Exclusive Reporters are committed to delivering credible, insightful, and impactful stories that matter. We go beyond headlines to bring our readers exclusive reports, in-depth analysis and human-interest stories that shape conversations and inspire change.
At ExclusiveStory. News, journalism is more than reporting; it’s about truth, balance, and responsibility. Our team of dedicated reporters, writers, and editors works tirelessly to uncover facts, amplify voices, and shed light on issues that affect everyday lives across Nigeria and beyond.
From politics to business, aviation, governance, lifestyle, and social development, we strive to inform, educate, and engage our audience with accuracy, speed, and integrity.
Our Mission:
To uphold the highest standards of journalism by providing exclusive, factual, and unbiased news that empowers readers and promotes transparency in society.
Our Vision:
To be one of Nigeria’s most trusted online news sources, where truth meets exclusivity, and every story makes an impact.
A broadcaster and pastor of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Gbenga Filani has been dragged before an Akure magistrate court for allegedly raping a pregnant teenager.
The accused person was brought before the court on a two-count- charge of rape and assault.
The Police had last week arrested the popular broadcaster for the alleged offence of raping a 19-year old pregnant lady who had gone to his church for deliverance.
According to the charge, Filani was said to have committed the offence on December 8, 2021, at about 3:43 pm at Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road Akure.
It read “That you Gbenga Filani on the 8th December 2021 at about 3:43 pm at Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Deliverance Parish, No 1, Owuye Close, Fabunmi Avenue, Oda Road Akure in the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully had canal knowledge of one Ojo Bukola age 19 years without her consent under the pretence of spiritual healing and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 357 and punishable under section 358 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.
“That you Gbenga Filani, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did unlawfully and indecently assault one Ojo Bukola by torching her private part against her will and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under section 360 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1, laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.”
The police prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, said the offences were punishable under sections 358 and 360 of the criminal code cap 37, vol 1 laws of Ondo state of Nigeria 2006.
Akintimehin, however, urged the court to remand the accused person pending legal advice of the Department of Public Prosecution.
Lawyer to the accused, Adelanke Akinrata asked the court to grant bail pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Akinrata argued that there was no evidence before the court to link the accused with the alleged offence committed.
The Presiding Magistrate, Damilola Sekoni however granted bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in the like sum. He said the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means.
Magistrate Sekoni added that the sureties must have landed properties in the jurisdiction of the court. He adjourned to January 14 for a hearing of the case.
Says Fayemi Has Laid Template Of Purposeful Leadership For Successor
Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday commissioned the 30.5km Agbado-Ode- Isinbode-Omuo-Ekiti Road in Ekiti State.
Commissioning the road reconstructed by the John Kayode Fayemi administration, Governor Akeredolu commended the Ekiti State Governor and Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, for the successful completion of the project which he described as impactful.
Arakunrin Akeredolu noted that the impressive infrastructural development being witnessed across the length and breadth of Ekiti State, in spite of manifest downturn in the economic fortunes of the country, is the result of a carefully conceived and effectively implemented policies and programmes.
Stressing that the road being commissioned is strategic to real development, Governor Akeredolu said very important milestones have been covered and veritable templates of purposeful governance laid for any successor desirous of development.
The Governor stated that only a person with foresight and knowledge will appreciate the connection between road construction and economic activities.
Governor Akeredolu explained that there can be no effective rural integration system if there is no good road network, adding that infrastructural development is crucial to the enhancement of the conditions of living in the communities.
He said: “Agriculture-Extension services, agro-allied businesses can only become effective and impactful with the completion of projects, such as this one, the subject of our gathering
“I am made to understand that this road stretches through several farming communities. It also serves as a transit route, into and out of the State. travel time has been reduced by over two hours.
“In addition, this road will service some strategic assets of the State. Economic activities along this corridor will improve phenomenally. The living conditions of the people will witness significant impact. Motorists will heave deep sigh of relief. The boost is tremendous and exponential.”
The Governor, who said the destiny of Ondo and Ekiti States is intertwined, noted that the two states have had a long history of shared heritage and beneficial collaborations.
“I congratulate my brother, JKF, and his Rescuing Mission Team for making it possible for us to witness history. The people of Ekiti State, especially those whose habitation falls within this axis, must be happy for the completion of this impactful project, among several others which have been commissioned for the benefit of the people in the last three years of peaceful, purposeful and significantly impactful service.
“I recall, with great satisfaction, our struggle to emplace this people-oriented Government. Our determination to redirect this land of the just and brave to the path of decency has borne bountiful dividends.
“Very important milestones have been covered and veritable templates of purposeful governance laid for any successor, desirous of development. This should be expected in a State led with keen intellection.
“The completion and commissioning of this road project, devoid of loquacious grandstanding, is evidence that the man directing the affairs of the State is determined to bring to bear quality difference in the lives of the people.
“it is not only a promise kept. It also, and more importantly, confirms good judgement on the part of the good people of Ekiti State in re-electing this intellectual in 2018.
“I have had close working relationship with the Dr. Kayode Fayemi, at the Governor’s Forum, both nationally and at our Region, the South West. He is the current Chairman of the Forum at the national level.
“I confirm that he has led the Forum with uncharacteristic candour, diligence, focus and huge sense of inclusiveness. I commend him, most enthusiastically, for his commitment to the strategic and comprehensive approach to infrastructural development of Ekiti State. He has proved that it is possible to achieve so much with minimum resources,” Governor Akeredolu added
The Ondo State Governor enjoined the immediate communities benefitting from the project to take ownership and protect it keenly, stating that they must ensure that it is not subjected to abuse or misuse in any form for enduring benefit.
Governor Akeredolu was accompanied to the event by his Deputy, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bamidele Oleyelogun, and some other members of the House of Assembly; members of the state executive council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; and other important dignitaries.
Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, and members of his state executive council also witnessed the event.
Richard Olatunde Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State. December 14, 2021.
The lawmaker representing Odigbo/Ile-Oluji & Oke-Igbo federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Akinfolarin Mayowa, heartily rejoices with the Government and people of Ondo state on the successful swearing in of all the 14 new commissioners and seven Special Advisers as well as the Director-General of Project Implementation and Monitoring unit who will pilot the affairs of the state with Governor Rotimi Akeredolu in the next years to come.
He urged the new Commissioners and Special Advisers to see this as a new challenge and as a call to service. He also enjoined them to contribute their own quota towards the development of our dear sunshine state.
Hon. Akinfolarin also thanked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu for finding our daughter from odigbo local government, HON Yetunde Adeyanju worthy of been appointed as one of the commissioners to pilot the affairs of the state with him. He prayed for the success of all of them in office even while expressing optimism that they will perform wonderfully well in their different new roles.
Congratulations All….. God bless The Sunshine 🌞 state.
A 19-year-old pregnant woman named Bukola has explained how a popular Radio Presenter in Ondo State and Pastor of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Gbenga Filani allegedly raped her inside the Church during a deliverance procedure.
Precision Online Newspaper reports that the suspect, Filani is yet to speak on the allegation as he is now in police custody.
Narrating her ordeal to reporters at the Police headquarters in Akure, the state capital, the victim, Bukola said the popular Radio presenter used ‘anointing’ oil to rub her private part before he dipped his manhood into her.
She said Mr Filani inserted his middle finger inside her private part several times especially when she was being prayed for in the Church premises.
Her words “In the morning, I went to hospital to register. We usually have programme every Wednesday. On that faithful day, I went to Church but unfortunately they have ended the service.
“He collected the list they gave me from the hospital. He said the items in list given to me were too much, he later said I should go and do the photocopy which I did. After I have done it, he said I should take it to the altar, while sitting down, he started pressing my stomach, he asked me how many month is my pregnancy? I said it is five months.
“He said that he is going to do some spiritual work on me before my delivery. He stood up later and entered a room. He later called me to enter and I did. He asked me to sleep which I did, he also said I should remove my clothes, and I did it saying I should also open my legs.
“He dipped his middle finger with oil on my private part. He said my baby is vertical instead of being horizontal. He said he would put oil in my private part and would help me insert it with his private part so that the oil would get into the baby.
“He robbed anointing oil in his private part and asked me to open my legs. He then had sex with me. He said he had to help me because my husband is not around.
“It was later after he had sex with me that I came into my right senses. He said I should swear and that I should not tell anyone including my mother. He said I will die if I tell anybody.
“He did not put on his garment when we had the sex. When he was having sex with me, he gave me one small cross that I should put it on my navel. He also gave me table water and poured perfume inside it. He also asked me to drink little out the water and prayed for me. That I should be using it and that the baby will turn to normal position within three days,” Bukola said.
The Ondo state Spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami confirmed the arrest, adding that investigation was still ongoing.
The Ondo West Local Government Chairman, Hon. Akinsulire Ebenezer Ayodeji, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Akintunde John Folajimi (Jimiok) has lauded the Awosika family of Ondo Kingdom for reconstructing the ancestral Odotu Lane, popularly known as Idimi Liwan’ja by Ondo people.
While appreciating the Awosikas for the indelible gesture, Hon. Akintunde John Folajimi also challenged other Ondo families to emulate the Awosika family and establish the footprints of their families in the infrastructural development map of Ondo Kingdom.
The dutiful Ondo West Local Government Vice – Chairman further expressed the satisfaction of the government in the quality and modern specification of the project for the good use of all Ekimoguns when commissioning the project.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of Board of Trustee of the family, Chief Benson Awosika posited that the gesture was borne out of passion that the family has for the development of Ondo Kingdom and to entrench the Awosika family legacies in the Kingdom.
Other notable family members present at the landmark project occasion were Prof. Larry Awosika, Dr. Ladi Awosika, Mr. Valentine Awosika, Engr. Femi Awosika, Mr. Bankole Awosika and a host of others.
Oyedele Abiodun Director on Media and Publicity to the Chairman, Ondo West Local Government. 10/12/2021
The lawmaker representing Odigbo/Ile-Oluji & Oke-Igbo federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Akinfolarin Mayowa has facilitated another sets of projects for the benefits of his constituents.
The projects comprises of solar street lights, completion and construction of schools with offices and fully equipped furniture.
So far, the solar street lights have been installed at Igburowo town in Ajue ward, at Mile 9 in Onisere ward, while others will commence soonest.
Aside the solar street lights project, the lawmaker has also commenced the building of six-blocks of classrooms at Odigbo High school, Three- blocks of classrooms with fully equipped furniture at Araromi-obu community primary School and Four – blocks of classrooms with offices at Aperin Community primary school.
While inspecting the solar street lights, Hon Adegboye Najeem (the personal Assistant to Rt. Hon Akinfolarin) urged benefitting communities to continue to give his boss maximum support in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
He explained that the solar street lights project will cut across some wards in the constituency which are Ajue ward, Onisere ward, Ebijaw ward,Oke-Igbo town and Oniparaga ward respectively before moving to Okeigbo/Ileoluji Local Government.
The entire project is expected to be completed before the year run to an end by God’s grace.
“I want to reassure you of more dividends of democracy as my boss continue to represent you well by providing sound and quality representation at the green chambers”. He assured.
Residents of Ondo State have continued to react on the release of Prophet Alfa Babatunde also known as Sotitobire, of Sotitobire Praise Chapel, Akure.
Recall that an Ondo State High Court on October 6, 2020 sentenced the prophet and five others to life imprisonment for the disappearance of a toddler, Gold Kolawole. Prophet Alfa, founder of the popular church, located at Oshinle Quarters, Akure, was accused by the parents of the missing child of complicity for the disappearance of their son.
Aside Prophet Alfa, others found guilty of the offence are members of his church: Omodara Olayinka, Margaret Oyebola, Grace Ogunjobi, Motunrayo Egunjobi, Esther Kayode and Peter Anjorin.
Alfa Babatunde not satisfied with the lower court and prayed for the Appeal Court to nullify his life sentence conviction. Friday last week, the court ruled that the circumstantial evidence of the High Hour was not enough to convict him. He was therefore discharged and acquitted.
It was therefore jubilation galore for members of his church after the appellate court’s pronouncement as they trooped out into the street thanking God. Some residents of Akure who spoke with The Hope reacted differently on the judgement.
According to Funmilayo Adewale, a business owner in Akure, she said, “So releasing the major suspect is more important than finding out what happened to the one year old boy? To the best of my knowledge, there’s something wrong with this verdict. Do you mean to tell us this is how he will go scot-free? The families of that one-year-old boy should not relent, they should take up the case to the Supreme Court.
On the contrary, Sunday Olakunle in his contribution said, “If we’re not clouded by our emotions, there’s no pointer that this man committed any crime. All I know is that emotions don’t win in courts, facts do. I hope the police will go the extra mile to unearth what actually transpired that led to the missing kid and his whereabouts.
But I surely know that what a man can’t see is visible to the Almighty” Abdul Nurudeen, a retailer, in his words said “I don’t think we will find a way forward as a country and nation if there are people who are above the law and not held responsible for their actions. I was keen with the story of the missing boy last year, and everything indicated that the boy got missing in the church premises. The person in charge of this church in person of the General Overseer should be held accountable, releasing him is not a good idea.”
“I was wondering why the church members decided to resurrect the church and pasted his pictures on billboards across town recently. They probably seem to know he’ll be free and decided to wet the ground before his return. My question is, were they aware of his freedom before every other person? We need answers because this same man was sentenced to life in prison, but now free.
Ife Johnson, a driver, said “Sometimes, the law is always blind to the truth and we have to be very careful when casting anyone. Looking at this case logically, there is no substantial evidence against this prophet, I don’t know him from anywhere neither have I met him before. The court works on facts gathered and anybody can be wrong. Now that he is a free man, a travel ban should be placed on him, so investigations can be carried out. In advanced countries investigations take months and even years to complete. Justice must prevail.”
Sade Olaiya, a businesswoman, reacted differently, she said, “Firstly, I will consider the first judgement by the high court rather harsh. Life imprisonment? That’s too much to begin with, a case with no substantial evidence? Everybody that is involved in the burning down of that church should be arrested and face trial in court for vandalism and causing disruption in the community. Yes, the kid was in the church premises but was there anything indicating that this prophet took the child? We all witnessed different things happened in the church, my phone was once stolen in the church, why didn’t I accuse the pastor of theft? I believe justice has just been served and I’m happy for him. Now the work is left to the police to find that missing boy.”
According to Omowumi Adebiyi, a civil servant, she said “When I heard the news of his release, I was shocked because I remember the story then, he was convicted of kidnapping and other charges, now he is free. Is something wrong with our legal system in this country? This is how innocent people rot in jail, not everybody has the luxury to take up cases to the appeal court, facts should be right before sentencing. This doesn’t make him a totally free man, because I’m sure investigations are still on going, I’m sure the truth will prevail very soon concerning that missing boy.”
A business owner, Olubunmi Oluwatosin in her contribution, said: “There is something more to this case. I believe there are people in power supporting this man. I guess, I might be wrong but that’s what my instinct tells me. Everybody followed up the case by then, and every evidence was pointed to the church as the number one suspect. This case shouldn’t just die down like that, we need justice for Gold Kolawole. Somebody must be held responsible, justice must be served.”
Bankole Oni, a fashion designer said, “I’m sure some illiterates are saying envelopes have exchanged hands, if you don’t know how the administration of criminal justice works why not just keep quiet, or take several seats and learn. Some courts will rush and convict an accused just to make fun of themselves at the court of appeal. Judges feel very bad when their judgements are quashed at the appeal stage. I always knew he’d be free, no concrete evidence, people were just attaching sentiments with the prophet’s case and his church doctrine, but the court doesn’t operate like that.”
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday, inaugurated an Ultra Modern 15,000 tones Cocoa processing factory, the Johnvents Industries Nigeria Ltd, with a promise to join hands with stakeholders to reposition and boost cocoa business in the state.
Speaking during the inauguration, Akeredolu reiterated the commitment of the present administration to boost cocoa production saying the state will soon attain its position as the hub of cocoa production in the country.
Akeredolu who disclosed that the cocoa revolution had kicked off in the state, said that over 10,000 hectares of land had been cleared at Jugbere in Owo Local Government Area solely for the cultivation of cocoa.
According to him, as part of efforts to maintain and boost cocoa production in Ondo State, his government has distributed over two million hybrid Cocoa seedlings to farmers for free, saying no fewer than 1.75m cocoa trees have been planted by farmers in the state in the last two years.
According to the governor, the present administration is poised to revive cocoa production in the state in order for the state and country to regain its rightful position in the community of cocoa-producing countries.
He said all these steps was to revive the dwindling cocoa plantations and return the state and Nigeria to the place of pride in cocoa production and expressed his administration’s determination to increase the state’s cocoa output.
Akeredolu who commended the company for choosing Ondo State as the investment destination for such a magnificent agribusiness project noted that the establishment of the Johnvents Cocoa processing factory will create more employment opportunities for the youths in the state.
He said: “I am delighted to be here for the commissioning of the Johnvents Cocoa processing Factory. Today’s commission of this incredible project is an important milestone in cocoa agribusiness, not only to Ondo state but to Nigeria as a whole.
“Nigeria is not taking advantage of the cocoa value chain as only about ten per cent of Nigeria cocoa beans is processed into cocoa butter and powder, while the rest is exported.
“What this means is that we are losing about 90 per cent of our probable revenue from cocoa. I believe that the addition of Johnvents Cocoa will increase the percentage of cocoa beans processed in Nigeria.”
Speaking, the Group Managing Director of CapitalSage, the holding company of Johnvents Industries Limited, John Alamu said: “Our vision is to continuously drive sustainable growth across the entire agricultural value chain in Nigeria.
“With the abundant cocoa production in the country, our value should far exceed what it currently is. This is why we have taken the audacious step of developing a multi-billion Naira cocoa processing factory of this magnitude.
“This will help the country further tap into the $5billion potential value of cocoa, which we are currently not harnessing due to overreliance on cocoa beans alone.”
Alamu explained the factory promises to be a connecting bridge between cocoa farmers and the global cocoa market, thereby contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s exports.
He said: “Johnvents Cocoa Processing Factory will crush cocoa beans into cocoa liquor, butter, cake, and powder, for internal consumption and export into other markets across Europe, Asia and America, thereby increasing the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
“Interestingly, the economic benefits of this factory go beyond its contributions to foreign exchange earnings. It will also be a big player in job creation through 300 direct jobs and over 17,000 indirect jobs for Ondo state indigenes and Nigerians across the country.”
He called for stakeholders continued support to ensure that the country moves beyond cocoa beans production to becoming a continental and global giant in cocoa processing for local consumption and export purposes.
Some of the dignitaries at the inauguration included, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, the Jegun of Ile Oluji, Oba (Dr.) Julius Adetimehin, amongst others
Johnvents Industries Limited, owners of Johnvents Cocoa Processing Factory, was incorporated in 2016, and since its inception, the company has been at the forefront of driving sustainable growth and end-to-end transformation across the entire agricultural value chain from production, processing, manufacturing.
Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called for collective efforts in disaster management posed by various forms of disasters, be it drought, flood, windstorm, rainstorms or fire outbreak.
The Deputy Governor made the call on Tuesday while declaring open, Sensitization Workshop and Stakeholders’ Meeting on Disaster Management, organized by Ondo State Deputy Governor’s Office in conjunction with Ondo State Emergency Management Agency, ( ODSEMA ) held in Akure.
Aiyedatiwa said the call became necessary because, “safety and social welfare of the good people of Ondo State is one of the critical pillars of the REDEEMED Agenda of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s administration”.
His words, “disaster management world over is increasingly becoming the business of all” .
“Government alone cannot undertake the whole gamut of interventions involved, from sensitization, preparation and mitigation to response and recovery” .
“It has to be the collective efforts of government, business Community, civil society and members of the public” , declared Aiyedatiwa.
He equally acknowledged the State Government for its support to Ondo State Emergency Management Agency ( ODSEMA ) inspite of ongoing economic challenges in the State and other supporting partners like National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ( NIMASA ), Nigeria Fire Service, for being dependable allies.
In his own opening address at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Oluwagbenga Akingbasote posited that, in disaster management, there’s the need to “up our game” especially in the face of increasing challenges.
“There is the need to discuss and ruminate together, to synergize better, support the State Government and ourselves for a more efficient and effective disaster management strategy in Ondo State for the benefit of our people” , he said.
Other personalities at the event includes, Deputy Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Permanent Secretary, Office of Deputy Governor, Gbenga Akingbasote, Ekiti Zonal Director of NEMA, Segun Afolayan, Guest Lecturer, Barrister Sheyi Ebenezer, Press Secretary to the Governor ( Office of the Deputy Governor ) Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, S/A To Governor on New Media, Ladi Okunniga and others.
Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, Press Secretary to the Governor ( Office of the Deputy Governor ).
The Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, has announced that the Institution would hold its Post-UTME Screening Text on Tuesday, 7th and Wednesday, 8th December, 2021 at the Polytechnic’s ICT/ CBT Centre, Ile-Oluji, Ondo state.
This contained in a statements signed, released to the exclusiveonline news, by the Head, Information, Protocol & Passages, Mr Sanmi Enigbokan on Monday.
According to the statement: This is to inform the entire Polytechnic Community, and in particular, all prospective candidates that have chosen Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State as their first choice Institution that, the Polytechnic will hold its Post-UTME Screening Text on Tuesday, 7th and Wednesday, 8th December, 2021 at the Polytechnic’s ICT/ CBT Centre from 8:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m each day.
All prospective candidates are to come to the venue with their Post-UTME Slip for identification.Use of mobile phones and other means of electronics gadgets are prohibited at the Centre. Candidates are required to check the Polytechnic’s website at http://www.fedpolel.edu.ng for for further information and guidance.
Exclusive Reporters 