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Nigerian-born Beninese football star Razak Omotoyossi dies at 39

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Former Beninese international striker, Razak Omotoyossi, has passed away at the age of 39.

 

His death was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, by his former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF, where he once played a key role in the team’s attack.

 

Omotoyossi, born in Lagos, Nigeria, before switching allegiance to Benin, made his mark as one of West Africa’s most prominent football exports.

 

In a tribute posted on X (formerly Twitter), the club wrote: “Helsingborgs IF is in mourning. We have been informed that our former player Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Omotoyossi, who began his career in the Nigerian league before switching nationality to represent Benin, went on to become one of the most celebrated footballers in the country’s history.

 

He scored 21 goals in 55 international matches, cementing his place among Benin’s all-time top scorers.

 

He is especially remembered for his remarkable display during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he scored all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo, finishing the campaign as joint top scorer alongside Samuel Eto’o.

 

He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at the AFCON finals.

 

At club level, Omotoyossi’s career took him across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with spells in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.

He enjoyed a particularly successful period at Helsingborgs IF, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before moving on to French side FC Metz.

 

Omotoyossi’s passing marks the end of an era for Beninese football, with tributes pouring in from fans and former teammates who remember him as a prolific striker and a trailblazer for the sport.

Anambra Police Command Warns Vigilante Groups Quasi-security Outfits Against Brutality, Abuse Of Authority

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The Anambra Police Command has warned vigilante groups and other quasi-security outfits against acts of brutality or abuse of authority against residents of the State.

 

The Command gave the warning on Tuesday in a statement by its Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on an alleged assault on a yet-to-be-identified female member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

 

The assault was reportedly carried out by vigilante operatives at Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of the State.

 

The Command while disclosing that the suspects involved have been identified, warned that any such misconduct will not be condoned.

 

“The Command, however, notes that the alleged victim’s unavailability has temporarily stalled the ongoing investigative process.

 

“Meanwhile, the Command has reiterated that assault in any form remains a criminal offence under the Nigerian Law and reserves the right to take necessary legal action to aid the court proceedings while waiting for the victim,” the statement said.

 

While reassuring Corps members serving across the State of its unwavering commitment to their protection, the Command urged them to always report incidents of harassment, intimidation, or abuse for prompt intervention.

Two drug kingpins Emami, Akpomuai convicted, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment

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By Ebinum Samuel 

 

Their conviction an indication NDLEA strategies are working, says Marwa

 

Two notorious drug kingpins: 37-year-old Ajetsibo Emami popularly known as ‘Warri Kinsman’ and 51-year-old Solomon Akpomuai have been convicted and sentenced to a combined 10 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos.

Emami was arrested in Ikeja Lagos on Saturday 28th June 2025 after NDLEA operatives dismantled his drug trafficking network in a three-day operation leading to the arrest of three other suspects. Recovered from Emami’s network were 24 jumbo bags containing 681 pouches of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 414.2 kilograms.

The bust of Emami’s drug ring followed credible intelligence on his attempt to move the shipment to Lekki area of Lagos, from where it will be distributed to other parts of the state and across the country.

He was subsequently arraigned before Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court 8 Lagos in charge number FHC/L/636C/2025 bordering on dealing in illicit drugs. In his ruling delivered on Monday 18th August 2025, the trial judge convicted Emami on the one count charge filed against him by NDLEA prosecutor Assistant Commander of Narcotics Buhari Shuaibu Abdullahi and sentenced him to six years in prison with an option of N50million in lieu of jail.

In his case, Solomon Akpomuai was first arrested by men of Customs Service along Shagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway with 2,197.8 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis on 3rd June 2025 and transferred to NDLEA on 16th June after which he was arraigned in charge number FHC/L/635C before Justice Dipeolu for trafficking illicit drugs in large commercial quantity. Also delivering his judgement on the matter, the trial judge convicted and sentenced Akpomuai to four years in prison with an option of N50million fine.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) described the conviction of the two drug kingpins as an indication that Nigeria will sooner than later surmount the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking as a result of the positive outcomes of the current balanced approach to the Agency’s drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts. He commended the judiciary, NDLEA officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of the cases as well as other stakeholders for their commitment to the cause of a drug free country.

Abdul Oroh and a Durable Coalition for Hope in Nigeria-by Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

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  Abdul Oroh is an unlikely avatar of the Nigerian dream. An Afenmai from Ivbiaro in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State in the south-south of Nigeria, Abdul had the privilege of seeing Nigeria’s promise at independence and its descent to the edge of the proverbial precipice. Born in August 1960, he was less than two months old at the celebrations when the country attained independence on 1 October 1960.   Six and a half decades later, Abdul has worked his way through many careers, managing not to quit any. After a decade as a senior journalist and editor in some Nigeria’s leading newspapers (including the Guardian and Vanguard), Abdul spent the next decade leading Nigeria’s best known human rights organization, the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) during and after uniformed military rule. He then went into active politics, becoming elected as a member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). Thereafter, he joined the executive arm of government at the state level, becoming the longest serving commissioner in the administration of Adams Oshiomhole in Edo State. Abdul trained as a lawyer and remains in active legal practice.

President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, (left), being received by the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, (TETFUND), Arc Sonny Echono, OON, when he led a delegation to the organisation, today

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Missing Nigerian woman found dead in United States

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Authorities in Illinois, United States, have confirmed that human remains discovered in the Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve belong to Olasinmibo Abosede, a 42-year-old Nigerian woman popularly known as Sinmi, who had been missing since July 30.

 

According to a joint statement released Thursday by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and the Naperville Police Department, the body was located at about 1:55 p.m. near 83rd Street and Chandelle Drive. Officers responding to a call were guided through thick grass to the spot where the remains were found.

 

Investigators said the clothing on the body matched what Abosede was last seen wearing. Naperville Police Chief Jason Arres said, “While we believe the individual to be Sinmi, the final confirmation will be made by the DuPage County Coroner’s Office.

We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend our sincere condolences to the Abosede family during this difficult time. Thank you to everyone in our community who assisted with this investigation and for your care and concern. We ask that everyone keep the family in your thoughts and respect their privacy during this difficult time.”

 

Abosede was last spotted leaving her home west of Springbrook Golf Course for a morning walk. Her husband, Gbenga Abosede, said surveillance footage captured her walking away from their neighborhood. She was seen around 9:20 a.m. in the 2100 block of Sudbury Street, wearing a long-sleeved black Adidas jacket, gray sweatpants, a black headscarf, and black Crocs.

 

Police and volunteers, including canine teams, had been searching the forest preserve for weeks. Forest Preserve District Police Chief David Pederson added, “Our hearts go out to Sinmi’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

 

Investigators say there is no sign of foul play, though an autopsy will be conducted by the DuPage County Coroner’s Office. Forest preserve police are leading the investigation with assistance from Naperville police.

Key takeaways from our tour of Enugu and Ebonyi states, by Bayo Onanuga

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We returned to Abuja on Saturday after a three-day working tour of Enugu and Ebonyi States as members of the National Communication Team, led by Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation. During the visit, we engaged with the governors and key officials of both states, held town hall meetings with citizens, and delivered messages from President Bola Tinubu, highlighting his achievements and commitment to lifting Nigerians out of poverty, particularly through the Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme. We also inspected a range of federal and state projects, both completed and ongoing.

 

Our first key takeaway was the unanimous acknowledgement by the governors and citizens that the Tinubu administration is actively executing various projects in both states, as in other parts of the country. It is reassuring to see that the South East, like other regions, has not been left behind, as President Tinubu has ensured equitable distribution of federal projects..

 

In Enugu, the Federal Government has established a world-class oncological centre for the treatment of cancer. Major ongoing road projects include the Enugu–Port Harcourt Highway, Enugu–Onitsha Highway, the reconstruction of the 9th Mile–Umulumgbe–Ukehe–Opi Junction, and the iconic Eke Obinagu Flyover in Emene, which would resolve longstanding traffic gridlock in the area.

 

Minister Idris highlighted that the Port Harcourt–Aba railway project has been completed, delivered, and is currently operational. Additionally, the Federal Executive Council has approved $3 billion for the completion of the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line, projected to unlock N50 billion in annual trade for the region. Furthermore, $508 million has been earmarked for the upgrade and modernisation of Eastern Port infrastructure.

In Ebonyi, portions of the Calabar-Abuja Super Highway have been completed, while work is progressing on the other parts of the road.

 

Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu acknowledged that their states have never witnessed the level of federal intervention currently being experienced under President Tinubu. Governor Nwifuru noted that this is the first time since the creation of Ebonyi State in 1996 that the Federal Government has made such a significant impact.

 

Our visit coincided with the commissioning of several landmark projects in Enugu, including modern bus terminals and 100 CNG buses by Governor Mbah. While he did not formally invite us to the ceremony, at an earlier meeting with the National Communication Team, Governor Mbah expressed his gratitude to the Tinubu administration for increased revenue allocations resulting from the removal of fuel subsidies and the re-engineering of revenue collection by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

 

Governor Nwifuru shared a similar perspective, stating that his administration has been able to undertake many new projects without resorting to borrowing. Notably, he is establishing an ICT University in Oferekpe, developing several housing estates, and expanding the state’s road infrastructure, which he inherited from his predecessor. His signature project, the Vanco Flyover and twin underground tunnels in Abakaliki, is expected to be completed in 2026. This landmark project, the first of its kind in the Southeast—and indeed in Nigeria—is poised to become a tourist attraction.

 

Governor Nwifuru also emphasised that the iconic road project was awarded to a Nigerian construction company, indicating that the state was ahead of the Federal Government in supporting local businesses and buying Nigeria-made products.

 

The climax of our Ebonyi visit was the Town Hall meeting at the Ecumenical Centre in Abakaliki. The event, attended by a vibrant crowd—party faithful, including many women in colourful attire—transformed from a simple meeting into a lively carnival atmosphere. Minister Idris delivered the President’s message of renewed hope, while Governor Nwifuru outlined his achievements since assuming office two years ago.

 

We concluded our tour of the states with a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, who provided additional insights into the extensive road and bridge projects being undertaken by the Tinubu administration across the South East and the nation. He clarified recent online reports, stating: “What I brought to the Federal Executive Council was a technical report on the state of the Third Mainland and Carter Bridges in Lagos, and proposals for their preservation. We will soon invite construction companies to submit suggestions on how the Federal Government can best safeguard these critical assets.”

 

Our tour of Enugu and Ebonyi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive development and underscored the visible progress being achieved under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

-Onanuga is Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy

 

Security Expert Commends AIG Fayoade, CP Lateef, DCP Akinbisehin

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 2 in Lagos, Mr Adegoke M. Fayoade and the Deputy Commissioner of Police,DCP, heading the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin have been extolled by a Security Expert for their untainted policing methodology just as the newly elevated Commissioner of Police, Mr Ahmed Lateef has been congratulated by the expert.

Commending Fayoade, Dr. Joseph Adebowale, the expert, stressed that the re-orientation of policemen and women by AIG Fayoade in this past one year have actually proved the mantra of ‘Police Is Your Friend’ a reality.

The expert said while that mantra was just in the lips of some senior officers in the past without ensuring that action was taken , Fayoade has ensured that the police is really people’s friendly.

“It is worthy of notice that brutality, extortion and other barbaric conduct of the police in the past at the zone has been addressed holistically by Fayoade. He has also improved tremendously the rapport between members of the public and the men and women of the force. This rapport has led to people giving useful information and tip-off to the police” the expert disclosed.

On the officer in charge SCID in Musuliu Smith Street (.formerly Panti Street), Adebowale said as that department has always been blessed by proactive officers being posted there, Akinbisehin, he said has in the past 3 months reformed the place to the peoples delight.

 

“The current DCP in charge of SCID, Akinbisehin has borrowed a leaf from his Predecesor, newly promoted commissioner of police, Mr Ahmed Lateef, ensuring that suspects are not kept in the cell facilities more than necessary”

 

Congratulating Lateef who is currently the Principal Staff Officer, PSO to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Adebowale disclosed that the elevation of the versatile officer to the rank of commissioner of police is one promotion that is well deserved by the recipient.

 

“AIG Fayoade, CP Lateef and DCP Akinbisehin are all disciplinarians with strict disposition to their surbodinates . They both detest misconduct and extortion by men and women of the force. They are both

good in communication skills, team work and excellent relationship with the public” Adebowale said.

 

The expert disclosed that in community policing, thorough investigation and giving fair hearing to all parties , Fayoade, Lateef and Akinbisehin are worthy of emulation by the colleagues in the force. He enjoined them not to relent in their unwavering commitment in ensuring that justice is done to cases reported to them.

Edo Police Nabs Inspector, Others Over Robbery, Extortion, Brutality

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Edo State Police Command, according to its spokesman , CSP Moses Joel Yamu, said it has uncovered and dismantled a criminal syndicate involving a serving police officer and civilians engaged in acts of extortion, brutality, and robbery against innocent citizens in Benin City.

 

This follows a viral video in which a victim alleged that he was abducted by policemen, his phone and belongings forcefully taken, and subjected to intimidation. Acting on this complaint and other related reports, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, directed that the perpetrators be identified and arrested without delay.

 

Yamu revealed that on 15th August 2025, operatives of the Ugbowo Surveillance Team successfully intercepted the suspects with a silver Colored Toyota Yaris and other incriminating items. A serving Police Inspector later identified as Ojo Oloruntobi was arrested alongside three civilian accomplices namely Charles Onah, Joseph Ohis and Enoma Agho, who had been collaborating with him to terrorise residents of the city through acts of extortion and harassment.

 

The image maker said that the Edo State Police Command strongly condemns this shameful and criminal conduct. The arrested officer and his collaborators will face the full wrath of the law. CP Monday Agbonika has made it clear that there will be no hiding place for rogue elements within the Force, reiterating the Command’s zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of office, and unprofessional conduct.

 

The Command further issues a stern warning to all officers: any policeman found engaging in misconduct, extortion, brutality, or any form of corrupt practice will be swiftly dismissed, arrested, and prosecuted in line with the laws of the land.

 

The Command calls on members of the public—particularly the victim in the viral video—to come forward and assist investigators with credible information to ensure justice is served.

 

The Edo State Police Command remains unwavering in its duty to protect lives and property, restore public trust, and uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

Notorious drug kingpin arrested in Delta as NDLEA intercepts N7.8bn opioids in Rivers

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

Destroys 48,750kg skunk in Enugu, Taraba forests; recovers 538,980 pills of tramadol in Kogi, Kaduna, Gombe, others; arrests woman, son for drug trafficking in Lagos

 

Three years after launching a manhunt for him over drug trafficking offences, a notorious drug kingpin, 36-year-old Sunday Ibigide has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Asaba, Delta state while attempting to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138 kilograms with his distribution bus.

Ibigide came under searchlight on 19th March 2022 in connection with the seizure of 24.137kg of same psychoactive substance and 10grams of molly but thereafter went underground. However, following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives in Delta state were able to arrest him along with one of his aides Clement Osuya, 27, while they were trying to move the 250 parcels of skunk for distribution on Sunday 10th August 2025.

No fewer than six suspects were arrested on Thursday 14th and Friday 15th August when NDLEA operatives supported by the military and vigilantes raided three cannabis farms in Enugu Ezike, Enugu state where a total of 37,500kg skunk was destroyed on 15 hectares of farmland. Those arrested include: Ugwuanyi Chinaso, 23; James Negedu, 26; Sopuruchukwu Obido, 22; Ebuka Onu, 30; Ukwueze Sunday, 42; and Oguche Friday; while 74.5kg of the illicit substance was recovered for the prosecution of the suspects.

While 20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol were seized from a suspect Emmanuel Ayogu, 53, by NDLEA officers on patrol along Nsukka road, 9th mile Enugu on Saturday 16th August, two other suspects: Nsubechukwu Achidde, 24, and Osiaja Simple Frank, 41, were arrested with 27.6kg skunk same day at the new market, Enugu.

In Lagos, a 52-year-old woman Muyibat Mumuni was arrested with her son Faruk Mumuni, 25, by NDLEA operatives at Ladega street, Mushin on Wednesday 13th August for storing and distributing 298 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 149kg while another suspect Emmanuel Samuel was nabbed on Friday 15th August in Ajah area of Lekki where 8.5kg Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis was recovered from their apartment

Not less than 128,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from a suspect Sani Mohammed,32, who was arrested by NDLEA officers at Jauro Jatau, Gombe, Gombe state on Monday 11th August, while a total of 337, 800 capsules of the same pharmaceutical opioid were seized by operatives on patrol along Okene-Lokoja highway, Kogi state from the driver of a commercial bus, Sulaiman Oyedokun, 47, coming from Onitsha, Anambra state and heading to Kotangora, Niger state.

While a total of 11, 250kg skunk was destroyed on 4.5 hectares of farmland on Tuesday 12th August when NDLEA operatives assisted by Sardauna Emirate Council and the Nigeria Forest Hunters Security Service raided the Tanmiya forest in Sardauna LGA, Taraba state, 29, 840 capsules of tramadol were seized from a suspect Saleh Babangida, 20, at a check point in Wukari area of the state on Saturday 16th August.

In Kaduna, two suspects: Mohammed Amdife, 46, and Sulaiman Mohammed, 22, were arrested in connection with the seizure of 22, 640 pills of tramadol and rohypnol at Gwargwaje check point, Zaria and Tudun Wada area of the state. Two other suspects: Caroline David, 51, and Abdulhadi Umar, 30, were nabbed over the seizure of 111.1kg skunk intercepted along Zaria – Kano road.

At the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state, a total of 875,000 bottles of codeine based syrup worth over N6.1billion in street value and 3, 500,000 pills of trodol benzhexol valued at N1.7billion were recovered from five containers under NDLEA intelligence tracking and watch-list during joint examination with Customs Service and other security agencies on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th August at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) of the Onne port.

In Edo, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday 13th August recovered 24 bags of skunk weighing 432kg in a bush along Warake-Auchi road in Etsako West LGA, while 130kg of same substance was seized at a warehouse in Sobe, Owan West LGA the following day.

A suspect Tahiru Madu Manga, 25, was nabbed by NDLEA officers along Zaria-Kano road, with 16kg skunk and another suspect Ibrahim Audu, 47, arrested with 76kg of the same psychoactive substance at Gadar Tamburawa along Zaria-Kano road, Kano state on Wednesday 13th August.

No fewer than 4, 320 ampoules of ketamine injection were intercepted by NDLEA operatives at Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Lagos highway on Monday 11th August with a suspect Akeem Adegun arrested.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA advocacy visits to former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar in Minna, Niger state; the Emir of Borgu kingdom, HRH Alhaji Muhammad Haliru Dantoro, Kitoro IV, in Borgu kingdom, Niger state ; the Emir of Lafia, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (Rtd), in Lafia, Nasarawa state and the Shehu of Borno, HRH Dr. Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, in Maiduguri, Borno state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of PHPC, Gombe, Kogi, Lagos, Edo, Kano, Delta, Taraba, and Seme Commands for the arrests, and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.