Category Nigeria News

The Ogun State Government says it has secured the conviction of three ritual killers in the Kugba area of the state capital, Abeokuta

The government says this has become imperative to curtail, if not completely eradicate, the unwholesome practice of human ritualism.

This was contained in a press release signed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Oluwasina Ogungbade( SAN).

Ogungbade said that the trio of Mustakeem Balogun, Soliudeen Majekodunmi, and Lukmon Abdulgafar are to face the full wrath of the law owing to their gruesome act of killing Sofia Okeowo.

READ ALSO: 10 Dead, Three Injured In Ogun Road Crash

They were arrested after the dastardly act which occurred on January 28th, 2022, when Mustakeem Balogun lured 16 year 16-year-old Sofia to have canal knowledge of her and later strangled her in preparation for a premeditated money ritual.

The Commissioner further stated that the present administration’s determination not to give any room for crime to thrive prompted the state’s efforts towards securing the conviction of the three criminals, to serve as a deterrent to other ritualists

Forty-four out of 54 suspects arraigned for terrorism financing who were arraigned at the Kainji Detention Facility in Niger State, have been convicted for terrorism financing.

The Head of Strategic Communication at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abu Michael, announced this in a statement on Friday.

The suspects were arraigned on Wednesday as part of ongoing terrorism trials.

The convictions, the statement noted, marked a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to dismantle extremist funding networks and uphold accountability through the rule of law.

The convicted individuals received prison sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years, all to be served with hard labour, a measure the statement described as underscoring the gravity of their crimes and the Nigerian justice system’s zero tolerance for terrorism and its enablers.

Phase 7 of the trials commenced on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, and was officially flagged off at an opening ceremony held at the Kainji facility.

READ ALSO: Gov Radda Suspends Katsina Reformatory Officials Over Torture Allegation

Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, delivered a keynote speech on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

Prince Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, was represented by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation.

According to the statement, the recently concluded Phase 6 trials had seen 237 terrorism-related cases heard, leading to 200 convictions.

“Those convicted faced a wide spectrum of penalties, including the death sentence, life imprisonment, and jail terms ranging from 20 to 70 years, depending on the severity of their crimes.

“The charges included mass killings, destruction of religious and civilian infrastructure, and the abduction and abuse of women and children, particularly in the Gina Kara Kai community of Borno State.

“With the successful conclusion of Phase 7, Nigeria has now recorded a total of 785 convictions related to terrorism financing and associated offences”, the statement reads.

As the Lagos State local government elections get underway, a low turnout is being recorded in Alimosho and Agege Local Government Areas.

A visit to some polling units also revealed the late arrival of voting materials.

Lagos State is conducting its local government elections to pick chairmen and councillors for the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the coastal state.

Watch videoa below:

A 73-year-old man Sanusi Akande cast his vote was one of many voters that cast their votes at polling unit 007, Adeniyi/Adele Lagos Island Ward in the ongoing Lagos State local government elections. 

Lagos State is conducting its local government elections to pick chairmen and councillors for the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the coastal state.

Toyin Davids, a physically challenged woman, is one of several voters who cast their votes in the Small London area of Surulere during the ongoing local government election in Lagos State.

She expressed satisfaction with the whole process and urged other persons living with disabilities to exercise their franchise.

According to her, no challenge should prevent Lagosians from choosing their representatives.

READ ALSO: Voting Begins At Gbajabiamila Polling Unit In Surulere LGA

At PU 17 with over 1,000 registered voters, in the same area, scores of voters, mostly women, were seated under a canopy as they take turns to cast their ballot.

Amid the voting process, a police surveillance chopper hovered over the PU.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has ordered the immediate acceleration of work on the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, following what he described as “grossly abysmal” progress. 

Speaking during an inspection visit to the construction site along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the Administrator directed the contractor handling the project to step up efforts without further delay, warning that any continued lag in execution would not be tolerated.

“This project is of strategic importance, and we must treat it as such. The people of Rivers State expect results. Any further delays will be unacceptable. All hands must be on deck to meet the agreed timelines,” Ibas stated.

He expressed disappointment with the pace of work, noting that the contractor had fallen short of expectations despite clear timelines and ongoing supervision.

READ ALSO: Cabals In Buhari’s Govt ‘Sheer Nonsense’, He Was In Control — Garba Shehu

“From the consultants’ reports and what I have seen here today, the performance is far from satisfactory. The contractor needs to do a lot more. The current pace is unacceptable,” he said.

Ibas disclosed plans to summon the contractor for an emergency meeting to review the challenges and realign efforts toward delivering the project promptly.

In a related development, the Administrator also inspected key sports facilities in the state, including the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, and the Alfred Diete-Spiff Sports Complex, with a view to upgrading them for optimal use.

While commending the outstanding performances of Rivers athletes in recent national and international competitions, Ibas emphasised the urgent need to invest in quality sports infrastructure.

“We have teams representing the state at continental levels, yet we lack facilities that can host such matches. That has to change. We are here to assess and act,” he remarked.