Police Detain Osun Activists Over Report of Deadly Stampede at APC Aspirant Bola Oyebamiji’s Residence

The Nigerian Police have detained civic activists in Osun State following their reports of an alleged stampede that reportedly claimed three lives during a food distribution event at the Ikire residence of All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Bola Oyebamiji. The arrests have sparked widespread concern over freedom of expression, civic reporting, and due process.

According to family sources, Mr. Abiodun Adegoke, National Coordinator of the Concerned Citizens of Nigeria (CCN), was arrested in Osogbo after publishing claims about a December 27, 2025 incident in which a stampede allegedly occurred during the distribution of rice and cash gifts. He had reportedly called on security agencies to investigate the incident and maintained that he possessed verifiable information and community accounts. Instead of being invited for questioning, he was allegedly arrested without prior engagement, denied bail, and faced possible transfer to Abuja without a court order.

In a separate statement, the CCN condemned the arrest of another member, Mr. Iyiola Monsuru, describing it as an attack on freedom of expression and civic responsibility. The group said the stampede reportedly happened in the early hours of the morning during the distribution of food items and envelopes allegedly containing ₦2,000, leading to the deaths of a woman, Mrs. Buli Balogun (popularly known as Iya Eleelo), and two other persons.

The organisation emphasized that incidents involving loss of life should be thoroughly investigated rather than suppressed, warning that arresting citizens for reporting such matters undermines democratic accountability. CCN demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its members and urged security agencies to conduct a transparent, impartial investigation into the alleged deaths.

SaharaReporters learned that the arrests followed a social media post titled “Three Feared Dead At Bola Oyebamiji’s Residence In Ikire,” in which Adegoke called for an official probe and appealed to Osun residents to demand a full account of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The development has intensified national debate around police conduct, political pressure, human rights, and the shrinking space for civic engagement in Nigeria, particularly as the 2026 Osun State governorship election approaches.

Delta Police Rearrest, Detain Church Worshipper Granted Bail After Alleged ₦200,000 Extortion Under DCP Adejobi Olumuyiwa’s Watch in Asaba

The Delta State Police Command has reportedly rearrested and detained a church worshipper who was earlier granted bail after being among dozens of people randomly arrested on New Year’s Eve in Asaba. The operation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, targeted more than 40 individuals, many of whom were worshippers attending or returning from crossover night church services across different parts of the state capital.

According to police sources, the suspects—arrested at locations including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road—were later handed over to the Eagle Net unit. While the police described them as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, multiple detainees told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were allegedly framed and extorted before being released on bail. Some claimed they were forced to pay between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 to secure their freedom.

One of those rearrested, Benjamin Eboka, a staff member of the Delta State Fire Service, was reportedly invited back to the command under the pretext of retrieving his impounded vehicle, only to be detained again. Sources said he was accused of leaking details of the alleged extortion to the media, even though he denied speaking to any journalist. His arrest, they alleged, was ordered by the DCP Operations.

Eboka had originally been arrested alongside friends while driving to a church service on DLA Road. As of the time of reporting, he remained in custody, sparking renewed allegations of intimidation, abuse of power, and corruption within the command. The incident has prompted calls for the Commissioner of Police to intervene, investigate the alleged extortion, and ensure the unconditional release of the detained worshipper, as concerns grow over police conduct and the treatment of innocent citizens in Delta State.

BREAKING: APC Senator Kelvin Chukwu Caught on Video Assaulting Constituent During Football Tournament in Enugu as Security Operatives Look On

A serving senator of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kelvin Chukwu, representing Enugu East Senatorial District, has come under intense public scrutiny after video footage emerged showing him physically assaulting a constituent during a football competition in Enugu State. The incident, which occurred during the final match of a community football tournament organised by the lawmaker on January 3, 2026, was exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters.

The videos show Senator Chukwu visibly angry, engaging in a heated confrontation with the constituent before pursuing him outside the football pitch and slapping him, while armed security operatives attached to the senator reportedly watched without intervening. Another clip also captured one of the senator’s security aides assaulting the same individual, who was later arrested and detained despite being the victim of the attack.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the assault followed a minor disagreement during the match, accusing the senator of staging the football competition mainly for political reasons ahead of upcoming elections. The incident has sparked outrage, raising serious concerns about abuse of power, police conduct, and the role of security personnel in protecting public office holders rather than citizens.

Senator Chukwu, who recently defected from the Labour Party to the APC, was elected in 2023 following the assassination of his elder brother, Oyibo Chukwu. The latest development has reignited debates about accountability, political violence, and the treatment of constituents by elected officials in Nigeria.

Nigerian Police Inspector’s Alleged Accidental Discharge Kills Man at Calabar Drinking Spot, Inspector Arrested

A 40-year-old man, Sunday Ejimot, was shot dead in Calabar, Cross River State, following an alleged accidental discharge from a police inspector’s service pistol. The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, around 1:40 pm at a drinking spot along Asimita Road, Ikot Ansa, where Inspector Atimbang Ojogwu, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), was reportedly drinking with members of his community. The inspector allegedly forgot the pistol was already cocked and accidentally fired, hitting Ejimot in the neck. The victim was rushed to Navy Reference Hospital Mine but was confirmed dead on arrival. Authorities have disarmed and arrested the inspector, while the deceased’s body has been taken to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) morgue for preservation and autopsy. The incident has sparked concerns over police conduct and firearm safety in Nigeria.

Kaduna Trader Arrested for Criticizing Governor Sani’s Flouting of Presidential VIP Security Order Released After Detention

Abubakar Idris, popularly known as Comrade Danhabu, a trader from Kaduna, was arrested in early December for a Facebook post criticizing Governor Uba Sani’s alleged failure to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive on the withdrawal of police protection for top officials. In his post, Danhabu highlighted that key state officials, including commissioners, the Chief of Staff, and the Speaker, continued to enjoy police escorts despite the presidential order. Arrested at his market and interrogated by the Commissioner of Police, Danhabu was initially remanded in a magistrate court until January 13, 2026. His detention sparked concern among his family, including his elderly mother and two children. After widespread attention, Danhabu has now been released. The case underscores ongoing tensions over freedom of speech, enforcement of presidential directives, and police conduct in Nigeria.

#KadunaTraderArrest #FreedomOfSpeechNigeria #VIPSecurityControversy

Police nab couple, woman with pistol in Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested a couple and another woman for allegedly being in unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol.

According to available information, the incident occurred in the Ipaja area of the state, where police officers attached to the division intercepted two women and conducted a search on their belongings, leading to the recovery of the firearm.

Spokesperson for the Lagos Police command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest in a post shared via his X handle, on Tuesday.

He said the arrest came after a routine but non-intrusive search by operatives, countering possible public misinterpretations of police conduct.

“See these police officers harassing two ladies, insisting on searching their bags…’ That would have been the narrative,” Hundeyin wrote, apparently referring to how the incident could have been portrayed online.

“After a cursory and non-intrusive look at the contents of their bags, this semi-automatic pistol was found in their possession by police officers of Ipaja Division.

“One of the ladies led the police to the owner of the firearm – her husband.

“Case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

“One less illegal firearm in circulation. #LagosPoliceNG is your friend!” he added.

The identities of the suspects were not disclosed as of press time, but the command said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearm and the motive for possessing it.