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Tag: Ogun State

Ogun State

  • By-election: INEC officials arrested with N2.5m cash

    By-election: INEC officials arrested with N2.5m cash

    The Police command in Ogun has confirmed the arrest of two persons identified as  officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and others for alleged electoral offences.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday by the Command’s Spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola.

    He said that  the officials were arrested in Iperu Remo,  during the Remo Federal constituency by-election.

    She noted that at 12:45 a.m, a police patrol team, attached to Iperu Remo Division, intercepted a Mitsubishi Space wagon, with registration number AKD 887 HT, with three occupants.

    She added that the INEC officials were arrested alongside their driver. Odutola stated that a search on the vehicle led to the recovery of N2.5 million cash from one of the officials.

    “During interrogation, he confessed that the money was collected at Kehoy Hotel, Iperu, from a man he referred to as “Political Solution”, acting on the directive of his supervisor,” she said.

    The police spokesperson stated that the  Commissioner of Police,  Lanre Ogunlowo, had ordered that the suspects be transferred to the State CID, Eleweran, for immediate discreet investigation.

    He assured members of the public that monitoring of the election was ongoing, and the command would keep the public abreast of the outcome of the investigation.

  • By-election: INEC assures credible poll in Ogun

    By-election: INEC assures credible poll in Ogun

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ogun has assured residents of a free, fair, and credible by-election in the Remo Federal Constituency slated for Saturday.

    Remo Federal Constituency is among the 16 constituencies where election will hold in 12 states on Saturday.

    The by-elections will cover two senatorial districts in Anambra and Edo, five federal constituencies in Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, and Oyo States.

    While election will also take place in nine state constituencies in Adamawa, Anambra, Kaduna (2), Kano, Kogi, Niger, Taraba, and Zamfara States respectively.

    The election in the Remo Federal Constituency is to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Hon. Adewunmi Onanuga, former Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, who passed away on Jan. 15 after a brief illness.

    The Ogun Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC), Saseyi Feyijimi, in an interview with NAN in Abeokuta, on Friday, stated that the commission had improved the capacity of its officers to handle the by – elections professionally, and without any compromise.

    ” I urge the voters in Remo Federal Constituency to come out on Saturday, Aug.16 and vote the candidates of their conscience.

    “The distribution of sensitive and non sensitive materials would commence  any time from now,” she said.

    The REC further assured that the materials would be transported to the polling units (PUs) in good time to facilitate smooth conduct of the election, stressing that the process would be transparent.

    “All election technology, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), has been configured for the exercise,

    She also commended the political parties and candidates for complying with the electoral campaign guidelines.

    “Doing this will ensure  safety and seamless election  processes,” she said.

  • Army confirm explosion, fire at Ogun barracks

    Army confirm explosion, fire at Ogun barracks

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed a minor explosion and fire outbreak in the early hours of Thursday at Ilese Barracks, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.

    The Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Thursday, said no life was lost during the unfortunate incident.

    Anele stated that a localised explosion occurred within a storage building of the 42 Engineers Brigade Counter Improvised Explosive Device Squadron, causing a limited fire outbreak.

    Swift intervention by troops of the 12 Field Engineer Regiment, in collaboration with the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service, ensured the fire was quickly contained.

    “No lives were lost, and no injuries were recorded. Damage was limited to the affected building and some stored materials, according to Anele,” Anele said.

    She said a detailed assessment was underway to determine the extent of material loss.

    Anele urged residents of Ilese and nearby communities to remain calm and continue their normal activities.

    “The Nigerian Army, working with relevant agencies, has begun a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.

    “The Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel and members of neighbouring communities,” Anele added.

  • Ogun extends deadline for property audit compliance

    Ogun extends deadline for property audit compliance

    The Ogun State Government has extended by two weeks the deadline for property owners affected by ongoing audit exercises to submit their title documents.

    The Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr Tunji Odunlami, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abeokuta.

    Odunlami said the extension aimed to give property owners and developers more time to present planning permits or approach the Ministry to regularise unapproved developments.

    He noted that the decision reflected the goodwill of the government in response to appeals from a cross-section of affected property owners.

    According to him, it demonstrates the state government’s commitment to the rule of law and transparency.

    He stressed that the extension did not affect any constitutional or statutory actions already taken on the matter.

    Odunlami reiterated that the physical development audit exercise in Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, and other areas was not a witch-hunt against any individual or organisation.

    He said it was part of continuous efforts to ensure sustainable urban development across the state.

  • Police arrest “okadaman” with 3 human skulls in Ogun

    Police arrest “okadaman” with 3 human skulls in Ogun

    The Police Command in Ogun says it has arrested Kadir Owolabi, a motorcycle rider, who was allegedly in possession of three human skulls.

    CSP Omolola Odutola, the command’s Spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

    Odutola said that a search of his luggage by mobile police officers led to the shocking discovery of three human skulls.

    She said that the routine stop and search operation was conducted by operatives from 71 PMF, Awa Ijebu, at 2:00 p.m on Monday, on  the Ijebu Ode -Ibadan Expressway at Refugees Camp Junction, Oru Ijebu.

    “During the exercise, officers intercepted Kadir Owolabi, who was riding a motorcycle. A search on his luggage led to the shocking discovery of three human skulls.

    “Preliminary investigation subsequently led to the arrest of another suspect, Jamiu Yisa, aged 53, behind Ijebu Ode Local Government Secretariat,” she said.

    Odutola said that the Commissioner of Police,  Lanre Ogunlowo, had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case for discreet investigations.

    The spokesperson added that the command reiterated its commitment to decisive action against crime.

    She urged residents to cooperate with the police while assuring members of the public of trust, confidentiality and identity protection.

  • Ogun govt denies sealing ex-Gov’s property

    Ogun govt denies sealing ex-Gov’s property

    The Ogun State Government has stated that it is unaware of the sealing of property belonging to the former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel.

    The Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr Tunji Odunlami, disclosed this on Monday during a news conference at the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta.

    Odunlami urged the senator to send a representative to the relevant government office to present documents for verification and obtain the necessary clearance.

    He maintained that the government follows a clear procedure whenever a property is to be sealed.

    Odunlami explained that before sealing, a property is physically marked and a sticker or cross-sign indicating sealing is pasted on it.

    He said the notice pasted was not a sealing notice but a stop and quit notice, directing the property’s representatives to appear for clarification.

    “What we are doing now is no exception. This exercise was done in Abeokuta and is now extended to Shagamu and Ijebu-Ode,” he said.

    He added that it would also be carried out in Ota and Ilaro where there are Government Reserved Areas (GRAs).

    “All building owners served with the notice simply need to visit the issuing office with their permits and documents for verification.

    “As we speak, Sen. Gbenga Daniel has yet to do so or make any representation to that effect,” he said.

    He said the state government has a mandate to enforce physical planning laws daily, guided by law and public good, not the identity of developers.

    The enforcement notices issued, he noted, are part of several issued regularly to support urban development and regulate land use in the public interest.

    “The goal is not to victimise anyone who obeys the law,” Odunlami said, stressing that genuine developers respond through proper channels for plan adjustments or ratifications.

    He added that the government does not concede the stated ages or stages of any development, as the law is very clear on the matter.

    “The state’s physical planning law applies at any time to all developments, including those predating the law, and can be enforced accordingly.

    “Section 73 states that an enforcement notice may be issued regardless of whether the unauthorised development occurred before the commencement of the law,” he explained.

    Odunlami appealed to the former governor to send a representative to present documents for verification and obtain clearance from the relevant office.

    “This invitation extends to everyone served with an enforcement notice, whether in Shagamu, Ijebu-Ode or elsewhere in Ogun,” he said.

  • Ogun: Gov Abiodun swears in additional judges

    Ogun: Gov Abiodun swears in additional judges

    Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has sworn in three additional judges into the state judiciary.

    In a statement by Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Abiodun in Abeokuta on Monday, the new judges were charged to make  Nigerians  see them as the hope for justice, the shield against oppression and the assurance that right will always prevail over might.

    The new judges are: Mr Julius Ojikutu, who was formerly the Chief Registrar of the Ogun High Court, Abeokuta; Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; and Mrs Oluyemisi Adebo, formerly the Secretary of the Ogun Judicial Service Commission,

    Abiodun admonishing  the new judges buttressed that they must  imbibe  fairness, integrity, and justice.

    “Know that the country’s democracy thrives because judges of conscience stand firm in defending the ethos of democratic institutions without fear or favour.

    “Base your judgement on the fear of God,  your conscience and the constitution of Nigeria.

    “Note  that the country requires judges who are not only learned in the law but also upright in character and resolute in conduct.” the governor said.

    He further tasked them to be  firm, and courageous in the face of pressure and always place the interest of justice and the people above personal interests.

    “This is not merely a legal obligation; it is a moral one, ensuring that justice is felt in tangible ways by every citizen regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation, or economic status.

    “You must therefore, continue to uphold the sacred principles of the separation of powers, ensuring that the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary operate independently yet harmoniously, all within the constitutional framework for the good of the people.

    “Let me restate that our government is a responsible and responsive administration that fully appreciates the role of the judiciary in nurturing democracy.

    “I standing here today is a grateful beneficiary of the courage, impartiality, and fidelity to the rule of law shown by our courts.

    “We will continue to respect court judgments, support the judiciary with resources, and enhance the processes that guarantee swift and fair dispensation of justice,” the governor said.

  • Prophet jailed for 2 years over N2.2 million

    Prophet jailed for 2 years over N2.2 million

    An Ota Magistrates ‘Court, Ogun, on Wednesday sentenced a 38-year-old Muslim prophet, Azeez Aboderin, to two years in prison for fraudulently collecting N2.2 million under false pretence from a woman.

    Azeez, whose address was not provided, had earlier pleaded not guilty to the two-charge of fraud and obtaining money under false pretence.

    In her judgement, the Magistrate, Mrs O.O. Fadairo, sentenced the convict to two years imprisonment with an option of N200, 000 fine.

    Fadairo also asked the convict to restitute N2.2 million to the complainant, Oyeniyi Mariam.

    She said that the Prosecution Counsel, ASP E.O. Adaraloye, had proven beyond reasonable doubt that he was guilty of the charge brought against him.

    Earlier, Adaraloye, told the court that the now convict committed the offences between January and July, 2025, at Iyana-Iyesi area, Ota.

    He said that the convict fraudulently collected the sum under false pretence from the complainant to assist her on an undisclosed problem.

    He added that the convict converted the money to personal use instead of doing what the complainant asked him to do for her.

    He said that the offences contravened Section 390 and 419 of the Criminal Code, Law of Ogun, 2006.

  • Police arrest 22 suspected armed cultists in Ogun hotel

    Police arrest 22 suspected armed cultists in Ogun hotel

    The Police Command in Ogun has arrested 22 suspected armed cultists including two soldiers at a hotel in Osiele, Odeda Local Government Area.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the commands Spokeperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, on  Saturday in Abeokuta.

    Odutola said that on July 25, at 8:20p.m., a joint team comprising operatives from Odeda Division, Aregbe Division, Anti-Cultism Unit, and SWAT, led by SP Adejoh Israel, acting on credible intelligence raided the hotel and executed the arrests.

    According to her, the operation was targeted at suspected members of the Aiye confraternity gathered at the hotel.

    She said that 22 suspects including two soldiers were arrested during the operation and one cut-to-size locally made gun, one UTC axe, and several blue beret caps were recovered from the suspects

    “The arrested suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Anti-Cultism Unit, Eleweran, for further investigation.

    “The Ogun State Police Command remains resolute in its fight against cultism and other violent crimes and urges residents to continue providing useful information to aid ongoing operations” she said.

  • Police detain suspected ritualists for teenage boy’s murder

    Police detain suspected ritualists for teenage boy’s murder

    The Police Command in Ogun has detained for prosecution two men for alleged murder of a 16-year-old boy, Wahab Lawal.

    The command’s Spokeperson, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in statement on Saturday in Abeokuta.

    Odutola said the deceased, who had been living with his grandmother was reported missing by his father, Mr Olumide  Lawal.

    “Tragically, on July 23rd, his lifeless and decomposed body was discovered along the Old Express Road, Igbile-Ijebu.

    “A preliminary examination revealed that the head, both wrists, heart and genitals had been gruesomely removed suspecting to be  ritualistic motives.

    “Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, officers from Omu-Ijebu Division apprehended some  suspects  in connection with the murder,”she said.

    The spokesperson said that upon their arrest, one of the suspects allegedly gave a voluntary confessional statement, which was also recorded on video.

    Odutola disclosed that the deceased had since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites due to the state of the remains.

    She said that the case file, alongside exhibits had been prepared for immediate transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further discreet investigation.

    She noted that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing accomplices.

    She, however, said that the command condemned the heinous act and assured the public that justice would be pursued to its logical conclusion.

    “The command  urges the citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation,” she said.