Lagos To Partner With Russia In Research, Innovation And Vocational Studies

    As part of efforts aimed at improving the nation’s education, Lagos State government has said it is ready to collaborate with the government of Russia in the area of research, innovation, vocational studies among others.

This was revealed when the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, on behalf of the state government received a Russian delegation on a courtesy visit to Lagos.

According to her, “you have taken a wise decision to visit us in Lagos because Nigeria has thirty-six states and the Federal Capital Territory. But Lagos is the pride of Africa. Lagos is fast becoming the Harvard of Nigeria. We are also happy that you offer African languages in your institution. You can add Yoruba language.”

On her part, Advisor to the Rector office-Deputy Vice Rector for Youth Policy, social work and International Relations at MGIMO University, Ekaterina Alexeevna Shuvalova   disclosed Russia is offering scholarships to Nigerians.

“We have already signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Lagos in the area of research. Those studying Russia language will have the opportunity to travel to Russia to learn more.”

He advised the delegation to join the European Union annual Education Fair in Lagos. To him,  it has helped many Nigerians gain admission to European universities.

On his part, the Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, observed that youths constitute sixty percent of the population in the state.

“So, we are consistently looking for opportunities both at home and abroad for cater for this huge youth population. We can work together on how the youths can apply for the scholarships.”

  

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Lagos Police Command Supports Families Of Fallen Officers With N53.3 Million

Families of police officers who died in active service, on Thursday, received cheques totalling ₦53.3 million from the Lagos State Police Command under the Inspector-General of Police Family Welfare Scheme.

The presentation, which formed a major highlight of activities marking Day 4 of the 2026 National Police Day, was held alongside a security stakeholders’ meeting aimed at strengthening community partnership in crime prevention.

Presenting the cheques, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, said the gesture reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the welfare of families of officers who paid the supreme price.

According to him, “This is a demonstration of our commitment to the welfare of families of our fallen heroes. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke at the event, expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police and the Lagos State Police Command.

One of them, who preferred anonymity, said, “This support means a lot to us. It will go a long way in helping our families cope with the loss and challenges we face.”

Another beneficiary added, “We are grateful that the police have not forgotten us. This assistance gives us hope and relief.”

Earlier, at the stakeholders’ meeting aimed at deepening collaboration between the police and the public, CP Fatai commended participants, including members of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC; Eminent Persons Forum; community and religious leaders; as well as representatives of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, for their continued support.

He said, “Effective policing cannot be achieved without the cooperation of the public. We must continue to work together to prevent crime and ensure the safety of lives and property.”

“We urge members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities. Timely information remains critical in maintaining peace and order,” he added.

The CP also identified cultism and electoral violence as major concerns, assuring that the Command would continue to adopt intelligence-led policing and leverage technology to enhance operational effectiveness.

“We are not relenting in our efforts to tackle cultism and electoral violence. We will continue to deploy proactive strategies to address these challenges,” he said.

  

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Gov Sanwo-Olu Approves The Release Of 43 Inmates In Lagos Correctional Centers

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the release of 43 inmates from various correctional centres across the state as part of an ongoing initiative to decongest facilities and strengthen the administration of criminal justice.

Their release followed the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which reviewed each case in line with established legal and administrative procedures.

91 inmates were also freed in December 2025, underscoring the government’s sustained efforts to address overcrowding and improve conditions within custodial centres.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the inmates were released under the Governor’s prerogative of mercy as provided in Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Pedro said the intervention reflects the state’s commitment to justice, fairness and the rule of law, noting that easing congestion also enhances the speed and efficiency of court processes.

He recalled that the state government recently procured and delivered two coaster buses to the Nigeria Correctional Service to aid timely transportation of inmates to and from court.

“Beyond logistics, the government has also embarked on the renovation and upgrade of buildings within the correctional centres to strengthen infrastructure and improve welfare conditions,” he said.

Pedro urged the Federal Government to consider transferring the control of at least one Lagos correctional facility, particularly one housing inmates convicted under state laws, to the state government.

He said that such a move would address challenges related to weak oversight, inadequate funding, lack of transparency and persistent overcrowding in federally managed custodial centres.

The attorney general affirmed that Lagos remains committed to wide-ranging reforms that balance victims’ rights, public safety, offender rehabilitation and the protection of fundamental human rights.

  

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Police Burst Internet Fraudsters Gang In Lekki, Arrest Three Members With Counterfeit Dollars, Other Incriminating Items

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested three alleged members of a cybercrime syndicate and recovered suspected counterfeit $100 notes and other incriminating items.

The suspects, Tega Emmanuel, 24; Jacob Olatunde, 33, and Gift Okubakpere, 36, were arrested during an intelligence-led operation along the Lekki-Ajah axis of Lagos.

Police said Emmanuel was first intercepted on Chevron Drive while driving a Porsche. A search of his residence later led to the arrest of the two other suspects.

During interrogation, Emmanuel reportedly confessed to coordinating cyber fraud, including romance scams and creation of fraudulent accounts. 

Olatunde allegedly handled financial transactions and collection of illicit proceeds, while Okubakpere managed cryptocurrency-related scams carried out through Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram and online banking platforms.

Items recovered from the suspects include three HP laptops, one Apple MacBook, two MacBook tablets, nine iPhones, six international passports, vehicle and dealer number plates. 

Others are military camouflage, a mini printer, a toy pistol, 98 pieces of suspected counterfeit $100 notes, and substances suspected to be Cannabis. 

Police said investigations were ongoing to verify the suspected counterfeit currency and drugs, while efforts were underway to arrest other members of the syndicate.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, assured that the suspects would be prosecuted at the end of investigations, adding that efforts were one to apprehend fleeing members of the gang. 

  

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Fire Guts Aluminium Village In Dopemu And Tejuosho Market In Yaba

Tragedy struck on Good Friday midnight, when an inferno wreaked havoc on popular Aluminium Village in Ifelodun Street, Dopemu, Agege, Lagos, destroying property worth millions of naira.

Also, in the early hours of Saturday, fire gutted a three-storey commercial building on Oyabiyi Street, opposite the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, office, Tejuosho, Yaba.

On the Dopemu fire, eyewitnesses said the incident happened at about midnight. Shops were burnt to ashes.

As at press time the cause of the inferno could not be ascertained.

Meanwhile, men of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency responders put out the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjoining buildings.

Also, men of the  Nigeria Police from Dopemu Division of the Lagos State Command were seen cordoning off the area to prevent looting and secondary incidents.

Controller General, Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, confirmed there was no record of loss of life as of press time.

Adeseye said the situation has been put under control while investigation into the cause of the fire has begun.

Traders count losses

Meanwhile, affected traders rushed to the scene to salvage their wares, while others were seen counting their losses.

It is instructive to know that the Lagos Aluminum Village, located in Dopemu, Agege, is a a primary hub for purchasing aluminum products, glass, and mirrors at competitive, budget-friendly prices compared to retail stores.

It serves as a major market for both customised and ready-made metalwork. 

The village, located specifically on Ifelodun and Ogeretedo Streets,in Dopemu, is highly specialized The village offers a wide range of aluminum accessories, including casement nylon, rollers, screws, hinges, and glazing rubbers. 

Customers can purchase mirrors and aluminum profiles in specific sizes and shapes based on their requirements. The goods there are frequently found to be cheaper than those available on social media platforms or other online retailers. 

Tejuosho inferno

The second incident occurred at 03:15 a.m., on Saturday, at Tejuosho, Yaba.

The building, which housed shops and stores containing stacked textile materials, was engulfed by fire.

Adeseye said firefighters from Somolu, Ilupeju, and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations were swiftly mobilised to the scene and successfully contained the blaze, preventing further spread to adjoining properties.

“In both incidents, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated professionalism and rapid response, ensuring that the fires were brought under control without escalation and casualty,” the fire boss confirmed.

Adeseye reiterated the importance of fire safety precautions and urged members of the public to remain vigilant, especially in commercial areas where flammable materials are stored.

“Further investigations into the causes of the fires are ongoing to unravel their causes,” she stated.

  

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How God Delivered Me From Cult, Demons - Tonto Dikeh

Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh gave a raw and emotional testimony at the 2026 Women of Fire Prayer conference in Tanzania, revealing the depths of her former life and how her faith transformed her.

The 40-year-old recounted being fully immersed in a “wicked world,” where she joined cults and “operated and worked for demons so hard.”

Reflecting on her past, she said, “In the midst of trying to navigate life. I have put my hands in so much dirt, so many filthy things. I have joined cults, operated and worked for the demons so hard.”

Dikeh credited her radical turnaround entirely to God’s intervention. “He dragged me out of hell,” she declared.

“If you have ever doubted God, just look at me. He does not care about what you have been through or what you have done.”

She contrasted her past with her present, saying, “From a drug addict to an altar that praises God. From a devil worshipper to a woman who will pray to God with fire.”

The actress, who has been open about her deliverance from sexual immorality, anger, masturbation, and addiction, has also been active in Christian ministry, recently leading a viral deliverance session for a schoolgirl.

  

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Why I Like BBL - Funke Akindele

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele has opened up on her views about Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedures during an appearance on The Morayo Show hosted by Morayo Afolabi-Brown

Speaking, Akindele said, “I must say, I love to see beautiful women with beautiful bodies. I actually like it. I am not talking about the excess ones but the normal ones. I want to do it but I don’t have the mind.”

While Akindele expressed admiration for the aesthetic appeal of BBL, she cautioned that anyone considering the surgery should weigh the risks carefully.

“I am not against it. If you want to enhance your beauty, go ahead, but be careful.”

Her comments came amid heightened attention on BBL surgeries which now remain one of the most talked-about cosmetic procedures today, especially in the entertainment and influencer space, where the pressure to achieve a certain body ideal often clashes with safety concerns and public health warnings.

The procedure, however, has sparked controversy following the death of a prominent social media influencer due to complications arising from a BBL surgery.

Recall that Elena Jessica Nkwopara, often known as Elena, was a Nigerian socialite and influencer who passed away after complications from a second Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure in Lagos.

After having problems with a first, recent BBL procedure, Nkwopara apparently had a second, “corrective” procedure in Lagos.

According to reports, she experienced serious difficulties either during or right after the treatment.

  

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Kate Henshaw, Carol King storm The Stage For 'No More Shrinking' Play

Nollywood stars Kate Henshaw and Carol King were among the notable figures who turned out for a theatrical production entitled, ‘No More Shrinking: The Stage’ in Lagos.

Staged at Terra Kulture on March 28, the show delivered a compelling call for women to assert themselves in leadership and professional spaces.

Adapted from Dr. Abiola Salami’s best-selling book of the same title, the performance transforms his advocacy for women’s empowerment into a vibrant musical experience to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Speaking at the premiere, Salami described the project as more than a stage performance but movement to address gender inequality.

“It is about closing the gap that still exists for women in leadership and professional spaces,” he said, tracing its evolution from a podcast in 2025 to a book, and now a full stage experience.

Each phase, he explained, has been designed to deepen impact and create a more immersive, emotionally resonant journey rooted in women’s lived realities.

“Many women occupy influential positions yet still shrink from opportunities or hesitate to share bold ideas. It’s not that we lack competent women — the real gap is often confidence.”

He noted that the empowerment conversation itself is layered, pointing out that while some women battle under-confidence, others may overcompensate in ways that hinder progress.

Salami, who also contributed original music, describes the show as something audiences don’t just watch but feel.

“Invisibility is more dangerous than incompetence. Incompetence can be fixed with training, but when you are invisible, no one sees your value,” Salami cautioned.

Directed by Austin Onuoha, the play pushes the boundaries of adaptation, translating written narratives into emotionally charged stage moments.

“The stage gives the book a different life; you see emotions unfold before your eyes,” he noted.

Henshaw, expressing her excitement for the production, echoed its core message: “I’m not going to shrink for anybody.”

  

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Lagos, Benue Lead In New HIV Cases - Report

  The National Data Repository has released updated statistics on Wednesday, revealing the current state of HIV detection, treatment, and viral suppression across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The data also provides insights into trends over the last decade and the demographics of newly identified cases.

Lagos and Benue have surfaced as the dual epicentres of new infections, driven by a deeply concerning trend: the rising vulnerability of young women.

According to the NDR, “95% of people living with HIV now know their status”, marking a significant achievement in national awareness efforts.

Among those aware, “95% are receiving treatment, with 1,657,173 patients actively on treatment across 1,997 health facilities.”

Of those on treatment, “95% are virally suppressed”, reflecting strong adherence and program performance.

A 10-year trend analysis shows fluctuations in new HIV cases.

Cases rose from 228,014 in 2016 to a peak of 464,355 in 2020, before gradually declining to 21,389 in 2026, a drop of 90.8% from 2025 (111,513).

Other yearly figures include: 2017 – 237,756; 2018 – 215,231; 2019 – 27,181; 2021 – 451,402; 2022 – 330,690; 2023 – 238,748; 2024 – 143,666; 2025 – 111,513.

The steepest decline occurred in the last year, illustrating strong progress in HIV control.

In the last three months, new HIV infections by age and sex reveal young adults are most affected:

• 1–4 years: Male 282, Female 224
• 5–9 years: Male 70, Female 68
• 10–14 years: Male 79, Female 98
• 15–19 years: Male 234, Female 636
• 20–24 years: Male 691, Female 1,908
• 25–29 years: Male 1,106, Female 2,620
• 30–34 years: Male 1,032, Female 2,130
• 35–39 years: Male 993, Female 1,805
• 40–44 years: Male 1,020, Female 1,565
• 45–49 years: Male 813, Female 993
• 50+ years: Male 1,212, Female 1,426

Females recorded higher infections than males across nearly all age groups. The lowest infections were among children aged 5–9.

In the last three months, newly tested HIV-positive cases by state show Lagos leading with 2,342 cases, followed by Benue 1,956, Rivers 1,185, Akwa Ibom 1,155, and Anambra 1,023.

States with the lowest cases include Sokoto 83, Yobe 97, and Zamfara 139. Regional totals indicate:

• South West: Lagos 2,342, Ogun 770, Oyo 766, Ondo 383, Osun 238, Ekiti 129 – total 4,628
• South East: Abia 529, Anambra 1,023, Ebonyi –, Enugu 489, Imo 650 – total 2,691
• South South: Akwa Ibom 1,155, Bayelsa 262, Cross River –, Delta 827, Edo 513, Rivers 1,185 – total 3,942
• North West: Jigawa 184, Kaduna 859, Kano 462, Katsina 214, Kebbi 191, Sokoto 83, Zamfara 139 – total 2,132
• North East: Adamawa 396, Bauchi 206, Borno 267, Gombe 261, Taraba 603, Yobe 97, Nasarawa 637, Niger 396 – total 2,863
• FCT: 679

By region, the South West tops the chart, followed by South-South, while the North West reports the lowest total cases.

Patients currently on treatment by state reveal significant regional disparities. Top states in treatment numbers include Benue (191,225), Akwa Ibom (142,216), and Lagos (137,006), while the lowest numbers are recorded in Sokoto (9,068) and Ekiti (12,271).

Breakdown by state:

• South West: Lagos 137,006; Ogun 30,399; Oyo 32,126; Ondo 21,448; Osun 25,006; Ekiti 12,271
• South East: Abia 49,961; Anambra 47,384; Ebonyi 15,399; Enugu 55,062; Imo 47,846
• South South: Akwa Ibom 142,216; Bayelsa 19,477; Cross River 53,514; Delta 52,669; Edo 27,317; Rivers 90,403
• North West: Jigawa 14,104; Kaduna 56,814; Kano 41,601; Katsina 19,206; Kebbi 18,168; Sokoto 9,068; Zamfara 12,641
• North East: Adamawa 40,908; Bauchi 28,602; Borno 23,819; Gombe 26,618; Taraba 48,871; Yobe 10,726; Nasarawa 65,890; Niger 32,873
• FCT: 59,844

Regionally, the South South leads in treatment coverage, followed by the South West, while the North West records the lowest numbers.

The NDR data highlights Nigeria’s strides in achieving 95-95-95 targets, with strong diagnostic, treatment, and viral suppression coverage.

However, the higher infection rates among females and in certain states underscore the need for targeted, region- and age-specific interventions to sustain progress.

  

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Man Bags 7-Year Jail Term Over N28 Million Fraud

Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted and sentenced a businessman, James Onyejekwe of Kainos Exploration and Producing Company Limited, over a N28m fraud.

The judge also ordered that Kainos Exploration and Producing Company Limited be wound up, with its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, had filed a five-count amended charge bordering on stealing, issuance of dud cheques, and obtaining money by false pretence.

According to the prosecution, the convict, in February 2018, obtained N10m from the nominal complainant, Mrs Augustina Ofoegbu, under the guise of an investment in the company, with a promise of a 250 per cent return within 60 days.

“The representation made to the complainant was false, and Onyejekwe knew it was false,” the prosecution told the court.

The court also heard that in May 2018, the convict and his company dishonestly converted N10m belonging to the complainant to their personal use.

In addition, Onyejekwe and his company were accused of issuing three dud cheques valued at N10m, N10m, and N5m through a United Bank for Africa account, which were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Dada found the convict guilty on all counts.

The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

She subsequently sentenced Onyejekwe to three years’ imprisonment on count one for stealing, while imposing two years’ imprisonment each on counts two, three, and four for issuing dud cheques.

On count five, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, the court handed him a seven-year jail term.

The judge ordered that the sentences shall run concurrently, bringing the effective term of imprisonment to seven years.

Justice Dada also directed the convict to restitute the sum of N8m to the complainant through the EFCC.

In addition, the court ordered that Kainos Exploration and Producing Company Limited be wound up, with its assets forfeited to the Federal Government.

“The company is hereby wound up and all its assets forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the court held.

  

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