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)
FCT Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux in Abuja-Kaduna Operation
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Swift action by Maitama Division leads to vehicle recovery; Police intensify stop-and-search at FCT borders
Police operatives from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command have arrested a suspect and recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux after the vehicle was reportedly driven from Abuja to Kaduna State. The incident occurred on 20th June 2026, with officers from Maitama Division responding minutes after the theft was reported in the Wuse II area of Abuja.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, the Divisional Police Officer for Maitama, CSP Altine Daniel, received a distress call around 1:45 p.m. The complainant stated that the white Toyota Hilux, a 2014 model bearing registration number BWR 712 CV, had been parked at about 1:30 p.m. before it was discovered missing just four minutes later. An unidentified individual was seen driving it away.
In response, police formations across entry and exit points within the FCT were immediately alerted. Officers were instructed to mount stop-and-search operations and prevent any attempt to move the stolen vehicle out of Abuja. This swift coordination led to the eventual recovery of the Hilux in Kaduna State and arrest of a suspect linked to the theft.
The FCT Command’s proactive approach comes amid growing concerns over vehicle theft and other property crimes within Abuja and neighbouring states. The recent operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen border surveillance and ensure prompt response to distress calls. Police have urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities in their communities.
While details about the identity of the suspect were not disclosed as at press time, police authorities assured that further investigations are underway and pledged to prosecute those found culpable. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding this latest breakthrough by security agencies.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/fct-police-nab-suspect-recover-stolen-toyota-hilux/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Katsina Police Foil Cattle Rustling in Jibia LGA, Recover 20 Stolen Cows
Joint operation with local vigilantes follows armed attack on Korama Mai Zurfi community, police urge residents to support security efforts
Joint operation with local vigilantes follows armed attack on Korama Mai Zurfi community, police urge residents to support security efforts
Police in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an attempted cattle rustling operation and recovered 20 stolen cows at Korama Mai Zurfi village, Jibia Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 26, when armed men attacked the rural community and rustled livestock belonging to residents.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, officers from the Jibia Division responded swiftly after receiving a distress call around 2:40 pm. The police team, working in collaboration with local vigilante groups, moved to intercept the bandits and secured the recovery of all rustled animals.
Cattle rustling remains a major concern for communities in Katsina and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where recurrent attacks by armed groups have disrupted farming activities and heightened insecurity. The prompt response by security agencies is seen as critical to rebuilding trust among affected communities and safeguarding rural livelihoods.
DSP Aliyu commended the synergy between law enforcement officers and vigilantes in the successful recovery. He also appealed to members of the public to provide timely intelligence that can help prevent further incidents. “We encourage residents to continue giving actionable information that will assist police efforts against criminal elements,” he said in his official statement.
While no arrests were announced in connection with Wednesday’s incident as at press time, police authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining patrols and rapid response initiatives across Katsina State. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding ongoing security challenges in the region.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nollywood Star Joseph Momodu Completes US Army Training After Relocating from Lagos
Actor cites late father’s police service as inspiration; joins growing list of Nigerian entertainers enlisting in US military
Actor cites late father’s police service as inspiration; joins growing list of Nigerian entertainers enlisting in US military
Nollywood actor Joseph Momodu has completed Basic Combat Training with the United States Army, marking a significant career change after relocating from Lagos to the US. The development was made public by Momodu on Wednesday, who explained that his decision was motivated in part by a desire to honour his late father, a former officer in the Nigeria Police Force.
Momodu, whose full name is Abubakar Sadiq Momodu, spent more than ten years in Nigeria’s film industry, earning credits in popular movies such as ‘Coming to Nigeria’, ‘Play 2 Kill’, and ‘A Fool for Trust’. He also featured in long-running TV series like ‘Tinsel’, ‘Soul Sisters’, and ‘The Johnsons’, and gained wider attention after appearing in Simi’s music video for ‘Joromi’. The actor twice won Best Body Male at the Africa Movie Academy Awards, in 2018 and 2019.
His enlistment comes amid a trend of Nollywood personalities seeking new opportunities through military service abroad. In December 2024, actress Princess Chineke joined the US Army after relocating, stating on Instagram that she had answered “the call of service to my country, to serve the people of the United States of America.” Mayowa Dosu, another Nollywood actress and producer known for works such as ‘Fears’ and ‘Compromise’, also announced her enlistment around the same period. Meanwhile, Grace-Charis Bassey (formerly Belinda Effah) joined the US Navy in May 2025 and was granted citizenship after completing boot camp. Bassey dedicated her service to her late father, a former naval commander.
These developments highlight a growing pattern among Nigerians abroad who are turning to military careers as pathways to new professional experiences and citizenship. The news has drawn significant attention from Nigerian fans who followed these entertainers’ careers before their transition into military service.
With Momodu’s move now confirmed, he stands as one of the first male Nollywood actors to publicly make this shift. While some observers view this as evidence of changing aspirations among Nigerian creatives overseas, official reactions from industry associations have not yet been issued as at press time.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/joseph-momodu-joins-us-army-2026062615020152117
FCT Police Arrest Suspect, Recover Stolen Toyota Hilux in Abuja-Kaduna Operation
Katsina Police Foil Cattle Rustling in Jibia LGA, Recover 20 Stolen Cows
Nollywood Star Joseph Momodu Completes US Army Training After Relocating from Lagos
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