BREAKING: Popular Actor, Olu Jacobs Dies at 84

BREAKING: Popular Actor, Olu Jacobs Dies at 84, 

Breaking

Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.

Jacobs died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, according to an announcement by his family.

His son, Olusoji Jacobs, confirmed the development in a post shared on Instagram.

He described the late actor as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and uncle while announcing that the family was mourning his death.

The family also appealed to members of the public, particularly bloggers and social media influencers, to give them privacy as they come to terms with the loss.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle. The Lion of Lufodo.

Oludotun Baiyewun Jacobs (MFR)

We call on all bloggers and social media influencers to respect our families privacy at this time.”

The announcement brings to an end the life of one of Nigeria’s most recognised actors, whose career covered several decades and crossed theatre, television and film.Geographic Reference

Olu Jacobs was born on July 11, 1942.

He developed an interest in acting at a young age and later travelled to the United Kingdom, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

His professional career took him beyond Nigeria, with appearances in British television productions, stage performances and international films.

He eventually returned to Nigeria and became one of the familiar faces of the country’s growing film industry.

Jacobs featured in several Nigerian productions and became known for his ability to take on demanding roles, particularly characters that required authority, depth and strong command of dialogue.

His career also extended beyond acting. Together with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, he was involved in the Lufodo Group and the development of the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts.

The institution became part of the couple’s efforts to contribute to theatre, film and the training of young talents.

Former RTEAN Chairman Mentilo, One Other Arrested for Murder

Former RTEAN Chairman Mentilo, One Other Arrested for Murder

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the alleged assault, abduction and subsequent death of a 45-year-old man, Ogunsakin Sunday, in connection with a land dispute in Afao-Ekiti.

The suspects were identified as Rotimi Joseph Olabiowonu, popularly known as “Metilo,” a former Chairman of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ekiti State Chapter, and one of his alleged gang members, Adedoyin Opeyemi.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, the incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, when Metilo and about five other accomplices allegedly arrived at the deceased’s residence in a Toyota bus.

The suspects allegedly dragged Sunday out of his residence, assaulted him and took him away in the vehicle to an unknown destination.

The police said that while the vehicle was in motion, the suspects allegedly pushed the victim out, causing him to sustain severe head injuries.

The victim was subsequently taken to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) for medical attention after the suspects allegedly realised the seriousness of his condition. He was, however, confirmed dead by a doctor on duty.

Following a report of the incident, police operatives visited the scene and commenced investigations, leading to the arrest of Metilo and Opeyemi.

The command said other alleged members of the gang were still at large, with efforts ongoing to apprehend them.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The police assured that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice, while urging members of the public to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

WHEN POLITICAL THUGGERY TURNS AGAINST ITS OWN

WHEN POLITICAL THUGGERY TURNS AGAINST ITS OWN

For much of his first tenure, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke faced persistent allegations that his administration tolerated—and, according to his critics, institutionalised—political thuggery by allegedly appointing individuals described as known cultists and street enforcers into political positions. Opposition figures also accused the administration of using violent political networks to intimidate and silence its opponents.

Yet, in the build-up to the election, a disturbing narrative emerged. Because the APC was the ruling party at the federal level, many Nigerians were quick to attribute virtually every incident of political violence in Osun to the party. That assumption overlooked a fundamental political reality: the APC was the opposition party in Osun State, not the ruling party.

The argument, therefore, was simple: if political violence was being encouraged or tolerated by those controlling the machinery of the state, the opposition would naturally have been under pressure to defend itself rather than surrender the political space to intimidation.

The subsequent pattern of killings, counter-killings and clashes involving rival groups allegedly linked to the political establishment should have prompted a more objective examination of the real sources of violence in the state.

The latest tragedy involving Emir Ajagungbade, who was reportedly killed yesterday, has once again brought the dangerous consequences of political thuggery into sharp focus.

Ajagungbade was widely portrayed by some residents and opposition supporters as a feared political enforcer. Allegations had previously linked him to violent attacks against APC supporters, including claims that he used stones and other weapons during political clashes. He was also reportedly facing serious criminal allegations, including murder and terrorism charges, before being granted bail and subsequently becoming a fugitive after allegedly jumping bail.

For an extended period, critics alleged that despite being declared wanted, he continued to operate freely. There were even public allegations that the state authorities were shielding him and other wanted individuals—claims that should properly be judged against verified evidence rather than political narratives.

Most tragically, reports indicate that those who eventually killed him were themselves members of the same Accord Party violent ecosystem in which he had allegedly operated.

And therein lies the greatest lesson.

When politicians empower thugs to fight their political battles, they may eventually lose control of the monsters they have created.

Thuggery has no permanent loyalty. Violence does not distinguish between the person who starts it and the person who eventually becomes its victim. Once political violence becomes a tool of governance, it can quickly mutate into a cycle of revenge, counter-revenge and bloodshed.

This is why political leaders must understand that violence never produces sustainable political victory. Elections should be won through ideas, performance, persuasion and the confidence of the people—not through intimidation, cult groups or street violence.

Those who live by violence eventually risk becoming victims of the same violence they once unleashed.

Violence doesn't pay. Thuggery doesn't pay. Political power is temporary, but the consequences of the methods used to acquire and protect it can last a lifetime.

As the timeless warning goes: “Those who take the sword may perish by the sword.”

Osun deserves politics without thuggery, elections without bloodshed and leadership without fear, sc,fb.

Osun Police Confirm Shooting Of Gov Adeleke’s Ally ‘Emir Ajagungbade’, Launch Probe Into Killing

Osun Police Confirm Shooting Of Gov Adeleke’s Ally ‘Emir Ajagungbade’, Launch Probe Into Killing

Osun Police Confirm Shooting Of Gov Adeleke’s Ally ‘Emir Ajagungbade’, Launch Probe Into Killing

The command said it was working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.

The Osun State Police Command says it has commenced an investigation into the shooting of Comrade Olalekan Oyeyemi, popularly known as “Emir Ajagungbade,” in Ile-Ife.

Oyeyemi, a known associate of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and a member of the Accord Party, was reportedly shot on Sunday, September 13, 2026, amid a dispute linked to control of a motor park in the city.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the police said their attention was initially drawn to an accident around Energy Filling Station in Ile-Ife, following which officers were deployed to restore normalcy and secure the area.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that one Olalekan Oyeyemi aka Emir was shot,” the statement said.

The command said it was working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.

“The Command is currently working to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the shooting, identify those responsible, and bring all persons found culpable to justice,” it said.

“The Command assures members of the public that every necessary investigative and operational measure is being taken to get to the root of the matter.”

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Oyeyemi was allegedly shot at Mayfair Garage in Ile-Ife during an incident reportedly linked to a dispute over control of the motor park.

Following the incident, Governor Adeleke ordered the immediate arrest of all persons allegedly involved in Oyeyemi’s killing and directed the vacation of motor parks by rival groups involved in the leadership tussle.

The governor also ordered the reintroduction of the Park Management System across the state to address disputes over control of motor parks and garages.

“The governor charged the Commissioner of Police to act immediately to arrest all those involved. Law and order must be maintained. There will be no sacred cows as all culprits will be brought to book,” Adeleke said through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.

The governor also urged residents to remain calm, saying, “We call on members of the public to remain calm. We will ensure restoration of peace in all the affected parks and areas. The security agencies are under instruction to ensure the sustainability of peace at all cost.”

On the proposed Park Management System, Adeleke said: “We are reintroducing the Park Management System. I will soon issue an executive order to give effect to the new management system to manage parks and garages across the state.”

Meanwhile, the police said Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Zungura strongly condemned the shooting and warned against reprisals.

The statement quoted Zungura as urging individuals, groups and members of the public “not to take laws into their hands or engaging in acts of reprisal, violence, destruction of property or any other form of criminality.”

He also appealed to residents of Ile-Ife and other parts of Osun State to remain calm and assist the investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police urges residents of Ile-Ife and the entire State to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperate with the Police by providing useful information that may assist the investigation,” the statement said.

The command assured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order, while expressing condolences to Oyeyemi’s family and friends.

Oyeyemi had been involved in Osun's transport and park management system and was reportedly a member of the transition committee constituted ahead of Adeleke's inauguration as governor.

He had also been described in previous reports as a political associate of Adeleke and was linked to former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Oyeyemi had previously faced legal controversies. The Osun State Police Command declared him wanted in July 2022 over allegations including murder, cultism and armed robbery.

He was subsequently arrested by the police anti-kidnapping unit and arraigned at the Federal High Court in Osogbo in 2024 on multiple charges, including terrorism, conspiracy and unlawful killing. He was granted bail in April 2024.

The police said the investigation into Sunday’s shooting is ongoing.

 

TROOPS ARREST THREE SUSPECTED DRUG PEDDLERS, RECOVER 92 PARCELS OF COLORADO IN BORNO

TROOPS ARREST THREE SUSPECTED DRUG PEDDLERS, RECOVER 92 PARCELS OF COLORADO IN BORNO

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have arrested three suspected drug peddlers and recovered 92 parcels of suspected Colorado concealed inside cartons of LG television sets along the Maiduguri–Mafa road in Borno State.

The suspects — Haruna A. Usman, 39; Mohammed Haruna, 40; and Dauda Ali, 40 — were intercepted by troops of 195 Battalion on Sept. 9 while travelling in a Mitsubishi Fuso truck.

Five mobile phones were also recovered.

The suspects, vehicle and exhibits are expected to be handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.

🇳🇬 Troops continue efforts to disrupt criminal and terrorist logistics networks across the North-East.

2026 FIFA U-20 WWC: Nigeria Becomes First and Only African Nation to Reach Knockout Stage

2026 FIFA U-20 WWC: Nigeria Becomes First and Only African Nation to Reach Knockout Stage

Nigeria’s Falconets have become the first and only African team to qualify for the knockout stage of the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland after an emphatic 10-1 victory over New Caledonia in their final Group F fixture on Sunday.

According to a report by FIFA, the result, combined with Spain’s 3-1 victory over China PR in the other Group F match, saw Nigeria finish second in the group with superior goal difference to secure a place in the Round of 16. 

The qualification represents a significant turnaround for Moses Aduku’s side, who entered the final round of group matches under pressure after losing 2-0 to Spain in their opener and drawing 0-0 with China PR.

Nigeria needed a strong result against tournament debutants New Caledonia and duly delivered a commanding performance in Łódź.

The Falconets were already four goals ahead at half-time before continuing their dominance after the interval to complete a 10-1 rout.

The victory lifted Nigeria to four points from three matches, while Spain topped Group F with nine points. 

China, who had four points before the final round, qualified as one of the best third-place teams 

Nigeria’s route to the knockout stage was far from straightforward.

The Falconets opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Spain, leaving them with no points after the first round of matches.

They responded with a goalless draw against China PR to earn their first point but leaving their qualification hopes dependent on the final group fixtures.

Before the New Caledonia match, reports noted that Nigeria needed victory and a favourable result in the Spain-China encounter to strengthen their chances of reaching the Round of 16.

The Falconets ultimately produced exactly what was required, combining their biggest win of the tournament with Spain’s victory over China.

Nigeria’s qualification means the Falconets are now the sole African representatives remaining in the competition.

Africa entered the 2026 tournament with four teams — Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic and Tanzania — after all four secured qualifications from the continent.

Tanzania's campaign ended after defeats to Brazil and England, followed by a 6-0 loss to Canada. The Canadian victory confirmed Tanzania's elimination from Group B.

Benin also failed to progress from Group A after suffering defeats against Poland and Argentina, while Ghana's Black Princesses were eliminated from Group C after their campaign ended against France. 

Ghana had already suffered a 3-0 defeat to Ecuador in their opening match.

Nigeria’s qualification therefore gives the country another opportunity to challenge for the title while the other three African nations have exited the tournament.

With the group stage now behind them, Aduku’s side will turn their attention to the knockout rounds, where the margin for error disappears.

They will now face England in Bielsko-Biala on 17 September for a place in the quarter-finals.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a woman following the death of a vigilante member identified as Sunday, popularly known as Apetu, shortly after a sexual encounter in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a woman following the death of a vigilante member identified as Sunday, popularly known as Apetu, shortly after a sexual encounter in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Tribune Online reports that the incident occurred around 2:30pm on Sunday in the Odi-Olokun area of Ile-Ife.

A video circulating on social media showed Apetu in severe distress at Ooni Ilare Street, where he was heard pleading with the woman to give him urine.

The woman was subsequently taken into custody at the Moore Police Division.

According to the report, a situation report attributed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps stated that Apetu was found gasping, screaming and pleading with the woman while showing signs of severe physical distress after the sexual encounter.

He later died, while his remains were deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife.

However, the actual cause of his death has not been officially established.

Tribune Online reported that some residents attributed the death to what they described as a “thunderbolt,” a traditional belief that a person affected by a supposed spell could harm another person through sexual contact.

The claim has not been confirmed by the authorities, and no link between the belief and the man’s death has been established.

A senior officer of the Osun State Police Command said the command was aware of reports circulating on social media and cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information.

The incident has generated concern in Ile-Ife amid conflicting accounts surrounding the sudden death.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and allow the police and relevant medical authorities to establish the circumstances and actual cause of the death.