The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, has arrested one Akinola Tosin, 34, for alleged involvement in fraud and impersonating a military officer.
The State Commandant, Commandant Abbas Ndah-Mohammed told newsmen in Ilorin that the suspect was apprehended following a complaint that he defrauded a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, using a fake bank transfer alert.
Nda-Mohammed said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect collected the sum of N40,600 after presenting a fake debit alert to the POS operator, deceiving the victim into believing a successful transfer.
He said that further investigations revealed that the suspect had been impersonating a member of the Nigerian Army, using a fake military identity card bearing his name, alongside a military-related outfit.
“The suspect also confessed to previous fraudulent activities involving multiple victims, while further investigation uncovered a suspected accomplice, identified as Feranmi Godwin.
“The accomplice is currently at large, but efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and conclude investigations,” Commandant said.
Nda-Mohammed disclosed that items recovered from the suspect includes, 2 Opay ATM cards, 2 UBA ATM cards, 2 First Bank ATM cards, 1 PalmPay ATM card and 1 National Identity Card.
He said that the suspect would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commandant reaffirmed Corps’ unwavering commitment to combating crime and other forms of criminality and urged the public to remain vigilant and verify electronic transactions before releasing cash, goods or other valuables.
With heavy hearts but with total submission to the Supreme Will of Almighty Allah, we, at the University of Ilorin, mourn the passing of our former Vice Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, OON, who departed this world on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the age of 68.
Prof. Ambali, who headed the university between 2012 and 2017, was more than an administrator. He was a visionary leader who believed in the power of ideas, discipline, and service. During his tenure as Vice Chancellor, he sustained the glowing legacies bequeathed to him by some of his illustrious predecessors. He also championed academic excellence, nurtured young minds, and created a conducive environment for all-round institutional growth.
During his tenure, he was widely regarded as a visionary and transformational leader who prioritised academic excellence, institutional growth, and student development.
We remember him as a leader who understood that a university is not just lecture halls and laboratories but also character, community, and voice. He gave the university room to train, to mentor, and to tell some of the glorious stories we proudly tell today. Many of the ex-students now making waves across Nigeria are products of the enabling environment he helped create.
Under his leadership, the university recorded significant milestones in infrastructure, research, and national reputation.
Beyond policies and projects, colleagues and students remember him for his accessibility, his calm demeanour, infectious wisdom, and his belief in nurturing the next generation.
Born on November 29, 1957, to the family of Mallam Ambali Gidado and Mrs. Husseina Angulu, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali hailed from the Idi Agbede axis of Okeleru Quarters, Ilorin.
After his primary education at Pakata Primary School, Ilorin, he proceeded to McBride Secondary School, Jalingo (now Government Secondary School, Jalingo), Taraba State. Thereafter, he attended Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, from where he graduated with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 1981. He was also at the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, for his Master of Veterinary Science (M.V. Sc.) (1984), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Veterinary Medicine (1989). The erudite veterinarian also attended the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK, for his Animal License Certificates. He is a Wellcome Trust Research Fellow.
Immediately after his national service in 1982, the young Ambali joined the services of the University of Maiduguri as Assistant Lecturer, and by dint of hard work and academic excellence, he became a Professor in 1995.
Prof. Ambali was two-time Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, before transferring his services to the University of Ilorin, where he became the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in October 2010.
The erudite scholar was on national assignments in various capacities at various times, prominent among which were Collation Officer for the 2015 Presidential Election in Niger State, Returning Officer for the 2015 Governorship Election in Niger State, and Returning Officer for the 2017 Governorship Election in Ondo State.
With the impending expiration of the tenure of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede and the advertisement of the vacancy for the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin in April 2012, the consummate veterinarian, showed interest in the job Prof. Ambali was one of the 14 eminent Professors that turned in their application letters.
After a rigorous interview session, Prof. Ambali was adjudged the most suitable, and he was recommended by the Council/Senate Selection Board for appointment. The University Council, thereafter, ratified the Selection Board’s recommendation on July 25, 2012.
The erudite scholar, who still engaged in active teaching at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin after his vice chancellorship tenure, was until his death the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete.
The late Prof. Ambali understood that a great university is built on both scholarship and character.
At 68, his work here is done, but his legacy will continue to live after him. The policies he signed, the staff he mentored, and the students he inspired would continue to speak for him.
Adieu, Prof. Ambali. There goes a great Unilorite, an embodiment of hard work, an epitome of humility, and a quintessential humanist.
May Allah accept his return, forgive his shortcomings, comfort the family he left behind, and make Aljannah Fridaous his perpetual abode.
The Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed today paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the residence of the 1st Makama of Ilorin, Alh. Ibrahim Oniye, to commiserate with him and the entire family following the passing of his beloved father, Imam Salahudeen Saadudeen Oniye.
The visit was marked by a spirit of shared grief and respect as the Rector sought to offer his personal support during this difficult period of mourning for the royal household.
Addressing the 1st Makama, the Rector expressed his deep sympathies, noting that the late patriarch lived a life of immense impact and integrity, leaving behind a lasting legacy which will serve as a guiding light for the younger generation.
He prayed that the Almighty grants the soul of the departed eternal rest and provides the family with the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Speaking earlier, the 1st Makama of Ilorin expressed profound gratitude to Engr. Abdul, for taking time out of his busy schedule to identify with the family. He noted that the visit provided great comfort to the household, emphasizing that the gesture is a testament to the strong bond and mutual respect that exists between the Polytechnic leadership and the Ilorin Emirate.
The visit concluded with special prayers offered for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for the Rector’s success in office.
The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed deep sadness over the death of former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulganiyu Ambali.
This is contained in a condolence message issued on Saturday in Ilorin by the Emir’s spokesperson, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona.
The Emir described the late Ambali as an erudite scholar, accomplished administrator, and pride of the Ilorin Emirate, who contributed immensely to education and national development.
“Prof. Ambali was a man of uncommon intellect, humility, and discipline.
“As Vice-Chancellor, he repositioned the University of Ilorin as a centre of academic excellence and stability. His tenure was marked by peace, growth, and global recognition for the institution.
“He was a worthy ambassador of the Emirate who never detached himself from his roots, community, and people.
“His counsel on matters of education, religion, and community development was always thoughtful and invaluable,” he said.
Sulu-Gambari, who is also the Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, extended his condolences to the immediate and extended family of the deceased, the academic community and the entire Ilorin Emirate.
He prayed that Almighty Allah accepts the deceased’s good deeds, forgives his shortcomings, admits him into Al-Jannah Firdaus and grants his family and colleagues, and associates the fortitude to bear the loss.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, Prof. Jimoh Shaykh-Luqman described the death of Ambali, the institution’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, as a great loss to humanity.
In a condolence message issued by the university’s Director of Public Relations, Saeedat Aliyu, Shaykh-Luqman described the late Ambali as a distinguished Nigerian who was straightforward in his dealings.
He noted that the deceased was highly cerebral, committed to the growth of KWASU and the larger Kwara community, and an exemplary administrator who led the Governing Council with wisdom and a strong sense of commitment.
According to him, Ambali’s impact will be felt not only within the KWASU community but across many institutions and communities beyond Kwara State.
Shaykh-Luqman commiserated with Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Emir of Ilorin, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, the immediate and extended family, colleagues, and friends on the loss of an illustrious personality.
He prayed that Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, grants him Al-Jannah Firdaus, and gives all those affected the fortitude to bear the loss.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ambali was appointed the fourth Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of KWASU Governing Council on Jan. 24, 2024, by Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
He previously served as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin from 2012 to 2017.
Ambali died in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 68.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole has announced the death of the institution’s 9th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali.
The announcement is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Ilorin by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun.
According to the statement, Ambali, who served as Vice-Chancellor from 2012 to 2017, died in the early hours of Saturday after a brief illness at the age of 68.
Egbewole described the death of Ambali as a huge loss to the University of Ilorin and Kwara State University, Malete, where he served as Pro-Chancellor until his passing.
He sympathised with the family of the late scholar and the people of the Ilorin Emirate.
The Vice-Chancellor also enjoined sympathisers, particularly members of the university community, to attend the Janazah prayer for the late former Vice-Chancellor at his residence in Oloje Housing Estate, Ilorin, by 4 p.m.
The APC governorship aspirant in Kwara State, Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the reported progress towards the establishment of State Police, describing it as a courageous and timely response to Nigeria’s security challenges.
Reacting to the disclosure by the President’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, that constitutional amendments to enable State Police would soon be presented, Araba said the development signals that Nigeria is moving in the right direction.
According to him, the initiative aligns with his long-standing position that security should be decentralised to enable sub-national governments to play more active roles in protecting lives and property.
“State Police has consistently been part of my advocacy because security is most effective when it is local. Communities understand their terrain, challenges, and threats better than distant authorities.
Strengthening sub-national capacity is essential to building a safer Nigeria,” he said.
Araba noted that the country’s security architecture is overstretched by the scale of modern security threats and requires bold institutional reforms to remain effective.
He therefore congratulated President Tinubu for advancing a reform many Nigerians have long demanded and urged the National Assembly and other stakeholders to expedite the constitutional process.
“This is not just a political reform; it is a national security imperative. I commend President Tinubu for demonstrating leadership and for moving the State Police conversation from advocacy to action,” he added.
Araba reaffirmed his commitment to policies that promote security, effective governance, and greater devolution of powers within the federation.
The Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic, Dr. Abdul Jimoh has described Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as a compassionate and visionary leader whose decisions are always focused on the best interests of the state.
The Rector stated this during a courtesy visit by the executives of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) and members of the Gambari Development Association.
This is contained in the statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, Hajiya Halima Garba, on Thursday, in Ilorin.
The Rector explained that Governor AbdulRazaq’s decision to reinstate him as the Rector, reflects a belief in his capabilities and deep commitment to the values of integrity, fair governance, and justice.
Jimoh said that he was aware of the responsibilities that came with his reinstatement, and promised to approach his duties with renewed vigor and dedication.
He assured the delegation to remain dedicated to the advancement of the institution, stressing that his administration would continue to focus on academic excellence, welfare of staff and students, including infrastructural development.
Responding, the delegation, led by Alhaji Abdulrauf Issa and Mr Awodi Ayodele pledged their solidarity and support for the Rector’s continued leadership.
They prayed for the success of the Rector’s administration, continuous progress of the Polytechnic, and sustained peace and development in the Ilorin Emirate and Kwara in general
The Kwara State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes following the arrest of an alleged gang leader linked to a series of abductions in parts of Kwara North, and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.
The suspect, identified as Umar Abubakar, popularly known as “Manti,” was allegedly uncovered during an intelligence-led investigation by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) after a raid in Okuta, Baruten Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, operatives attached to the Okuta Divisional Headquarters arrested a group of suspected criminals during a routine operation in the Tabida area on June 1, 2026.
The statement said the suspects were subsequently transferred to the VCRU for further profiling and investigation, which led to the identification of Abubakar as the alleged leader of a kidnapping syndicate operating across several communities in Kwara North.
“Preliminary investigation by the VCRU led to the identification of one Umar Abubakar, alias ‘Manti’, as the leader of a kidnapping syndicate believed to have been responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents and related violent crimes within parts of Kwara North, particularly around Okuta, Ilesha-Baruba, Tabida/Taberu, and adjoining communities,” the statement read.
Police investigators also recovered two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the gang during its operations.
The Command described the recovery as a significant blow to the criminal network and a major step towards improving security in affected communities.
“Further intelligence-driven investigation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles with fully loaded magazines believed to have been used by the criminal gang in carrying out their operations. The recovery represents a significant disruption of the group’s operational capability and a major step towards restoring public safety within the affected areas,” the statement added.
The police disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody and have been providing useful information to investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State commended officers of the Violent Crime Response Unit and other supporting formations for what he described as their professionalism, resilience and operational efficiency in achieving the breakthrough.
The Command further reassured residents of its commitment to tackling insecurity, noting that intelligence-led operations had been intensified across strategic locations in the state.
“The Command further assures residents that intelligence-led operations have been intensified across strategic locations, while all available resources are being deployed to ensure the continued safety of lives and property throughout the State,” the statement said.
Police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court upon conclusion of the probe.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said that there are many benefits that can be derived in riding bicycle.
Kwara Sector Commander, Kabir Kazeem told newsmen during the World Bicycle Day celebration, on Wenesady, in Ilorin.
He said that the celebration is a nationwide event declared by the United Nations Assembly, to be celebrated every June 3rd annually and globally.
The first Bicycle Day celebration was held in 2018 and it is observed annually all over the 36 states of the FRSC.
“There are lots of advantages to using a bicycle. The Non-motorised Transport System like cycling, walking, jogging and running have lots of benefits to the society.
“When we use bicycles to move from one place to another, it will increase traffic flow, reduce congestion on the road and make movement faster and easier during traffic.
“Bicycles can be used in traffic to maneuver your way during obstructions, rather than when you use an automobile,” he said.
The Sector Commander noted that there were emissions and gaseous air that comes out of automobiles that are hazardous to the health, so with less vehicles, there will be less risk, less air and noise pollution.
He stressed that the health benefit of using bicycle daily would serve as an exercise, a form of daily cardiovascular exercise that help to prevent the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, depression and others.
“Bicycle is an affordable means of transportation that even low income earners can buy and the cost of maintenance can not be compared to automobiles.
“It is cheaper to maintain and the parts are easily available. Bicycle does not need petroleum before it can be used as a means of transportation,” he said.
Alhaji Shuaib Ibrahim , Chairman, Magaji-ogo Community, along Kwara College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin has called on the state government to renovate the College road for easy vehicular movement.
The Chairman made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the issue of the bad road network in the community, especially at CAILS entrance.
Ibrahim said that the road passes through CAILS main gate to several places like Magaji-ogo community, Al-Hikmah University (Atere campus), Gaa-Saka Arae, AGF AbdulRazaq schools, Fortress Schools and Olanrewaju Islamic schools among others
Also, the only two health centers available in the area, Istijabah Clinic and Merigad private hospital, pass through the same gate to their various destinations.
“The water that flows from Oke-fomo bridge through the College gate has caused lots of damage to the entrance, thereby making it difficult for vehicles to pass easily.
“The havoc has led to the closure of one gate, which is no longer motorable, thereby leading to vehicular hold-up in the morning and closing hours,” he said.
The Community Chairman said that they have tried to fill up the road pot holes caused by the water flow but were stopped by CAILS management for trespass.
“We decided to clear all the dirt in the drainage to enable free flow of water and pour trucks of sand at the entrance gate to fill the pot holes, but we received a call from CAILS management to stop work.
“We were surprised by their outbursts and did not stop until the next day, Tuesday, when we poured a truck of gravel, but the College shut the gate on all vehicles.
“This is the only road that leads to our community and other neighbouring places, so there is an urgent need to renovate the road for easy vehicular movement,” he said.
The community therefore called on the state government to ease their pain by renovating the road network that leads to many places in Ilorin.
Reacting to the allegation, Prof. Abdulganiyu Abdulsalam, CAILS Provost, told NAN that the institution held a meeting with the community sometimes ago and they had an agreement on the repair of the road.
“We discussed the issue of sanitation, road users, especially big lorries and trucks transporting goods through the College premises, most especially the security situation in the area.
“We also decided to print out stickers for resident vehicles to be recognised, and open then gate between 6 a.m and 8 p.m, for security purposes.
“They later sent a letter, challenging us that the land belong to government and nobody can stop them from doing otherwise, that is why we shut the gate for security reasons,” he said.
The Provost, however, said that they held a meeting with some members of the host community on Tuesday, where they apologised and agreed to their former terms and conditions, while the College also agreed to open the entrance gate.
“After today’s meeting with the community leaders, they apologised and agreed that the gate will be opened from 6 a.m to 8 p.m and they will inform the College on any renovation activities before embarking on it,” he said.
