I Was Dollar Millionaire At 30, At 35 I Was Working As A Labourer — Farooq Oreagba

Businessman Farooq Oreagba, popularly known as Mr. Steeze, has reflected on the highs and lows of his financial journey, revealing that he went from being a dollar millionaire at the age of 30 to working as a labourer in England just five years later after losing his banking job.

Oreagba made the revelation during an appearance on Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s MENtality show, co-hosted by Banky W, where he spoke about wealth, materialism and the importance of life over money.

During the conversation, Oreagba posed a hypothetical question to Ebuka to illustrate his belief that life is more valuable than any amount of wealth.

“Ebuka I’m going to drop a few nuggets here. How much is money to you. Will a billionaire dollar satisfy you?” he asked.

 

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Responding, Ebuka said, “I’m not looking for satisfaction.”

Oreagba continued, “Okay now I’m going back to the first question about materialism and people chasing money but if I gave you 10 million dollars now, what would you say?”

Ebuka replied, “What would I say? I’ll call you from Miami to thank you.”

Oreagba then added, “But what if I told you you can have it but not live more than 24 hours to spend it what would you do?”

Ebuka responded, “I mean I could make 10 million dollars, so it’s not worth it.”

Using the exchange to make his point, Oreagba reflected on his own experience with wealth and hardship.

“Right. Then all of a sudden living now has more value. I was a dollar millionaire at 30, at 35 I was working as a labourer in England. I had my dream and all them I lost my job as a banker. To maintain that lifestyle I was hustling, doing all kinds of stuff… I had my priorities wrong.”

Oreagba said the experience taught him that many people spend too much time chasing money while neglecting what truly matters, noting that wealth alone does not define the value of life.

  

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I’m Strict When It Comes To Dating – Actress Teniola Aladese

Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese has opened up about her dating life, revealing that she is currently not in a relationship while describing herself as a strict person when it comes to dating.

Aladese made this known during an appearance on Pulse Nigeria’s Drink or Spill, where she was asked about her current relationship status. “I am trying my best, guys. I date, but currently I am not dating,” she said.

 

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The actress, who was also asked to name the most dramatic celebrity she knows, mentioned fellow actress Bisola Aiyeola, describing her as one of the most dramatic celebrities she has ever met. “That will be Bisola Aiyeola because I love her. She is one of the most dramatic celebrities I have ever met. She is one of my favourite people in the world and I love her for that,” Aladese said.

Sharing how she behaves in a relationship, Aladese described herself as strict when it comes to dating, although she believes her approach reflects a healthy level of firmness. “I am strict when it comes to dating. I disagree. I think a healthy level of strictness,” she said.

The actress also identified being overly analytical as one of her biggest red flags, explaining that her tendency to analyse situations extensively is also connected to her desire for communication. “My biggest red flag is probably that I am over analytical. I overanalyse a lot of things, which is why I like to communicate a lot,” she said.

Aladese also spoke about her on-screen chemistry with male actors, revealing that her preferred pairing has changed over time. “It used to be Uzor Arukwe; right now, I would say Taiye Arimoro,” she said.

  

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Female Driver Dies After Crashing Into Building At Mangoro

A female motorist has died after losing control of her vehicle and crashing into a roadside building at Mongoro, inward Ile-Zik, along one of Lagos’ busiest roads.

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority confirmed the incident in a statement issued today by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.

LASTMA said preliminary security investigations showed that the deceased, who was driving a Toyota Sienna with registration number LND 162 HB, lost control of the vehicle before it veered off the road and rammed into a building.

“The deceased, who was driving a Toyota Sienna (LND 162 HB), lost control of the vehicle, which subsequently veered off the carriageway and violently rammed into a roadside building.

“The ferocity of the impact proved catastrophic, resulting in her instantaneous death. She was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the unfortunate incident,” the statement read.

 

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LASTMA said its personnel, who were on routine patrol in the area, responded immediately to the incident by cordoning off the crash scene and managing traffic to prevent congestion and secondary accidents.

According to the agency, although the accident temporarily disrupted traffic, its officers restored the free flow of vehicles within a short time.

It added that security operatives from the Afonka Police Post under the Shasha Divisional Police Headquarters provided security throughout the evacuation exercise.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described “the incident as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences associated with excessive speed and reckless driving.”

“Every journey must be undertaken with prudence, patience and an unwavering commitment to established traffic regulations. No destination is worth the ultimate sacrifice of human life.

“Excessive speed remains one of the foremost causes of fatal road traffic crashes, and motorists must, at all times, exercise the highest degree of caution, restraint and responsibility while behind the wheel,” he said.

Bakare-Oki also urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

He advised drivers to stop using any vehicle showing signs of mechanical defects until the faults had been professionally repaired.

The LASTMA boss extended the agency’s condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for the fortitude to bear the loss.

  

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How Police Officers Allegedly Pushed Motorist Off Maryland Bridge

Police officers attached to the Odo Iya Alaro Link Bridge in the Maryland area, off Ojota, Lagos, have been accused of pushing a motorist off a bridge during an altercation over allegedly driving on a Bus Rapid Transit lane.

According to a video shared by Objectv Media on Facebook, the incident reportedly occurred after the officers flagged down the vehicle for an alleged BRT lane violation.

The encounter was said to have escalated into a heated argument over the penalty before the alleged assault occurred.

In the video, some police officers could be seen arguing with no fewer than 10 young men on top of the bridge.

The footage also captured the alleged victim, who was said to have been pushed off the bridge, surrounded by people believed to be sympathisers.

 

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Speaking in the video in Pidgin English, the narrator could be heard saying, “All those BRT people who stay at the BRT lane in Maryland have pushed someone from the top of the bridge. This is how they hold motorists all the time and make them withdraw N50,000 or N80,000 as a fine.

“Look at them here. This is how they operate. They will stop vehicles on the BRT lane and impose fines of N80,000 or N100,000. Just because he refused to withdraw money for them, they pushed him off the bridge where everyone else was driving. Look at the person on the ground.

“This is how they stand at Odo Iya Alaro Bridge and harass people, claiming they drove on the BRT lane. They cause traffic and detain people. See what has happened now. While arguing with the man, they pushed him down from the top of the bridge.”

The identity of the alleged victim could not be identified at the time of filing this report nor could it be confirmed whether he was alive or dead.

BRT lane enforcement and monitoring in Lagos are managed by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority under the Ministry of Transportation.

In July last year, the Lagos State Government temporarily suspended enforcement of the BRT lane along the Eko Bridge and Odo Iya Alaro corridor to ease growing traffic congestion.

However, in October, the state government announced the resumption of BRT lane enforcement on the two bridges.

When contacted, the Head of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs at LAMATA, Mr Kolawole Ojelabi, referred the reporter to the Ministry of Transportation for comments.

However, calls made to the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Transportation, Mrs Bolanle Ogunlola, did not connect, while a text message sent to her requesting comments had not been responded to as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone were not answered and a text message sent to him had not been replied to as of the time of filing this report.

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Preserve Your School's Culture And Lead With Character, Queen’s College Outgoing Students Urged

The Proprietress of Femfield Nursery & Primary School, Isolo, Lagos, Mrs. Olubukola Adetoun Aribisala, has urged graduating students of Queen’s College, Yaba, to preserve Nigeria’s cultural heritage and remain guided by integrity and good character as they pursue their future ambitions.

Aribisala gave the charge while delivering the keynote address at the Cultural Programme of the Queen’s College 2025/2026 Valedictory and Graduation Ceremony, where she spoke on the theme, “Our Culture, Our Identity.”

Addressing the graduating students, she described identity as the invisible foundation upon which every successful life is built, stressing that it is shaped not by academic achievements or public recognition but by the values and character an individual upholds.

She challenged the graduates to reflect on how they would be remembered beyond their certificates and accomplishments.

According to her, Nigerian culture extends far beyond traditional attire, cuisine and dance, encompassing values such as respect, integrity, resilience, compassion, diligence and honesty.

 

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While acknowledging the opportunities presented by globalisation, she warned that many young people were becoming disconnected from their cultural roots in the pursuit of foreign influences.

“The danger is not learning from other cultures but forgetting your own because a tree without roots cannot survive the storm,” she said, urging the graduates to speak their indigenous languages with pride, honour their parents and teachers, and remain connected to the values that shaped them.

Aribisala reminded the students that, as graduates of Queen’s College, they carry the legacy and reputation of one of Nigeria’s foremost secondary schools, adding that society would expect them to demonstrate excellence, leadership, confidence and integrity wherever they find themselves.

She also cautioned them against yielding to social media pressure or compromising their values, noting that while technology and careers will continue to evolve, character remains one of humanity’s greatest competitive advantages.

Encouraging the graduates to pursue global opportunities without losing sight of their heritage, she urged them to become leaders who positively impact society through integrity, excellence and compassion.

“The world does not need copies but authentic individuals whose values distinguish them,” she said.

She concluded by reminding the graduating class that while certificates may age and technology may become obsolete, their character and identity would continue to define their legacy, urging them to preserve their culture and build a future that generations after them would be proud to inherit.

 

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FAAN Clarifies Lagos Airport Fire Incident

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has clarified that there was no fire outbreak at Terminal 2 of the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

This is contrary to initial concerns that prompted an emergency response by the agency earlier today.

An initial post on the social media handle of FAAN, had alleged that there was a fire incident at the Lagos airport.

The post had said: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to inform the public that a fire incident has occurred at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“The FAAN Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting Service (ARFFS) is currently responding to the incident and working diligently to contain the situation. There have been no reported casualties or loss of life,” the authority said.

But a later statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Henry Agbebire, debunked the earlier post by the agency.

 

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According to Agbebire, the smoke seen within the terminal was caused by the discharge of the facility’s FM-200 fire suppression system.

The statement emphasised that investigations were ongoing to determine what triggered the automatic activation.

FAAN said normal flight operations had resumed at the terminal following the incident.

The statement read in part: “Preliminary findings indicate that there was no fire at the terminal. The smoke observed within the affected area resulted from the discharge of the terminal’s FM-200 fire suppression system. The reason for the activation of the fire suppression system is currently being investigated.

“Normal operations have since resumed at the terminal, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the incident.”

FAAN assured passengers, airlines and other airport users that safety remained its top priority, stressing that a comprehensive investigation had commenced to establish the exact cause of the incident.

The agency also explained that the temporary congestion experienced at the terminal’s entry screening points was a direct consequence of the precautionary evacuation carried out after the smoke was detected.

According to FAAN, all passengers were safely evacuated from the terminal before being allowed back into the facility after emergency responders declared the area safe.

It said the re-entry process required every passenger and their baggage to undergo fresh security screening, resulting in longer processing times and queues at the terminal.

However, FAAN confirmed that the backlog had been cleared, with passenger movement and access points returning to normal.

  

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Customs Intercepts Expired Vape Worth Over N800 Million In Lagos

The Nigeria Customs Service’s Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command said it intercepted a 40-foot container, registration number TIIU4739360, loaded with expired disposable vapes during a thorough cargo examination, with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m

The Acting Customs Area Controller in charge of KLT Command, Bolaji Adigun, announced this during a press briefing at the command recently.

Adigun also highlighted the command’s revenue performance for June 2026, announcing that the KLT Area Command generated a total revenue of N19.4bn in June 2026, as against the total sum of N14.3bn generated in the corresponding period of June 2025.

“This reflects an increase of N5.041bn, representing a 35 per cent increase. In furtherance of this mandate, officers of the command, through diligent cargo examination, intercepted a 40-foot container with container number TIIU4739360 containing expired disposable vape with a total duty-paid value of N809.6m,” Adigun said.

 

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Adigun explained that physical examination of the container revealed 18 pallets of disposable vape products.

He added that each pallet contained 60 cartons, with some cartons containing 20 packs and others 40 packs, respectively.

“Each pack contained 10 pieces, bringing the total quantity to 484 cartons and 182,340 pieces. Further examination established that the products had different expiry dates of 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, rendering them unfit for use and posing a potential risk to public health,” he added.

The CAC stressed it had commenced the process of handing over the seized items to the appropriate government agency for further regulatory action and proper disposal in line with established procedures and the command’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration.

He attributed the achievement to the dedication of officers and men of the command, improved stakeholder compliance, enhanced trade facilitation, and the deployment of intelligence-driven strategies.

Adigun stated that the command remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities, adding that the briefing was an opportunity to present the command’s performance and highlight significant achievements recorded in the Enforcement Unit.

He said the command remains dedicated to facilitating legitimate trade and boosting revenue generation while maintaining a strong enforcement stance to protect the nation’s economy and the welfare of Nigerians.

Adigun noted that the interception demonstrates the vigilance, professionalism, and commitment of the officers and men of the command in enforcing extant laws and preventing unsafe and non-compliant goods from entering the Nigerian market.

He urged importers, licensed customs agents, and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with all applicable import regulations.

The CAC also encouraged licensed customs agents and importers to take advantage of the NCS’s Authorised Economic Operator Programme and the Advance Ruling System, which are designed to promote trade facilitation, enhance compliance, provide greater predictability in customs processes, and improve the ease of doing business.

He also assured that the command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations, effective risk management, and stringent cargo examination procedures to detect and intercept expired, falsely declared, prohibited, and other non-compliant goods while contributing to national economic growth, public health, and security.

Adigun expressed profound appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for their visionary leadership and strategic guidance.

He also commended the officers and men of the command for their dedication, resilience, and commitment to duty, which have continued to translate into outstanding operational achievements.

The Acting CAC further appreciated stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, terminal operators, importers, and the compliant trading community, for their cooperation and adherence to extant laws and regulations.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable support of partner government agencies, whose collaboration strengthens collective efforts in protecting the nation’s economy, securing borders, and safeguarding public health.

Adigun reaffirmed the command’s commitment to consolidating achievements in revenue generation, trade facilitation, and enforcement activities while remaining steadfast in protecting the nation’s economy and improving the wellbeing of Nigerians.

  

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Ajao Estate Residents Reject Waste Collection Fee Hike, Cite Poor Service

Residents of the Ajao Estate area of Lagos have rejected an increase in monthly waste collection charges, accusing their waste management service provider of imposing the hike despite months of poor and irregular refuse collection.

The residents said they were shocked to find notices announcing the new charges pasted on their doors, describing the increase as unjustifiable given what they claimed had been four to five months of inconsistent service.

Speaking on behalf of the residents on Thursday, the chairman of the state, Olu Isijola, said the company had repeatedly failed to evacuate refuse, sometimes leaving waste uncollected for one to two weeks.

He said residents had continued paying the existing fee despite the irregular service and questioned the rationale behind the increase.

 

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He said, “We just saw an unexpected notice placed on our doors, announcing an increment in the monthly refuse collection fee.

“In fact, this company has been neglecting us for over four or five months. Sometimes they won’t come for a whole week or even two weeks. When they eventually come, they give excuses that they have problems somewhere.

“Now, what we are having is an increment, so we consider it unjustifiable. They were not collecting our refuse regularly, yet we still paid them. Now, we are saying no.”

The estate chairman also decried the poor condition of roads within the community, lamenting that residents were being asked to pay more despite the absence of basic service improvements.

 “Apart from the fact that the road is completely messed up, this street is in a very bad condition. We are now talking about refuse again. We are in a dilemma.

“A place so close to the airport should be an ideal place where refuse is collected at the right time, and the roads are in good condition. We are not happy.

“We demand that they should keep the fee at what we have been paying. You increase payment when you improve service. When there is no improvement in the service, you don’t just impose an increase.

“If they have their own challenges, they should not transfer those problems to us. We are really suffering here because the refuse is not being collected,” he said.

The residents also criticised the company for introducing the increase without prior consultation or adequate notice.

“As good business practice, they should have given us notice and engaged us before reviewing the charges. Not just compel us to pay. If there was competition, they wouldn’t do that,” the chairman added.

He urged the waste management company to suspend the increase, improve refuse collection across the estate and engage residents before implementing it.

However, the notice shows that the service provider acknowledged the disruption in waste collection and attributed it to challenges with waste disposal infrastructure in Lagos.

In the notice titled “Marginal Tariff Review,” the company apologised to customers for the inconsistent service experienced in recent weeks.

“We sincerely apologise for the challenge in our service gap in the last several weeks; that service was inconsistent. This is due to the infrastructural challenge of the disposal site in Lagos,” the notice read.

The company said it had been left with no option but to introduce a “marginal” 33 per cent increase in its tariff, representing an additional N2,000 for flat occupants.

According to the notice, the last tariff review was carried out in March 2024 when diesel sold for about N800 per litre, compared to the current price of between N1,700 and N2,000 per litre.

It also explained that the closure of nearby disposal sites had forced its trucks to travel to Ikorodu, about 53 kilometres from Ajao Estate, or Badagry, nearly 100 kilometres away, thereby increasing operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, staff wages and other logistics.

“We seek your understanding this time to embrace this marginal increase to survive and continue to offer services seamlessly,” the notice stated.

The company added that pending the completion of repairs to government disposal facilities, waste would be evacuated once every two weeks and advised residents of multi-flat buildings to acquire additional waste bins and ensure refuse was properly bagged for collection.

Under the revised tariff, occupants of flats are to pay N8,000 monthly, wing duplexes N9,000, standard duplexes N10,000 and mini flats N5,500.

Despite the explanation, residents insisted that the increase was ill-timed and unfair.

Another resident, who identified himself simply as Clinton, also faulted the increase.

He wrote, “I just noticed that LAWMA has pasted a notice of waste disposal increase from N6,000 per flat per month to N8,000.

“It is worrisome that after abandoning waste disposal since March and only being able to dispose of the waste last week, the next thing is an increment. Isn’t this insensitive enough for us to say no?

“We kept paying while they weren’t doing their jobs. No apologies, no explanations, and certainly no form of compensation. All they could do was increase the charges.”

  

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How To Apply For Lagos Climate Grant Worth Up To 5,000 Dollars - Environment Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab

Young people in Lagos with innovative ideas to tackle climate change can now apply for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 under the Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund, an initiative supported by the Lagos State Government and Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The programme is designed to support youth-led projects aimed at making Lagos greener, cleaner and more resilient through practical climate solutions.

Announcing the initiative on his X handle, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, encouraged young people to take advantage of the opportunity.

 

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“Got an innovative idea to make Lagos greener, cleaner, and more resilient? This is your opportunity to rise, lead, and demonstrate that meaningful climate action starts here.

“The future is in YOUR hands – and this is your chance to help shape it.

“The Lagos Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF), in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, is calling for bold, innovative, and youth-led projects that will drive climate action and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient Lagos.

“Apply now and become part of the movement transforming ideas into impactful solutions for a better Lagos. Be the change. Lead the future,” Wahab wrote.

According to the organisers, eligible youth groups made up of individuals aged 15 to 24 years can receive microgrants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to implement climate action projects across Lagos State.

As part of the application process, interested participants are expected to attend a pre-launch information webinar, where details on eligibility, project requirements and application procedures will be explained.

The webinar is scheduled to hold on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

How to apply

Applicants are required to:

* Register for the pre-launch webinar using the official registration link: https://tinyurl.com/ycafwebinar
* Fill in their first name, last name, and email address during registration.
* Attend the webinar to receive guidance on the grant application process, project eligibility and funding requirements.
* Prepare a youth-led climate action proposal that addresses environmental challenges in Lagos after the official application portal opens.

The organisers said the initiative seeks to equip cities with new ideas from young people, support them through small grants and strengthen youth participation in advancing local climate priorities.

  

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How Hoodlums Killed 32-Year Old Dispatch Rider For Resisting Extortion In Alimosho Area Of Lagos

A 32-year-old dispatch rider, Emmanuel Jegede, has lost his life after suspected hoodlums allegedly pushed him off his motorcycle while attempting to extort him along the Ikotun-Idimu Road in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday around 10am after the rider completed a delivery and was heading to another destination.

On getting to the Alhaja end of the road, two suspected hoodlums who were planning to extort him suddenly pushed him while in motion.

An eyewitness who spoke to the media on the condition of anonymity, citing personal reasons, said the rider rammed into the median in the process and died on the spot.

“The rider was passing through the Ikotun-Idimu road, and when he got to Alhaja, two hoodlums who usually stay around the junction tried to stop him and suddenly pushed him while he was in motion.

“He lost control of the motorcycle, veered off the road and rammed into the median. By the time people got to the spot to rescue him, he had already died,” the source disclosed.

 

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Another eyewitness said the deceased had earlier been involved in a minor collision with a tricycle rider after emerging from a street in the area.

Residents and some youths, including the suspected hoodlums, reportedly intervened and resolved the dispute amicably.

However, the hoodlums allegedly demanded money from the dispatch rider for mediating the matter.

The eyewitness, who pleaded not to be named for security reasons, said the rider explained that he had no money on him, adding that the response angered the suspected hoodlums.

He said, “The man had just finished making a delivery and was on his way to another location. Earlier, while coming out of a street, he mistakenly hit a tricycle rider. People in the area, including the boys, intervened and settled the issue.

“After everything was resolved, the boys demanded that he should settle them for helping him. He told them he did not have any money. They then crossed to the other side of the road and waited for him before pushing him in the process.”

The source noted that his chest hit the culvert with great force, leading to his instant death.

It was gathered that the hoodlums also fled the scene immediately after the incident.

The policemen from the Idimu Police Division were later said to have arrived at the scene and evacuated the corpse.

As of the time of filing this report, the identity of the deceased has yet to be established.

When contacted on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

She said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the rider’s death.

She said, “A Federal Road Safety Corps officer came to the station and reported that he had seen a corpse at the scene of the accident. Our officers immediately visited the location and found the lifeless body of the victim alongside his motorcycle.

“When the police spoke with people in the area, we got two different versions of what happened. One account claimed that a pedestrian was trying to cross the road, and the rider lost control while attempting to avoid hitting the person.

“The second version was that some boys fled the scene immediately after the accident, raising suspicion that they might have attacked or pushed the rider before he crashed.

She added that the police were investigating the incident and working to obtain CCTV footage from the area to determine exactly what happened.

  

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