Latest news with #Ilorin
BBC News
31-07-2025
- BBC News
Court sentence killer of Kwara State student Yetunde Lawal to death by hanging
High Court for Kwara State, southwest Nigeria, don sentence di killer of Yetunde Lawal, Abdulraheem Bello, to death by hanging. Abdulrahman bin chop accuse say im murder di 23-year-old student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, for February 2025. You go remember say police for Kwara State bin confam say dem arrest one 29 years old man wey allegedly kill and pieces di body of di student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Na Justice Christiana Ajayi sentence di accused pesin on Wednesday 31 July. How di mata take happun Police for Kwara State say Yetunde Lawal bin don dey miss since 10th February. Na four days later dem find her bodi for di suspect house. According to di tok-tok pesin, dem first receive alert of missing pesin from di victim papa. "Our detectives begin follow di mata, dem track di phone of di girl sotey e lead dem to di suspect house and dem arrest am," na so she tok. Late Yetunde na di first pikin of her family. Her papa and mama still dey alive. She bin dey final year for Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, bifor di incident happun. Security personnel find di dismembered bodi of Yetunde inside bowl for di suspect house. Tori for town be say dem both meet online and begin friend till di suspect invite her over.
The Guardian
24-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Meet Nigeria's human flycatchers luring bloodsucking insects in the name of science
Every Monday and Tuesday morning, Bosede Oluwaokere, 48, wakes up at home in Ilorin city in west Nigeria, gets dressed and walks to a nearby stream. She sits beneath a tree and pulls her skirt up around her thighs. For the next six hours she stays in the same spot waiting for a specific type of fly to land on her, so she can catch it using a small plastic tube. Oluwaokere is a human flycatcher – or human landing catch, as the World Health Organization (WHO) terms it – which is considered the 'gold standard' for collecting black flies. Black flies, which breed near rivers, are blood-sucking insects that spread the debilitating neglected tropical disease onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. When someone is bitten by an infected black fly, the larvae of the parasitic Onchocerca volvulus invade their body and grow into worms that can live for up to 15 years. Female worms produce thousands of microscopic larvae that spread throughout the body. If the larvae reach the person's eyes, it can cause permanent loss of sight. When black flies suck the blood of an infected person, they can then pass it on to someone else they bite. 'I like this work,' says Oluwaokere, who was recruited as a volunteer by the health ministry. 'I'm not scared to do it, because I love my community and I want it to be free from disease.' She is paid a stipend of 10,000 naira (just under £5) a month by Sightsavers, an international health charity. In Nigeria, about 40 million people are at risk of onchocerciasis. There are 120,000 cases of related blindness in the country, and many thousands suffer from disabling complications of the disease. According to the WHO, in 2023 almost 250 million people required preventative treatment against onchocerciasis around the world. More than 99% of infected people live in Africa and Yemen; the remaining 1% live on the border between Brazil and Venezuela. The Global Burden of Disease Study estimated in 2017 that 14.6 million of the infected people already had skin disease and 1.15 million had vision loss. The WHO road map for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) identified onchocerciasis as one of the diseases targeted for elimination and set ambitious targets to be reached by 2030. There is no cure for onchocerciasis, but the WHO recommends mass drug administration (MDA), where large numbers of people are given medication to prevent its spread. The current treatment is donated by the pharmaceutical company Merck under the brand name of Mectizan. It is administered to at-risk populations once or twice a year for up to 15 years. As more people are treated, and fewer are infected with the disease, black flies become less likely to pass on the parasite. Sign up to Global Dispatch Get a different world view with a roundup of the best news, features and pictures, curated by our global development team after newsletter promotion After several rounds of MDA, health ministries in affected countries conduct tests to determine whether they can declare they have eliminated the disease. First, people in at-risk areas have finger-prick blood tests to see whether they carry the disease. Then, black flies in endemic areas must be tested to see if they are still carrying the parasites. In Nigeria, the target is to test 6,000 black flies. But first they have to be caught and human flycatchers are the preferred method. For years, there have been ethical concerns around using people as bait for research purposes. 'It makes me quite uncomfortable as it's a risky practice,' says Louise Hamill, director for onchocerciasis at Sightsavers. 'We are asking a human being with a family, a life and a job, to put everything on pause and go and sit beside a river for [a significant chunk] of the day. They are putting themselves at high risk for black fly bites, but also they're outdoors so they could get bitten by a tsetse fly and get sleeping sickness, or by a mosquito and get malaria or dengue fever. They could be bitten by a snake, exposed to lots of direct sunlight, sunburn, heat, rain.' Oluwaokere is undeterred by such risks, but her fellow volunteer, Olamilekan Adekeye, a 26-year-old university student who does the afternoon shift after her on a Monday and Tuesday, had to flee after seeing a black snake. 'I don't know what type of snake it was, but fear made me run away. I hid in a nearby shop and came back a few hours later.' The WHO also recommends using Esperanza window traps (EWT), where flies are caught on sticky surfaces, to catch black flies. They were first proposed as a method to collect the flies in 2013. Although they have worked well in South America, they haven't been as effective in Africa. 'I think it's because of the human factor,' says Dr Maria Rebollo Polo, lead of the global onchocerciasis elimination programme at the WHO. 'The attractiveness of humans to the flies seems so powerful that it's difficult to imitate.' To avoid using people, Sightsavers and the Global Institute for Disease Elimination are working on developing and optimising EWTs. Research in Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Ivory Coast, due to be published this year, is looking into deploying variations of the traps that use carbon dioxide to mimic human breath, different coloured glues and clothes, and even the simulated smell of sweaty feet. Rebollo says that human flycatchers, despite being a 'rudimentary [research] technique', are still used because of a lack of funding. 'Obviously if neglected tropical diseases attracted more interest and if we had more resources, then we would, by now, have better techniques that would reduce any potential human discomfort,' she says. But she argues that humans are required for multiple research purposes, such as blood tests on children to monitor malaria or clinical trials where people are exposed to medicines. In each country there are ethical committees that determine whether, and how, people should be used in research purposes. Back in Ilorin, Oluwaokere and Adekeye are happy to be able to contribute to possible advances in health, but they would love to be paid more. 'The amount of money I receive is too small,' says Adekeye. 'I have other sources of work which pay better, but I choose to do this to help my community.'
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EFCC warns Nigerians on rising virtual asset, investment scams
The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has raised the alarm over the growing threat of virtual asset and investment scams across Africa, warning that fraudsters are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to exploit unsuspecting investors. The warning was delivered on Thursday through the Ilorin Zonal Director of the EFCC, Mr. Daniel Isei, during a public lecture marking the 2025 African Union Anti-Corruption Day in Ilorin. The African Anti-Corruption Day, observed annually on July 11, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of corruption and to mobilize collective action against it. This year's theme focuses on the evolving nature of financial crimes in the digital age. In his address, titled 'Understanding Virtual Assets & Investment Scams,' Olukoyede stated that Africa's fight against corruption is being undermined by a surge in illicit financial flows, with money laundering and virtual asset fraud topping the list. He explained that virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies and digital tokens, are not inherently criminal but become dangerous tools in the hands of fraudsters. 'Technology is advancing rapidly, and while virtual assets were created for legitimate financial innovation, criminals are exploiting them for money laundering and fraudulent investments,' he said. Olukoyede cited recent investigations revealing how politicians and corrupt individuals hide stolen funds in cryptocurrency wallets to evade detection. He also warned about the growing trend of fraudulent investment schemes that use virtual assets to lure desperate investors with promises of quick returns. Highlighting the infamous CBEX scam, the EFCC Chairman described it as a case study of how ignorance and negligence among investors can fuel the success of fraudulent schemes. 'The CBEX case showed how failure to conduct due diligence and report suspicious transactions on time can lead to devastating losses,' he said. 'No investment scam can succeed without the negligence of the investing public.' Despite the increasing complexity of virtual asset fraud, Olukoyede assured the public that the EFCC remains a step ahead through proactive intelligence gathering, continuous training, and operational breakthroughs. He noted that the agency has already recorded significant successes in investigating and prosecuting such crimes. He emphasized the need for public enlightenment and stakeholder collaboration to tackle the menace. 'Virtual asset and investment fraud are preventable,' Olukoyede said. 'The key is education, vigilance, and timely reporting. This interactive forum is a step in the right direction.' The EFCC Chairman also urged experts at the forum to demystify virtual assets for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians and help close the 'window of ignorance' that fraudsters exploit. In his presentation, an Assistant Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, ACE II James Allison, highlighted the growing vulnerability of Nigerians to digital investment scams and cryptocurrency-related frauds. In his lecture, titled 'Understanding Virtual Assets and Investment Fraud,' Allison explained how fraudsters are exploiting virtual assets such as cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and unregulated investment platforms to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. 'Fraudsters are increasingly taking advantage of people's lack of understanding of virtual assets. They dangle unbelievable returns on investment, create fake trading platforms, and often vanish without a trace once they secure their victims' money,' he said. Allison cited real-life cases handled by the Commission, including instances where young Nigerians lost millions of naira to Ponzi schemes disguised as crypto-trading platforms. He listed common red flags such as guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, lack of licensing or registration, and vague company information. To protect themselves, he advised members of the public to 'research thoroughly before investing, verify regulatory compliance, and never trust unsolicited offers.' He concluded with a strong caution: 'If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a fraud.' As the event concluded, he urged participants to engage in open, fact-based discussions, emphasizing that fighting corruption and financial fraud is a shared responsibility. The event brought together stakeholders from civil society, youth groups, academia, security agencies, and the media. Discussions at the forum focused not only on emerging threats but also on the collective responsibility of citizens in building a corruption-free Nigeria.
Zawya
29-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
Reflections over air accidents in Nigeria
The recent crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin serves as a stark reminder of the importance of aviation safety in Nigeria. Fortunately, both occupants of the aircraft survived the incident, albeit with injuries that required medical attention. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, and their efforts will undoubtedly shed light on the causes of the crash. As the NSIB investigation unfolds, it is worth reflecting on the history of air accidents in Nigeria. The country has experienced its fair share of aviation tragedies over the years, with some incidents resulting in significant loss of life. One of the most notable incidents was the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash in 2005, which claimed the lives of 108 people. Another tragic incident was the Dana Air Flight 0992 crash in 2012, which resulted in the loss of 153 lives. These incidents highlight the critical importance of aviation safety and the need for robust safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring. The NSIB plays a vital role in ensuring aviation safety in Nigeria, and their investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be crucial in determining the causes of the incident and identifying measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The aviation industry in Nigeria has made significant progress in recent years, with improvements in safety standards and regulatory frameworks. However, the recent incident serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of air travelers in Nigeria. The NSIB's investigation will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the causes of the crash and help to identify areas for improvement. In the aftermath of the incident, the Kwara State Government has expressed relief that the occupants of the aircraft survived the crash. The government has also commended the efforts of the NSIB for launching a formal investigation into the incident. This response demonstrates the government's commitment to aviation safety and its willingness to work with regulatory agencies to ensure that safety standards are upheld. As the investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin continues, it is essential to recognise the importance of transparency and accountability in aviation safety. The NSIB's commitment to transparency throughout the investigation is a welcome development, and their findings will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the causes of the incident. The aviation industry in Nigeria is growing rapidly, with increasing demand for air travel and a growing number of airlines operating in the country. However, this growth must be accompanied by robust safety measures to ensure that the safety of air travelers is not compromised. The NSIB's investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be critical in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that safety standards are upheld. In conclusion, the recent crash-landing of a Diamond training aircraft at the General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety in Nigeria. The NSIB's investigation into the incident will be crucial in determining the causes of the crash and identifying measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the aviation industry in Nigeria continues to grow, it is essential to prioritize safety and ensure that robust safety measures are in place to protect air travelers. The NSIB's role in ensuring aviation safety in Nigeria cannot be overstated. The bureau's investigation into the recent incident demonstrates its commitment to transparency and accountability, and its findings will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the causes of the crash. As the aviation industry in Nigeria continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the importance of safety and to prioritize measures that ensure the safety of air travelers. Ultimately, the safety of air travelers in Nigeria depends on the effectiveness of the country's aviation safety regulatory framework. The NSIB's investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be critical in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that safety standards are upheld. By prioritizing safety and ensuring that robust safety measures are in place, Nigeria can continue to grow its aviation industry while protecting the safety of air travelers. The recent incident also highlights the importance of effective emergency response and medical care in the aftermath of an aviation incident. The fact that both occupants of the aircraft received medical attention promptly is a testament to the preparedness of emergency responders in Ilorin. The NSIB's investigation will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into the response to the incident and identify areas for improvement. In the end, the investigation into the recent crash-landing in Ilorin will be a critical step in ensuring that safety standards are upheld in Nigeria's aviation industry. The NSIB's commitment to transparency and accountability will be essential in identifying the causes of the incident and preventing similar incidents in the future. As the aviation industry in Nigeria continues to grow, it is essential to prioritise safety and ensure that robust safety measures are in place to protect air travelers. The incident also underscores the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of aircraft to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. The NSIB's investigation will likely examine the maintenance history of the aircraft and determine whether any mechanical issues contributed to the crash. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
21-05-2025
- BBC News
'I cut off Yetunde Lawal hand for money'
Di trial of one Abdurahman Bello and four odas wey chop accuse for di murder case of 23-year-old female students of Kwara State College of Education for Ilorin, Nigeria, bin take place today. Today for Kwara State High Court, dem bring evidence wey include two hands, a table, a machete, an axe, phones, a knife and a rubber band wey dey stained wit blood. Di case of Yetunde Lawal bin happun for February 2025, wen police say dem receive report of a case of murder and rape against against one man, wey dem identify as Abdurahman Bello. Police inspector Ayodele Azeez of di Kwara State Police Command Criminal Investigation Department tok say during investigations, dem go di house of Abdurahman Bello and dem find some items for dia. Among di items wey dem find for im house na Yetunde earrings, shoes, documents, and phone. Di Police inspector wey serve as first witness for di case tok say for dia investigation, dem take di statement of di accused wit knowledge of im lawyers, and e sign di statement. Di court admit di statement as evidence for di case. Dem presented di evidence for court today wey include audio and video footage of di accused, Abdurahman Bello. For di statement, di accused tok say e and Yetunde bin meet online and dem begin tok love and marriage matter. "Hasfot don promise me for long say she go come my house." Di accused say di day wey di incident happun, di deceased come im house and wen she dey hungry e buy food give her. Na afta di food dem come have sex and she bin faint. "Na becos say I no fit carry her deadi bodi, na im make me nury her body for grave and cut off her two hands to make money" How dis matter take start For February 2025, police for Kwara state southwest Nigeria don confam say dem arrest one 29 years old man wey allegedly kill and pieces di body of one 23-year-old female student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Tok tok pesin for di state police, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, tell BBC News Pidgin say di name of di victim na Yetunde Lawal, say dem don begin investigation to know wetin really happun wey lead to di murder. According to di tok-tok pesin, dem first receive alert of missing pesin from di victim papa. According to dem, security personnel find di dismembered bodi of Yetunde inside bowl for di suspect house. Tori for town be say dem both meet online and begin friend till di suspect invite her over. Police say di lady bin don dey miss since 10th February. Na four days later dem find her bodi for di suspect house. Late Yetunde na di first pikin of her family. Her papa and mama still dey alive. She bin dey final year for Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, bifor di incident happun.
