Crime
How Ajayi Crowther University Student Was Beaten To Death Over Alleged Phone Theft
A student of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, has been beaten to death by some of his colleagues for allegedly stealing a mobile phone belonging to one of them.
A source within the institution told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday that the students started beating their colleague at around 10 p.m. on Friday after discovering that he was the one who stole a phone.
The source, who pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on behalf of the university, said that aside stealing the phone, the student was also said to have transferred a certain amount from the phone to another account.
Some short video clips sighted by a NAN correspondent showed a male student beating his colleague who was seen rolling on the floor, while another was heard shouting ‘harder, harder’, indicating that he should beat him the more.
The source said that the students were enraged by the theft of the phone and the transfer of the money from the account of the owner.
The source further stated that the deceased was thrown out of the hostel on Friday evening, where he was discovered to have died early on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the school authorities have announced the expulsion of the students said to have been involved in what they called the ‘fight that led to the death of a fellow student’.
The institution, in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Atoyebi, on Saturday evening, however, denied the reports making the rounds that those involved in the killing were members of a secret cult.
“Contrary to what is trending, the university affirms that there is no cultism in the institution, just as the university has zero tolerance for any sort of anti-societal vices and misconduct.
“It is important to stress that the expelled students do not belong to any cult group,” he said.
Atoyebi said what actually happened was that the deceased was alleged to have stolen a mobile telephone.
He, however, said that instead of reporting the matter to the university management, the expelled students could not control their emotions, adding that their actions led to the unfortunate death of the student.
The spokesperson said that the institution reacted swiftly by handing over all the students involved to the police for investigation, assuring all that justice would be served.
“The university remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe, conducive, peaceful and godly atmosphere for learning,” he said.
Crime
Nigerian Military Confirms Coup Plot Allegations: 16 Officers to Face Court-Martial
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that investigations into the conduct of 16 military officers arrested in October 2025 have been completed, with some found to have allegedly plotted to overthrow the government.
In a press release issued today, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) stated that the officers were initially detained over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations.
Following a thorough investigation conducted in line with established military procedures, the probe uncovered evidence linking a number of the officers to a plot against the government—an action deemed inconsistent with the ethics, values, and professional standards expected of AFN personnel.
“The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government,” the statement read. The comprehensive report has now been forwarded to the appropriate superior authority for further action.
Those implicated and found to have cases to answer will be formally arraigned before a special military judicial panel, where they will face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.
The DHQ emphasized that this process upholds accountability while maintaining the integrity of military discipline.
The arrests were first announced by the Defence Headquarters in October 2025, initially described in neutral terms as related to indiscipline. Today’s update marks the first official confirmation from the military that the matter involved an alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The AFN reiterated its commitment to professionalism and adherence to constitutional order, assuring the public that the judicial proceedings will be conducted transparently and in full compliance with military law.
No further details on the identities of the officers or specific timelines for the trials were provided in the statement.
Crime
DSS Arrests Suspected Sea Pirates, Foils Planned Hijack of Crude Oil Vessel
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested several suspected sea pirates in a swift operation that successfully thwarted a planned hijack of a crude oil vessel off the Nigerian coast.

According to security sources, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence that indicated an imminent attack on the vessel transporting crude oil.
The operation, carried out by DSS operatives in collaboration with other security agencies, prevented what could have been a major maritime incident in Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to uncover possible accomplices, sponsors, and details of the foiled plot. Authorities have not yet released the exact number of suspects or their identities, citing ongoing investigations.
This latest crackdown highlights the persistent threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, where armed groups target oil vessels for ransom, theft of cargo, or both.
The DSS emphasized its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime economy and critical energy infrastructure.
No injuries or damage to the vessel were reported, and normal operations have resumed.
Crime
Police Foil Bandit Attack, Rescue 6 on Yankara–Funtua Highway
Security operatives in Katsina State have successfully thwarted an armed bandit attack on the Yankara–Funtua highway, rescuing six kidnapped victims unharmed.
According to reports from local security sources, the incident occurred in the Faskari Local Government Area when suspected bandits ambushed travelers along the highway. Prompt response by police officers led to a confrontation with the attackers, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Rabi Hamisu, Safare Musa, Abubakar Samaila, Shehu Umar, Sara’u Yahaya, and Ibrahim Babangida. All six were reported to be in good condition following the operation and have been reunited with their families.
The Katsina State Police Command has intensified patrols and surveillance along vulnerable highways in the region amid ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping.
Authorities urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
This latest success underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of northwestern Nigeria, where armed groups frequently target highways for ambushes and abductions. No casualties were reported among the security personnel involved in the rescue.
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