Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom - Newstrends
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Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

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Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has rescued 22 passengers following the hijacking of a wooden passenger boat by suspected sea robbers along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka waterway in Akwa Ibom State. The operation, conducted on August 11, 2026, was carried out by personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka, in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police. This coordinated effort demonstrates the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria’s waterways and the people who depend on them for transportation and livelihood.

The operation followed an attack on a passenger boat travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata, Ibaka. According to the Commanding Officer of FOB Ibaka, Navy Captain Adebowale Omotosho, the passenger boat came under attack shortly after passing the Enwang community when five armed men in a speedboat intercepted the vessel and took control of the boat and its passengers. The attackers, armed with dangerous weapons, threatened the passengers and forcibly took over the vessel, leaving the victims terrified and helpless in the middle of the waterway.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, disclosed in a statement that the passengers were abducted while the vessel was hijacked. Following receipt of the distress information, personnel of FOB Ibaka and collaborating security agencies launched a coordinated operation to locate the victims and recover the hijacked boat. The swift response by the security forces was critical in ensuring that the criminals were unable to escape with their captives and that the vessel was recovered without any loss of life.

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The security operation forced the suspected kidnappers to abandon their captives and the hijacked boat at Asak-Ikang Creek on Wednesday before fleeing towards Oron. Naval personnel, working with collaborating security agencies, immediately conducted a sweep of the creek and rescued 11 passengers who had been abandoned by the attackers. Another 11 passengers who had escaped during the initial attack were subsequently located and debriefed at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22. The successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and the importance of timely intelligence in combating maritime crime.

The rescued passengers were taken to the FOB Ibaka Sickbay for medical assessment and first aid before arrangements were made for their safe return to Calabar alongside the recovered boat. The Navy confirmed that no ransom was paid for their release, underscoring the professionalism and commitment of the security forces to protecting citizens without capitulating to the demands of criminals. The passengers, though traumatized by their ordeal, were reported to be in stable condition and grateful for the timely intervention of the Navy and other security agencies.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime security, enhancing inter-agency cooperation and leveraging timely intelligence to deny criminals freedom of action along the nation’s waterways. Okehie said the successful operation underscored the Navy’s determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and maintain a secure maritime environment. He emphasized that the Navy would continue to adopt proactive measures to prevent such incidents and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

He added that the Nigerian Navy would continue to work with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to combat sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of maritime criminality across the country’s waterways. This successful operation follows recent naval efforts in the region, including the destruction of a suspected militant camp in Cross River State and the rescue of three passengers in a separate operation in Akwa Ibom earlier in August 2026. The Navy’s sustained presence and proactive operations in the region have contributed to a significant reduction in maritime crime and increased confidence among waterway users.

Navy Rescues 22 Sea Robbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Boat in Akwa Ibom

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“I Needed Money” – Blessing CEO Admits Faking Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Sparks Outrage

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Court grants Blessing CEO N20m bail in alleged N69.15m property fraud case

“I Needed Money” – Blessing CEO Admits Faking Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Sparks Outrage

 

Controversial Nigerian relationship influencer and self-acclaimed therapist, Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has triggered widespread outrage after reportedly admitting that her claims of battling breast cancer were false and that she fabricated the story because she needed money.

 

According to a report by Pinpoint News, the social media personality confessed that her emotional disclosure about having breast cancer was not genuine, explaining that financial difficulties influenced her decision.

 

Her reported admission has sparked angry reactions, particularly among Nigerians who had expressed sympathy and concern following her earlier claims about her health.

 

The development has also raised questions about the credibility of online fundraising appeals and the growing exploitation of public sympathy by social media personalities.

 

The controversy has attracted fierce criticism from social media users, many of whom described the alleged deception as insensitive to women genuinely battling breast cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

 

Critics argued that fabricating a cancer diagnosis for financial gain trivialises the suffering of patients undergoing painful treatments and makes it increasingly difficult for people with genuine medical emergencies to receive public support.

 

Some commentators also expressed concern that the incident could discourage Nigerians from contributing to legitimate medical fundraising campaigns.

 

Blessing CEO reportedly attributed her action to financial pressure, saying she needed money. However, the explanation has done little to calm the growing backlash, with critics insisting that financial difficulties cannot justify misleading the public with a fabricated life-threatening illness.

 

The influencer, who has frequently attracted public attention for her controversial opinions on relationships, marriage and family matters, has repeatedly found herself at the centre of social media debates.

 

However, the latest controversy has generated a different level of condemnation because of its implications for public trust, medical fundraising and people genuinely battling cancer.

 

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement from law enforcement authorities regarding possible legal action over the alleged deception had been reported.

 

The controversy continues to generate reactions online, with some Nigerians demanding accountability and calling for stronger scrutiny of fundraising appeals made by social media influencers.

 

“I Needed Money” – Blessing CEO Admits Faking Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Sparks Outrage

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Pastor Remanded Over Viral Video of Toluwanisings’ Corpse After Failed Attempt to Raise Singer From Dead

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ToluwaniSings’ Final Hours: Aide Reveals Desperate Search Across 8 Hospitals

Pastor Remanded Over Viral Video of Toluwanisings’ Corpse After Failed Attempt to Raise Singer From Dead

 

IBADAN, Oyo State — A self-proclaimed prophet, Moses Idowu, has been remanded in a correctional facility after allegedly filming and circulating disturbing footage of the corpse of late Nigerian gospel singer, Olayemi Bayonle Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, following a failed attempt to resurrect the deceased.

 

The development has sparked renewed controversy surrounding the gospel musician’s death, with the Oyo State Police Command warning social media users against exploiting the tragedy through unverified allegations and sensational publications.

 

The police confirmed the prophet’s remand on Friday in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.

 

According to the police, Idowu allegedly visited the morgue where Toluwanisings’ remains were deposited, claiming he possessed the spiritual ability to bring the deceased singer back to life.

 

However, during the unauthorised visit, the suspect allegedly recorded a video showing the singer’s corpse and subsequently circulated the footage on social media without the consent or knowledge of his family.

 

Police authorities said the suspect went further to make what they described as unsubstantiated and defamatory allegations against the singer’s widow, Mrs Olayemi Elizabeth Damilola, and his personal assistant and manager, Babadunmi Gbolabo, accusing them of having a hand in his death without presenting credible evidence.

 

Following investigations, Idowu was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on the unlawful recording and publication of a deceased person’s image, indignity to a human body, publication of defamatory material and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

 

After taking his plea, the presiding magistrate ordered his remand at a correctional facility.

 

The court subsequently adjourned the case until December 2, 2026, for further proceedings.

 

Police Arrest Blogger Over Alleged False Claims Against Singer’s Family

 

In a related development, the police also confirmed the arrest and arraignment of a blogger and content creator, Oladapo Joshua Dunminimnun, over videos allegedly accusing members of Toluwanisings’ family and his personal assistant of involvement in his death.

 

Dunminimnun was arrested on Thursday, November 12, following the circulation of several videos on Facebook containing the allegations.

 

DSP Ayanlade disclosed that the blogger allegedly continued publishing the videos despite repeated warnings from the police and the bereaved family.

 

The police spokesperson also said the suspect disregarded a peace undertaking previously signed by concerned parties, which reportedly restrained individuals from making public statements or publications concerning the late musician.

 

He was subsequently arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on the publication of false news on Facebook, unlawful publication of defamatory material and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.

 

The court adjourned his case until December 11, 2026.

 

Police Warn Social Media Users Against Exploiting Toluwanisings’ Death

 

Reacting to the developments, the Oyo State Police Command expressed concern over what it described as the growing practice of some content creators exploiting tragic incidents to generate online engagement.

 

The command cautioned that freedom of expression does not exempt anyone from legal consequences, particularly when publications involve alleged defamation, false information or actions capable of disturbing public peace.

 

It urged members of the public to respect the dignity of deceased persons, demonstrate compassion towards grieving families and allow law enforcement agencies and the courts to handle sensitive matters.

 

How Toluwanisings’ Death Sparked Family Controversy

 

Toluwanisings died on October 14, 2026, after reportedly slumping at his residence in Ibadan.

 

His sudden death triggered widespread reactions and weeks of disagreement between his father, Muniru Adekunle Olayemi, and his widow over arrangements for his burial.

 

The disagreement reportedly generated considerable public attention, with the police intervening to restore calm and prevent further tension among the deceased singer’s relatives.

 

Following the intervention, the gospel musician was eventually buried at his Ibadan residence on November 9, 2026, in a quiet and private ceremony.

 

The latest arrests have added another dimension to the controversy, as the police move against individuals accused of circulating unauthorised footage of the deceased and making allegations against members of his family.

 

Pastor Remanded Over Viral Video of Toluwanisings’ Corpse After Failed Attempt to Raise Singer From Dead

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Kwankwaso’s Daughter, Kano Governor’s Wife, Files for Divorce, Offers to Refund Dowry

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Kwankwaso’s Daughter, Kano Governor’s Wife, Files for Divorce, Offers to Refund Dowry

 

ABUJA — Zainab Musa Kwankwaso, the wife of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and daughter of former Kano State Governor Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reportedly approached an Abuja court seeking the dissolution of her marriage to the governor.

 

Zainab, who is the governor’s second wife, reportedly instituted the divorce proceedings at the Upper Area Court sitting in Gudu, Abuja, in a case marked CV/97/26.

 

In her application, she reportedly expressed her willingness to refund the dowry paid by Governor Yusuf as part of the process of ending their marriage.

 

Reasons Behind Divorce Application

 

According to details contained in the court filings, Zainab cited an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, alleging that the relationship had lost the love, affection, care and emotional connection necessary for a successful marital union.

 

She also reportedly expressed concern that continuing in the marriage could make it difficult for her to observe the limits and obligations prescribed by Islamic injunctions governing marital relationships.

 

The couple reportedly got married on July 29, 2006, when Zainab was serving as an aide to her father, Senator Kwankwaso.

 

Their marriage has produced six children.

 

Court Summons Governor Yusuf

 

Following the filing of the divorce suit, the Upper Area Court in Gudu reportedly issued a summons directing Governor Yusuf to appear before it on November 17, 2026, in connection with the proceedings.

 

The development is attracting attention because of the political relationship between the governor and his father-in-law, Senator Kwankwaso, who was instrumental in Yusuf’s emergence as governor.

 

The relationship between the two political figures has reportedly become strained amid political disagreements surrounding the future of the Kwankwasiyya political movement and the governor’s political direction.

 

The divorce proceedings have now introduced a family dimension to the already widely discussed relationship between the two political camps.

 

However, the legal action should be treated separately from the political disagreements, as no established evidence in the reported court filings has linked the divorce application directly to the political differences.

 

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Kano State Government nor Governor Yusuf had issued an official statement concerning the reported divorce proceedings.

 

The court is expected to hear the matter on November 17, 2026.

 

 

Kwankwaso’s Daughter, Kano Governor’s Wife, Files for Divorce, Offers to Refund Dowry

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