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Insider Betrayal: Farm Worker Arrested After Confessing He Initiated Boss’s Kidnap

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3 months ago

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Insider Betrayal: Farm Worker Arrested After Confessing He Initiated Boss's Kidnap

Insider Betrayal: Farm Worker Arrested After Confessing He Initiated Boss’s Kidnap

A 32-year-old farm secretary, Latifat, has told an Oyo State High Court in Ibadan how a trusted Fulani security guard allegedly organised her kidnapping, collected a N25 million ransom, and orchestrated the murder of her elderly colleague, who was shot in the neck.

Latifat, who works as a Farm Secretary on a private farm at Oduru Village, via Elekuru, Moniya, Ibadan, was testifying as a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of two defendants – Isah Mohammed and Mohammed Ishaka – before Justice Omolara S. Adeyemi at Court 10, Oyo State High Court.

The defendants are facing multiple charges, including conspiracy, murder, and kidnapping, under the Oyo State Kidnapping (Prohibition) Law in a suit numbered I/18c/2020. The case stems from a harrowing incident that occurred on March 14, 2019, when Latifat and her expatriate boss, Mr Elliott, an American citizen, were abducted from their workplace.

According to Latifat’s testimony during examination-in-chief by prosecution counsel Deborah Oluyemisi Collins Esq., the first defendant, Isah Mohammed, was employed as a security man and general worker on the farm. What happened next would unravel a chilling story of insider betrayal.

Latifat told the court that on the day of the attack, Mohammed behaved suspiciously. He took the company’s motorcycle without proper authorisation, claiming he wanted to repair a tyre – even though the bike was not faulty. Before leaving, he also took bottled water belonging to her bosses without permission, an action she later reported to her boss, Mr Oke.

Shortly after Mohammed departed, gunshots rang out. Latifat, Mr Oke, and their elderly colleague, 55-year-old Rafiu Adebayo (fondly called Baba Rafiu), went to investigate. They saw five armed men who were clearly not hunters. The gunmen shouted at them to lie down. In the chaos, Mr Oke managed to escape, but Latifat, Mr Elliott, and Baba Rafiu were trapped.

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Then came the fatal shot. “They shot Baba Rafiu,” Latifat told the court. The elderly farm worker was shot in the neck and later died from his injury. Police detectives who visited the scene reportedly recovered expended shells of 7.1mm ammunition on the farm.

The kidnappers then stormed the farmhouse, pulled Mr Elliott up, and ransacked the premises. They carried all the bags and attempted to take drinks that were under a table where Latifat had hidden. That was how they discovered and captured her.

What followed was a two-day ordeal in the bush. Latifat and Mr Elliott were marched through dense forests for hours. At about 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on the first day, it started raining heavily. The kidnappers eventually found shelter, made a fire because the victims were soaked to the skin, and cut plantain leaves for them to sleep on.

The kidnappers initially demanded N50 million in ransom. Mr Elliott asked if they would accept Bitcoin since he did not have cash, but they rejected the idea and insisted on physical currency. After negotiations with Oluwadare, the Chief Security Officer of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the ransom was reduced to N25 million.

Throughout the ordeal, the victims endured hunger, exhaustion, and constant fear. At one point, Latifat managed to use her phone – which the kidnappers had allowed her to use under supervision – to randomly call a number. That call connected to Oluwadare, establishing a critical lifeline.

The ransom payment was executed meticulously. The captors received N10 million in N1,000 notes, N5 million in N500 notes, and N10 million in dollars – equivalent to the remaining amount. When Oluwadare and Latifat’s father arrived with the money, the kidnappers poured it on the ground, counted it carefully, and confirmed it was complete. Only then did they release Latifat, Mr Elliott, and the others.

Before releasing them, the kidnappers took the jewellery the victims were wearing and begged for forgiveness.

The first defendant, Isah Mohammed, a Fulani from Birnin Kebbi, was arrested at Moniya a day after the incident. He had told the police that he wanted to escape to the north to avoid arrest. In his confessional statement, Mohammed admitted that he initiated the kidnap operation. He confessed that he approached the second defendant, Mohammed Ishaka, who then linked him to a kidnap kingpin known simply as “Alhaji.” Alhaji, in turn, invited three other Fulani men to carry out the attack.

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Mohammed also confessed to selling the company’s motorcycle for N60,000, after which he lodged in a hotel before his arrest at Akinyele Motor Park, where he was attempting to board a vehicle to the north.

The second defendant, Mohammed Ishaka, was arrested on March 29, 2019, at Ido area. He confirmed that Mohammed approached him for a gang that would help kidnap Mr Elliott and Mr Oke. Ishaka admitted that he was the one who linked Alhaji with Mohammed. However, Ishaka claimed he was given only N100,000 as his share, as Alhaji told him the gang received only N2 million from the total ransom.

Following Latifat’s detailed testimony and cross-examination by defence counsel Barrister Olufolahan Awoyemi, Justice Omolara S. Adeyemi adjourned the case until June 26, 2026, for further hearing.

Earlier in the legal proceedings, three men – Mohammed Isah, 27; Ishaka Mohammad, 27; and Adamu Ibrahim, 20 – were initially arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan on April 28, 2019. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Idowu, did not take their pleas because the court lacked jurisdiction, ordering that the case file be sent to the Oyo State Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The prosecutor, ASP Adewale Amos, had told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired with others still at large to commit the offence, including the kidnapping of Elliot Kulakow and Latifat Togunde and the unlawful collection of N25 million ransom.

As the case continues before the Oyo State High Court, Latifat’s testimony stands as a powerful reminder of how trusted employees can become deadly threats. The two defendants now await their next court appearance on June 26, 2026, where further evidence will be presented.

Insider Betrayal: Farm Worker Arrested After Confessing He Initiated Boss’s Kidnap

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Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

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14 hours ago

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August 21, 2026

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Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here's When Nigerians Will Get Break
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

In a move that has sparked excitement across the country, the Federal Government has made an official declaration that will see workers nationwide enjoy a well-deserved break from their daily routines. The announcement, which came through the Ministry of Interior on Friday, has sent waves of anticipation through offices and businesses as citizens begin making plans for the upcoming holiday.

The Federal Government has officially declared a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, which marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The declaration gives workers across the country a break and provides Muslim faithful an opportunity to observe the occasion with prayers, religious activities, and family gatherings. The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani. The announcement has been welcomed by Muslim communities across Nigeria, who are now preparing to mark the significant religious occasion with traditional observances and communal festivities.

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In his goodwill message, Tunji-Ojo extended warm felicitations to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora, while also urging all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations, to use the occasion as an opportunity for introspection and moral renewal. He emphasised that the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad offer timeless lessons that transcend religious boundaries and speak to the universal values of humanity. The minister stated that every Eid ul Mawlid gives citizens reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others, adding that these are qualities the nation needs now more than ever. He encouraged every Nigerian, not just Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them, underscoring the importance of embracing these virtues as a foundation for national transformation.

The minister stressed that the celebration period should serve as a time for collective prayer for peace, unity, and national cohesion, emphasising that the task of maintaining peace across the country requires the collective efforts of all citizens, irrespective of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. He called on citizens to observe the celebration with restraint, mutual respect, and consideration for one another, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid. Tunji-Ojo further noted that the occasion presents an opportunity for Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and foster a spirit of tolerance and understanding, which are essential for the nation’s progress and development.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the minister assured Nigerians that the government remains dedicated to ensuring peace and stability across the nation at all times. He encouraged citizens to support initiatives designed to promote national unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an environment of peace and security.

Eid ul Mawlid, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is observed by Muslims in many parts of the world to honour the birth of Prophet Muhammad. In Nigeria, the occasion is usually marked with special prayers, religious gatherings, lectures, and charitable activities. The declaration means workers across the country will enjoy a day off from work on the designated day, giving many Nigerians an opportunity to rest, spend quality time with family, and participate in Eid ul Mawlid activities. Businesses, schools, and government offices are expected to remain closed on the holiday.

Just In: FG Announces Public Holiday – Here’s When Nigerians Will Get Break

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Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

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15 hours ago

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August 21, 2026

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Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe's Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million
Senator Ireti Kingibe

Abuja Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Dutse, Abuja, has ordered the remand of a 52-year-old dry cleaner, Abdul Mohammed, who pleaded guilty to stealing expensive jewellery belonging to Senator Ireti Kingibe, the lawmaker representing the Federal Capital Territory in the National Assembly. The stolen items, which included gold bangles, necklaces, luxury wristwatches, and earrings, were allegedly sold by the suspect to two buyers for a total sum of N45.7 million.

Magistrate Abdullahi Ilelah gave the remand order on Friday following Mohammed’s guilty plea and adjourned the matter until September 21 for sentencing, allowing the court time to deliberate on the appropriate penalty for the offence .

The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the victim and the brazen breach of trust by a service provider who had been granted access to the senator’s residence. The prosecution told the court that Senator Kingibe, who resides in the upscale Zangon Daura Estate in Kado, Abuja, first reported the incident at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force on June 27 .

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According to the prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, the dry cleaner gained unlawful entry into the complainant’s private room, where he forcefully broke open her jewellery box and carted away an assortment of high-value items . The offence, which contravenes Section 289 of the Penal Code Law, carries prescribed punishment for theft and related property offences .

During police investigation, Mohammed reportedly confessed to the crime and disclosed that he did not act alone in disposing of the stolen assets . The defendant admitted to selling all the stolen jewellery to two buyers, identified as Suleiman Isah and Isah Yusuf, both residents of the Federal Capital Territory, for a total sum of N45.7 million . This confession formed a crucial part of the evidence linking him to the crime.

The prosecution urged the court to proceed with sentencing without further delay, citing Section 112(8) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which empowers the court to act swiftly on guilty pleas in appropriate circumstances . The court is now expected to determine the legal consequences for the convicted dry cleaner when it reconvenes for sentencing on September 21 .

Dry Cleaner Pleads Guilty to Stealing Senator Ireti Kingibe’s Jewellery Worth N45.7 Million

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Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

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15 hours ago

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August 21, 2026

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Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti
Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

In a historic show of unity, traditional rulers across the South-West geopolitical zone have finalized plans to hold a high-stakes security meeting with Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho. The meeting, scheduled to take place today (Friday) in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, marks a major turning point in regional efforts to combat rising insecurity through collaborative community-based strategies.

The high-level gathering will be hosted by the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, and presided over by the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC). This convergence of royal authority and grassroots security activism underscores the urgent need for inclusive, homegrown solutions to the banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence threatening rural communities across the region.

According to a statement released by the Igboho media office on Friday, the stakeholders’ meeting will bring together monarchs from Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara State. The breadth of representation highlights the collective determination of South-West leaders to transcend political and ethnic divisions in pursuit of lasting peace. The meeting is expected to deliberate extensively on measures aimed at ensuring effective security architecture for the South West, with particular emphasis on synergizing local initiatives such as the Iru Ekun Security Network with existing state and federal security frameworks.

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A central focus of the discussions will be the active involvement of traditional rulers in local security management. Given their deep-rooted connections to grassroots communities, monarchs are uniquely positioned to mediate disputes, gather intelligence, and foster trust between security agencies and the populace. The meeting will also address the prevention of inter-ethnic crises and the management of disputes between Yoruba communities and other ethnic nationalities residing in the South-West, reinforcing the region’s long-standing tradition of peaceful coexistence.

In a notable departure from past tensions, the statement from Igboho’s media office commended federal security agencies—including the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other paramilitary bodies—for their “enormous support” of the Iru Ekun Security Network. The activist’s team assured the public of continued cooperation with all stakeholders in the security sector to sustain the prevailing peace and safety in the South West. This gesture of goodwill follows a significant reconciliation earlier in August 2026, when the Ooni of Ife publicly endorsed Igboho’s security initiative with a donation of ₦100 million and a Hilux vehicle, signaling a new era of collaboration between traditional institutions and civil society security advocates.

The statement specifically appreciated the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu; and the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for their visible efforts, which have contributed to a drastic reduction in cases of insecurity and other criminalities across Nigeria. This acknowledgment reflects a growing recognition that sustainable security requires a multi-stakeholder approach, where federal agencies, state governments, traditional rulers, and community networks work in tandem.

As the South-West grapples with complex security challenges, today’s meeting in Ijero Ekiti represents more than a routine consultation—it is a bold statement of intent. By bridging the gap between traditional authority and grassroots activism, the region’s leaders are charting a pragmatic path toward safer, more resilient communities. The outcomes of this historic gathering are likely to shape the trajectory of local security governance in Yorubaland for years to come.

Ooni of Ife, Other South-West Monarchs, Sunday Igboho Unite for Historic Security Summit in Ekiti

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