Third Rotary Club Sports Festival Holds In Lagos

The third Rotary Club Sports Festival, Rosfest ‘26, ended on Sunday with organisers describing the event as a success in promoting unity, healthy living, and community service through sports.

District Governor of Rotary Club District 9112, Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin, said the festival demonstrated sport’s power to unite people regardless of their differences.

“For us, sports is a unifier and globally for all nationalities regardless of their differences. In our country, you will note that anytime there is a sports event, we are all united in ensuring the victory of our country,” Adedoyin said.

“For us, it is an event we will continue to hold annually so we can bring people together and reconnect with more Rotarians in our various communities who want to know what we do.”

The festival, held in Lagos, featured 14 sporting events, including scrabble, chess, snooker, draughts, ayo olopon, athletics, tug-of-war, volleyball, table tennis, and football.

Rotary Club Victoria Island East emerged as champions in football, while Rotary Club Shomolu won the tug-of-war competition. Revolution Lagos claimed the volleyball title, with Rotary Club Gbagada finishing as runners-up.

In scrabble, Femi Awopetu of Rotary Club Shomolu won gold in the men’s category, while Chinwe Anyanwu of Rotary Club Lekki Novare took the women’s title.

Peter Akpan of Rotary Club Victoria Island East clinched gold in chess, with Johnson Alabi of Rotary Club Shomolu winning the snooker competition.

Ikoyi Metro Rotary Club won the 4×4 relay race, while Faith Godwin of Rotary Club Ikoyi and Arinze Achume of Rotary Club Ikoyi Metro won gold in the women’s and men’s 100 metres dash, respectively.

Chairman of the organising committee, Rotarian Alozie Nsirimobi, said the festival was instituted to help Rotarians monitor their health and drive unity.

“This was instituted to help Rotarians initially monitor their health, as Rotarians who are busy helping communities and others don’t have time to take care of themselves, so we used this for them to have time to exercise and look after themselves. Secondly, so we can also have fun and relax among ourselves,” Nsirimobi said.

“Another very important part is to drive unity as a whole. We believe that sports is one thing that unites us, and we want to drive the message of peace and unity. The theme of the tournament is ‘Sports for service’, we are using sports to serve humanity.”

Rotarian Lukman Olusesi, captain of X-Riders Cycling club, Ijebu Ode, said his team had an exciting time at the festival.

“We are happy we were able to make this journey; we have had an exciting time at this Rotary Festival after missing the last one. Rotary is all about making the world a better place, and we are doing that with cycling. The theme is ‘Riding for Unity’, and we showcased this in the communities,” Olusesi stated.

Since its inception in 2023/2024, Rosfest has grown in bounds, with the vision to encourage healthy living in the Rotary world and beyond through sports.

  

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Truckers Protest Over Extortion And Brutality By Lagos Officials

Truckers in Lagos have cried out over alleged harassment, brutality and extortion by operatives of the Lagos State Taskforce and other traffic enforcement agencies. Members of the umbrella union of truckers, Nigerian Union of Haulage Truck and Trailer Drivers, on Monday, staged a peaceful protest.

The truckers, who gathered at The PUNCH headquarters, said the protest was triggered by the alleged assault of one of their members during a night operation in an industrial area of Ikeja on Saturday— an incident they claimed nearly cost him his life.

Carrying placards bearing the photograph of their injured colleague, Comrade Prince Ogunkanmi Adekunle, the protesters displayed messages such as, “Lagos State Government help us, we are dying oo!” and “Enough of trailer drivers’ brutality.”

Speaking to PUNCH Metro on behalf of the union, the National Chairman, Okunola Omogbolahan, accused operatives of the Lagos State Task Force, the Vehicle Inspection Office and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority of targeting truck and trailer drivers for extortion under the guise of enforcement.

According to him, the alleged harassment had persisted for years, resulting in the deaths of several drivers.

“We are here to complain about task force brutality and harassment. They almost took the life of one of our members. We thank God he is still alive, and that is why we want this matter escalated,” Omogbolahan said.

“This has been happening for many years. Many truck and trailer drivers have suffered, and we have buried several of them. We have come together to say enough is enough.”

He maintained that members of the union were law-abiding citizens striving to earn a living.

“We are not criminals. We work overnight because of the nature of our job, yet we are treated like offenders even when we have committed no wrong,” he added.

Recounting the incident that allegedly sparked the protest, Omogbolahan said Adekunle was attacked around 1.30am on Saturday while resting inside his truck near the Guinness gate in Ikeja, where he was waiting to load goods.

“He was inside his truck when someone knocked on the door. Before he knew what was happening, the person forced his way in and attempted to seize the key. When the driver stepped down to ask questions, he was attacked,” he alleged.

He further claimed that the operatives often arrived in buses or Hilux vans, sometimes accompanied by suspected hoodlums, and would beat up drivers before towing their vehicles.

“They don’t initially state any offence. They come around midnight, beat up the driver and seize the truck. When you get to Alausa, they accuse you of illegal parking and demand between N600,000 and N700,000 for offences you did not commit,” he alleged, adding that drivers were typically parked within industrial zones and not obstructing major roads.

Narrating his experience, Adekunle said he mistook the man who knocked on his door for a traffic marshal.

“When I opened the door, he jumped inside and started dragging my key. I shouted ‘thief’ because I didn’t recognise him. They beat me up and hit me with a gun. They took my vehicle to their office in Alausa and detained me,” he said.

He further alleged that officers fired shots to disperse other drivers who attempted to intervene.

“They later returned my key and vehicle that same night after seeing the extent of my injuries,” he claimed.

Another driver, Ojewole Samuel, alleged that some private company security personnel colluded with enforcement operatives to target truckers parked near their premises due to limited parking space.

“Many companies in Ikeja do not provide adequate parking for trucks. Drivers are left waiting outside, and we believe some security men alerted the task force. Their goal appears to be extortion, not orderliness,” he alleged.

Samuel claimed that some drivers were forced to pay cash and surrender fuel before their trucks were released.

“In one night, they can make between N100,000 and N150,000. A driver told us he paid N30,000 and was made to sell 60 litres of diesel before his truck was released, even though he was not blocking traffic,” he said.

The protesters said they turned to the media after repeated complaints to authorities allegedly yielded no results, warning that they would seek legal redress if the situation persisted.

Responding to the allegations, the Director of Press and Public Affairs of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said he was unaware of the incident.

“I am hearing this for the first time. There are many individuals impersonating our officers. We need to be certain that those involved are genuinely from the Lagos State Taskforce,” he said.

Abdulraheem urged the aggrieved drivers to file a formal complaint at the agency’s headquarters, adding that efforts were ongoing to clamp down on impersonators.

However, when contacted, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, declined to respond over the phone, stating that official inquiries should be channelled through his office or the ministry’s Public Relations Officer.

“I don’t know who I’m speaking to. You can’t just call me on the phone and expect that I’ll have a conversation. I don’t know the person I’m speaking to; you must be introduced as somebody I know. Do you understand?

“I can’t just pick up my phone and start getting this. The appropriate thing to do is to contact my PRO, or you can visit my office. I can’t just pick up the phone and start talking to someone I’ve never spoken to before,” Osiyemi said in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

 

Culled from the Punch 

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Man Killed, Wife Critically Injured As Over-speeding Truck Rams Into Car Along Lekki-Ajah Expressway

A man has died while his wife sustained critical injuries after an articulated truck laden with granite crushed their car at Eleko Junction along the Lekki–Ajah Expressway.

The spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the fatal crash occurred in the early hours of the day.

According to Taofiq, preliminary investigations revealed that the truck, which was travelling at high speed from the Epe axis towards Eleko Junction, suffered brake failure, causing the driver to lose control.

He said the truck veered off its lane and rammed into a Toyota saloon car heading from Ajah towards Epe, before toppling onto the smaller vehicle.

“The mechanical failure precipitated an abrupt loss of vehicular control, causing the truck to stray from its designated path and collide forcefully with a Toyota saloon car travelling from Ajah inward Epe,” Taofiq said.

He added that the impact crushed the car beneath the truck’s weight, trapping the driver inside the wreckage.

“LASTMA officials, in collaboration with operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps and bystanders, rescued the victims from the mangled vehicle. However, the husband was pronounced dead at the scene.

“His wife, who was seated in the front passenger seat, sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention,” he added.

Taofiq noted that the remains of the deceased and the injured woman were evacuated by the Federal Road Safety Corps ambulance team for medical and mortuary procedures.

He further disclosed that the truck driver fled the scene shortly after the crash.

“In a most condemnable abdication of responsibility, the driver of the articulated truck absconded immediately after the incident,” the statement said.

Reacting, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as a distressing and preventable tragedy, while commiserating with the bereaved family and wishing the injured woman a speedy recovery.

Bakare-Oki reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enforcing traffic regulations, particularly against reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance.

 

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Lagos Taskforce Arrest Two Omotaku Urchins

OPERATIVES of the Lagos State Taskforce have arrested two suspected street urchins, popularly known as Omotaku, along the Oshodi–Agunlejika–Apapa Expressway for allegedly extorting motorists.

The suspects, AbiodunAjasa, 44, of No. 18 Jimoh Meji Street, off Agunlejika Street, and JunaidFolami of No. 12 Agunlejika Street, Itire-Ikate, were alleged to have targeted motorists whose vehicles developed mechanical faults, demanding money before allowing them to continue their journey.

Their arrest followed a tip-off from a civil society group, ICU – To Save A Soul. Acting on the intelligence, taskforce operatives apprehended the duo while they were allegedly attempting to extort a motorist. The suspects initially claimed to be a bystander and a revenue collector, respectively, but investigations later linked them to a group accused of illegal revenue collection activities.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP AdetayoAkerele, said the suspects had been on the agency’s watchlist following numerous public complaints about a syndicate allegedly involved in unlawfully arresting motorists and negotiating financial settlements for the release of their vehicles.

“I receive numerous calls and online complaints from residents who report that these individuals operate deceptively and appear legitimate, making them difficult to apprehend,” he said.

During interrogation, Ajasa reportedly confessed that their targets were vehicles transporting goods from Apapa Port that broke down along the expressway. He said they approached such motorists under the guise of revenue collectors, claiming to protect them from rival groups, before threatening vehicle impoundment unless certain sums were paid.

The second suspect was said to have admitted that his role involved preventing drivers from accessing their vehicles in order to create fear and compel them into negotiations.

Akerele assured the public that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.

 

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Our Lagos Office Is Open And Operational - NAFDAC

THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has addressed the reports circulating in the media, particularly a story alleging that protesters have “shut down” NAFDAC’s Lagos office.

The demonstration was reportedly linked to the agency’s recent strict enforcement of regulations banning the sale and consumption of alcohol in sachets and glass bottles of 200ml or less. Despite objections from parts of the manufacturing sector and labour unions, NAFDAC has maintained its position.

The management, in a press statement, categorically stated that this report is “false and misleading.” It noted that the protest, which occurred outside the NAFDAC premises, did not disrupt operations in any way.

It said: “Our offices remain fully open, and all staff are carrying out their duties without interruption. Normal activities are ongoing, and there has been no shutdown of any kind.” It however, said NAFDAC remains fully committed to its mandate of safeguarding public health and will continue to enforce all regulatory measures, including the ban on sachet alcohol.

 

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How Female Pedestrian Was Crushed To Death By A Hit-And-Run Driver At Igando

A female pedestrian and worshipper of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Church was crushed to death by a lone vehicle at the NYSC Bus Stop, inward Igando, Lagos, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

LASTMA, in a statement , said the victim was on her way to church when she was struck by a Mercedes Benz C300 driven by an unidentified motorist who later fled the scene.

The agency said the deceased was lawfully using the pedestrian corridor when the vehicle, under circumstances yet to be ascertained, veered off course and rammed into her, killing her instantly.

Operatives of LASTMA, who received distress alerts shortly after the incident, were said to have cordoned off the area to prevent secondary crashes and regulate traffic within the corridor.

The statement added that the driver of the vehicle absconded immediately after realising the fatal outcome of the collision, an act described as a serious violation of traffic laws and civic responsibility.

The accident vehicle was later secured and evacuated from the road by LASTMA operatives in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police, Igando Division, to restore normal traffic flow.

It was gathered that the incident threw the MFM Church community into mourning after news of the tragedy filtered into the church during service, where the victim’s husband was worshipping. 

He, alongside other church members, reportedly proceeded to the scene and conveyed her remains.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police have commenced investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the crash and track down the fleeing driver for possible prosecution.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare Oki, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and the MFM Church community, urging motorists to obey speed limits and respect the rights of pedestrians.

 

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Oshodi Residents Protest Over Rising Gangsterism And Violent Clashes In The Area

Residents of Oshodi have staged a protest over violent gangsterism going on in that part of the state. On Sunday, a group of suspected thugs, reportedly codenamed “Seven Street”, attacked members of a rival Orile group, throwing the communities into panic as residents fled for safety. Properties worth millions of naira were destroyed during the violence.

According to eye-witness accounts, despite the presence of police stations within the vicinity, the situation has remained largely unchanged, allowing the gangs to continue their activities without fear. During the clash, several cars and buses had their windscreens shattered, while a mosque on Mosaku Street was also damaged by stones.

The protesting residents, mainly drawn from Orile, Mafoluku, Orona, Alimi-Oke, Mosaku, Owoseni and Adekunle streets, said the areas are gradually becoming hotspots for gang violence and breeding grounds for thugs.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration that the neighbourhood had become a breeding ground for thugs, blaming parents for failing to provide proper supervision for their children. She said many of those involved were under 18 and warned that urgent steps must be taken to prevent them from becoming a threat to the community.

A 70-year-old resident, who also requested anonymity, recalled that similar incidents had occurred repeatedly over the years with little response from the local government authorities.

He said residents now live in fear, uncertain of when violence might erupt, adding that he once had to flee during an early morning prayer when clashes suddenly broke out in the area.

Another resident, lamenting the extent of damage caused by Sunday’s attack, appealed to the police and the local government chairman to intervene urgently, warning that rival groups might still be planning retaliatory attacks.

 

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United States Building World's Largest Consulate In Lagos With 537 Million Dollars

The United States is set to open its ambitious $537m consulate project in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos, by 2028, according to a US Mission official.

The 10-storey project, sited on 12.2 acres, is said to be providing an estimated $95m investment in the local economy and employing approximately 2,500 Nigerians, including engineers, architects, artisans, among others.

Construction has already started at the site. Workers in reflective jackets have been spotted seen on different floors of the building, while trucks carrying building materials also moved around the site.

The US investment in the massive edifice continues despite a clampdown on immigrants in the US under President Donald Trump’s administration, a development that has also affected several Nigerians.

Trump, on his inauguration day as the 47th President of the US, signed a series of executive orders aimed at hardening immigration policies, including the stoppage of citizenship by birth for children of illegal immigrants.

When completed, the US Consulate will be the largest in the world, demonstrating the importance of the relationship between the United States and Nigeria.

The construction, which began in 2022, was initially set for completion in 2027.

Workers at the site told newsmen that about four contractors are handling the project, with some focusing on the main building while others handle the road and bridge.

“They are probably on the last floor,” a security officer at the site said on condition of anonymity. “They are doing concrete casting for the fences,” he added, lauding the quality of the work being done.

“The construction workers work every day except Sundays. Some are doing roads, some are doing the bridge. You can see the bridge over there,” a construction worker, who did not give his name because he was not authorised to speak,said.

A private driver, who gave his name simply as John and plies the Eko Atlantic premises, said he did not believe recent US policies to check immigrants would affect America’s investments in Nigeria.

“It will not affect investments,” John said, noting that investors were still welcome in the US. “It’s just the students and others who may be affected. Is there any country that will not allow investments?”

When contacted, a US Mission official said the New Consulate Compound project is on schedule, with occupancy expected in early 2028.

According to the official, the New Consulate Compound under construction represents more than bricks and mortar.

 “It is a tangible expression of the longstanding bilateral partnership that has defined our journey together for over 65 years.”

“The New Consulate Compound will provide a new modern space for us to continue to work together, building on the solid foundation already laid in so many areas, from health cooperation and cultural exchanges to security cooperation and our bilateral commercial and investment partnership.

“The project also represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s economy. An estimated $95m is being spent locally throughout the project, supporting the employment of approximately 2,500 Nigerian professionals, including engineers, architects, artisans, construction workers, and administrative staff.

“In addition to creating jobs, the project is equipping workers with new technical expertise and enhanced safety skills that will strengthen their competitiveness in the local labour market long after construction is complete,” the official said.

 

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Help! Ikorodu Is Now A Red Zone Of Land Grabbing - Firm Cries Out

A firm, Labionar Services Ltd, has sought the intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged threats to lives by gun-toting land grabbers in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

Describing land grabbing as a form of terrorism quietly practised without adequate consequences from law enforcement agencies, the judiciary and the state government, the firm called on the IGP to urgently intervene in a dispute over plots of land located in Isiu under Imota division of Ikorodu Local Council.

Speaking on behalf of the firm, Dr Alaba Victoria Sadiq said that on October 30, 2025, five of their surveyors and Fr Onyebuchi Martin, sent by the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos to inspect a portion of land for the Catholic Church, arrived at the site at about 6:30 p.m. and reported that someone approached them with a gun and threatened to wipe them out if they did not leave immediately.

According to her, the station officer of Imota Police Station, who had led officers to protect the workers, later called to say that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), acting on orders from above, had instructed him and his team to leave the site. The officer subsequently reported developments to her.

Sadiq said that shortly after the police left, one of the alleged land grabbers returned with a gun, threatening to harm everyone if they did not vacate the premises.

She said a petition on criminal assault, murder, kidnapping and threat to life was verbally reported to the AIG and formally submitted on November 3, 2025.

She said, “On December 22, the man with the gun and his family members came to Zone 2 to write their statements before the IPO (Henry). A police officer from the AIG’s office then asked us all to come over.”

The court, she said, ordered that N400,000 be paid to Labionar Services Ltd before any fresh suit could be filed.

Sadiq further stated that when the matter was struck out in 2023, Her Lordship Mrs Akinkugbe reiterated that the N400,000 must be paid, but no payment was made.

She warned that Ikorodu has become a red zone for land grabbing, noting that perpetrators now use cutlasses and guns to terrorise victims and sometimes plant fetish substances on disputed land.

She appealed to the presidency, the IGP, the National Judicial Council, state and local governments, human rights organisations and the public to urgently intervene.

When contacted by phone, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Two Command, Onikan, Lagos, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, said he had no personal knowledge of any petition alleging a threat to life in Ikorodu involving Labionar Services Ltd.

He said he could not immediately recall the petition, adding that his office receives numerous complaints daily.

 

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Lagos Assembly Orders Halt To Demolitions In Makoko And Others

The Lagos State House of Assembly on Tuesday ordered the stoppage of the demolition exercise going on at the Makoko community waterfront in the state.

Hon. Noheem Adams, who is the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee set up by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa made this known as he read out the resolution of the Committee shortly after the stakeholders’ meeting, which took place at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium.

Hundreds of displaced residents of Makoko had staged a protest at the Assembly last week over the demolition exercise.

The protest had created tension, which had led to the arrest of some activists who are currently undergoing trial.

Adams, who is the Leader of the House, said the 40-member parliament on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Obasa directed that all ministries henceforth should stop work with all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities with immediate effect.

The lawmaker assured residents of the affected communities of full compliance with said order, just as he further assured that compensations would be paid to “all those whose properties have been demolished.”

“On behalf of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and on behalf of all 40 members of the House, we are directing that all ministries henceforth should stop work with all demolitions, I repeat, all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities should stop from today, all demolitions will stop until further notice.

“We want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces. 

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished,” he said.

Earlier, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe, a member of the Committee, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, in the course of interrogating the Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Bayo Adefuye, emphasised the need for proper communication, saying that those you wanted to help must know the plan you have for them.

“The most important point is that there should be communication even if you are not going there physically. Those you want to help must know the plan you have for them,” Ogundipe said.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Renewal, Dr Babatunde Olajide, who was also present, had said on Monday during a press briefing that the state government would compensate residents of Makoko whose properties had been demolished.

Dr Olajide further disclosed that Governor Sanwo-Olu had set aside $2 million dollars since 2021 for the redevelopment of the Makoko waterfront to meet international standards.

He stated that the state government was already working on a large water city project to redevelop the community, adding: “We have to do it witha  human face, we have been working on this since 2021.”

“All those people who have been affected have to be compensated, and we have the task force. We are in the process of enumeration, but the first thing to do is to save the people. It is better to be wary than to be late,” he said.

Some of the leaders of the communities who were present maintained that they were no longer interested in NGOs interfering in their affairs.

They agreed that they were capable of handling their issues, especially now that the State House of Assembly had intervened.

In his comment, Baale of Makoko, Shogunro, Iwaya LCDA, High Chief Yusuf Sagra said, “We are here to explain our petition to members of the House on what is happening in our communities, and we are happy that they have given us a word of peace, and we are satisfied.”

Also speaking, Chief Orioye Ogungbure said, “I’m happy over this deliberation. I didn’t expect it. If the government continues to go this way whenever people have grievances, it will be okay. This is democracy, our government should continue to listen to the people.”

 

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Lagos Enforces Traffic Laws Along Coastal Highway, Confiscates 50 Motorcycles, 10 Vehicles

No less than 50 motorcycles (okada)  and 10 vehicles were confiscated as the Lagos State Government commenced enforcement exercise against banned commercial motorcycle operations, one-way driving, and illegal structures along the Lagos–Calabar coastal highway corridor.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on his X handles that operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Taskforce carried out the operation as part of ongoing efforts to restore order and improve safety on major roads across the state.

According to Wahab, “Over 50 motorcycles were confiscated for riding on the highway in violation of the Lagos State traffic law, while 10 vehicles were apprehended and charged to court for driving against traffic.”

He noted that the enforcement exercise also included the removal of shanties and makeshift structures illegally erected along the coastal highway corridor.

He further stated that enforcement will be sustained in order to restore sanity on the road. 

 

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How Police Officers Extorted N250 Thousand From Me In Ajah - Motorist

A mechanical engineer, Uchenna Nwachukwu has accused police officers attached to the Area J Police Command of extorting N250,000 from him during a stop-and-search operation in the Ajah area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Saturday night around the Oral Estate area.

Narrating his ordeal to Punch correspondent on Tuesday, Nwachukwu said he was flagged down by four policemen while returning home after dropping off friends. He said the officers searched him and his vehicle but found nothing incriminating.

“They stopped me around Oral Estate and said they wanted to search me. I cooperated and stepped out of the car. They searched both me and the vehicle and found nothing illegal,” he said.

According to him, the officers then demanded his vehicle documents, which he provided.

“After checking the documents, they asked me to park by the roadside, claiming I was blocking the road.

I parked properly and switched off the engine as instructed,” he added.

Nwachukwu alleged that the situation escalated after he politely questioned the officers about his offence.

“They asked me to step out of the car again. While doing so, I asked why I was being treated that way since I had committed no offence. Suddenly, one of them grabbed me by my trousers and damaged my belt,” he said.

He further alleged that his vehicle was seized and towed to the police station.

According to Nwachukwu, when he reported to the station on Monday morning, he was asked to write a statement before being told that N5m would be required for the release of his car.

“I pleaded with them and said I didn’t have such money. I told them I could only afford N200,000, but they rejected it, saying it was too small. Eventually, they insisted on N250,000 before releasing the vehicle,” he said.

He claimed the officers directed him to withdraw the money from a Point of Sale operator, after which the cash was collected.

    “They took me to a POS where I withdrew the N250,000 in cash. After collecting the money, they handed over my car key,” he added.

However, Nwachukwu said the vehicle was released in poor condition.

    “As we were leaving, we discovered that all the tyres were deflated and the battery had been removed. Everything was down. As a law-abiding citizen, is this how police officers are supposed to behave?” he queried.

Providing an update on Wednesday, the engineer said he reported the matter to the Complaints Response Unit, which gave him the contact details of the station officer. He, however, lamented that despite the intervention, the money had yet to be refunded.

    “I thought the CRU’s involvement would lead to a refund, but it didn’t. When I went to the station today, they simply asked me to leave,” he said.

Reacting to the allegation on Wednesday, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

    “The officers involved have been identified and directed to report. They have also been instructed to refund the money tomorrow,” she said.

The incident has renewed concerns over alleged police misconduct in Lagos, with residents repeatedly accusing officers of extortion during stop-and-search operations.

In a related development, a Lagos-based plumber, Nifemi Oyerinde, recently accused policemen of extorting N70,000 from him at gunpoint during a stop-and-search operation near the Otedola Bridge area of the state.

Culled from The Punch 

 

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Teargas At Makoko Demolition: How My 3-Week Old Baby Drowned When My Wife Fell Into The Lagoon - Carpenter

A carpenter, Papa Eve Amossou, has narrated how he lost his three-week-old daughter, Morenikeji, during last week’s demolition carried out by the Lagos State Government in the Makoko area of the state.

Amossou, who spoke with PUNCH Metro during a visit to the community on Tuesday, said his wife fell into the lagoon with their newborn while trying to escape the chaos that followed the tear gas fired by policemen attached to the task force team.

According to him, “On that day, the police officers fired tear gas because they said they did not want people to gather in groups. My wife tried to move away from the area with my daughter, and she fell into the lagoon with her.

“When we rescued them from the water and got to the hospital, I was told that my daughter had died before we arrived.

“It was God who saved my apprentice, who also fell into the lagoon. The incident has left my family devastated.”

The carpenter added that his workshop was among the structures pulled down during the exercise, leaving him jobless.

“I am a carpenter, and I have lived here all my life. My workshop was demolished, and I have no job at the moment,” he said.

Some community leaders who also spoke with newsmen alleged that at least five residents lost their lives during and after the demolition exercise. They claimed two children and three adults reportedly died within the period.

A community chief, Francis Samson, told our correspondent that he received reports of deaths from different sections of the waterfront community during and after the exercise.

He added that although there was an earlier agreement with the government to demolish structures within 30 metres of the power line along the lagoon, the demolition extended to about 520 metres from the high-tension poles.

Another community leader, Oluwo Fasinu Felix, corroborated the claims, adding that repeated appeals to the government to clearly mark the boundary had yielded no result.

When contacted, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the state government was not aware of the reported deaths, adding that the allegations would be investigated.

Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile, insisted that there were no such incidents linked to the demolition.

“During the demolition? Please, go and get your facts right. ‘During’ the demolition, you said? Nothing of the sort happened during the exercise,” Akosile said.

Recall that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had defended the demolition of structures in Makoko, saying it was carried out to avert tragedy.

The exercise has continued to generate reactions from stakeholders across the country.

 

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Sexual Harassment In Public Transport: LAMATA Launches Campaign Against Offenders

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority has unveiled a new campaign aimed at tackling sexual harassment across public transport systems in Lagos

The campaign, tagged ‘Soro Soke’ (Speak Up), was unveiled during a stakeholders’ engagement held at LAMATA’s headquarters.

“The initiative seeks to improve commuter safety and promote a gender-equitable and inclusive transport system, particularly for female passengers.

“With the ‘Soro Soke’ campaign, LAMATA reinforces its resolve to make Lagos public transport safer, more inclusive, and responsive, ensuring that every voice matters and every commuter is protected,” LAMATA said.

The engagement formed part of EMPOWER Project 3, which focuses on addressing sexual harassment in informal transport spaces.

The project is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and managed by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie).

According to LAMATA, the EMPOWER initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of transport professionals while prioritising the safety and dignity of women who rely on public transport.

Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, commended LAMATA for its sustained implementation of the EMPOWER programme over the past five years.

He stressed the importance of breaking the culture of silence surrounding sexual harassment and urged victims and witnesses to report incidents.

In her remarks, the Managing Director of LAMATA, Mrs. Abimbola Akinajo, reaffirmed LAMATA’s commitment to sustaining the campaign, noting that the Authority would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure safer transport environments for all commuters.

Key outcomes of the engagement include plans to increase surveillance through the deployment of additional LNSC personnel at more Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations and terminals, as well as enhanced advocacy through the rollout of the ‘Soro Soke’ campaign.

The campaign encourages reporting through QR codes placed at transport hubs across the state.

LAMATA said the initiative reinforces its resolve to make public transport in Lagos safer, more inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all commuters.

The event featured a panel that included Osiyemi, Akinajo, and the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi.

 

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“Where Do You Want The Poor To Go?” - Displaced Lagosians Ask Sanwo-Olu As Protest Rocks Ikeja

Protests against the ongoing demolition in Makoko, Lagos, continued yesterday.

Community leaders and evicted residents gathered and marched around Underbridge, Ikeja, and the State House of Assembly to protest the destruction of waterfront communities in the state.

The protesters raised concerns over evictions in Owode Onirin, Tomoro, Ayetoro, Oko Agbon, Okobaba and Oworonshoki, which they described as arbitrary, inhumane and unjustifiable. Many families, they said, have been forced to sleep in canoes, under bridges and in open spaces following the demolition of homes in the affected communities.

At least one woman was injured as police fired tear gas at the protesters. Also, an activist, Hassan Taiwo-Soweto, was arrested by the police.

The residents said they would not end the demonstrations until the government meets their demands, including the suspension of demolitions, provision of relief materials, compensation and the implementation of humane resettlement policies.

The protesters, who marched in their hundreds under police escort, sang and chanted while displaying placards calling for an end to forced evictions and reminding the government that housing is a human right.

Some of the inscriptions read: “Makoko Lives Matter”, “Demolition without resettlement is injustice”, “Urban renewal, not urban removal”, “Homes not rubble”, “Where do you want the poor to go?”, “Lagos is for all, not the rich alone”, “Respect court orders”, and “Development without displacement”.

They alleged that the demolitions were carried out without adequate notice, compensation or resettlement for affected residents.

The state government has labelled Makoko an environmental and security-risk settlement prone to flooding and fire hazards, and said it plans to regenerate the area. It earlier argued that waterfront communities were unsafe and environmentally hazardous, adding that it has a responsibility to protect lives and enforce planning regulations.

Displaying pictures of demolished homes and displaced families, including images of children and elderly persons, the protesters urged the government to halt further demolitions and engage affected communities in dialogue.

They also called on authorities to upgrade the communities through proper urban planning rather than destroying them.

A Human Rights and Environmental Justice organisation said armed security personnel, demolition teams and “armed thugs” have repeatedly invaded Makoko since January 5, 2026, pulling down homes, setting some structures ablaze and firing tear gas at residents, including women, children and elderly persons.

The group said at least three people, including two infants, have died in connection with the demolitions.

Also, a non-governmental organisation, the Housing Development Advocacy Network (HDAN), expressed concern over the demolitions, saying more than 9,000 residents had been displaced, with homes destroyed and livelihoods threatened, particularly among those dependent on artisanal fishing and informal trade.

The group urged the Lagos State Government to suspend further demolitions pending engagement with affected communities, to provide accessible alternative settlement options, to ensure compensation and resettlement in line with national and international standards, and to adopt participatory urban planning that includes community voices.

The state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, insisted that the demolition in Makoko is not affecting the whole community.

Sanwo-Olu argued that evacuation notices were served over two years before the demolition to those within 150 to 250 metres of high-tension wires.

He said the decision of the government was based on the collective interest of Lagos State and the residents and not any ulterior motive.

“We are not demolishing the whole of Makoko. We are clearing the shanties so they do not get to the Third Mainland Bridge and stay behind the high tension,” the governor explained.

 

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Lagos Crackdown: 26 Hoodlums Jailed, 115 Beggars Arrested

The Lagos State Government has sentenced 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group to three months’ imprisonment and arrested 115 street beggars in ongoing enforcement operations across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on X on Monday by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab.

According to the statement, the enforcement exercise was carried out across multiple locations in Lagos as part of efforts to restore public order and ensure the proper use of public spaces.

“A total of 115 street beggars were arrested today across various locations in the state during the ongoing enforcement operations,” the statement said.

It added that 26 members of the ‘Omotaku’ group, apprehended from different parts of the state within the last 24 hours, were arraigned before a Magistrate Court sitting in Oshodi.

“In addition, 26 members of the notorious ‘Omotaku’ group apprehended from different parts of Lagos within the last 24 hours were arraigned before the Magistrate Court in Oshodi,” the statement read.

The commissioner noted that the suspects pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against them and were sentenced accordingly.

“The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them and were sentenced to three months’ imprisonment in accordance with the law,” the statement said.

Wahab stated that the action underscored the state government’s zero tolerance for activities that threaten public safety and environmental order.

“This action reinforces the state government’s firm stance against activities that threaten public safety, order, and the effective use of public spaces,” the statement added.

The commissioner further assured residents that enforcement operations would continue across Lagos to maintain safety and order.

“Enforcement efforts will continue across the state to ensure compliance with existing laws and to maintain a safe and orderly environment for all Lagosians, ,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government arrested 281 street urchins, popularly known as ‘Omotaku’, during a week-long operation across the state.

The operation covered areas including Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Lekki–Ajah Expressway, Bourdillon, Animashaun Bus Stop, Akowonjo Road, Egbeda, Fadeyi Bus Stop, Costain, Funsho Williams Avenue, Victoria Island, Apongbon, Jibowu, Yaba, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba Road, Surulere and other adjoining roads on both the Island and Mainland.

Explaining the rationale behind the exercise, Wahab said the operation was aimed at “keeping roads and public spaces clear, reducing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians, and maintaining environmental sanity in the state.

 

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Residents Of Gowon Estate Protest Over Three Months Electricity Blackout

Residents of Gowon Estate in the Egbeda area of Lagos State on Monday staged a protest at the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company’s office over a prolonged power outage that has plunged parts of the area into darkness for months.

The protesters converged on the IKEDC office in the Ponle area of the community, demanding the immediate restoration of electricity to their homes.

According to them, several streets along 34 Road, including B Close, C Close, D Close, and F Close, had been without power supply since October 12, 2025, following the breakdown of a 500KVA transformer serving the area.

The protesters also accused the electricity distribution company of neglecting repeated complaints and letters written to its officials.

One of the protesters, Oluwatoyin Adebayo, lamented the hardship the blackout had caused families in the area.

She said, “Because there is no light, we cannot buy things to keep in our freezers again. Things are getting spoiled.

“We don’t even have money to buy things because our husbands say we are just wasting money on fuel every time. We are near the IKEDC office; they are our neighbours, yet they are punishing us.”

Another resident, Reverend Tom Omorogbe, said he was spending as much as N30,000 every day on fuel to power generators, despite having already loaded his prepaid meters with electricity units, which he claimed he could not use.

“We are Nigerians, not foreigners. We pay our bills. Our money is trapped in the meter, and they are using our money to run their business while we are buying fuel again,” he added.

The protesters also expressed concern over the impact of the outage on their children and the elderly.

“School has resumed. We want to store food to take care of our children, but we cannot because the food will spoil. Three people have died because of the heat.

“If they don’t do something, we are not here to joke. We need our light now. If not, this week or next week, we will lock this place. Nobody will come in, nobody will go out,” another protester, who identified herself simply as Ingobu, disclosed while also chanting “enough is enough.”

The protesters threatened to shut down the IKEDC office if no concrete action was taken.

It was gathered that in a letter earlier sent to the distribution company, the community explained that the transformer went off on October 12, 2025, and that IKEDC engineers visited on October 15, 2025, saying the equipment was faulty and needed to be taken to a workshop.

However, the letter stated that despite repeated visits and calls to the company’s undertaking, no further action was taken, leaving the entire community in darkness for weeks.

“In effect, the entire community has been in total darkness since 12th October, 2025, while the faulty transformer remains untouched. All we get are unfulfilled daily promises that they were coming to remove it.

“We are passionately appealing to your organisation to please take urgent action on this matter. The entire community of hundreds of consumers, especially the children and aged ones, is in distress because of the situation,” the letter partly read.

In another petition addressed to the state government, the residents stated that the same transformer, which had been overhauled, broke down again on December 13, 2025, after earlier outages between October 12 and November 6, 2025.

The petition, which was signed by a resident, Dipo Oduko of B Close, added that the transformer was over 40 years old and appeared to have major technical issues with a need for replacement.

“We are therefore appealing to you, sir, to kindly rescue us from this suffering. Many of us are retirees that had served this nation in our various callings meritoriously and deserve a quality and decent living in our old age,” the petition added.

A top official in the company, while addressing the protesters, apologised for the inconveniences while assuring them that their light would be restored soon.

“The management was not aware of your communication to us; if we had received it, your demands would not have taken a longer time. For us at Ikeja Electric, we are a reputable organisation. It is just unfortunate that this is happening.

“Immediately after this, we will send our engineers there to see the possibility of providing a solution to the problem. The first option is to see how we can put you on an adjoining transformer, and if that does not work, we will give you a very reasonable time limit to see how we can get you another transformer,” the official disclosed.

 

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How Suspected Drug Addict Drowned In Obalende Canal

The body of a young man was reportedly retrieved from Obalende Underbridge Canal, Lagos Island, at the weekend, three days after he was declared missing.

The victim was identified to be one of the miscreants who indulge in drug deals and was suspected of having been under the influence of an illicit drug before the incident occurred.

A search team subsequently retrieved the already decomposing body from the canal.

Men of the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps, LAGESC, Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, who were contacted later, conveyed the remains to the mortuary at the Lagos General Hospital.

According to LAGESC official, who preferred anonymity, “He was probably high on cannabis and slipped in the process, unknown to others.

“Actually, nobody immediately noticed he was missing. It was after three days, last Friday that the body was discovered in the canal by the search party before we were contacted.

“The body has been deposited at the mortuary for further action. The deceased was one of those smokers of hard drugs and other illicit substances.”

He had been living under that bridge for several years.”

Recall that the state government had recently, issued notice to all squatters operating under the Obalende Bridge/Motor Park to vacate the place as the park is to be redesigned into an environmental sustainable and functional space.

The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, who issued the quit notice, said that squatters have been given an ultimatum to leave in the next few hours because they had earlier been informed and asked to move as far back as the year 2024.

“We have the approval from the state government already; the essence is to clean it in a sustainable manner and transform it into an environmentally sustainable space,” he said.

The commissioner, said the enforcement officials of the Ministry were on ground to enforce the quit order in order to formally hand over the space to one of the biggest companies in the country that has signified interest in taking up the space as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.

Wahab, said the design will include; a motor garage, public toilets, sleeping bays, electric vehicle charging points, adding that the government is just redesigning the space for sustainability and also to rid the space of hoodlums terrorising residents in the area.

 

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Lagos, MTN To Redevelop Obalende Under-bridge Into Modern Transport Hub

Lagos State Government has collaborated with MTN Nigeria to redevelop and transform the Obalende under-bridge into a modern, well-structured transport hub to be known as Y’ELLO Bus Park.

Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, confirmed this development in a post shared on his X account on Tuesday,

According to him, this redevelopment will convert what was once a notorious and degraded space into a functional, secure, and community-centred facility. He added that the new bus park will feature an organised and regulated transport terminal, a recycling drop-off station, a road camp for LAWMA sweepers and security agencies, over 60 public toilet fixtures, kiosks, and other essential amenities designed to serve commuters and residents alike.

Wahab maintained that the proposed design will prioritise safety, health, and aesthetics, while solar-powered lighting will improve night-time visibility to reduce blind spots, and enhance CCTV effectiveness, thereby helping to curb criminal activities and improve overall security in the Obalende axis.

He added that a biodigester system is also being introduced to sustainably manage wastewater generated within the park, while a dedicated recycling station will discourage illegal waste disposal in the area.

”In line with our commitment to climate responsibility, the project includes the installation of solar panels to support long-term energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. Tree planting is also planned to improve air quality and enhance the visual appeal of the environment.

This project reflects our resolve to reclaim public spaces, make them functional, sustainable, and safe, and ensure they serve the needs of Lagosians in a modern, responsible way. Together, we are building a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Lagos,” he wrote on X.

 

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How Chemical Facility Exploded In Amuwo-Odofin Industrial Estate, Causing Large Expanse Of Fire

Chemical materials stored at an industrial facility caused the large-scale fire that was reported along Alaba Suru, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, on Saturday evening, a preliminary report by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has revealed

The fire, which broke out at about 7:25 pm, occurred at a warehouse and chemical blending and storage site located within a larger industrial cluster.

In a Sunday statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the agency said the blaze rapidly spread across an estimated 15,000 square metres of the facility, involving stored chemical materials.

“The affected facility is a warehouse and chemical blending and storage site. The fire rapidly spread across an estimated 15,000sqm, involving stored chemical materials. The intensity of the incident led to intermittent explosions for several hours,” the statement said.

LASEMA said the explosions created panic and posed a significant threat to adjoining facilities and residents within the surrounding community.

According to the agency, the fire was eventually contained through a coordinated response involving the LASEMA Response Unit, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Federal Fire Service, and private fire assets from Veepee.

Damping-down operations have since commenced, with emergency responders maintaining positions to prevent re-ignition and safeguard nearby facilities.

Operationally, LASEMA explained that firefighting efforts were executed from both the front and rear access points of the facility.

“The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service led suppression efforts from the main entrance, while LASEMA Fire provided support from the rear,” the statement noted.

The agency also acknowledged the support of beverage company Lacasera, which assisted with water replenishment to sustain firefighting operations.

Preliminary observations by emergency responders identified several risk factors that may have contributed to the scale and intensity of the fire.

“These include a high volume of volatile chemical storage within a confined space, inadequate ventilation within the warehouse facility, and insufficient emergency preparedness measures to manage a fire of this magnitude,” LASEMA said.

The agency added that further investigations were ongoing to determine the immediate trigger of the fire outbreak.

 

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