How We Leveraged On Intelligence-Driven Operation To Rescue 44 Abducted Oyo Pupils, Teachers – Army

The Nigerian Army has revealed how troops, working with other security agencies, rescued pupils and teachers abducted by suspected Ansaru terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity.

The Nigerian Army, alongside a multi-agency coalition, secured the unconditional rescue of the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State by leveraging intelligence-driven operations to dismantle the kidnappers’ logistics network, informants, and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park.

The Army said the victims regained their freedom following an intelligence-led operation that lasted for more than a month and targeted the kidnappers’ network and hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and other parts of the country.

According to a statement issued hours after the rescue on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife.

The soldiers worked alongside operatives of other security agencies, the Amotekun Corps, local vigilantes and hunters.

The Army said 44 abducted pupils and teachers were rescued in total.

It explained that the operation focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins behind the abduction, dismantling their logistics network and arresting their informants.

The statement read, “Following an intelligence-led, carefully planned and executed operation on 10 July 2026, troops of the Nigerian Army, led by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with special units from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), specifically the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Defence Headquarters with Special Forces elements from the Nigerian Army, Navy, the Air Force and the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies, as well as local vigilantes, hunters and Amotekun, in a well-coordinated operation rescued a total of 44 pupils and teachers kidnapped by terrorists from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on 15 May 2026.

“The operations, which lasted for more than a month, focused on identifying the terrorist kingpins that masterminded the kidnapping, busting and dismantling their networks and logistics links, including their informants and hideouts located within the Old Oyo National Park Forest, Oyo State.”

According to the Army, several suspects were arrested in Oyo and other states, a development it said disrupted the group’s activities and forced the terrorists to free the captives.

“As part of the operations, multiple arrests were made within Oyo State and in other locations across some states in the country.

“These arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers. Further operations are to be conducted,” it stated.

The Army added that the operation was carefully executed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims without collateral damage.

“However, there were some casualties on the part of the security forces,” the statement added.

The Army disclosed that the rescued pupils and teachers are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

The GOC, on behalf of all participating agencies, thanked President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and support, which he said contributed to the success of the operation.

He also commended Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, and heads of other security agencies for their support.

The Army further appreciated media organisations and Nigerians for supporting the security agencies and urged members of the public to remain vigilant by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.

The victims were abducted on May 15 when gunmen attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

According to earlier official accounts, 39 pupils and seven teachers were taken during the attack, while the assistant headmaster of L.A. Primary School, Joel Adesiyan, was killed during the attack while attempting to escape.

Another teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists while in captivity.

While the Army said 44 victims were rescued, earlier official accounts indicated that 46 people were abducted (39 pupils and seven teachers). It is not immediately clear whether the Army’s figure excludes the two teachers who were killed.

However, confirming the rescue in a statement on Friday evening, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said all the victims were rescued.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo, have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.

He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services.

He added that several other members of the gang were neutralised by security operatives during the operation.

According to him, the victims were rescued without the Federal Government acceding to the kidnappers’ demand for the release of a Boko Haram kingpin standing trial for terrorism.

In a separate statement on his X handle, Tinubu also announced that the abducted children and teachers were freed alive and unharmed.

He stressed that “no ransom was paid” and “no concession was made.”

The President, while expressing delight over the successful operation, also vowed that his administration would ensure justice for the victims and the family of Oyedokun.

He also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide medical care and other relief support for the rescued pupils and teachers.

Following the rescue, residents, travellers and passers-by in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State broke into spontaneous celebration.

Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, the Allied Peoples Movement and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, welcomed the victims’ safe return and called on the Federal Government to take decisive measures to prevent a recurrence and strengthen security across the country.

  

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Mshel Homes Wins Property Development Company Of The Year At ARE Awards 2026

In a strong affirmation of excellence, innovation, and consistent delivery, Mshel Homes has once again secured a major industry recognition, emerging as the Property Development Company of the Year (Sites and Services) at the Abuja Real Estate (ARE) Awards 2026.

This marks the second consecutive year that Mshel Homes has received the coveted award, having also won the same category in 2025, a testament to the company’s sustained leadership and impact within Nigeria’s real estate sector.

The award was presented at the Abuja Real Estate Fireside Chat 3.0 held on 29th May, 2026. The gathering brought together top developers, investors, and key stakeholders for an insightful evening of dialogue, strategic networking, and industry recognition.

Mshel Homes’ recognition at the ARE Awards reinforces its position as a top real estate company in Nigeria and a leading force in Nigeria’s real estate landscape.  The company continues to set new benchmarks in property development, particularly in the sites and services category, with a strong commitment to quality, architectural excellence, integrity, and timely delivery.

The Property Development Company of the Year award (Sites and Services) is reserved for developers that demonstrate exceptional performance in land development, infrastructure provision, and the creation of sustainable communities. Mshel Homes stood out among strong contenders due to its consistent track record of delivering well-planned estates that combine functionality, accessibility, and long-term investment value.

Speaking at the event, organisers highlighted the company’s ability to bridge the gap between affordability and premium living. Mshel Homes has created opportunities for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors to access strategically located properties with strong appreciation potential.

Over the past year, the company has expanded its portfolio with several developments in key locations in Abuja, Yola, Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, and other emerging locations nationwide. These projects are designed with modern infrastructure, including road networks, drainage systems, recreational facilities, and security features that align with global standards.

Beyond physical development, Mshel Homes has distinguished itself through a customer-centric approach, maintaining a transparent process spanning inquiry, documentation, allocation, and final delivery. This structure has helped build confidence and long-term relationships with its growing client base of over 6,000 Nigerians.

Demand for serviced plots continues to rise as more individuals recognise real estate as a reliable means of wealth creation. Mshel Homes has positioned itself to meet this demand by offering accessible entry points and flexible payment options that appeal to a broad market segment.

The company’s sites and services model provides buyers with the freedom to build according to their personal preferences while benefiting from established infrastructure and organised layouts. This approach supports both customisation and long-term property value appreciation.

Recognition at the ARE Awards underscores the importance of consistency and delivery in the real estate sector. Mshel Homes has built its brand on a foundation of integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to meeting expectations.

The Group Managing Director of Mshel Homes, Arc. Barka Mshelia expressed appreciation to clients, partners, and team members for their support and dedication, which contributed to this achievement. The award was described as both an honour and a motivation to continue raising standards across all areas of operation.

The ARE Awards remain one of the most respected platforms for celebrating achievements within Nigeria’s real estate industry. Winning at such a platform signals credibility and reinforces confidence among investors and stakeholders.

For clients and prospective investors, this milestone offers reassurance that they are partnering with a developer recognised and trusted for delivering results. Mshel Homes’ growing list of awards reflects a brand committed to long-term impact rather than short-term gains.

As the company looks ahead, it remains focused on expanding its footprint, introducing new development strategies, and maintaining high standards across all projects. Mshel Homes continues to shape the narrative of real estate development in Nigeria, driven by a clear vision and a proven track record.

This latest achievement at the ARE Awards 2026 reflects the consistency, innovation, and excellence that continue to define Mshel Homes. It marks another chapter in the company’s journey and sets the stage for even greater accomplishments in the years to come.

  

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Take Ownership Of Your Housing Estates - Lagos Perm Sec Urges Residents

The Lagos State Government has called on residents of its housing estates to take greater responsibility for maintenance of their neighbourhoods to preserve infrastructure.

The go        vernment said that taking such a responsibility would also enhance security and sustain property value.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Housing, Mr Abdulhafis Toriola, made the call during the ministry’s monthly stakeholders’ engagement with residents of government-owned housing estates.

The event was hosted by Millennium Housing Estate, Agbado-Ijaiye, Ojokoro, on Saturday.

Toriola said the forum was designed to strengthen collaboration between the government and the residents, while providing a platform to identify challenges and receive feedback for improved estate management.

“Wherever you live, you need to be proactive and take ownership so that the estate retains its value.

“When you notice something that needs attention, fix what you can.

“Where government intervention is required, we will come in and assist. You do not have to wait for government to fix everything,” he said.

The permanent secretary commended the residents for maintaining their estates, and urged them to comply with the terms and conditions of their property allocation.

He stressed the importance of paying insurance premiums, describing insurance as a critical safeguard for residents and government assets.

Toriola also urged the residents to comply with regulations on land use charges and other statutory obligations, saying that defaulters would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

According to him, the ministry has continued to organise stakeholders’ engagements to obtain residents’ feedbacks.

He said that such feedbacks had informed improvement works in government housing estates.

On ageing estates, Toriola said the government had commenced urban renewal initiatives, including redevelopment of the old Jakande Estate in Lekki, after integrity assessment.

Earlier, the Director of Estate Department in the ministry, Mrs Olukemi Fosude, said the engagement was aimed at sensitising the residents on government housing policies.

Fosude said that the engagement was also aimed at identifying challenges and strengthening collaboration for effective estate management.

She said the ministry remained committed to maintaining estate infrastructure, coordinating facility management, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing service charges and promoting sustainable communities.

Fosude announced that the ministry had introduced a standardised demand notice and unique payment code for every allottee to improve transparency, accountability and prompt reconciliation of service charge payments.

She reminded residents of their obligations, including prompt payment of service charges and insurance premiums.

She warned against unauthorised structures, illegal commercial activities, indiscriminate refuse disposal and other violations of estate regulations.

She urged the residents to participate in the state’s re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation to promote hygiene, prevent flooding and preserve property values.

On behalf of the residents, the Vice-Chairman of the Millennium Housing Estate, Agbado-Ijaiye, Mr Chris Otabo, commended the ministry for improving security through the construction of perimeter fencing.

Otabo also thanked the ministry for beautification of the estate.

He, however, appealed to the government to provide improved drainage channels, repair deteriorating roads and install additional streetlights to further enhance safety.

The Chairman of Millennium Housing Estate, Okoba, Mr Jamil Onosoya, praised the ministry for rehabilitating residential blocks and upgrading infrastructure across government housing estates.

He, however, appealed for completion of an abandoned water project on the estate and provision of additional recreational facilities and smart security infrastructure.

Officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Safety Commission, and Lagos State Health Management Agency were at the event.

Officials of Lagos State Mortgage Board, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency also attended the event.

  

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From Kidnap To Rescue: The Complete Story Of Oyo School Children Abduction

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday announced that all the pupils and teachers kidnapped in Oriire, Oyo State, had been rescued by security agencies, ending a 56-day ordeal that gripped the nation.

Onanuga disclosed this in a post on his X handle, saying, “Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies.”

He later revealed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, while several others were neutralised.

He also dismissed reports that the victims were freed through a prisoner exchange, stating that there was “no quid pro quo” because one of the terrorist kingpins whose release had been demanded by the kidnappers remains on trial for alleged terrorism-related offences.

The announcement caps months of denials, protests and false alarms since gunmen stormed three schools in the area on May 15, abducting 46 pupils, students and teachers.

May 15: The attack

Armed men numbering in the dozens, some dressed in military fatigues and riding motorcycles, stormed three schools in the Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area, near Ogbomoso — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

They opened fire before seizing pupils, students and teachers, including a toddler aged two. At least one person was killed during the raid.

Governor Seyi Makinde later confirmed that seven students were abducted from Community Grammar School, while 18 children and seven teachers were taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary.

In total, 39 pupils and seven teachers — 46 victims — were confirmed abducted, including the school principal, Folawe Alamu.

President Bola Tinubu condemned the attack as barbaric and vowed a rescue operation, with the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, dispatching more detectives to Oyo State to lead a technology-driven operation.

Late May: The beheading of Michael Oyedokun

Mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun was beheaded by his captors in a video that sparked nationwide condemnation and hardened public anger toward the government’s handling of the crisis. The killing was reportedly intended to deter security operatives closing in on the kidnappers’ camp.

May 31: Federal delegation, forest guards, negotiations begin

Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila led a federal delegation — including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Tunji Disu, Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and presidential aide Sunday Dare — to the affected communities.

Tinubu approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and directed a specialised rescue unit to intensify operations.

Around this time, reports emerged that the kidnappers had opened communication channels with the state government, demanding the release of two detained Boko Haram/Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Usman (“Abu Bara’a”) and his deputy Abubakar Abba, as a condition for freeing the victims.

June 1: NUT declares indefinite strike

The Nigeria Union of Teachers ordered all public primary and secondary school teachers in Oyo State to withdraw services indefinitely, demanding the government secure the victims’ release before schools reopened. Solidarity rallies followed across state capitals on June 2.

Early-mid June: Fake “release” claims proliferate

At least three separate waves of misinformation falsely claimed the victims had been freed.. Oyo Police and the state government repeatedly and firmly debunked each claim, while fact-checkers (Africa Check) intervened publicly.

Late June: Ransom allegations, pressure campaigns

Social media activist VeryDarkMan (Martins Otse) led protests to the Oyo governor’s office. The Oyo government, through Commissioner for Information Dotun Oyelade, repeatedly denied any ransom payment. Civil society groups, including Socialist Labour, accused the government of complacency and demanded accountability.

July 2: NUT suspends strike

After roughly a month of industrial action, the NUT called off its strike, citing government assurances that efforts to secure the victims’ release were intensifying, and citing concern for pupils’ lost academic time.

July 8-9: Defence minister confirms standoff over use of force

Defence Minister Christopher Musa disclosed that the kidnappers had threatened to kill the captives if security forces attempted a forceful rescue, explaining the extended timeline and the shift toward a negotiated approach. Army Chief Waidi Shaibu said troops were making “tremendous progress” and had identified associates of the kidnappers.

July 10: Freedom, at last

Onanuga announced that all the kidnapped pupils and teachers had been rescued by security agencies, bringing the 56-day ordeal to an end.

He disclosed that eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and are currently in DSS custody, while some others were neutralised.

While the victims’ rescue brings an end to the 56-day ordeal, security agencies are expected to provide a comprehensive account of the operation, including details of the arrests and the circumstances surrounding the rescue.

 

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I Did Nails, Sold Bed Space And Cakes To Survive At UNILAG – Funke Akindele

Ace Nollywood producer, Funke Akindele has shared details of the numerous jobs she did to support herself as a student at the University of Lagos, including a painful experience when a dissatisfied customer slapped her over a nail job.

Speaking in a recent interview with Bella Naija, the award-winning actress and filmmaker said she ventured into nail-making after teaching herself the craft by observing others at Yaba.

“When I was in the University of Lagos, I used to make nails. I made nails for a girl one day, and she slapped me because they were rubbish. I learnt from watching people make nails at Yaba. I will buy them, stay in the corridor, and ask people to come and get their nails done,” she said.

Akindele explained that nail-making was only one of several businesses she ran while studying. She also sold cakes, worked as a makeup artist, designed costumes and sourced filming locations to earn a living.

“I was selling cakes. Bimpe Onakoya, the talented makeup artist, was buying cakes from me. She would make-up for me. I learnt from people making hair. I did make-up. I did costuming. I used to costume Aunty Bukky Wright. Even Iyabo Ojo then. I will go to Yaba and buy costumes and iron them,” she said.

The actress added that she also worked behind the scenes in the film industry as a location manager and even found unconventional ways to generate income while on campus.

“I was a location manager. I will go to houses and knock. If they pay the owner N100,000, I can take 30 and pay the person 70. I sold bed space in UNILAG so I could survive. I am a hustler. That is why I am firm. Life taught me, and I cannot do otherwise.”

  

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Yes, I Had Affairs With Married Women – Singer Brymo

Singer Brymo  has admitted that he had relationships with several married women during the early years of his music career. The singer made the revelations during a recent podcast interview, where he reflected on his past relationships and the experiences he said shaped his outlook on life.

According to him, his growing popularity after one of his breakthrough songs attracted the attention of several older women, some of whom were married but claimed they were separated from their husbands.

He said the experiences taught him valuable lessons and prompted him to advise younger artistes against becoming involved with married women.

“I met quite a number of older women who were truly married. This goes to younger artistes, stop sleeping with people’s wives. They will cut your life short. They would tell me they were separated from their husbands,” he said.

The singer also recounted an incident involving a married woman who invited him to perform at her sister’s wedding before asking him to entertain guests at her family home afterwards.

He said he initially accepted the invitation until she informed him that her husband would also be present.

“She said, ‘Our baba will be there.’ I thought she meant her father, but she said, ‘No, my husband.’

“As far as I’m concerned, me going there to perform that night is me opening myself up for some crazy ritual. I just couldn’t take it, so I had to get out,” he added.

Reflecting on the experience, the singer said it reminded him of an encounter he claimed took place in 2019, during which another music star allegedly asked his then-wife whether she had ever been sexually involved with him.

“I will never forget it. I am wicked, you people don’t know me,” he claimed.

  

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Why I Don’t Date Single Guys But Instead Go For Married Men — Nollywood Actress Esther Nwachukwu

Controversial Nollywood actress Esther Nwachukwu has stirred fresh debate after revealing that she prefers dating married men over single men, describing them as more mature and understanding in relationships.

The actress made the remarks during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where she spoke openly about her dating preferences, views on relationships and financial security.

According to Nwachukwu, she deliberately avoids romantic relationships with single men, insisting that married men possess qualities she finds more appealing.

“I don’t have sex with single guys. I go for married men. Married men are more mature. They understand you,” she said.

She further claimed that some married men deliberately hold back during intimate moments outside their marriages.

“Some lazy married men don’t last in bed because they want to save their strength so that their wives won’t know they have had sex outside,” she added.

Beyond her dating preferences, the actress also shared her views on infidelity and financial stability in relationships, saying she places greater value on financial support than faithfulness.

“I don’t care if a man cheats on me as long as he gives me money. Money is love,” she said.

Nwachukwu went further to claim that wealth is a major factor in her choice of a partner, arguing that many women today prioritise financial security over romance.

“In this generation, women love money more than love. I need to elevate myself. I wasn’t born with poverty,” she said.

She also revealed that she would not object to marrying a polygamous man, saying her priority is living a comfortable life rather than being the only wife.

“I am available to marry a man that has six wives. I just want to be comfortable. I am coming from a poor background, so I cannot end up in a poor home,” she said.

Her comments have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating her unconventional views on relationships, marriage and the role of financial security in choosing a partner.

 

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Feeding Of Lagos Pupils: Sanwo-Olu Seeks Private Sector Support

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on corporate organisations, institutions and philanthropists to partner with the government in expanding access to nutritious meals for pupils in public primary schools.

The governor made the appeal at the closing ceremony of the Adopt-A-School PBAT Feeds Programme, tagged “Snacks for Thought,” organised under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme at Ibeju-Lekki Primary School, Epe.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Audit Service Commission, Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji, the governor said the initiative was designed to improve child nutrition, enhance learning outcomes and promote human capital development.

He said the pilot programme provides an opportunity for organisations and individuals to support public primary schools by adopting them through a digital platform that allows contributors to monitor the impact of their interventions.

According to the governor, no child should be expected to learn on an empty stomach, describing investment in children’s nutrition and education as critical to national development.

Sanwo-Olu commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising education, nutrition and human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda and also acknowledged the support of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for initiatives targeting children and other vulnerable groups.

He noted that the programme’s theme, “Food Security Meets National Security,” highlights the link between child welfare and sustainable national development.

The governor added that beyond supporting pupils, the initiative is expected to stimulate local agriculture and create economic opportunities for farmers, food processors, caterers and transport providers involved in the school feeding value chain.

He disclosed that the next phase of the programme would include the launch of an online Adopt-A-School dashboard to encourage broader participation and enable prospective partners to adopt schools and monitor implementation.

Sanwo-Olu assured stakeholders of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in implementing the initiative, while urging the private sector and development partners to support its expansion across the state.

The event was attended by representatives of the federal and state governments, local government officials, development partners, school administrators, community leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector.

  

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N20,000 Bribery Scandal: Lagos Queries LAGESC Officer Caught On Camera

The Lagos State Government has issued a query to an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps over allegations of corruption after a viral video purportedly showed him receiving a ₦20,000 bribe from a suspected environmental offender.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, describing the officer’s alleged conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the ethics and core values of the agency.

According to Wahab, the officer has been formally queried, while a Personnel Management Board will be constituted to investigate the incident in line with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

“My attention has been drawn to a viral video allegedly showing an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps receiving a bribe from a lawbreaker. Such conduct is unacceptable and runs contrary to the rules, ethics, and core values of the Agency,” Wahab wrote.

“Consequently, we have immediately issued the officer a query, and this will be followed by the constitution of a Personnel Management Board (PMB) to investigate the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.”

The commissioner reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

“The Lagos State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any form of misconduct within its public service. Any officer found culpable will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by the relevant regulations,” he said.

Wahab also warned members of the public against attempting to bribe government officials, stressing that both giving and receiving bribes are criminal offences.

“I also wish to remind Lagosians that offering a bribe is as unlawful as receiving one. We urge everyone to obey the law and refrain from attempting to compromise enforcement officers.

“Together, we can uphold integrity, strengthen public trust, and build a more accountable and responsible society,” he added.

In the query letter attached to the commissioner’s post, the officer was accused of collecting ₦20,000 from an offender, an act that was allegedly captured on video and circulated on social media.

The letter, referenced MOE/LAGESC/431/56 and dated July 10, 2026, stated that the footage was viewed by the Lagos State Governor.

“You were alleged to have collected the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) from an offender. This act was recorded and posted on social media, where it was viewed by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State,” the letter read.

It described the alleged conduct as corruption and extortion, adding that it constituted serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules.

The officer was directed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

“Your representation (if any) must reach the undersigned officer within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Failure to submit your response within the stipulated time limit will result in disciplinary action being taken against you,” the letter added.

  

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Confusion As Lagos Demolishes Surulere Buildings Over Setback Breaches

The Lagos State Building Control Agency has partially demolished sections of illegally constructed buildings behind Barracks Bus Stop in Surulere after their owners allegedly failed to comply with repeated enforcement notices.

The agency said the action followed months of monitoring and inspections, which revealed that the affected structures violated provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law as well as other building regulations.

According to LASBCA, the buildings exceeded approved setback limits by encroaching on spaces designated for safety, accessibility and orderly physical development.

The agency also said investigations showed that the developers could not produce valid planning approvals for the structures and that the buildings contravened the state’s building codes, posing potential risks to occupants, adjoining properties and the environment.

LASBCA said it had earlier served the developers with statutory contravention and enforcement notices directing them to stop construction and regularise the developments.

It added that the owners failed to comply with the directives despite being given opportunities to do so, prompting the agency to commence partial demolition of the offending sections.

The agency said the enforcement exercise was carried out as part of its statutory responsibility to prevent illegal developments and ensure compliance with approved building standards across Lagos.

It maintained that structures erected without approval or in violation of approved setbacks constitute safety hazards and undermine orderly urban planning.

LASBCA urged property owners, developers and contractors to obtain all necessary planning permits before commencing construction and to ensure that building works strictly conform to approved plans.

The agency also appealed to residents to report illegal developments and distressed buildings in their communities, assuring them that it would continue monitoring construction activities and enforcing building regulations across the state.

 

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