News
JUST IN: 119 Inmates Escape As Rainstorm Destroys Suleja Correctional Centre Fence
It’s unfortunate that 119 inmates have escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State, due to the havoc caused by a rainstorm. The damage to a part of the facility enabled their escape. This situation highlights the vulnerability of prison facilities during natural disasters and the importance of robust infrastructure to prevent such incidents. Authorities will undoubtedly be working to apprehend the escaped inmates and ensure the safety of the public.
The Deputy Superintendent of Corrections Command Public Relations Officer, AS Duza, stated on Thursday morning that a heavy downpour on the night of Wednesday, April 24, 2024, wreaked havoc on the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, Niger State. This resulted in the destruction of a part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, allowing 119 inmates to escape. Efforts have been intensified to recapture the escaped inmates, with 10 of them already retaken into custody. Duza also mentioned ongoing efforts to modernize and upgrade custodial facilities across Nigeria, with the construction of new centers and renovation of existing ones.
The heavy rain damaged parts of the building, particularly the perimeter fence protecting one of the cells where inmates were housed. Babangida Turaki, a resident of Suleja, reported that a part of the fence, which was undergoing repairs, was brought down by the rain. Security reinforcements managed to return some of the escaping prisoners, and efforts were underway to locate and arrest the remaining escapees.
Despite the incident, normalcy has returned to Suleja town, with a continued search operation to recover the remaining prisoners.
This escape incident occurred as the Federal Government is stepping up efforts to decongest correctional centers across the country. Plans were announced in November to release 4,068 inmates nationwide, particularly focusing on indigent inmates who cannot afford to pay their fines. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated that the government has allocated N585 million for the payment of fines to secure the release of these inmates.
Former Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan is dead. He passed away on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 71, after a period of illness.
A family statement announced his death, describing it as a devastating loss. Uduaghan, a medical doctor, served as Delta State Commissioner for Health (1999–2003) and Secretary to the State Government (2003–2007) before becoming governor from 2007 to 2015. He was known for contributions to infrastructure and human capital development in the state.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed deep sadness over the passing. In a condolence message, he described Uduaghan as a detribalised leader whose service left a lasting mark on Delta State.
Oborevwori extended heartfelt condolences to Uduaghan’s wife, Roli, his children, the Uduaghan family, the Itsekiri nation, and the people of Delta State, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
An angry mob has set a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus on fire after it reportedly crushed a commercial motorcyclist to death at Ogolonto Bus Stop along Ikorodu Road in Lagos State.
The incident occurred on Friday, October 16, 2026. Eyewitness accounts and social media reports indicate that the motorcyclist was riding alone along the restricted BRT lane when the collision happened. He died at the scene.
Enraged residents and youths then attacked the bus driver and set the vehicle ablaze. Police officers and officials of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), who were nearby, intervened promptly and rescued the driver unharmed.
The identity of the deceased motorcyclist and the exact circumstances of the crash had not been officially confirmed at the time of filing this report. It was also unclear whether any arrests had been made in connection with the burning of the bus.
News
ARISE News Wins Seven Honours At Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
• ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female)
ARISE News has emerged as one of the major winners at the just ended Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA).
ARISE News won seven honours across television broadcasting, news reporting, presentation and production during the ceremony.
The awards recognised the network’s achievements in television journalism and programming, with ARISE News winning the Best TV Channel (Viewer’s Choice) category.
The network’s flagship breakfast programme, The Morning Show, also won the Best TV Talk Show award, further strengthening its recognition in television broadcasting.
ARISE News Anchor and host of What’s Trending Ojy Okpe was named Best Newscaster (TV – Female).
Rufai Oseni was named Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Male), while Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong received the Nigerian Broadcaster of the Year (Female) award.
The recognition extended to the network’s newsroom, with Ovieteme George winning Best TV News Reporter (Male) for his contributions to television news reporting.
Behind the camera, Sam Adeyemi received the Best Camera Operator/Cinematographer award, recognising his work in television production and visual storytelling.
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