Lagos Debunks Viral Video Claims Of Minor's Detention, Insists Detainee Is An Adult Armed Robbery Suspect

The Lagos State Government has dismissed allegations circulating in a viral video that a minor, Michael Adekunle, is being unlawfully detained at the Kirikiri Custodial Centre, describing the claims as misleading and a calculated attempt to generate public sympathy.

The controversy followed a video by social media influencer Seaking, who alleged that during a visit to the facility, the detainee claimed he was 14 years old at the time of his arrest in 2023 but was recorded by the police as 18.

The influencer also claimed the suspect was forced to adopt the name Michael Adebiyi instead of Michael Adekunle, insisting the detainee is currently 17 years old.

However, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), refuted the claims, maintaining that the individual in custody is Michael Adebiyi, who was 18 years old at the time of his arrest.

Pedro disclosed that Adebiyi was arrested in 2022 alongside two others Adedeji Kabiru and Adekunle Waris over alleged armed robbery.

According to him, the Lagos State Ministry of Justice received the duplicate case file on January 6, 2023, and issued legal advice on January 25, 2023, after reviewing evidence in the police file.

“The available evidence established a prima facie case against Adebiyi and Kabiru for conspiracy to commit robbery and armed robbery under Sections 299 and 297(2)(a) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015,” he said.

He added that the third suspect, Adekunle Waris, was recommended for discharge after investigations failed to link him to the alleged offences.

The Attorney-General further explained that the state filed charges against Adebiyi and Kabiru before the High Court on May 31, 2023.

The case was initially assigned to Justice A.J. Coker but later reassigned to Justice Hakeem Oshodi following Coker’s deployment on national duty.

Providing an update, Pedro said the prosecution has closed its case after calling witnesses, while the defence has filed a no-case submission, served on the prosecution on April 23, 2026.

The matter has been adjourned to July 1, 2026, for hearing of the no-case submission.
Pedro stressed that at no point during proceedings did the defendant or his counsel raise any issue regarding age or identity before the court a move that would have triggered an inquiry under Section 206 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2015.

“The facts contained in the extra-judicial statement of the defendant clearly indicate that his name is Michael Adebiyi and that he was 18 years old at the time of arrest.”

He urged the public to disregard the viral claims, describing them as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, inflame sentiment, and interfere with due judicial process.

Pedro reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the rule of law, insisting that all criminal proceedings are being conducted in line with due process and established legal standards.

  

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How Police Rescued Four Children From Kidnappers At Coker-Orile

Four children have been rescued from suspected kidnappers by the Lagos State Police Command at Alafia Bus Terminal in the Coker-Orile area of the state. The children were swiftly reunited with their families following the intervention of a police patrol team .

The command said that on May 8, 2026, at about 11:40 p.m., officers on routine patrol in the area spotted four children with an unidentified woman attempting to board a luxury bus leaving Lagos State. On sighting the police, the suspected trafficker abandoned the children and fled the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the children had allegedly been abducted from the Ijeshatedo area of Lagos and were being moved out of the state under the cover of darkness before the police intervened.

The children were placed in protective custody while efforts were made to trace their families. After their parents were contacted, the four children were safely reunited with them.

The police said investigations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover other individuals connected to the crime.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Tijani Fatai, commended the alertness and professionalism of the patrol officers involved in the rescue operation and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

He urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant about the safety and whereabouts of their children at all times and to promptly report suspicious movements, persons or activities involving children to the nearest police station or security agency for immediate action.

Fatai also encouraged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, while urging members of the public to report suspicious persons or activities capable of threatening public peace and security through the command’s emergency lines.

  

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Lagos Begins Telecom Infrastructure Cleanup For Urban Safety And Aesthetics

The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), with the support of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has announced the commencement of a pilot cleanup exercise targeting telecommunications infrastructure across the state.

The exercise is scheduled to begin at Emina Crescent Junction on Toyin Street, Lagos.

According to the organisers, the initiative requires the active participation of major industry stakeholders, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and cable infrastructure providers.

Technical teams from the various organisations have been directed to be present at the designated location by 9:00 a.m. for the commencement of the exercise.

Chairman of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Cleanup Committee, Mr Segun Okuneye, stressed that safety would remain a top priority throughout the operation.

THe directed all participating technical personnel to wear appropriate safety gear and strictly adhere to operational safety procedures to prevent accidents during the cleanup exercise.

The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing challenge of indiscriminate telecommunications infrastructure deployment across Lagos.

According to the organisers, the key objectives of the exercise include improving environmental sanitation by removing redundant and damaged cables, enhancing public safety by addressing the risks posed by dangling wires and poorly maintained equipment and promoting orderly infrastructure deployment to support organised telecommunications growth in the state.

“Telecommunications operators remain committed to maintaining the aesthetics of Lagos State and supporting initiatives that promote a cleaner, safer and more organised environment,” the committee stated.

Speaking on behalf of the ATCON Cleanup Committee, Mr Ajibola Olude urged stakeholders and residents to cooperate fully with officials participating in the exercise.

He described the pilot scheme as a major step towards achieving a more sustainable and visually appealing smart city infrastructure for Lagos.

 

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FG Announces Partial Closure Of Ikorodu-Sagamu Road For Repair Works

The Federal Ministry of Works has announced partial closure of sections of the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road from Monday to facilitate the completion of ongoing reconstruction works.

The Federal Controller of Works in Ogun State, Mr Olayiwola Komolafe, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

He said the closure followed a directive by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, ordering the contractor, Messrs Arab Contractors, to resume work on critical sections of the highway to ensure prompt delivery of the project.

According to Komolafe, the affected sections are the stretch from Ikorodu Roundabout to Sabo Junction in Lagos, and from Cement to Coca-Cola inward Sagamu.

Komolafe said that traffic from Ikorodu to Sagamu would be diverted through the construction corridors under a counterflow arrangement.

He said the construction would last for three months to allow the execution of works and curing of the rigid pavement.

The controller said that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority would be deployed to manage traffic during the period specially.

He appealed to motorists to cooperate with traffic managers and law enforcement officers.

Komolafe said the ministry regretted any inconvenience the reconstruction work might cause to road users.

NAN

  

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Tales Of Woe From NYSC Corps Members In Lagos As Acute Water Shortage Hits Camp

Corps members at the Lagos State orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps have complained about persistent water shortage allegedly caused by irregular electricity supply.

A survey by the News Agency of Nigeria at the camp showed that inadequate water storage facilities and unstable power supply had continued to affect the welfare and living conditions of corps members.

Many corps members said they now wake up as early as 1 am to queue for water before the start of daily camp activities.

A corps member identified simply as Annabel, who was deployed from Anambra State, described the situation as stressful.

“Sometimes we wake up at midnight just to fetch water. If you delay, you may not get enough water to bathe before the morning parade.

“After drills and activities under the sun, everybody needs water, but the supply is usually insufficient,” she said.

Another corps member, Ibrahim, said the shortage had forced many residents to ration water for basic domestic activities.

“Some people skip washing their clothes for days just to save water,” he said.

A female corps member, who identified herself simply as Mary, said many camp residents often descend long stairways carrying buckets and kegs in search of water.

“Even when water is pumped, it finishes quickly because the storage facilities cannot serve everybody adequately.

“The water usually stops running by 3:00 a.m., so everybody struggles to fetch before then,” she said.

Mary also alleged that the rush for water recently resulted in an accident involving a female corps member.

“One corps member fell while carrying water and sustained injuries during the rush,” she said.

Some corps members noted that the existing water tanks could no longer adequately serve the growing population of camp residents.

“The tanks are simply not enough for storage, as we don’t even get water on the 3rd floor. We have to go to the 2nd floor.

“The existing tanks can no longer adequately serve the growing population in camp,” a corps member said.

NAN findings showed that overcrowding, poor storage facilities and irregular electricity supply were major factors contributing to the situation.

Another corps member said she had resorted to buying sachet water for bathing to avoid the stress associated with fetching water.

“I don’t like stress, so I buy bags of sachet water for bathing on most days,” she said.

Some food vendors operating within the camp also expressed concern over the situation, noting that the shortage had increased their operating costs.

One of the vendors, who pleaded anonymity, said inconsistent electricity supply had affected access to water needed for cooking and cleaning.

“The cost of sourcing water is affecting our business because we depend on water for cooking and washing,” the vendor said.

Some corps members, however, commended camp officials for efforts made to ease the situation through water rationing and supplementary supply arrangements.

When contacted, the Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, NYSC Lagos, Mrs Omolola Aladesoun, told NAN that the authorities were aware of the challenge, which lasted briefly due to a power outage.

“We had a slight water shortage due to power failure, but everything has been resolved.

“We also have a standby generator used to pump water,” she said.

NAN

  

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Victor Moses Thrills Chelsea Fans At Club's Engagement Party In Lagos

Former Chelsea and Nigeria winger Victor Moses interacted with Chelsea supporters at the Hard Rock Cafe Lagos on Saturday during the club’s first official fan engagement visit to Nigeria, tagged The Famous CFC.

Moses headlined the action-packed event, which also featured a watch party for Chelsea’s matchday 36 clash against Liverpool.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw, much to the delight of fans who had hoped for an improvement in the club’s recent form. Supporters also participated in a raffle draw, with several winners receiving signed club merchandise.

During a question-and-answer session, Moses reflected on his nine-year spell at Chelsea, recalling how he joined the club and stressing the importance of engaging with fans across Nigeria and Africa.

“Not just in Nigeria but all over Africa, I think it’s very important for Chelsea to organise events like this for the fans,” Moses said.

“I know this is something Nigerians want, and to be here speaking with you is very important, knowing deep down that all of you love Chelsea.”

Moses remains a popular figure among Chelsea supporters after playing a key role in the club’s 2016/17 Premier League title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte.

The former winger also represented Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, as well as the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2018 FIFA World Cup, before retiring from international football in 2018.

During his time at Chelsea, Moses made 128 appearances, scoring 18 goals and providing 10 assists. He also won the FA Cup in 2017/18 and the UEFA Europa League titles in 2012/13 and 2018/19.

Led by veteran Nollywood actor Segun Arinze, the official supporters club of Chelsea in Nigeria also marked their event with a present to the club.

The Lagos event was organised in partnership with MSport, Chelsea’s official betting partner in Africa. It was the penultimate stop of the club’s 2025/26 international fan engagement programme, which aims to strengthen connections with supporters around the world.

  

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Don't Marry A Woman Who Demands Costly Wedding Or Cannot Cook - Pastor Adeboye

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, recently shared a set of marital guidelines for young men warning that marrying for beauty alone or ignoring practical foundations could lead to a “deep trap.”

In an address during the May edition of the Holy Ghost Service, the cleric emphasised that spiritual discernment and domestic competence must outweigh physical attraction and social status.

Addressing the men, Adeboye warned against being blinded by physical appearance. He cautioned that a lack of prayer could lead a man to inadvertently “choose a demon” because of outward beauty.

“There are many demons that are very beautiful. If you marry because of beauty, you might choose a demon. I’m not saying all beautiful people are demonic. If it’s beauty alone that leads you into marriage, it’s a deep trap,” he said.

He also urged men not to marry a woman who cannot cook or is not hospitable.

“Don’t marry a girl who cannot cook. We are talking of excellent counsel. Only I can tell you these things. Even if a prophet says this is your wife, if she can’t cook, say ‘Thank you, keep her,'” he said, citing Sarah and the Shunamite woman as biblical examples of hospitable cooks.

He further advised men to call off any wedding where the woman demands a ceremony that would lead to debt.

“Don’t marry a girl who does not do things in moderation. No matter how close you are to a wedding and your girl is suggesting a wedding that is going to cost you everything you have and get you into debt, call it off, ” he directed.

On cosmetics, Adeboye warned against “excessive makeup,” false hair, and false nails.

He said, “The girl you are going to marry must not be heavily made up. If you look at the girl, the hair on her head is from India. The eyelashes are false. The nails of the hand are false. The nails of the toes are false. You must ask yourself the question, ‘What is behind the mask?’ Because one day you will discover that excessive makeup
is simply saying there is something to hide.

“I want my boys to end up well. When you check the Bible very well in 2 Kings 9:30-37, you will discover that the matron saint of makeup is Jezebel.”

  

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You Can Marry Married Men, Pastor Odekunle Epaphras Advises Single Christian Ladies

Against the backdrop of an overwhelming number of Christian single ladies unable to find husbands even when they are long due for marriage, Pastor Odekunle Epaphras has advised Christian ladies that they can marry married men, contradicting traditional church doctrines on marriage. Pastor Epaphras  argues that not all women will find single men and some should consider married men if they are willing to formalize the relationship. This controversial advice has drawn diverse reactions and criticism, with some urging pastors to focus on scriptural teachings. Others however, say the pastor is right as the bible is replete with many men of God who married more than one wife and yet were very close to God. These respondents point to the fact that polygamy is a way of life for those in the region where Christianity originated from, and that the concept of monogamy in Christianity is a European culture imported into Christianity even when it is not in the bible.

Contrary to the doctrine of monogamy, for which the church is known for, Epaphras advised single ladies to date married men who are willing to meet with the ladies’ families and formalise the relationship.

According to Epaphras, not all ladies would be opportune to marry single men, as a result, some of them should look inwards the direction of married men.

The cleric gave the piece of advice while responding to some of the questions raised by his followers.

“Not everyone will marry single men. Some people will marry married men. If a married man wants to marry you accordingly, ready to meet with your family, and has made necessary arrangements with his family, you can go ahead and marry him,” the pastor stated.

”Some people may criticise this but it is my candid advice,” he added.

The 51-year old pastor hosts several programmes on social media, with the most prominent being the Online Radio Broadcast.

These programs are largely broadcast live on his Facebook page, Odekunle Epaphras Baba Mi O, and his YouTube channel.

However, other religious leaders, such as Prophet A.T. Joel, have opposed this view, encouraging believers to follow biblical standards rather than seeking human solutions to companionship, noting that polygamy is not commanded in scripture.

“I agree that salvation is the only thing that will take us to heaven but those who are genuinely saved will follow the word of God,” Prophet A. T. Joel said in a Facebook post.

“Polygamy is man's creation and like many other human errors, God isn't its author. God is faithful to sort us all. I know how painful it is for eligible singles especially sisters but we must not keep breaking God's Word to satisfy ourselves,” he added.

Prophet Joel went on: “No man’s word is superior to the scriptures, the Bible is the final authority over  all things. One thing every pastor must do is to help our brethren to fully trust God and flee ungodly desires and expectations.

Responding to Prophet Joel, a Facebook user with the name Abiodun William Shobowale said, “I commented on that post yesterday actually. Was sad to hear that from the man. It’s one temptation faced by men of God  because their ministerial focus is on women and marriage. Seeing many single ladies thronging his programme and yet having no ready suitors who will become husbands  might have been the factor responsible for such straying from the word of God. Since they wont allow him to rest, he had to look for a solution from his mind so that they can let him rest . May the Lord help him to correct himself.”

Some people who spoke with Lagos Today Extra, however, did not agree with Prophet Joel’s criticism. According to them, the bible does not condemn anyone for marrying more than one wife.

“If you carefully look through the bible, you would notice that those who where very close to God were polygamous in nature,” Ijeoma, who resides in the Yaba area of Lagos stated, adding that the concept of monogamy in Christianity was imported into the church by European missionaries who used it as an avenue to further expand the European cultures through Christianity.

“it’s sad that those in the Middle East where Christianity originated from, are a polygamous society; the Europeans who took the religion from them and brought it to us infused their monogamous culture and we Africans, who have a polygamous heritage, swallowed it hook, line and sinker,” Ijeoma told our correspondent.

Another respondent, Evangelist Adeleke, said even the New Testament of the bible does not forbid polygamy except for those occupying some ministerial positions in the church.

“You hear some people say polygamy in the bible is a doctrine of the Old Testament but the New Testament does not forbid it either. Look at 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:12.  Paul writes that if anyone aspires to the office of pastor or deacon, he must be ‘the husband of one wife’. What does that tell you? It simply means that any Christian, except those occupying those offices, can marry more than one wife. And it is easy to understand why the bible puts such a restriction on occupiers of those offices. A pastor or deacon is someone who should be focused on the ministry and not being diverted by family issues. It’s not because it is a sin to marry more than one wife. If marrying more than one wife is something detestable to God, he would never have gone near the likes of Jacob, David and many others who married more than one wife,” Adeleke said.

He however said he could never muster enough courage to publicly tell this to his church as he would be excommunicated if he did that.

 

Editor’s Note: Please, we urge readers, especially Christians, to frankly express their views on the comment section below. We intend to make a compilation and do a critical analysis of the issue from the standpoint of readers. 

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Autistic Teenage Cyclist Presents Guinness World Record Certificate To Arts And Culture Minister

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, on Wednesday received a Guinness World Record certificate from 15-year-old autistic artist and cyclist, Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, following his 686-mile cycling expedition from Enugu to Lagos.

The presentation took place in Abuja, where the minister described the teenager as an inspiration to Nigeria and the global autism community.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Nneka Anibeze, the Special Adviser to the minister, Musawa praised Kanye’s resilience, creativity and determination, while commending his family for supporting and nurturing his talents.

“Kanye is the personification of what makes us want to be better human beings. He continues to break every single glass ceiling and surpass every expectation,” the minister said.

She added, “When the world talks about the greats, and the likes of Mandela, I have no doubt that somewhere, the name Kanye will be there. I even believe that one day, he may be considered for the Nobel Peace Prize. That is something I feel in my spirit.”

Earlier, Kanye’s mother, Silvia Tagbo-Okeke, formally presented the certificate to the minister and thanked her for supporting the teenager’s advocacy and artistic projects over the years.

“This second Guinness World Record is for cycling. He cycled from Enugu to Lagos, and it was also a tourism journey, captured along the way with community engagements and receptions in various states,” she said.

“We are here to officially present the record to our ‘Mummy’ because you have always supported us and our exhibitions over the years,” she added.

Dr Tagbo-Okeke also disclosed that Kanye is scheduled to hold an art exhibition at the United Nations headquarters in New York from May 20 to August 25, 2026.

Kanye, accompanied by his family and support team, completed the cycling expedition between March 19 and April 2, 2026, travelling across several states from Enugu to Lagos.

The journey, which promoted autism awareness and tourism, featured community engagements and official receptions showcasing Nigeria’s culture, heritage and landscapes.

The feat also established him as the youngest person to cycle more than 100 miles, surpassing the benchmark with a total distance of 686 miles covered during the expedition.

  

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NIWA To Develop A West Coast Cargo Jetty For Seamless Water Transportation In The Subregion

The National Inland Waterways Authority has announced plans to facilitate the development of a West Coast cargo jetty aimed at enhancing the seamless movement of goods and services across the sub-region.

In a recent statement, the agency said that the development was part of a strategic move to maximise Nigeria’s vast inland waterways.

According to the statement, this was made known during a joint inspection of the Marina Jetty in Lagos last week by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Immigration Service, NIWA, and a delegation from Ghana comprising corporate and private sector trade representatives.

NIWA also stressed that it may operationalise some of its existing jetties to boost cargo traffic between Nigeria and Ghana as a pilot phase of the initiative.

Speaking during the event, the acting Managing Director of NIWA, Mr Yusuf Girei, reiterated the agency’s readiness “to support the proposed West Coast cargo jetty”.

He highlighted the availability of extensive waterfront infrastructure capable of driving efficient, technology-driven, and hassle-free cargo operations with direct access to key markets within Lagos.

Girei explained that NIWA’s expansive network of waterways positions it as a critical enabler of inland cargo movement across West Africa.

He noted that NIWA’s existing operational experience, particularly along the Calabar–Cameroon route, provides a solid foundation for scaling similar initiatives across the West Coast corridor.

“We are committed to leveraging our infrastructure and expertise to facilitate regional trade.

 Our experience on the Calabar–Cameroon route demonstrates the viability of inland water transport in boosting market access within Nigeria and across West Africa,” Girei said.

  

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