Police Smash Car-Snatching Gang In Igando

The Lagos State Police Command has dismantled a car-snatching syndicate notorious for operating across Lagos and neighbouring states, recovering five stolen

vehicles and several firearms in the process.

Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, who paraded the suspects at their hideout in the Igando area on Friday, described the arrest as another major

breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crime.

According to him, three members of the gang were arrested at their residence, which also served as their operational base where they planned and executed

attacks on unsuspecting motorists.

“The suspects specialised in pretending to be passengers before robbing their victims mid-transit and dispossessing them of their vehicles,” Fayoade explained.

He cautioned private car owners, particularly civil servants and professionals, against picking up unknown passengers in exchange for money to offset fuel

costs, warning that such practices often expose them to danger.

“It is extremely risky. If you cannot afford fuel, park your vehicle until you can. Many victims fall prey to these criminals by offering rides to strangers,”

he advised.

Fayoade revealed that while one of the reported robberies occurred in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos, investigations uncovered that the syndicate had also

carried out similar operations in Oyo and Edo States.

“Our investigation into a single robbery case led to the unravelling of the entire gang. So far, five vehicles have been recovered, including two displayed

here today,” he said.

Among the items recovered from the suspects were a pump-action rifle, an English-made pistol with erased serial numbers, several live cartridges, and charms

believed to be used for protection during their operations.

The police commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring safety across the state.

“Lagos remains safe. We are on top of our game in crime prevention, control, and timely detection,” he assured.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their neighbourhoods.

“Criminals are not spirits; they live among us. If you notice individuals without a clear means of livelihood or those moving in and out at odd hours,

please report to the nearest police station,” Fayoade urged.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for providing the logistical and tactical support that continues to strengthen the fight

against crime in Lagos.

 

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Depression: Woman Falls Into 60-Foot Well In Ikorodu

A 32-year-old woman has been hospitalised after falling into a 60-foot well in the Agric Road, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State, reportedly as a result of depression.

The Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, disclosed this in a statement.

According to Adeseye, the agency had received a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday about the incident.

She noted that preliminary findings showed that the victim had wandered into the area before falling into the well.

Accompanying video of the incident showed the moment firefighters descended into the well and rescued the woman, who had sustained injuries to her head with visible blood stains.

She added that upon arrival at the scene of the incident, firefighters immediately conducted a rescue operation and rescued the lady alive.

Adeseye stated, “A distress call was received regarding a reportedly depressed female adult, approximately 32 years old, who accidentally fell into an uncovered well about 60 feet deep.

“The victim was said to have wandered from a nearby building before the incident occurred while she was sitting on the edge of the well.

“Upon arrival, the rescue crew immediately commenced operations and successfully rescued the victim alive. She was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.”

The LSFRS boss noted that the cause of the accidental fall was attributed to a depressed condition.

“The probable cause was an accidental fall resulting from a depressed condition,” Adeseye concluded.

Depression and associated mental health issues have been attributed to the worsening economic conditions, which have continued to put pressure on many individuals.

PUNCH Healthwise reported in April 2024 that there had been a disturbing rise in mental health-related incidents in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

Similarly, it reported in September 2024 that the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, recorded a patient admission increase by almost 100 per cent in 2023, with experts linking the surge to economic hardship, unemployment, and social instability.

Experts have urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns and establish more community-based mental health centres, stressing that untreated depression often leads to tragic incidents like suicide attempts and self-harm.

 

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Police Arrest Eight Cultists In Ikorodu

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested eight suspected cultists and armed robbers during a targeted operation in the Odogunyan area of Ikorodu, as part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the suspects were apprehended during an early morning raid by the Command’s Bullock Tactical Team, following credible intelligence. The operation, conducted at about 5:30 a.m., led to the arrest of Fadiya Ayodele (27), Lawal Rasheed (28), Akerele Demilare (27), Alimi Victor (23), Okiki Alufoge (25), Nurudeen Dolapo (25), Agboola Samuel (25), and Ayolade Victor (25).

Items recovered from the suspects included a Nigerian military camouflage uniform, a battle axe, an assault dagger, several charms, and counterfeit United States dollar bills totaling $3,000.

During interrogation, Fadiya Ayodele reportedly confessed to being the leader of the Eiye Confraternity.

in the area and admitted to having previously handed over a locally made pistol to one Adewunmi Annadex, who is currently on the run. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover the firearm.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Lagos residents.

“The Command will continue to sustain its intelligence-driven operations and make Lagos State uncomfortable for criminals,” the CP assured.

The police added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

 

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Train Crushes Dispatch Rider To Death At Ikeja

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has renewed its appeal for caution and strict compliance with traffic regulations following a tragic collision between a moving train and a dispatch rider that occurred at the PWD Railway Level Crossing in Ikeja.

According to a statement issued by the agency, the accident occurred when the dispatch rider, whose motorcycle bore registration number AGL 179 QR, attempted to cross the tracks despite an approaching train. The impact, which happened near the route leading to Ikeja GRA, resulted in the rider’s instant death.

Eyewitnesses said the victim tried to outpace the train, ignoring the warning signals and speed restrictions at the level crossing.

“He rode in a hurry and disregarded the signals alerting of an oncoming train,” one witness recounted.

Following the incident, LASTMA officials swiftly arrived at the scene to manage traffic and cordon off the area. They were later joined by officers from the Shogunle Police Division, while personnel from the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU, evacuated the body.

Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep condolences to the victim’s family, describing the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the dangers of recklessness and impatience on Lagos roads.

“This unfortunate event is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of impatience and disregard for safety rules, especially at railway crossings,” Bakare-Oki said.

He urged dispatch riders and motorists to respect warning signs, traffic lights, and barriers, stressing that railway intersections require maximum vigilance.

“We appeal to all road users to be patient, cautious, and responsible to prevent avoidable deaths,” he added.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to road safety education and enforcement, announcing plans to intensify awareness campaigns and surveillance around high-risk areas across the state.

“LASTMA remains steadfast in its mission to promote discipline, proactive enforcement, and continuous public enlightenment to ensure safety across the Lagos metropolis,” he stated.

 

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FirstBank To Launch Financial Services For Blind, Physically Challenged Customers

FirstBank, the premier West African bank and a leading financial inclusion service provider, is set to introduce tailored financial services for blind, partially sighted, and physically challenged customers across its operations.

This initiative is part of FirstBank’s broader continuous commitment to promoting Financial Inclusion and Diversity, which is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41 per cent,:59 per cent; and 37 per cent women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation. 

In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.

Commenting on the proposed launch, the Chief Risk Officer and Chairman of the FirstBank Sustainability Committee, Patrick Akhidenor, said, “Everyone deserves access to financial services whether physically or digitally.

“We recognise this, and we are providing financial services that are both accessible and affordable to visually impaired and physically challenged customers at all our touchpoints. We are making it possible for them to manage their accounts independently and securely, the bank said.”

The initiative will be implemented in phases across all subsidiaries and locations of the FirstBank Group. Transaction documents will be made available in braille, audio, large print, and digital formats. ATMs will be upgraded with high-contrast screens and voice-prompt commands, while cards issued will feature tactile motifs and braille inscriptions for easy recognition. Already existing soft PINs and tokens would be enhanced to boost secure access to banking channels. Product brochures will also be made available in braille and audio formats to support customer understanding and engagement.

FirstBank’s efforts align with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which advocate equal access to financial services.

With this initiative, FirstBank is shaping a future where every individual, regardless of physical ability, can manage their financial affairs without third-party assistance. By embedding accessibility into its core operations, the Bank is setting a new standard for ethical, inclusive, and impactful banking.

 

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Lagos Begins Drainage Project In Lagos Island To Tackle Flooding

The Lagos State Government has commenced the creation of natural water flow channels along road networks in flood-prone areas of Lagos Island.

The project is part of the state’s regeneration plan to address recurring flooding, improve road infrastructure, and provide essential amenities for residents of the island.

This was disclosed during the ceremony for the construction of an ultra-modern shopping mall at the site of the demolished Pelewura iron rod market, Adeniji Adele, Lagos Island.

The project, undertaken by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, through the Office of Urban Development, in partnership with the Lagos Island Local Council Development Area, is expected to be completed within a year.

In a statement obtained by Saturday PUNCH, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, explained that the regeneration of Pelewura market was central to the government’s master plan for the Island.

He said, “In theory, Lagos Island is not below sea level, but it is very close. This makes the management of drainage flow critical. What we are planning now is to create natural drainage channels, and that means pulling down structures that obstruct the process.

“The result will be a return to the old days when we had free-flowing drains. As a child, I remember making paper boats with friends and racing them on the streets. That was possible because water could flow freely. That is exactly what we want to bring back to Lagos Island.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Olajide Abiodun, described the proposed mall as a symbol of renewed life for Lagos Island.

The Chairman of Lagos Island LCDA, Folawiyo Alade, assured that the project would be delivered on schedule.

 

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Toyota Unveils Toyota Corolla 2025 Model with Bold Designs And Tech Upgrade

The Toyota Corolla, one of the world’s best-selling cars and a staple of the U.S. compact sedan market, has been refreshed for 2025 with a new design, enhanced technology, and improved fuel efficiency—strengthening its appeal to families, commuters, and young professionals alike.

Sharper Look, Premium Feel

The 2025 Corolla sports a bolder exterior, featuring a redesigned grille, sleeker LED headlights, and a sportier bumper. New alloy wheels and sleeker taillights give the sedan a more upscale look, while maintaining the practicality the model is known for.

Inside, Toyota has upgraded cabin materials, seat upholstery, and noise insulation. The cabin provides ample legroom, foldable rear seats for added storage, and ambient lighting, offering a balance of comfort and utility for daily drives or long road trips.

Tech-Forward Cabin

Standard across trims is an 8-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering a 12.3-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an optional JBL premium audio system.

Performance and Efficiency

The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 169 horsepower via a CVT, while the standout Hybrid variant achieves up to 53 MPG in the city and 52 MPG on the highway—making it one of the most fuel-efficient sedans on the U.S. market. The gasoline version still impresses with 32 MPG city and 41 MPG highway.

Safety First

All trims come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic high beams. Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Pricing and Value

The 2025 Corolla is offered in multiple trims: the LE starts at $23,500, the SE at $25,500, the feature-rich XSE at $28,500, and the Hybrid at $25,000. Competing against the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Nissan Sentra, Toyota banks on its mix of affordability, efficiency, and long-term reliability to keep the Corolla a top seller.

Verdict

While acceleration remains modest compared to turbocharged rivals and trunk space is average for its class, the Corolla 2025 checks nearly every box for budget-conscious buyers. With a sharper design, advanced features, and Toyota’s reputation for durability, the latest Corolla continues its reign as one of America’s most dependable compact sedans.

 

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