Business
LUTH Doctor, Thomas Adekoya murdered by hoodlums in Ogun state
Suspected hoodlums on Sunday abducted and killed a doctor with the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Thomas Adekoya-Cole, in the Itele area of Ijebu, Ogun State.
It was gathered that 60-year-old Adekoya-Cole, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with LUTH, was murdered while in his hometown to attend a public function.
Our correspondent gathered that Adekoya-Cole was cut with matchets after some hoodlums attacked him around 7.30am on Sunday.
It was learnt that the matter was reported at the police Area Command, Ijebu, and the Igbeba Police Division.
Our correspondent gathered that the doctor was initially rushed to a private hospital in the area, where he was confirmed dead.
A source in Ijebu Ode told PUNCH Metro that the hoodlums came to Akongi Street, in the Itele area of Ijebu, where some traditional worshippers were holding rites and initially hacked one of them, identified as Omotayo Ogunbowale, to death.
He added that in the ensuing pandemonium, the worshippers and other people present fled to their houses for safety.
It was, however, gathered that the hoodlums came again at about 7am on Sunday and killed Adekoya-Cole.
The source said, “There was a traditional festival on Saturday, and Adekoya-Cole attended the event from his base in Lagos. The rite was held on Akongi Street in Itele-Ijebu and during the festival, some worshippers were attacked by hoodlums and one Omotayo Ogunbowale was killed.
“On Sunday, the hoodlums came again, abducted Adekoya-Cole from his house and hacked him to death. The matter was reported at the Igbeba Police Division and to the Police Area Command, also in Igbeba.”
Another source added that a clash had broken out among the worshippers, which led to the crisis and the killings.
He said, “Trouble started on Saturday when a native doctor at the festival was abducted and killed by suspected hoodlums. There was a clash among the worshippers. Everyone fled to their houses. On Sunday, the LUTH doctor’s house in Itele was stormed by hoodlums and he was later found with matchet injuries.
“He was rushed to a private hospital in Ijebu Ode, where he died.”
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the murders, said eight suspects had been arrested in connection with both cases.
Adejobi added that the suspects would be transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigations, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
He said, “On Saturday, Dr Adekoya-Cole attended an Ogun ritual in the area, but a clash broke out. One of the worshippers, Ogunbowale, was hacked to death. The doctor thereafter returned to his house. However on Sunday around 7am, the hoodlums attacked and killed him in his house.
“So, we are having two murder cases. The police have arrested eight suspects in connection with the cases. We are going to transfer the suspects to SDCI, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“The police are fully in charge. The doctor’s corpse has been removed to a mortuary in Ijebu Ode.”
The spokesperson for LUTH, Kelechi Otuneme, confirmed that Adekoya-Cole was one of their surgeons.
He added that the hospital had yet to officially release a statement.
He said, “Yes, he is one of our consultant surgeons. We do not have an official statement yet. That might be done on Monday. But we have heard the news.”
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
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