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EKITI KIDNAPPING: Ondo Amotekun personnel deploy to secure release of pupils, teachers

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The Ondo security outfit codenamed, Amotekun, has deployed 100 of it’s personnel to the neighboring Ekiti state to aid the release of the five pupils of Apostolic Faith Group of Schools, Emure Ekiti, and four staff members abducted on Monday.

 

Amotekun commander in the state, Chief Adetunji Adeleye,said in Akure, that th security outfit was acting on the order of the Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

 

 

Adeleye said this while parading 31 suspected criminals arrested in the state.

 

 

According to him ” The governor of our dear state, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered that we deploy Amotekun personnel to work with their counterpart in Ekiti to secure the release of the pupils and arrest the killers of the monarchs,

 

 

“A couple of hours ago, we had an unfortunate incident in Ekiti and the governor of Ondo State directed we moved in the interest of brotherliness to assist in the security situation in Ekiti State. We deployed 100 personnel to assist Ekiti command.

 

 

“We’ve been there in the last 48 hours. Some arrest have been made and we will continue until the perpetrators of such dastardly act are arrested.”

 

 

Adeleye assured residents of Ondo State that Amotekun will continue to everything possible to ensure that lives and property are protected.

 

 

He said that “You will recall that in the last three months, we’ve been on this. We want to reassure the people of Ondo that the state, security -wise is intact.

 

 

“We will continue with our 24 hours patrol, we will continue to track all criminals from the cities to the forestry reserves and ensure that travelers can move unmolested.

 

 

“So, I want to assure the good people of Ondo State that there is no problem. The state is safe. But, they have a duty to report any suspicious movement in their environment to us on time, so that we could be proactive and ensure that before it gets out of hand, this is nipped in the bud.

 

 

“We have a sudden upsurge of visitors coming in from different parts of the country, in the name of hunting. The state government had made it clear that anybody that will carry out any activity in the forestry reserves must take permission”.

Speaking on the suspected criminals, the Amotekun boss said that “Across board, we have suspected kidnappers, those we arrested for illegal possession of firearms, especially those arrested in the forest reserve.

 

 

“We have those that specializes in breaking shops and houses. What we had assured the public is that the Ondo State Security Network Agency will not relent in its efforts in getting raid of criminals from our societies.

 

 

“The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has directed that to the last criminal in Ondo State must be checked out.

 

“This is because the government is resolute in its determination to ensure that investors, farmers, residents, commuters carry out their businesses without molestation”.

 

Adeleye noted that, “a cross section of the suspected criminals we have here today will show that there is a serious decline in the number of suspected kidnappers in the state.

 

 

“However, until the last of them is arrested and face the full wrath of the law, all security agencies in the state will not relent.

 

“I want to also let you know that all this efforts being achieved are due to collaboration of Amotekun with the police, DSS, the Army, and the Civil Defense.”

 

 

Speaking on how the current wave of crimes across the federation could be tackled checked, Adeleye called on the federal government to approve creation of state police.

 

 

According to him decentralisation of the security system in the country, will allow states adequately manage their own security affairs.

 

 

He said that State police as the only panacea to Nigeria’s security challenges.

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NDLEA warns public against fake auction offers using officials’ names

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials to defraud unsuspecting members of the public through fake auction offers for forfeited vehicles.

 

In a statement issued on Friday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the scammers have been using the names of senior NDLEA officials, particularly the Secretary to the Agency, Barrister Shadrach Haruna, to circulate fraudulent letters and messages offering cheap forfeited vehicles for sale.

 

Babafemi described the offers as a deliberate scam aimed at swindling people of their money.

“The public is hereby notified that these offers are a complete scam. The Agency wishes to categorically state that these fraudulent offers are a malicious gimmick designed solely to defraud targeted individuals of their hard-earned money,” he said.

 

The agency stressed that no NDLEA official is authorised to privately allocate, sell or offer forfeited vehicles or any other seized assets to individuals.

According to the statement, all forfeited vehicles and assets are disposed of only through public auction processes conducted by government-approved auctioneers in line with legal and public procurement guidelines.

Babafemi added that legitimate auction exercises are always widely advertised in national newspapers and through the agency’s official communication channels.

He urged members of the public to disregard and report any letters, text messages or social media posts claiming to offer forfeited vehicles through Barrister Haruna or any other NDLEA official.

“The NDLEA remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in all its operations. Do not fall victim to these criminal elements. If you are approached with such fraudulent offers, please report immediately to the nearest NDLEA command or through our official communication channels,” the statement added.

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Initiators Promise Big As NIGMA Gets August 2026 Date

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The organisers of this year’s Nigeria International Gospel Music Awards ( NIGMA) have announced that the upcoming edition will celebrate the very best of the gospel music industry in an atmosphere of excellence, creativity, and inspiration.

 

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the prestigious Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Kingsley Omoefe, Founder and Team Lead of NIGMA and Chief Responsibility Officer of Golden Heritage Limited, said the August event is designed to bring together gospel music ministers, industry stakeholders, fans, and supporters for a memorable celebration of talent, faith, and excellence.

He stated that attendees should expect an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding performances from leading gospel artists, alongside special recognitions for individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the industry.

The organisers also revealed that the event will feature meaningful conversations designed to inspire participants, promote collaboration, and foster the continued growth of gospel music.

The organisers said the August gathering would create memorable moments that would leave guests inspired, enriched, and motivated long after the curtains close.

They further called on corporate organisations, media outfits, and well-meaning individuals to take advantage of the opportunities available to support the event through sponsorships and strategic partnerships.

The organisers encouraged interested organisations and individuals seeking sponsorship, partnership, media accreditation, or participation to contact the event management for further information and registration ahead of the highly anticipated August programme.

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Nottingham Forest Sacks 5th Manager In 10 Months, To Wrap Up Oliver Glasner’s Deal

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Oliver Glasner is in advanced talks to replace Vitor Pereira as Nottingham Forest head coach, a move which would see the Austrian become the club’s fifth manager in less than a year.

 

Pereira announced his departure from the club in a statement on Wednesday, saying that it came as a “complete surprise to me and without any warning”.

Glasner is a free agent after leaving Crystal Palace — where he won the FA Cup in 2024-25 and then the Community Shield and Conference League the following campaign — and is set to stay in the Premier League.

The 51-year-old confirmed in January that he would leave Palace at the end of the season after two years in charge.

On Thursday, Forest confirmed Pereira’s coaching staff Filipe Almeida, Luis Miguel, Bruno Moura, Marco Knoop and Pedro Lopes had all left the club alongside the head coach.

Pereira, 57, was appointed Forest head coach in February on an 18-month contract which runs until 2027.

The Athletic reported in May Forest had been planning to show their faith in Pereira by handing the head coach a new long-term contract, but those talks were subsequently put on hold.

“Today marks the end of my journey as head coach of Nottingham Forest,” he said in his statement.

“I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone connected with this incredible football club. Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.

“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.

“Together, we enjoyed a memorable end to the season. We secured the club’s Premier League status, reached the semi-finals of the Europa League, and created moments that will stay with me forever. Most importantly, I saw a group of players grow in confidence, belief and togetherness.

“I leave Nottingham Forest with no bitterness or resentment—only respect, gratitude and wonderful memories. Football is full of unexpected moments, and while this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I will always look back on my time here with pride and affection.”

The Portuguese succeeded Sean Dyche and was Forest’s fourth permanent boss of the season following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou.

Nuno had led Forest to Europa League qualification the previous season but he departed in September, less than three months after signing a new deal. Postecoglou was appointed his replacement but was dismissed just 39 days later. Dyche took charge of the team in October before his dismissal in February.

Forest were three points above the relegation zone when Pereira was appointed and he subsequently steered his side to Premier League safety with two games of the campaign remaining.

His appointment marked his second managerial spell in the Premier League after guiding Wolverhampton Wanderers to safety during the 2024-25 campaign.

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