Ogun man molested by monarch tells his story; govt vows probe

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2 months ago

February 4, 2025

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Chief Abraham Areola, 73, who was seen in a viral video being attacked by the Olorile of Orile Ifo in Ogun State, Oba Semiu Ogunjobi, has narrated his ordeal, while eeking the protection of Nigerians and relevant authorities from the monarch.

This is as the Ogun State government has promised to probe the incident and take appropriate action.

Meanwhile, Chief Areola who spoke to Punch Metro on Sunday, noted that the monarch had vowed to “kill me,” following a video showing the elderly man being repeatedly assaulted and publicly humiliated on the street over an alleged chieftaincy dispute.

While the monarch denied being the person seen humiliating the elderly man in the video during a separate interview with Punch Metro on Sunday, sources within the community, the victim, and Emmanuel Ojo, the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, confirmed the monarch’s identity in a post condemning the video.

The brief yet unsettling video captured one of the monarch’s aides snatching the elderly man’s cap as he knelt disoriented, while another struck him from behind, despite his polite attempts to ask what he had done wrong.

Shocked by the slap, the distraught chief lamented in Yoruba, “I’m not feeling well.” In response, the monarch coldly retorted, “Die if you want to die. We will bury you, and nobody will know.”

“I didn’t offend you, Kabiesi. I’ve done nothing wrong. I am not interested in any chieftaincy title. I will come to see you, Kabiesi,” the humiliated man pleaded, as the monarch, whose face was not visible in the video, continued to hurl insults and curses at him while he (the victim) was forced to lie flat on his chest.

“The entire Ifo land belongs to me. I will send you to prison. I own the entire Nigeria Police Force. I will send you to prison,” the monarch boasted.

Meanwhile, Ojo, who verified the identities of the monarch and the victim, condemned the disturbing act.

He said, “I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Areola Abraham being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault. In the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as Oba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo. This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.

“The king allegedly took offence at Chief Areoola Abraham Love’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu (as mentioned in the video). In response, he confronted the elderly man in his area and treated him in a manner unbefitting of a traditional ruler.

“Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues. There are more dignified and lawful ways to address disputes, especially among traditional leaders. Resorting to force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced.”

Speaking to to Punch, the elderly man emphasised that he still had not been told what his offence was and pleaded for Nigerians to come to his aid.

“I was the one being harassed in the video. The Oba of Olorile of Orile-Ifo is the one who assaulted me. It happened on January 21, 2025, around 11:00 AM. I wasn’t feeling well, so I went out to get some food when he saw me. He called me over, and that’s when the beating started.

“I didn’t offend him in any way. If you watch the video, you’ll hear me begging him to tell me what my offence was. I told him that if I had wronged him, he should have called for me. I still don’t know what my offence is.”

Asked about the steps he had taken after the alleged assault, he said, “I couldn’t do anything since he claimed to own the Nigeria Police Force and dared me to go to any authority I know. What could I do?

“I want Nigerians to come to my aid. He has vowed to kill me.”

Ogun vows probe

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Government has vowed to probe the incident.

Reacting to the video, Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the act as “inappropriate and inhumane.”

Akinmade said, “This will be investigated, and if proven to be true, necessary action will be taken.”

Similarly, the governor’s Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, condemned the incident in a Facebook post, stating that such matters should be handled in a more civilised manner.

Ojo wrote, “I came across a disturbing video online showing Chief Arinola Abraham Love (JP) being subjected to public humiliation and physical assault.

“In the video, he was seen kneeling on the road while being slapped and verbally abused by someone identified as Ọba Semiu Olawale Ogunjobi, the Oloorile of Orile Ifo.

“This incident reportedly stemmed from a kingship supremacy dispute.

“The king allegedly took offence at Chief Arinola Abraham Love’s perceived support for a coronet Oba named Wasiu (as mentioned in the video). In response, he confronted the elderly man in his area and treated him in a manner unbefitting of a traditional ruler.

“Such an act is highly condemnable and completely unjustifiable, regardless of the underlying issues.

“There are more dignified and lawful ways to address disputes, especially among traditional leaders. Resorting to force, assault, and public humiliation is unacceptable and must be strongly denounced.”

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Nigeria, South Africa strengthen energy ties to curb continental energy deficit

Published

2 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Senator Lokpobiri and Minister Gwede Mantashe.

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The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D, has emphasized that Africa must begin to look inward for sustainable solutions to its energy challenges.

The minister added that boosting local production capacities while retaining generated resources within the continent is key to long-term energy security.

He made this remarks on Wednesday while receiving a high-level delegation from South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, led by Hon. Minister Gwede Mantashe, during a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral energy cooperation, enhancing trade, and exploring joint initiatives to tackle Africa’s energy needs.

In his speech, Senator Lokpobiri highlighted the remarkable progress Nigeria has made in recent years, particularly under the #RenewedHope administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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“Nigeria has significantly enhanced its local capacity in the oil and gas sector. We are witnessing a new era where indigenous companies are taking ownership by acquiring assets from International Oil Companies that are divesting,” he noted.

The South African delegation’s visit was driven by a strong interest in learning from Nigeria’s oil and gas successes and exploring opportunities for partnership. Hon. Minister Gwede Mantashe praised Nigeria’s advancements and expressed optimism about future collaboration.

“Nigeria’s progress in its energy sector is impressive. We are here to share experiences, learn from each other, and build frameworks that support mutual growth. The goal is to develop strategies that are not only beneficial to our two nations but the African continent at large,” Minister Mantashe stated.

Both parties engaged in extensive discussions centered on developing indigenous capacity, enhancing cross-border trade in energy products, and fostering a robust framework for knowledge exchange.

The ministers agreed that collaboration is essential to unlock Africa’s vast energy potential and to address persistent energy poverty across the continent.

“As we collaborate with South Africa, we are also learning from their experiences. Our shared insights will contribute to increased oil production and more resilient energy systems across Africa,” Senator Lokpobiri added.

“Deepening our ties is vital to creating sustainable, African-led solutions to our energy challenges.”

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to establish working groups focused on joint investments, technology sharing, and regional energy integration. This renewed partnership signals a forward-looking approach to building a stronger, self-reliant African energy landscape.

BREAKING: 8 Killed in Boko Haram IED Attack Along Maiduguri-Damboa Road

Published

3 hours ago

April 17, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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At least eight people have been confirmed dead after a deadly explosion rocked the Maiduguri-Damboa Road on Saturday. The blast, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), is believed to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents.

The tragic incident occurred on a section of the highway that was recently reopened after years of closure due to insurgent activity. The route, which cuts through the notorious Sambisa Forest, has long been considered one of the most dangerous in Borno State.

Eyewitnesses and local sources confirmed the attack, including Maiduguri resident Lawan Maigana, who revealed that both civilians and military personnel were among the casualties.

According to reports from Channels TV, the explosion struck a convoy of vehicles under military escort, transporting passengers from Damboa to Maiduguri.

Speaking on the incident, Maigana said:
“The road to my hometown in Damboa has always been perilous. Over the years, we’ve lost brave soldiers and innocent residents to Boko Haram. Today’s attack claimed eight lives and highlights the urgent need to strengthen security measures. May Allah protect us all and grant peace to the souls of the departed.”

The federal and Borno state governments are yet to issue official statements on the attack at the time of filing this report.

Credit: Umar Audu | April 12, 2025

OPERATION UDO GA CHI – ZERO KIDNAPPING IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU SETS UP A MONITORING TEAM TO ENSURE OPERATIVES ARE CIVIL AND COMPLIES WITH THE OPERATIONAL ORDER; ALSO THANKS THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND APPRECIATES THE SACRIFICES OF POLICE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES

Published

14 hours ago

April 16, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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OPERATION UDO GA CHI – ZERO KIDNAPPING IN ANAMBRA: CP ORUTUGU SETS UP A MONITORING TEAM TO ENSURE OPERATIVES ARE CIVIL AND COMPLIES WITH THE OPERATIONAL ORDER; ALSO THANKS THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND APPRECIATES THE SACRIFICES OF POLICE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES

Following the launch and deployment of the Joint Security Team to enforce Operation Udo Ga Chi – Zero Kidnapping, few days ago, the Commissioner of Police *CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD.* today 16th April 2025 set up a monitoring team headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Criminal Investigations Department Awka *DCP Mantu Chong mni* to ensure that Officers are civil and are complying with the Operational Order. He can be reached on 07030871026.

The *CP* on behalf of other security agencies expresses gratitude to the State Government and some good-spirited Anambraians for their support. He also appreciates the coordinated approach and sacrifices of the Police and other Security Agencies to nip in the bud serious crimes like Armed robbery, kidnapping, and other related situations, especially within this Easter period and beyond.

The *CP* notes that alongside our strong resolve to fight all forms of violent crimes, the Operations have a window of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and community policing principles where applicable. This will be open for those desirous of taking advantage of such avenues to resolve specific problems and issues.

Anambra Police Command shall continue to review the operations as it progresses and explore strategies to improve safety and security in the State.

In the event of request for any security services, members of the public are encouraged to call the Command Control Room number on 07039194332 or PPRO 08039334002 for a prompt response. The ‘npf rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively. They can also call the various Area Commanders or DPOs in their various areas of concern as attached, please.