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BIG STORY

Ibadan Stampede: Oyo Withdraws Case Against Ooni’s Ex-Wife, Oriyomi Hamzat

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The Oyo state government has dropped the criminal case against Oriyomi Hamzat, Naomi Silekunola, and Fasasi Abdullahi Fasasi concerning the deadly stampede at Islamic High School Bashorun in December 2024.

Abiodun Aikomo, the commissioner of justice and attorney-general of Oyo, confirmed this development on Wednesday while addressing journalists after the court ruling.

Following the withdrawal by the attorney-general, the Ibadan high court struck out the case.

Hamzat, CEO of Agidigbo FM; Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife; and Abdullahi, principal of the Islamic High School, had been on trial for their alleged involvement in the stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, which resulted in the deaths of over 30 people, most of them children.

Initially, they were held at the Agodi correctional facility before being granted bail on January 14, set at N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

In January, the state government filed an 18-count criminal charge against the trio, including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, and criminal negligence.

Speaking after the court session, Aikomo explained that the state decided to drop the case because the accused individuals had demonstrated “empathy” and “compassion.”

“It was an unfortunate incident that led to the death of many. And you see, in law, whenever death occurs in circumstances that are not natural, the law will take its course. So the state responded by filing charges against the persons implicated in the investigation,” Aikomo said.

“In the course of doing that, we actually wanted to prosecute but the affected persons showed empathy. They showed compassion. And as far as human beings can do, they try to persuade the feelings of the affected parties.

“And the circumstance, we felt, the essence of prosecution is not to kill people or persecute them.

“It is in the interest of justice to discontinue these charges, and that is what happened today. So we withdrew the charge and it was struck out by the court. There is no charge against them again, so they are free.”

OUT-OF-COURT SETTLEMENT

Additionally, Abdulwaheed Olajide, counsel to Fasasi, stated that an agreement was reached between the victims’ families and the defendants to settle the matter outside the courtroom.

“The good thing is that the defendants as well as the state met and considered wider implication of the case and decided to put a stop to it so that it will not send a wrong signal to the larger society because if the crisis is allowed to persist, you will discover that men of goodwill will be running away from Oyo state. Just to run away from such, the two sides decided to find an amicable solution,” Olajide said.

“They were brought into the picture, they were appealed to and they were made to understand that this is a thing that happened as a result of an accident which can happen anytime.

“It is beyond human control. So they agreed with us… and we said we can still go ahead and show empathy to the families of the deceased.

“The state appreciated that and in consequence decided to withdraw the charges against the defendants.

“We thank God, we all went to the river and we came back with our pots full of water to quench the thirst of each and every one of us.”

BIG STORY

14 Villagers, Policeman Killed In Plateau Attacks

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At least 14 villagers and a mobile police officer lost their lives on Thursday in two separate attacks by gunmen in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

One of the incidents occurred around 4:00 pm while the victims, mostly residents of the Chirang community, were returning from Bokkos market to Mangor village.

The Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the attack to The PUNCH in Jos on Thursday night.

Mallai said, “Yes, it is true. There was an attack on our people about 4:00 pm this evening.

“Fourteen natives were ambushed and killed by suspected terrorists while three others were injured on their way from Bokkos Market to Mangor Village of Bokkos LG.”

He added that security forces had since taken control of the area to maintain peace and prevent further violence.

He also noted that the latest assault followed an earlier attack that same day where a mobile police officer was killed while on duty.

The officer was stationed at a checkpoint along Richa Road in the same Bokkos LGA before he was killed.

Mallai described the incidents as “very unfortunate.”

“Our hearts are bleeding because early this morning, on 24th July, 2025, a MOPOL was killed at his duty post (checkpoint) along Richa road, Bokkos LGA. This is what happened in Bokkos today,” he said.

The Chairman of Bokkos Local Government Area, Amalau Amalau, confirmed the attacks and described the situation as an “emergency.”

He said, “I’m driving. We have an emergency in Bokkos following attacks on our people.

“Right now, we are taking the victims to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. Let’s talk later, please,” the chairman told our correspondent.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.

However, sources at the command said additional security personnel had been deployed to the affected area to address the crisis.

In response to the killings, several residents voiced their concerns and urged the Federal Government to consider establishing state police.

“Many state governments have been pleading with the Federal Government to allow them to have state police.

“I think the time has come for the Federal Government and the National Assembly to do something urgent in this regard, to stop further loss of lives in Plateau State and other parts of the country,” said Choji Bulus, a resident of Barkin Ladi.

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BIG STORY

Made Kuti Releases Sophomore Album, ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?’

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  • Set to hold listening party on July 27 at Afrikan Shrine

 

Grammy-nominated Nigerian Afrobeat multi-instrumentalist Omorinmade Anikulapo Kuti, popularly known as Made Kuti, has announced the release of his highly anticipated second album, ‘Chapter 1: Where Does Happiness Come From?.’

The highly anticipated album contains 13 songs and is available worldwide.

The sophomore album features socially conscious songs like ‘Take It All In Before The Lights Go Out,’ ‘I Won’t Run Away,’ and ‘Life As We Know It.’ Other songs are ‘Find My Way,’ ‘Pray,’ ‘Won Na Pa,’ ‘Our Own,’ ‘Wait And See,’ ‘You Can’t Hide,’ ‘Oya,’ ‘My Voice,’ ‘Story,’ and ‘After The Tears Flow.’ Made has encouraged fans and music enthusiasts to stream the album on all music platforms, embrace its powerful messages, and prepare for the exclusive listening party happening on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at the iconic Afrikan Shrine.

Building on the success of his debut For(e)word—a modern Afrobeat manifesto tackling issues like corruption and inequality—Made continues to showcase his talent as a singer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist.

The album is coming three years after the release of his debut album, ‘For(e)word, a modern Afrobeat manifesto addressing issues like corruption, inequality, and police brutality. His debut album, which was released in a joint album, ‘Legacy+,’ alongside his father’s ‘Stop the Hate’ in 2022, earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album in 2022.

The upcoming event, FK Management noted, is not just about music – it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the next chapter in Made’s musical journey. Attendees are billed to experience an electrifying atmosphere filled with live performances, energetic dance, and a shared love for Afrobeat music.

It’s a rare opportunity for fans and music enthusiasts to connect directly with Made and immerse themselves in his new tracks within a vibrant, immersive setting.

As a proud third-generation Kuti, Made continues to push boundaries and elevate his craft, bringing the fire and passion that his legendary lineage is known for.

According to organizers FK Management, this promises to be a milestone moment for fans and music lovers alike—a night to remember.

Update HERE

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BIG STORY

Natasha To Serve Out Suspension As Senate Enters Recess

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Two days after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was stopped from resuming her duties, the Nigerian Senate adjourned plenary on Thursday for its annual break, which will last until September 23, 2025.

As a result of the recess, the suspended Kogi senator will now complete the remainder of her suspension before the next plenary session.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was handed a six-month suspension on March 6, 2025, after being accused of misconduct and insubordination during the February 20, 2025, plenary when she refused a seat reassignment.

The Senate had cautioned that her suspension might be reviewed if she failed to offer a formal apology.

Her punishment stemmed from the findings of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, which found her guilty after reviewing the complaints.

The suspension was due to end on September 6, 2025. However, the recess means she will serve the full term before the Senate returns.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday after being denied entry into the Senate chamber, Akpoti-Uduaghan criticised the Senate’s action as unlawful and revealed plans to challenge it in court.

“Even the suspension ab initio was fraudulent—the document was faulty,” she said.

“Going forward, I will have a meeting with my legal team so they can proceed to the appellate court to seek interpretation of what just happened. I am a law-abiding citizen.”

She also accused Senate President Akpabio of exceeding his constitutional powers.

With the recess in place, the Senate will not reconvene until her suspension has lapsed.

During plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the recess, describing it as “chamber reciprocity” since the House of Representatives had already started its break in line with the legislative calendar.

“We have started a new calendar that will take us to next year, June. And so it has fallen within this period for us to go on for a break to enable us to undertake major oversights,” Akpabio explained.

He stated that while plenary would be paused, committee activities should continue during the break.

“All necessary committees—the diaspora committee, committee on reparation, committee on interior and others—this is the best time for you to undertake visits to prisons and all that.

“Do all your reports and make them available as soon as we come back,” he directed.

Akpabio encouraged senators to carry out oversight functions across the country, emphasising that their legislative responsibilities must continue.

“You are moving from plenary for the next few weeks, but you are not stopping your legislative functions, because that’s what your people elected you to do. Members are expected to travel to Sokoto, everywhere, to observe the road repairs that are going on.

“By the time we resume, you are expected to bring your reports, committee by committee, for us to look into. I want to wish you safe travels and for all of us to return in good health,” he added.

Akpabio also announced the passing of Prof Janet Plang, wife of Senator Diket Plang.

He said arrangements had been made for senators to attend her burial in Plateau State on Friday, with a flight scheduled to leave Abuja at 8 am.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele expressed appreciation to senators for their dedication to legislative duties.

“We thank all our colleagues for all they have done to ensure that the business of lawmaking on behalf of the government and people of Nigeria has progressed smoothly,” Bamidele said.

He then proposed postponing all remaining items on the order paper to the next sitting, which was unanimously accepted by the Senate.

Natasha delayed at airport

Separately, the suspended senator was reportedly held up at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja last Thursday while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom.

A family source disclosed that immigration officials claimed she had been placed on a watch list by order of the National Assembly leadership.

“She was told that the leadership of the National Assembly requested that she be considered a flight risk and placed on a watch list,” the source said.

“We are wondering why they treated her that way, given there is no court order restricting her movement and she has never missed any of her court appearances.”

Eyewitnesses said Akpoti-Uduaghan looked distressed and made several phone calls before being allowed to travel after her passport was stamped.

Speaking shortly before departure, the senator confirmed the incident, saying, “The aircraft is about to take off.”

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