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Tinubu orders probe into Arise TV anchor’s killing

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of Ms. Somtochukwu “Sommie” Maduagwu, a news anchor with Arise News Television, urging security agencies to swiftly bring her killers to justice.

The President described Maduagwu’s death during a robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja, as “cruel and condemnable.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended condolences to her family, Arise News staff, and the broader media community.

The statement, titled ‘President Tinubu condemns the killing of Arise News Anchor Maduagwu, urges security agencies to fish out the killers,’ called for a “quick and thorough investigation” and pledged his government’s commitment to citizen safety and crime suppression.

“Ms. Maduagwu was a promising professional journalist whose life was cut short in a cruel and condemnable manner. Security and law enforcement agencies should conduct a quick and thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” the statement read.

The President also assured Nigerians that his administration would continue strengthening measures to combat crime in all its forms and maintain citizens’ security.

Maduagwu, 29, was reportedly attacked in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, at her Katampe apartment.

Arise News described the incident as an armed robbery, which has been referred to the police for investigation.

Her death comes amid rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, which in recent months has witnessed violent robberies, coordinated “One Chance” attacks on commercial vehicles, and home invasions.

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed deep sorrow over the death, describing it as “a tragic and painful loss for both the Nigerian media industry and the nation at large.”

In a statement by his media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris wrote to Arise News Chairman Nduka Obaigbena. Expressing “our deepest condolences to you and the entire ARISE News family on the shocking and untimely death of your esteemed anchor, Ms. Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who by every account was a vibrant and a dedicated news anchor, consummate lawyer, and a model of professionalism whose work resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond.”

Idris assured the victim’s family of a thorough and swift investigation and extended “heartfelt sympathy to the parents, siblings, colleagues, and all who knew and loved the late news anchor.”

Also, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the killing as “a most horrendous event that must be quickly unraveled in the interest of justice.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor urged security agencies to work together to apprehend the perpetrators.

“The killing of the popular, extremely versatile and personable news anchor on Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery incident in her residence in Katampe area of Abuja is a most horrendous, chilling event whose perpetrators must be quickly tracked down and brought to justice.

“For every hour that the perpetrators are left un-apprehended, Nigeria suffers colossal mental and institutional damage. The killers must be fished out very quickly, tried, and sentenced in accordance with the law,” Abiodun said.

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Similarly, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, also expressed deep sadness over the “tragic and untimely death” of Maduagwu in a condolence message to Arise Media Chairman Nduka Obaigbena, released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh.

“She had a great future ahead of her. At just 29, she had traversed the worlds of beauty pageantry, law, and the media with brilliance, panache, and poise. Her demise is not only a great loss to ARISE Media Group and the Maduagwu family, but also to the Nigerian media as a whole,” Governor Eno said.

He further emphasised that journalists’ safety must remain sacrosanct, adding: “At this painful moment, on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I commiserate with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the Management and Staff of ARISE Media Group, and the Maduagwu family. We pray that God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and that Sommie’s gentle soul rests in eternal peace.”

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Crime

EFCC busts Chinese-linked illegal refinery in Ogun

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered an illegal oil refinery allegedly operated by Chinese nationals in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

The commission said the facility was discovered on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following intelligence and surveillance on the activities of illegal sludge oil refiners.

The EFCC disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.

Oyewale said the facility was deserted when operatives stormed the premises, following an earlier crackdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area.

However, he said operatives discovered waste products from the refining process and underground tanks suspected to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil.

The statement read, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission uncovered an illegal oil refinery operated by Chinese in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

“The operation, conducted on Saturday, October 31, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, followed credible intelligence and surveillance by the commission on the activities of the illegal sludge oil refiners.

“The refinery was found deserted when EFCC operatives stormed the premises, following the commission’s earlier clampdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area. However, waste products from the refining process were discovered at the location.”

Oyewale said during the raid, underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing the sludge oil were also discovered.

“Two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel.

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“Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and transported it to the illegal facility in Ogere for processing,” Oyewale added.

He said the operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through chambers and filters in a process believed to produce diesel for sale in the Nigerian market.

“Personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility.

“Consequently, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC have since taken over the premises as investigations continue to establish the identities of the operators, the ownership of the facility and the full extent of the suspected illegal activities and economic sabotage,” he added.

Source: punchng.com

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Crime

Oyo boxer, KBlaq stabbed to death during street fight

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An amateur boxer identified simply as Kehinde and popularly known as KBlaq has been stabbed to death during a street fight at Olodo Garage in Ibadan, Oyo State.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Monday that the incident occurred on Sunday, sparking outrage among social media users, who called for justice for the deceased.

According to accounts circulating online, the deceased was not initially involved in the fight, while the suspect allegedly appeared after the confrontation had ended and stabbed him in the neck with a broken bottle.

Kehinde, who was described by acquaintances as a boxer, reportedly succumbed to his injuries.

Several social media users expressed shock over the killing, with some claiming that the suspect was not among those involved in the initial fight.

An X user, @MVKAY2, wrote, “The person who stabbed him was not even involved in the fight, and they had stopped fighting already. Just one of those vile men wey the matter no concern came from nowhere and stabbed him.

“Before una start dropping different narratives, I wish he was with Z second. I wish he was never there.”

Another user, @omononaolapo, wrote, “Funny enough, this guy that stabbed him was not even among those that they were fighting.”

Similarly, @Tunde, who described the deceased as his brother, wrote, “Na my brother o. Ajeh. Olodo bike men can be very mean sometimes, and they were all there watching them fight.”

Another user, @Fela, added, “This was why I made this tweet earlier today. This boxer is my younger brother’s friend. I got to church yesterday and my brother told me someone killed his friend. I was shocked when he told me.”

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Also, @Pelumifundz, who described Kehinde as the younger brother of a friend, wrote, “This guy is a twin and my friend’s junior brother. He’s so gentle and doesn’t cause trouble. I would really love to know what happened that made the bikeman stab him in the neck. Anyways, rest in peace, Kenny. I know you won’t go without having justice. We will definitely get it for you.”

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, told our correspondent during a telephone interview that an investigation was ongoing.

Source: punchng.com

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Crime

Terrorists abduct 14 Islamic school students in Niger

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Suspected terrorists have abducted 14 students in a Niger State Islamic school.

The incident reportedly happened on Saturday in Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area.

The PUNCH learnt that the students were abducted while harvesting maize in their teacher’s farm when the terrorists invaded the farm.

The teacher was also reportedly kidnapped during the incident.

The spokesman of the Niger State police command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying that the number of abducted students was 14 and not 50 as reported.

He also said a joint security mission was on a rescue mission, assuring that the abducted students would be rescued.

“On 31/10/2026 at about 12.30 pm, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village via Rafi LGA and abducted some persons working on the farm.

“The report further indicated that the abducted victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya helping their Mallam to harvest maize on the farm before the incident.

“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, speaking on the incident, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago over his handling of the security situation in the state.

He lamented that the governor was busy with electioneering and had failed to protect lives and property.

“The security agencies in the state lack operational vehicles and other necessary equipment to confront the situation.

“The government is only there to issue statements either condemning every attack or condole with the people over the death of their loved ones without any cogent step to address the situation,” Vatsa said.

See also  IGP approves family’s petition for fresh probe on Mohbad's death

Source: punchng.com

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