The Delta State Government has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the Ikpide-Irri community, located in Isoko South Local Government Area. However, no fatalities have been attributed to the outbreak.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the State Commissioner for Health, assured the public that the situation is under control. He clarified that the reported deaths of two individuals in the community were not related to cholera. According to him, samples collected for testing in several cases are still being analyzed.
The Health Commissioner emphasized that the government has been proactive in managing the situation, focusing on public awareness and hygiene. “We conducted extensive advocacy, educating the community on the importance of personal hygiene and access to potable water. We distributed water purification tablets and provided health education,” he stated.
Dr. Onojaeme also confirmed that those who were affected received adequate medical treatment. “I can confidently say the cholera outbreak is fully under control,” he concluded.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, revealed on Friday that notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji has expressed willingness to surrender, following intensified military operations against his network.
General Musa explained that the military has dealt significant blows to Turji’s group, including the elimination of his second-in-command and several key lieutenants. These losses have forced Turji to release many of his subordinates and reconsider his stance.
“They (terrorists) operate within communities, and sometimes it’s challenging to track them down as they move quickly. However, we have successfully taken out his second-in-command and most of his lieutenants. Now, he is signaling that he no longer wants to continue and is ready to surrender,” General Musa stated.
Despite Turji's willingness to lay down his arms, the Defence Chief emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward individuals responsible for killing innocent civilians.
“We are determined to eliminate anyone involved in such atrocities. People like him should not be allowed to remain,” General Musa added.
The military’s recent successes include the neutralization of Turji’s second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa, and other top allies, including his younger brother Dosso and a close associate, Danbokolo.
According to a statement from Defence Director Edward Buba, Operation Fansan Yamma has also led to the elimination of numerous key commanders in Turji’s camp, including Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, and others. Over 24 fleeing terrorists were neutralized in operations across Sokoto and Zamfara States, dealing a severe blow to Turji’s operations.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating all threats posed by terrorist groups and ensuring peace and security in affected regions.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, FCT, sitting in Apo, Abuja, has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to amend charges against former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, and ordered him to take his plea.
Agunloye faces a seven-count charge from the EFCC, alleging official corruption and the fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract.
During the July 1, 2024 proceedings, EFCC's Prosecution Counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), requested the court to accept the amended charges and mandate the defendant to enter a plea, citing Sections 216 and 217 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
However, Agunloye’s defense counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), opposed the motion, arguing that the EFCC must formally seek the court’s permission before amending charges.
In Thursday’s ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie dismissed the defense’s objections, referencing the Court of Appeal decision in Bovoa v. FRN & Anor (2017). The judge clarified that the amendment was not designed to disadvantage the defendant but to ensure justice.
“The arguments of the learned counsel to the defendant are hereby discounted." I hold that the application is liable to succeed. Accordingly, the application is granted as prayed, and the defendant is ordered to take his plea on the amended charge,” Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled.
The court adjourned the case to February 3, 2025, for Agunloye to take his plea on the amended charges.
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command arrested two more suspects on Friday in connection with the kidnapping of Mrs. Folasade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
The suspects, identified as 27-year-old Agbojule Smart and 30-year-old Keleke Michael, were apprehended by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police Special Squad. The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement shared on the Nigeria Police Force’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, operatives recovered two locally fabricated rifles, 11 live cartridges, and ₦2.25 million, reportedly part of the ransom paid.
The statement read: “In response to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to pursue fleeing suspects linked to the abduction of Mrs. Folasade Odumosu, operatives of the Lagos State CP Special Squad arrested Agbojule Smart, 27, and Keleke Michael, 30, in the early hours of Friday, January 24, 2025.
“The suspects, caught attempting to flee Lagos State, confessed to being part of a four-member gang, two of whom were neutralized earlier. Recovered from them were ₦2,250,000, two locally fabricated rifles, and 11 live cartridges.”
The Inspector-General commended the operatives for their swift and gallant efforts, urging them to maintain their high standard in combating crime. Muyiwa Adejobi reiterated the police force’s commitment to public security and its goal to reduce crime to the barest minimum while fostering peace across the nation.
Mrs. Folasade Odumosu was abducted last Thursday near the entrance of her residence in Arepo, Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State. The kidnappers reportedly dragged her out of her Lexus SUV and took her to an unknown location through a swampy area.
She was rescued on Wednesday during a successful operation led by Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo. During the operation, some of the kidnappers were neutralized, and Mrs. Odumosu was safely reunited with her family.
Police Arrest Two Suspects Linked to Kidnapping of Ex-AIG Odumosu’s Wife
