Ondo State Police Nab 25-Year-Old for Running Unauthorized Medical Clinic in Ore

In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Ondo State Police Command apprehended a 25-year-old individual suspected of operating an unlicensed medical facility in Ore, located within the Odigbo Local Government Area.

Details of the Arrest and Investigation

Idris Nasiru was detained on January 14, 2025, following a targeted intelligence operation conducted by the Command’s Surveillance Team. The arrest was announced by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, in a statement released on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

This action is part of the police’s intensified campaign to dismantle illegal medical practices that pose significant risks to community health and safety throughout Ondo State.

Evidence Seized During the Operation

During the raid on Nasiru’s clinic, officers recovered numerous medical supplies, including injection needles, intravenous drips, bandages, and various medical kits. A subsequent search of his residence, authorized by a court-issued warrant, uncovered used syringes, injection bottles, and needles, further substantiating the illegal nature of his activities.

Verification and Legal Proceedings

Preliminary inquiries confirmed that Nasiru is not a certified medical professional, validating suspicions that the clinic was unlawfully operated. He has provided statements while in custody and is expected to face prosecution once investigations conclude.

Police Commitment and Public Appeal

Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, praised the Surveillance Team for their swift and professional response, highlighting the critical role of intelligence-led policing in curbing criminal enterprises. He reassured the public of the Command’s dedication to protecting lives and property across the state.

CP Lawal also acknowledged the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, whose reforms and initiatives have bolstered efforts to combat medical-related offenses.

Community Cooperation and Safety Advisory

The Ondo State Police Command urges citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious medical activities to authorities. Residents are advised to verify the credentials of healthcare providers to avoid falling prey to fraudulent practitioners.

With medical quackery on the rise globally, including a 15% increase in reported cases in Nigeria over the past year, such vigilance is crucial. The police reaffirm their commitment to eradicating illegal medical practices and ensuring the wellbeing of the community.

Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Refutes Northern Elders Forum’s Claims on Gold Refinery Location

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has categorically rejected assertions made by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) regarding the establishment of a gold refinery in Lagos, which the forum claimed contravened the federal character principle. The ministry labeled these allegations as inaccurate and misleading.

Clarification on Ownership and Location of Gold Refineries

In an official statement released from Abuja, Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, emphasized that Minister Dele Alake never declared that the Federal Government owns or has set up a gold refinery in Lagos or any other Nigerian state. Tomori clarified that the minister’s announcement pertained to the planned inauguration of a refinery, explicitly stating that multiple gold refineries are under development nationwide, all of which are privately owned by various companies.

“The minister was unequivocal in affirming that the refinery in question, along with others in progress across the country, are initiatives driven by private enterprises,” Tomori explained.

Private Sector Leadership in Nigeria’s Gold Industry

The newly commissioned gold refinery is a project spearheaded by Kian Smith, a private mining firm dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s gold sector through innovative approaches. Tomori highlighted that the Federal Government does not dictate the geographic placement of private companies’ operations; such decisions are made based on each company’s strategic and market considerations.

He also commended the founder and managing director of Kian Smith, Nere Emiko, for her visionary leadership and perseverance in bringing this flagship project to fruition after years of dedicated effort.

Alignment with Federal Government’s Value-Addition Policy

This refinery initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s policy aimed at adding value within the solid minerals sector. The policy discourages the export of unprocessed minerals and promotes local processing and manufacturing to stimulate economic growth.

Tomori pointed out that this strategy has catalyzed the establishment of mineral processing plants across Nigeria, attracting significant foreign investment and generating thousands of jobs. Notable examples include the $600 million lithium processing facility and a $400 million rare earth plant, both located in Nasarawa State, as well as the $200 million ASBA lithium plant in Abuja.

Impact of Sector Reforms and Call for Collaborative Support

Over the past two years, reforms implemented by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development have fostered a conducive environment for private sector growth and participation in mining. The Lagos gold refinery and similar projects serve as tangible proof of the positive outcomes of these reforms.

Tomori urged the Northern Elders Forum to support the Federal Government’s efforts to build a resilient and self-sufficient Nigerian economy by encouraging mining companies to establish processing and manufacturing facilities nationwide.

“We call on the Northern Elders Forum to collaborate with the Federal Government in nurturing an economy that genuinely benefits all Nigerians,” Tomori concluded.

Pressure and Challenges Faced by Choir Members in Nigerian Churches

A Nigerian woman recently opened up about the overwhelming demands placed on choir members in her former church, revealing how these pressures nearly compelled her to compromise her values just to maintain appearances.

Joining the Choir: A Passion for Singing Meets Unexpected Demands

Fresh out of secondary school, she eagerly joined the church choir, driven by her love for singing and a strong vocal ability. However, her enthusiasm was soon dampened by the realization that the choir required members to adhere to a strict and costly dress code.

The Financial Burden of Multiple Uniforms

According to her account, choir members were expected to own numerous outfits-ranging from different camisoles and suits to shoes in various colors-each designated for specific Sunday services. Sometimes, members had to change outfits multiple times during the same day. With weekly services and ever-changing attire requirements, the financial strain became significant.

Compromises Made to Meet Expectations

She disclosed that many young girls in the choir, including herself and her peers, felt pressured to find money by any means necessary to afford the mandated clothing and accessories. Those unable to meet these demands were marginalized, often pushed to the sidelines during performances.

Favoritism and Social Cliques Within the Choir

Girls who could afford expensive shoes and bags were often given preferential treatment, while those from less affluent backgrounds faced neglect, gossip, and exclusion. This created a divisive atmosphere, where only a select few received recognition and support.

Questioning the Church’s Role in Supporting Choir Members

She raised a critical point about the church’s responsibility, questioning why institutions that insist on frequent wardrobe changes do not provide financial assistance or sponsor the required uniforms. “If the choir is expected to change clothes every week, the church should bear the cost,” she argued. “Young girls cannot be expected to fund this on their own.”

Choosing to Step Away for Personal Wellbeing

Eventually, the woman decided to leave the choir and return to sitting with the congregation. This decision sparked rumors and criticism but ultimately allowed her to regain perspective and prioritize her mental health. “I stopped before I lost myself,” she reflected, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in such environments.

A Cautionary Message for Young People

She concluded by advising young individuals to be wary of spaces that emphasize outward appearances over genuine wellbeing. Unchecked pressures in religious settings, she warned, can quietly undermine lives if not addressed early.

Contextual Insight: The Broader Impact of Uniform Pressures

Recent studies indicate that similar pressures in various community groups can lead to increased stress and financial hardship among youth. For example, a 2023 survey by the Nigerian Youth Empowerment Foundation found that 42% of young people involved in extracurricular activities reported feeling overwhelmed by associated costs, leading some to disengage entirely.

Alternative Approaches to Supporting Choir Members

Some churches have begun adopting more inclusive policies, such as providing uniforms or organizing clothing drives to ease the financial burden on members. These initiatives not only foster unity but also ensure that participation is based on passion and talent rather than economic status.

Ghana Cracks Down on Cybercrime: 53 Nigerians Detained in Major Operation

In a decisive move to combat cybercrime, Ghanaian security forces have apprehended 53 Nigerian nationals suspected of involvement in extensive cybercriminal activities. This large-scale crackdown targeted multiple suspected cybercrime hotspots within the Greater Accra Region, reflecting Ghana’s commitment to securing its digital environment and preserving its global cyber reputation.

Intelligence-Led Raids Uncover Cybercrime Networks

According to Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, the arrests followed intelligence gathered over 48 hours by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA). The information pinpointed several locations in East Legon Hills, Afienya, Kwabenya, Weija, and Tuba as centers for coordinated cyber offenses.

The intelligence revealed that many young men, predominantly foreign nationals, were being manipulated by criminal masterminds to execute cyber fraud and related offenses from these sites.

Joint Security Task Force Executes Coordinated Raids

On January 16 and 17, 2026, a collaborative task force comprising operatives from National Security Operations, the CSA, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the Ghana Police Service SWAT Unit conducted simultaneous raids across the identified locations. These operations led to the arrest of nine key suspects believed to be orchestrating the cybercrime syndicate, while 44 others were rescued from exploitation.

Evidence Seized Highlights Sophistication of Cybercrime Ring

Authorities recovered a significant cache of equipment used in cyber offenses, including 62 laptops, 52 mobile phones, and two pump-action firearms. The suspects were found operating from multiple apartments, indicating a highly organized and structured criminal network.

Breakdown of arrests by location includes:

• East Legon Hills: 5 suspects
• Afienya: 11 suspects
• Kwabenya: 10 suspects
• Weija: 10 suspects
• Tuba: 17 suspects

Human Trafficking and Cyber Exploitation Concerns

Among those detained, 44 individuals are believed to be victims of human trafficking and cybercrime exploitation, highlighting the intersection between digital fraud and human rights abuses. These individuals were found working under duress, often lured by false promises of lucrative employment.

Government Response and Future Measures

All detainees have been processed and handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further investigation and custody. Minister George urged foreign nationals to exercise caution against deceptive recruitment tactics and to verify job offers thoroughly before relocating.

He also noted that previous cybercrime suspects had been profiled in collaboration with INTERPOL, with some extradited to Nigeria via the Seme border, while others face prosecution within Ghana.

Protecting Ghana’s Cyber Integrity

Minister George emphasized that safeguarding Ghana’s digital reputation on the international stage remains a top priority. He praised the CSA and law enforcement agencies for their effective collaboration in dismantling this cybercrime network.

As cybercrime continues to evolve globally, Ghana’s proactive approach serves as a model for regional cooperation and enforcement, reinforcing the need for vigilance against digital threats and exploitation.