadeen Alli Gifts Brand-New Toyota Camry to Rescued Oyo Principal

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Oluwo of Iwoland Confers ‘Atayese of Yorubaland’ Chieftaincy Title on VeryDarkMan

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Oluwo of Iwoland Confers 'Atayese of Yorubaland' Chieftaincy Title on VeryDarkMan

Oluwo of Iwoland Confers ‘Atayese of Yorubaland’ Chieftaincy Title on VeryDarkMan 

Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title of Atayese of Yorubaland by the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I. The honour was bestowed during a colourful ceremony at the Oluwo’s palace in Iwo, Osun State, on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The activist had travelled to the ancient town following a personal invitation from the monarch, arriving at Ibadan Airport ahead of the visit alongside coordinators of his Ratel movement from the Southwest region. The monarch had earlier described VDM as one of the country’s leading voices on transparency and accountability whose anti-corruption campaigns deserved “royal guidance,” setting the stage for what would become one of the most talked-about traditional ceremonies in recent times.

During the palace ceremony, the Oluwo personally adorned VeryDarkMan in traditional Yoruba attire (Aso Oke) before officially conferring the chieftaincy title upon him. The event was witnessed by palace chiefs, members of the Ratel movement, and other dignitaries who had gathered for the occasion, creating an atmosphere of celebration and cultural pride. The monarch, dressed in full traditional regalia, warmly received the activist and exchanged pleasantries with his guest while guests watched and recorded the ceremony for posterity. A particularly notable moment from the visit captured widespread attention online: VDM prostrated himself before the monarch in observance of Yoruba cultural tradition, a gesture reserved as a sign of deep respect for elders and traditional rulers. Videos of the moment quickly circulated across social media platforms, generating significant reactions from followers and observers who praised the display of Yoruba culture and tradition during the ceremony, with many commending the activist for honouring the customs of the land despite his often combative online persona.

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Addressing his guest and members of the Ratel movement, the Oluwo described Iwo as a peaceful town that welcomes people from every background and declared his official identification with the movement, referring to himself as the “King of the Ratels.” The monarch stated that anyone who chooses to live in Iwo would receive the same love and care he gives to his own children, emphasizing the town’s reputation for hospitality and warmth toward visitors. He also emphasized that Iwo remains the only town where residents favour the monarchy system of government above every other form of governance, highlighting the deep-rooted cultural values that define the ancient kingdom. The monarch urged the movement to expand its mission beyond social advocacy by embracing politics, arguing that meaningful reforms and justice could only be achieved through political power. “I want you Ratels to know there is now a king in the Ratel. I want your help to cleanse our dirty culture and remove the bad from it. Today, VDM has been chosen,” the Oluwo declared. “Keep moving, but you should not stop yourself from politics because that is the only way you can implement your dreams so that you can even control kings,” he added, offering what many interpreted as strategic counsel for the activist and his movement to extend their influence beyond social media advocacy into the realm of political governance.

The conferment has generated widespread debate online, with supporters celebrating the recognition while others questioned the significance and scope of the title. Some commentators argued the title should have been limited to “Atayese of Iwoland” rather than extending it to “Atayese of Yorubaland,” while others described the honour as recognition of the activist’s advocacy and public engagement. One supporter commented: “Dem say pikin wey wash him hand clean go dine/Eat with Elders,” reflecting the popular sentiment that VDM’s journey from social media critic to traditional title holder represents a remarkable rise. Others drew connections to VDM’s journey and influence, with the visit becoming one of the most talked-about moments online. Some users expressed caution, with one writing: “Trust no one,” while another urged VDM to stay grounded despite the recognition, warning that traditional honours could potentially compromise his critical voice. The mixed reactions underscore the complexity of VDM’s public persona and the varied expectations his followers hold for his advocacy work.

The honour comes about three months after VeryDarkMan announced a temporary break from all social media platforms following allegations that his online activities were distracting Nigerian youths from demanding accountability from the government. The social media commentator disclosed the decision in a video shared on his Instagram page, saying he stepped away following the allegations that his posts had become a source of distraction for young Nigerians who should otherwise be focused on holding the government accountable. “Because of the allegations and accusations that it is my posts that have been distracting the Nigerian youths from holding the government accountable, I have decided to not post again on social media during this period,” he said, explaining his rationale for the temporary withdrawal. “I’m going to take a back stage,” he added, indicating his intention to allow other voices to emerge in the online advocacy space during his absence from social media platforms. The conferment of the chieftaincy title adds another milestone to VDM’s public engagements, as the activist continues to play a prominent role in national conversations on transparency, justice and public accountability. The visit and chieftaincy conferment have since become one of the most talked-about topics online, with many awaiting further details about the significance of the title and the activist’s remarks following the honour, while others continue to debate the implications of a social media critic accepting traditional recognition from a monarch.

Oluwo of Iwoland Confers ‘Atayese of Yorubaland’ Chieftaincy Title on VeryDarkMan 

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