Month: August 2025

BREAKING: Ibom Air Passenger Dragged to Court Over ‘Unruly’ Behaviour, Remanded in Prison

August 11, 2025 (updated August 11, 2025) Published by

The passenger who allegedly assaulted airline officials on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos has been arraigned in court.

The development was disclosed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

Recall that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) warned that it would intensify enforcement actions at Nigerian airports in response to the growing incidence of unruly passenger behaviour.

Days earlier, a similar incident occurred involving Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1), who recently attempted to prevent a ValueJet aircraft from taking off after being deboarded.

Moshood Tweeted; “The more reason the flying public should be more careful, the unruly passenger on Uyo-Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri,”

ObasEmpire reported that trouble started on Sunday, August 10, 2025, on a an Ibom flight from Uyo to Lagos, Emmanson got into argument with a fellow passenger after refusing to switch off her Mobile Phone.

She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off. This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.

Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her. She slapped her several times and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.

It had to take combined efforts from Flight crew and Security to get her off the plane.

BREAKING: Again, NNPC Increases Fuel Price

August 8, 2025 (updated August 8, 2025) Published by

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has once again raised the pump price of premium motor spirit (petrol) at its retail outlets across the country.

The latest increase marks the second time the state-owned company has lifted the fuel price in just four days

At NNPCL filling stations in Abuja, including locations in Kubwa, Lugbe Expressway, Wuse Zone 4, and Wuse Zone 5, petrol is now being sold at N945 per litre. This revised price also applies to NNPCL outlets in parts of Nasarawa and Kogi states.

The fluctuation in NNPCL’s retail fuel price coincides with Dangote Refinery’s adjustment of its ex-depot price, which rose to N850 per litre from N820

Confirming the latest hike, Abubakar Maigandi, National Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, on Friday said, “The latest increase in NNPCL petrol pump was implemented this morning. I cannot tell the reason.”

The recent rise follows a brief reduction just two days earlier when the price dropped to N900 per litre from N955 on Monday, August 4.

BREAKING: Olubadan Laid To Rest In Ibadan

August 8, 2025 (updated August 8, 2025) Published by

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, has been buried on Friday

ObasEmpire reports that he was laid to rest after a dignified church service held at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Aremo, Ibadan.

Speaking during the church service, Bishop Joseph Akinfenwa urged attendees to live life that make lasting, positive impact, honoring the legacy of the late monarch.

The ceremony attracted a large gathering of prominent figures, including Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, former Deputy Governor Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, House of Representatives member Akin Alabi, alongside government officials and traditional rulers from across Oyo state.

Panic as train coach detaches on Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

August 7, 2025 (updated August 7, 2025) Published by

Panic erupted on Thursday morning after a train coach detached from the rest of its compartments along the Ladipo section of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, temporarily halting movement and sparking confusion in the area.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. and lasted for over 30 minutes. The affected train was en route from Ogba Ayo in Ogun State to Apapa in Lagos when the rear compartment suddenly disconnected.

According to an eyewitness, Oloruntoba Omodele, the sudden detachment startled both commuters and bystanders near the tracks. Despite the disruption, there were no casualties.

Everyone was shocked by what happened, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” Omodele recounted.

The Ladipo area, known for its heavy vehicular traffic and congestion, has witnessed multiple transport-related incidents in the past, raising ongoing safety concerns.

It was gathered that emergency responders reportedly arrived swiftly to clear the scene and manage traffic that had begun to build up as a result of the incident.

While officials have yet to comment publicly on the exact cause of the mechanical fault, transportation analysts are urging a prompt investigation and improved maintenance standards, particularly in busy urban corridors like Lagos.

BREAKING: Sowore attacked in Police Custody, Right Hand Broken

August 7, 2025 (updated August 7, 2025) Published by

Former Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore has reportedly been attacked in Police Custody.

Obasempire earlier reported on Wednesday that Sowore was invited for questioning by the Police and Subsequently detained in Abuja following a Petition from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

However, a post on Sowore’s Social Media Pages claimed that Police Officers stormed the Journalist’s detention cell as early as 6 a.m on Thursday morning, broke his right hand and whisked him away to an unknown location.

The Police officers were led by a CSP from the IGP’s monitoring unit.

PHOTOS: VDM leads candle light procession in Anambra for slain ‘Fish Magnet

August 6, 2025 (updated August 6, 2025) Published by

A social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as “VeryDarkMan”,  on Tuesday, led a candlelight procession march in Awka, the Anambra State capital, for the slain businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekesi (popularly known as “Fish Magnet”).

Fish Magnet was recently kidnapped and murdered by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in the state.

Recall that the prominent fish dealer and Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet, was abducted at his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area of the state on Saturday, July 27.

The assailants shot him in the leg and forcefully whisked him away to an unknown destination, a journey he never returned alive.

The unfortunate incident and gruesome murder of Fish Magnet, who was an only son to an APGA women leader, attracted condemnation from good-spirited individuals and netizens, including “VeryDarkMan”, who publicly mourned his demise and organised a candlelight procession for him in Anambra.

VeryDarkMan, who mobilised hundreds of youths, and marched the streets of the Awka, starting from Aroma junction chantes songs that depicted anger against insecurity in the country.

The unfortunate incident and gruesome murder of Fish Magnet, who was an only son to an APGA women leader, attracted condemnation from good-spirited individuals and netizens, including “VeryDarkMan”, who publicly mourned his demise and organised a candlelight procession for him in Anambra.

Speaking during the procession, VDM criticised security breaches in Anambra and other parts of Nigeria, which he said, is as a result of failure on the part of security operatives.

It is sad that ‘Fish Magnet’ was kidnapped and later killed without any trace. Insecurity is not peculiar to Anambra. It is so in many parts of Nigeria. But the case of ‘Fish Magnet’ is too sad, because, the economy of Nigeria does not favour youths.

‘Fish Magnet’ was able to eke a living on his own, by setting up a peculiar business outfit that made him popular.

Sadly, this young man, who should be protected was gruesomely killed. This will discourage other youths that would ordinarily strive towards enterprise. This is sad, and should be condemned

VeryDarkMan further berated government at all levels, saying that they do not do enough to promote security of lives and property.

He pleaded with Anambra people, especially Awka residents to keep on patronising Fish Barbecue, owned by the Fish Magnet, so that the business will not die with the young owner.

Government is not doing enough to promote security the way it should. Killer herdsmen and terrorists in the bush carry weapons and bullets more powerful than those of the police. How could we survive in an environment like that?

“Government must be seen to be priotising security of lives and property of the people. Killings are much in our country, and we are not happy about it,” he added.

Abiola’s Wife, Doyin, Is Dead

August 6, 2025 (updated August 6, 2025) Published by

Wife of the Concord Publisher and winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Moshood Abiola, Doyin, has passed away.

ObasEmpire learnt that the eminent journalist died at 9.15 pm on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

According to the Nation, Doyin’s death resulted from an illness.

Doyin was the former managing director and publisher of National Concord.

She was also the first Nigerian woman to be an editor of a Nigerian daily newspaper.

Like the numerous wives of the late Abiola, Doyin endured the storm and stress triggered by the annulment of the historic poll and the tribulations that followed on the home front and in Concord.

Doyin Abiola attended the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, where she earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. After graduation, she started working with the Daily Sketch Newspaper and also wrote a column in the newspaper called ‘Tiro,’ which addressed sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters.

In 1970, Doyin left Daily Sketch Newspaper and travelled to the United States to pursue a master’s degree programme in Journalism. Upon her return, she was employed as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor. She later attended New York University and obtained a PhD in communications and political science in 1979.

After Doyin’s Ph.d. programme, she returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the editorial board, where she worked with other experienced editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa, and Amma Ogan. However, it was to be a short stay as the newly formed National Concord newspaper invited her to be its pioneer daily editor.

Doyin moved to be an editor of National Concord and was promoted to managing director/editor-in-chief in 1986.

She became the first Nigerian woman to become the editor-in-chief of a daily newspaper.

She married in 1981. Her career at National Concord Newspaper spanned three decades. She also served in various capacities in the media industry in the country.

Benue Assembly suspends five members

August 5, 2025 (updated August 5, 2025) Published by

The Benue State House of Assembly on Tuesday suspended five members for three sittings for tempering with the report on the activities of the Chairman, Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri.

The members are, Shimawua Terna, Mathew Damkor, Cephas Dyako, Moses Egbodo and Isaac Echekliye, they are all members of the House Standing committee on Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Recall that, the Chairman of the Local Government, Security and Chieftaincy Affairs Terna Shimawua, alongside the members of the committee were mandated by the house to investigate alleged misappropriation of local government funds and abuse of office by the chairman Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri.

During the presentation of the report on the floor of the house, the chairman and members of the committee deviated from the real findings.

The House, dissatisfied with the report, constituted a five-member ad-hoc committee headed by Ipusu to investigate further and uncover the actual situation.

Accordingly, the house suspended the members of the entire committee for three sittings for covering the truth on the misappropriation, abuse of office and closure of the Legislative Chamber by the Otukpo Local Government Chairman to protect him from punishment.

Nigerian fatally stabbed in London apartment, Suspect arrested

August 5, 2025 (updated August 5, 2025) Published by

The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed the arrest and charging of two individuals in connection with the tragic murder of 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, who was stabbed in his apartment in New Cross, southeast London.

According to a statement by the police, a man and a woman have been formally charged with murder as investigations into the incident continue.

Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report reads.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Just In: Lagos Police Arraign Notorious Assassin, Olori Eso

August 5, 2025 (updated August 5, 2025) Published by

The Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disclosed that it has arraigned one of the most notorious hired assassin in Lagos, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Eso.

Obasemprire reports that this was made known in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.

Hundeyin wrote: “Wasiu Akinwande aka Olori Eso is currently being arraigned at the Ogba Magistrate Court on an eleven-count charge.”

Obasemprire recalls that Akinwande, 44, described by the police as “the most wanted vicious and notorious hired killer in Lagos,” was arrested in July following a covert tactical operation codenamed ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’ executed by the Command’s Tactical Squad.

He was apprehended during a coordinated tactical operation code-named ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’ carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squad in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State.

Akinwande is accused of being the leader of a deadly gang responsible for over a decade of violent crimes, including murder, armed robbery, cult-related killings, and kidnappings, especially in the Mushin axis of Lagos State.

He was apprehended during a coordinated tactical operation code-named ‘Silence, Speed and Surprise’ carried out by the Command’s Tactical Squad in his hideout in the Agbado area of Ogun State.

Benjamin Hundeyin had said Akinwande who is known for terrorising Mushin and surrounding areas was trailed to Ogun after efforts to nab him were unsuccessful.

Arrest of most wanted vicious and notorious hired killer and head of killers gang in the history of Lagos State in recent time, Wasiu Akinwade a.k.a. Olori Eso, and recovery of nine (9) sophisticated firearms, ammunition, magazines, dagger, walkie-talkies and international passports,” the statement partly read.

The suspect is accused of leading several deadly gangs responsible for over a decade of violent crimes including armed robbery, murder, cult-related killings, and kidnappings.

Hundeyin had disclosed, “This serial killer suspect is the most wanted suspect in Lagos history in recent time.

His arrest marks a huge success in the ongoing fight against violent crimes that are threats to security and safety of residents in Mushin and some other parts of Lagos State.”

According to the statement, the police recovered a large cache of weapons and incriminating items from Akinwande’s residence, which the suspect “freely admitted he was using for his killing operations with his gang.”

The recovered items include: Two (2) AK-47 rifles, one (1) K2 assault rifle, one (1) Red Ryder rifle, three (3) pump action rifles, two (2) locally made single-barrel pistols, five (5) magazines, fifty-seven (57) live cartridges, seventy (70) 5.56 live ammunition, twenty-seven (27) 9mm ammunition, one (1) expended 5.56 ammunition, one (1) dagger, three (3) walkie-talkies, nine (9) international passports belonging to different individuals,” Hundeyin stated.

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories