society
Rape of 13 Year- Old- Girl : Residents, Landlords , Gives Cool Tavern Relaxation Center A Clean Bill Over Alleged Complicity
By Ifeoma Ikem
Residents and Landlords Association in Egan area of Lagos, have given management of ‘The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center’, a clean bill over alleged complicity in the rape of a 13 -year – girl , Adepeju Adebayo. Absolving the hotel management of any wrongdoing, some residents who extolled the stalling qualities of the Chairman of the hotel, Engineer Gbenga Ajibulu ,said he has contributed immensely to the empowerment of youths and development in the area.
A Youth leader and mechanical Engineer, who identified himself as Kehinde Biodu,argued that from the stand point of what the hotel owner had done in the training,development and engaging the youths in positive programmes that have helped in curtailing their youthful exuberance, Ajibulu cannot be accused of creating any room for such dastardly acts perpetrated by Toheeb Mustapha and sukomi.
This is even as the landlords Association in the area have protested in solidarity of Engineer Ajibulu, while vouching on his integrity.
Speaking with Saharaweekly who visited the area on investigation, the Chairman of the Landlords Association, Mr. Vincent Ejeh, blamed the suspects who he confirmed are not residents in their area for dragging the name of their peaceful environment into the mud. ” We have seven streets making up our Association and since 2019 when this Center was established, we have not seen or heard of any untoward activity inimical or detrimental to our residents or youths”. “The hotel owner has been magnanimous enough to allow us to be using his hotel premises every first Saturdays of each month for our meeting and as parents, we have not seen or associated his hospitality center with any criminal or Anti social behaviours”. ” Besides, The Management of The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center ,was instrumental to why bad boys, criminal elements have relocated from our area.”
This he has done by collaborating with us and has contributed immensely towards security and street lighting of the major street.
Infact,Engineer Ajibulu, maintains a private security Personnel from Nelly Securities and some fierce looking bouncers that tend to ward off criminal elements in our area .
He has also financially assisted our Association greatly in the installation of the security gate and halogen energy lighting around his facility. ” Collaborating what Mr. Ejeh said, Vice chairman of the Group, Mr. Magnus Nnamdi Ogbue, regreted what he called the unfortunate and Ugly incident that took place on October 6th ,2020. Mr. Ogbue , who is a retired Civil servant, praised Ajibulu, for being a humble, gentle and easygoing de- tribalized Nigerian, who has allowed his cooperate social responsibility to benefit the entire community.”
In an interview with Engineer Ajibulu, he denied any alleged complicity by his management,describing the incident as a one off occurrence. According to him, ” The Rape gang deceived his staff by using a matured Lodger to book for the said room, subsequently, the legal lodger , sought for permission to be allowed to receive his family members in his room but unknown to the management, they had planned to commit the dastardly act.” “We never heard the girls’ screaming or any suspicious activity and never knew such happened until police invited us .
To make matters difficult for us, the victim did not complain or report the incident to our security officers”. he said. lamenting, Engineer Ajibulu suspected that the incident was a plot by some of the criminal elements that fled the area, after he engaged the police and other security Agencies to route them out, “they planned the incident to tarnish the good image of his hotel”. ” You know this Egan is backward and inhabited by many questionable characters, I am of the opinion that because of the security arrangements i had put in place in the wake of 2019 when we started operations, which made them flee the area, they are trying to fight back by plotting this crime”. He assured the Public that the Center have now tightened its security measures and operations, noting that sure incident would never re occur again” , he concluded .
It would be recalled that on October 6th, 2020, less than one week after the Inspector General Of Police , IGP Adamu Mohammad , vowed to apprehend fleeing suspects that gang raped and murdered 12 – year – Old Favour Ikechukwu at Ejigbo area of Lagos, Another minor , a 13- year – old JSS 3 student , Adepeju Adebayo, was allegedly subjected to a brutal and bloody rape,that left her partially paralyzed in the hospital.
The said gang rape which has elicited wide criticism and condemnation from residents, was said to have been perpetuated at The Cool Tavern Relaxation Center, Oremeji street, off Isuti road, Egan, Igando, by two suspects, Toheeb Mustapha and Sukomi, now on the run. Mustapha was said to have been arrested following resilience exhibited by the Igando Divisional Police Officer, CSP Taiwo Kasumu, and his operatives, whose prompt response, some residents said, led to the early apprehending of the kingpin, also known as ” Sir Small ” in the crime world Our undercover reporter who visited the hotel, reported that one of the fleeing gang member named Sukomi, alias “Ikamula or G33 ,a motor Mechanic by profession and ex student of Edu Grammar school, now residing at Ita Alhaji street, ikotun , had earlier booked a room in the hotel on Monday, October 5th, 2020, to prepare the ground for their dastardly actions.
On Tuesday afternoon, while the victim’s Mother had gone out in search of her family’s daily bread, “Sir Small ” said to be the gang leader and master mind of the rape, had creeped into the victim’s house and lured her into the hotel, where they were said to have taken turns in raping her, until she started bleeding profusely,coupled with the excruciating and agonizing pain she revealed, she felt on the lower region of her abdomen .
Sensing danger, the gang was said to have waited until night, as they quickly packaged and dumped their bleeding victim in front of her house.
According to a resident, who spoke to our reporter on the grounds of anonymity, for fear of reprisal attack, he said, “When we assisted the Police to arrest the fleeing ” Sir Small” , the gang leader,he confirmed that he is a Generator mechanic and a resident of Alfa Igonna street, Odo, Egan.
He claimed to have graduated from Russell Grammar school in 2018, where he said he met the girl they raped. though he said that they were not friends back then.” Our Source also stated that the 20 years old suspect, “Sir small ” who confessed to the crime,denied any ritual connotation or deployment of charms or “juju” in perpetrating the crime.Also claimed he re established contact with the victim, two years after he left school , through her phone contact that he collected from the victims school mate.
According to one of our source, the master mind of the rape said he regretted his actions while the victim was protesting, however he denied that the girl was a virgin before the rape . At the Isuti Road Health Center, where the victim was initially rushed to,due to what a nurse described as excessive bleeding, Adepo was seen soaked in her own blood, while reeling in pains. She was said to have told her now distraught mother, that she met ” Sir Small ” on Facebook before the incident.
A hospital source confirmed that despite the bleeding and pain the victim was undergoing, she was stitched three places on her virgina , before she was transferred to Mirabel medical facility last Friday for further investigations and treatment. Mustapha, was on Monday, October 12th, 2020, arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court for defilement by the Igando police Division .
Gov. Peter Mbah @54: From Campaign Vision to Transformational Leadership in Enugu State
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
“From Campaign Promises to Measurable Impact: How Gov. Peter Mbah is Transforming Enugu State Ahead of His 54th Birthday”
Governor Peter Mbah is being celebrated on March 16, 2026, ahead of his 54th birthday tomorrow, March 17, 2026, for his visionary leadership, developmental initiatives, and enduring impact on Enugu State.
Mbah began his journey to the governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2022 primaries, running on a platform of economic revitalisation, security enhancement, education reform, healthcare expansion, and youth empowerment. His campaign emphasized making Enugu State a business-friendly, investment-ready, and socially inclusive environment, promising policies to raise the state’s economy significantly while improving living standards for citizens.
Elected governor on March 18, 2023, and sworn in on May 29, 2023, Mbah immediately began translating campaign promises into action. Within months, his administration launched strategic initiatives across multiple sectors, reflecting a commitment to governance that is both pragmatic and people-focused.
Security and Public Safety
One of Mbah’s first priorities was enhancing security. He established AI-powered command centers, modern surveillance systems, and rapid response squads, reducing crime rates and making Enugu a model for safety in the region. Citizens and investors alike have praised these measures for creating a secure environment that encourages commerce and tourism.
Education and Healthcare
Mbah has made education and healthcare cornerstones of his administration. The state now boasts 260 Smart Green Schools equipped with ICT labs and digital learning tools. In healthcare, he constructed 260 Primary Healthcare Centres, ensuring that communities across the state have access to essential medical services. His policies reflect a vision of equitable development and human capital empowerment.
Infrastructure and Urban Renewal
Under his leadership, nearly 1,000 km of roads have been completed or rehabilitated, while urban centers have undergone significant renewal. Water schemes long neglected were revitalized to provide reliable supply, and waste management initiatives have improved public sanitation across the state. Mbah’s administration also prioritizes long-term city planning, with projects like the International Conference Centre and future smart city developments underway.
Economic Reform and Revenue Generation
Digitization has been central to Mbah’s economic reforms. Land and tax systems were modernized, broadening the revenue base and improving transparency, all without imposing new taxes. These measures have attracted investors and strengthened the state’s economy, demonstrating that governance can be efficient, accountable, and growth-oriented.
Transport and Aviation
Mbah launched Enugu Air and upgraded urban transport infrastructure, including modern bus terminals and a fleet of CNG-powered buses, easing mobility for residents and creating new employment opportunities.
Leadership Style and Legacy
Described by analysts as a “talk and do” leader, Mbah combines strategic planning with direct engagement at the grassroots level. His cabinet has been restructured to align with developmental goals, including the creation of a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to harness local potential. These steps demonstrate a focus on long-term, sustainable governance.
As he celebrates his 54th birthday on March 17, 2026, stakeholders and citizens honor a leader whose tenure has consistently prioritized progress, inclusivity, and citizen welfare. Supporters have even suggested endorsing him as a sole candidate in the 2027 elections, reflecting confidence in his leadership and track record.
Governor Mbah’s journey from campaign promises to tangible achievements illustrates a governance model grounded in vision, action, and accountability; an enduring legacy for Enugu State and a benchmark for Nigerian leadership.
society
SUPERSTAR7EVEN RELEASES ‘OMO TO SHUN / SORRY’, A POWERFUL TWO-TRACK PROJECT INTRODUCING A LIFESTYLE-LED ERA
SUPERSTAR7EVEN RELEASES ‘OMO TO SHUN / SORRY’, A POWERFUL TWO-TRACK PROJECT INTRODUCING A LIFESTYLE-LED ERA
Lagos, Nigeria – Superstar7even, the rising Lagos-based artist, has dropped her latest project, ‘Omo to Shun / Sorry’, a two-track release that marks the beginning of her journey as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. This release is the first phase of a larger body of work scheduled for later this year, setting the stage for a trailblazing career.
‘Omo to Shun / Sorry’ is more than just a music release – it’s a narrative experience. The two tracks are designed to be experienced together, telling a story of confidence, ambition, and personal independence. ‘Omo to Shun’ is an anthem of self-assurance, capturing the essence of everyday moments where confidence is expressed through presence, not performance. ‘Sorry’ shifts the focus to the importance of hard work, financial autonomy, and long-term vision, creating a cohesive storyline that showcases Superstar7even’s artistic depth.
This project is supported by a three-month rollout strategy that prioritizes community engagement and fan participation. The campaign spans digital platforms, campus networks, radio appearances, and offline touchpoints in student-led environments, encouraging fans to interpret, share, and connect with the music on a deeper level.
“We wanted to create a release that would spark a conversation, not just about the music, but about the lifestyle and values that Superstar7even represents,” said the artist. “This is just the beginning, and we’re excited to share our journey with our fans.”
‘Omo to Shun / Sorry’ is available on all major streaming platforms. Join the movement and experience the sound of confidence, ambition, and modern independence.
*About Superstar7even*
Superstar7even is a Lagos-based artist whose work explores themes of confidence, ambition, and personal independence. Her releases are structured as long-form narratives, emphasizing continuity, audience participation, and cultural relevance.
*Connect with Superstar7even:*
Instagram: @Superstar7even
TikTok: @Superstar7even
X: @thatgirl7even
Coalition urges IGP to rebuild public confidence on Nigerian police
…Seeks investigation of AIG Moshood time in Lagos
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in collaboration with the Centre for Citizens’ Rights has urged the Inspector General of Police to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the President of the Coalition, Adeyemi Olorunsogo and its Secretary, Kolawole Abe Emmanuel, said Nigerians expect professionalism, impartiality, and accountability from the leadership of the Force.
The Coalition expressed concern over consistent and clear repeated interference of the Lagos police command in matters that are purely civil in nature, and actions that suggest a troubling pattern of bias in the handling of sensitive disputes.
It said: “Over the past few weeks, our coalition has repeatedly drawn the attention of the public to the disturbing conduct of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos State, particularly under the leadership of the immediate past Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olorundare Jimoh Moshood.
“We, therefore, call on the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police to exercise utmost caution in the deployment and assignment of senior officers, particularly in situations where their previous conduct has generated serious public concern.
“We note that Mr. Moshood has now been posted away from Lagos. We also acknowledge the appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Tunji Disu, whose professional reputation in intelligence-led policing, crime management and strategic leadership has earned him public respect.
“In view of this new leadership and in the hope that professionalism and accountability will define the next phase of policing in Nigeria, this coalition has resolved to suspend its earlier planned protest until further notice.
“In situations where the police ought to remain neutral and professional, the conduct of the former Commissioner appeared to tilt the scale in favour of certain interests, thereby undermining public confidence in the impartiality of law enforcement.
“In February 2026, without a valid court order, without a formal invitation, and without a lawful warrant of arrest, the former Commissioner reportedly declared Alhaji Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi wanted for murder.
“This declaration arose in the context of a family and community land dispute involving factions within the Ajiran community. Allegations bordering on murder is a very sensitive one as it does not only speak to law but sanctity of life and one accused of such if not cleared carries a life time burden.
“Following that declaration, the property of Alhaji Akanbi was reportedly destroyed by individuals who allegedly operated under the protection and watch of officers of the Lagos State Police Command.
“The Nigeria Police Force must never be seen as taking sides in private civil disputes. The integrity of law enforcement depends on neutrality, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law.
“Declaring a citizen wanted without a lawful warrant, proper investigation, or court order raises serious concerns about abuse of police authority and must never become a precedent in a democratic society.
“While promotions within the Police Force fall under the authority of the Police Service Commission, we believe that officers whose actions have generated significant public concern should be carefully scrutinized before being entrusted with greater responsibility.
“The appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police presents an opportunity to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. Nigerians expect professionalism, impartiality, and accountability from the leadership of the Force.
“Civil society exists to hold power accountable. Our intervention is not political; it is a duty to protect the rule of law and defend the rights of citizens. We wish the new Inspector-General of Police success in his assignment and urge him to live up to the expectations of millions of Nigerians who desire a police force that is professional, impartial, and accountable.”
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