The Edo State Police Command has revealed that a resident of Emaudo, Ekpoma sold his property to pay ransom for his brother only to realize that the reported abduction was fake. A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state, SP Eno Ikoedem said the fake abduction was reported to the command on January 10. According to the PPRO, the suspect, Idris Isiaka, a vulcanizer of Balogun Street, Emaudo Community, Ekpoma, who deliberately staged his own kidnap along with two others has been arrested. The PPRO explained that the suspect “immediately engineered the circulation of his kidnap on social media through a blogger and demanded a ransom of Twelve Million Naira. “His family in Kogi State was further contacted, threatening that he would be killed if the ransom was not paid”. He said the brother, however, “sold his property and paid part of the ransom money which was shared with his accomplices, one Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, both of whom are currently at large. “The suspect has confessed to the crime. He will be arraigned in court after investigation”.

A 35-year-old hunter, Waheed Rasaki, has been arrested by the police for allegedly shooting his co-hunter, Femi Oyedepo, to death in Ibadan, Oyo State. A statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, said the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 7, at Oretan Ijaiye Area of Moniya, in the Akinyele Local Government Area of the state. He stressed that the victim slumped and died immediately. According to the statement, “On January 7, 2026, at about 21:20 hours, Waheed Rasaki, male, 35 years, of Oretan Ijaiye Area, Moniya, reported to Moniya Division that earlier on the same date, at about 14:00 hours, he had mistakenly shot his colleague, Femi Oyedepo, male, during a hunting expedition at Oretan Ijaiye Forest. “The victim slumped and died on the spot. Police operatives, led by the Divisional Police Officer, promptly visited the scene, discovered the lifeless body, and arrested the suspect, who is currently in police custody. “Further investigations have commenced. This case underscores the Command’s prompt response to both criminal and accidental fatalities, ensuring accountability and justice,” the PPRO stated. Also, police have arrested one Olatunji Segun in connection with the killing of a student of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic in Saki Area of the state. A statement by the PPRO, Ayanlade, said, “The command promptly responded to a distress call on January 7, at about 14:30 hours, reporting a fight among students of Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki, at Challenge 1 Area, behind the school. “During the altercation, one student sustained a gunshot wound to the back and was rushed to Tunmise Private Hospital, Saki, where the victim later succumbed to the injury. “One expended cartridge was recovered at the scene. Olatunji Segun, male, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Further investigations have commenced to determine the circumstances and motive behind the crime. “The CP Femi Haruna commends all officers involved in these operations for their professionalism, courage, and swift action, which have led to the arrest of dangerous criminals, the neutralisation of threats, and the safe rescue of kidnapped victims.” He, therefore, assured members of the public that the state Police remain fully committed to maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and bringing offenders to justice. The Police also encouraged the residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with the police, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest station to aid in safeguarding lives and property.

Scores of residents of Oloka village in Oriire local government area of Oyo State have fled their various homes to seek accommodation elsewhere. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that this development is coming few hours after some suspected gunmen killed five forest rangers at Old Oyo National Park. The park is located in Oloka village in Ogbomoso geopolitical zone of Oyo State. Our correspondent gathered that some gunmen opened fire and killed 5 forest rangers at the park Tuesday night. https://www.thenewscredit.com/pstreda.php?zid=5695ea68011359 The state police command, in its reaction, confirmed the killing of the forest rangers. Public Relations Officer of Oyo State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade in a statement made available to THENEWSCREDIT noted that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna has visited the scene of the incident. He added that the CP has ordered the deployment of more personnel to secure the area. THENEWSCREDIT, however, gathered that some residents of Oloka village where the park is located have deserted their various houses since the attack. Reports said despite the promise of more security presence, many of the residents are yet to return to their various houses as at the time of filing this report on Friday. It was learnt that many houses were deserted as at Friday. Residents of the village who spoke urged the government to beef up security presence in the area. They also called for the establishment of security posts around the area. A resident who spoke with THENEWSCREDIT on the condition of anonymity on Friday noted that many houses have been under lock and key. He added that many residents of the village left their houses shortly after the incident and are yet to return. He said “You know that they killed five people at the park. The village has been deserted since then. The assailants came around 10.00 pm on Tuesday and many people left immediately. “Many of the people who left are yet to return. Many houses are under lock and key.” Another resident called on the government and security agencies to provide more security in the village. He also called for the establishment of security posts in the area.

No progress has been recorded on the bandits demand for N300m ransom for the release of nine victims abducted in Adanla community of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, our correspondent reports. Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch for Kwara South Senatorial District, Zubair Olaitan, disclosed this on Wednesday. THENEWSCREDIT gathered that the bandits have so far made three contacts with the community leaders that “if the N300m is not paid, the victims will not be released.” The bandits seized the nine victims in an attempt to abduct the King of the community, and his wife on Boxing Day, but failed. The King, David Olarinoye, was away to Igbaja town for a programme when the armed bandits invaded his community. The bandits, however, later seized nine other victims in the community and marched them to the bush. While seven victims were abducted at the palace of the King, two others were captured on their way to the bush. Following the abduction, the bandits demanded a N300m for the release of the abducted victims, resisting any negotiations for reduction of the ransom.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly attacked the National Park Service Office in Oloka, in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. THENEWSCREDIT investigation revealed that the attack occurred at about 9p.m. on Tuesday. Unconfirmed reports added that about five NPS personnel were killed during the attack. When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident to our correspondent. He said, “Yes, there was an attack by yet to be identified men against the men of the National Park. The Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs are currently on their way to the location. “Meanwhile, the CP Femi Haruna has deployed tactical teams, Mobile Police Force officers of the NPF and EOD to the affected area to prevent further breakdown of law and order,” he explained.

Grief has continued to envelop the Omatu family following the death of three brothers who were among the eight victims of the devastating fire that engulfed the Great Nigeria Insurance, GNI, building on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on December 24, 2025. The deceased: Stephen Onyeka Omatu, 50, Casmir Nnabuike Omatu, 39, and Collins Kenechukwu Omatu, 37, were natives of Ihiala in Anambra State. They were in Lagos pursuing economic opportunities and were reportedly conducting business within the Great Nigeria House, a busy commercial complex comprising offices, shops and warehouses. According to family members, the fire broke out unexpectedly and spread swiftly through sections of the building, leaving occupants with limited opportunity to escape. Witnesses recounted chaotic scenes as thick smoke filled the structure and people desperately attempted to flee. The three brothers were among those trapped inside, and their remains were recovered after firefighters brought the blaze under control. The tragedy has once again drawn attention to persistent concerns over fire safety, emergency preparedness and compliance with building regulations in Lagos’ densely populated commercial districts, where similar incidents have repeatedly resulted in loss of lives and property. Those who knew the Omatu brothers described them as hardworking, closely bonded and dedicated to the welfare of their immediate and extended family. Since the incident, sympathisers from within and outside Anambra State have continued to send condolence messages. Community groups, youth organisations and religious bodies in Ihiala have held prayer sessions in their memory, while also renewing calls for stricter enforcement of safety standards in commercial buildings. A service of songs was held in their honour on January 7, 2026, at Jesus the Saviour Catholic Church, Bucknor Ejigbo, Lagos. The family announced that the brothers will be buried on January 14, 2026, in their hometown of Ihiala. Burial preparations are ongoing, with relatives arriving from different parts of the country to pay their final respects. Traditional rulers and representatives of various associations are also expected to attend the funeral rites.

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has announced the death of an 18-year-old part-three medical student of the institution. The student, identified as Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, was a student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery. According to a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, Timilehin with matriculation number CLI/2022/133, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The statement revealed that the “university received the news of the student’s passing with shock and deep sorrow”. It also described the incident as devastating to the academic community. According to the statement, “preliminary information suggested that the student might have died shortly after 2 a.m., as one of his roommates reportedly said the deceased opened the door for another student around that time. “The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire, expressed condolences on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff and students”. The VC, Professor Bamire, described the incident as a painful loss, saying, “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.” He added that the university community was united in grief over the passing of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the aim of serving humanity. According to him, the death had left a void among the student’s peers and all those who knew him within the university community. The university management stated that it was working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, in line with established medical and administrative procedures. It also disclosed that appropriate support measures were being put in place to assist students and members of the university community who may have been emotionally affected by the loss. The management called on students, staff, alumni and friends of the institution to remain calm and compassionate, while extending sympathy to the family of the deceased.

A traditional wedding ceremony was thrown into chaos on Tuesday night after unknown gunmen invaded Akunza, a Migili-speaking residential area of Ashige in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. A youth leader from the community, who confirmed the incident, said at least three people were killed in the attack, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries. He disclosed that women and children were among those injured and are currently receiving medical treatment at a health facility. The attack reportedly occurred while the wedding festivities were ongoing, leaving residents in panic and mourners fleeing for safety. Details of the motive behind the assault remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

“Christmas Day, a season meant for joy, laughter and family togetherness, became the darkest day of my life. Instead of celebrating, I watched as my 32-year-old only child was snatched from me.” This was the lamentation of Mrs. Chinyere Emeagi, whose only son, Amauche Ezeji, was shot dead by a yet-to-be-identified gunman at about 8pm on December 25, 2025, in the Askaka Road area of Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. The deceased, according to his mother, had taken his pregnant wife to his grandmother’s home for the Yuletide celebration. Narrating the incident, Mrs. Emeagi, who is yet to come to terms with her son’s demise, said: “Amauche Lucky Ezeji, was my only child, my hope and my future. He only wanted to do what any responsible husband would do : drop his pregnant wife at his grandmother’s house so the family could celebrate together. “We were all together when he received a phone call. He told us he would be back shortly and rushed out. That was the last time I saw my son alive. “Moments later, I was told that my son had been shot along Askaka Road. When I got there, he was lying in a pool of blood. He had been shot in the chest at close range. People were screaming, others were running in fear, and the person who killed my son had already disappeared into the night. “We rushed him to the hospital, praying that God would save him, but the doctors said he was dead. In that moment, my world collapsed. “Amauche was not just my son; he was my only child. I have no other son or daughter. Worse still, he was supposed to bury his late father on January 7, 2026. Instead of preparing for that burial, I am now preparing to bury my only child alongside his father,” she stated in tears. Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command confirmed that an investigation into the killing has commenced. Police sources at the Utagba Ogbe Division, where the incident was reported, disclosed that preliminary information indicated that the deceased might have had an argument with some unidentified young men at a pub shortly before the shooting, which allegedly occurred as he was leaving the premises.

A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber, Ibrahim Mohammed, captured by troops of Operation HADIM KAI in collaboration with hunters in Yobe State has revealed chilling details of how he was recruited, paid and deployed to carry out deadly attacks on worshippers in Maiduguri, admitting that he received up to N100,000 for suicide bombing missions. Ibrahim, who confessed to involvement in the December 24 suicide bombing at the Gamboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, said the operation was planned and executed under the directive of Boko Haram commanders operating between Adamawa State and the Mandara Mountains. Zagazola quoted him as saying during interrogation: “My name is Ibrahim from Michika in Adamawa. We came to Maiduguri to plant bombs in Izala Mosque. We were sent by our leaders, Adamu and Abubakar, who gave us two IEDs to plant in the mosque.” The suspect disclosed that suicide bombing had become a paid assignment within the terror network. “I was paid money ranging from N70,000 to N100,000 per mission,” he said. The Gamboru Market Mosque attack claimed five lives and left 32 worshippers injured, plunging Maiduguri town into confusion during the festive period. Nigeria: Student Discovered a Way to Treat Joints at Home in 14 Days Nigeria: Student Discovered a Way to Treat Joints at Home in 14 Days Narrating how the attack was executed, Ibrahim said the operatives exploited periods when mosques were empty to plant the explosive devices. “We came after Zuhur and Asr prayers when the mosque was empty. We entered pretending to pray. My colleague was digging to plant the IED in the middle of the mosque while I was digging by the side,” he said. According to him, the devices were coupled and timed ahead of the Maghrib prayers. “As Muslim faithful gathered to pray Maghrib, after the first raka’at, we detonated the bomb. We set the timing for five minutes. Shortly after, I ran to the market area,” he said.