Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Doctor, Three Others over Alleged Sale of Newborn Baby in Warri
Security operatives detain suspects following tip-off; investigation ongoing as authorities warn against child trafficking in Delta State
Security operatives detain suspects following tip-off; investigation ongoing as authorities warn against child trafficking in Delta State
Police operatives in Delta State have arrested a medical doctor and three other individuals for their alleged involvement in the sale of a newborn baby in Warri. The arrests were made on Wednesday, June 17, following actionable intelligence received by security agencies in the Warri South Local Government Area.
According to police sources, the suspects were apprehended after officers received information about suspicious activities at a private medical facility within Warri metropolis. The medical doctor, whose name has not been officially released, was taken into custody alongside three alleged accomplices during a coordinated operation. All four are currently being held as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the reported sale of the infant.
The incident has raised fresh concerns among residents and stakeholders about rising cases of child trafficking and illegal adoption rings within Delta State and the wider South-South geopolitical zone. Authorities say such practices endanger vulnerable children and violate existing Nigerian laws against human trafficking.
A senior police officer involved in the operation confirmed that investigations are ongoing to unravel the full extent of the network behind the crime. “We are committed to ensuring that all those involved face prosecution according to Nigerian law,” the officer said, adding that further details would be made public as at the conclusion of preliminary findings.
Delta State Police Command has warned members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to child trafficking or unauthorised adoption. The command also encouraged families seeking adoption to follow due legal process through authorised government channels. As investigations continue, authorities say they will intensify surveillance around medical facilities and suspected hotspots for trafficking activities.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-Mdzough U Tiv Leader Ihagh Backs State Police, Hails Akpehe’s Emergence in Benue
Ihagh says community-based policing will tackle farmer-herder conflict as Akpehe joins socio-cultural group’s leadership
Ihagh says community-based policing will tackle farmer-herder conflict as Akpehe joins socio-cultural group’s leadership
Chief Iorbee Ihagh, immediate past President General of Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide, has thrown his weight behind the establishment of state police as a solution to grassroots insecurity and persistent farmer-herder clashes in Benue State. Ihagh made this known in a statement issued on Monday, shortly after congratulating Barrister Stephen Aondonam Akpehe on his emergence as Ex-Officio in the group’s new leadership.
According to Chief Ihagh, the introduction of state police will strengthen security responses in communities because officers recruited from local areas have deeper knowledge of the terrain, language, and culture. He argued that this local intelligence would help detect threats early, prevent attacks, and improve coordination among security agencies facing complex security challenges in Benue and other states.
The former Mdzough U Tiv Worldwide leader further emphasised that Akpehe’s appointment comes at a critical period when traditional institutions are expected to support government efforts towards peace and security. He maintained that effective community leadership is essential for promoting peaceful coexistence and driving grassroots initiatives against insecurity.
Ihagh stated, “State police will enable us to respond faster to issues affecting our people. When those who understand our environment are involved, it becomes easier to identify problems before they escalate.”
While commending Akpehe for accepting the new role, Ihagh urged all leaders within the socio-cultural organisation to rally behind initiatives aimed at restoring safety and harmony in Benue communities. The newly constituted Mdzough U Tiv leadership is expected to work closely with state authorities and security agencies as debate over decentralised policing continues nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ogun Attorney-General Clears Adeyinka, Ashimiyu in Folunsho Olayinka Death Case
State prosecutors end criminal proceedings after autopsy confirms natural causes; legal team welcomes Attorney-General’s decision
State prosecutors end criminal proceedings after autopsy confirms natural causes; legal team welcomes Attorney-General’s decision
The Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice has formally cleared Chief (Mrs.) Dorcas Adeyinka and Mr. Suraju Ashimiyu of all criminal allegations related to the death of Ms. Folunsho Olayinka, effectively ending prosecution in the high-profile case. The decision was made public on Tuesday following a comprehensive review of police investigations and medical reports submitted to the Ministry of Justice in Abeokuta.
The case, registered as Charge No. AB/46C/2025, accused Adeyinka and Ashimiyu of conspiracy and acceleration of death under the Ogun State Criminal Code Law. According to a statement from Yakubu Eleto Chambers, solicitors representing the accused, the Attorney-General found no substantive grounds for prosecution after examining witness statements, exhibits recovered by police, and medical findings.
The controversy stemmed from the April 19, 2024, death of Ms. Olayinka. Public attention intensified when police arrested Adeyinka, a known philanthropist in Ogun State, and her husband Ashimiyu, alleging their involvement in suspicious circumstances surrounding Olayinka’s passing. The case raised concerns within the state over accountability in high-profile deaths and prompted calls for transparency from civil society groups.
According to the legal team’s statement, an autopsy conducted by the Chief Pathologist at State General Hospital Mortuary, Ota, on August 21, 2024—supported by follow-up medical reports—confirmed that Ms. Olayinka died from natural causes. This conclusion was central to the Attorney-General’s directive to discontinue all criminal proceedings against both defendants.
With this development, Chief (Mrs.) Adeyinka and Mr. Ashimiyu are expected to be formally discharged from court. Their lawyers welcomed the decision as a vindication of their clients’ innocence and urged members of the public to respect the outcome. The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has not announced any further steps regarding this matter.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/ogun-ag-clears-philanthropist-husband-in-folunsho-death-case/
Nigeria News (Standard)
FG Auctions ₦6.15bn Drug Assets in Lagos, Akure as NDLEA Sells Victoria Island Hotel
Estate firms acquire seized properties in major public auction; four assets withdrawn for not meeting reserve price
Estate firms acquire seized properties in major public auction; four assets withdrawn for not meeting reserve price
The Federal Government on Monday concluded the public auction of assets forfeited by convicted drug traffickers, generating over ₦6.14 billion in revenue from high-value properties in Lagos and Akure. The exercise, which took place in Abuja under the supervision of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Federal Ministry of Justice, saw a six-storey luxury hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos sold for ₦5.9 billion—the largest single asset in the auction.
According to Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Ministry of Justice, a total of four major properties were successfully handed over to new corporate owners after meeting government reserve prices. These include the Victoria Island hotel acquired by Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm; a commercial/residential property in Lekki Phase 1 bought by FSS Limited for ₦219.5 million; a block of flats in Ejigbo secured by A-BNB Global Innovations Limited for ₦104 million; and a residential property in Akure purchased by Fazeen Global Link Limited for ₦29.36 million.
The NDLEA confirmed that all assets auctioned had been permanently confiscated following final court orders linked to high-profile narcotics cases. Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said four other properties listed for sale did not meet their minimum valuation and were therefore withdrawn from the auction floor. “Those properties will be considered for future disposal once they attract qualifying bids,” Babafemi stated during the bid announcement.
The asset disposal marks one of Nigeria’s most significant recoveries under the Proceeds of Crime Act, reflecting government efforts to deter drug trafficking through aggressive forfeiture measures. Experts say such auctions not only raise funds for public use but also send a message that crime will not pay. The Ministry of Justice assured that proceeds would be remitted into federal coffers for development projects.
With this round concluded, stakeholders expect more asset auctions as court-ordered forfeitures increase amid ongoing anti-narcotics operations nationwide.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/ndlea-forfeited-properties-auction-lagos-2026061711284118086
