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EFCC arraigns ex-aide of Governor Okpebholo over alleged naira abuse

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Kelly Okungbowa, aka Ebo Stone, the suspended head of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, PSRT, has been arraigned in the Federal High Court on a two-count charge of naira abuse and mutilation.

Okungbowa was arraigned by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, 26 May 2025, before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City.

Ekwutosblog reports that Governor Monday Okpebholo had, on March 14, 2025, suspended the activities of PSRT and the embattled Kelly Okungbowa as its head due to several complaints received by the state government on allegations of extortion, harassment, and unruly behaviour by members of the team.

 

The activities of the agency were also suspended following the killing of a two-year-old girl over the alleged scuffle between some officials of PSRT and a commercial driver at the popular Oba Ovoranmwen Square.

Arraigning the Benin City-based socialite before the court, the anti-graft agency alleged that he had, on two different occasions while dancing with women in recreational centres in Benin City, sprayed a total of N300,000 and trampled on them in the process.

Count One of the charge reads: “That you, Kelly Okungbowa (m), sometime in November 2024 at Uyi Grand Marquee Event Centre, Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing with ‘Mummy Shallipopi,’ tampered with the total sum of N200,000 notes of N500 denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by spraying the same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”

Count Two reads: “That you, Kelly Okungbowa (m), on or about the 9th day of March 2025 at a lounge/bar owned by you, located at Ihama Road, Benin City, Edo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, whilst dancing with some young ladies, tampered with the sum of N100,000 notes of N200 denomination, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria, by spraying same and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(3) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007 and punishable under Section 21(1) of the same Act.”

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Francis Jirbo, prayed the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel, C. B. Ogiegbaen, informed the court of a pending bail application for the defendant, which has been served on the prosecution.

The court, however, stood down the case, and when the matter came up again at about 4 pm, the judge informed the parties that the day was far spent and adjourned the matter to Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

The court therefore released the defendant to his lawyer upon undertaking in writing to produce him in court on the adjourned date for the consideration of his bail application.

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11 more arrested over Ozoro “r@ping festival”

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The police in Delta state have arrested eleven more suspects over the sexu@l ass@ults recorded during what was described as a “r@ping festival” in Oramudu Quarters in Ozoro last Thursday, March 19.

In a statement released on Saturday, March 21, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the incident.

Edafe said operatives of CP-SAT conducted a thorough analysis of available video evidence and intelligence, leading to the arrest of eleven additional suspects identified as Samson Atukpodo, Steven ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others. Edafe mentioned that these latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody in connection with the incident to fifteen (15)

“The Command reiterates that preliminary findings indicate that the unfortunate incident was perpetrated by criminal elements who exploited the situation to engage in acts of sexu@l v!olence, which are in no way representative of any legitimate cultural practice.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, condemns these acts in totality and reassures the public that the Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure that all those involved are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, are once again encouraged to come forward with credible information that will aid ongoing investigations. The Command assures that all information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality.”the statement in part reads

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So Sad: Father Dies While Rescuing Daughter From Midnight Fire, Both Perish in Minna Tragedy (Photos)

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A father’s ultimate act of love has ended in heartbreak after a devastating midnight fire claimed both his life and that of his six-year-old daughter in Minna, Niger State, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.

The tragedy struck at approximately 2am on March 2, 2026, when fire broke out at the residence of Ikechukwu Michael Njoku, 45, situated within the premises of St. Andrew Anglican Church in the Sabon Gari area of Minna.

According to accounts shared on Facebook by family acquaintance Offor Oscar Onyinye, Njoku was jolted awake by the smell of smoke and the sight of flames rapidly engulfing his home. Without pause for his own safety, he plunged into the inferno to rescue his young daughter, Esther, who was trapped inside the children’s room. Though he managed to pull himself out of the blaze, little Esther did not survive — she died instantly.

Njoku himself emerged from the fire with severe burns across his body. For nearly two weeks, he clung to life, battling his injuries at the IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna. His struggle ended on March 16, 2026, when he succumbed to his wounds — fourteen days after he had thrown himself into the flames for his child.

His wife and three other children survived the inferno but sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalised at IBB Specialist Hospital, where they continue to fight for recovery.

Father and daughter are to be laid to rest on March 27, 2026, in their ancestral hometown of Mebiokpa Okposi Ohozara in Ebonyi State.

“In just one night, a family lost so much — a father gone, a daughter gone, and others left in pain and trauma,” Onyinye wrote in a tribute that has since resonated widely across social media, with many describing Njoku as a hero whose love for his child knew no bounds.

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I Thought It Was A Joke — Nigerian Man Recounts What He Witnessed During “R@ping Festival” In Delta (Video)

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A video making rounds on social media has triggered widespread reactions after capturing a disturbing incident reportedly occurring in Ozoro, Delta State.

According to multiple posts online, there are claims that several women have been ass@ulted in the area during what some users are describing as a local gathering.

There are also warnings being shared online advising women and girls in the area to stay indoors, with concerns that those outside may be at risk. Some posts further allege that individuals who are unaware of the situation, including visitors and students, may have been affected.

Ozoro is home to Delta State University, and many online users have expressed concern about the safety of students and residents.

The situation has triggered widespread outrage, with many calling for urgent attention, proper investigation, and protection for those in the community.

Delta state police command, SP Bright Edafe, said the police has begun arresting some of the defaulting men.

Watch the video below..

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