Metro
Family narrates abduction, release of UniJos student, Azi
A University of Jos student, John Arum Azi, who spent about two weeks in captivity arrived Jos, the Plateau State capital, on Wednesday at about 10pm, after regaining his freedom.
The victim was abducted while travelling to Kaduna from Jos. A video of him being tortured by his captors generated reactions across the country and beyond.
His abductors later moved Azi from Kaduna to Zamfara, prompting rumours that he had been killed.
A short video on Tuesday circulated online showing that he had been released and was in the company of someone who appeared to be his relative.
His elder brother, Bulus, confirmed that he has been reunited with the family and has been admitted to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for treatment.
Bulus said Azi told the family upon arrival that he was not abducted on his way to Kaduna as widely reported, but in Zaria, where he had gone for a job.
According to him, “Azi had already arrived in Zaria and was on his way to meet his contact for the job he went for when he was kidnapped and taken into the bush.”
Bulus, while narrating how Azi was released, stated that their family had been in touch with the kidnappers since the victim was kidnapped, saying that they were always sendingmoney to them for recharge cards upon their request.
Sometimes, he explained that they would tell them that they are sick themselves and that they should send money for their drugs, stressing that they kept negotiating the ransom, which they had earlier agreed to be N6 million.
He noted that when the kidnappers saw the crowdfunding activities online, they increased the ransom to N15 million, pointing out that they appealed to them, and eventually settled at N10,315,000, and that was what they eventually paid the kidnappers.
Azi and another abductee, he explained were transported on motorcycles from Zamfara to Zaria, with an armed member of the abductors following behind upon payment of the ransom.
Upon arriving in Zaria, Bulus also explained the other abductee — a Muslim boy from Toro in Bauchi State — contacted a relative, who rushed them to a hospital where they were immediately given drips.
He explained that after the initial Zaria treatment, they then chartered a vehicle from Jos to Zaria to bring him back, saying that Azi arrived on Thursday night at about 10pm, and was rushed to JUTH for proper treatment.
He lamented that all Azi’s body has stripes from the flogging he received from the kidnappers.
Asked whether security agencies or government officials were in contact with them during the incident, he further explained that they reported the matter to the police when the video first surfaced, and that the DSS also contacted them at the initial stage.
However, after Azi was released, he said the police only reached out after seeing the video online and offered to assist in escorting them home, but arrived after the family had already picked him up and taken him to JUTH.
Metro
Women protest over deplorable road in Delta
Not comfortable with the deplorable condition of their community road and the lack of critical infrastructure in the area, residents of Orhuwhorun community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have staged a peaceful protest.
The protesters, mostly women, marched through the community carrying placards with inscriptions such as, “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Remember Orhuwhorun-Owhrode,” “Fix the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Access Road,” “The Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road is Not Motorable,” and “Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Needs Government Attention.”
They called on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to urgently intervene in the poor state of the road, which, according to them, has subjected residents to severe hardship, increased transportation costs, and hindered economic and social activities within the surrounding communities.
Speaking during the protest, a High Chief from the community, Oghale Ighodakpo, emphasized that the protest was aimed solely at drawing the government’s attention to the plight of residents.
He said the prolonged neglect of the Orhuwhorun–Owhrode Road has continued to inflict economic hardship on residents, traders and businesses operating within the area and neighbouring communities.
Ighodakpo urged the state government to prioritise the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the road, describing it as critical to the socio-economic development of the area.
The Vice Chairman of Orhuwhorun Community, Chief Cyril Onojeghuo, said the road has become a major obstacle to commerce and daily life, affecting traders, workers, students and motorists who depend on it for transportation.
The women leader in the community, Mrs Victoria Ashakpoke, described the condition of the road as unbearable, noting that residents pay exorbitant transport fares because many commercial drivers avoid the route due to its swampy and dilapidated condition.
According to her, the road serves as a critical link between Orhuwhorun, Owhrode and other surrounding communities, but years of neglect have made movement difficult for residents.
“The daily challenges we face in accessing neighbouring communities are painful. Due to the poor state of the road, we pay double transportation fares because no commercial transporter is willing to pass through the swampy road. Our economic activities, essential services and the overall well-being of our people are being affected,” she stated.
Metro
NSCDC arrests 21-year-old for alleged kidnapping, murder in Kwara
Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, has arrested a 21-year old suspect, Soliu Olarewaju Mujeed, in connection with the alleged kidnap and murder of a 60-year old electrical technician, Olarewaju Olusegun Afolabi, in Ilorin, the state capital.
The state Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, disclosed this on Sunday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ilorin, following the outcome of an intensive investigation into the victim’s disappearance.
The victim was reported to have left his residence on June 7th, 2026 to inspect an electrical installation project but failed to return home, raising concern among family members.
The matter was subsequently reported to the NSCDC Tracking Unit on the 11th of June 2026 after efforts to reach him proved unsuccessful.
Shortly after the victim’s disappearance, his family reportedly began receiving ransom demands of ₦2 million from his mobile phone.
The family later raised and paid ₦120,000 based on instructions from the caller.
Following sustained intelligence-led investigation, including digital tracking and analysis of financial transactions linked to the victim’s account, operatives successfully traced and arrested the suspect.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and admitted knowing the deceased, whom he previously worked with as an assistant in electrical installation services.
He further disclosed that a disagreement between them led to a personal grievance.
The suspect reportedly lured the victim to an uncompleted building located in the Kangile, Kunlende area in Ilorin metropolis under the guise of inspecting a new electrical project.
He further confessed to attacking and killing the victim at the scene and subsequently dispossessing him of his mobile phone and SIM card, which were later used to contact the victim’s family for ransom.
In the course of investigation, the suspect led operatives to the scene of the crime, where a shallow grave suspected to contain the remains of the victim was discovered. The victim’s mobile phone and SIM card were also recovered in his possession.
The command revealed that investigations are ongoing, after which the suspect will be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further investigation.
Commandant Abbas assured the good people of the state that the NSCDC remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work tirelessly with other security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
Metro
Army nab 46 suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun, hand over to immigration
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in conjunction with DSS, NSCDC and Immigration, have apprehended 46 suspected illegal immigrants residing in Ogun State.
DAILY POST learnt that the suspects, 36 men and 10 women were apprehended in various locations within Ijebu Imushin, Ijebu Ilese and surrounding communities following actionable intelligence.
They comprise of 18 nationals of Burkina Faso, 23 nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, 4 nationals of Togo and 1 national of Senegal.
In statement on Sunday, the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, said the suspects were arrested on Thursday.
Akari stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the individuals had allegedly been residing in the state for approximately six months without valid immigration documentation.
He noted that on interrogation, the suspects claimed to be merchants and workers affiliated with QNet, an online marketing platform involved in the sale of various commodities.
“The suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ogun State Command, for further investigation and appropriate administrative action in accordance with extant laws,” the statement added.
Speaking on the operation, the Commander, 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Friday Onu, commended the troops and collaborating security agencies for their professionalism and vigilance.
He also urged residents to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities and individuals to relevant security agencies.
He added that the successful operation underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combating illegal migration, enhancing internal security, and safeguarding national interests.
-
Sports17 hours agoStrong Reaction to Brazil Star’s World Cup Performance vs Morocco
-
Sports15 hours agoThierry Henry Issues Statement After Nigeria Comment Backlash at World Cup
-
Sports1 day agoJames McClean Slams ‘Worst’ Decision For Ireland vs Israel
-
Sports14 hours agoGary Neville Calls Out FIFA ‘Dictatorship’ After World Cup Incident
-
Sports1 day agoSir Alex Ferguson Named His 2026 World Cup Winners
-
Sports1 day agoJurgen Klopp Blasts 2026 World Cup Hydration Breaks
-
Sports2 days agoClint Dempsey Slams Canada Boss Jesse Marsch on Live TV
-
Sports2 days ago‘Mistaken Identity’ VAR Check Seen For First Time at 2026 World Cup
