society

Heartbreaking Tale of Incest and Betrayal Unfolds in Lagos By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

1 year ago

November 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Heartbreaking Tale of Incest and Betrayal Unfolds in Lagos

By Ifeoma Ikem

A chilling case of incest has shaken the Agbowa community in Lagos State, leaving residents reeling in shock and horror. Bashiru Abiodun, a 75-year-old father, stands accused of raping his 14-year-old daughter at their family home, No. 26, Papa-Ado street.

The cat was let out of the bag recently when the victim’s mother, Bunmi Abiodun, courageously broke her silence, reporting the incident to Advocate for Children and Vulnerable Persons Network (ACVPN) and Marvelous Garage Foundation (MGF).

These organizations swiftly lodged a complaint at the Agbowa-Ejirin Divisional Police Office, setting the wheels of justice in motion.

According to Bunmi, her daughter had confided in her, revealing the unthinkable: “Anytime she’s alone at home with her father, he touches her sensitive parts.” Initially, Bunmi struggled to accept the truth, clouded by societal taboos.

However, the harsh reality hit home when she caught Bashiru in the act, sparking a mix of emotions – shock, anger and determination.

On confronting her husband, what followed was even more disturbing. Bashiru Abiodun, unfazed by the gravity of his actions, boasted of his connections to the current Inspector General of Police (IGP) and showed no remorse.

In a brazen display of disregard for the law, he put his house up for sale and collected part payment to relocate, attempting to evade justice.

When eventually charged to court, it was like a scene from a bad movie as the perpetrator was granted bail on age and health grounds.

Speaking ACVPN, head rescue and referral Comrade Toyin Okanlawon, frowned at the incident, claiming it didn’t depict the officials as interested in providing the victim with the needed justice.

According to him, “when charged to court, the prosecutor and the IPO took the perpetrator into the chamber, without letting us know. We just saw them come out later, with the prosecutor saying he had been granted bail on age and health grounds.

That he was partially blind. But the man didn’t consider all that when he was defiling his daughter?
While narrating the events of November 14 at Ikorodu Magistrate Court 1. Ota-Ona, Ikorodu, Okanlawon described it as a travesty, claiming the prosecutor even called it a family matter.
Okanlawon stated: “When the complainant was asked to stand up for identification and I raised my hand, to my dismay the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Prosecutor Isaac Aminu shut me down. He said that I was not a complainant in the matter, and that it was a family case, which file was yet to be duplicated,” even after over three months?
Corroborating, Ebenezer Omejalile, co-founder of ACVPN, condemned Aminu’s actions, describing it as “heartbreaking, a big slap and disgrace” to the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
The Lagos State Criminal Code section 137 unequivocally states that incest is a crime against the state and cannot be seen as a family affair.

Pleading that Aminu be called to order, the ACVPN’s official further disclosed receiving threatening calls from the perpetrator’s family,
As the case inches forward, adjourned to January 23rd, 2025, the perpetrator’s family continues to intimidate and threaten those seeking justice, further highlighting the dangers faced by those seeking justice.

ACVPN’s voice echoes the sentiments of the community, demanding accountability, that “those impeding justice should be treated like others, and such monsters should be locked up somewhere and the keys thrown away.”

This haunting tale raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the justice system in protecting vulnerable individuals.

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice must take decisive action to address corruption and incompetence, ensuring that justice is served. The community remains vigilant, seeking closure and healing for the victim and her family.

In the face of such atrocities, it is crucial to recognize the importance of organizations like ACVPN and MGF, providing vital support and advocacy for those affected by child abuse and incest.
Their tireless efforts serve as a beacon of hope, shining light on the darkest corners of society.
As this case unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, awaiting justice for the innocent and accountability for the perpetrators. The battle against child abuse and incest requires unwavering resolve, and it is only through collective action that we can create a safer, more just society for all.

society

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

Published

5 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Lagos 2027: Obasa hosts Hamzat, Promises Support for Governorship Bid

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, on Thursday, played host to Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat at his official residence in GRA, Ikeja, promising to galvanise his expansive political structure to ensure Hamzat’s victory at the forthcoming governorship election.

Dr Hamzat is the presumptive APC candidate for the Lagos governorship seat, and the engagement was part of his ongoing strategic consultations with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and leaders.

Speaker Obasa extolled Hamzat’s pedigree, commitment to infrastructure development, and loyalty to the party, adding that for the continued development of Lagos State, every discerning electorate must rally round him.

“I just returned from Abuja, and the conversation remains the same – Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat is the next Governor of Lagos State. You have demonstrated unquestionable loyalty to our great party and even greater competence in serving Lagos. We love you, we support you, and we will do everything to ensure that we win the election,” Speaker Obasa declared.

Responding, Dr Hamzat expressed gratitude for the warm reception while highlighting Obasa’s legislative experience and political network, which he said are invaluable. He reiterated his focus on collaborative governance, saying, “Lagos is a collective project. My consultations are not about personal ambition but about ensuring continuity, innovation, and inclusive development for our people,” Hamzat said.

society

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Published

11 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

Police Repel Coordinated Kidnap Attack In Sokoto, Launch Manhunt

Security operatives in Sokoto State have foiled a coordinated kidnapping attempt by armed bandits targeting two communities, killing one suspect and launching a manhunt for others who escaped with injuries.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Ahmad Rufa’i, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Thursday following a distress call received at about 12:30 a.m. reporting simultaneous attacks on Illela Village, also known as Achida Town, and Kwargaba Hamlet.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, in collaboration with other tactical teams, responded swiftly to the distress call,” he said. “Our operatives, who were already on high alert, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled the attack.”

Rufa’i disclosed that the security forces overpowered the assailants after a prolonged exchange of gunfire, neutralising one suspect who was dressed in military camouflage, while others fled with gunshot wounds into the nearby Gundumi Forest.

“An intensive manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries,” he added.

However, before the arrival of security personnel, the bandits reportedly shot and killed a member of the Kwargaba community vigilante group. His body has since been recovered and released to his family for burial.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest security agency, assuring that efforts are being intensified to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.

society

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Published

13 hours ago

April 23, 2026

Sahara Weekly

The Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi Train 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – April 23, 2026

Successful actors, producers and movie makers like; the Kendrick Brothers, Cameron Arnett, Kingdom Story Company, Bright Wonder Obasi were among the facilitators who trained 60 Christian Filmmakers in Nigeria at the just concluded Africa Gospel Film Project (AGFP) 2026.

The groundbreaking 6-day Intensive Filmmaking Masterclass and Spiritual Formation Program, were 60 emerging Christian filmmakers from Nigeria and Zambia were trained in Abuja was held at the Gospel Cinema International /High Definition Film Academy (HDFA) Facility in Gwarinpa.

The program brought together a distinguished lineup of facilitators from Nigeria and the United States, positioning AGFP as a leading platform for faith-based filmmaking development in Africa.

Among the international facilitators was Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers, known for films such as The Forge, War Room, Facing the Giants, and Courageous, Overcomer, Fireproof, who delivered a powerful session titled “Heart of The Filmmaker.” Also featured was Cameron Arnett, who led sessions on “Christ Over Career” and acting for film.

Other notable speakers included Nick Carey (Kingdom Story Company), who spoke on “The Making of a Faith-Based Blockbuster Movie,” as well as Bob Saenz (Screenwriting Masterclass), Beverly Holloway (Acting Masterclass), David Cook, Adam Drake, Prince Daniel (Aboki), Lummie Adevbie, Chris Odeh, and Jennifer Keltner (Identity & Storytelling), among others.

The program opened with a strong spiritual foundation, including worship and a keynote by the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, titled “Calling & Identity: Film as Spiritual Influence/Programming,” which challenged participants to view storytelling as a tool for cultural and spiritual transformation.

Participants were grouped into four production studios—House of Gideon, House of Caleb, House of Joshua, and House of David—and underwent three days of intensive masterclasses and workshops across screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, editing, and producing, alongside deep spiritual formation.

On Day 4, teams developed and pitched short film concepts for professional review and approval. Day 5 was dedicated to full-scale production, with all four teams executing their projects under real industry conditions.

The program culminated on Day 6 with:

A Pitch-A-Thon, where 20 filmmakers presented original projects for funding and collaboration.

A public screening of four short films produced during the program

Professional feedback from a panel of judges.

Certification of all participants

Awards for best Screenplay, Cinematography, directing, editing, acting, and overall best short film.

The closing ceremony featured a powerful commissioning session led by Pastor Ikenna Okeke, where participants were prayed for and consecrated as “God’s Creative Army.”

Speaking after the event, the Convener, Bright Wonder Obasi, described AGFP 2026 as “a movement to raise storytellers who will shape culture and influence nations through truth-driven films.

Films that honor God”

With its successful debut, AGFP is now preparing for its next edition, following its mandate to train 300 Christian filmmakers across Africa and develop a slate of six global faith-based films over a three-year period.

The Africa Gospel Film Project continues to position itself as a catalyst for purpose-driven storytelling, industry excellence, and spiritual transformation in African cinema.