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Body of 16-Year-Old Boy Found Mutilated in Ogun as Police Arrest Two Suspects

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

The decomposing body of a 16-year-old boy, Lawal Wahab, was discovered with mutilated organs in a suspected ritual killing along the Igbile-Ijebu axis of the Old Express Road in Ogun State. Wahab, who had been living with his grandmother, was declared missing by his father, Mr. Lawal Olumide, before his body was tragically found on July 23, 2025. Key body parts—including the head, wrists, heart, and genitals—had been removed. Confirming the incident, Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Omolola Odutola, stated that detectives had commenced a full-scale investigation into what she described as a “gruesome murder.” “Preliminary examination revealed that the victim’s vital organs were removed, suggesting he may have been killed for ritual purposes,” Odutola said in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday. She confirmed that two suspects—25-year-old Salawu Omikansola and one Serefusi Agemo—have been arrested in connection with the killing, while others remain at large. Wahab’s remains have since been buried in accordance with Islamic rites. According to the PPRO, the case file and recovered evidence have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for in-depth investigation. 22 Cult Suspects, Including Soldiers, Arrested in Hotel Raid In a separate development, police operatives in Ogun State have arrested 22 suspected members of the Aiye cult group, including two military personnel. The arrests followed credible intelligence indicating that the cult group had converged at the Hilton Hotel in Abeokuta. Led by SP Adejoh Israel, a joint tactical team—comprising officers from Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, the Anti-Cultism Unit, and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit—raided the location at about 8:20 p.m. on July 25. Recovered items included a cut-to-size locally made firearm, a UTC axe, and several blue berets typically associated with the Aiye cult group. Odutola confirmed that no casualties were recorded during the operation and that all suspects have been transferred to the Anti-Cultism Unit at SCID Eleweran for further interrogation. “The Ogun State Police Command is committed to flushing out criminal elements threatening public peace,” Odutola added, noting that the clampdown is part of a broader crackdown on cult-related violence in the state.

Rice Prices Soar Again, Hit ₦100,000 per Bag as Import Waiver Window Ends

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago07 mins

Nigerians are facing renewed hardship as the price of rice surges across major markets, reversing months of relief that had seen the staple drop to around ₦65,000 per 50kg bag. A Sunday Vanguard market survey in Lagos revealed that some brands of rice now sell for as much as ₦100,000 per bag, with prices for other brands ranging between ₦77,000 and ₦90,000, depending on quality and grain type. Dealers and analysts attribute the sudden spike to the expiration of the 150-day duty-free import window granted under the Presidential Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan introduced in July 2024. The temporary policy had allowed select firms to import essential grains, including rice, without paying import duties, a measure intended to curb inflation and rising food costs. However, insiders say the process was shrouded in secrecy, with only a few large firms benefiting. Secrecy, Selective Waivers, and Policy Gaps Peter Dama, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Competitive African Rice Forum – Nigerian Chapter (CARF-FSD) and President of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), confirmed that only three firms, including one in Lagos and another in Kaduna, received the waivers. Dama lamented that the waiver initiative ignored established stakeholders who built Nigeria’s rice value chain. He said that many local millers and processors who applied for the waivers never received a response from the government. “Short-term fixes like waivers only hurt the local industry,” Dama warned. “We need long-term investments to support farmers, processors, and marketers if we want real food security.” Market Reactions: “We’re Not in Business Anymore” Rice dealers in Lagos expressed deep frustration. At Daleko Market, Mrs. Bolatito Yunisa described the situation as dire: “A bag of short grain rice that sold for ₦65,000 is now ₦85,000. Long grain rice is as high as ₦100,000. We are frustrated. Where is Nigerian rice?” At Mile 12 Market, Mrs. Bukola Osagie said many buyers now request rice in small measurements like “Derica” due to high prices. “We’re barely surviving. Even we, as dealers, now struggle to make sales.” The same 50kg bag of locally produced rice that once sold for ₦70,000 now goes for over ₦80,000, raising fears that Nigeria’s rice affordability crisis could worsen. ₦1.9 Trillion Spent, But to What End? According to RIMAN, ₦1.9 trillion ($1.17 billion) was spent on duty-free brown rice imports in the second half of 2024. About 2.4 million tonnes of rice were shipped into Nigeria between July and December 2024 alone. In early July 2025, 10,000 tonnes were offloaded in Lagos from a shipment by African Swift, while another 32,000 tonnes from Thailand arrived in January via DUCAT Logistics. Despite these massive imports, smuggled rice from Benin Republic still dominates many markets, with prices ranging from ₦70,000 to ₦78,000, due to a continued deficit in domestic production. “Nigeria has more than enough rice mills to feed the country,” Dama said. “But policy inconsistency, FX shortages, and selective waivers have made local milling unsustainable.” Local Mills Shutting Down Dama warned that many local rice mills have been forced to scale down or shut down due to a collapse in demand for paddy rice and an inability to compete with cheaper, subsidised imports. Other compounding challenges include: “You don’t expect millers to run at a loss. We want to feed the nation, but the system must support us,” he said. Rice Smuggling Undermines Local Production Illegal rice imports continue to flood the country. RIMAN estimates that over 1 million metric tonnes of smuggled rice have entered Nigeria between January and July 2025 alone, further destabilising the local market. “The Ministry of Agriculture submitted a vetted list of genuine millers to the Finance Ministry — but no action has followed. The silence is disturbing,” Dama added. A Collapse of Hard-Won Gains? Dama warned that unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria risks losing the gains made in the rice value chain in recent years — including job creation, rural development, and food security. “The same farmers who kept this country fed during the COVID-19 lockdowns are now being abandoned. What signal is government sending?” With prices soaring and production stagnating, the question for millions of Nigerians remains the same: When will rice — the country’s most consumed staple — become affordable again?

Israeli Forces Intercept Gaza-Bound Ship Handala as Strikes Kill 71 in a Day

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa | July 27, 2025 Gaza Strip – The Israeli military has intercepted and surrounded the Handala, a humanitarian aid ship en route to Gaza in an effort to break Israel’s blockade of the besieged enclave. The move comes as Israeli airstrikes intensified across Gaza, killing at least 71 Palestinians since dawn on Saturday—including 42 civilians reportedly attempting to access humanitarian aid. Among those on board the Handala is a former member of the European Parliament from France, who confirmed via satellite link that the vessel had been blocked in international waters by Israeli naval forces. The ship, bearing Palestinian flags and a banner reading “Handala”, had attracted global attention for its symbolic and direct challenge to Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian access to Gaza. Organizers said it was carrying medical supplies, food, and basic necessities intended for civilians suffering under what many international observers describe as a “man-made famine.” Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies continue to push back against Israeli claims that aid is being distributed effectively. The United Nations and other relief groups argue that access restrictions, targeted strikes near aid centers, and red tape are preventing life-saving supplies from reaching those in desperate need. “This is not a logistics failure—it’s a deliberate policy choice,” said one UN official who requested anonymity for security reasons. The rising death toll on Saturday follows weeks of escalating violence and worsening humanitarian conditions. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 200,000 people have been killed or wounded since the beginning of the conflict, with food insecurity now reaching catastrophic levels. Despite mounting international pressure and growing outrage over civilian casualties, Israel continues to defend its operations, citing ongoing security threats from Hamas and other armed groups. As of Saturday evening, the fate of the Handala and its crew remains uncertain.

Mission X accomplished, Super Falcons the Champions of the WAFCON

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Nigeria swept to a 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations title on Saturday night after a come-from-behind 3-2 defeat of hosts Morocco in a drama-filled Final in Rabat. Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses had the full-capacity Stade Olympique de Rabat breathing heavily after a superlative opening performance that saw them take a two-goal lead after 24 minutes of the explosive encounter. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak rifled home a well-placed shot from the edge of the box in the 13th minute, capitalizing on an inadvertent pass by midfielder Halimatu Ayinde. The Lionesses were smelling the trophy 11 minutes later, when Saana Mssoudy, receiving the ball from a cross on the right, darted past Michelle Alozie to smash past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Five minutes before the break, Rasheedat Ajibade squared into the box as the Falcons pushed forward, but the ball agonizingly missed three of her team mates. The Falcons, champions nine times in the 12 editions that had been held previously, stormed back in the second half with the famed Nigerian spirit, and started their fightback in the 64th minute when the ubiquitous Esther Okoronkwo converted a penalty kick. Vibrant, fit-fighting and energetic, Okoronkwo took matters into her own hands again seven minutes later, bulldozing her way into the Moroccan eighteen-yard box and then finding Folasade Ijamilusi who connected sweetly past the goalkeeper. The hosts thought they had won a penalty in the 78th minute when the ball struck defender Tosin Demehin’s hand, but after a long check with the Video Assistant Referee, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa struck off the penalty award. The Super Falcons were now in the ascendancy, and it was no surprise when substitute Jennifer Echegini gloriously swept home the third goal from another Esther Okoronkwo free-kick in the 88th minute. Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade was named Player of the Tournament, while Africa’s best goalkeeper for the past two years, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Victory earned Nigeria a one-million- dollar prize, and a successful ending to a Mission X campaign that caught on round the world like wildfire. In the event, the Super Falcons decimated all three teams that had beaten them in the 2022 finals also staged in Morocco. They defeated Zambia 5-0 in the quarter finals to avenge a third-place defeat by the Copper Queens in 2022. In the semi finals, they edged South Africa’s Banyana Banyana who had beaten them 2-1 in the group stage in 2022. In the final, they defeated the Atlas Lionesses that had beaten them on penalty shootout in the semi finals in 2022. They also kept to their record of never losing a Women AFCON Final.

Super Falcons Win Record 10th WAFCON Title with Thrilling Comeback Victory Over Morocco

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

By Kamal Yalwa Nigeria’s Super Falcons have etched their name deeper into African football history, claiming their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a dramatic comeback win over hosts Morocco. The final, played in a packed stadium in Rabat, saw the Falcons rally from behind to defeat the Lionesses of Atlas in a pulsating encounter that showcased grit, experience, and championship mentality. Trailing in the first half, the Nigerian side turned the tide in the second half with clinical finishing and rock-solid defending to seal a memorable victory and reassert their dominance on the continental stage. The win marks Nigeria’s first WAFCON title since 2018 and is a major morale booster as the team continues to rebuild under a new generation of stars. Fans across Nigeria have taken to the streets and social media to celebrate the triumph, with the hashtag #SuperFalcons trending globally.

Viktor Gyokeres Joins Arsenal: Swedish Striker Brings Power, Goals – and Big Expectations

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Arsenal have completed the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP in a major summer move, bringing one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers to the Emirates. The Swedish international netted an astonishing 39 goals in the Portuguese top flight last season — the highest across Europe’s top eight leagues. Gyokeres’ arrival addresses Arsenal’s long-standing need for a dominant centre-forward, as the club looks to push for Premier League and Champions League glory under Mikel Arteta. The 26-year-old’s combination of raw power, pace, and relentless running earned him praise throughout Europe. Referred to by coaches as a “physical machine” and even a “battering ram,” Gyokeres offers a very different profile from Arsenal’s current attacking options. Filling a Critical Gap Since Arteta took over, Arsenal’s spending on natural forwards has been relatively modest — just £75 million prior to this summer. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined for the rest of the year and Kai Havertz often deployed out of position, the Gunners needed a true No. 9. Gyokeres, who previously impressed during a stint at Coventry City with 40 goals in 97 matches, brings not only a goal-scoring threat but also a dynamic style. He ranked among the top three players in Portugal last season for progressive carries and scored 23 goals from fast breaks — a sharp contrast to Arsenal’s often static attacking play. “His ability to run and keep running sets him apart,” said Adi Viveash, his former coach at Coventry. “He’d do 12 to 14 hard runs a game — other strikers might only manage four.” A New Challenge However, questions remain about how Gyokeres will adapt to the tactical demands of the Premier League, particularly against teams that sit deep in low blocks. At Coventry, he struggled early on with tight spaces and needed extensive coaching to refine his game. Another potential challenge is his temperament. Described as strong-willed with a “big personality,” Gyokeres reportedly pushed to tailor training sessions to his liking and even forced his move to Arsenal by skipping pre-season training at Sporting. “He had a strong character, and we clashed sometimes,” Viveash admitted. “But he knew his worth — and he proved it.” What This Means for Arsenal The Gyokeres signing, reportedly worth over £60 million, signals Arsenal’s intent to build a more direct, physical attack line — and adds depth as they prepare for a demanding 2025/26 campaign. With Noni Madueke also targeted and Jesus injured, Arteta is clearly reshaping his frontline. Whether Gyokeres can replicate his goal-scoring feats in England’s top tier remains to be seen. But if his development trajectory continues, Arsenal may finally have found the elite striker they’ve been searching for.

Gully Erosion Cuts Off Homes Roads in Calabar Community

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

By Kamal Yalwa – Calabar, July 26, 2025 Residents of Odo Edem Aka Effa community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, are facing daily hardship as a rapidly expanding gully erosion site continues to wreak havoc—cutting off access to homes, destroying roads, and endangering lives. What started as a small depression has grown into a dangerous chasm, swallowing portions of the main access road and isolating parts of the community. Locals say the erosion worsens after every rainfall, deepening the gully and bringing down more structures along its path. “We now climb through makeshift planks or take long detours through the bush just to get home,” said a resident, Mrs. Idara Eyo. “It’s especially dangerous for children and the elderly.” The worsening condition has raised health and safety concerns, with many residents calling on both the state and federal governments to urgently intervene before the situation escalates into a full-blown humanitarian crisis. Community leaders say repeated appeals to local authorities have yielded little action. Environmental experts warn that without immediate engineering intervention—such as proper drainage, channelization, and soil reinforcement—the gully could continue to expand, threatening nearby schools, churches, and even power infrastructure. Efforts to reach officials from the Cross River State Ministry of Environment for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. Source: TVC NEWS

Troops Kill Notorious Bandit Leader Dan Dari Biyar in Sokoto Operation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal yalwa July 26, 2025 Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation Fansan Yanma have neutralised Dan Dari Biyar, a notorious bandit kingpin long linked to a reign of terror in Sokoto State. He was killed during a clearance operation in the western axis of Sabon Birni Local Government Area, military sources confirmed. Counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama reported that Biyar was eliminated on Thursday while attempting to collect a ransom from relatives of kidnapped victims. According to Makama, Biyar had summoned the victims’ families to deliver the ransom deep inside the forest before falling into an ambush by troops. Biyar was widely feared across the Sokoto East Senatorial District, with his operations based deep within the Tidibale Forest. From there, he orchestrated coordinated attacks on several communities, including Lalle, Tsamaye, and parts of Gwadabawa. He was also allegedly responsible for the notorious burning of Gidan Sale village along the Gundumi axis. Known for his cruelty, Biyar earned infamy for his brutal treatment of kidnap victims, and for his provocative slogan, “I prefer ₦500 to a Hausa man,” which underscored his disdain and ruthlessness. Intelligence reports linked him to numerous acts of arson, ambushes, and raids on rural communities, military sources said. The operation that led to his death was carried out by a joint team of Nigerian Army personnel and local security volunteers under the Sokoto State Government’s Community Protection Initiative. Troops reportedly recovered a cache of high-calibre weapons, while several members of Biyar’s gang fled the scene. Pursuit operations are ongoing. The successful neutralisation of Biyar marks a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in Nigeria’s northwest.