Bandits have invaded Gbugbu community in the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, abducting the owner of Yashashi Pure Water factory.
A source who spoke to SaharaReporters said the incident happened on Thursday afternoon, throwing the community into panic.
The attackers, who stormed the area in large numbers, reportedly whisked the victim away to an unknown destination.
Residents said the abduction heightened fears of insecurity in the local government, where cases of kidnapping have become increasingly frequent.
SaharaReporters previously reported that terrorists, locally dubbed as bandits, launched a deadly overnight attack on a settlement in Bokungi, Tsaragi community, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing one person and rustling several cows.
SaharaReporters gathered that the incident occurred around midnight and into Wednesday morning, leaving residents in shock and fear.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the assailants stormed the community at about 12am, shooting sporadically to scare residents before carting away dozens of cattle.
One of the sources explained that the attackers targeted the Fulani settlement belonging to Alhaji Garuba and Alhaji Mumini, where Mumini’s first son was reportedly killed during the raid.
The source said Alhaji Mumini’s son, Muhammadu, who had just married a month ago, was killed.
Meanwhile, when the bandits were unable to force open Alhaji Garuba’s door, they went straight to rustle all his cows.
The source told SaharaReporters that the bandits came through Bokungi and moved straight to the settlement.
The source noted that the bandits started firing into the air and everyone began running for safety. They took away many cows and left destruction behind.
According to the source, "They came around 12 a.m. when the kidnappers entered through Bokungi and moved nearly 700 Fulani cows, shooting as they went. They passed through Fengewa before vigilantes and Nigerian soldiers attempted to intercept them, but as of now I don’t know if the soldiers and vigilantes succeeded.
"Alhaji Garuba and Alhaji Mumini were affected, with Alhaji Mumini’s first son killed by them. The stolen cows are estimated to be nearly 1000. People are asking why the Nigerian Army made no real effort."
Residents further explained that as the attackers advanced through Fengewa, the gunshots alerted local vigilante groups and security operatives, who mobilized quickly to confront them.
A combined team of vigilantes and Nigerian Army troops engaged the bandits in a brief exchange of fire, but it remained unclear by Wednesday morning whether any arrests were made or if the stolen cattle were recovered.
"We got a call this morning from Shegbe that they saw some cows and had stopped them,"another source said.
The killing has heightened fears in Edu Local Government and surrounding areas, with residents lamenting the rising wave of insecurity in parts of Kwara.
Community members also expressed frustration that the attack happened while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was reportedly away on vacation abroad, leaving locals to rely heavily on vigilantes for immediate protection.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Thursday held a closed-door meeting with former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja.
Obi disclosed this in a post on his official X handle, where he described Jonathan as an “elder brother, statesman, and leader.” He added that their discussions focused on national issues and the state of the country.
He wrote: “Today in Abuja, I met with my very dear elder brother, statesman, and leader, former President Goodluck Jonathan @GEJonathan. We had a fruitful closed-door meeting and discussed the state of our dear nation. -PO.”
It was not immediately clear whether their discussions touched on the 2027 presidential elections.
bamvik: Land in Lagos is very expensive, I believe when they start selling a plot of land in the east from 200m and above then we can judge. Make I know if Igbo man no go sell when he hears 700m
I now believe what they usually say, that most of you guys from South-West don't travel outside the South-West.
A plot of land in some parts of Owerri goes for around 250m. Places like Wetheral Road and Ikenegbu layout. Inside some villages in Anambra state, a plot sells for 30m.
A deadly bandit raid in Kokodo village, Edu Local Government Area, has claimed the lives of four people and left two others kidnapped.
The attack occurred late Thursday night, around 11:40 p.m., targeting a group of local hunters who tried to fend off the assailants.
According to a resident who spoke with NupekoTv, three hunters were killed on the spot during the clash, while a fourth victim, who sustained severe gunshot wounds, died Thursday morning while receiving treatment.
The attackers also abducted two community members before fleeing the scene. The identities of the deceased and the kidnapped individuals have not yet been disclosed.
This incident adds to a growing pattern of violent attacks in KwaraNorth, where communities continue to live under the threat of banditry.
Residents of Kokodo have expressed deep concern over their safety and are urging authorities to establish a stronger and more permanent security presence to prevent further tragedies.
Meanwhile, on September 2, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, had issued threats against journalists and media practitioners over constant reports exposing the rising insecurity in Kwara North communities.
A source within the emirate, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, revealed that the monarch summoned journalists to his palace on Sunday, where he warned them against further reporting incidents of terrorism and bandit attacks in the area.
“On Sunday, the Emir of Lafiagi summoned all the journalists and media practitioners to his palace and warned them not to report insecurity issues in our land again,” the source disclosed.
According to the source, the Emir claimed that he was acting on the orders of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The intimidation comes amid growing concerns over repeated attacks by bandits in Lafiagi, Patigi, and other parts of Kwara North, where residents have been kidnapped, killed, or forced to pay ransom to terrorists operating freely.
“You know that the Kwara State Government has once threatened The Informant247 not to report insecurity issues in Kwara North,” the source further said.
“The governor said SaharaReporters, Nupeko TV, and The Informant247 are exposing the government of Kwara State because their reports on insecurity in Lafiagi and Patigi have been embarrassing Governor AbdulRahman.”
Already, journalists covering the area are said to be operating under fear of arrest and harassment.
Gunmen, suspected to be bandits, have killed a 45-year-old man, identifed as Alhaji Dahiru, during an attempted abduction at a mosque in the Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred on August 30 at about 8:30pm while worshippers were observing the Ishai prayer.
According to eyewitnesses, about seven armed men stormed the mosque and attempted to abduct Dahiru.
However, the victim reportedly resisted the attackers, prompting them to shoot him dead on the spot before fleeing the scene on motorcycles.
A security expert, Zagazola Makama disclosed this on his X handle, stating that residents reported the recovery of two empty AK-47 ammunition shells at the scene of the incident.
Family members of the deceased have appealed for the release of the corpse to enable burial in line with Islamic rites.
SaharaReporters has repeatedly reported on the rising wave of insecurity across Kwara State, from the northern to the southern parts, where bandits have been abducting vulnerable residents and demanding ransoms.
Many communities in the state have been deserted due to persistent killings and kidnappings, forcing residents to abandon their ancestral homes.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that journalists and media practitioners in Kwara State are currently under severe intimidation as the Emir of Lafiagi, Alhaji Muhammad Kudu Kawu, has issued threats against them over constant reports exposing the rising insecurity in Kwara North communities.
A source within the emirate, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, revealed that the monarch summoned journalists to his palace on Sunday, where he warned them against further reporting incidents of terrorism and bandit attacks in the area.
“On Sunday, the Emir of Lafiagi summoned all the journalists and media practitioners to his palace and warned them not to report insecurity issues in our land again,” the source disclosed.
According to him, the Emir claimed that he was acting on the orders of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State.
“The Emir really threatened them and said he is passing the directive of the Governor. He said if the journalists did not listen, he may end up arresting them,” the source added.
The intimidation comes amid growing concerns over repeated attacks by bandits in Lafiagi, Patigi, and other parts of Kwara North, where residents have been kidnapped, killed, or forced to pay ransom to terrorists operating freely.
“You know that Kwara State Government has once threatened The Informant247 not to report insecurity issues in Kwara North,” the insider further alleged.
“The governor said SaharaReporters, Nupeko TV, and The Informant247 are exposing the government of Kwara State because their reports on insecurity in Lafiagi and Patigi have been embarrassing Governor AbdulRahman.”
Already, journalists covering the area are said to be operating under fear of arrest and harassment.
The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended a driver for allegedly transporting N1 million in counterfeit banknotes.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday.
He said the driver was stopped by the Federal Highway Patrol Team during a routine check on Friday evening.
“The suspect was intercepted at around 8:45 pm near the Guru Maharaj Ji area on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway while driving a green Sienna with Lagos registration FKJ 443 YG,” Osifeso said.
Officers grew suspicious of the driver’s behaviour and searched the vehicle.
“We discovered approximately N1,000,000 in N1,000-denomination notes.
“The cash had only three serial numbers: ₦500,000 (235923), ₦300,000 (235922), and ₦200,000 (235921), all wrapped in a transparent plastic parcel sealed with tape,” he added.
When questioned, the driver claimed he was acting as a courier, having received the package from an unidentified person in Ojota, Lagos, and was instructed to deliver it to Osogbo, Osun State, without being given the recipient’s name or contact information.
He also said he was told the parcel contained body cream.
Osifeso reassured the public that the police remain committed to combating currency fraud and other financial crimes that threaten the economy and community safety.
He added that investigations are ongoing and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.
“We call on the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement in curbing financial crimes,” he said.
A yet-to-be-identified commercial motorcyclist has been killed by suspected assailants in Ore, the headquarters of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday has thrown residents of the community into shock.
The victim’s lifeless body was discovered at about 5:30 am along Zone A, Destiny Community, behind Sizzler, Ore, lying in a pool of blood.
Eyewitnesses alleged that the man was attacked and killed by unknown persons, after which his motorcycle was stolen.
One of the residents who spoke with our correspondent said: “We are shocked over the incident.”
The development has heightened security concerns in the area, with residents calling for increased surveillance to prevent further occurrences.
Confirming the incident, a security source told Weekend Hope that investigation into the matter has commenced.
[b]Gunmen have abducted Pastor Ayodeji Akesinro, a staff member of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, [/b]throwing the community into fear.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening when Akesinro was reportedly taken away from his residence at Upenme, in the Owo Local Government Area, at approximately 7 p.m., according to The Nation.
A senior labour leader from the National Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), who confirmed the incident but asked not to be named, stated that the matter had already been reported to the security agencies.
In a message circulated among union members, he expressed shock over the abduction and warned that members might embark on protests if urgent steps were not taken.
“I am writing to bring to your attention the distressing news of the kidnapping of our colleague and member, Pastor Akesinro, in his house at Upenme, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State at about 7 p.m. yesterday, 28th of August, 2025.
“As a union, we have always stood strong in advocating for the welfare and security of our members. In light of this unfortunate event, members of NUAHP may need to declare a day of protest in Owo to demand the immediate and safe release of Pastor Akesinro,” the message read.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, also confirmed the case, assuring that security operatives were already on the trail of the abductors.
“Our men are currently inside the bush in collaboration with other sister security agencies to rescue the victim. Let me assure you that we are not resting to ensure the citizens of the state are well secured.
“We are collaborating with other security agencies in the state, and we are also engaging in the community to ensure everyone is involved in community policing. So, the police is not resting at all to ensure the people of the state sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.
The latest abduction has further heightened concerns over kidnapping in the state. Only two weeks ago, suspected gunmen abducted a staff member of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Omoniyi Eleyinmi, from his home.
Police later arrested three suspects who were allegedly caught while sharing the ransom collected from his family.
The Kwara State Police Command said on Friday that it has launched a discreet investigation into the alleged armed robbery attack which occurred on Rore/Arandun road in Irepodum Local Government Area of the state, which claimed two lives on Thursday.
This is another incident of gunmen’s attack in the district that has been troubled with banditry and kidnapping in the recent time.
The Police in a statement signed on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire -Adeyemi, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, said that “two people were killed allegedly by the same gang of gunmen at different locations while carrying out their criminal operation around Rore and Arandun communities.”
One of the victims, according to the statement, was said to be a 40-year-old security guard at a residence in Rore, who was said to be shot while preventing the gunmen from breaking into the residence.
“The other was described as a 38-year-old driver of a vehicle passing through the highway from Ora community in Osun State with loads of farm produce.”
“He was said to have been shot dead while a passenger in the vehicle sustained a serious injury,” the statement said.
Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said corpses of the two victims had been deposited in the mortuary while the police had commenced an investigation into the matter.
The statement reads: “The Kwara State Police Command confirms an unfortunate armed robbery and culpable homicide incident which occurred at about 06:30hours of Thursday, 28th August, 2025, along Rore/Arandun highway, Irepodun LGA. Armed hoodlums attacked the residence of a businessman, Mr Oyetoyan Dare, during which his private security guard, Mr Wale Ajiboye, aged 40, was fatally shot while resisting their attempt to gain entry into the residence.
“In a related development, the same gang ambushed a vehicle conveying farm produce from Ora in Osun state; the driver, Mr Taiye Yebi, aged 38, who was unaware of the robbery incident, while driving past, was fatally shot, another passenger sustained minor injury.
“Police operatives swiftly responded, recovering expended and live ammunition from the scene. The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue while investigations are ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo PSC, has ordered a discreet investigation and reinforced patrols within the area to forestall recurrence. The Command reassures the public that normalcy has been restored, and perpetrators will be apprehended.”
Concerns had been raised by stakeholders about the level of insecurity in the south district following incessant occurrences of banditry, kidnapping and some other forms of attacks by gunmen on the residents.
The state government, working with security agencies, has been responding to the attack by mobilising for greater security in the district.
However, many residents were still seeing the government’s efforts as other yet enough, as they have called for intensification of the efforts to find a permanent solution to the crisis.
A group of youths from the district recently called for the deployment of military force and imposition of curfew to end insecurity in the area.
The youths made the call under the aegis of Kwara Youth Development Organisation, Kwara South Consultative Youth Forum, Igbomina Youth Assembly and other Kwara South community-based youth organisations.
The youths at a press conference in Ilorin decried the insecurity in the district, saying the wave of killings had created daily fear and panic.
Their spokesperson, Engr. Ajibola Olugbenga, while mentioning the havoc the insecurity has wreaked in the district, said the bandits used weapons more sophisticated than those of the local security men and that if no urgent action is taken, the gunmen may soon overrun both rural communities and urban centres in the area.
He stated, ” Kwara South is bleeding. Our communities are under siege from bandits, terrorists and heavily gunmen who kill, maim, abduct, and destroy without remorse. We have lost revered traditional rulers such as Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, the Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti in Ekiti LGA, as well as countless hunters, vigilantes, and community leaders who stood to defend their people.
“The wave of killings has created daily fear and panic. Farmers can no longer access their farmlands; traders and travellers live in terror; and families are fleeing ancestral homes that have existed for centuries. Communities such as Oreke, Babanla, Ganmu-Alheri, Bankole, Sagbe, Ologomo have now been deserted, and many others are gradually being reduced to ghost towns. With farmers displaced, a major food crisis looks threatening not only to Kwara State but also to urban centres across Nigeria that depend on Kwara South for agricultural produce.
“Our hunters and local vigilantes, who serve as the first line of defence, are being systematically targeted and killed. The bandits wield more sophisticated weapons than the crude rifles available to our people. The implication is clear: If nothing is done urgently, the terrorists will overrun not only rural communities but also urban centres, plunging Kwara into uncontrollable chaos. This is no longer a local challenge; it is a national security emergency.”
The Kwara State Police Command said on Friday that it has launched a discreet investigation into the alleged armed robbery attack which occurred on Rore/Arandun road in Irepodum Local Government Area of the state, which claimed two lives on Thursday.
This is another incident of gunmen’s attack in the district that has been troubled with banditry and kidnapping in the recent time.
The Police in a statement signed on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire -Adeyemi, on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, said that “two people were killed allegedly by the same gang of gunmen at different locations while carrying out their criminal operation around Rore and Arandun communities.”
One of the victims, according to the statement, was said to be a 40-year-old security guard at a residence in Rore, who was said to be shot while preventing the gunmen from breaking into the residence.
“The other was described as a 38-year-old driver of a vehicle passing through the highway from Ora community in Osun State with loads of farm produce.”
“He was said to have been shot dead while a passenger in the vehicle sustained a serious injury,” the statement said.
Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said corpses of the two victims had been deposited in the mortuary while the police had commenced an investigation into the matter.
The statement reads: “The Kwara State Police Command confirms an unfortunate armed robbery and culpable homicide incident which occurred at about 06:30hours of Thursday, 28th August, 2025, along Rore/Arandun highway, Irepodun LGA. Armed hoodlums attacked the residence of a businessman, Mr Oyetoyan Dare, during which his private security guard, Mr Wale Ajiboye, aged 40, was fatally shot while resisting their attempt to gain entry into the residence.
“In a related development, the same gang ambushed a vehicle conveying farm produce from Ora in Osun state; the driver, Mr Taiye Yebi, aged 38, who was unaware of the robbery incident, while driving past, was fatally shot, another passenger sustained minor injury.
“Police operatives swiftly responded, recovering expended and live ammunition from the scene. The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue while investigations are ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo PSC, has ordered a discreet investigation and reinforced patrols within the area to forestall recurrence. The Command reassures the public that normalcy has been restored, and perpetrators will be apprehended.”
Concerns had been raised by stakeholders about the level of insecurity in the south district following incessant occurrences of banditry, kidnapping and some other forms of attacks by gunmen on the residents.
The state government, working with security agencies, has been responding to the attack by mobilising for greater security in the district.
However, many residents were still seeing the government’s efforts as other yet enough, as they have called for intensification of the efforts to find a permanent solution to the crisis.
A group of youths from the district recently called for the deployment of military force and imposition of curfew to end insecurity in the area.
The youths made the call under the aegis of Kwara Youth Development Organisation, Kwara South Consultative Youth Forum, Igbomina Youth Assembly and other Kwara South community-based youth organisations.
The youths at a press conference in Ilorin decried the insecurity in the district, saying the wave of killings had created daily fear and panic.
Their spokesperson, Engr. Ajibola Olugbenga, while mentioning the havoc the insecurity has wreaked in the district, said the bandits used weapons more sophisticated than those of the local security men and that if no urgent action is taken, the gunmen may soon overrun both rural communities and urban centres in the area.
He stated, ” Kwara South is bleeding. Our communities are under siege from bandits, terrorists and heavily gunmen who kill, maim, abduct, and destroy without remorse. We have lost revered traditional rulers such as Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, the Olukoro of Koro-Ekiti in Ekiti LGA, as well as countless hunters, vigilantes, and community leaders who stood to defend their people.
“The wave of killings has created daily fear and panic. Farmers can no longer access their farmlands; traders and travellers live in terror; and families are fleeing ancestral homes that have existed for centuries. Communities such as Oreke, Babanla, Ganmu-Alheri, Bankole, Sagbe, Ologomo have now been deserted, and many others are gradually being reduced to ghost towns. With farmers displaced, a major food crisis looks threatening not only to Kwara State but also to urban centres across Nigeria that depend on Kwara South for agricultural produce.
“Our hunters and local vigilantes, who serve as the first line of defence, are being systematically targeted and killed. The bandits wield more sophisticated weapons than the crude rifles available to our people. The implication is clear: If nothing is done urgently, the terrorists will overrun not only rural communities but also urban centres, plunging Kwara into uncontrollable chaos. This is no longer a local challenge; it is a national security emergency.”
While acknowledging past efforts of the government and the traditional rulers who have spoken against the menace Olugbenga said, “We do not need rhetoric; we need action. We do not need promises; we need protection. The Kwara State Government under Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Federal Government, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must understand that what we face in Kwara South is nothing short of terrorism.
He said the youths demanded immediate and heavy deployment of military forces into Kwara South to restore order, dislodge bandits and secure the communities, while there should be a full military base and not mere occasional patrols in the affected axis.
The youth spokesperson asked that a 12-hour curfew from 6pm to 6am in the most affected communities be imposed to allow military operations to flush out the criminals.
He urged an emergency security operation to be treated as a matter of national urgency with military surveillance, air support, and combing of forests where terrorists are hiding.
Olugbenga requested that community hunters and vigilantes, who remain the first line of defence for the people, should be provided with modern arms and logistics.
He called for the creation of a joint security task force with federal, state, and local government alongside youth representatives to ensure coordinated response and accountability.
He urged swift federal intervention programmes to rehabilitate displaced persons, rebuild destroyed communities and prevent further mass migration.
Residents of Kajola, in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been thrown into shock and mourning following the alleged murder of a 28-year old man, Ifeanyi Otu, by a suspected drug baron, Eze Amadi, popularly known as Lecturer.
Weekend Hope gathered that the suspect allegedly tortured Ifeanyi to death before concealing his body inside a water drum under the cover of night.
Trouble began when the suspect reportedly attempted to dispose of the corpse using a motorcycle, but was intercepted by residents. His arrest sparked outrage and tension across the community.
The incident occurred on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Adeyalo Street, Kajola, and has since left the area gripped with fear.
Residents who spoke, expressed shock about the death of the victim
According to them, “Nobody knows what transpired between them, but we do hear a crying person every night when being tortured.”
Speaking with our correspondent, the victim’s father, Mr. Michael Agwu Otu, said the news of his son’s death came as a devastating blow to his family.
“I was at home that fateful day when I received a call that my son’s body, wrapped with foam, had been discovered inside a water drum.
“When I got to the scene, I saw him lying lifeless after the drum was cut open. I was also told that the suspect was caught while trying to transport his body on a motorcycle. The entire community was furious and demanded his arrest.”
The community youth leader, Gideon Akinsuroju, confirmed that Amadi and two other accomplices were apprehended by the police in connection with the crime.
“This is a disturbing incident that has left everyone in shock. We urge the police to ensure justice is served and the culprits face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
As of press time, efforts to obtain an official police statement on the incident proved abortive.
A woman simply identified as Modupe Alasin has died after she was mercilessly beaten by her husband in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State over lateness to farm.
According to a witness who pleaded anonymity, the woman screamed and begged for mercy as the husband flogged her repeatedly.
After a few minutes, the man ordered the woman to get water from the nearby stream but she slumped and died beside it as a result of weakness.
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Ekiti State Police Command, SP Sunday Abutu confirmed the incident, saying the husband had been arrested for further investigation.
The Apetu of Ipetumodu in the Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, Joseph Oloyede, has been jailed by a United States court for COVID funds-related fraud.
Mr Oloyede, 62, who holds both US and Nigerian citizenship and resides in Medina, Ohio, was sentenced to 56 months (four years and eight months) in prison by US District Judge Christopher A. Boyko on 26 August.
The traditional ruler was sentenced on Tuesday (26 August) after he pleaded guilty to the charges, a statement Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio said on Tuesday.
Read the full statement below
One count A dual American and Nigerian citizen has been sentenced to prison for creating and leading a scheme that bilked more than $4.2 million from federal loan and grant programmes that were intended to assist small businesses with economic hardship they suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Joseph Oloyede, 62, who holds both U.S. and Nigerian citizenship and resides in Medina, Ohio, was sentenced to 56 months (4 and ⅔ years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko on Aug. 26, after he pleaded guilty in April to the following charges:
*One count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud *Three counts of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property *Two counts of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return
Oloyede was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution. He also forfeited his Medina home on Foote Road, which he had acquired with proceeds of the scheme, and an additional $96,006.89 in fraud proceeds investigators had seized.
Court documents show that from about April 2020 to February 2022, Oloyede and his co-conspirator, Edward Oluwasanmi, 62, of Willoughby, conspired to submit fraudulent applications for loans that were made available through the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Among these were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which aided small businesses that suffered financial hardship as a result of the pandemic with loans and grants.
During the investigation, agents found that Oloyede operated as a tax preparer and owned five businesses and one nonprofit. His co-defendant—and tax client—Oluwasanmi, owned an additional three business entities; all were incorporated in Ohio. Both defendants used their businesses to submit loan applications using false information. They obtained approximately $1.2 million in SBA funds for Oluwasanmi’s entities and $1.7 million for Oloyede’s entities.
In addition, Oloyede submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications in the names of some of his clients and their businesses. In exchange, Oloyede would receive 15-20% of their loans as the fee, or kickback, for obtaining the loans for them, without reporting this income to the IRS on his own tax returns. Investigators learned that the defendant used funds obtained from these loans to acquire land and build a home and purchase a luxury vehicle. In total, Oloyede caused the SBA to approve 38 fraudulent applications, amounting to $4,213,378 in disbursed loans and advances.
According to information presented to Judge Boyko, Oloyede is a naturalized U.S. citizen who also holds a position as the monarch, or traditional ruler, of the Nigerian city of Ipetumodu.
In July 2024, Oluwasanmi was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay a $15,000 fine, and pay more than $1.2 million in restitution. Oluwasanmi also forfeited much of the proceeds he received from the scheme, including a commercial property on Green Road in South Euclid that he acquired with fraud proceeds, and more than $600,000 he had transferred to financial accounts.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation-Office of the Inspector General, as part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Fraud Task Force; FBI Cleveland Division; and IRS-Criminal Investigations.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Brydle and James L. Morford for the Northern District of Ohio.
The police command in Kwara says it arrested a man, who allegedly dismembered the body of his pregnant sister-in-law, Esther Enemo, at Egbejila Road in Temidire community, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the command spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday in Ilorin.
According to Mrs Ejire-Adeyemi, the command wishes to inform members of the public of a tragic incident that occurred in the early hours of 21 August, at Temidire community in Ilorin.
”At about 9 a.m., a resident of the area reported a suspected foul play within the residence of one Mrs Esther Enemo.
“In a swift response, a team of police detectives visited the scene, where the dismembered body of Mrs Esther Enemo (aged 39 years) was discovered in the bush behind her residence.
“Further search led to the recovery of other parts of her body concealed in a sack and dumped beneath a nearby community bridge.
“The suspect, (names withheld), aged 29 years, younger brother to the victim’s husband, who was seen leaving the house a few minutes before the discovery of the incident, has been arrested in connection with the crime.
“Meanwhile, the husband has also been contacted for necessary clarification.
“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) morgue for autopsy.
”The Commissioner of Police (CP), Ojo Adekimi, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter, assuring that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served,” he said.
Mrs Ejire-Adeyemi expressed the command’s regret over the unfortunate incident and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and avoid speculations that would incite fear or tension within the community.
He assured that the police would unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and bring the perpetrators to face the full weight of the law.
He urged the residents to continue to cooperate with the police by providing useful information that would aid ongoing investigations and security operations.
He reiterated the command’s resolve to protect all residents and ensure peace prevailed in the state.
A friend of mine sent me the link of the clip of my old buddy, Dr Reuben Abati, declaring that the civil war in Nigeria has not ended. Therefore the North will not vote for the likely candidacy of Peter Obi, an Igbo from the East. It of course struck me on two levels. Dr. Abati seemed deliberately to be lubricating tired and self-serving ideas.
The second part, where this hit very pointedly was at a very sudden realization! Dr. Abati is afraid of a Peter Obi presidency. He is not even hiding it. But for what reason? Why is the revanchist arm of the Yoruba in the Southwest of Nigeria a little too startled by the prospects of the Obi presidency? It is a question worth exploring.
But first, the question, why take recourse in very old and tired ideas and attitudes of Nigerian politics? Why this level of obfuscation? I mean that in the sense of the deployment of dark, essentialist arguments, to try to confuse folks who may not have enough time to think deeply. Nigerians are smart, thoughtful people. But there are many still who cannot think deeply. They are too busy to think. They stay always at the surface of things. Thinking is not their forte. I am sure many of this type listen to Dr. Abati, and go, “ah, yeah, makes sense…” whether or not Abati makes sense.
A friend of mine sent me the link of the clip of my old buddy, Dr Reuben Abati, declaring that the civil war in Nigeria has not ended. Therefore the North will not vote for the likely candidacy of Peter Obi, an Igbo from the East. It of course struck me on two levels. Dr. Abati seemed deliberately to be lubricating tired and self-serving ideas.
The second part, where this hit very pointedly was at a very sudden realization! Dr. Abati is afraid of a Peter Obi presidency. He is not even hiding it. But for what reason? Why is the revanchist arm of the Yoruba in the Southwest of Nigeria a little too startled by the prospects of the Obi presidency? It is a question worth exploring.
But first, the question, why take recourse in very old and tired ideas and attitudes of Nigerian politics? Why this level of obfuscation? I mean that in the sense of the deployment of dark, essentialist arguments, to try to confuse folks who may not have enough time to think deeply. Nigerians are smart, thoughtful people. But there are many still who cannot think deeply. They are too busy to think. They stay always at the surface of things. Thinking is not their forte. I am sure many of this type listen to Dr. Abati, and go, “ah, yeah, makes sense…” whether or not Abati makes sense.
They do so because they trust that good old Reuben, nearly long in the tooth in this business of punditry, should relay some truth with the efficacy of a truth-machine. But Dr. Abati has been known to be dramatic occasionally with the truth of our national life, particularly when it comes to the Igbo. I sometimes think it comes from some unresolved rivalry – a bet he probably took in his undergraduate years at the University of Calabar, where he was classmates with many young Igbo, and friends too, and was mentored and taught by many Igbo – the likes of Kalu Uka, and Chris Nwamuo, among others.
Those may now be wondering, what’s been biting Abati’s hind, on the question of the Igbo. I am not saying that Reuben is a tribalist. I am not saying he is not. I am saying that the man is an intellectual – brilliant and capable – but intellectuals are sometimes overrated, and self-serving. I am not even saying Dr. Abati is self-serving, or that he alone has an Igbo problem. I am saying that any problems he has with the Igbo may not in the end be rational. But he does have a Peter Obi problem. I think he is startled by the prospects of an Obi presidency. I should not waste much ink psycho-analyzing good old Reuben.
Ads by But I should say the following, in response to his proposal that the Civil war has not ended, and therefore the “North” will not vote Peter Obi. The argument about the North and the Civil war is tired. It has always struck me as too clever by half. I will come to explain this. But here is the point I am going to insist on: the war may not have ended for Dr. Abati and folks like him, and they are welcome to keep fighting the war. But for the Igbo, the war has ended. They have moved on. They are waiting for other Nigerians to meet them, where they always have been: far ahead of the rest. Here is why the war has ended for the Igbo: they are everywhere in Nigeria. They do their business. Engage in their daily lives.
Pay their taxes. Do their civic duties, and for years, have minded their businesses, unwilling to disturb the apple cart in so far as they are left well alone to find the means to feed their children and imagine a future for them.
It is true that in places like Lagos, most recently, paid street gangs, and pack dogs of the “Alaye” variety have been unleashed to harass them, burn their property, threaten their livelihood, and shove them around, especially during election time. What these folks forget is that the Igbo have their own hoodlums, and street gangs too, of the “akpu-obi” variety.
The Igbo too have burglars and armed robbers, and bogey-bogey men who can be deployed to unleash mayhem, and keep everyone restless. For afterall, in the home of a great man, you have all sorts. It is not that the Igbo are powerless or without options. But they are under serious restraint, because the Igbo have fought a war, and have come to that realization that those who run quickly to war, often forget that war means death. The Igbo have fought a war and know how to organize resources for war. Many young Igbo were trained in guerilla warfare by the Biafran Organization of Freedom Fighters (BOFF) – and those are teachers, traders, retired civil servants, and all sorts today. That trader you see in Idumota, or Ochanja, or Sabongari, is most likely a trained soldier – and if triggered, has the mastery to kill quickly and efficiently.
The Igbo are the only civilian population in Nigeria that have tactical training, because as young boys, this passing generation were child-soldiers, and fought as combatants. That is why when some ignorant Nigerians talk about war and about fighting, the Igbo smile, shake their heads, and try to make peace. Why? Because what they saw fighting as kids, many of their peers have never seen, and do not understand, even as old men.
When a fifteen year-old child combatant sees the piercing, deep ochre eyes of a night animal staring back at him in the forest, and he has only a single bullet left, and he survives it, you do not talk glibly to him about war. So, when Dr. Rueben Abati declares that the Civil war has not ended, all he does is talk about what he does not know. He did not experience the war. People like me did, and we were the lucky ones to survive on ration milk.
Now, if the war has not ended, is Dr. Abati suggesting to the Igbo to reorganize and go back to the trenches? To fight back, because, frankly, the Igbo have always thought that the war ended. They agreed to return to Nigeria and not trigger the second phase – the Guerilla phase – on the compromise of a “No Victor, No vanquished.” So far, they have kept their own end of the bargain.But since 1970, adversaries of the Igbo in Nigeria, have used state directed policies to try to obliterate the Igbo, and force them into a dot, to use the words of the late dullard of Daura. The Igbo have had enough of this actually, and Peter Obi presents a challenge which we must, as Nigerians, take seriously. I think it is important to judge Peter on his own merit. Whether or not he is Igbo, should not now matter.
If we weigh him both by his conduct, and by all the right noises he makes, he presents a far better alternative to Nigerians than the current man in Aso Rock, who within two years, has bettered Buhari in the department of mediocrity and incompetence. Peter Obi has campaigned on the question of whether the cost of bread knows ethnicity, religion, or region. Nigeria is in a deep mess. The years of the APC in power has complicated the lives of Nigerians who no longer talk about poverty, but about survival.
Tinubu might be giving jobs to his Yoruba acolytes, but how is that reflecting on the ordinary lives of the Yoruba of the Southwest? The question Tinubu has raised for the Yoruba, by those who have heard them talk about “Omoluabi” and the Yoruba genius for governance is, so Jagaban Tinubu is the best the Yoruba can do? Where is that organizational genius? Where is that elevated vision that many a Yoruba have boasted about? But of course, this would be a reductive question, because Tinubu does not represent the Yoruba as people. He represents his own business interest, and where it converges with his Yoruba interests, he takes it further West.
Now, Peter Obi presents himself, not as a candidate of the Igbo. Of course he is Igbo. His Igbo world view will come to play inexorably if he is elected president. But one can then only hope that it will be a worldview that represents the finest of Igbo idealism – to build a fair, just, equitable, and efficient nation that will serve the Igbo as well others with whom they share the nation called Nigeria well. That his presidency will not be of the Igbo “Agamaevu!” Because there those types too among the Igbo.
So far, Tinubu has proved incapable of delivering just and visionary government. He is borrowing money in the name of Nigeria, enriching mostly his small coterie of Yoruba and Lebanese friends, but not the regular Joes of Molete. And I can say this to Reuben, from where I perch, taking studied notes: ifINEC conducts a clean election, the depth of anger, despair, and deprivation among the Yoruba today, will cost Tinubu the The North East or the North Central?
There is no longer a single North. If the Peter Obi campaign builds a formidable ground operation, and there is a fair election, he will win in the North. That is where the real issue is: Fair elections. The contemporary “northerner” is as desirous of a good life, security, jobs, individual freedom, and well-being as the “southerner.” In any case, that North/South binary has long disappeared. Only the likes of Dr. Abati, who are still stuck in the past continue to stoke it. I should remind him, what the famed political economist, Immanuel Wallerstein wrote about nation-building: “to build a nation,” Wallerstein wrote, “ it is not enough to have a past.
One must have a present.” But I’m afraid those who claim that the North will not vote Peter Obi because he is Igbo, still live in the past. There are more people today in the North who have no idea what the civil war was about. They suffer the fatalities of our current society, and are desirous of change. If Peter Obi’s campaign can reach them, and convince them, they will vote him, irrespective of what mother-effing naysayers think.
The Onitsha Port in Anambra State was abuzz with excitement early this month as the first barge for the 2025 season, MV ZUPITOR/MV RB ALASKA, berthed at the port.
The General Manager of Universal Elysium Limited, the concessionaire of the port, Mr Chris Mbonu, expressed his enthusiasm, describing the berthing of the barge as a positive milestone and a reminder of the pressing infrastructural gap.
Mbonu explained that operations at the port were ongoing but largely seasonal, with activity peaking only during the rainy season when the River Niger’s water level rises sufficiently to allow vessel movement.
He attributed the seasonal operation to the inconsistency of dredging and channel management of the River Niger, rather than a lack of infrastructure or demand. “The port is functional and ready to work 365 days a year. But without consistent dredging of the River Niger, we are forced to operate only when the waterway allows us—essentially turning a national asset into a seasonal stopgap,” Mbonu said.
He likened a port without a navigable waterway to a car without fuel, adding that the current situation limits the port’s capacity to serve as a true inland logistics hub for Nigeria’s growing domestic and international trade. Mbonu appealed to the federal government, the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, and private stakeholders to make regular dredging and maintenance of the River Niger a national economic priority.
Regular dredging of the River Niger, according to Mbonu, would unlock year-round navigability, enabling barges, ferries, and larger vessels to move seamlessly between the southern seaports and the inland commercial centers. This would lower transportation and logistics costs, ease congestion on critical highways, reduce delivery timeframes and business inefficiencies, and increase investor confidence in inland logistics.
The concessionaire also highlighted the potential impact on agriculture, tourism, and recreation, including helping farmers and aggregators move produce quickly and efficiently, encouraging investment in industrial and logistics infrastructure, promoting export trade, and supporting outbound movement of raw materials and agro-commodities via coastal ports.
With proper dredging of the River Niger, Onitsha River Port could transform into a year-round, multimodal commercial hub, impacting several sectors and driving economic growth. Mbonu emphasized that the infrastructure is in place, the demand is evident, and the benefits are far-reaching; what is required now is government consistency and strategic investment to make inland waterway transport a pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth.
The police in Ondo State have arrested an 87-year-old man, identified as Chief Kogbona, for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to suspected armed robbers.
His arrest followed the earlier apprehension of suspects linked to the murder of Nwike Sabbat, male, aged 25, on 29 July in Ondo town.
Mr Sabbat was not only murdered, but the robbers also took away his motorcycle.
According to a statement by the police Spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, actionable intelligence and sustained investigation by operatives of Yaba Division, one Adeife Adewumi (male), a native of Idanre but resident in Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State was apprehended, after the deceased’s stolen motorcycle was found in his possession.
The police in Ondo State have arrested an 87-year-old man, identified as Chief Kogbona, for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to suspected armed robbers.
His arrest followed the earlier apprehension of suspects linked to the murder of Nwike Sabbat, male, aged 25, on 29 July in Ondo town.
Mr Sabbat was not only murdered, but the robbers also took away his motorcycle.
According to a statement by the police Spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, actionable intelligence and sustained investigation by operatives of Yaba Division, one Adeife Adewumi (male), a native of Idanre but resident in Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo State was apprehended, after the deceased’s stolen motorcycle was found in his possession.
“Acting on this lead, at about 0200hrs today, an intelligence-led team proceeded to Ilaramokin in Ifedore LGA, where two additional suspects, namely Johnson Mathew (male), 24 years old, from Osogbo, Osun State, and Disu Sunday (male), of Ekiti origin, were arrested at their hideout,” Mr Ayanlade said.
“Both suspects, who currently reside in Ilaramokin, confessed to being part of the gang responsible for the robbery and murder of the victim. Their confessions corroborated earlier statements made by the first suspect.
“Upon arrest, the following items were recovered from the suspects: • Two (2) cut-to-size locally made guns (barrels) • One (1) live cartridge • One (1) expended cartridge
“Subsequently, at about 1000hrs, further investigation led to the arrest of one Chief Kogbona (male), 87 years old, of Odole Street, Ododo, Idanre, who has been identified as the illegal supplier of arms and ammunition to the gang. A search conducted at his residence resulted in the recovery of ten (10) live cartridges.”
The police image maker added that all suspects are currently in custody, while the exhibits have been securely documented as evidence.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Lawal Adebowale, psc(+), mnips, commends the swift action and synergy displayed by the officers involved in this operation. He reiterates the command’s unwavering commitment to the vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, which emphasises people-centred policing, intelligence-led operations, and the uncompromising pursuit of justice.
“We urge members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information that can aid in crime prevention and resolution.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives and property and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a safe and secure society for all.”
Themanleshey: You guys should check yourselves too, people are getting tired already. Na because of when pikin go do good/bad thing dem get name. Una name too Dey right bell within & abroad and it’s high time we start calling a spade a spade.
All your governors and ex governors are all criminals
Gorem2013: To know that Arehbesola was a fringe and Ac technician before Tinubu upgrade him speak volumes of the type of people - terrible ingrates in coalition
Just like Atiku did to Obj
You guys are throwing every one of your tribesmen under the bus because of Tinubu.
Great minds like- Fashola, Osinbajo, Ambode.
These are SW finest and real technocrats.
After Tinubu, the likes of Seyi Tinubu, Mc Olumo will take over - is that what you guys want?
gidgiddy: Nigeria is a British colonial creation that never grew to be a nation
What is even worse is that that the proponents of 'one Nigeria' only care about the country being together, but not about being a nation
These people don't know the difference between being a British colonial that gained self rule(country), and the terms which the various ethnic nationalities co-exist (nation)
Not much had changed since the British created Nigeria, they created it for their own benefit. Now the 'one Nigerianists' want the colonial creation to continue for their benefit
Nobody is interested in being a nation, just a country
I don't think it qualifies as a country, to be honest.
It appears that Kemi has been making inflammatory remarks, and had she been from the Southeast, the entire country would likely have been demanding her arrest and extradition.
Tragedy struck Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State as a 26-year-old man, identified as Daniel, allegedly beheaded his 15-year-old brother, Emmanuel, for ritual purposes.
Both victims were sons of a senior police officer serving in the community. In swift retaliation, irate youths in the area reportedly lynched Daniel after discovering the gruesome act.
The horrific incident, which occurred on Monday evening, has plunged the agrarian community into shock and mourning.
According to a local resident, Roland Akinkunmi, the elder brother had lured Emmanuel to the banks of the Origbara River, a secluded area in the community, before carrying out the act.
“An indigene of the town who was trying to cross the river saw Daniel trying to conceal a human head in a black bag,” Akinkunmi recounted.
“I was at the palace when I heard people shouting from the direction of the Origbara River. When I arrived, I saw Daniel holding a severed head. At first, I didn’t realize it was his brother’s — I was in shock.”
Akinkunmi added that while the two siblings had reportedly argued earlier in the day, the motive behind the murder appears to go beyond a simple quarrel.
“Some neighbors mentioned that the brothers had a disagreement, but no one expected this.
“In this town, anyone who sheds blood for rituals or any reason is usually exposed. We are devastated.”
Residents say the family is not originally from the community but have lived there peacefully until now.
The incident has sparked fear and unrest among locals, many of whom are struggling to come to terms with the brutality of the crime.
Contacted, the state police command spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed the ugly incident.
Ayanlade said that ” the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, had ordered an immediate investigation.
Crime › Bandits Kidnap Yashashi Water Factory Owner In Kwara State by Borrow2222(op): 5:40am On Sep 12, 2025
