Sunday, September 6, 2026

Two suspects arrested for attacking Obesere at burial in Ondo: Police

Obesere was attacked on Friday by suspected thugs while he and his band were performing at a burial ceremony attended by dignitaries.

• November 23, 2025
Fuji maestro Abbas Akande
Fuji maestro Abbas Akande

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the violent attack on Fuji maestro Abbas Akande, popularly known as Obesere, in the Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

Obesere was attacked on Friday by suspected thugs at the Government Field, Okitipupa, where he and his band were performing at a burial ceremony attended by dignitaries.

The state police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement on Sunday, listed the two suspects as Michael Abbey, a.k.a. ‘Emir,’ and Oniye Oke.

Mr Ayanlade said the breakthrough followed the command’s prompt response to credible intelligence, indicating that Mr Akande was assaulted during the event.

“Further investigations revealed that on 21st November 2025, a group of suspected hoodlums led by one Michael Abbey, popularly known as “Emir,” allegedly attacked the musician while he was performing.

“During the assault, the suspects reportedly stole a bag containing N4,000,000, as well as a gold chain, handset, and wristwatch. The situation escalated when the victim’s manager sustained an injury to the hand after being stabbed with a broken bottle while attempting to intervene.

“During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal operation. A total sum of N479,100 was recovered as part of the stolen proceeds. Efforts are currently being intensified to track down the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the outstanding exhibits linked to the case,” Mr Ayanlade stated.

He explained that the command acknowledged and appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his unwavering support and strategic guidance, which continue to bolster operational efficiency across Ondo State.

“This encouragement has further strengthened the command’s resolve to deliver effectively on its mandate,” the police spokesperson said.

Mr Ayanlade said the state commissioner of police, Adebowale Lawal, has reiterated that the command will not tolerate any act of hooliganism, thuggery, or violent conduct, especially as the state approaches the festive period.

He said Mr Lawal also assured the public that all individuals connected to this criminal act will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

The chairman of Okitipupa LGA, Andrew Ogunsakin, had condemned the violent attack on Mr Akande, insisting that such behaviour does not reflect the values of the Ikale people.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Image used to illustrate the story

States

Troops rescue abducted victims in Nasarawa, Benue

Troops of Whirl Stroke rescued abducted victims in Nasarawa and Benue states.

Image used to illustrate the story

States

Troops ‌⁠‍‍⁠⁠‌‍‌⁠‍‍‍‍‌foil terrorist attack, recover arms in Sokoto

The troops of the Nigerian Army foiled a terrorist attack and recovered high-calibre guns and motorcycles in Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State.

Pete Edochie

Showbiz

Veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie urges preservation of Nigeria’s cultural identity

Mr Edochie said Nigerian culture is built on deeply rooted values of good character and respect for elders, which guide daily life, relationships, and community interactions.

NDLEA arrests suspects

States

NDLEA arrests suspects, recovers illicit drugs in Kogi, Taraba, Lagos

The NDLEA said it recovered 966,200 tablets of Tramadol 225mg worth over N1.1 billion, concealed in a 21-carton consignment from Pakistan, among others.

Robin Morgan

Heading 2

American feminist writer Robin Morgan dies at 85

Credited with coining “herstory” (history from a woman’s perspective), Ms Morgan wrote the popular Sisterhood anthology series and authored over 20 books during her lifetime.

Convicted Mr Dunu

NationWide

NDLEA nabs convicted businessman behind cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia

The agency said the arrest occurred weeks after it intercepted a 1.2kg cocaine consignment concealed in phone chargers and destined for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.