Veteran Journalist & Newswatch Co-Founder Yakubu Mohammed Dies at 75

Veteran Nigerian journalist and media pioneer Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, co-founder of the iconic Newswatch Magazine, has died at the age of 75 after battling an illness in a Lagos hospital, his passing was confirmed on January 14, 2026 by close associates and media sources.

PRESS RELEASE

Gov. Ododo Mourns Yakubu Mohammed, Co-Founder of Newswatch Magazine

Kogi State, 14 January 2026 – Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed, co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, and to the Nigerian Union of Journalists over the passing of the veteran journalist and elder statesman.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described Mohammed as a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria and a proud son of Dekina Local Government Area, whose contributions to nation-building went beyond the media space.

“As a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed belonged to a rare generation of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism, and integrity in Nigerian journalism. He was a man whose influence shaped public discourse and strengthened accountability in our democracy,” the Governor said.

Governor Ododo highlighted Mohammed’s instrumental role in establishing Newswatch in the mid-1980s alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu, and Dan Agbese, noting that the magazine marked a turning point in Nigerian media history by setting enduring standards for investigative reporting and editorial independence.

The Governor also acknowledged Mohammed’s distinguished public service record, including his tenure as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and his invaluable contributions to the development of Kogi State.

“His love for Kogi State was evident in his commitment to its growth and his willingness to serve in different capacities. He was a bridge-builder, a mentor to many, and a voice of conscience in national affairs,” Governor Ododo added.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul eternal rest and comforts his family and all who mourn his loss.

Ondo State Police Arrest 53-Year-Old Woman and Her Son for Alleged Plot to Use 10-Year-Old Boy for Money Ritual in Ile-Oluji

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old woman, identified as Maria, and her 28-year-old son, Adewale, over an alleged attempt to use a 10-year-old boy for money ritual activities in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State. The suspects were apprehended on December 27 by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit following a tip-off from a vigilant resident who reported suspicious ritual-related movements.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the swift intervention of the police foiled the alleged ritual plan and led to the successful rescue of the child, who has since been taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to engage a herbalist to carry out money ritual practices using the boy.

The suspects are currently in police custody and reportedly confessed to the crime, while investigations are ongoing ahead of their arraignment in court. The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, commended the SWAT operatives for their professionalism and emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing. He also warned parents, especially mothers, against involvement in criminal acts and urged them to instill values of hard work and integrity in their children, while calling on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.

EFCC Arraigns Three Indian Nationals, One Nigerian in Kwara Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust at KAM Steel Company

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside an Ilorin-based dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, before the Kwara State High Court over alleged conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. The defendants, who were employees of KAM Steel Integrated Company Limited, are accused of conspiring between November 2024 and September 2025 to unlawfully divert steel rebars entrusted to them by the company. They pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge under Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. While the EFCC opposed bail on grounds of flight risk, particularly due to the involvement of foreign nationals, the court ordered their remand and adjourned the matter to December 19, 2025, for ruling on the bail applications.

Kwara High Court Remands Three Indian Nationals and One Nigerian Over Alleged Criminal Breach of Trust in EFCC Case

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has remanded three Indian nationals—Lalit Sarwat, Ravi Raghavendra and Gagan Sarswat—alongside a Nigerian dispatch manager, Oniyide Samuel, over alleged criminal breach of trust. The defendants were arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust, contrary to Sections 97 and 314 of the Penal Code. Justice Sulaiman Akanbi ordered that the accused be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending further proceedings.

BREAKING NEWS: Africa Unveils Groundbreaking HIV-Prevention Injection.
Lenacapavir, taken twice a year, has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV transmission by more than 99.9 percent, making it functionally akin to a powerful vaccine. South Africa, Eswatini, and Zambia to begin administering today

HUGE NEWS: Iryna’s Law just took FULL EFFECT in North Carolina — cashless bail is officially ELIMINATED for a swath of crimes.

The law ensures MANY more dangerous criminals can’t just be released by liberal judges.

We won’t forget you, Iryna Zarutska.

Singer Sean Kingston Sentenced to 42 Months in Prison Over $1M Fraud Scheme.

Singer Sean Kingston has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for his role in a $1 million wire fra¥d scheme.

On August 15, Kingston, born Kisean Paul Anderson, received a 42-month sentence in Southern Florida and was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, according to court documents.

His mother, Janice Turner, was sentenced three weeks earlier to five years in prison for her involvement in the same case. Turner’s legal team has filed an appeal. In March, a jury found Kingston, 35, and Turner, 62, guilty on all counts after a five-day trial.

The pair were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fra¥d and four counts of wire fra¥d. Both still face separate state-level charges in Florida after Kingston’s home was raided by a SWAT team in May 2024. Kingston rose to fame with hits like Beautiful Girls, Fir£ B¥rning, Take You There, and his 2010 collaboration Eenie Meenie with Justin Bieber.

Police Arrest Two Soldiers, 19 Suspected Cultists In Ogun Midnight Raid

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 21 suspected cultists, including two soldiers, during a midnight raid at a hotel in Osiele, Abeokuta. The operation, which followed credible intelligence, targeted members of the Aiye confraternity.

Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola said the raid was carried out by a joint task force from the Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, Anti-Cultism Unit, and SWAT, led by SP Adejoh Israel. Recovered items include a locally fabricated firearm, a branded axe, and blue berets — all linked to cult activity.

The suspects have been transferred to the State CID Anti-Cultism Unit at Eleweran for further investigation. Police urged the public to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activity, assuring continued action to secure communities statewide.

Midnight Raid Drama: Ogun Police Arrest 22 Suspected Cultists Including Two Soldiers at Abeokuta Hotel

In a bold midnight sting, the Ogun State Police Command arrested 22 suspected cultists, including two serving soldiers, during a covert operation at Hilton Hotel, Osiele, Abeokuta, on Friday, July 25, 2025.

According to a statement by CSP Omolola Odutola, the raid—executed at 8:20 PM—was based on credible intel that members of the Aiye confraternity had gathered at the location for a secret meeting.

The joint task force, led by SP Adejoh Israel, comprised operatives from the Odeda and Aregbe Divisions, Anti-Cultism Unit, and SWAT. Recovered from the suspects were:

A cut-to-size locally made gun

A UTC axe

Several blue berets identified with the Aiye cult group


Among those arrested were 19 male suspects, 3 females, and 2 soldiers.

All suspects have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation. The operation was swift and no casualties were recorded.

The police urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the war against cultism intensifies in Ogun State.


#OgunRaid #CultismInNigeria #AiyeConfraternity #SWAT #OgunPolice #MidnightArrest

Trump’s govt sends US convicts, other third-country deportees to Southern Africa’s Eswatini.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that a deportation flight carrying immigrants from various countries has landed in Eswatini, Southern Africa — marking one of the first such removals following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to lift restrictions on third-country deportations.

In late June, the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Trump administration, allowing it to resume deporting migrants to countries other than their own without offering them the opportunity to present evidence of potential harm.

The ruling bolstered President Donald Trump’s aggressive approach to immigration enforcement.

“A safe third country deportation flight to Eswatini in Southern Africa has landed — This flight took individuals so uniquely barbaric that their home countries refused to take them back,” U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said late on Tuesday.

McLaughlin, in a thread posted on social media platform X, identified five deportees on the flight originating from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba and Yemen.

She said the individuals had been convicted of serious crimes including child rape and murder.

Earlier this month, a top Trump administration official indicated in a memo that immigration authorities may carry out third-country deportations with as little as six hours’ notice.

While U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) typically gives at least 24 hours’ notice to migrants about their removal to a third country, the July 9 memo from acting ICE director Todd Lyons allows for expedited removals in “exigent circumstances,” provided the migrants are given an opportunity to speak with a lawyer.

The memo also stated that deportations could proceed to countries that have pledged not to torture or persecute migrants, bypassing the need for additional legal procedures.

The development suggests the Trump administration is prepared to ramp up its global deportation operations under the broadened legal framework.

Human rights groups have voiced concern over the potential erosion of due process protections under the new deportation measures, even as the Trump administration defends its policies as necessary for national security.