🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Ondo Local Government Chairman Tope Omolayo allegedly assaulted by suspected thugs
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Mr. Tope Omolayo, the chairman of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State, was reportedly beaten by suspected thugs on Monday. The incident occurred as Omolayo, elected under the All Progressives Congress, returned to office after a six-month suspension by councillors over alleged gross misconduct. Eyewitnesses stated that the suspected thugs invaded the council secretariat, preventing Omolayo from entering his office, which led to an altercation. They reportedly beat him, tore his clothes, and fired shots into the air, causing chaos at the secretariat. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the police swiftly responded by deploying personnel to restore order. Investigations into the incident have commenced to identify and prosecute those responsible. The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, urged residents to remain law-abiding. Efforts to contact Mr. Omolayo were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the China Cultural Centre emphasized the growing importance of Mandarin in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral relations during the 2026 International Chinese Language Day celebration in Abuja. Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of CCCIN, Mr. Yang Jianxing, described Chinese as a vital link connecting civilization, culture, and global cooperation, highlighting its 5,000-year history and its role as one of the six official languages of the United Nations. He noted that over 190 countries and regions worldwide have implemented Chinese language teaching, with more than 200 million international learners. Jianxing linked the increasing interest in learning Chinese to expanding cooperation between Nigeria and China, stating it is an important shortcut to understanding China and participating in mutually beneficial collaborations. Dr. Mohammed Bulama, Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, affirmed language's central role in human connection and global unity, describing Chinese as an enduring cultural treasure. He stressed its importance in diplomacy, trade, and cultural understanding. Bulama recalled the launch of "Ni Hao China," a weekly program introduced in July 2025 in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, aimed at teaching Mandarin and promoting cultural ties, as part of agreements to boost trade, tourism, and communication. Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journali
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged Commonwealth nations to invest in Africa, particularly Lagos, during the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London. He highlighted Lagos as a prime destination for global capital, emphasizing that the state offers long-term partnership opportunities. Sanwo-Olu stressed Africa's central role in the Commonwealth's future, noting that by 2050, one in four people globally will be African. He described the Commonwealth's 56 member states and 2.7 billion people as a strong platform for trade built on shared values. The governor stated that Lagos is investing in infrastructure, including ports, airports, rail corridors, and technology, to attract global capital. He also pointed out Lagos's economic strength, generating roughly a third of Nigeria's GDP and ranking among the top five economies in sub-Saharan Africa if it were a standalone entity. Sanwo-Olu mentioned his administration's THEMES+ agenda, which focuses on development across transportation, health, education, security, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. He announced that Lagos would host the "Invest in Lagos 3.0" summit on June 8 and 9 at Eko Hotels and Suites, in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, to engage global investors and showcase opportunities. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, also outlined Lagos's strategy for mobilizing capital and deepening engagement with internation
Must ReadShipping in the Strait of Hormuz has once again been severely affected by blockades imposed by both Tehran and Washington. Despite Iran's announcement on Friday to reopen the strategic waterway, the United States did not reciprocate for vessels bound for or departing from Iranian ports. After a brief period on Friday when dozens of commercial vessels passed through, Iran reclosed the passage on Saturday, warning that approaching ships would be considered targets. Since Sunday, only four ships have successfully transited the strait in either direction, according to marine tracking firm Kpler. These include the Iranian-flagged Nova Crest, which is sanctioned by the US, and the sanctioned gas tanker Axon I, which was allowed by Iran to enter the Gulf for the UAE. The gas tanker G Summer also crossed, but did not appear to dock at an Iranian port. The Panama-flagged Starway, owned by China-based firm Hechuang International Group, made a U-turn after passing westwards through the Iran-approved route. The US military reported that its forces have directed 27 vessels to turn around or return to an Iranian port since the blockade began. The sanctioned container ship Shamim and the Iranian-flagged bulk carrier Artman were reportedly intercepted and redirected to Chabahar. The LPG tanker Raine also turned back towards the strait after nearing open seas. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the container ship Touska was seized for failing to respond to a warning. Iran also
Must ReadSinger D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of a teenage girl whose body was discovered in an abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. The 21-year-old was expected to appear in court to face multiple charges related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in September, shortly after what would have been her 15th birthday. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances, such as lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, or murdering a witness in an investigation. If convicted, Burke could face a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. Burke, who gained internet fame in 2022 with his song “Romantic Homicide,” also faces charges of repeatedly having sex with Celeste, who disappeared from her family home at age 13, and dismembering her body.