Ogun govt suspends monarch who publicly humiliated elder in viral video - Newstrends
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Ogun govt suspends monarch who publicly humiliated elder in viral video

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Oba Semiu Ogunjobi and Chief Abraham Areola

Ogun govt suspends monarch who publicly humiliated elder in viral video

The Ogun State government on Monday suspended Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile-Ifo family, for six months over his alleged public attack and dehumanisation of a 73-year-old man, Chief Abraham Areola.

The decision was reached, according to a statement made available to newsmen by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade. The decision was reached after Oba Ogunjobi and his victim, 73-year-old Areola Abraham, were invited by the State Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, for interrogation.

He said, “This became imperative as a result of the reckless utterances and public misconduct of the Kabiyesi, as it was evident in the social media and being bandied in the larger public space.”

“After the investigation conducted on the matter, the Kabiyesi has been suspended and stripped of the paraphernalia of the stool of Olorile-Ifo pending the determination of his culpability or otherwise on the allegation.”

“The foregoing decision was reached by the Ministry in conjunction with the Egba Traditional Council in accordance with Section 52(1) of the Obas and Chiefs’ Law of Ogun State 2021.”

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Meanwhile, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), at a press conference in Abeokuta, condemned the attack on Areola, describing it as a gross violation of human rights.

Speaking at the press conference, the National Vice President of CDHR, Comrade Yinka Folarin, said, “Nobody, no matter how highly placed, is above the law. We will not allow this act of brutality to go unpunished. The traditional institution must be held accountable, and the rule of law must prevail.”

He added that the CDHR has petitioned the Ogun State government and security agencies, demanding an immediate investigation and prosecution of Oba Ogunjobi and his alleged killer squad.

Folarin said, “The CDHR has given the state government a 72-hour ultimatum to act, warning that failure to address the situation will lead to massive protests at the Orile-Ifo palace and across the state.

His words: “Distinguished Nigerians, it has come to light that Oba Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi has been engaging in extortion and unlawful installation of chiefs beyond his jurisdiction. He has allegedly been extorting people and installing them as chiefs outside his jurisdiction, threatening peaceful coexistence and sustainable peace efforts”.

“Ogunjobi’s influence as a former policeman has been misused to criminally abuse human rights, with threats that he is above the law. The video evidence shows him attempting to take lives and boasting that he can kill without leaving traces, posing a danger to his continued reign as Oba in Orile Ifo.”

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“The demands are clear; security agencies must restore normalcy, secure justice for victims, and investigate and prosecute Ogunjobi for attempted murder, public assault, and conduct likely to breach public peace against Elder Ariola Abraham Love JP”

“The security agency must investigate and bring to justice all those who were involved, especially those who are turned as his killer squad and other criminal activities that threaten the peace of Orile Ifo and generally.”.

“And that he should be investigated for other cases of missing persons within Orile Ifo Ifo generally”.

“We have also demanded that the Nigeria police force, the Inspector-General, must do everything possible to investigate the years of service of Oba Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi and expose his suspected criminal activities and secure justice for his many unknown victims.”.

“We are calling on the government of Ogun State to, as a matter of urgency, remove Oba Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi, who is only appearing as a terror by terrorising the people of Orile Ifo and Ifo in general.

“We are giving the state government a seventy-two-hour ultimatum that this Oba, whose reign is a reign of terror, be removed or else the Committee for the Defense of Human Rights will be left with no other option than to mobilise all its constituent units, allied organisations, and the good people of Ogun State to occupy the Orilefor palace and Ifor generally until justice is served.

“We are equally stating that the security agency must not sweep this case under the carpet. We are demanding that, without any form of bias, they should swing into action.

“And to the state government also, we are demanding that, as a matter of urgency, Elder Ariola Abraham Love be taken care of with immediate effect.”

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Narrating his ordeal to newsmen at the press conference, the 73-year-old Areola called on the state government, well-meaning individuals, and non-governmental organisations to come to his aid and save his life from the traditional ruler.

Areola said the incident happened on January 21, 2025, when he went out of his house to buy food he wanted to eat when the monarch summoned him.

He said, that rather than engaging him in a civil discussion, the monarch slapped him multiple times and ordered his aides to beat him mercilessly, leaving him severely injured.

“The monarch Areola disregarded my health condition and told me that if I die, he would bury me anywhere without anybody knowing.”.

“I was the one being harassed in the video. The Oba of Olorile of Orile-Ifo is the one who assaulted me. It happened on January 21, 2025, around 11:00 am. I wasn’t feeling well, so I went out to get some food when he saw me. He called me over, and that’s when the beating started.

“I didn’t offend him in any way. In the video, you’ll hear me begging him to tell me what my offence was. I told him that if I had wronged him, he should have called for me. I still don’t know what my offence is.”

The Ogun State Police Command said it has launched an investigation into the assault of Areola by Oba Ogunjobi.

Spokesperson of the command, Omolola Odutola, who disclosed this in a statement, noted that the command “has taken cognisance of a disturbing video circulating on social media, in which an elderly man, Mr. Areola Abraham, was seen prostrating while being subjected to verbal abuse and assault by Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo.”

The statement reads, “Given the gravity of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter and further assures adherence to the rule of law and fundamental human rights principles in the instant case.”

“Both parties reported to the State Criminal Investigation Department Eleweran, and their statements were obtained.”

“The Ogun State Police Command unequivocally condemns any form of assault, harassment, and violence regardless of the individuals involved.”

“The command will ensure that justice is served and members of the public will be abreast of relevant updates in due course.”

Ogun govt suspends monarch who publicly humiliated elder in viral video

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Fire Guts Lagos Workshop, Destroys 21 Exotic Cars, Sparks Fears Over Petrol Station

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5 hours ago

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October 31, 2026

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Fire Guts Lagos Workshop, Destroys 21 Exotic Cars, Sparks Fears Over Petrol Station

 

A fire outbreak at a mechanical workshop in the Isheri-Idimu area of Lagos State has left 21 exotic vehicles destroyed, raising fresh concerns about fire safety in automobile workshops operating close to petrol stations and residential buildings.

The inferno, which broke out at about 3.05am on Friday, October 30, along Oladunni Street, beside Eternal Filling Station in the Alimosho Local Government Area, engulfed a workshop where several high-value vehicles were reportedly parked.

The situation triggered fears among residents and business operators in the neighbourhood as the flames threatened to spread to the adjoining filling station, raising the possibility of a much bigger disaster.

However, the timely intervention of emergency responders prevented the fire from reaching the petrol station and nearby buildings, although a section of a neighbouring building sustained minor damage.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed that about 21 exotic vehicles were affected in the incident, while assuring residents that no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded.

In a statement, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, said its Dolphin Response Team, stationed at Igando, was immediately activated following a distress call.

He explained that the team arrived at the scene and discovered that the workshop had been engulfed by fire, with several luxury vehicles parked within the premises.

The emergency operation involved personnel of LASEMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.

According to Oke-Osanyintolu, the coordinated intervention of the agencies helped contain the fire and prevented it from spreading to the nearby filling station and surrounding structures.

He said the fire had been completely extinguished and damping-down operations concluded, adding that preliminary assessment indicated that 21 exotic vehicles were affected.

The LASEMA boss commended the emergency responders for their swift intervention, which he said prevented what could have developed into a major disaster.

Questions over fire service response

Meanwhile, developments surrounding the incident have generated concerns beyond the immediate destruction of the vehicles, particularly over the circumstances surrounding the emergency response.

A report by TELL Magazine, published on Saturday, cited allegations by some witnesses that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service initially arrived at the scene with an empty water tank.

The allegation, which has not been independently verified, raises questions about the adequacy of emergency firefighting preparedness, particularly in densely populated areas where workshops, commercial facilities and fuel stations operate in close proximity.

However, no official response from the fire service addressing the allegation was available at the time of filing this report.

There have also been reports of suspicions among some residents and affected customers about the possible cause of the fire, including suggestions of arson. However, no evidence has been established to substantiate these claims, and the cause of the outbreak remains undetermined.

The full extent of the damage to the affected vehicles, their individual owners and the financial implications of the incident have also not been officially established.

Fresh concerns over workshop safety

The incident has once again drawn attention to fire safety challenges in Nigeria’s automobile servicing and repair industry, particularly workshops where expensive vehicles are kept alongside fuel, lubricants, solvents, electrical equipment and other potentially combustible materials.

Automobile workshops routinely handle inflammable substances, including petrol, diesel, engine oil, transmission fluids and cleaning chemicals. Electrical faults, welding activities, poor storage practices and inadequate firefighting equipment can also increase the risk of fire outbreaks.

The danger becomes more pronounced when such facilities operate close to petrol stations and residential buildings, where an uncontrolled fire could quickly escalate into a major emergency.

Industry stakeholders have consistently stressed the importance of proper workshop layout, electrical maintenance, safe storage of combustible materials, functional fire extinguishers and adequate access for emergency vehicles.

The Isheri-Idimu incident also highlights the vulnerability of customers’ vehicles left in the custody of automobile workshops for repairs, servicing and maintenance, with questions likely to arise over insurance coverage and compensation for damaged property.

While LASEMA urged residents, particularly mechanical workshop operators, to observe safety precautions when handling inflammable materials, the incident underscores the need for stronger enforcement of fire safety standards and periodic inspections of high-risk business premises.

The agency also advised members of the public to report emergencies promptly through Lagos State’s toll-free emergency numbers, 767 and 112.

Although the swift intervention of emergency responders prevented the flames from reaching Eternal Filling Station, the destruction involving 21 exotic vehicles serves as another reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of fire outbreaks in commercial and residential neighbourhoods.

For the affected vehicle owners and customers, attention will now turn to establishing the cause of the fire, determining the extent of their losses and addressing the question of compensation.

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₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians

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7 hours ago

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October 31, 2026

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₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Bernard Doro
₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians

The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of ₦50,000 cash assistance to vulnerable Nigerians under a new intervention aimed at helping low-income households cope with rising food prices and the increasing cost of living.

The initiative, known as the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention (NERSI), is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction as part of efforts to provide financial support to households facing economic hardship.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, announced the commencement of the programme on Friday, October 30, 2026, explaining that the intervention was designed to provide immediate relief to eligible Nigerians.

According to the minister, the ₦50,000 cash support is intended to help beneficiaries meet essential household expenses amid persistent increases in the prices of food and other basic commodities.

He said the programme was introduced in response to the pressure of global food inflation and the rising cost of living, which have continued to affect the purchasing power of many households.

The government said the intervention would be reviewed periodically in response to changes in economic conditions, with beneficiaries expected to receive direct communication about any adjustments.

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Under the payment arrangement, the ministry is working with approved digital financial service providers to ensure that the funds reach selected beneficiaries through secure channels.

The programme’s official website lists ALAT by Wema Bank, MoMo PSB and NairaGram as approved payment providers. Beneficiaries are expected to receive text messages from the providers and give their consent before the funds are transferred to their accounts or mobile wallets.

The government said beneficiaries would not need to pay any fee, register through an agent or submit an application to access the intervention.

Selection is expected to be based on verified national identity records and information in the National Social Register, which is used to identify poor and vulnerable households.

The ministry also warned Nigerians to be cautious of fraudsters seeking to exploit the cash transfer programme by demanding payments or requesting confidential banking details.

Doro urged beneficiaries not to disclose their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs), Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to anyone claiming to facilitate their payments.

He advised Nigerians who receive suspicious messages or are asked to pay money before accessing the support to contact the programme’s official helpline on 0700-022-2222 for clarification.

The intervention is expected to complement existing social protection programmes and other government efforts to cushion the impact of economic hardship on low-income households.

However, there is an important discrepancy over how frequently the ₦50,000 will be paid. Although the minister’s announcement describes the support as a monthly payment, the programme’s official website currently identifies it as a one-off grant.

The ministry should therefore clarify whether beneficiaries will receive the money every month or only once under the current intervention.

For now, Nigerians are advised to rely on official government announcements and verified messages from approved payment providers for information about eligibility and disbursement.

₦50,000 Monthly Relief: FG Begins Cash Payments to Vulnerable Nigerians

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Zamfara Kidnap: Three Imams Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity, Three Others Still Held

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8 hours ago

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October 31, 2026

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Zamfara Kidnap: Three Imams Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity, Three Others Still Held

Zamfara Kidnap: Three Imams Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity, Three Others Still Held

Three Islamic clerics abducted by armed bandits in Zamfara State have regained their freedom after spending several weeks in captivity, following a joint security operation involving the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Police Force.

However, three other clerics abducted alongside them on September 12, 2026, are still being held by their captors, with security agencies intensifying efforts to secure their release.

The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammad Bello, confirmed the rescue on Friday, October 30, during an interview with journalists in Gusau.

Bello said the operation was successful because of the collaboration among the security agencies, which combined intelligence gathering and coordinated tactical operations to locate and rescue the victims.

He explained that the operation involved the ONSA, DSS and police operatives, adding that security personnel were continuing efforts to track down the armed bandits responsible for the abduction.

According to the police commissioner, intelligence supplied by residents and members of affected communities had also been useful in the ongoing operations.

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The rescued clerics were among six Islamic scholars kidnapped on September 12 while travelling to Talata Mafara in Zamfara State.

The victims were reportedly intercepted by heavily armed bandits at about 11:30 a.m. along the Dakko-Damri feeder road near Sububu Forest in Bakura Local Government Area, approximately three kilometres from Damri village.

The clerics were travelling to attend a special prayer gathering organised for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the residence of former Zamfara State Governor and Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari.

The gathering was intended to offer prayers for the success of Tinubu’s administration and political future ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N30 million for the release of the clerics.

The incident generated concern among their families, religious communities and residents of Zamfara, particularly as the victims remained in captivity for weeks.

A senior security operative involved in the rescue operation said the three clerics were freed unharmed following intelligence-led security manoeuvres.

They subsequently underwent medical examinations and security debriefing and were reported to be in stable condition.

Security operatives said arrangements were being made to formally hand them over to the Zamfara State Government for reunion with their families.

Meanwhile, the police commissioner said operations would continue until the remaining three clerics were rescued and those responsible for the abduction were brought to justice.

He urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist in tracking criminal groups operating across the state.

The rescue comes amid persistent security challenges in Zamfara and other parts of north-western Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to carry out kidnappings, attacks on communities and other violent crimes.

The latest development has brought relief to the families of the three rescued clerics, although uncertainty remains over the fate of those still in captivity.

Security agencies have assured that efforts to secure their freedom remain ongoing.

Zamfara Kidnap: Three Imams Regain Freedom After Weeks in Captivity, Three Others Still Held

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