Ondo High Chief Shot Dead During Colleague’s Burial, One Arrested

A traditional ruler in Ayeka, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, High Chief Akinwalere Akinola, has been shot dead during the burial rites of a fellow traditional ruler.

The incident occurred on Tuesday as traditional rulers, community leaders and other mourners gathered for the funeral ceremony.

Akinola was reportedly struck in the head by a bullet during the proceedings and died from his injuries.

The shooting triggered panic among mourners and disrupted the burial ceremony as people scrambled for safety.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. Some accounts in the community have described it as an accidental discharge, but the police have not confirmed that explanation.

The Ondo State Police Command has, however, confirmed the death and announced the arrest of one suspect in connection with the incident.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said a thorough investigation had commenced.

“One suspect arrested. Meanwhile, thorough investigation has commenced,” Jimoh said.

The police have not publicly identified the suspect or disclosed the type of firearm involved.

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Investigators are expected to establish who was handling the weapon, how it was discharged and whether the shooting was accidental or deliberate.

A video reportedly showing part of the funeral gathering circulated online after the incident, although the full circumstances surrounding the footage and the shooting have not been independently established.

The death has thrown Ayeka community into mourning, coming at a ceremony intended to honour another traditional ruler who had died.

The incident has also renewed concerns about the presence and handling of firearms during public gatherings and traditional ceremonies.

For now, the police investigation remains ongoing, and no official conclusion has been reached on whether the shooting was accidental or intentional.

Ondo High Chief Shot Dead During Colleague’s Burial, One Arrested

NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has warned Nigerians, particularly job seekers, against fake recruitment advertisements and forged appointment letters being circulated by fraudsters seeking to deceive members of the public.

The warning was contained in a public notice issued by the Fund and circulated to its Regional and Branch Managers through a memorandum dated October 5, 2026, signed by the Executive Director, Administration, Samaila Abdu.

NSITF said it is not currently recruiting for any position, describing employment advertisements circulating on social media, particularly Facebook, as fake.

The Fund said individuals and groups were falsely presenting themselves as representatives of NSITF and using purported employment opportunities to target unsuspecting members of the public.

It urged Nigerians to disregard such advertisements and not make payments to anyone in exchange for employment opportunities.

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NSITF stressed that it does not charge applicants any fee for employment and does not conduct recruitment through unofficial social media platforms or other unauthorised channels.

The Fund said genuine NSITF recruitment opportunities, whenever available, would be announced through its official communication channels.

“Stay alert, stay safe,” the Fund advised, urging anyone who encounters suspicious recruitment advertisements or requests to avoid responding and report them to the appropriate NSITF authorities.

The Fund has also directed all its Regional and Branch Managers to prominently display the warning at strategic locations within their offices.

The directive covers reception areas, main entrances and exits, notice boards, SERVICOM desks and other locations accessible to staff and members of the public.

NSITF said the notices should remain visible to help protect job seekers and other members of the public from fraudulent recruitment activities.

The Fund further urged Nigerians to verify recruitment claims through official NSITF channels before providing personal information, making payments or taking any other action.

The NSITF warning comes amid continued concerns over online recruitment scams in which fraudsters exploit job seekers by offering supposed government employment in exchange for money or personal information.

NSITF reiterated that legitimate employment opportunities would be communicated through its recognised channels and warned Nigerians to remain vigilant when responding to unsolicited job offers.

NSITF Exposes Fake Recruitment Scam, Warns Nigerians Against Fraudsters

Seven Years With Parkinson’s: Man Seeks N65m for Brain Surgery in Türkiye

A 54-year-old Nigerian man, Aliyu Abdulmalik, who has battled Parkinson’s disease for about seven years, is seeking N65 million to undergo specialised brain surgery in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Abdulmalik is seeking public assistance after his condition reportedly became resistant to drug treatment, leaving him with serious symptoms including difficulty walking and rigidity.

A medical treatment report issued by Atasehir Medicana International Hospital, Istanbul, and dated February 10, 2025, described his condition as drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease.

The hospital’s Department of Neurosurgery and Neuromodulation Centre, under Prof. Atilla Yilmaz, recommended Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery for Abdulmalik.

According to the medical report, the procedure is an approved treatment for drug-resistant Parkinson’s disease, and doctors concluded that Abdulmalik needed the surgery based on his condition. (Punch Newspapers)

The estimated cost of the procedure is $35,000.

The hospital said the amount would cover neurological evaluations, necessary radiological and laboratory investigations, the surgery and required equipment, as well as post-operative care and programming of the implanted pulse generator.

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The treatment package also includes transportation between the airport and hospital, a 15-day hospital and hotel stay, and accommodation for two companions.

A fundraising appeal launched on Abdulmalik’s behalf said he spent much of his youthful years involved in Islamic da’wah activities before his health condition began to significantly affect his life.

The appeal said he urgently needed to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation surgery in Istanbul to help him regain a more normal life.

The fundraising target of N65 million is expected to cover the treatment, post-surgery care, accommodation, transportation and feeding during his stay in Istanbul.

As of the latest update contained in the appeal, N1,114,688.37 had been raised, leaving a shortfall of about N63.89 million.

The organisers appealed to individuals, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to support Abdulmalik in raising the funds needed for his treatment.

They said contributions would help him access the recommended surgery and related care.

Donations can be made through:

Stanbic IBTC
Account Name: Kudirat Hammed A
Account Number: 0057418305

OPay
Account Name: Hammed Kudirat Ajoke
Account Number: 7063094566

For enquiries: 09025138148 or 07063094566.

Seven Years With Parkinson’s: Man Seeks N65m for Brain Surgery in Türkiye