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FCT: Wike To Meet IGP Over Demolished Police Duplexes

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Nyesom Wike - FCT Minister
Nyesom Wike.

By Ayodele Oni

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, a Lawyer, has clarified why some buildings erected on the land acquired by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja were demolished.

Wike, who disclosed this during an on-the-spot assessment of the demolished structures on Friday, said the buildings were erected despite repeated warnings and the denial of development approval by the FCT Department of Development Control.

He said he will meet with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, following the exercise.

According to him, the buildings were built under a high-tension power line at Apo Dutse District, Abuja, supposedly belonging to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

It would be recalled that staff of FCT Department of Development Control had, on Thursday, demolished not fewer than eleven units of flats, comprising three and four bedrooms in Dutse area of the Nation’s capital, Abuja, which led to the arrest of the Department’s staff by the Police.

Wike stated that “Well, it’s unfortunate. Yesterday, I got a call from Development Control that they had to come here to stop some buildings from going on.

“You can see the high-tension line, and that is dangerous. The land was given to the Nigerian Police, and they applied for approval, but Development Control refused because of the high-tension risk.

“They refused to stop, and Development Control had to act. Unfortunately, our officers were arrested by the Nigerian Police, and that’s why I have to take this matter up with the IGP. I’m sure he may not be aware, but we cannot allow this.

“The Government cannot allow anyone to break the rules. Look at the high-tension line. How would anybody take such a risk? Even if there was no high-tension line, once you are denied approval, you cannot go ahead as if you are above the law.”

FG Sues Nwebonyi Over Defamatory Comments  Against Akpoti-Uduaghan

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Peter Nwebonyi and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court is set to commence hearing in a case of criminal defamation against the Senator representing Ebonyi North, Peter Nwebonyi.

The case was filed on behalf of of the Federal Government by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN,  following alleged defamatory statements made against Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The five -count charge, marked CR/547/2025, was filed before the FCT High Court, Abuja, by Mohamed Babadoko Abubakar, Director of the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

According to the charge sheet dated 11, September 2025, Nwebonyi—who is the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate—allegedly made the remarks between the 3rd and 29th of March 2025 during appearances on Arise Television, Channels TV, TVC, News Central TV, and other media platforms.

The prosecution accuses Nwebonyi of making several malicious statements intended to tarnish Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reputation, including describing her as “a habitual accuser” and “a woman who uses her gender as a weapon.”

He was further quoted as calling her “a known blackmailer” and made personal remarks about her family life.

According to the Federal Government, the comments were “malicious, false, and capable of exposing the Senator to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.”

The charges state that the alleged comments contravene Section 391 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Laws of the FCT, and are punishable under Section 392 of the same Act.

Count One of the charge specifically accuses Senator Nwebonyi of knowingly making imputations harmful to another person’s reputation, citing his televised interview on Arise News where he allegedly made several disparaging comments about Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Each of the remaining four counts also accuses Nwebonyi of making similar defamatory statements across other platforms within the same period.

If convicted, the offence carries a penalty of imprisonment, a fine, or both, as prescribed under the Penal Code.

Recall thar Senator Nwebonyi had, around, same period, at a public hearing, made very condescending comments against a former Honourable Minister for Education, Mrs Oby Ezekwesili.

Massive Protests Hits Lagos As Residents Lament Demolition Of Houses, Hunger

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Protest in Lagos

By Akinwale Kasali

The demolition exercises in Lagos, coupled with worsening hunger condition has generated massive protest in the Oworonshoki area.

On Friday, protesters stormed the Office of the Lagos State Governor in their hundreds to lament their sad fate.

The protest led by the “Take It Back Movement” in collaboration with several Civil Society Organisations, said the demolitions have left many residents homeless and deepened the economic hardship faced by low-income families across the State.

The protesters stormed the Ikeja Underbridge and marched to the Governor’s Office in Alausa, to express their anger over the demolition in Oworonshoki, and the level of hunger that has become their fate.

The protesters were seen carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Stop the Demolitions,” “End Hunger Now,” and “Government Should Protect the Poor.”

The groups accused the State Government of implementing “anti-poor policies”, and  alleged that the demolition exercises in Oworonshoki and other communities were carried out without sufficient notice or provision of alternative accommodation for displaced families.

In a move to curtail the protesters from disrupting law and order, Security personnel, including Police  and operatives of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC, were stationed along major routes leading to Alausa to maintain order and prevent chaos.

The protesters chanted solidarity songs and called for an audience with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu or a representative of his administration to present their grievances.

A letter stating the grievances of the Protesters, it was gathered, was presented to the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Tayo Ayinde.

The Lagos State Government is yet to issue a statement or comment on this development.

However, reliable sources informed this medium that the Government had taken note and trying to sort out genuine complaints.

Court Turns Down Police Bid To Stop Pro-Kanu Protest

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Judiciary and Court

By Ayodele Oni

As the countdown to the “Free Nnamdi KanuNow” protest draws nearer, a Federal High Court in Abuja has refused the Nigeria Police Force’s bid to stop the protest, allowing it to proceed as scheduled on Monday.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had filed an ex-parte motion against the protest organiser, Omoyele Sowore, in a bid to stop the demonstration slated for the Aso Rock Villa.

However, Justice Umar of a Federal High Court, Abuja, declined to grant the motion. It said rather it will proper to put the organisers on notice.

The judge instructed the police to formally serve notice of the application on Sowore and adjourned the case until Tuesday for hearing.

Reacting to the judicial decision, the protest convener, Sowore, affirmed the court’s decision as a victory for civil liberties and doubled down on the scheduled protest.

In a statement issued on his X handle on Friday following the ruling, Sowore said, “IG of PoliceNG Kayode Egbetokun dispatched police lawyers to sue me, in an effort to halt the FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest scheduled for Aso Rock Villa on Monday.

“However, the judge, Justice Umar of Federal High Court in Abuja, refused to grant the ex parte motion, instead instructing him to serve me notice and adjourning the case until Tuesday for a proper hearing.”

The demonstration, organised under the hashtag #FreeNnamdiKanuNow, is intended to draw attention to the prolonged detention and legal fate of Kanu.

Sowore announced October 20 as the date for a protest march to demand the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore made this known on his X handle.

According to him, the protest would be a “historic” march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, while assuring that it would be conducted peacefully and legally to demand the release of the IPOB leader.

WHO Raises Alarm Over Poisoned Cough Syrup In Circulation

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WHO - World Health Organisation

By Akinwale Kasali

The World Health Organization, WHO, has raised an alarm over the news of poisoned cough syrups in circulation.

The WHO has, therefore, urged relevant regulatory and medical bodies around the world to forewarn parents and healthcare industry professionals to be on the alert and, has itself   issued what it calls a Medical Product Alert.

WHO says the concerns centre on three substandard (contaminated) oral liquid medicines containing active ingredients commonly used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, flu, or cough.

Although identified in India and reported to WHO on 8 October, 2025, there are fears that without proper recall, the poisoned cough syrups may find their way to other countries which receive medicine and drugs supplies from India.

It would be recalled that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in May, said it was in receipt of information regarding substandard drugs from the India authorities, following result of analyzed drug samples picked from sales/distribution point.

NAFDAC not only listed the affected drugs, but affirmed that some of the affected pharmaceutical companies were reported to have subsidiaries, partners and products in Nigeria.

“Administering substandard medicines poses significant risks to patient health and public health.

“These risks include poisoning, treatment failure, drug resistance, and even death. Substandard medicines may contain toxic substances, incorrect ingredients, or incorrect dosages, leading to severe adverse effects”, NAFDAC warned.

The Agency advised Importers, distributors, retailers and healthcare professionals to exercise caution and vigilance in any transaction involving the companies to avoid the importation, distribution, sale, and use of substandard products.

PSC Appoints DIG, Promotes CP To AIG, 11 DCPs TO CP, Others

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Police Service Commission

The Police Service Commission has approved  the appointment of AIG Dankwara Adamu Mohammed to the next rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police to represent the North East Geopolitical zone and replace retired DIG Sahabu Abubakar Yahaya who has since retired from Service.

The Commission also approved the promotion of CP Abibo Deinma Reuben from the rank of Commissioner to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.

A statement by Ikechukwu Ani, Head Press and Public Relations of the Commission, said that the

Commission further approved the promotion of eleven Deputy Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Substantive Commissioners.  They are Naziru Bello Kankarofi; Nendel Joseph  Gomwalk; Tijani Olaiwola Fatai; Wilson Aniefiok Akpan; Morkwap Dongshal and Abdullateef Ajape Yusuf. Others are Cletus Nwadiogbu, Deputy Commissioner Finance and Administration, Taraba State; Ahmed Mohammed  Bello; Abdulraheem  Nurudeen; Patrick Daaor and Umar Mohammed  Hadejia.

The promotions were one of the highpoints of the 2nd Plenary Meeting of the Commission which began at the Solomon Arase Conference hall and presided over by Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni and attended by Honourable Commissioners, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Police Matters, Justice Christine Ladi Dabup and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

The Commission also approved the promotion of 13 Assistant Commissioners of Police to the rank of Deputy Commissioners. The newly promoted Deputy Commissioners include David  Gbenga Ojo, Umaru Bello Bichi, Bala Salihu Jarumai, Makanjuola Abiodun, Shafii Abdulkarim, Mohammed Ajose, Mukter Bello, Delta Command and Mada mani Adamu. Others are Omololu Vaughan,  Linus  Ogbodo, Emmanuel Anene Ogbuanya, Tijani Richard  Gotom, Shehu  Sambo  Bawa Ibrahim, Specialists, Dr. Onwuegbuzie Gerald Awele (medical Doctor) and Hamza Ali, a nurse.

Forty four Chief Superintendents of Police were elevated to the next rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police including Victoria Olayinka Mulero, Commanding Officer, SPU Base 22, Oyo State, Alirat Odunola Adedeji, Olufunmilola Oluwaseun Amore,  Ezeokafor Emmanuel Nnonso, Conchita Ngozi Uzoma Braide, Onaji Patrick, Anayochukwu Henry Ekeocha and Alkali Abbah Hadeja (Works) among others.

The Commission also approved the promotion of 412 Superintendents of Police to the rank of Chief Superintendents.

They include, Odey Peters Idaba, Emmanuel Peter Okoh, Mohammed Dan-Mallam Abdulrahaman, Fawole  Oludayo,  Ntum  Onyekachi. Nwaneri Georgina Oluchi, DPO Abakaliki Road and Tudon George. Others include Njoku  Chibueze Onwe, DPO Akwete Abia Command, Chukwuemeka Howells  Anyimukwu; DPO Uturu, Abia State, Ngozi Ajaegbu, Police Special Fraud Unit, Lagos Annex; Okoye Tobechukwu  Godwin, Unwana Division, Ebonyi Command, Sarah Maximus Oloto,  DCO, A Division Uyo, Usman Nuhu Iluobe, FCT Command, Ugwu Chiagozie, Ikpeamah Joy Chidinma, Nnamdi  Okeke, second in Command X Squad zone 13 Ukpo and Oke  Oluleke Oluseye CSO, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Others include Marcel Amaechi Ozochi second in Command SWAT Ebonyi Command, Isiaku Tanko, Secretary to former PSC Chairman, IGP Mike Okiro rtd,  Mojirade Obisiji, Admin Officer IGP Monitoring Unit, Oluseye Samuel Anota, IGP Special Investigation Unit, Force Headquarters, Agba Benedicta Mwuese, second in Command SPU Base 6 Portharcourt, John Okwa, DPO Ogui Enugu Command, Ejiofor  Charles Emenike DCO Abakpa Nike Enugu, Edobor Idowu, 25 PMF Azumini, Alexander  Bassey, DCO Nyanya Division Nasarawa state, Mohammed Kanoma Abdulrahaman, DPO Bompai Div, Kano, Chukwu  Peters Okike O/C Provost 54 PMF Onitsha, Okoro Chinedu Gabriel Commander  Tactical support Team, Niger state Command, Chukwuka Odum, Commander Anti Kidnapping Unit Enugu State Command, Ikemere Nduka Charles, DPO Nekede, Imo Command, Ikpa Sylvester Ujor Officer in charge D24 SCID (Disaster management) Uyo Akwa Ibom Command, Haanongon Alfred Terungwe, DPO Arochukwu, Abia State, Muhammad  Nazir, FCID Abuja, Ogunmuyiwa Rotimi, Cyril Daniel Dalyop, Commander Quick Response Squad Zone 2 Headquarters Onikan, Lagos, Fasasi Abiodun, IGP Special Special Investigation Unit Force Headquarters Abuja and Musa Diza Jikwoyi, 62 PMF, Kafanchan, Kaduna Command.

Some of the DSPs promoted to the next rank of Superintendents are; Rekpene Ukpabi Ekoh, Ebonyi Command; Tonga Monday, 48 PMF Ahoada Rivers state; Omiegbu Christian  Emenike, Delta Command, Kolos Nathaniel, 16 PMF  Abeokuta, Ochenehi Mathew Ugwa and Umar Abdulkadir, PMF 18 Owerri.

The Commission also confirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police Obike Elizabeth  attached to SPU National Assembly, Adeoye Olufemi Staff Officer PPRO, Lagos state Command, Osuagwu Precious Chioma, SPU Base 6, Portharcourt, Ani Emmanuel, Amamba John Eze, second in Command Provost SPU Base 29 Force Headquarters, Ella Mogbor, Chime Joan Nnenna, SCID Enugu, Apie Jeremiah, Chibuzor Wobounqawta, Igwe Dominic, Marcus Gah, Bello Abdullahi, Chinedu Agbo, Zakah Faruk, Ayoh Francis, Mathew Nwaosugwu, Bakinde Agyo, Patience Ohuabunwa, Aleleware Tomarautare and Sunday ladam Akwanga Division Nasarawa state amongst many others.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Argungu congratulated the newly promoted Officers and called for their rededication to the service of the Nigerian nation.

The Plenary Meeting continues today Friday, October 17th 2025.

Obi At Commonwealth, Discusses Nigeria’s Democracy, Education, Youth Empowerment

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Obi At Commonwealth
Mr Peter Obi, Labour Party Presidential Candidate in 2023 Presidential election, Hon Shirley Botchwey Commonwealth Secretary General and Mrs Margaret Peter-Obi after their meeting at the Commonwealth HQ, Marlborough House, London UK

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, continues his consultation and knowledge-seeking mission to the Commonwealth Headquarters.

Obi, who has been embarking on a wide range of consultations within and outside the country since 2023, acquiring knowledge preparatory to his Presidential ambition in 2027, was at the headquarters of the Commonwealth of Nations in London, United Kingdom, on Wednesday.

Obi was accompanied to the international body by his wife, Mrs Margaret Obi, where they met with the Secretary General of the global body of English-speaking nations, Shirley Botchwey.

Critical issues of our nation, democracy, education, and Youth Empowerment dominated the discussion at the enriching event.

Writing on his X handle about the meeting the LP standards bearer said, “On Wednesday, my wife and I met with the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at the Commonwealth Headquarters in London. “Our discussions centred on promoting democracy, deepening the rule of law, expanding access to education, and empowering young people across Commonwealth nations.

“With over 2.5 billion of the Commonwealth’s population under the age of 30, young people remain the organisation’s greatest asset and hope for the future. I emphasised that for Nigeria, a nation richly endowed with human and natural resources, meaningful investment in education, innovation, and entrepreneurship is key to unlocking the vast potential of our youth. “When properly equipped, our young people will not only drive national development but also contribute significantly to global progress.

“I further noted that youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Addressing it requires intentional and practical action — through skills development, access to quality education, and the creation of an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises to thrive.

“Hon. Botchwey, the first African woman to lead the 56-member Commonwealth, reaffirmed that her top priorities include education, youth engagement, and employment creation. She spoke passionately about the need to build inclusive societies that promote democracy, good governance, justice, and equal opportunity for all. Her visionary, reform-minded leadership continues to amplify the voices of developing nations within the Commonwealth and inspire greater cooperation among member states.

“She also stressed that empowering young people is not only vital to sustaining democracy but also indispensable to shaping a stable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all Commonwealth citizens. Her commitment to youth inclusion, education, and institutional reform reflects the enduring values of the Commonwealth.

“I commended Hon. Botchwey for her dynamic and inspiring leadership, describing her as a trailblazer whose dedication to education, youth empowerment, and democratic ideals strengthens the global Commonwealth community. I remain confident that with leaders like her, the Commonwealth will continue to serve as a beacon of unity, hope, and shared progress for its member nations.

Ondo Awaits As President Tinubu Commissions Deep Sea Port

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Lucky Aiyedatiwa and Bola Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

As part of moves to transform the state economy, President Bola Tinubu is expected in Ondo State in 2026 for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ondo Deep Seaport.

The commissioning will form part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary celebration in February 2026.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku who disclosed this in Akure, also revealed that a modular refinery, capable of producing 500,000 liters of petrol daily, will soon commence operations in Ondo State, alongside ongoing discussions for the establishment of a cement factory in Okeluse, Ose Local Government Area.

These industrial projects, he noted, will provide substantial employment opportunities and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.

In addition to industrialization, Ajanaku stated that the Aiyedatiwa administration is investing in tourism development as plans are in motion to transform Araromi-Obu into a world-class resort destination through collaboration with investors behind Lagos’ Eko Atlantic City.

He added that contracts have also been awarded for modernizing Idanre Hills, including the installation of elevators to improve tourist accessibility.

According to him, “In the Southwest, after Lagos, Ondo State possesses the greatest economic potential. We are endowed with natural resources, tourism sites, and an oil-producing status as part of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“The Aiyedatiwa administration is committed to harnessing these opportunities to create a self-sustaining economy.”

Ajanaku affirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to a strategic development agenda aimed at industrializing the state, enhancing tourism, and reducing reliance on the civil service economy.

He elaborated that the Governor’s governance approach is well-structured and focused on achieving long-term prosperity, rather than engaging in short-term populist initiatives.

There have been accusations that Aiyedatiwa is too slow in his approach to governance, which may affect rapid development of the state

The commissioner declared that “The administration of Governor Aiyedatiwa is not slow, as some may believe; it is tactical and strategic.

“To transition Ondo State from a civil service-driven economy to an industrialized one, careful and meticulous planning is required.”

ADC Roasts Wike For His Rude, Indecorous Attack  On Obi, “Abuse Not Performance, It Tells Him

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Nyesom Wike and Peter Obi

The attention of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been drawn to the reckless, condescending, and utterly unnecessary outburst by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, against Mr Peter Obi, a respected national leader, former Governor, and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections.

While we understand that leadership requires a thick skin and restraint, Mr Wike has once again demonstrated that arrogance and noise are not substitutes for vision and decency. His statement was not only undignified but also beneath the office he currently occupies.

Mr Peter Obi’s simple and factual observation about the poor state of a public primary school in the FCT, one without toilets, chairs, or basic learning facilities, should have provoked action, not irritation. Leadership is about service, not ego. If a citizen, no matter who he is, points out decay in governance, a responsible minister fixes it, not fights it.

Mr Wike’s attempt to compare his two years of spending in the FCT to Mr Obi’s prudent eight years in Anambra is laughable. History and records show that Peter Obi left billions in reserves, no debts, and world-class educational and health indices. Wike, on the other hand, is busy turning the FCT into a theatre of self-glorification, awarding contracts for the cameras, not for the people.

The ADC in the FCT reminds Mr Wike that abuse is not performance. You can commission all the roads you like, but if children in Abuja are still learning without toilets, desks, or dignity, then your “development” is hollow.

We call on the Minister to focus on governance, not gossip. Abuja deserves a builder, not a brawler; a visionary, not a verbal combatant.

The ADC stands with all responsible citizens, including Mr Peter Obi and Dr Moses Paul, the ADC Chairmanship Candidate for AMAC, who are drawing attention to the real issues: education, dignity, inclusion, and accountability.

Mr Wike, respect yourself and your office. Leadership is not a shouting match; it is a sacred trust.

Signed: Chukwudi Samuel,

ADC-FCT Publicity Secretary Secretary, October 17, 2025.

Ondo Police Nabs Man For Incest, Another For Defilement Of Minor

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Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man for an alleged incest which resulted in the pregnancy  of his 15-year-old daughter.

The suspect, Oyewole Adamolekun, a resident of Taye Village, Lafa 2, Ajue area, allegedly engaged in a prolonged incestuous se*ual relationship with his biological daughter, aged 15, which has resulted in pregnancy.

Command spokesman, Olusola Ayanlade disclosed in a statement that “the case came to public attention on the 8th of October, 2025, when one Mr. Julius Olusola, a resident of the same area, lodged a formal complaint at the Enu-Owa Divisional Police Headquarters, Ondo.

“The report alleged that the suspect had been having unlawful carnal knowledge of his daughter since she was three years old.

“Acting swiftly on the report, officers of the Division arrested the suspect, while the victim was immediately taken to a medical facility where an ultrasound examination confirmed that she was 19 weeks and two days pregnant.

“During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime. He is currently in police custody, and the case has been transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk for diligent investigation and expedited prosecution.”

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command,  Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the act, describing it as not only criminal, but also morally reprehensible.

He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual abuse, particularly against minors, and assured that the Command will ensure that justice is served with utmost urgency, professionalism, and precision.

The Commissioner warned that the Ondo State Police Command will not relent in identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals involved in such heinous crimes.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any form of abuse or suspicious behavior to the nearest police station and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the rights, dignity, and safety of all residents of Ondo State.

In another incident, the Command arrested one Azeez Lamidi, a 49-year-old resident of No. 64 Eegun, Akoko, for allegedly defiling a 14-year-old girl and inducing the pregnancy’s abortion through the administration of drugs.

The incident was reported on October 9, 2025, by one Salami ‘m’ at the Ogbagi Police Station.

According to the Complainant, his 14 years old daughter, began bleeding profusely from her private part while attempting to defecate.

“She was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital in Ogbagi-Akoko, where medical personnel confirmed that she had recently undergone a drug-induced abortion.

“Upon interrogation, the victim revealed that the suspect had been sexually abusing her repeatedly. When he discovered she was pregnant, he allegedly gave her drugs that led to the abortion.”

The victim has since been referred to the State Specialist Hospital, Igbatoro, for comprehensive medical care, while the suspect remains in police custody pending further investigation.