society

Olowu Hails Gen Lagbaja On Army Week Celebration

Published

2 years ago

July 5, 2023

Olowu Hails Gen Lagbaja On Army Week Celebration

Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Hammeed Adekunle Makama Oyelude CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated the chief of army staff, Gen Taoreed Lagbaja for the successful hosting of this year edition of Army Day Celebration NADCEL 2023, the first as COAS.

The monarch in a statement issued by his media office on Thursday in Kuta, said Gen Lagbaja has acquainted himself credibly going by the support he is receiving from both serving and retired military officers.
According to Olowu, the Ilobu, Osun born Army general needs the support of all and sundry to succeed in the onerous task of fighting insecurity across the country.
Olowu says the military remains the strength and a uniting factor, adding that we must guide it with utmost care to ensure that our cohesion is not threatened.
” Our military is the symbol of our unity and cohesion. We must ensure that we continue to encourage our military to do more in their determination to rid the country of undesirable elements, causing chaos and those who want to make the country ungovernable. Many of our gallant soldiers have paid the supreme sacrifice, while others have become incapacitated simply to secure our land. This is the only way to give hope for the family of the bereaved and those fighting the unconventional war that their loved ones will not suffer in case of eventuality. Our military is our pride. Let’s appreciate them,” Olowu said.

society

Blood in the Bush: Man Butchers 14-Year-Old Girl in Abia Over Rejected Rape Attempt, Police Accused of Extortion

Published

4 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Blood in the Bush: Man Butchers 14-Year-Old Girl in Abia Over Rejected Rape Attempt, Police Accused of Extortion

A 14-year-old girl, Felicia Anaba, is in a coma at an undisclosed hospital in Abia State after she was macheted by a 33-year-old man, Chinazum Nwaubani, who allegedly attacked her in the bush for resisting his attempt to rape her.

The horrifying attack occurred in Obete Nchina village, Ntighauzo community, Obingwa Local Government Area, where Felicia and her twin brother had gone to fetch firewood. According to witnesses, the suspect approached the girl, demanded sex, and upon rejection, inflicted deep machete wounds on her head, leg, and arm before fleeing the scene. Her twin brother escaped and raised the alarm, leading villagers to find Felicia unconscious and soaked in blood.

Her father, Mr. Chijioke Anaba, has raised serious allegations against the Eastern Ngwa Police Division, claiming officers there demanded ₦30,000 before registering the case. “My daughter was unconscious and bleeding to death, and the police still wanted money before doing their job,” he said. “They told me the attacker might be mentally unstable — that’s false. He lives among us and is fully aware of his actions.”

The suspect, who is from the same village as the victim, has since been arrested. However, the family fears he may be released under claims of mental illness.

The Abia State Police Command has acknowledged the arrest but strongly denied any bribe demand. Police spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the Command has not received a formal complaint about the extortion and urged anyone with proof to come forward.

She confirmed the suspect attacked the twins, stating: “He ordered the girl to undress, and when she refused, he attacked her with a machete.” Police say investigations are ongoing, and the victim is receiving medical attention.

Mr. Anaba has appealed to the wife of the state governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to intervene and ensure justice is served, warning that his daughter may suffer permanent disability. “This is not just an assault. It was a murder attempt. If nothing is done, this man could strike again.”

The incident has reignited concerns over police corruption and the safety of young girls in rural communities, with residents demanding accountability and swift justice. The public is watching closely to see whether the system will punish a would-be rapist — or protect him.

society

ZAMFARA WOMAN FACES DEATH PENALTY FRIDAY FOR CONVERTING TO CHRISTIANITY

Published

4 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Sahara Weekly

ZAMFARA WOMAN FACES DEATH PENALTY FRIDAY FOR CONVERTING TO CHRISTIANITY

A wave of national outrage is building as 22-year-old Zainab Muhamadu prepares to face trial this Friday in a Zamfara Sharia Court for one reason: she left Islam and embraced Christianity.

Zainab’s alleged crime, apostasy, has stirred fierce debate across the country and beyond, with legal experts, human rights defenders, and religious communities warning that Nigeria is teetering on the edge of a full-blown constitutional crisis. Family sources say her ordeal began after she encountered Pastor Samuel, an NYSC member deployed to her community, whose kindness and open sharing of his Christian faith deeply impacted her. The two formed a spiritual bond that would ultimately change—and now threaten—her life.

Her decision to convert sparked immediate backlash. She was arrested by local authorities and is now facing trial under Sharia law, where apostasy is treated as a capital offence. Yet Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, including the right to change one’s faith. Rights advocates argue that her prosecution violates that very principle.

“This is not just a case about Zainab,” said a human rights lawyer in Yola. “It’s a brutal referendum on Nigeria’s commitment to protect freedom of belief. If she dies for this, it won’t just be her blood on the ground—it will stain the conscience of the nation.”

Calls are mounting for urgent intervention, as fears grow that Zainab’s right to a fair and impartial trial may be compromised in a judicial system heavily influenced by religious authorities. Legal teams are urgently working to have her case moved to a secular court, asserting that she should not be tried under Islamic law for a faith she no longer professes.

At the heart of the storm, Pastor Samuel is said to be under immense emotional and spiritual distress. Supporters are demanding protection for him amid rising tensions and threats.

Zainab’s case is not isolated—it is the chilling face of a wider clash between constitutional democracy and theocratic enforcement. As the clock ticks toward Friday, her life—and Nigeria’s moral standing—hang in the balance.

society

RAINFALL BREAKS PRISON WALL IN ILESA, SEVEN INMATES ESCAPE

Published

4 hours ago

May 21, 2025

Sahara Weekly

RAINFALL BREAKS PRISON WALL IN ILESA, SEVEN INMATES ESCAPE

An overnight downpour on Tuesday triggered the collapse of the perimeter wall at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun State, allowing seven inmates to escape under the cover of darkness.

According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the breach occurred around 2:00 a.m. as a result of structural failure caused by the heavy rain. The incident adds to a growing list of jailbreaks in Nigeria linked to poor infrastructure and extreme weather.

In a statement released by the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, authorities have launched a manhunt for the escapees and are working with other security agencies and local community leaders to bring them back into custody. The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and assured the public that all efforts are being made to recapture the fugitives.

The service is also appealing to the public for information that could help in locating the escapees. Citizens are urged to contact the nearest security agency or use the hotlines: 07087086005, 09060004598, or 08075050006.

This is the third major prison break in less than a year caused by adverse weather and failing infrastructure. In September 2024, a flood-induced wall collapse in Maiduguri led to the escape of 281 inmates, while in April 2024, rains in Suleja caused a similar breach that allowed 119 inmates to flee.

As security agencies intensify their search, Tuesday’s escape further underscores the urgent need to overhaul Nigeria’s aging and vulnerable correctional facilities.