Flowerbud News

Author: Felix Ajide

  • Kwara Police Arrest Suspects Over Alleged Murder, Kidnapping, Fraud, Armed Robbery Offences

    The Kwara State Police Command says it has recorded major breakthroughs in tackling violent crimes, fraud, and kidnapping across the state, with several suspects arrested and key exhibits recovered.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, who addressed newsmen in Ilorin, described the arrests as “a product of discreet investigation, timely intelligence gathering, and swift tactical operations.”

    “We remain resolute in our constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining law and order in Kwara State,” Ojo said.

    One of the most shocking cases was the gruesome killing of a woman, Mrs. Esther Enemor, whose mutilated body was discovered in her home. The Police revealed that her husband, Mr. Ekene Enemor, confessed to being directly involved in her death.

    “Investigation is ongoing to track and apprehend other suspects currently at large,” Ojo disclosed.

    In another case, operatives arrested a suspected fraudster, Mr. Adeola Badru, who allegedly duped a complainant of N300 million under the pretense of securing a political appointment. The suspect admitted to the crime after being traced to Ibadan.

    The Command also paraded suspects linked to the killing of a herder, Mohammed Altini, in Patigi LGA. His body was found inside an abandoned well with gunshot wounds, while a dane gun used in the attack was recovered.

    Similarly, a shop burglar, Olawale Ibrahim, was arrested after being shot by a vigilante during a robbery in Ilorin. Stolen gadgets and burglary tools were recovered from him.

    Other notable cases include the recovery of a stolen Toyota Camry in Omu-Aran, the arrest of a man with an illegal locally made pistol in Eyenkorin, and the capture of suspected kidnappers in Idofin-Igbana and Okuta, where ransom money and ammunition were recovered.

    The CP commended the cooperation of residents and local vigilantes in supporting police operations.

    “Every arrest, every recovery, and every confession is evidence of our unwavering resolve to bring perpetrators of crime to justice,” he said.

    He urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

    “Together, we can make Kwara State safer and more secure,” he added.
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  • STOAN felicitates NPA MD as IAPH Vice-President

    Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, and Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) Dr Vicky Haastrup

    The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has congratulated the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, on his election as Vice-President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours (IAPH).

    STOAN Chairman, Dr Vicky Haastrup, in a statement in Lagos on Saturday, said the election was a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a global recognition of Dantsoho’s leadership qualities and professional excellence.

    According to her, the appointment will further elevate the growing importance of Nigeria’s maritime sector on the world stage.

    “Dr Abubakar Dantsoho’s election as Vice-President of the International Association for Ports and Harbours is a great honour, not just for him personally, but for Nigeria as a whole,” Haastrup said.

    She noted that the international maritime community had acknowledged Dantsoho’s competence, vision, and dedication to reforms that have improved port operations in Nigeria.

    “His leadership at NPA has been marked by bold reforms and a renewed commitment to efficiency and global best practices.

    “The international community has now recognised these qualities by entrusting him with such a strategic role,” she added.

    Haastrup said Dantsoho’s new role would give Nigeria a stronger voice in shaping global port and harbour policies, especially as digitalisation, sustainability and competitiveness continue to redefine the maritime industry.

    She noted that Nigeria, being Africa’s largest economy and host to some of the busiest seaports on the continent, stood to gain significantly from the development.

    “Dr Dantsoho’s presence in IAPH will ensure that both Nigeria and Africa remain central to conversations around green shipping, technological transformation and more efficient global supply chains,” Haastrup said.

    She stressed that terminal operators in Nigeria were confident that Dantsoho would bring the same dynamism, foresight, and resilience he has demonstrated at the NPA into his new global role.

    “His election is a win for Nigeria, for Africa, and for the global maritime community.

    “On behalf of all terminal operators in Nigeria, I warmly congratulate Dr Dantsoho. We are proud of his achievement and we pledge our continued support to ensure that Nigeria reaps the full benefits of this international recognition,” Haastrup added.

    The chairman further reaffirmed the association’s commitment to support NPA under Dantsoho’s leadership in order to deepen reforms and consolidate Nigeria’s position as West and Central Africa’s leading maritime hub.

    She also noted that Dantsoho’s emergence as IAPH Vice-President marked the first time in recent history that a Nigerian would occupy such a high-ranking position within the global body, underscoring the nation’s rising influence in maritime affairs.

    The International Association for Ports and Harbours, established in 1955, is the global alliance of ports, representing more than 160 port authorities and 120 port-related businesses across nearly 90 countries.
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  • Dr. Oluwatoyin Alabi Felicitates Agunjin Land, Olowo of Ita-Olowo, Elepe of Epe-Opin on Their Installations

    By Abdulsalam Ibrahim

    Star Associate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and respected community leader, Dr. Oluwatoyin Alabi, has congratulated the people of Agunjin community and the entire Ifelodun Local Government Area on the installation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulmaleek Babatunde Adekeye, as the new Kabiyesi of Agunjin Land.

    He also felicitated the Olowo of Ita-Olowo, Oba AbdulRazaq Adekola Salau, and the Elepe of Epe-Opin, Oba Afolabi Odeniyi Gabriel, on their installations. While Alagunjin is a 3rd Class traditional ruler, from Ifelodun local government, Olowo (Ifelodun) and Elepe (Ekiti) are in 4th Class category.

    Describing the occasion as a historic moment for their communities, Dr. Alabi noted that the ascension of Oba Adekeye is not merely a change of leadership, but the dawn of renewed unity, strengthened cultural identity, and collective progress for Agunjin and its people.

    According to him, the new monarch’s emergence reflects divine favour, the will of the people, and the continuity of a cherished heritage that has defined Agunjin for generations.

    He expressed optimism that the reign of Oba Adekeye will usher in an era of peace, prosperity, and unprecedented growth in infrastructure, human capital, and the overall well-being of the community.

    Dr. Alabi prayed for a long, successful, and impactful reign for the monarch, assuring the people of Agunjin of his continued support for initiatives that promote development and harmony.

    “Kabiyesi o! May your crown shine brighter with each passing day, and may your leadership inspire generations to come,” Dr. Alabi stated.

    The installation of Oba Abdulmaleek Babatunde Adekeye marks a significant milestone in the history of Agunjin, with stakeholders and well-wishers across Kwara State expressing hope for a new era of progress under his reign.

    Dr Alabi also congratulated the new traditional rulers of Ita-Olowo and Elepe of Epe-Opin and their communities on this momentous occasion, praying that may their reigns be marked by wisdom, peace and progress.
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  • FOU Zone ‘A’ intercepts 76-contraband goods worth N3.1bn, arrests 13-suspects

    Lagos – The Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 76 contraband goods worth N3.1 billion, and arrested 13 suspects in connection with the seizures within three weeks.

    The Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone ‘A’ , Comptroller Muhammad Shau’aib, made the disclosure at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday.

    Shau’aib explained that the seizures occurred at strategic points including Ilaro, Owode, Ajilete, Imeko-Afon in Ogun State; the Ondo/Ekiti axis; Shaki and Iseyin in Oyo State and the Lagos metropolis.

    He said these seizures underscored its unwavering resolve to dismantle smuggling networks and confront economic saboteurs whose actions undermine the fiscal policies of the Federal Government.

    According to him, the seizures were in line with the mandate of the unit to intensify surveillance and enforcement activities across the six states of the South-West geopolitical zone.

    “I am pleased to report significant breakthroughs achieved by our dedicated officers and operatives through intelligence driven operations over the past three weeks.

    “These efforts led to a total of 76 interceptions of smuggled and contraband goods, which include the following: 4,068 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each).

    “This is equivalent to seven trailer loads, 22 used (tokunbo) vehicles, including two Ashok Leyland drilling trucks.

    “Other seizure intercepted within the period under review are 485 jerrycans of 25 litres each of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) totaling 12,125 litres.

    “Others were 120 bales of used clothing, 57 parcels of Cannabis Sativa, 47 cartons of foreign poultry products, 770 jerrycans of 25 litres each of foreign vegetable oil,” he said.

    Shau’aib said in addition, it made notable seizures involving eight containers with under declared goods or attempts to evade duties valued at N3.13 billion.

    He said that between July 18 and Aug. 12, the Unit recovered a total of ₦47.8 million from issuing demand notice.

    Shu’aibu further stated that 13 suspects arrested had been granted administrative bail, while others were handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.

    He mentioned that their commitment to inter-agency collaboration, led to the seized cannabis sativa which would be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution.

    The FOU boss said that the command also maintained vigilance against smuggling and fraud adding that the unit would remain a strong partner in trade facilitation.

    Shu’aibu said that the unit would continue to support legitimate trade through intelligence-driven operations that struck a balance between security enforcement and economic growth.

    He commended the support of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, reaffirming their steadfastness to securing the nation’s borders against all forms of economic sabotage.

    Shu’aibu, however, emphasized that the command would not relent in its mission to uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s trade environment and protect the economy from illicit trade practices.

    Also speaking, the NDLEA Deputy Commander Narcotic, Nasir Bungudu, said the seizure would go a long way in protecting the economy.

    Bungudu commended the unit for continuous synergy with other sister agencies which led to the seizures of unwanted substance with arrest of three suspects.
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  • CYMS backs global youth action for SDGs

    By Ibironke Ariyo

    The Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) has joined the global call to support young people leading grassroots actions for sustainable development.

    CYMS Director General, Chief Obinna Nwaka, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja to mark the 2025 International Youth Day.

    Nwaka said the 2025 United Nations theme, ‘Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,’ formed the cornerstone of CYMS’s message this year.

    He said the theme reinforced the organisation’s mission to empower Nigerian youth as key drivers of societal transformation.

    He emphasised that local action was not only the foundation of sustainable change but also a strong catalyst for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “At CYMS, we believe local action is the basis of global impact. Nigeria’s youth are not only tomorrow’s leaders, but today’s change-makers.

    “Their ideas, innovations, and initiatives are already shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future,” he said.

    Nwaka highlighted the remarkable contributions of young Nigerians in fields ranging from climate resilience and digital innovation to gender equality, peacebuilding, and entrepreneurship.

    He praised the efforts of the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, in developing and empowering youth nationwide to tackle community-based challenges.

    He commended Olawande’s commitment, passion, and achievements, passing a vote of confidence on him as the best Youth Minister in Nigeria’s history.

    “We thank the Youth Minister for the strong working relationship and express optimism that more opportunities will be provided for greater contributions.

    “From rural communities to urban centres, Nigerian youth are stepping up to tackle local challenges with creativity, passion, and commitment.

    “Whether through clean-up drives, tech solutions, agricultural innovations, or social impact campaigns, their efforts reflect the essence of the SDGs in action,” he said.

    To commemorate the day, CYMS unveiled a lineup of nationwide activities aimed at deepening youth involvement in the SDG agenda.

    These include youth town halls, intergenerational dialogues, leadership training sessions, digital literacy workshops, and innovation showcases across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    Nwaka urged stakeholders, including government institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and development partners, to step up support for youth-led initiatives.

    “It is time to invest more boldly in young people. Let us provide platforms, resources, and policies that enable them to thrive.

    “We must not only hear youth voices but act on them.

    “As Nigeria joins the world in marking International Youth Day, CYMS reiterates its dedication to inclusive, sustainable, and youth-centred policies and programmes.

    “This International Youth Day, we celebrate the potential of local youth action to deliver global progress.

    “The future is not just ahead. It is being built now by young hands and bold hearts. The time is now. The power is ours,” he said.

    Nwaka said CYMS remained at the forefront of nurturing informed, empowered, and action-oriented young Nigerians poised to shape the nation’s future.

    This, he said, would be through continued advocacy, capacity-building programmes, and nationwide outreach.
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  • Alabi rallies Support of APC members in Kwara for re-election of Tinubu in 2027

    Alabi rallies Support of APC members in Kwara for re-election of Tinubu in 2027

    Dr Oluwatoyin Alabi, a community leader and President of the Igbaja Progressive Union National Executive Council (IPUNEC), has called on All Progressives Party members and leaders at the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

    Dr Alabi made this call while speaking at the reception organised for him at APC Ifelodun Local Government Secretariat in Share on Thursday.

    Dr Alabi, who recently registered with the party at his ward 1 in Igbaja, with a large turnout of supporters, lauded the achievements of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in the state.

    He urged the party members and leaders at the ward and local government level to work together to return President Bola Tinubu for the second term at the Federal and to support Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s successor in the state.

    According to him, what I saw on ground in the ward and local government was encouraging because we are not where we were yesterday.

    “We may not be where we want to be, but we are not where we were yesterday. If you’re travelling on a journey and taking a wrong route, it will take years and you may never arrive at your destination but if you are travelling on the right route, it may be delayed but eventually you will get there.”

    He expressed delight at the calibre of people he met on ground and those who received him into the party as officials at both at the ward and council levels.

    Dr Alabi stressed the need for synergy, cooperation, understanding and unity of purpose among all members of the party at all levels.

    He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his initiative, quality leadership and modest achievements in the areas of health, education, agriculture, infrastructure among others.

    He said that the governor had repositioned the state and prayed God to provide for the state a suitable and appropriate successor in 2027.

    “I am here to work with you and identify with the party towards ensuring seamless victory for President Tinubu in 2027 to continue to fix the country and restore her lost glory.”

    Dr Alabi said that all hands must be on deck to make 2027 elections a walkover for the party at all levels.

    Earlier in his address of welcome, the party leader at the local government level, Arch. Abubakar Lukman thanked Dr Alabi for choosing to work with the party.

    He said it was not in the character of the party members to treat new members as new or alien but as stakeholders with same privileges with the old members.

    He said that Dr Alabi has done the right thing by going through the ward level to the local and state levels, adding that the state executive are fully aware of what they are doing at Share.

    Lukman thereafter introduced all the 18 ward chairmen and 27 executive members of the party at the local government level.


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  • Four Policemen Detained for Allegedly Extorting Polytechnic Student in Kwara

    Four operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have been detained over the alleged extortion of a student from the Federal Polytechnic, Offa.

    The officers, attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit, were accused of unlawfully detaining Taiwo Kayode Taye and extorting N200,000 from him after he refused to unlock his mobile phone.

    The incident reportedly took place at Erin-Ile, while the student was on his way to Osogbo, Osun State.

    He was later transferred to the Ijagbo Police Division and subsequently to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Ilorin.

    Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed on Thursday that the four officers are currently being held at the ‘A’ Division in Ilorin, the state capital.

    According to him, the officers involved have been arrested and are in custody. Full investigation has commenced, and I can assure you that they will not go unpunished.

    The student, Taiwo, was said to have been coerced into unlocking his phone, after which the sum of N200,000 was allegedly transferred to an account bearing the name Lucy Akor.

    The state police command had earlier announced that it had launched an investigation into the matter, following public outcry over the conduct of its officers.

    Commissioner Ojo condemned the actions of the personnel involved, stating that such misconduct would not be tolerated under his leadership.

    “This kind of behaviour tarnishes the image of the Nigeria Police. We are determined to ensure justice is served and to restore public trust in the force,” he added.

    The development has sparked renewed concerns over police accountability and abuse of power in the country.
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  • Kwara High Court Sentences Cleric To Death For Ritual Murder Of Final-Year Student, Discharges Four Others

    Kwara State High Court has convicted and sentenced an Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Mohad (also identified as Mohammed A. Bello) to death.

    The convict was sentenced to death for killing Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, a final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, for ritual purposes.

    The judgment was pronounced on Thursday by Justice Hannah Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.

    Four other defendants, 41-year-old Islamic scholar Ahmed Abulwasiu from Adualere, Ilorin; 28-year-old Neo Life business operator Sulaiman Muhydeen from Amilegbe, Ilorin; 29-year-old phone repairer Jamiu Uthman from Adualere, Ilorin; and 31-year-old farmer AbdulRahman Jamiu from Elemere, Malete, were discharged and acquitted by the court.

    The incident occurred on Monday, February 10, 2025, after the student received a phone call while attending a naming ceremony and mysteriously went missing.

    Her family and friends launched a frantic search before reporting her disappearance to the police at Oja Oba Station in Ilorin the following day.

    Police investigators, using Hafsoh’s phone records, traced her last known call to Abdulrahman Mohad, leading to his arrest.

    According to the police First Information Report (FIR), the suspects confessed to belonging to the same occult group and admitted to robbing and killing Hafsoh for ritual purposes.
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  • Dantsoho urges Africa to harness marine economy

    Dantsoho urges Africa to harness marine economy

    (Caption: President of the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA)/ Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr Abubakar Dantsoho (Right) and Secretary-General of PMAWCA Mr Koffi Jean-Marie at the ongoing Meeting of the Board of Directors of (PMAWCA) in Luanda – Angola..)

    Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, President, Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) has called on African countries to convert their marine advantages into shared prosperity.

    Dantsoho made the call in a statement on Tuesday by Mr Okechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

    He was speaking during the PMAWCA Board of Directors and Ports Statisticians Network Meetings held in Luanda, Angola.

    Dantsoho, who is also the Managing Director of NPA, stressed that Africa’s sustainability relies significantly on the viability and resilience of its seaports.

    He noted that West and Central African nations are linked not only by water, but also by shared challenges and emerging opportunities.

    “There is no better time than now to transform our marine advantages into meaningful opportunities for our collective economic development,” he said.

    Dantsoho stated that ports have demonstrated global leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showing their centrality to Africa’s growth.

    He reiterated, as he told the PMAWCA Women Network in Lagos, that the region is bonded by mutual struggles and potential.

    “With increasing global economic cooperation, failure to unite our ports would be a disservice to our collective progress,” he stated.

    Dantsoho described the collaboration with the Statisticians Network as a smart approach to regional synergy and strategic partnership.

    He emphasised that data remains the key driver of sound and effective decision-making within the port management ecosystem.

    Dantsoho commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, describing it as a step forward for maritime advancement.

    He noted that the new ministry had renewed the resolve to develop talent and encourage innovation through institutions like PMAWCA.

    “The Ministry’s creation has enabled the implementation of bold maritime initiatives and better investment in sector-specific skills and innovation,” he said.

    He stated that the Statisticians Network enhances capacity-building opportunities across ports in member nations.

    He highlighted the importance of port modernisation and automation through systems like the Port Community System (PCS) and National Single Window (NSW).

    Dantsoho reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm commitment to implementing the NSW in the shortest time possible.

    He referenced the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting its aim to remove trade barriers and stimulate intra-African commerce.

    Dantsoho said AfCFTA’s objectives offer Africa numerous opportunities for wealth creation, cooperation, and economic upliftment.

    He welcomed the unity within PMAWCA, describing it as vital for national development and regional economic transformation.

    Dantsoho said that the 2024 activities would be reviewed at the board meeting, with deliberations on strategy, recommendations, and budgets.
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