Tag: Ogun State

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Fatal crash: Police arrest Joshua’s driver after boxer discharged

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Kayode Adeniyi, the 47-year-old driver of the ill-fated Lexus SUV that crashed on Monday, killing two of Anthony Joshua’s closest friends, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, adding that investigations are ongoing.

Adeniyi, a long-standing member of Joshua’s Nigerian logistics team, was discharged from the hospital in Lagos late on New Year’s Eve and driven two hours north to Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, where the fatal crash occurred.

Police sources revealed that Adeniyi is expected to be charged with reckless driving within 48 hours, though the bank holiday may delay proceedings.

“The driver was released after treatment for minor injuries and was then taken to the state police headquarters for questioning. He is in a stable condition and was able to provide us with his version of events that led up to the crash,” a police source told Daily Mail.

Adeniyi was allegedly driving way over the 65mph speed limit for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway when he lost control after a tyre burst during an overtaking manoeuvre near Danco.

The Lexus, carrying Joshua and two of his training staff, Sina Ghami and Kevin Latif Ayodele, smashed into an illegally parked truck, which was carrying soya beans.

The force of the impact tore the nearside section of the car away. Ghami, 36, a British citizen, and Ayodele, 36, a Nigerian/British citizen, were killed instantly, while Joshua and Adeniyi suffered only minor injuries.

Joshua was sitting behind the driver and escaped death by inches, with local first responders describing his survival as a “miracle”.

The Lagos and Ogun state governments on Wednesday announced the discharge of Anthony Joshua from Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, after doctors confirmed he was clinically fit to continue his recuperation from home.

According to a joint statement signed by Mr Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, Joshua and his mother visited a funeral home in Lagos on Wednesday to pay their final respects to the two late friends.

The bodies were flown out of Lagos on a Turkish Airlines cargo flight that landed in Istanbul early on New Year’s Day and are expected to fly on to London.

Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State expressed deep appreciation to members of the public for the overwhelming concern, prayers and show of love following the sad incident.

They also conveyed their gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for what they described as his fatherly support throughout the period and commended the doctors and medical personnel at Lagoon Hospital for their professionalism. (Punch)

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Tinubu speaks with Anthony Joshua after Ogun accident

President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, over a tragic road accident in Ogun State in which the boxer was injured and lost two of his associates.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President personally reached out to Joshua via a telephone call to express his condolences and offer prayers following the incident.

“I spoke with AJ on the phone to personally convey my condolences over the death of his two associates. I wished him well and prayed for him. He assured me that he is receiving the best care in the hospital”, the statement quoted the President to have said.

The President also extended his concern to Joshua’s family, noting that he contacted the boxer’s mother to offer prayers and support. Tinubu added, “I also spoke with AJ’s mother and prayed for her. She was very appreciative of my call.”

Providing further assurance on the Federal Government’s concern, the President disclosed that he also spoke with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was present at the hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment.

Tinubu said, “Additionally, I spoke to Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was in the hospital with them. The Governor assured me that he will do everything possible to ensure AJ receives the best possible attention.”

PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu, who is currently abroad, had earlier taken to his official X account to express deep sympathy to the boxer and his family over the accident, which occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

In the statement, the President wrote, “I sympathise with you and your family as you bear the emotional weight of this unfortunate incident.

As a sportsman, you have always shown courage, discipline, and unwavering love for our country. These are qualities that have made you a source of national pride.”

He further called for unity and mutual support during moments of grief, stating, “In moments like this, we must encourage one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”

Tinubu also offered prayers for Joshua’s recovery and for the repose of the souls of the deceased associates. He said, “I pray for strength, wisdom, and grace for you during this painful period. May God grant you a speedy recovery and repose to the souls of the departed.” (Punch)

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Anthony Joshua stable in Lagos hospital after fatal crash

The Ogun and Lagos State governments have confirmed that British-Nigerian heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, and another survivor of Monday’s road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway are currently receiving medical care at a specialised hospital in Lagos.

In a joint statement issued by Commissioner, Information, Lagos State, Gbenga Omotosho, and Special Adviser, Information, Ogun State, Kayode Akinmade, on Monday, the two state governments said the accident involved a vehicle conveying Joshua and three others, which collided with a stationary truck, resulting in two fatalities.

“The vehicle conveying the team of four ran into a stationary truck, resulting in two fatalities,” the statement said.

The governments expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their lives in the incident and assured the public that investigations were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

“We sympathise with the families of those involved in the accident, and pray that God will grant them the strength to go through this difficult time,” the statement added.

According to the statement, Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated from the scene to a specialised medical facility in Lagos, where they underwent several clinical assessments.

“Anthony Joshua and another passenger were immediately evacuated to a specialised facility in Lagos.

“Doctors have conducted several clinical assessments and have confirmed that both patients are stable and do not require any emergency interventions at this time,” the governments said.

It added that a comprehensive medical team had been convened to closely monitor their condition.

“Anthony Joshua has since been relating well with his family,” the statement noted.

The governments of both states said they were closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the injured persons receive optimal medical attention.

“The governments of Ogun and Lagos are keenly monitoring the situation and will ensure that the two persons receive the best medical care,” the statement said, while also noting that investigations into the crash had commenced.

The authorities also appealed for privacy for the boxer and his family. “We appreciate the public’s concern and ask for privacy for Anthony Joshua and his family during this time,” the statement said.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the accident occurred shortly after 11am on Monday at Makun, Ogun State, along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. (Punch)

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Six Lagos realtors abducted in Ogun

Unknown assailants have kidnapped six Lagos-based real estate marketers during an inspection visit to Ogun State.

The Guardian learnt that the victims had gone to inspect their company’s land at Oyebola village in Obafemi-Owode Local Council of the state, before they were attacked.

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said the incident occurred on Friday.
He said that the command launched an investigation immediately it was alerted about the incident.

Ogunlowo assured the public that all hands were on deck to ensure the rescue of the abductees.

“So, they brought some marketers from Lagos to see the land, so that they can have the requisite information to market the land.

“It was during their visit to this land that the six people were abducted. The command has been on it since, and we shall definitely ensure that these people regain their freedom,” he added. (Guardian)

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Police arrest motorcyclist with three human skulls in Ogun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Abiodun expresses sadness over demise of MKO’s wife, Doyin Abiola

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep sadness over the demise of Dr. Doyin Abiola, widow of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.

Dr Abiola, former Managing Director of the National Concord newspaper, reportedly died on Tuesday at the age of 82.

Abiodun, in a condolence message on Wednesday, noted that Dr. Abiola was not only a devoted partner to her husband, Chief Moshood Abiola, but also a distinguished individual in her own right, who contributed immensely to the journalism profession.

The governor noted Dr. Abiola’s foray in the field of journalism, starting with the Daily Sketch Newspaper and a brief stint with the Daily Times before becoming the Managing Director of the Concord Newspapers.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a remarkable woman whose contributions to society and unwavering support for her late husband during the tumultuous period surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election in Nigeria will forever be remembered.

“Her dedication to justice, democracy, and the betterment of her country exemplifies the strength and resilience of her character.

“She displayed excellent spirit in the fight for the validation of the annulled June 12 election as the person in charge of the Concord Group of Newspapers, owned by her then embattled husband.

“She played a significant role in advocating for the democratic ideals that many Nigerians still strive to uphold today. Her commitment to these principles, particularly during a time of great political unrest, demonstrated her courage and unwavering belief in the power of democracy.

“As we reflect on Dr. Abiola’s life, it is essential to acknowledge the sacrifices she made alongside her husband during a period marked by challenges and adversity.

Her strength in the face of political turmoil exemplifies the spirit of resilience as she stood steadfastly by her husband, providing support and encouragement during trying times, and her unwavering dedication to his vision for a better Nigeria will never be forgotten.

“In addition to her political involvement, Dr. Abiola will also be remembered for her contribution to the journalism profession.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all who admired her. We must continue to uphold her ideals and strive for the principles she passionately advocated for throughout her life,” the statement noted. (Punch)

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2027: Ogun PDP endorses Tinubu as presidential candidate

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its 2023 gubernatorial candidate in the state, Ladi Adebutu, on Monday endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

The State party chairman, Abayomi Tella, disclosed this in Sagamu, at the official campaign flag-off and inauguration of the campaign council for Bolarinwa Oluwole, the PDP candidate for the Remo Federal Constituency bye-election.

Bolarinwa is seeking to replace the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, the former lawmaker representing the constituency, who passed away in January after a brief illness.

Addressing the party faithful at the palace of Akarigbo of Remoland, Tella said Ogun PDP has adopted President Tinubu as its candidate because he is from the Southwest.

“We will support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Though he is in the opposition, let us support our own from the Southwest. Our support is for Tinubu, and we will stand by him. We are ready to give him our votes. The whole of the Southwest will give him our votes.

“We are going to support him. We will give him our votes. All we want in that election is fairness and justice,” Tella said.

Speaking on the recent defection of the party’s former governorship running mate, Adekunle Akinlade, and others to the ruling APC in the state, he described them as immaterial, stressing that most of them lack political weight.

He said, “Do not be discouraged by the defections. Those who left—what did they contribute to the party? Even their polling units, they couldn’t deliver. We are not moved by that,” he added.

Also speaking, Adebutu said Ogun PDP holds no grudge against Tinubu and his candidacy.

He, however, accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of bad governance and vowed that the PDP will challenge the ruling APC in the state come 2027.

He said, “I was with the President in January, and I told him that we have no issue with his leadership and candidacy.

“We, however, have an issue with bad governance in Ogun State; that is why we must have this platform to challenge bad governance.”

He emphasised the importance of winning the bye-election and the need to challenge bad governance in the state.

Adebutu noted that the party won 34 wards out of 35 in the previous election in the federal constituency, saying the APC-led government has lost goodwill due to its conduct.

Adebutu rallied support for the PDP candidate, describing the bye-election as an opportunity to punish bad governance and restore sanity.

On his part, the PDP candidate for the Remo Federal Constituency, Hon. Bolarinwa Oluwole, pledged quality representation if elected.

The National Vice Chairman of PDP, Engr Kamorudeen Ajisafe, presented the party’s flag to the candidate, Bolarinwa Oluwole. (Vanguard)

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Awujale of Ijebuland, Adetona, dies at 91

The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has passed away at the age of 91.

The respected monarch reportedly died on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of his longtime friend and former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mourning his passage, a prince of Ijebu, Prince Adedoyin Alatishe wrote on X, “Baami Ogbagba agbatewole 💔. Erin wo. Omo anikilaya saagbu.”

Adetona, who ascended the throne in 1960, was one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning traditional rulers and widely revered for his contributions to the sociopolitical development of Ijebuland and Ogun State at large. (Punch)

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Court sentences two to death for ritual killing in Ogun

Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora of Ogun State High Court, Abeokuta, on Friday sentenced the duo of Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi to death by hanging.

At the same time, Lukmon Abdulgafar bagged life imprisonment over the murder of 16-year-old Sofia Okeowo at Kugba area, Abeokuta, on January 28, 2022.

The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr Oluwasina Ogungbade, disclosed this in a statement sent to journalists on Friday.

Recall that Sofia had gone to visit her boyfriend, Mustakeem, who had sexual intercourse with her, after which he was said to have viciously attacked and strangled the deceased with the support of Soliudeen and then beheaded her.

They subsequently cut parts of Sofia’s thighs and stuffed her headless body into a sack, after which the deceased’s head was taken to Lukmon’s house to be burnt with a local burner.

In a viral video that surfaced on the internet in January 2022, the trio were caught by community guards with Sofia’s head burning in the local burner.

They were also seen reciting incantations over her corpse.

The commissioner’s statement read, “Today, July 11, 2025, the trio of  Mustakeem Balogun, Soliudeen Majekodunmi, and Lukmon Abdulgafar faces the full wrath of the law over the gruesome killing of Sofia Okeowo.

“The dastardly act which occurred on January 28th 2022, around Kugba, Abeokuta saw Mustakeem Balogun lure 16-year-old Sofia to have canal knowledge of her and later kill her in preparation for a premeditated money ritual charms.

“The two other culprits are Soliudeen Majekodunmi and Lukman Abdulgafar.

“Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora of the Ogun State High Court has, however, found the trio guilty of the crime committed and has therefore sentenced Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi to death by hanging while Lukman Abdulgafar received a life sentence.”

The commissioner further stated that the present administration does not allow crime to thrive, prompting the state to secure the conviction of the three criminals, which will serve as a deterrent to other ritualists. (Punch)

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Road rehabilitation will boost intrastate transport, NANS tells Ogun gov

The National Association of Nigerian Students has commended the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for approving the reconstruction of more roads across the state.

The student body also lauded the governor for authorising the procurement of ultra-modern security gadgets to strengthen the state’s security architecture and safeguard infrastructure.

Abiodun had announced the approval of the road projects during the weekly meeting of the State Executive Council.

The newly approved roads include the 5.4km Ogbeere–Orita Mobi Junction Road in Ijebu East Local Government, the 3.2km Erinlu–Imosan Road in Odogbolu Local Government, and the 2.0km Imodi–Imosan Road, also in Odogbolu Local Government.

NANS, in a statement issued on Friday in Abeokuta by the Chairman of its Ogun Joint Campus Committee, Gabriel Abiola, described the governor’s approval as a giant stride in the current administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure across the state.

He said, “The newly approved roads, along with 11 others earlier earmarked for rehabilitation across the three senatorial districts, will significantly boost intrastate transportation for commuters and aid the movement of farm produce.”

Abiola also paised the Abiodun-led administration for its commitment to the construction and rehabilitation of roads since inception, saying the state has witnessed remarkable infrastructural transformation under the current government.

While commending the governor’s achievements across all sectors, particularly in education, the NANS chairman urged him not to relent in his efforts to make Ogun State better than he met it.

He specifically applauded Abiodun for ensuring the continuation and completion of road projects abandoned by the previous administration.

Abiola, however, appealed to the governor to also consider roads leading to campuses of tertiary institutions for rehabilitation, reminding him of his promise to construct the access road to Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.

The NANS chairman affirmed that students in the state will continue to support the governor’s efforts to move Ogun to greater heights of socioeconomic development. (Punch)