Cultists Storm Lagos Wedding, Kill Bride’s Father, Hypeman

A wedding celebration in Lagos State turned deadly on Saturday after suspected cultists stormed a reception venue and shot dead a bride’s father and a popular hypeman identified as Victor in the Ikotun area.

The incident reportedly occurred on Governor’s Road, Oviawe Street, shortly after the wedding ceremony had ended and guests had moved to an after-party event.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers arrived suddenly and opened fire indiscriminately, causing guests to flee in panic. The hypeman, Victor, was said to have been entertaining guests when the gunmen invaded the venue.

A resident identified as Tosin said the attackers immediately targeted Victor, dragging him outside before assaulting him with weapons.

“They went straight to Victor, dragged him outside and started beating him with dangerous weapons,” he said.

Another witness said the bride’s father was killed while attempting to intervene and plead for Victor’s life.

“When the gunmen were beating Victor, the bride’s father rushed to intervene. They shot both of them. They died on the spot,” the source said.

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The attack reportedly caused chaos across the community, with residents and business owners rushing indoors as gunshots rang out. The violence is believed to have occurred during a crowded celebration, making escape difficult for many guests.

Locals suggested the incident may not have been directly linked to the wedding itself but could be connected to ongoing cult-related violence in the Ikotun area, which has experienced repeated clashes between rival groups in recent months.

Another resident, who identified Victor as a familiar figure in the community, described him as a well-known entertainer who regularly performed at local events.

Police spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command confirmed that an investigation has begun and that the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further probe.

“The matter is being investigated; it will be transferred to the SCID today unfailingly,” the spokesperson said.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects involved, while security has been stepped up in the area following the attack.

The incident adds to growing concerns over cult violence in Lagos communities, where rival groups have increasingly disrupted public gatherings and residential areas, raising fears over civilian safety during social events.

Cultists Storm Lagos Wedding, Kill Bride’s Father, Hypeman

2026 Hajj: First Batch of 315 Oyo State Pilgrims Arrive in Medina 

The first batch of 315 intending pilgrims from Oyo State has arrived safely in Medina, Saudi Arabia, to commence the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, marking the official start of the state’s participation in this year’s spiritual exercise.

The pilgrims departed Nigeria on Monday from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and landed at about 9:00 a.m. local time at the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina aboard an Air Peace flight.

Their arrival signals the beginning of their religious journey, as they settle in the holy city ahead of further movement to Mecca for the core Hajj rites, including key spiritual obligations such as Tawaf and the pilgrimage to Arafat.

The delegation was accompanied by senior officials of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board, including Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf Olayiwola Biznillah, Alhaji Amusat Ayuba Agboola, Alhaji (Imam) AbdulMajeed Olanase, Alhaji Daud Bolaji Afolabi, Alhaji Abdulrahmon Bakare Agbotomokekere, and the Board Secretary, Mr. Kamorudeen Babatunde Fasasi.

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Officials confirmed that the entire journey—from departure in Lagos to arrival in Medina—was conducted in an orderly and well-coordinated manner, with strict adherence to aviation and pilgrimage protocols.

Speaking prior to departure in Lagos on behalf of the Board Chairman, Sheikh Wahab Atere Hashim Olamide, JP, Mr. Fasasi assured pilgrims of a smooth and well-organised pilgrimage experience. He noted that adequate logistical, welfare, and spiritual arrangements had been put in place to ensure a safe and rewarding 2026 Hajj exercise.

He also addressed concerns raised by some pilgrims, stating that all necessary preparations had been completed to support their comfort and religious fulfilment throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Fasasi further disclosed that pilgrims who paid above the approved official Hajj fare for the 2026 exercise would receive refunds in line with government-approved guidelines, a move aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the pilgrimage process.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which oversees the coordination of Nigerian pilgrims, continues to work with state pilgrim welfare boards to ensure smooth transportation, accommodation, and welfare services for all intending pilgrims.

The Hajj pilgrimage remains one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world, drawing millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia each year. Nigeria consistently contributes one of the largest contingents to the global pilgrimage, with thousands expected to participate in the 2026 exercise.

More batches of pilgrims from Nigeria are expected to arrive in the coming days as preparations intensify for the commencement of full Hajj rites in the holy cities of Medina and Mecca.

2026 Hajj: First Batch of 315 Oyo State Pilgrims Arrive in Medina 

EFCC Arraigns Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Over Alleged ₦36bn Misappropriation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Tunde Ayeni, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Apo, Abuja, over alleged large-scale financial misconduct.

Ayeni was docked on Monday on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation of funds, and unlawful transfer of depositors’ money. He is accused of diverting funds allegedly worth about ₦36 billion during his tenure as chairman of the bank.

The EFCC told the court that between October 21 and November 19, 2014, Ayeni allegedly had control over depositors’ funds domiciled in the bank’s suspense account and dishonestly misappropriated ₦3.2 billion. The agency further alleged that the funds were transferred to Misa Limited’s account with Zenith Bank Plc in violation of banking regulations, including prudential guidelines governing financial institutions.

The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 311 and 286 of the Penal Code and are punishable under Sections 312 and 287 of the same law.

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When the charges were read in open court, Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ekele Iheanacho, urged the court to fix a date for trial and requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending commencement of proceedings.

Ayeni’s counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution. He urged the court to grant a short adjournment to allow the application to be heard, describing his client as a seasoned legal practitioner of over 35 years and assuring the court that he would ensure the defendant’s appearance at subsequent hearings.

After listening to both sides, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application. The judge also ordered that Ayeni be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail request.

The case is part of ongoing EFCC efforts to prosecute legacy financial sector cases linked to alleged corporate governance failures and mismanagement in the banking sector, particularly around the period leading to the restructuring of Skye Bank, which was later replaced by Polaris Bank following regulatory intervention by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

EFCC Arraigns Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Over Alleged ₦36bn Misappropriation