Tension As Lagos NURTW's Organizing Secretary, Toba Ajiboye, Is Shot Dead Along Ikorodu Road, Police Launches Manhunt For Killers

There is palpable tension and fear of an imminent outbreak of violence and clash among members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)in Lagos, as its Organising Secretary, Toba Ajiboye, popularly known as Ijaya, has reportedly died after he was shot by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Lagos.

Ajiboye was said to have come under attack on Sunday night while returning home from his childhood neighbourhood in Fadeyi.

According to reports, the assailants intercepted his vehicle around the Ikorodu Road axis and opened fire, leaving the car riddled with bullet holes.

Photos and videos circulating on social media after the incident showed his white vehicle with multiple bullet holes on the windscreen and other parts

of the body.

Initial reports indicated that Ajiboye and other occupants of the vehicle survived the attack after sustaining gunshot wounds. However, subsequent reports

claimed that the union official later died from his injuries.

According to information reaching Lagos Today Extra!, the NURTW scribe was pronounced dead by medical experts at the St. Nichola Hospital in Lagos Island Local Government where he was rushed to after the attack.

 

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Confusion however, broke out on Tuesday, around St. Nichola Hospital between the Police and ardent supporters of the victim, after transporters prevented security operatives from accessing the medical facility to recover Ajiboye’s body after he was pronounced dead.

Reacting to the incident, Lagos NURTW Chairman, Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly known as Sego, expressed grief over Ajiboye’s death, describing him

as a loyal ally and trusted friend.

In a tribute posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Sego said he was devastated by the loss, noting that Ajiboye’s commitment and dedication to the union

and their political structure would be greatly missed.

“The news of the sudden passing of Comrade Toba Ajiboye has left me deeply saddened and heartbroken. It is difficult to come to terms with the loss of

such a loyal, dependable, and committed ally,” he wrote.

Sego described the late union leader as “more than an ally,” saying he remained a pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation.

“Comrade Toba Ajiboye, the Organising Secretary of the NURTW Lagos State Council, was more than an ally; he was a trusted friend, a man of steadfast loyalty

and unwavering commitment, and a true pillar of TeamSego and SegoNation. His friendship, unwavering support, and selfless dedication to the union over

the years will forever remain etched in my heart,” he said.

The NURTW chieftain also extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends and members of the NURTW.

“My heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, and the entire NURTW family. May Almighty God forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest, and

give us all the strength and fortitude to bear this painful and irreparable loss,” he added.

Paying his final respects, Sego said, “Farewell, my dear friend. Your loyalty, friendship, and unwavering support will forever remain in my heart. You

will be deeply missed, and I will never forget the bond we shared.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident.

She said, “The incident happened on Sunday, and one person died. He is a member of the transport union in Lagos. Investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the killers.”

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said Ajiboye had visited the community to meet his childhood friends as he usually did.

“He had visited the area on Sunday as he regularly did because that was where he grew up. He was leaving that evening when some gunmen shot at his vehicle.

“He was rushed to the hospital, and we believed he was responding to treatment until we were informed this morning that he didn’t make it,” the source said.

A member of the union, who identified himself simply as Taofeek, said three other occupants of the vehicle were also hit by bullets during the attack.

“There were about three other people in the vehicle. They also sustained gunshot wounds. Their condition is very serious as we speak. The doctors are battling to save them. We pray that they survive,” he said.

The killing has sparked anxiety among residents, who appealed for increased security to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

However, reacting to the development, Adebisi said, “There is no panic in the area. The policemen are on the ground, and more personnel have been added to the team of policemen in the area.”

 According to Adebisi, “Investigation is ongoing to get the perpetrators, the Command has also deployed to strategic locations to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order”.

  

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Oshodi Residents Cry Out As Gun-wielding Hoodlums Invade Community, One Hospitalized

Residents of the Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area have appealed for urgent intervention following two separate night invasions by armed youth gangs that have heightened fears over the safety of lives and property in the community.

It was gathered that the latest attack, which occurred on Saturday, July 4, 2026, left at least one person hospitalised with severe machete wounds and came barely a week after a similar violent incident in the area.

Residents said the latest invasion occurred at about 9:30pm on Alimi Oka Street, where a large group of underage boys marched through the community, openly brandishing cutlasses, machetes and broken bottles, forcing residents indoors.

 

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Speaking with the media, a resident identified simply as Rasheedat said the community had endured repeated attacks believed to be linked to cult groups or political thugs.

“They usually come at night and terrorise residents. This is not the first time, and I think it will continue if proper security measures are not put in place.

“Some people say they are political thugs; others believe they are cult groups. Something needs to be done as fast as possible,” she said.

Also speaking, a community leader, Elder Fatai Bammore, called for sustained police presence in the area to prevent hoodlums from recruiting local youths to foment trouble.

“It is on this note that people are crying out. Oshodi is usually like this during the electioneering period,” Bammore said.

Before the July 4 attack, another major incident occurred near the Orile Oshodi Bus Stop along Oshodi Road just before 11pm on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

According to eyewitnesses, a gang of masked youths stormed the area, attacked passersby and disrupted traffic.

One of the eyewitnesses, Adewale, who narrowly escaped the assault after stepping out of a nearby compound, recalled how the attack unfolded.

“The bus pointed its headlights at them. To our surprise, these guys didn’t leave the road because they were armed with cutlasses, broken bottles and guns. Immediately after they saw the light, there was a gunshot,” he said.

Adewale said the attackers mistook him for a vigilante or security operative and began chasing him through the neighbourhood.

“In fact, the gunshot was targeted right at me, but I managed to escape the bullet. They started throwing broken bottles at me. I could hear the sound of bottles smashing behind me as I ran,” he added.

He said he eventually escaped by slipping through a small gate near a local food-vending area and locking it behind him.

Frustrated that he had escaped, the gang allegedly turned on other people nearby.

“An innocent bystander cornered by the gang was brutally attacked,” Adewale said.

Residents said the victim suffered deep machete cuts across his back and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The attackers were also said to have forced their way into a residential building within the compound while searching for Adewale.

A female resident, Chima, recounted the terrifying experience.

“They entered right into our house, asking, ‘Where is he? Where is the person?’ God saved me because I was smart enough to keep shouting at those boys, ‘Nobody entered here! I’m a lady, I’m a woman, I’m not a man!’ That was what saved me; otherwise, they would have dealt with me too.”

It was gathered that the incident was reported at the Makinde Police Station the following morning.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Abimbola Adebisi, had yet to comment on the residents’ call.

However, the command announced the arrest of 135 suspected cultists and the recovery of 26 firearms during coordinated raids on criminal hideouts across the state ahead of the annual July 7 cult-related activities.

It was not immediately clear whether those arrested included the suspects accused of terrorising the Oshodi community.

  

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Security: Lagos Donates Protective Gear To NDLEA

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining what officials described as Nigeria’s safest security environment with the donation of bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and 100 raincoats to the Lagos Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The donation, facilitated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), forms part of the state government’s continued investment in strengthening security agencies through the provision of operational equipment and logistics.
Presenting the items to the NDLEA command, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to ensuring that security agencies operating in Lagos are adequately equipped to safeguard lives and property.

“Let me commend the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, in whose authority I am here today. He is the brain behind all that we do for security agencies in Lagos. I have come to celebrate the best governor as far as security is concerned in Nigeria. Lagos is the best and the safest state in the country,” he said.
Ogunsan said the protective equipment would enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of NDLEA officers in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse across the state.

“We have come to offer these bulletproof vests, ballistic helmets and raincoats so that you can do more and achieve more. This will support your patrol operations and ensure that the vital organs of our officers are protected. Please make good use of these items, and we remain open to further collaboration,” he added.

He also commended the leadership of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, describing it as one of the agency’s best-performing commands.
“I also celebrate the best NDLEA command in Nigeria under Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Wali Liman Abubakar. Since his assumption of office, we have witnessed remarkable achievements. The energy and commitment he has brought to the job are commendable. You play a crucial role in Lagos’ security architecture, and we are pleased to partner with you.”

Ogunsan warned criminal elements against operating in the state, stressing that Lagos would not provide a haven for crime.
“This is a warning to anyone planning to cause trouble. Lagos is not vacant. We will accept nothing short of safety. Lagos is security-conscious and will not harbour criminals. We are monitoring activities on land, at sea and in the air,” he said.

Responding, the Commander of the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command, Assistant Commander-General of Narcotics, Wali Liman Abubakar, thanked the Lagos State Government and the LSSTF for the donation, describing it as timely.

  

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Bandits Will Block Lagos-Ibadan Expressway In July Or August - Primate Ayodele

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned that bandits may block the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in either July or August, urging security agencies to take proactive measures to avert any potential attack.

The cleric made the remark while addressing members of his congregation, saying he foresaw a security threat along the country’s busiest highway.

“Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, I don’t know the exact time, but it’s either July or August. Bandits will block the road. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway,” Ayodele said.

“They will block the road. So the security agencies need to take this into account,” he added.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors, linking Lagos with several states in the South-West and serving as a major route connecting the southern and northern parts of the country. The highway carries thousands of commuters and commercial vehicles daily.

Although Ayodele did not provide details of the basis for his warning, he called on security agencies to remain vigilant and strengthen surveillance along the route to prevent any possible attack.

The warning comes amid ongoing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, including incidents of banditry, kidnapping and attacks on major highways.

In a recent statement, the cleric criticised the Federal Government over the country’s security challenges, accusing it of failing to fulfil its constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

  

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"We Are Shocked," Neighbours Of US-Named Terror Financier In Agege Open Up About What They Know

The Lagos residence identified by the United States as belonging to a Nigerian accused of financing the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has been deserted for years. Residents of the quiet Agege community said they neither knew the suspect nor ever suspected that their neighbourhood could be linked to an international terrorism financing network.

According to a Punch’s report, No. 45, Abimbola Street, Morkaz, Agege, the address listed by the United States Department of State as the residence of the alleged ISIS financial facilitator, Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, the building has been locked for years with no signs of habitation.

The dark cream-coloured bungalow, tucked between houses numbered 43 and 47, stood eerily silent.

Its iron doors, partially sealed with concrete, remained firmly locked. Rust coated the door handles, the windows were tightly shut, and there were no signs of habitation or activity inside or around the premises.

The visit came barely days after the US government imposed sanctions on Muhammad and three Nigerian Bureau de Change firms over their alleged roles in an international ISIS financial network.

In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, the US Department of State named Muhammad, also known as Mukhtar Muhammad alongside Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited, as part of a network allegedly used to move funds for ISIS operations across West Africa and beyond.

The US listed Muhammad’s address as No. 45, Abimbola Street, off Capital Road, Morkaz, Agege, Lagos State.

But on Abimbola Street, close to the renowned Markaz Islamic Centre in the densely populated Papa Ashafa community, the allegations have left residents stunned.

Residents were seen standing in small groups discussing what they described as the biggest story ever associated with their street, expressing disbelief that their neighbourhood had suddenly attracted negative global attention.

Although some residents said the last occupants vacated the property about two years ago, this could not be independently verified, nor could it be established whether those occupants were in any way connected to Muhammad.

Even so, there were no visible indications that anyone had occupied the building recently.

Finding the property itself proved difficult because, unlike adjoining buildings, it bore no visible house number.

It took the assistance of a resident, who requested anonymity for security reasons, for Punch’s correspondents to identify the exact building.

Two provision stores beside the property were open for business, but both shop owners declined to comment, saying they knew nothing about the matter.

Abimbola Street connects several busy roads, including Markaz Road, Oniwaya Road, Owo Street, Adenle Street, Taiwo Dada Street and Ayeni Street.

The street also hosts the popular Harisiyya Mosque, widely known as the White Mosque, alongside several neighbourhood prayer centres.

A 58-year-old food vendor, identified simply as Hajia, said she found it difficult to reconcile the allegations with what she had known about the community.

“This area is mainly occupied by Hausa people, but I have never seen anything that would suggest criminal activities or terrorist operations here.

“What surprised me the most is how America even knew Abimbola Street and the exact house number. I am standing at Number 44 now, but I don’t know anybody called Muhammad Mukhtar. I have lived here for six years,” she said.

Another resident, Alhaji Suleiman Tijani, who said he had lived in the neighbourhood for about a decade, described the community as peaceful.

“There has never been any history of violence or radical activities here. This is a quiet community.

“That particular house has been unoccupied for a long time. Sometimes, I noticed people would come around to clean the place, stay for a few days and leave, but they have never carried out any act that could raise suspicion,” he said.

Tijani, however, disclosed that police patrol vehicles appeared to have increased in the area shortly after the US announcement.

“You know Markaz attracts important personalities regularly, and security operatives often accompany them.

“But on Tuesday, I noticed police patrol vans passing through this area about four different times. They simply drove around; nobody was arrested and no resident was questioned.”

Another resident, identified simply as Auwal, said he initially dismissed the reports until he heard them being discussed during a newspaper review programme on the radio.

“I thought it was just another rumour. I know the Americans have sophisticated technology for tracking people, but I never imagined our street, which has never had any history of violence, could be mentioned in connection with terrorism financing.”

He expressed concern that innocent residents could become targets of indiscriminate security operations.

“My fear is that security agencies may start coming here to arrest innocent residents while searching for this person,” Auwal said.

Meanwhile, not everyone in the community had heard about the allegations.

A fashion designer, Mrs Angela Nwoboku, said she only learnt about the development from Sunday PUNCH.

“I had not heard about it before now because nobody informed me, and I have not seen it in the news. I have not noticed any change in this area. Everything has remained the way it has always been. People go about their normal businesses peacefully.”

She attributed the calm in the neighbourhood to the influence of the Markaz Islamic Centre.

“I think the Muslim school here, Markaz, has actually made this area peaceful and calm. We have always lived together without problems.”

While urging residents not to jump to conclusions, she appealed to security agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations.

“I want the government to carry out proper due diligence and establish whether the owners or occupants of that house truly have anything to do with terrorism. It is important that innocent people are not wrongly labelled because of where they live,” she added.

When contacted, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the state government had no plans to demolish the property identified by the US.

According to him, matters relating to terrorism and national security fall within the jurisdiction of federal security agencies.

“The issue is beyond the Lagos State Government,” Omotoso said.

It was gathered that although the EFCC and DSS had concluded investigations into the suspects before the US announced sanctions against them, none of those designated had been taken into custody as of Saturday.

A top security official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly on the matter, said the suspects and their alleged associates were being tracked.

According to the source, terrorism financing investigations require painstaking intelligence gathering because such networks operate across multiple jurisdictions.

“Terrorism financing cases are very complex. The networks are global and have to be trailed to identify their local collaborators. It’s not a press-button thing. We are still on it.

“Those sanctioned by the U.S. are yet to be arrested and are not in the custody of any Nigerian security agency, but everything about them is known to the EFCC and DSS, which investigated them,” the official said.

Responding to concerns that the delay could enable the suspects to flee, the source dismissed the possibility.

“There’s no hiding place. The world is a global village,” the official added.

Culled from the Punch

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How A Parcel Containing Bullets Was Delivered To FirstBank's MD, Olusegun Alebiosu

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into a suspicious parcel containing live ammunition delivered to the Managing Director of FirstBank, Oluwasegun Alebiosu.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Fatai Tijani, who disclosed this during a press briefing today at the Command headquarters, said detectives had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the delivery.

The incident, according to the police boss, was reported on May 7, 2026, after the FirstBank MD discovered two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition concealed inside a package delivered to him.

CP Tijani said the parcel was initially received by the executive’s security guard before it was handed over to him.

The Command boss said: “The Managing Director reported the matter to the police after discovering two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition in a parcel collected on his behalf.

“The case is still under investigation, and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.

It was gathered that the delivery came shortly after the bank intensified internal reforms aimed at improving efficiency in financial transactions and stepped up efforts to recover outstanding loans from customers who had allegedly defaulted on repayment obligations.

Sources familiar with the incident said the parcel was delivered to Alebiosu’s residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos through a dispatch rider.

The package was reportedly marked confidential and bore only the recipient’s name and address, with no information identifying the sender.

According to the commissioner, no arrest had been made in connection with the incident, adding that investigators were pursuing several leads.

Tunji added that detectives are also examining information provided by the complainant regarding persons who may have knowledge of or involvement in the matter.

He noted that forensic and intelligence-led investigations were ongoing to establish the source of the parcel and identify anyone connected to the delivery.

The commissioner assured residents that the command would provide updates as the investigation progresses.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns over the security of corporate executives and other high-profile individuals in the country.

  

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Panic As Bomb Explosion Hits Mushin, CP Tijani Urges Calm

Toyota sienna involved in the explosion

 

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion occurred in the Mushin commercial area of the state, leaving one person injured.

The incident, which triggered panic among traders and residents, happened at the Shoe Materials Market in Mushin, a busy commercial hub in Lagos.

Police authorities said Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives were immediately deployed after reports of an explosion were received.

The area was subsequently cordoned off and thoroughly searched to prevent any further security threats.

Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was allegedly planted under a vehicle and detonated when the engine was started.

Confirming the development at the scene, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, said swift action was taken to secure the environment.

“We promptly deployed our EOD team after receiving reports of an explosion. The area was cordoned off and thoroughly searched,” he said.

He added that early investigations pointed to the use of an Improvised Explosive Device.

“The IED was under the vehicle by the passenger side. It exploded when the vehicle was started,” Tijani stated.

The police boss confirmed that one person sustained injuries in the incident and was taken to hospital, where he is said to be in stable condition.

“There is no further threat in the area. After a detailed sweep by our EOD experts, no additional explosive devices were discovered,” he added.

He urged residents to remain calm and disregard rumours of widespread insecurity in Lagos.

“Members of the public should go about their normal activities. The situation is under control,” he said.

Security operatives later recovered remnants of the explosive device, which have been taken for forensic analysis as investigations continue.

Also, the Baale of Oke Mushin Community, Mr Tajudeen Faronbi, said he was alerted during early morning prayers and immediately notified security authorities.

“Early this morning, around one o’clock, while I was praying, I received a call that something unusual had been seen. When I got there, I saw a vehicle and people were afraid to go near it,” he said.

Faronbi said the swift response helped prevent panic from escalating in the community, adding that the vehicle’s ownership and identity remain unknown.

 Improvised Explosive Devices have been a tool in the hands of terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and ISWAP. 

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No Bandits Presence On Our Campus - Pan-Atlantic University, As Lagos Police Command Deploys Surveillance Drones

Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lekki, Lagos State, has declared its campus safe and directed students to resume normal academic and social activities after

an intensive overnight security operation triggered by reports of suspected bandit-like men within the institution's premises.

The development comes less than 24 hours after the university instructed students to remain indoors while a joint security operation involving the Nigeria

Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy combed the campus and surrounding areas following security

concerns.

In an emergency advisory issued late Tuesday, the university’s Student Council said it was working closely with the institution’s management and security

authorities to ensure the safety of students as security operatives carried out a comprehensive sweep of the campus.

The advisory, addressed to all undergraduates, also acknowledged rising concerns over the presence of “unauthorised individuals” within the university

premises.

However, on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, led operational personnel of the command on an on-the-spot security

assessment visit to Pan-Atlantic University following the circulation of a viral video showing two masked individuals emerging from a forested area adjoining

the institution.

According to the Lagos State Police Command, the visit was aimed at assessing the security situation and strengthening measures already put in place to

safeguard lives and property within and around the university community.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi.

During the visit, CP Fatai met with the university's management and stressed the need to continuously improve the institution's security architecture in

order to prevent future security breaches.

The police commissioner advised the management on practical measures to strengthen security across the campus and urged the institution to adopt more proactive

approaches to safety.

"He advised on practical measures to tighten security across the institution. He also stressed the importance of avoiding acts of self-sabotage that could

undermine existing security efforts," Adebisi said.

As part of efforts to support ongoing security operations in the area, the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), with the support of the Lagos State

Government, has deployed surveillance drones to the axis.

According to the police, the drones will enhance aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering and crime prevention efforts within and around the university

environment.

"The deployment, facilitated by the Lagos State Government, is aimed at strengthening aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and crime prevention

within and around the area," Adebisi said.

CP Fatai reassured the university management, staff, students and parents of the command's commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across

Lagos State.

He further urged the institution to take proactive measures towards improving perimeter security, strengthening access control mechanisms and maintaining

close collaboration with security agencies.

"CP Tijani reassured the management, staff, students, and parents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property across

Lagos State,” the statement said.

“He urged the institution to take proactive steps towards improving perimeter security, enhancing access control measures, and maintaining close collaboration

with security agencies."

The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, public safety and security across the state and called on residents to remain

vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.

  

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Insecurity: Confusion And Panic In Ojokoro As A Teacher's Lesson On Banditry Sends Parents Running Helter-skelter For Their Children In School

Confusion and panic gripped Ijaiye Ojokoro Junior College in the Ojokoro area of Lagos on Wednesday morning, after a classroom demonstration on banditry was mistaken for a real attack, triggering a stampede among students, teachers and residents.

The incident occurred at Tigbetigbe Street in the Ojokoro area of Lagos during the weekly National Awareness Day programme observed in schools across the state.

According to reports, the theme of the day’s awareness session was banditry.

In an effort to make the presentation more practical and engaging, a teacher reportedly dressed up as a bandit to illustrate the appearance and tactics of criminal groups to students.

However, the exercise took an unexpected turn when the teacher arrived at the school assembly ground.

An eyewitness explained that the sight of the teacher in the costume caused immediate panic among students, who believed an actual bandit had invaded the school.

“As soon as the teacher stepped out of his vehicle and approached the assembly ground, confusion erupted. The students thought he was a real bandit and began running in different directions,” the witness said.

The panic quickly spread beyond the school, affecting students in three other schools located within the same educational complex.

“Students from the neighbouring schools heard people shouting, ‘Bandits! Bandits!’ and also fled. Some teachers joined in the rush to safety, and the entire school environment, including nearby streets, became chaotic,” the eyewitness added.

The situation prompted worried parents and guardians to rush to the schools to evacuate their children after hearing reports of an alleged attack.

Another resident who witnessed the incident recounted how rumours of a violent invasion spread rapidly.

“I was on my morning walk when I saw students running frantically. When I asked what was happening, they said bandits had entered their school and were killing people,” the resident said.

Alarmed by the claims, the resident proceeded to the school premises to verify the situation.

“On getting there, I met one of the principals, who explained that the panic was caused by a teacher attempting to dramatise the awareness topic on banditry,” the witness added.

A resident of the area, Joshua Ekong, also confirmed that the misunderstanding generated widespread anxiety among residents and caused significant disruption in the community before the true circumstances became known.

 According to the Residents Association of the LSDPC Estate close to the school complex, while the educative aspect of the method was aimed at stimulating realism, the effort was ill-timed and a mismatched initiative, given the current security climate in the country.

“Furthermore, the teacher failed to inform the school authority, other staff, or the rest of the student body about his proposed drama, which included the use of realistic special effects.
 “This lack of communication resulted in severe panic within the school. In the ensuing rush to escape what they believed to be a real threat, a large number of students fled into our estate, causing the rowdiness and alarm many witnessed,” the Association stated in its address to residents on its Whatsapp platform.
 “We want to assure all residents that there was no actual security breach, kidnapping, or bandit attacks within or around our estate. The police were immediately contacted and are fully involved. The teacher responsible for the false alarm has been taken to the police station for questioning. The situation has been completely brought under control”. 

Dr. Olufunke Idowu Oyetola, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), explained the part of the educational body in its response to the incident. She explained how she abandoned her make-up and picked up an unscheduled head gear to respond to the development. “You know as teachers, we have different ways of communicating. What the teacher wanted to use was role-play and demonstration to create awareness using scenarios. However, they should have sought my permission especially because of the sensitivity of the topic and society.

 “Secondly, since they are in a school complex, the other principals should have been informed or carried along. Although the teacher had good intentions in effort to enlighten the students, unfortunately, it went wrong.
 “The major reason is that the environment is tense. Also, parents most likely already cautioned their wards on being alert. The news got to me almost immediately and I left all I was doing and got officers to respond,” she said.

 

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Human Rights Advocacy Group Urges Lagos CP To Commence Trial Of Ajiran Murders Suspects

THE Centre for Human and Socio-economic Rights (CHSR) has called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai to demonstrate firm leadership by ensuring that the trial of suspects linked to the gruesome murder of two Ajiran indigenes – Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye commence without further delay.

The President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, who made the appeal on Monday at a press conference in Lagos, also demanded that the suspects should be promptly arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to enhance unimpeded trial.

Omotehinse said the two separate incidents, which occurred in April 2023 and August 2024 respectively, remain stark reminders of the grave threat posed by organised violence and the urgent need for institutional accountability.

He said the CHSR, acting within its statutory mandate to defend justice and protect citizens’ rights, considers it imperative to address the public on the trajectory of the incidents leading to ongoing trial, particularly in the light of emerging facts, procedural concerns, and attempts to derail the course of justice.

Omotehinse added that beyond a mere criminal investigation, this matter has evolved into a broader scrutiny of the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, the resilience of law enforcement institutions, and the collective will of society to resist impunity.

He said: “It is on record that the immediate past Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, now Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, made concerning disclosure while briefing journalists at the Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja on February 19, 2026. According to him, the declaration of Alhaji Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi as a wanted person followed the arrest and confessional statements of two principal suspects directly linked to the killings.

“The Commissioner stated that Safiu Fatai (a.k.a. Fabo, 40) and Yusuf Ismaila (a.k.a. Bariga) were apprehended on January 24, 2026, and February 6, 2026, respectively, after the Command reopened investigations into the murder incidents; upon the emergence of new and compelling evidence.

“According to Mr. Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, the suspects confessed to their roles in the murder of Sheriff Salami Ishola, aged 37, who was killed on April 18, 2023, at about 3:00 p.m. in Moba Town, Eti-Osa, as well as Prince Ademola Akinloye, aged 38, who was shot dead on August 26, 2024, along Chevron Road, Ajiran.”

He noted that the police narrative further established that on April 18, 2023, at about 1500 hours, Safiu Fatai, Yusuf Ismaila, Soji Mascot, and one Kenny armed with a locally fabricated pistol, axe, and machetes ambushed Sheriff Salami Ishola. The victim was forcibly taken into an isolated building along Mobile Road in Moba, Ajah, where he was restrained and shot multiple times at close range, leading to his immediate death. The assailants thereafter fled the scene.

On the second incident, he said the same group reportedly adopted a similar modus operandi in the killing of Prince Ademola Akinloye, son of Oba Adetunji Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiran Land. The attack occurred on August 26, 2024, at about 11:00 a.m. along Chevron Road, where the victim was shot repeatedly leading to his death from gunshot injuries.

He said further disclosures from suspects in custody revealed that both crimes were allegedly carried out on the orders of Akanbi, who is accused of sponsoring the operations, with the claim that they were paid the sum of N2 million, with an initial disbursement of N500,000 to each principal actor shortly after the first killing, alongside promises of additional rewards, including opportunities for foreign travel and enhanced social status.

The CHSR stressed that while the revelations provide a disturbing but necessary insight into the nature of the crimes, it expresses serious concern over procedural delays and the handling of the case, particularly in relation to timely prosecution, adding that such delays risk creating legal loopholes that may be exploited to obstruct justice.

“Equally troubling are the activities of certain individuals and groups who, under the guise of civil society advocacy, are actively promoting narratives aimed at discrediting the investigative process as well as obstructing the cause of justice. The antics of these self-styled agitators are not only inimical to the cause of justice but constitute a direct threat to peace and orderliness in the society.

“We are also alarmed by attempts to weaponise legal processes, including the pursuit of restraining orders, to frustrate legitimate authority of law enforcement agencies. This pattern raises concerns regarding coordinated attempts to undermine due process.”

  

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