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Kidnapped Bayelsa Commissioner Federal Otokito regains freedom

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KIDNAPPED BAYELSA COMMISSIONER

 

Kidnapped Bayelsa State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Federal Otokito, has regained his freedom.

The commissioner, who bore noticeable bruises on his body, was said to have been seriously tortured by his abductors.

He regained his freedom five days after he was kidnapped from his Otuokpoti community residence in Ogbia Local Government Area of the State.

The Bayelsa Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa Okolo, and the State Director of the State Security Services, Mr. Mohammed Abdullahi, presented, Mr. Otokito to Governor Douye Diri on Monday evening at Government House, Yenagoa.

Addressing Government House Correspondents after his release, Diri announced the deposition of the Otuokpoti community paramount ruler, Chief A.C.T Wongo and appointed Chief Rescue Abe, in acting capacity.

The governor also announced the sacking of the Community’s Development Committee, CDC, chairman, Azibalua Amon, and replaced him with Jerry Offor in acting capacity, while the youth President Emolem Igue was also removed and replaced with Shedrach Afiemo.

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Investigation revealed that they were complicit in the kidnap of the Commissioner.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as reiterating the state government’s zero tolerance to crime and kidnapping.

Diri warned all those who see kidnapping as a business to desist as his government would not hesitate to invoke the extant laws and make state uncomfortable for criminal elements.

He called on all community leaders to remain vigilant and ensure that peace prevailed in their communities as government would not hesitate to sanction anyone found wanting in the discharge of their duties.

Diri, who said preliminary investigation revealed that illegal refining of crude was connected to the kidnap, warned all those involved in such business in the state to stop forthwith.

The state Governor thanked security agencies and all those who availed the government of useful information that led to the release of the commissioner, assuring that his government would continue to make Bayelsa safe for all residents.

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His words: “I like to thank God that a member of the state exco who was kidnapped is now here with us. I like to also thank the security agencies and all other sources that helped in securing the release of the commissioner.

“Investigation is still ongoing. So we appeal to all in Otuokpoti to keep the peace and security agencies will keep an eagle eye on Otuokpoti and environs.

“Bayelsa will not condone crime and criminality. We have zero tolerance for crime. Let this be a warning to all those who have taken that as a way of life that Bayelsa is not a state for them.

“We have anti-kidnapping laws and they will be invoked at all times. As a government, we will do everything to ensure peace for people of the state.”

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Nebolisa, declared Joshua Abi, Clergy Mabinton, Gift Tebeda and Azin Azin wanted in connection with the kidnap.

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In his remarks, the rescued commissioner, Mr. Federal Otokito, thanked Governor Diri, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and all those who worked for his release.

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Mother, son escape death as Lexus SUV somersaults in Lagos road crash

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A mother and her son narrowly escaped death early Wednesday morning after a Lexus sport utility vehicle they were traveling in overturned multiple times at the NYSC Bus Stop along the LASU–Isheri Expressway, in Lagos.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), preliminary findings indicate that the Lexus with registration number KJA 39 JT, travelling from Isheri towards Igando, lost stability and somersaulted three times before coming to rest amid heavy peak-hour traffic on the busy corridor.

LASTMA operatives stationed in the area swiftly mobilised to the scene and carried out a coordinated rescue operation. The occupants—a woman and her son—were safely extricated from the badly damaged vehicle with minor bruises and signs of mild shock, averting what could have been a fatal incident.

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Igando Division, provided security support, effectively controlling the crowd and securing the scene throughout the rescue and evacuation process.

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Family members later arrived and transported the victims to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.

To prevent secondary crashes and ease congestion along the heavily trafficked route serving the Lagos State University axis, LASTMA coordinated the prompt removal of the wrecked vehicle, assisted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The vehicle was subsequently handed over to the police for investigation and necessary administrative procedures.

Commenting on the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed relief that no life was lost.

He wished the victims a speedy recovery and reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to rapid emergency response, effective traffic control, and sustained road safety enforcement.

Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to strictly adhere to speed limits and to conduct routine vehicle checks, particularly of critical components such as the braking system, before embarking on any journey.

He warned that excessive speed, when combined with mechanical faults, remains a major cause of severe road accidents on expressways.

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Man electrocuted while vandalising electricity transformer in Anambra

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A yet-to-be-identified cable thief has met his Waterloo after he was electrocuted while vandalising electricity equipment belonging to FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited at Ogechukwu Street, Awka, the Anambra State capital.

The cable thief was reportedly operating at a transformer substation in the area and had finished cutting the cable when a heavy explosion occurred, electrocuting him.

According to reports, the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, when the lifeless body was discovered on the floor of the substation, while personnel of the electricity distribution company assessed the situation.

A press statement issued by the Head of Communications of FirstPower, Izunna Okafor, confirmed the incident and appealed to residents and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around electricity installations to FirstPower.

He said the Anambra State Police Command had been contacted, evacuated the body, and commenced further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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The statement read in part, “FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited confirms an unfortunate incident that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Ogechukwu Street, Awka, involving the electrocution of a suspected vandal.

“Preliminary reports indicate that a heavy explosion occurred at a transformer substation within the area. Upon further assessment, it was discovered that the explosion resulted from unlawful tampering with FirstPower’s electricity network infrastructure by a suspected vandal dressed in security uniform.

“The yet-to-be-identified individual was immediately electrocuted in the process.

“The operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have been contacted, evacuated the corpse from the scene, and commenced further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

In his reaction, the Managing Director of FirstPower, Okechukwu Okafor, condemned acts of vandalism and energy theft, which continue to undermine efforts to provide stable and reliable electricity in Anambra State.

*”Beyond the significant financial losses and service disruptions caused by such criminal activities, they also endanger the lives of perpetrators and innocent members of the public.

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“FPEDL also appeals to residents and community leaders to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around electricity installations via 08161652465 (WhatsApp or SMS), or to the nearest security agency.

“Protecting power infrastructure is a collective responsibility, and community cooperation remains vital in safeguarding assets meant to serve the public good.

“FirstPower remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and improved electricity services to our customers. We will continue to work closely with security agencies and stakeholders to curb vandalism and ensure adequate protection of our network facilities,” Okafor added.

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US-based Nigerian fashion designer shot dead by drunk man in New York nightclub

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One Sheriff Shittu, a 30-year-old Nigerian fashion designer based in the United States, has been shot dead following an altercation with a drunk patron at a nightclub in Brooklyn, New York.

Shittu was fatally shot during a birthday celebration at the Quilox Restaurant and Lounge in the East Flatbush area in the early hours of February 14, according to local media reports.

Authorities said the incident occurred at about 4:25 a.m. when a suspected gunman, who was being escorted out of the club by security personnel, allegedly opened fire.

Accounts of the incident indicated that the shooting followed a confrontation involving the intoxicated patron, who was said to have caused a disturbance inside the lounge.

According to reports, the suspect had been behaving disorderly and allegedly inappropriately touched some female guests, including Shittu’s girlfriend, leading to a heated exchange.

Shittu had attended the event alongside his younger brother, Fawaz Shittu, to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

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Speaking with local media, Fawaz recounted the moment his brother was shot.

“I was screaming his name. I was trying to wake him up,” he said.

He explained that the disagreement began after the patron engaged in unruly behaviour inside the club, before the situation escalated.

News 12 Brooklyn reported on Friday that members of Shittu’s family have called for justice, raising concerns about security procedures at the venue.

“We don’t know how the security did not do the job and search properly before somebody could bring a gun into the club,” Salem Shittu, the deceased’s brother, was quoted as saying.

“He was being kicked out, and he was being escorted out when he did it,” he added.

Police authorities said the suspect fled the scene after the shooting and remains at large.

Shittu was reportedly taken to One Brooklyn Health–Brookdale University Hospital Medical Centre, where he was later pronounced dead.

Family members described him as an aspiring fashion designer who was working to establish himself in the United States before the tragic incident.

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Investigations into the shooting are ongoing, while authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect.

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