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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