Court remands notorious Lagos suspected assassin ‘Olori Esho’ over multiple murder charges

Court Remands Notorious Lagos Suspected Assassin ‘Olori Esho’ Over Multiple Murder Charges
A 44-year-old man, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, has been remanded in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by an Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, over a string of alleged murders and violent crimes spanning more than a decade.

Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola ordered that the suspect be held for an initial 30-day period, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The Nigeria Police Force filed an 11-count charge against the defendant, covering a wide range of offences including conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, membership of a secret cult, possession of a poisonous dagger, grievous bodily harm, threats to life, and possession of illegal arms.

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According to the police prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, Akinwande and several others still at large allegedly carried out a series of killings and violent attacks between December 9, 2010, and April 5, 2025, at various locations across Lagos State, including Mushin, Idi-Araba, Surulere, and Fadeyi.

In one of the incidents, the defendant, allegedly armed with an AK-47 rifle, was said to have opened fire at No. 11 Mosalashi Street, Mushin, killing two individuals identified as Yusuf Bolakale (30) and Yusuf Ramadan (23).

He reportedly fled to the Alagbado area of Lagos, where he was eventually arrested by law enforcement.

The prosecution also claimed that on December 9, 2010, at Tiamiyu Street, Fadeyi, the suspect shot and killed a 10-year-old girl, Aminat Lateef, who was on an errand at the time of the incident.

In a more recent attack on July 31, 2024, Akinwande allegedly participated in a deadly clash between rival cult groups in Idi-Araba, which left six people dead, including individuals identified only as Anyila and Ojajo, alongside four others whose identities remain unknown.

The case has been adjourned pending further directives from the DPP.

Police arraign serial killer ‘Olori Esho’ for alleged murder

The Police have arraigned a suspected serial killer, Wasiu Akinwande, popularly known as Olori Esho, over the alleged murder of eight individuals and the permanent maiming of a woman in Lagos State.

The 44-year-old defendant was brought before Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola at the Ogba Chief Magistrates’ Court on an 11-count charge.

According to the police, the charges include conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, possession of a poisonous dagger, threat to life, possession of international passports, and other dangerous weapons.

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Olori Esho, who is also accused of being part of an unlawful society, was said to have carried out the killings across several parts of Lagos between 2010 and 2025.

During Tuesday’s court proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The Police Prosecutor, Nosa Uhumwangho, informed the court that further investigation is ongoing and requested the defendant be remanded pending advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Chief Magistrate Tanimola ordered that Akinwande be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre for 30 days in the first instance.

Further hearing has been adjourned while the court awaits the DPP’s legal advice.

Tinubu signs Insurance Reform bill 2025 to boost Nigeria’s financial sector

…Target $1 trillion economy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assented to the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Bill, 2025, a landmark legislation to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector and accelerate the nation’s march toward a $1 trillion economy.

The Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025 repeals and consolidates several outdated insurance laws into a single, modern legal framework. The new Act provides for comprehensive regulation and supervision of all insurance and reinsurance businesses operating within Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday, August 5, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

According to the statement, the NIIRA Act 2025 ushers in a new era of transparency, innovation, and global competitiveness for the insurance industry. It aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of achieving a $1 trillion economy and reaffirms the administration’s commitment to financial stability, economic development, and inclusive growth.

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Key reforms introduced in the NIIRA 2025 include: Stringent capital requirements to ensure the financial soundness of operators; Enforcement of compulsory insurance policies to enhance consumer protection; Digitisation of the insurance market to improve access and efficiency; Zero tolerance for delays in claims settlement; Creation of dedicated policyholder protection funds, especially in cases of insolvency; Expanded participation in regional insurance schemes, including the ECOWAS Brown Card System.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is mandated to administer and implement the provisions of the NIIRA 2025 in a manner that unlocks the industry’s full potential and significantly improves insurance penetration across the country.

The reform introduced by the new law is expected to catalyse new investments, boost consumer confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading insurance hub in Africa.

Details shortly…

Thomas Partey arrives court over alleged rape charges

Former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, has arrived in London court, where he is due to appear on rape and sexual assault charges.

The Ghana international, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal.

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Partey was wearing a black zip-neck jumper and held a navy blazer as he entered Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning, walking quickly past members of the press.

He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June.

The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.

Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, previously said he had denied all the charges against him, adding that “he welcomed the opportunity to finally clear his name”.

(dpa/NAN)

Attend classes or lose your visa – U.S. cautions Nigerian students on academic violations

The United States has issued a strong warning to international students, including Nigerians, about the serious consequences of violating student visa rules.

In a statement released on Monday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria cautioned that students who drop out, skip classes, or abandon their academic programmes without informing their schools could face visa revocation and may also be barred from future U.S. visa applications.

“If you drop out, skip classes, or leave your programmes of study without informing your school, your student visa may be revoked, and you may lose eligibility for future U.S. visas,” the message read.

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The mission urged all student visa holders to strictly comply with visa regulations, stay in good academic standing, and always notify their schools of any changes in their enrolment status.

“Always adhere to the terms of your visa and maintain your student status to avoid any issues,” the U.S. Mission emphasized.

This advisory serves as a reminder of the strict enforcement policies around student visas and the importance of academic compliance for all foreign students studying in the United States.

Kuwait eases visa rules, scraps degree requirement, extends stay for visitors

Kuwait has unveiled sweeping reforms to its visa policy aimed at attracting more tourists, business travelers, and expatriate families. The changes, announced Tuesday, mark one of the most significant overhauls to the country’s immigration system in years.

Among the headline changes is the removal of the university degree requirement previously needed for certain visa categories. The policy had long been criticized for limiting access for family members of expatriates and visitors from less affluent countries.

Officials say the decision is intended to foster family reunification and broaden access to the Gulf state.

Key Reforms
Under the new rules, the duration of visit visas has been extended. Visitors can now stay for up to three months on a standard visit visa, with the option to extend to six months—or even up to a year—by paying additional fees. While the final pricing for extensions is yet to be approved by the Cabinet, authorities expressed confidence that overstay violations will remain minimal.

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Another major update is the lifting of restrictions on which airlines travelers may use. Previously, those entering on family visit visas were required to fly exclusively with Kuwaiti national carriers. That policy has now been scrapped, allowing more flexibility and increased competition among airlines.

Middle East Airlines is among the first international carriers to receive authorization under the new rules.

“The state is not a marketer for airlines,” said Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, emphasizing that the reforms reflect a new direction in policy-making.

Expanded Family Visa Access
The eligibility for family visit visas has also been broadened to include relatives up to the fourth degree, a move expected to benefit Kuwait’s large expatriate community, where extended family ties are culturally significant.

In addition, authorities confirmed that travelers flagged for security reasons will now be informed immediately, although resolving such issues will remain the responsibility of the individual through legal or diplomatic processes.

A Strategy for Growth
The visa overhaul is part of Kuwait’s broader strategy to strengthen its status as a regional tourism and aviation hub. It comes as the country prepares to open a new international airport and seeks to lure back foreign airlines that previously exited the market.

“We accept the comments with open hearts,” Sheikh Fahad said, referring to the feedback that spurred the reform process. “We are building a system that welcomes visitors and respects their needs.”

U.S. introduces $15,000 visa bond for applicants from high overstay countries

In a renewed effort to curb visa overstays, the United States government has launched a new visa bond policy requiring select applicants to pay up to $15,000 before being granted entry.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the new rule—part of a 12-month pilot program—will take effect from August 20. It mandates that applicants for B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrant visas from countries with high overstay rates must pay a bond of no less than $5,000, and up to $15,000, as a condition for visa issuance.

The bond will be refunded if the visa holder complies with the terms of their stay and leaves the U.S. before their visa expires. However, it will be forfeited if the individual overstays.

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The State Department noted that the program targets applicants from nations identified in a 2023 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report as having significant rates of visa overstays. While the specific countries affected were not disclosed, the policy is expected to impact multiple regions with historically high overstay statistics.

Those subject to the bond must also enter and exit the U.S. through designated airports.

The Trump administration, since returning to the White House in January, has ramped up efforts to tighten immigration controls. The visa bond initiative, the department stated, forms a “key pillar” of the administration’s strategy to address national security threats posed by visa overstays.

Nigerian Aladejana fatally stabbed in London apartment, suspects in custody

The Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom have confirmed the arrest and charging of two individuals in connection with the tragic murder of 26-year-old Nigerian, Ayowale Aladejana, who was fatally stabbed in his apartment in New Cross, southeast London.

According to a statement by the police, a man and a woman have now been formally charged with murder as investigations into the incident continue.

“Ben Wazabanga, 23 (24.10.2001) of Fairfax Road, Bedford was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Monday, 4 August. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August.

“Ronique Belfon, 23 (10.05.2002) of Morinsbury Road, Bedford was charged with murder on Monday, 4 August. She was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 4 August,” the report read.

Speaking on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, was quoted as saying, “Our thoughts are with Ayowale’s family and friends at this difficult time.

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“I understand this incident will be concerning and we are carrying out a fast-paced and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances. I would encourage anyone who has not yet spoken to us.”

The investigation was reportedly launched after officers were called to reports of a man with stab wounds at a residential address in Monson Road, New Cross, at 19:26hrs on Saturday, August 2.

The officers were said to have responded alongside the London Ambulance Service and medics from London’s Air Ambulance, however, Ayowale died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

The report added that a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday gave a preliminary cause of death as stab wound to the chest.

Ayowale’s family are also reportedly being supported by specially trained officers.

Tinubu gifts D’Tigress $100,000 each, flats, OON honours for AfroBasket victory

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, a housing flat, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour for their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday evening during a special reception at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, held in the team’s honour.

In addition to the players, members of the coaching and technical crew each received $50,000, a three-bedroom flat, and the OON national honour.

The reception was attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima, and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Read Also: First Lady congratulates D’Tigress on Afrobasket victory

Praising the team’s exceptional performance, Vice President Shettima said:

“You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness.”

D’Tigress clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title — and seventh overall — after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The win extended their unbeaten streak since 2017, cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball.

Monday’s event also drew top government officials, including Senator Garba Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, and Hon. Kabiru Amadou, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

This honour comes just a week after President Tinubu hosted a state reception for the Super Falcons following their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.

BBNaija: Victory becomes new Head of House, picks Joanna as deputy

Victory Okokon has emerged as the new Head of House (HOH) on Big Brother Naija Season 10, taking over from Thelma Lawson just a day after she was announced as the season’s first female HOH.

Victory clinched the title on Monday after an impressive performance in the HOH challenge, earning him immunity from nominations and exclusive access to the HOH lounge for the week.

In an unexpected twist, Victory selected Joanna as his deputy and house guest, a decision that surprised many fans, as Gigi Jasmine had been widely tipped to get the role.

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The swift change in leadership underscores Big Brother’s unpredictable game strategy, which keeps both housemates and viewers guessing.

With his new position, Victory will play a pivotal role in influencing house politics, managing tasks, and impacting the nomination process.

Before his win, Thelma Lawson had briefly held the HOH title, while Jason Jae earlier made history as the first contestant to defend the position under the show’s new twist.