Tension gripped Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Wednesday as farmers took to the streets to protest the alleged killing of five people by suspected herdsmen at Aba Oyinbo community in Akure North Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the assailants invaded the community in the early hours of Wednesday, opening fire on the victims.

The fresh killings come barely two weeks after no fewer than 14 people were reportedly murdered by gunmen in four communities—Ademekun, Aba Pastor, Aba Sunday, and Alajido—all in the same local government area.

Angry protesters stormed the Governor’s Office in large numbers, chanting solidarity songs and calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene and halt the unrelenting attacks on farmers.

One of the protesters, identified simply as Jonah, decried the increasing spate of killings, alleging that the attackers infiltrated the state through Edo.

“We are being slaughtered without anyone doing anything. Akure North is under siege. We are farmers, not criminals. We are appealing to the governor, the police, the army, and Amotekun to save us before more lives are lost,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives had been deployed to the protest scene to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has distanced himself from the ongoing investigation of his Personal Assistant, Andrew Uchi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

According to reports, Uchi is being detained by the anti-graft agency over allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering amounting to approximately N10bn.

He is also accused of acquiring properties worth over N6bn in Abuja; Jos, Plateau State; and Makurdi, Gboko, and Tarka Local Government Areas of Benue State.

Additionally, two Bureau de Change operators are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the money laundering scheme linked to Akume’s aide.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Director, Information and Public Relations, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, the SGF reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability.

The statement, titled “OSGF Distances Self from Corruption Allegations,” read, “The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involving Hon. Andrew Torhile Uchi, Personal Assistant to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, regarding allegations of corruption, bribery, and money laundering.

“It is imperative to state categorically that the office’s leadership is not in any way involved in the alleged misconduct, as it has always maintained a strong commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity. We recognise the efforts of the EFCC to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable.

“However, we urge the public not to speculate or draw conclusions as investigations are still ongoing. The OSGF appreciates the understanding and support of the public on this matter.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested Kelly Okungbowa, the suspended coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, PSRT, for alleged naira abuse.

SOCIETY REPORTERS reports that Kelly Okungbowa, popularly known as “Ebo Stone” was arrested by operatives of the Benin zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.

Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity of the Commission confirmed the arrest in a statement dated March 17, 2025.

Oyewale said the suspect was arrested owing to a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025.

The statement read in part: “Operatives of the Benin zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, March 17, 2025 arrested Kelly Okungbowa (a.k. a Ebo Stone) for alleged Naira abuse.

“Okungbowa, who until recently was the coordinator of the Edo State Public Safety Response Team, PSRT, now suspended by the Edo State Government, was arrested owing to a viral video where he was seen spraying and mutilating the naira at a bar on March 9, 2025”,he said.

He said he would be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has commended the anti-graft agency for the swift arrest of the suspect.

A statement by Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the State’s caretaker committee of the party, charged EFCC on thorough investigation and diligent prosecution in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalised the abuse of naira notes.

“The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, commends the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for the swift arrest of Kelly Okungbowa, also known as Ebo Stone for alleged naira abuse.

“The swift arrest of Okungbowa who was seen in a viral video spraying and mutilating the Naira sends a strong message that such criminal and irresponsible actions will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator’s position or influence.

“We charge the EFCC to carry out thorough investigation on the matter and ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with the CBN Act of 2007 which criminalises the abuse of naira notes, including spraying, stepping on, or mishandling”, he added.

DAILY POST recalls that the aide to the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo was suspended by the State Government over allegations of extortion, harassment, and unruly behavior.

In the viral video, he was seen spraying naira notes on two exotic dancers, at a bar, on March 9, 2025 in Benin City.