Man Dies Trying to Rescue Toddler Who Fell Into Well in Lagos

A man has died while attempting to rescue a toddler who fell into a domestic well in Abule Egba, Lagos State, while efforts to recover the child’s body were eventually called off after a difficult search operation.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 20, at No. 4, Paul Street, inward Agbe Road, where the toddler, whose mother worked as a cleaner in the compound, reportedly fell into the well.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it received a distress call at 9:48 a.m. and immediately deployed its response team from the Igando Base.

According to a statement signed by the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, a member of the Hausa community in the area entered the well in an attempt to save the child but became trapped and was later recovered dead.

LASEMA, working with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force, launched a coordinated rescue operation despite the difficult conditions inside the well.

The agency said the rescuer’s remains were handed over to his relatives and members of the Hausa community for burial in line with their customs.

However, attempts to recover the toddler were unsuccessful because of the high water level and thick mud at the bottom of the well. Dewatering operations proved challenging, leading responders to bring in a specialist local diver for a final search.

According to LASEMA, the diver determined that the child’s body had sunk deep into the mud and could not be retrieved. Only one of the toddler’s shoes was recovered during the operation.

Following an expert assessment and consultations with the family and community leaders, the agency announced the conclusion of the search, with all emergency responders returning to their bases.

Oke-Osanyintolu expressed condolences to the affected families and the Hausa community, while acknowledging the man’s courage in risking his life in an attempt to save the toddler.

The Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also extended its condolences to the bereaved families.

LASEMA urged residents to ensure that wells and other openings within residential premises are properly covered, raised and secured, particularly in homes where young children live.

The agency also advised residents to contact emergency responders through its toll-free numbers, 767 and 112, rather than attempt dangerous rescue operations that could result in further casualties.

Ogun Police Arrest Four Officers Over Viral Ijagba-Ota Video

The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended four police officers following the circulation of a viral video showing officers in the company of a civilian in the Ijagba-Ota area of Ogun State.

The command announced the development on Sunday, October 18, 2026, stating that an investigation had commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babas e yi, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter.

The command said disciplinary procedures had also been initiated to determine the appropriate action after the facts of the incident had been established.

Ojajuni assured the public that any misconduct proven during the investigation would be addressed in line with established regulations, stressing that the command would not compromise on professional standards, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.

The police also thanked members of the public for drawing attention to the video and urged anyone with credible, first-hand information relevant to the investigation to cooperate with the authorities.

The command further cautioned the public against speculation and the circulation of unverified claims that could affect the investigation.

It reiterated its commitment to professional conduct, public trust and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State.

The police statement did not disclose the specific conduct captured in the video or the identities of the four officers. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

Alleged ₦110.4bn Kogi Fraud: Witness Says ₦1.425bn Was Used for Forex Transactions

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that ₦1.425 billion was used for foreign exchange transactions between December 2021 and February 2022.

The witness, a bureau de change operator, Jamilu Abdullahi, who testified as Prosecution Witness 19 (PW19), said the foreign currencies purchased through the transactions were delivered to Abba Adaudu.

Abdullahi gave the testimony on Thursday, October 15, 2026, before Justice Maryanne Anineh while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel Kemi Pinheiro, SAN.

During proceedings, the witness examined Exhibit AR, which contained transactions recorded between July 2021 and April 2022. He confirmed receiving cash lodgments of ₦10 million each made by Adaudu through the Lokoja branch, explaining that the payments were for foreign exchange transactions rather than gifts.

“My lord, I confirm the cash lodgments of Ten, Ten million Naira by Abba Adaudu from the Lokoja branch. My lord, I confirm I received the cash lodgments. It wasn’t for gift but for a forex transaction,” he told the court.

He said the transactions were intended for the purchase of United States dollars.

The witness also identified a transfer dated January 18, 2022, from Keyless Limited, which he said belonged to Adaudu. He maintained that the transfer was also meant for foreign exchange transactions.

Regarding cash lodgments of ₦9 million, ₦8 million and another ₦8 million recorded on February 22, 2022, in his name through the Lokoja branch, Abdullahi denied personally making the deposits, saying he had never visited the branch.

“In fact, I have never been to that branch in my life, but my name has been used as a beneficiary as any other person’s name can be used as the receiver, and it was a dollar transaction for Abba Adaudu,” he said.

He gave a similar explanation for multiple cash lodgments recorded against his name on March 10 and 11, 2022, insisting that the transactions were carried out on Adaudu’s behalf and that the names used in the transaction descriptions depended on Adaudu’s instructions.

Abdullahi told the court that he consistently handed the converted foreign currencies to Adaudu, sometimes at his own office and on other occasions at Adaudu’s office in Area 8, Garki, Abuja.

“My lord, I always send the converted forex to Abba Adaudu. All the transactions at the Lokoja were from Abba Adaudu,” he said.

The witness also identified Exhibit AK as his personal Access Bank account at the Aminu Kano branch in Abuja. He confirmed entries showing cash lodgments of ₦10 million each on December 29 and 30, 2021, and January 1 and 31, 2022, but maintained that the deposits were made by Adaudu for foreign exchange transactions.

On transfers involving Kunfayakun Global Limited, which he identified as his company, Abdullahi confirmed receiving ₦100 million from Keyless Nature Limited through FCMB, Zone 4, in 2021. He attributed the transfer to Adaudu.

He also identified a ₦400 million transfer through Keyless Nature Limited, which he said was made by Adaudu, as well as multiple transfers of ₦100 million each, totalling ₦600 million, from Ejadams Essence Limited on February 18, 2022. He told the court that Ejadams Essence Limited also belonged to Adaudu.

The testimony forms part of the prosecution’s ongoing case in the alleged ₦110.4 billion fraud trial involving Bello. Abdullahi’s evidence focused on the movement of funds and foreign exchange transactions he said were carried out on Adaudu’s behalf.

The allegations remain before the court, and the witness’s testimony does not, by itself, establish the guilt of the former governor or any other defendant.

NYSC Member Dies After Being Hit by Trailer in Ibadan Days After Resuming at Oyo Assembly

A serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Oluwatosin Abidakun, has died in a road accident involving an articulated truck in Ibadan, Oyo State, just days after resuming her primary assignment at the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Abidakun reportedly died on Monday after a trailer rammed into the motorcycle she was travelling on with another corps member around Agodi Gardens in Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The other corps member sustained injuries and was taken to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for treatment.

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed sadness over the incident, describing the death as a painful and devastating loss.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ogundoyin said Abidakun’s death was particularly heartbreaking because she had only recently begun her national service with hopes and aspirations for the future.

He extended his condolences to her family, friends and fellow corps members, while praying for the speedy recovery of the surviving victim.

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses alleged that the truck driver had earlier hit several vehicles around the Sango area before proceeding towards Agodi Gardens, where the fatal accident occurred.

One eyewitness claimed that the driver was attempting to flee after the earlier collisions, prompting motorists whose vehicles had been hit to pursue him.

The Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Dahunsi, confirmed the incident, stating that the female corps member died while the injured motorcycle rider was evacuated to UCH for medical attention.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about road safety and the dangers posed by articulated vehicles on busy roads.

Further details about the circumstances of the crash and any action against the truck driver were not provided in the account available at the time of reporting.

Court Strikes Out Forgery Charge Against Alleged Fake PFIPC DG

The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out an eight-count forgery charge against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who was described as the Director-General of the alleged non-existent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Justice Mohammed Umar terminated further proceedings in the case on Monday following an application by the Federal Government to withdraw the charge.

The government was represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation had reviewed the case file and identified issues that informed the decision to withdraw the charges.

Oyedepo told the court that the government planned to transfer the case to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory for a fresh arraignment.

He also argued that the alleged forged documents relating to the operation of the purported agency could be prosecuted at the FCT High Court rather than the Federal High Court.

The defendant’s counsel, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, did not oppose the application to strike out the charge.

Adeyemi was arrested on July 14 following a bench warrant issued by the court and had remained in detention since then. He was subsequently arraigned on allegations involving forgery, fraud and impersonation, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Following his plea, the court ordered his remand at Kuje Prison and scheduled further proceedings.

The defendant had also applied for bail, citing a contagious illness that he said required urgent medical attention from his doctors. However, the prosecution opposed the application, maintaining that government facilities were available to meet his medical needs.

The scheduled hearing of the bail application did not proceed following the withdrawal of the charge.

Among those previously listed as potential prosecution witnesses were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Paul Emmanuel; Jeremiah Imoukhede; and Ituah Sylvester.

Other proposed witnesses included civil servants from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Akimbo Shola and Adamu Balongu, as well as a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The Federal Government’s stated plan to pursue a fresh arraignment at the FCT High Court means the withdrawal of the charge at the Federal High Court should not be interpreted as an acquittal on the allegations.

Police Rescue 20 Prospective NYSC Corps Members Abducted in Imo

IMO STATE — The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has rescued 20 prospective NYSC corps members who were abducted in Imo State on October 1, 2026.

The victims were rescued on Wednesday, October 7, at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State following sustained search-and-rescue operations.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the rescued victims have been taken for medical assessment and necessary care.

The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, while coordinated operations involving the police and other security agencies continue across the area.

The Force said the operations are aimed at bringing all persons found culpable in the abduction to justice.

The Nigeria Police Force also appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and support, reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and property, responding promptly to security threats and collaborating with other security agencies.

Tinubu Declares Three-Day Mourning for Air Force Personnel Killed in Aircraft Crash

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Air Force personnel who died in an aircraft crash in Ondo State.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for Nigerian Air Force personnel who died in a military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State, on Monday, October 5, 2026.

The President also directed that national flags be flown at half-mast across the country as a mark of respect for the deceased officers.

The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, which was carrying 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed near a naval base in the Igbokoda area while travelling from Benin to Lagos.

In a condolence message to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Tinubu described the incident as a painful moment for the Armed Forces and the country.

“This is a painful moment for our Armed Forces and for the entire nation. Our Air Force personnel put their lives on the line every day to secure Nigeria. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” the President said.

Tinubu said he had been briefed by the Chief of Air Staff and directed the Nigerian Air Force to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.

He said the investigation should help prevent similar incidents in the future.

The President also commended the Nigerian Air Force for activating search and rescue operations following the crash.

The State House said the identities of the deceased personnel would be released by the Air Force after their families had been contacted.

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on October 5, 2026.

Military Aircraft Crashes in Ondo, 32 People Reportedly on Board

A military aircraft travelling from Benin to Lagos has crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State, after air traffic controllers lost contact with the aircraft on Monday morning.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the incident in a statement, saying air traffic controllers had earlier reported the disappearance of the aircraft with tail number NGR 931.

According to Keyamo, the aircraft was en route to Lagos from Benin when contact was lost at about 9:13 a.m.

“All efforts to raise the aircraft on radio proved abortive,” the minister said.

He added that subsequent information confirmed that the aircraft had crashed close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, with the wreckage located as search and rescue operations continued.

Preliminary information indicated that 25 passengers and seven crew members were on board, bringing the reported number of people aboard the aircraft to 32.

Keyamo said the regulation and control of military aircraft fall outside the authority of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Despite this, he said he had spoken with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, and pledged the ministry’s full cooperation and assistance with the ongoing search and rescue operation.

The minister said further information on the incident would be released as it becomes available.

27 Killed in Two Mass Shootings in South Africa Within Hours

At least 27 people have been killed and 26 others injured in two separate mass shootings in South Africa within hours of each other, as police continue a search for those responsible.

The first attack occurred on Saturday night at a tavern in Wedela, southwest of Johannesburg, where 17 people were killed and 15 others injured.

Police said eight gunmen, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols, opened fire on customers outside the tavern before continuing the attack inside. Two vehicles were also set on fire before the suspects fled.

Thirteen men and four women were among those killed, according to police.

Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni said people from Ethiopia and Lesotho were among those caught up in the attack, although most of the victims were South African.

Police have not established a definitive motive. Mthombeni said robbery was one line of investigation after personal belongings were reportedly taken, while authorities were also examining a possible connection to conflicts involving illegal mining groups.

Deputy provincial police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana also said investigators were considering whether the shooting could have been a retaliation for an earlier incident in which one person was killed and another wounded.

Police said they had photographs and, in some cases, names of people they were seeking in connection with the attack.

Hours later, another shooting occurred in Lwandle, near Cape Town, in the early hours of Sunday.

Ten people were killed and 11 others injured after gunmen opened fire at an entertainment venue. Five victims died at the scene, while another five later died in hospital.

No arrests had been announced in either shooting at the time of reporting, while police continued investigations into both attacks.

The two attacks came only days after another mass shooting near Durban in which 11 people were killed when gunmen reportedly stormed a house in the KwaMakhutha township.

South Africa has long struggled with high levels of violent crime and gun violence. Recent mass shootings have also raised concerns about violence linked to organised crime, gangs, drug trafficking and illegal mining.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has previously described organised crime as a major threat to South Africa and has backed increased security operations in areas experiencing high levels of violent crime.

The latest shootings have renewed concerns about the country’s struggle to contain firearm-related violence, with investigations into the latest attacks still ongoing.

LASTMA Warns Children, Teenagers Against Using Roller Skate Shoes on Public Roads

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has cautioned children, teenagers and young adults against using rolling skate shoes, wheeled footwear and similar recreational devices on public highways and other vehicular corridors.

The warning was issued by the authority over concerns that using footwear fitted with concealed or retractable wheels on roads could expose users to traffic-related dangers.

According to LASTMA, some users attempt to glide alongside moving vehicles, cross carriageways indiscriminately or manoeuvre through traffic without adequate protective equipment and adult supervision.

The authority noted that public roads are shared by motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and other road users, making them unsuitable for recreational activities involving wheeled devices.

LASTMA advised parents, guardians, schools and caregivers to discourage children and other vulnerable road users from using rolling skate shoes on highways, expressways, bridges, service lanes and other areas where vehicular traffic is permitted.

It urged users of such footwear to restrict skating activities to designated recreational areas, private compounds and other safe environments suitable for the activity.

The authority also recommended the use of protective equipment, including helmets, knee pads and elbow pads, when engaging in skating activities.

LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described road safety as a collective responsibility requiring vigilance, discipline and respect for the risks associated with public roads.

He stressed that the protection of human life should remain a priority and that recreational activities should not expose individuals or other road users to unnecessary danger.

LASTMA also urged motorists to exercise caution around children and young people using wheeled footwear, particularly in residential areas, estates and school zones where they may unexpectedly enter traffic.

The authority asked members of the public to report dangerous traffic situations, road obstructions, crashes, vehicle breakdowns and other incidents requiring traffic-management intervention through its toll-free short code, 3367.

LASTMA said it remains committed to promoting responsible road-user behaviour and improving road safety across Lagos State.

The statement was signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.