Metro
Police arrest wanted Ondo cult kingpin ‘Bella’ over killing, violent crimes
Tomiwa Akinwale, a notorious cultist allegedly belonging to the ‘Eiye’ Confraternity and involved allegedly in the killing of an individual and violent crimes in Owo, headquarters of the Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, has been arrested by police operatives in the state.
The suspect popularly known as ‘Ibaka Bella’, allegedly identified as the leader of the dreaded ‘Eiye’ Confraternity within the Owo axis, particularly Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo (RUGIPO), was accused of being involved in the killing of one Peter Ojo on 12th December, 2025.
Akinwale was apprehended by operatives of the command’s special anti-cultism after he was sighted in Akure, the state capital, at the weekend, following intel received over the criminal activities of the suspect.
While confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the suspect had for a while been on the wanted list of the police prior to his arrest.
According to the police spokesperson in the state, Akinwale was also involved in the ongoing supremacy battle between rival cult groups within the area and also recently featured on a cult-related social media platform known as ‘Naija Confra’ for allegedly participating in an attack on suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity, along Fasawe Street in Owo.
He said, “During the arrest, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of several items suspected to be criminal charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation during cult activities.
“The suspect has been charged in court on a six-count charge bordering murder and other offences. Meanwhile, efforts are also underway to identify, track, and apprehend other members of the syndicate linked to him.
“The command reiterates its firm stance against cultism and other violent crimes and assures residents that it will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations to dismantle criminal networks threatening the peace and security of communities across the state.
“Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the police by providing timely, credible and actionable information that will assist in the fight against cultism and other forms of criminality.
“The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and will not relent in bringing perpetrators of crime to justice.”
Metro
Man dies trapped inside Kano well while recovering mobile phone
A 45-year-old man, Yusuf Usman, has died after he became trapped inside a well in Kwa Town, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State, while attempting to retrieve his mobile phone.
The incident was contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Kano State Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abdullahi.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at about 11:13 am, according to the statement.
The Fire Service said it received a distress call from one of its staff, Kabiru Tata, after which rescue officers were swiftly deployed to the scene.
“On arrival, the rescue team found the man inside a well that had been converted into a waste disposal pit,” the statement revealed.
The victim reportedly entered the well to retrieve his phone after it fell inside but was unable to find a way to climb out.
“The rescue team successfully brought him out of the well unconscious. He was later confirmed dead, reportedly due to oxygen depletion and heat inside the well,” the Fire Service said.
The body was handed over to the Ward Head of Kwa Town, Alhaji Mukhtar.
Metro
Five abductees in Kwara community feared dead in bandits captivity
At least five worshippers kidnapped during the violent attack on ECWA Church in Omugo, located in the Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, are reported to have died in terrorists’ captivity.
Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Security, Zubair Olaitan, confirmed to DAILY POST on Wednesday that the report is true.
The tragic development emerged from reports filtering out of the terrorists’ camp, including accounts provided by one of the abductees who reportedly escaped from the armed gang.
Informed sources revealed that the wife of the church pastor, Rachel Oluwaremilekun Omole, is among those reportedly killed alongside four other abductees.
According to one of the sources, “Five of the Omugo abductees have died in captivity,” though the exact details surrounding the deaths remain sketchy.
“No details of how and where they died,” the source further stated, citing information allegedly provided by one of the victims who escaped from the kidnappers’ den.
The source added that the tragic development has already been relayed to the affected families.
“The sad news has been broken to the families of the deceased,” the source said, adding that relatives of the victims were thrown into mourning following the revelation.
The victims were among worshippers abducted on March 22, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen invaded ECWA Church, Omugo, during a church service in the Oro Ago area.
Witnesses had narrated how the attackers opened fire within and around the church premises, causing panic among congregants before whisking about eight worshippers away into nearby forests.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers reportedly established contact with the families through the father of one of the abductees and demanded a ₦1 billion ransom for the release of the victims.
Sources, however, said the amount was later reviewed downward during negotiations.
Alleged efforts by relatives to secure the victims’ freedom, including the delivery of about ₦20 million, food supplies, and hot drinks requested by the abductors, proved abortive, as the captives were reportedly not released.
Security agencies had earlier disclosed that joint rescue efforts were ongoing to locate the victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
Official confirmation from authorities regarding the reported deaths could not be obtained at the time of filing this report on Wednesday.
Metro
Soldier, five others killed in Adamawa road crash
Six people died in a road crash at the Murke section of the Yola–Song Road in Adamawa State.
Sources said on Wednesday evening that the accident involved a Hummer bus and a military patrol vehicle, which collided while travelling in opposite directions.
A witness said five passengers in the Hummer bus were burnt beyond recognition after the vehicle caught fire following the collision, while a soldier died at the scene.
A seventh person, who was severely affected, reportedly sustained life-threatening injuries and was found unconscious at the scene.
The Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, was on her way to Mubi for an official engagement when she arrived at the scene of the accident.
An aide to the deputy governor disclosed that she immediately directed members of her convoy to evacuate the victims to the Specialist Hospital, Yola.
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