Connect with us


A notorious cultist and ex-convict, Ibrahim Oriyomi Balogun (AKA Small Jpron), whom the police have accused of carrying out multiple murders around Somolu and Bariga areas of Lagos, has been –re-arraigned on charges of murder barely a year after he was arrested, charged to court and released.

Thirty-six-year-old Balogun has been arrested at least three times in the past – in November 2012, August 2016 and March 2017 – on allegations of murder and cult-related activities.

He was arraigned in 2016 for murder, possession of firearms and for belonging to a cult.

Shortly after his arrest in 2016, he surfaced in public again and the police said he escaped custody.

When he was earlier paraded before journalists in 2016, he confessed to being involved in the killing of three persons.

He had said, “I am an Eiye cult leader. I joined the cult in 2009. The reason for my joining was to avenge the death of a close friend, Sunday Folorunsho, aka Small Biscuit.

“It was the Aiye cult members who killed him. So, the Eiye faction approached me and said I should join them. They said they would help me to fish out the people who killed my friend. I have killed three persons, among are Femi Wiper and Lekan Akon.”

When he was paraded before journalists in March 2017, the Commissioner of Police at the time, Fatai Owoseni, said Balogun escaped through the connivance of two police operatives, who were being investigated.

This time, the suspect was arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos for belonging to a secret cult.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge of belonging to an unlawful society.

The Prosecutor, Mr. Chinalu Uwadione, told the court that Balogun belonged to an unlawful society known as “Eiye confraternity.”

The offence contravened Section 42(1), (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Oluyemisi Adelaja, granted the accused a bail of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned till October 16 for further hearing.

BIG STORY

Federal Government Earmarks N827bn For Education Infrastructure In 2025 Budget

Published

on

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced that the Federal Government has disbursed a total of N34bn in loans to students studying at tertiary institutions across the country through the “Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

The President made this statement on Wednesday while presenting the N49.7tn 2025 budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly. He also highlighted that the government has allocated N826bn for infrastructure development in the education sector for the 2025 fiscal year.

He stated, “Our administration has so far disbursed N34bn to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

“In the 2025 budget, we have made provision for N826.90bn for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education and the nine new higher educational institutions.”

He continued, “We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated N402bn for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 budget and another N282.65bn for the Basic Health Care Fund.”

“Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians.”

“This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.”

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

President Tinubu Targets N1,500 Per Dollar Rate In 2025 Budget Goals

Published

on

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, stated that the Federal Government aims to stabilise the exchange rate at N1,500 to the dollar to ensure the smooth implementation of the 2025 budget.

This marks a reduction of about N200 from the current rate of N1,700 to a dollar.

President Tinubu made this known while presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the 11th National Assembly in Abuja.

“The budget projects that inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6% to 15% next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately N1,700 per dollar to N1,500. The base crude oil production assumption is set at 2.06 million barrels per day”, he said.

“The projections are based on the following observations: reducing the importation of petroleum products, increasing exports of refined petroleum”. He added.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

JUST IN: 32 Reportedly Die In Ibadan Children Programme Stampede

Published

on

At least 32 people have tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Wednesday.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, resulting in the deaths of 32 people, mostly children, with some others sustaining injuries.

He mentioned that the state government promptly deployed a rapid response team to the site following the incident.

The commissioner confirmed that the victims have been transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical treatment.

While thanking the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for quickly activating all available response teams to assist at the scene, Oyelade emphasized that the state government will do everything possible to support the victims of the stampede during this difficult time.

He noted that the sate government was not involved in the planning of the carnival, adding that the Ministry of Health was also not carried along in the organisation of the private end of the year children funfair.

Oyelade emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

“We are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The commissioner urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where affected children were taken for proper medical attention, with a valid means of identification:

  • Patnas Hospital, Basorun
  • Western Hospital, Basorun
  • Ringroad State Hospital
  • Molly Specialist Hospital
  • University College Hospital (UCH)

“Oyo State Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims,” he added.

Continue Reading

Most Popular