Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Magistrate Confirms Death of Missing Journalist Onifade After DNA Test
Coroner’s report links remains at Ikorodu General Hospital to Gboah TV reporter; family seeks justice as probe continues
Coroner’s report links remains at Ikorodu General Hospital to Gboah TV reporter; family seeks justice as probe continues
A DNA test ordered by a Lagos magistrate has confirmed that the unidentified body found at Ikorodu General Hospital morgue is that of missing journalist Pelumi Onifade. The announcement was made in Lagos on Wednesday, following the submission of a sealed coroner’s report from the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre. The confirmation brings closure to a case that began when Onifade was allegedly taken away by police officers attached to the Lagos task force while reporting in Agege on 24 October 2020.
According to the coroner, Magistrate Temitope Oladele, a DNA match was established between the remains labelled as body 1385 and samples provided by Onifade’s mother, Adebose Onifade. The journalist, identified by his Gboah TV jacket, was covering a mob attack at a government facility when he was reportedly detained by security operatives. Days later, his body was discovered at the mortuary in Ikorodu, prompting calls for an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The case gained national attention after Gboah TV reported Onifade’s disappearance and subsequent death. In July 2024, the Federal High Court in Lagos directed the state government to conduct a coroner’s inquest to establish the cause of death and prosecute those responsible. Hearings began in October 2024, with the court mandating both Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the DNA centre to conduct relevant forensic examinations.
Magistrate Oladele stated that all official protocols were followed during the identification process. She said, “The court has received and reviewed the sealed report from the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre confirming that the remains belong to Pelumi Onifade.” However, as at press time, no individual or agency had been officially indicted for Onifade’s death.
Onifade’s family has called for swift justice and accountability following this confirmation. Civil society groups have also renewed demands for comprehensive police reform and protection of journalists on duty. The coroner’s inquiry is expected to continue as authorities work to identify those responsible for the events leading to Onifade’s death.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/dna-report-confirms-missing-journalist-onifade-dead/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.
According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.
Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.
SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.
The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response
Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”
Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.
The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.
Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football
Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.
Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.
Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.
Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.
As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.
