News
Court sentenced four herdsmen to death for kidnapping and murder
In a recent verdict, the Osun State High Court in Ede sentenced Issa Ibrahim, a herdsman, along with Lateef Bello, Abdulrahman Soliu, Bello Ibrahim, and Jolaanabi Saheed to death for the kidnapping and murder of Issa’s father, Adamu Ibrahim, following the collection of a N3 million ransom.
The defendants faced charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder, with Ajibola Shared, mother of Jolaanabi, later acquitted of involvement. Despite their pleas of not guilty, the Osun State Ministry of Justice’s prosecuting counsel, Moses Faremi, presented compelling evidence during the trial, including witness testimonies from two of the deceased’s sons and a police officer.
“They kidnapped Adamu from his house and took him to the house of Jolaanabi. They demanded for ransom of N10 million and later reduced same to N3 million which was paid and delivered at Sagamu in Ogun-State.
“While the deceased was in their den, the veil on his face fell off and he recognized his abductors after which they killed and dismembered his body and threw the parts into the Osun River to cover the crime.
“Issa, one of the convicts, who is the son of the deceased, told other gang members that his father did not give him his birthright, hence, urged them to kidnap him for ransom of either money or cow,” the prosecutor said.
Justice Kudirat Akano, in her ruling, upheld the prosecution’s case based on confessional statements and eyewitness testimony, sentencing the defendants to concurrent terms of 14 years imprisonment for conspiracy and kidnapping, and death by hanging for murder.
APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has pointed fingers at Nigerian traders for the continued surge in food prices across the country. In a Facebook post on Saturday, the outspoken supporter of President Bola Tinubu’s administration accused traders of being too greedy to reduce their prices.
He added that even as statistics suggest that the cost of food is starting to drop, traders have refused to comply. Furthermore, he expressed frustration, saying the refusal to lower prices shows a deeper problem of selfishness among citizens. According to him, Nigerians are their own worst enemies, driven by greed and a habit of taking more than they need.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to travel to Rome this Saturday to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The invitation came directly from Pope Leo XIV, who emphasized the importance of the president’s presence during this significant moment for the Church and a world facing many challenges.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, will be officially installed as the 267th Bishop of Rome on Sunday, May 18, at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.
President Tinubu will be accompanied by key Catholic figures, including the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of Owerri, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Archbishop Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto.
Notably, Pope Leo XIV has a special connection to Nigeria, having worked at the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s. After the ceremony, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Tuesday, May 20.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to preserve their culture and ensure it doesn’t fade away with time. Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, at the 2025 World Egungun Festival grand finale held in Ibadan, Makinde emphasized the importance of keeping traditions alive.
The event took place at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the Oke Ado area and was graced by top dignitaries including Chief Lekan Alabi, who represented the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Osun State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ojo Abiodun, Prince Adeola Adelakun of Oje Parapo Worldwide, and Oyo State’s own Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun.
Makinde stressed that culture and tourism are key focus areas for his administration, and his government is committed to supporting efforts that will keep local traditions thriving. He added that by investing in cultural events and heritage, the state can boost its economy through tourism and increase revenue. He said, “We must not let our culture die. I’m glad to see young people taking part in this celebration, not just the elders.”
-
Entertainment13 hours agoLauren Sánchez Celebrates Bachelorette Party in Paris with Close Friends
-
Sport7 hours ago“Ronaldo Missed Al-Nassr Game Because of a Cold” — Pioli Says
-
News13 hours agoJoe Igbokwe Accuses Nigerians of Causing Their Own Hardship
-
Sport7 hours agoAdemola Lookman Nominated for Serie A Player of the Month for May
-
Sport13 hours agoAdemola Lookman Makes Serie A Team of the Season Again for Atalanta
-
Sport13 hours agoAmorim Says Man U Were Not Aggressive Enough in 1-0 Defeat to Chelsea
-
Entertainment7 hours agoTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Sequel Delayed Until 2027
-
Entertainment12 hours agoUriel Says She’d Be Jealous if She Dated Burna Boy: “He Would Make Me Cry”