By Alexis Uchendu

Human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi was arraigned on Wednesday before an Ekiti State Magistrate Court on a 16-count charge of alleged defamation.

Farotimi, arrested in Lagos on Tuesday by the Ekiti State police command, is accused of defaming the character of legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola SAN, through statements in his book, Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System.

Court proceedings began around 10:25 a.m., and further updates on the case are anticipated.

By Cynthia Abah

The Nigerian Police Force has identified a troubling connection between the rising cases of missing young women and ritual killings, linking the phenomenon to the growing prevalence of hookup culture in the country.

Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Police Command, made this revelation during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday.

The program, titled “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,” shed light on the plight of young women aged 20 to 32, who are most affected by this alarming trend.

Odutola explained that many young men are lured into believing that ritual killings can lead to wealth, while young women often become unsuspecting victims.

She disclosed that at least 10 young women go missing daily, with investigations linking many of these disappearances to interactions initiated through hookup apps.

“This menace is very serious, and I want young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture,” Odutola stated. “We have numerous reports of missing persons, and in most cases, these young women are traced to individuals they met through hookup channels.

They are invited to unfamiliar places, where they are used for ritual purposes.”

While ritual killings and cases of missing women are not new in Ogun State, Odutola commended the State Commissioner of Police for taking proactive measures to curb these incidents.

She further revealed that some young men, driven by the desire for quick wealth, are manipulated into procuring human skulls or body parts for ritualistic practices.

These individuals are often deceived by those promising financial prosperity through heinous means.

To combat this trend, the Ogun State Police Command has partnered with the State Women Affairs Commission to advocate against ritual killings and educate young people on the dangers of hookup culture.

The initiative includes regular sensitization campaigns and support for survivors of these traumatic experiences.

“We engage in advocacy to help young people understand that ritual killings will never make them rich,” Odutola emphasized. “Together with the Women Affairs Commission, we provide counseling sessions for survivors, helping them navigate the trauma and anxiety caused by these incidents.”

Hookup culture, characterized by casual sexual encounters often without emotional commitment, has become more prevalent among young women seeking financial independence.

However, critics argue that this trend undermines the development of meaningful relationships and exposes participants, particularly women, to significant risks.

Women involved in hookup culture often face harsh societal judgment, while men are less stigmatized for similar behaviors.

The police and their partners remain committed to protecting young people from exploitation and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

As the advocacy efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.

By Adenike Lawal

Nine people, including a newly elected councillor, were kidnapped by gunmen in the Odo-Ape community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The incident occurred just days after three people, including an eight-year-old boy, were abducted from the same area.

The attack unfolded around 1:00 AM when heavily armed assailants stormed homes in the community, firing indiscriminately before seizing their victims.

Among those abducted is Hon. Alaba Ope, who represents the Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council.

The other victims include seven residents of Odo-Ape—five Gwaris, two Bassa—and Silas, a resident of the neighboring Agbadu community.

Residents are gripped by fear and uncertainty, following what appears to be a spate of targeted kidnappings.

A local source revealed that the community remains tense after last week’s abduction of three individuals by gunmen.

In response to the escalating crisis, community members have called on security agencies and the state government to intervene urgently, ensure the safe return of the kidnapped individuals, and enhance security measures to protect lives and property.

While no official statement has been issued by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Anya, a senior government security official confirmed ongoing efforts to address the situation.

The official assured residents that the government is prioritizing security concerns and urged them to remain vigilant but continue their daily activities.

The rising wave of kidnappings in Kogi State underscores significant security challenges facing rural communities.

With repeated incidents occurring within short intervals, there is a pressing need for swift and effective measures to restore public confidence and curb the menace of abductions.