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PHOTOS: Abducted Kwara monarch regains freedom after N12m ransom payment – Family

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The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was abducted by gunmen in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid an additional N12m ransom.

The monarch was freed on Wednesday night, February 4, 2026 after spending about over month in captivity.

LIB reported that the monarch was abducted along with his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, during a violent attack on his palace on New Year’s Eve

Olaolu was released two weeks following the payment of an initial N20m ransom.

A family source, who spoke with punch on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the development, saying prolonged negotiations led to the traditional ruler’s release.

“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks in addition to the earlier N20 million paid before” the source said.

“They dropped him at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where they contacted us.”

The source added that the monarch was receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital after suffering physical and psychological trauma during his captivity.

“He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who ensured his safe release,” the source added.

However, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the release of the monarch but denied knowledge of any ransom payment.

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The spokesperson for the command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, told the publication on Thursday that the monarch had been reunited with his family following intensified joint security operations in the area.

“You are aware that their ongoing joint security operations on that axis and the bandits are fleeing, we are not aware of any ransom payment. The CP Adekimi Ojo has always frowned at ransom payment and always advised the victim’s family to always provide security agencies with credible information,” she added.

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Lagos CP threatens to dissolve task force if police officers violate human rights

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The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has issued a stern warning to members of the state task force, stating that the unit risks being disbanded if found culpable of human rights violations.

Jimoh issued the warning on Saturday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja, in reaction to a viral video showing the arrest of a traffic offender.

Recall that the incident sparked widespread debate online, with some residents alleging that task force officials used excessive force.

Speaking in response to a viral video involving the arrest of a traffic offender, the police chief maintained that there was no indication of abuse in the incident, stressing that the suspect was handled in accordance with established legal procedures.

He said that the individual arrested for driving against traffic was treated in line with the law and due process.

Jimoh explained that the suspect was promptly taken before a mobile court, where the charges were read, and bail was granted.

However, the individual was later remanded after failing to meet the bail conditions.

According to him, the task force is legally empowered to enforce environmental and sanitation laws across Lagos State, noting that their activities are essential to maintaining order in a densely populated city.

The commissioner said that he had already engaged task force personnel in retraining sessions focused on respecting human rights and maintaining professionalism in the course of duty.

“I will not hesitate to dissolve the task force and bring in a new set of personnel if there is clear evidence of human rights violations, as no officer is indispensable,” he said.

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He also acknowledged the role of social media and the media in bringing such incidents to public attention, describing it as part of the responsibility of citizens to hold institutions accountable.

However, he cautioned against spreading misinformation that could undermine public trust.

Calling on residents to remain law-abiding, the police boss urged members of the public to report any misconduct to the police, assuring that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated.

He said that policing in Lagos required a balance between enforcing the law and respecting the dignity of citizens.

“Lagos has a population estimated between 20 and 25 million people, making strict adherence to laws essential to prevent disorder and chaos,” he said.

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Iran Warns UK That Allowing US To Use British Bases Is Participation In Aggression

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Iran’s foreign minister has warned the United Kingdom that Tehran considers Britain’s decision to allow the United States to use British military bases as “participation in aggression.”

Seyyed Abbas Araghchi criticised the UK’s “negative and biased” stance toward the US-Israeli assault on Iran during a call with his British counterpart.

Araghchi warned that granting America access to UK bases “will certainly be considered participation in aggression.”

However, in response to the allegation, a spokesperson of the UK Prime Minister told reporters the UK granted the United States access only “for a specific defensive and limited purpose” in response to Iran’s strikes across the Middle East.

“Our position has been crystal clear from the outset. We didn’t participate in the initial strikes, and we’re not getting drawn into the wider war,” the spokesperson said.

According to reports, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially refused Washington’s request to use UK military bases for its attacks on Iran, with the PM considering the strikes illegal.

However, Starmer joined the defence against Iran’s retaliation after Iranian forces attacked British military assets in the Middle East.

It was reported earlier that Starmer said his country accepted a United States request to use British bases for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles in storage depots or launchers.

“The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose. We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region,” Starmer said at the time.

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Tehran’s warning escalates diplomatic tensions between Iran and Britain as the conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel enters its fourth week.

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British Government Gives US Permission To Strike Iranian Missiles Sites Targeting Ships From UK Bases

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The British government authorised the United States on Friday to use military bases in Britain to strike Iranian missile sites attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a decision that prompted Iran to warn the move constitutes “participation in aggression.”

According to a British spokesperson, ministers met on Friday to discuss the war with Iran and Iran’s blocking of the Strait of Hormuz.

“They confirmed that the agreement for the US to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz,” the statement said.

It was reported earlier that Iran’s foreign minister, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, warned the United Kingdom that Tehran considers Britain’s decision to allow America to use British military bases as “participation in aggression.”

Araghchi criticised the UK’s “negative and biased” stance toward the US-Israeli assault on Iran during a call with his British counterpart following Friday’s authorisation.

Starmer Reverses Earlier Position On Base Use
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said earlier this week Britain would not enter a war over Iran. He initially rejected an American request to use British bases for strikes on Iran, saying he needed confirmation that any military action was legal.

However, Starmer changed his stance after Iran conducted strikes on British allies across the Middle East, allowing America to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK base in the Indian Ocean.

It was gathered that President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Starmer since the conflict started, complaining he was not doing enough to help America.

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On Monday, Trump said there were “some countries that greatly disappointed me” before he singled out Britain, which he said had once been considered “the Rolls-Royce of allies.”

Meanwhile, the British spokesperson’s statement on Friday called for “urgent de-escalation and a swift resolution to the war.”

The authorisation now expands Britain’s involvement in the Middle East conflict beyond defensive operations. The UK previously limited its participation to intercepting Iranian missiles and drones threatening British military assets and allies in the region.

In response to what Iran tagged “agression “ it has effectively halted oil passage through the Strait of Hormuz, sparking a global energy crisis as the waterway serves as the route for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies.

The conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel enters its fourth week with casualties mounting on both sides.

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