Metro
Sniper Claims Another Victim – a Secondary School Student
The family of Favour Ekemedili, a Senior Secondary School 1 pupil of the Cedar College, Baruwa, in the Ipaja area of Lagos State, has been thrown into mourning after she allegedly died of drinking a beverage said to be laced with an insecticide, Sniper, on the school premises.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Favour was in the classroom receiving lectures with her classmates when she allegedly took the beverage.
Immediately after consuming the beverage, it was learnt that she started complaining of severe stomach ache and was rushed to the school’s sickbay for urgent medical treatment.
While the nurse on duty was examining her to ascertain the cause of the discomfort, our correspondent gathered that Favour’s classmates, who saw when she took the beverage, were said to have showed the school management the leftover.
The beverage, after being examined, was discovered to be laced with Sniper and this prompted the school management to rush her to the General Hospital.
The Principal of the school, Samuel Adeliyi, said the management discovered that the beverage that Favour took was the cause of her stomach ache, because her classmates saw when she consumed it.
While commiserating with the bereaved family, the principal said the school management had paid a condolence visit to the family.
Adeliyi said, “On that faithful day, the first period was over and the teacher had left the class for the next teacher to come in. While they were waiting for the next teacher to come in, the girl (Favour) stood up, brought out the drink from her bag, went to the window and started drinking it.
“As she was drinking it, she poured some quantity through the window. Her classmate even challenged her for pouring the beverage away, but she didn’t answer them and as the next teacher entered the class, she threw the bottle away through the window.
“Three minutes later, she started complaining of stomach ache and she fell down. The classmates quickly rushed her to the sickbay and while she was being attended to by the nurse, her classmates, who went in search of the bottle, brought it to the sickbay to show the nurse what she took. When they smelled the content, they realised that the drink was Sniper. So, the nurse realised that the case was beyond the capacity of the sickbay and rushed her to the hospital that the school uses.”
When contacted, the deceased’s mother, Nkem, blamed the school management for not properly monitoring her daughter while in their care.
“I don’t have any issue; I leave everything to God. Whatever I say cannot change what has happened. My daughter left my house and went to school; while in the class, was she monitored? But I leave everything to God because whatever I say cannot bring back my daughter,” she stated.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, in a statement on Sunday, said Favour died while receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.He added that the remaining content of the beverage bottle had been taken to the laboratory for testing.
He stated that the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department had commenced investigation into the incident.
Elkana said, “On Thursday, May 30, 2019, around 5.40pm, the Ipaja Police Station received a complaint from the Cedar College, Baruwa, that on the same date around 9am, one Favour Ekemedili, an SS1 pupil complained of severe stomach ache and was rushed to the school’s sickbay. The school’s sickbay immediately moved her to the general hospital, which in turn referred her to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where she was admitted for medical attention.
“Her parents were contacted by the school authority. She died around 6pm while receiving treatment. Her friends, who witnessed the incident, stated that the stomach ache started after the girl took a beverage, known as Fanjuice. On a close check of the bottle, it was discovered that it contained an insecticide known as Sniper and not the beverage. The chemical substance was taken for laboratory testing. Homicide detectives from the SCIID are investigating the case.”
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.
