66 More Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Arrive Lagos as Repatriation Total Hits 324

The Federal Government has evacuated another 66 Nigerians from South Africa, bringing the total number of citizens repatriated under the ongoing emergency evacuation programme to 324 amid renewed concerns over xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The latest batch of returnees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at about 8:50 p.m. on Wednesday, marking the second phase of the Federal Government’s evacuation exercise for Nigerians willing to return home.

The development follows the successful evacuation of 258 Nigerians on June 11, 2026, aboard a chartered Air Peace flight after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the repatriation of affected citizens.

Confirming the arrival of the second batch, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the evacuation formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians facing challenges in South Africa.

The Head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Lagos Office, Dipo Onabowale, disclosed that the flight was facilitated by ValueJet Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kunle Soname, while officials of the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa accompanied the returnees back to Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Onabowale commended President Tinubu for approving the evacuation and ensuring that stranded Nigerians were safely returned home.

He also noted that challenges encountered during the first phase of the evacuation exercise were being addressed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve subsequent operations.

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According to him, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to evacuating all registered Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa.

To support the reintegration of the returnees, several assistance packages were announced by government agencies, corporate organisations and private individuals.

NiDCOM revealed that evacuees from Imo State would receive ₦1 million each from Governor Hope Uzodimma to assist with their resettlement and economic recovery.

In addition, MTN Nigeria provided free SIM cards and ₦50,000 worth of data to each returnee, while ₦100,000 was credited into the bank account of every evacuee to help address immediate needs.

Further support came from the Founder of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, who donated ₦100,000 to each returnee.

Officials said the intervention packages were designed to ease the transition process and provide immediate relief to Nigerians returning after difficult experiences abroad.

Many of the evacuees expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for approving the evacuation and thanked all stakeholders involved in the operation, including Kunle Soname, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, NiDCOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Some of the returnees described the evacuation as timely, citing growing fears over insecurity, discrimination and economic hardship as reasons for deciding to return to Nigeria.

Government officials reiterated that the welfare and protection of Nigerians abroad remain a priority and urged citizens living overseas to maintain regular contact with Nigerian diplomatic missions in their host countries.

Representatives of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other security agencies were present at the airport to receive and process the returnees.

The latest evacuation highlights the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to provide assistance to Nigerians affected by security threats, humanitarian challenges and xenophobic violence abroad while facilitating their safe return and reintegration.

66 More Nigerians Evacuated From South Africa Arrive Lagos as Repatriation Total Hits 324

Why We Murdered Former OGTV Staff, Security Guard — Arrested Suspects

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a former employee of Ogun State Television (OGTV), Ms Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, following what authorities described as a painstaking investigation involving forensic analysis, intelligence gathering and technical tracking.

The breakthrough was announced on Thursday by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

According to the police commissioner, the principal suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, confessed to masterminding the attack and recruiting two accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, to execute the operation.

Ojajuni disclosed that the tragic incident came to light on June 21, 2026, when officers attached to the Owode-Egba Police Station received a distress report regarding suspicious circumstances at the residence of the deceased.

“Preliminary information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged, while the security house within the compound was found locked, prompting immediate police intervention,” he said.

Detectives who responded to the scene made a chilling discovery. The lifeless body of the security guard was found inside the security house, while Ms Oyesiku was discovered in a pool of blood within the main building.

Investigators also established that the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 Sports Utility Vehicle had been stolen from the premises, leading detectives to suspect that the attack may have been linked to robbery.

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The police subsequently launched a comprehensive investigation, deploying intelligence assets, technical tracking tools and forensic experts to identify those responsible and recover the stolen property.

Their efforts paid off the following day when the stolen Lexus SUV was recovered through intelligence-led operations. Although the suspects had removed the vehicle’s ignition key and registration number plates in an apparent attempt to conceal its identity, detectives recovered the original number plate hidden beneath one of the seats, enabling investigators to confirm ownership.

A major breakthrough in the case came through a handwritten note allegedly left behind by the suspects at the crime scene.

“One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators. The note was subjected to forensic examination and analysis, which generated valuable investigative leads that significantly aided detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime,” Ojajuni revealed.

The forensic evidence, combined with intelligence gathered by detectives, led to the arrest of the principal suspect on June 24 at a construction site in the Ibara Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.

Subsequent operations resulted in the arrest of the two other suspects, effectively bringing into custody all individuals currently identified as having direct involvement in the double murder.

During interrogation, Philip allegedly confessed to participating in the killings and admitted recruiting the other suspects to carry out the attack.

According to the commissioner, the suspect told investigators that he planned the operation because of grievances he held against the deceased from the period he worked as a security guard under her employment.

“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson’,” Ojajuni said.

Police investigations indicate that the suspects carried out the attack on June 20, 2026. They allegedly overpowered the security guard, forced their way into the residence and attacked Ms Oyesiku before killing the guard and fleeing with the victim’s vehicle.

Further investigations led detectives to locations linked to the suspects, where several exhibits believed to have been used during the attack were recovered. These include a broken hammer, a cutlass, a wooden plank, a black pen and other items considered crucial to the investigation.

Ojajuni stressed that while the suspects had made useful statements and substantial evidence had been gathered, they remained entitled to fair hearing and due process under Nigerian law.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that while the suspects have made useful statements and substantial evidence has been recovered in the course of the investigation, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law,” he said.

The commissioner assured the public that investigators were working to consolidate evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of everyone connected to the crime.

“The Command remains committed to ensuring that justice is served and that all persons connected with this heinous crime are brought to book,” he added.

The gruesome killing of the former OGTV staff member and her security guard has sparked outrage across Ogun State, with residents, media professionals and civil society groups calling for swift prosecution of the suspects and justice for the victims.

The case has also renewed concerns about violent crimes targeting residents in private homes and highlighted the increasing role of forensic science, intelligence gathering and digital tracking in modern criminal investigations.

Police authorities said investigations remain ongoing and have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests should new evidence emerge.

Why We Murdered Former OGTV Staff, Security Guard — Arrested Suspects

VIDEO: ‘We Have No Light, We Drink Well Water’ — Mr Ibu’s Widow Cries Out for Help

The widow of late Nollywood icon John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has made an emotional appeal to Nigerians for financial assistance, revealing that she and her children are struggling to survive more than a year after the actor’s death.

Speaking during a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris Okafor disclosed that the family is battling severe financial difficulties, including unpaid rent, outstanding school fees, and months without electricity.

According to her, the family’s power supply was disconnected about two months ago due to unpaid bills, forcing them to seek alternative means of charging their phones and carry out daily activities without electricity.

“We fetch water from the well because I have not paid the house rent. They have even cut my lights for two months now. Every night we go to look for a place to charge our phones. It’s not easy,” she said.

The widow explained that the situation has become increasingly difficult as she struggles to provide for her children following the death of the veteran actor, who was one of Nigeria’s most beloved comedians.

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She further revealed that her children’s education is now at risk because of unpaid tuition fees. According to her, the school recently sent a reminder demanding payment of outstanding fees, raising fears that the children may be unable to continue attending classes.

“Right now, they can’t go to school again. I can even show you the message the school sent me today,” she lamented.

One of Mr Ibu’s daughters expressed gratitude to her mother for her efforts in keeping the family together despite the mounting challenges.

“I want to thank God for my mom. She tries everything she can to feed us, pay our school fees and make us happy,” she said.

The appeal has drawn attention from fans and supporters who remember the nationwide campaign that raised funds for the actor’s medical treatment before his death.

The late Mr Ibu underwent several medical procedures during a prolonged illness that captured national attention. His condition prompted support from celebrities, colleagues in the entertainment industry, corporate organisations, and thousands of Nigerians who donated towards his treatment.

Despite those efforts, the veteran comic actor passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy that spans more than two decades in the Nigerian film industry.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential comic actors in Nollywood, Mr Ibu became a household name through his distinctive acting style and memorable performances in numerous blockbuster movies.

His widow’s latest appeal has reignited discussions about the welfare of entertainers and the challenges families often face after the death of prominent public figures. It has also highlighted the growing economic pressures confronting many Nigerian households amid rising living costs and educational expenses.

As calls for support continue to grow, well-wishers have expressed hope that the family will receive the assistance needed to keep the children in school and improve their living conditions.

King Mitchy today visited the family of late legendary Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu.

During the visit, the family revealed that they have been without electricity and water for weeks and are also struggling to pay school fees. pic.twitter.com/BywOS5cXYx

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) June 24, 2026

VIDEO: ‘We Have No Light, We Drink Well Water’ — Mr Ibu’s Widow Cries Out for Help