Parents who smuggled kids to Ibadan event should be held responsible – Femi Branch – Newstrends
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Parents who smuggled kids to Ibadan event should be held responsible – Femi Branch

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Parents who smuggled kids to Ibadan event should be held responsible – Femi Branch

Actor Femi Branch has shared his thoughts on the stampede in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, last week which resulted in the deaths of over 40 people, mostly children.

The stampede occurred at an event held at Islamic High School in the Bashorun area.

The event, organised by Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of Ooni of Ife, was intended to cater to 5,000 attendees.

But news of a “free entry” with promises of gifts and scholarships spread quickly, attracting a large crowd.

On the eve of the event, hundreds had camped around the school to ensure they made it to the venue on time.

The stampede led to the arrest, arraignment, and remand of Silekunola, Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO Of Agidigbo FM; and Fasasi Abdullahi, the principal of Islamic High School.

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Addressing the matter in an Instagram post, Branch argued that the women who smuggled their children into the venue were the real offenders.

The actor claimed the organisers were only trying to do good, adding that “it’s unfair to blame them for the tragic incident”.

He questioned why the parents who threw their children over the fence to gain entry into the event haven’t been charged or held accountable.

“This is not me trying to be insensitive about the plight of the children who died. It is very tragic. If the purpose is to blame those people responsible for the deaths. How is it the organiser?” Femi Branch said.

“According to the report, people slept overnight. They were throwing their children over the fence. How is this the fault of the organisers? Is it a problem to do good in this country right now because we are dealing with so much, and the people once in a while, from the little they have, also touch people’s lives?

Parents who smuggled kids to Ibadan event should be held responsible – Femi Branch

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NDLEA discovers N1.04bn drugs in Lagos hotel

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NDLEA discovers N1.04bn drugs in Lagos hotel

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have raided an 80-room hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, which was allegedly being used as a front for the distribution of illegal drugs.

After an extensive search, agents reportedly recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain, totaling 417.3 kilograms. The haul is valued at approximately One Billion Forty-Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,042,500,000) on the street.

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrests of three individuals during the operation, which took place between Friday, April 25th, and Saturday, April 26th, 2025.

The suspects—Eze Ayitu, Ofuokwu Samuel, and Emmanuel Ameh—were detained in the raid at the five-storey building, located in Victoria Island. Two other individuals, Noble Philip and his accomplice Kenneth, were said to be currently being sought by authorities.

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The NDLEA also disclosed that items believed to be linked to the alleged drug trafficking were seized from the premises of the hotel, known as The Hook Hotel or Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge.

According to the statement, among the recovered items were several vehicles, including a Toyota Prado Landcruiser Jeep, a Toyota Sienna Vehicle, a Volkswagen Delivery Van, a Kia Ceranto Car , and a Grand Caravan Dodge. Additionally, 74 new television sets, 10 used televisions, and 13 refrigerators were found.

In a separate operation on Sunday, April 20th, at the Seme border near Badagry, Lagos, NDLEA operatives apprehended three Ghanaian women allegedly attempting to smuggle 4.8 kilograms of Ghana Loud into Nigeria.

The individuals arrested were Haziza Zubairu, 42; Samirat Mustapha, 43; and Jamila Salifu, 26.

NDLEA discovers N1.04bn drugs in Lagos hotel

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Tompolo speaks on Fubara planned return as Rivers gov

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Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo

Tompolo speaks on Fubara planned return as Rivers gov

Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, says President Bola Tinubu and Nyesom Wike, the federal capital territory (FCT) minister, are doing everything in their power to restore Siminalayi Fubara as governor of Rivers State.

Tompolo, who serves as the chairperson of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, an oil pipeline surveillance firm focused on combating crude oil theft in Rivers and the Niger Delta, shared his views during an interview with Arise TV on Saturday.

On March 18, Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers, citing a prolonged political crisis. The president suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers Assembly for an initial six-month period. Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired vice-admiral, as the sole administrator for the state.

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This emergency rule has sparked public protests, with many citizens demanding a prompt return to the previous political structure.

Tompolo expressed his belief that Fubara will soon resume his duties as governor.

He emphasized that the ongoing political tension in the state is being addressed by all relevant parties. “The duly elected governor of Rivers is coming back,” Tompolo affirmed. “The problem between Wike and Fubara is between ‘boy and oga’. Our president is one person who has been protecting democracy, and there is no way he is truncating it. We are doing everything, including the president and Wike. Fubara is coming back as governor.”

Reports indicate that Fubara met with President Tinubu in London in early April.

The meeting was reportedly initiated by the suspended governor, who is eager to return to office. During their talks, Fubara is said to have made certain promises to help resolve the ongoing political crisis in Rivers.

Tompolo speaks on Fubara planned return as Rivers gov

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Inspector killed after fight in Lagos police barracks

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A Lagos police station (File photo)

Inspector killed after fight in Lagos police barracks

An Inspector, Ibrahim Usman, has reportedly died following a physical altercation involving a fellow resident and her children at the Queen Barracks, Apapa, Lagos.

According to a report by security analyst, Zagozola Makama’, on Sunday,  sources said that the  incident occurred on Friday at about 11:10 a.m. after a misunderstanding between a W/Inspector , Gumbo Yusuf,  and the wife of the deceased, both occupants of the barracks.

“In the course of the altercation, Yusuf and her children allegedly assaulted Inspector Usman, knocking him to the ground where he lost consciousness.

“He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital, Apapa, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

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“A team of detectives visited the scene of the incident and the hospital, where the body was inspected and photographed before being deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy,” the report said.

It added that Yusuf and her children have been taken into custody and are being investigated over the incident.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served,” said the sources.

Inspector killed after fight in Lagos police barracks

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