Metro
Police Arrest Lagos Pastor for Raping, Impregnating Teenager
Men of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a pastor, Pope Paul, for allegedly raping and impregnating a 15-year-old girl at his place of residence in the Igando area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, in a statement on Sunday, said the mother of the victim discovered that her daughter was pregnant after she brought her to live with the suspect in Lagos.
He stated that the victim, during interrogation, said the suspect was responsible for the pregnancy, adding that he started having sexual intercourse with her in January 2018.
Elkana said, “On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, around 3pm, the mother of the victim (name withheld), from Akure, Ondo State, reported at the Igando Police Station against one Pastor Pope Paul of No. 10/11 Aminu Street, Ishuti Road, Egan-Igando. The complainant alleged that sometime in August 2017, her daughter (name withheld) was brought to Lagos to live with the suspect and his wife.
“She further stated that she discovered that her daughter was pregnant sometime in June 2018, and that when she interrogated her, she mentioned the suspect as being responsible for the pregnancy. The victim revealed in her statement that the suspect started having sexual intercourse with her in January 2018, and got her pregnant. She stated further that she gave birth to a baby girl in April 2019. The suspect has been charged to court.”
In another development, a 68-year-old man, Yisah Showunmi, has been arrested by the personnel of the command for allegedly raping his 15-year-old daughter.
Elkana said Showunmi’s daughter reported that he had been having sexual intercourse with her for over three years, adding that her two friends, who stayed with them, were also sexually assaulted by her father.
He stated that when arrested, Showunmi confessed to the crime.
Elkana said, “On Thursday, June 27, 2019, around 2pm, the 15-year-old victim (name withheld) reported a case of defilement at the Imota Police Station against her father, one Yisah Showunmi, 68. The victim alleged that her father had been having sexual intercourse with her for the past three years.
“She further alleged that when her two friends (names withheld), aged 15 and 16, came to stay in their house, her father also had sexual intercourse with them. She added that the last incident happened on June 23, 2019. The suspect confessed to the crime. He has been charged to court.”
In a similar development, the personnel of the command have arrested one Akin Olatilu for allegedly molesting his 19-year-old step daughter.
Elkana said the victim alleged that Olatilu had been molesting her since she was 14, adding that whenever she reported him to her mother, she would not take action.
He stated that the victim spoke out when Olatilu lied against her after she turned down his request to have sexual intercourse with her.
Elkana said, “On Friday, June 14, 2019, around 1pm, the victim, 19, alleged that her stepfather, Akin Olatilu, had been sexually abusing her since she was 14. She alleged further that she reported the matter to her mother, who did not take any action. She further stated that the abuse did not stop until she turned 18, and that the suspect also had sexual intercourse with her in March 2019.
“She added that when she turned down the request of the suspect in June, he lied against her to her mother and she was beaten up and this made her to speak up. The suspect has been charged to court.”
The Punch
Mudashiru Obasa has been returned as the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
Obasa was reinstated following the resignation of Mojisola Meranda, who stepped down from the role with immediate effect.
He was returned as the speaker during Monday’s plenary session.
In January, Obasa was impeached by members of the Lagos State House of Assembly over multiple allegations of fraud.
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has partnered with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to host the 2025 International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja. Organized by the Ministry in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), the summit brought together international stakeholders and experts in the telecommunication sector to drive innovation, collaboration and tangible actions. It was co-sponsored by Globacom.
The company, which owns the Glo 1 submarine cable wholly, joined other global stakeholders in the telecommunications and digital landscape in the discussions aimed at bolstering the resilience of cable networks for the benefit of consumers.
Having realized the importance of submarine cables quite early, Globacom deployed Glo 1 from Europe to Africa in 2010. In 2024 when fibre cuts impacted economic, governmental and private activities across West Africa, Glo 1 saved the day for many customers. The cable system was up and running due to its resilience and the constant maintenance strategies deployed by the company. Its capacity was recently upgraded to serve more and more customers and ensure reliable connectivity at all times.
Declaring the two-day summit open, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, highlighted the significant role submarine cables play in enhancing smooth operation of modern economies.
“Submarine cables form the backbone of global digital connectivity, carrying over 95% of international data traffic, linking continents, and enabling the smooth operation of modern economies. Yet, despite their significance, these infrastructures remain vulnerable to disruptions—whether from natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, accidental damage, or evolving cyber threats”, he stated.
In the light of this, the Minister emphasized the various commitments Nigeria has made under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen its digital infrastructure and advance policies that support connectivity, innovation, and economic growth.
“We have taken decisive steps as a nation to recognize and protect telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, aligning with our broader efforts to enhance digital resilience across sectors,” he noted.
In her address, the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the symbolism of the global undersea network in the realm of innovation and the investment necessary to connect the world meaningfully, highlighting the extent of human reliance on digital infrastructure.
Also speaking, Prof. Sandra Maximiano, Co-Chair, Advisory Board of ITU, addressed the challenges and the need to preventing cable cuts from occurring, emphasizing the importance of bolstering resilience by guaranteeing the availability of technical resources, such as vessels, stockpiles, and spare parts, in areas with lower submarine cable density. Additionally, he underscored the need to align regulatory measures with the demands of resilience.
The event also featured several panel sessions dedicated to the critical dimensions of submarine cable resilience.
The Chief Executive Officer, Adron Homes and Properties, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who is also the Golden Grand Patron of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at the National level, hosted a warm reception in honor of the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo.
The event, according to a statement made available to Pointblank.ng, which was held at his residence, brought together top law enforcement officials, esteemed royal fathers, community leaders, and distinguished dignitaries from various sectors.
The gathering emphasized the importance of community policing and the collaboration between security agencies and the public. Speaking at the event, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking highlighted the crucial role of synergy in ensuring effective policing and fostering a safer society.
“Security is not just the responsibility of law enforcement agencies; it is a collective duty. We must all work together to combat crime, especially new-generation crimes that threaten the peace of our communities,” he stated.
He commended CP Ogunlowo for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to upholding law and order.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of CP Ogunlowo to make a significant impact in Ogun State. His track record speaks volumes, and I assure him of my full support in ensuring a crime-free society,” Aare Emmanuelking added.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of prestigious awards from the Office of the Golden Grand Patron of PCRC National, recognizing outstanding contributions to community development and security. Honorees included distinguished royal fathers, the Chairman of Ilishan Development Association, Aare Wemmy Osude, the PCRC Ogun State Chairman, Ven. Dr. Samson Kunle Popoola JP, the PCRC National Chairman, Alh. Mogaji Olaniyan Ibraheem, and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD.
CP Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, in his remarks, expressed profound gratitude for the warm reception and pledged to strengthen community-driven policing strategies.
“Community engagement is the bedrock of effective policing. My administration will prioritize collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across Ogun State,” he assured.
The event served as a true demonstration of the strong partnership between law enforcement and community leaders in promoting peace, security, and development in Ogun State.
