An Ilaje youth, Gbenga Omogbemi, accused of stealing $9,000 from Navy Captain Aliyu Usman, remains alive but is in critical condition, contrary to earlier reports of his death. The Nigerian Navy has redeployed Captain Usman, the officer alleged to have carried out the assault. Sources say the incident is part of broader allegations against Navy personnel, who reportedly invaded communities in Ilaje Local Government Area, Ondo State, destroying properties, burning a bakery, and abducting residents.
Residents accused the officers of harassment, sexual assault, and forcibly taking over properties, disputing Navy claims of illegal refinery operations in the area. At least two people were killed, ten went missing, and several women were reportedly molested. The chairman of Ilaje Omuro Connect, Barrister Babatunde Omobone, was arrested for defending community rights and handed over to the Department of State Services. Community members have appealed for proper investigation.