Gen Abacha Died On Top Of Me - Late Dictator's Last Sexual Partner Opens Up In New Book

“I did not kill him, he died on top of me,” that was the confession of the lady who was with former military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, when he suddenly passed on. Interestingly, the lady was the sister of Abacha's girlfriend who had accompanied her sister to see the late dictator. Apparantly, Abacha's eyes fell on her and he decided to have intercourse with her. A retired security operative, Dennis Amachree, said the lady, a pharmacist, made the confession when he interrogated her over Abacha’s mysterious death.

Amachree, who gave an account of Abacha’s last moments, clarified that the former military ruler passed on around 4.05 am on June 8, 1998, at the Aso Villa, Abuja, in the presence of the lady during an intimate affair.

Gen. Abacha was Nigeria’s military ruler between November 1993 and July 1998 when he suddenly passed on. He was the seventh military leader. He died at 54.

Given the manner of his death, there were speculations about what killed him and the circumstances of his death.

“The lady pharmacist’s account, on whom Abacha apparently had a coitus-induced cardiac arrest, remains the true position, and puts an end to the conspiracy theories and half-truths that have gone viral,” he stressed.

Amachree, who was the Assistant Director of Operations and Intelligence at the Lagos State SSS Command, at the time of Abacha’s death, emphasised that “any other narrative is an act of deceit and a disservice to our countrymen and women.”

He made the revelation in his 348-paged book, just released, titled: ‘DSS @40: My journey behind the shield. The  retired Assistant Director of Department of State Services (DSS) said after witnessing Abacha’s death, the lady-pharmacist immediately joined the next flight to Lagos.

Amachree stated in Chapter 17 of the book titled: ‘The months of death: A turning point in Nigerian history,’ that he interrogated the lady in Ogudu,  Lagos, following a call from the Director of Operations at the DSS National Headquarters.

He said: “My team located and brought her to my office. I interrogated her myself. The first thing she said to me was : ‘I did not kill him, he died on top of me.’ After her detailed account, I called the Director in Abuja, and she was immediately flown back.”.

Abacha died barely a month before the death of Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, on July 7, 1998, who was in Abacha’s custody.

Following the protest and furore that followed Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida’s annulment of Abiola’s victory, he stepped aside and installed an unelected civilian Chief Ernest Shonekan as interim head of state with General Abacha as defence minister.

Nigerians roundly rejected the arrangement and Gen. Abacha took that advantage to force out Chief Shonekan, barely three months after. Gen. Abacha then became the head of state and a full blown dictator.

 

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Amachree noted that “Abacha’s five and half year rule was a period of extreme authoritarianism and brutal repression, adding that his regime  was widely condemned for widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extra-,judicial killings.

The author said “the number of political detainees during his tenure reportedly exceeded the total from the entire British colonial period.

Few days before he died, the dictator received emissaries from the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) leader, Yasser Arafat. He also received Pope John Paul 11, who had visited Nigeria to plea for the release of detainees.

Indeed, the Pope was the last visitor that Gen. Abacha received.

Amachree acknowledged the  enduring speculation and misery surrounding Abacha’s death, consequent upon the conflicting narratives. Many accounts were published, but few were based on verifiable facts. “These range from fictional stories of a poisoned apple from disaffected soldiers, to more sensational claims involving foreign intelligence agencies.

The author disputed the claims of six people, whose narratives never resolved the riddle.

The first is David Orr of The Irish Times. Of his speculation, the author stated: “A journalist’s account cited an unnamed diplomat claiming Abacha was poisoned by a small group of disaffected military officers. While dramatic, this narrative was contradicted by a Nigerian newspaper report citing autopsy results that ruled out poisoning.”

On Susan Rice’s testimony,  Amachree said:” The former US National Security Advisor’s account, while condescending, echoed the widespread rumour that Abacha died in the company of prostitutes, possibly due to Viagra use. This version, while popular, lacks concrete evidence and is dismissed by those close to the late Head of State.”

He also rejected Major Hamzat Al-Mustapha’s account, saying: “As Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, his account is often considered a key source, though it contains notable inconsistencies. He claimed Abacha’s health collapsed after a handshake with a security guard of a visiting dignitary. This version, while exonerating the “poisoned apple” theory, differs significantly from other timelines and accounts.”

Also dismissing the late Gen. Jeremiah Useni’s suggestions, Amachree said: “A close friend of Abacha, Useni’s narrative provides a different timeline of events, contradicting Al-Mustapha’s account regarding the final hours. He supported the official story of death by natural causes, citing autopsy results from multiple countries.”

The opinion of a medical officer, Brig-General Oviemo Ovadje, was also rejected. “His account offers a different perspective, suggesting Abacha’s death was a result of long- term health issues exacerbated by poor medical management, including the use of steroids.”

The author dismissed Femi Fani-Kayode’s speculation. He said the former Aviation Minister’s social media posts present a conspiracy theory alleging a CIA-orchestrated plot involving a poisoned handshake, with the complicity of other former Nigerian leaders.

“While lacking evidence, this narrative highlights the deep-seated public distrust and willingness to believe external forces are pulling the strings.”

Amachree said the most sensational of these stories of imported Indian prostitutes, a poisoned apple, and CIA involvement have been widely circulated, muddying the historical record.

He said he therefore, decided to clarify the authentic and accurate fact. “As a security professional who was in the thick of it, I feel compelled to set the record straight and provide the true narrative for posterity, the author added.

The most important account was that of Al-Mustapha, being the closest officer to him. He has consistently tried to defend his late boss’ image, attributing his death to a mysterious handshake from a foreign security operative.

He claimed that Abacha’s health declined after shaking hands with a member of PLO leader Yasser Arafat’s entourage on June 8.

According to his account, Abacha was stabilised by a doctor at 6pm and was receiving visitors until Gen. Useni left at 3.35pm the following day. Al- Mustapha’s explanation ends there, claiming he went home to rest and was only alerted to Abacha’s instability at 5 am.

Amachree insisted that Al-Mustapha’s account has a critical gap, stressing that “ he missed the one and half window after Gen. Useni’s departure that provides the key to the mystery.”

In paragraph five of page 250 sub-titled: ‘The final hours,’ the retired Assistant DSS Director gave a full details of Abacha’s last moments.

His account: “At approximately 2.40 am, shortly after Gen. Useni left, Abacha’s girlfriend, an Igbo lady (name withheld), arrived at the Aso Rock Guest House from the Nicon Nogs Hilton Hotel. With her was her younger sister, a pharmacist who was in Abuja for a conference. The Head of State had just bought his girlfriend a new SUV, and they decided to stop by to say hello to “ Oga.”

“Abacha was taken with the younger sister, and after a short while, the girlfriend returned to the hotel, leaving the pharmacist alone with the Head of State. At about 4.05 am, as they were getting intimate, the pharmacist realized Abacha had stopped moving. She called out to him, but he was unresponsive and stiff. She checked his pulse; there was none.

“In a state of panic, she quickly dressed and left the guest house, telling the soldier in guard duty that “Oga” had asked  for a car to take her back to her hotel. The soldier, unaware of the gravity of the situation, promptly arranged for her transportation. She returned to the Hilton, and after telling her sister what had happened, was quickly driven to the Abuja Airport to catch the 7.am Okada Airline flight to Lagos.

“This is the window Major Al-Mustapha missed. When he was finally informed of Abacha’s instability at 5 am, he asked who had been with the General. He was told about the girlfriend’s younger sister, whom they had just dropped off at the Hilton. The State Security Service (SSS) was immediately informed and went to the Hilton to arrest the girlfriend, but the pharmacist they urgently needed was already on her way to Lagos.”

In paragraph five of page 251 sub-titled: ‘The interrogation and the truth,’ Amachree stated: “At approximately 8 am on June 9, 1998, as the Assistant Director of Operations and Intelligence at the Lagos State SSS Command, I received a call from the Director of Operations at SSS National Headquarters. He informed me of Abacha’s death and ordered me to  send operatives to an address in Ogudu, Lagos, to arrest a young pharmacist.

“My team located and brought her to my office. I interrogated her myself. The first thing she said to me was: “I did not kill him, he died on top of me.” After her detailed account, I called the Director in Abuja, and she was immediately flown back.”

Amachree recalled that “later that day, the news broke, and the media, with their “fertile imagination,” began to spin takes of imported Indian girls and poisoned apples.”

Alluding to what he described as the broader implications of the falsehood, he said: “The confusion surrounding Abacha’s death is a microcosm of a larger problem in Nigeria: a leadership culture steeped in falsehood and a lack of accountability.”

He added that “ the deliberate suppression of facts and the promotion of misinformation by those who should be held to a higher standard have kept the country in a retrogressive circle.”

Amachree warned that power is transient and no condition is permanent.

He said: “Abacha, a military dictator who surrounded himself with a seemingly impenetrable security detail, thought he was invincible. Yet, in the end, death kept it’s appointment with him, rendering his concentric rings of security useless.

“His story is a poignant reminder that power is transient and that no amount of security can shield a leader from their ultimate fate.”

The author raised some puzzles: why did the Generals, close aides and politicians deliberately propagate false narratives about Abacha’s death? Who fed the media with these fake stories?

Warning against fabrications, Amachree said: “While the truth may be suppressed temporarily, the forces of human curiosity and investigative inquiry will ultimately bring it to light.”

Before Abacha died he had perfect the plan for self succession.

He wanted to transmit from military dictator to civilian president.

He formed five political party, put his men in charge of all of them and made all of them to adopt him as their presidential candidate.

The parties were struggling to do his bidding while giving the impression of a transition to democracy.

A former political leader and second republic governor of Oyo State the late Chief Bola Ige famously described the five parties as five fingers of a leprous hand.

  

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Portable Challenges Terry G To Boxing Match, Explains Why He Cannot Fight VeryDarkMan And Carter Efe

Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has challenged veteran artiste Terry G to a boxing match, saying the bout would revive Terry G’s career.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Portable made the challenge on Sunday during an appearance on Channels Television’s ”Rubbin Minds”.

“If I fight Terry G, people will remember him. I prefer facing fellow entertainers. I have no interest in fighting social media personalities, including VeryDarkMan and Carter Efe,” he said.

 

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The singer described himself as the pioneer of celebrity boxing in Nigeria, claiming that he had earned millions of naira from previous bouts.

He also said that he was looking ahead to his scheduled July 31 rematch with actor Charles Okocha in Lagos and expressed confidence that the contest would attract a large audience.

”If I defeat Terry G, I will travel to London before embarking on a tour of the United States, Russia, Malaysia, Dubai and South Africa,” he added. (NAN)

Portable famously defeated Nollywood actor Charles Okocha in a widely publicized 40-minute bout at Landmark Beach in Victoria Island, Lagos. Following that unanimous decision loss, Okocha activated a rematch clause, which has been scheduled to take place in Lagos.

Portable has also stepped into the ring with several other public figures, recording a knockout victory over singer Speed Darlington and defeating Kizz Daniel’s bodyguard, Kelvin "Power" Atobiloye.

He however suffered the first official defeat of his celebrity boxing career in May 2026, dropping a unanimous decision to content creator Carter Efe in the "Chaos in the Ring" event, where Efe was awarded the championship.

 

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How I Lost N5 Million In World Cup Final Betting - Nollywood Actress Destiny Etiko, Vows Never To Bet Again

Nollywood actress Destiny Etiko has revealed that she lost ₦5 million after placing a bet on the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, saying the experience has convinced her to stay away from gambling.

The actress disclosed that it was her first time betting as she shared her disappointment in an Instagram post on Monday.

 

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“First time betting and I lost. Will never try it again. My 5M gone. In fact am done watching football. Anxiety almost killed me,” she wrote.

Although Destiny Etiko did not reveal the exact bet she placed, her social media activity during the final suggested she was rooting for defending champions Argentina to defeat Spain.

Before kick-off, she confidently declared:

“Argentina all the way. Who can’t wait?”

As the match wore on, however, her optimism gave way to frustration.

“This ball tough o. Argentina is pissing me off,” she posted during the game.

She also praised Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez for keeping his side in contention, writing:

“The goal keeper is the savior oo.”

Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time on Sunday to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their second world title and their first since winning the tournament in South Africa in 2010.

Substitute Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in the second half of extra time, while Argentina finished the match with 10 men after midfielder Enzo Fernández was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Etiko’s loss comes amid widespread betting interest surrounding the World Cup final, with many football fans staking money on what proved to be one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches.

  

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Lagos Takes Campaign Against Sexual Abuse To Schools

The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board has launched a statewide sensitisation campaign to protect pupils from sexual abuse and educate girls in public primary schools on personal safety, body protection and menstrual hygiene, the board said in a statement on Sunday.

The advocacy programme, organised by LASUBEB, brought together education stakeholders, teachers and child protection advocates to equip pupils with the knowledge to recognise abuse, protect themselves and report inappropriate behaviour, while promoting healthy hygiene practices.

 

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Speaking at the event, Executive Chairman of LASUBEB, Hakeem Shittu, represented by board member, Adewale Babatunde, said the board remained committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment where every child could learn without fear.

He said the Lagos State Government maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual abuse, exploitation and every form of violence against children.

“Safeguarding our pupils is a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, communities and government all have critical roles to play in protecting children from abuse,” he said.

Shittu also acknowledged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritising child-centred policies and sustained investment in the basic education sector.

According to him, the government’s commitment reflects its belief that every child deserves a secure environment in which to develop academically, socially and emotionally.

Also speaking, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic Education, Yewande Jeje, said the programme formed part of the second phase of the state’s intervention to strengthen child protection and improve the wellbeing of pupils across public schools.

She encouraged the girls to remain confident, understand their rights and promptly report any form of abuse to trusted adults and appropriate authorities.

“You must never keep quiet when anyone makes you uncomfortable. Speak up, protect yourselves and report every form of abuse to trusted adults and the appropriate authorities,” she said.

Jeje assured the pupils that the Lagos State Government would continue implementing policies and programmes aimed at ensuring every child grows up in a safe and supportive environment.

The advocacy also featured practical sessions by child development and health experts.

A counsellor, Dr Yemi Ayemoba, educated the pupils on body autonomy, personal boundaries and strategies for preventing sexual abuse.

She urged the girls to recognise inappropriate behaviour, resist attempts at abuse and seek immediate help from trusted adults whenever they feel threatened.

“No one has the right to touch your body inappropriately. Learn to say no, move away from unsafe situations and immediately inform someone you trust,” she said.

Health educator Ruth Oladoye delivered a session on personal and menstrual hygiene, educating the pupils on healthy hygiene practices, menstrual care and habits necessary for maintaining their physical and emotional wellbeing.

She stressed the importance of cleanliness and proper menstrual hygiene management in helping girls remain healthy, confident and focused on their education.

To reinforce the lessons from the programme, LASUBEB distributed hygiene packs containing essential personal care items to all participating pupils.

The board said the initiative forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen child safeguarding in public primary schools while promoting the health, safety and dignity of the girl child across Lagos State.

 

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Real Reason Tinubu Lost Lagos To Peter Obi In 2023 - Obanikoro

Why Tinubu lost Lagos in 2023 election – Obanikoro

A former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, has revealed why President Bola Tinubu was defeated in Lagos State  during the2023 presidential

election.

Obanikoro revealed that the defeat was caused by concerns over the All Progressives Congress’ Muslim-Muslim ticket, not Labour Party candidate Peter Obi.

He made the claim during an interview on Mic On, a podcast hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, which was posted online on Sunday.

 

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According to him, many voters were apprehensive about what a Muslim-Muslim presidency would mean for Christians, a perception he said ultimately worked

against Tinubu in Lagos.

“Let me tell you, what defeated us in Lagos was the Muslim-Muslim ticket, not Peter Obi. People were afraid because they didn’t know what Tinubu’s presidency

will look like.

“People thought it was a situation where the Christian in Nigeria would be relegated, and that has been defeated because Tinubu is a Muslim, but he is

not a religious bigot that will carry one religion over another.

“His wife is a pastor. His son, Seyi is a Christian. He was born a Muslim. He became a Christian. Most of the people in his cabinet are Christians,” he

said.

The Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the APC ahead of the 2023 presidential election generated widespread debate after Tinubu picked former Borno State

Governor Kashim Shettima, also a Muslim, as his running mate.

While the APC defended the decision as being based on competence and electoral strategy, critics argued it failed to reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.

In the February 25, 2023 presidential election, Tinubu suffered a surprise defeat in Lagos, his political stronghold, losing to Labour Party candidate

Peter Obi, marking the first time the former Lagos governor lost a presidential election in the state widely regarded as his political base.

Despite the Lagos result, Tinubu went on to win the presidential election nationwide and was sworn in as Nigeria’s President on May 29, 2023.

  

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Trafficking Of 16-Year Old Victim To Libya For Prostitution: Lagos Court Adjourns Case To October

A LAGOS Chief Magistrate’ Court yesterday adjourned the alleged human trafficking case involving a 45-year-old woman, Martina Adebayo, to October 29, 2026, for mention.
The defendant was earlier granted bail on June 9,2026, by Magistrate Lateef Owolabi in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, each of whom must provide evidence of ownership landed property. The matter had initially been adjourned to July 16, 2026, for trial.

Adebayo was arrested on June 1,2026, and transferred to the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command for investigation into the alleged offences.

 

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According to police investigations, the defendant’s daughter, Tosin Adebayo, also known as Tosin Moses and currently at large, allegedly lured a 16-year-old girl, identified as Hannah (surname withheld), to Libya in February 2026, where she was allegedly forced into prostitution.

Police said operatives visited Adamo, Ikorodu, on June 1 to arrest the suspects but only found Martina Adebayo, who was allegedly preparing to travel to Libya alongside the victim.
Investigators further alleged that Adebayo specialised in recruiting young girls, inviting them to her residence in Adamo before taking them to her mother’s home at Lucky Fibre, Itokin Road, Ikorodu, where arrangements are allegedly made to transport them out of Nigeria.

The victim, who had been living with her father in Okonron, Adamo, Ikorodu, was allegedly lured by Tosin in late January 2026.
She reportedly travelled through Ghana before arriving in Libya in February 2026, from where she later escaped and returned to Nigeria on May 27, 2026.

According to the charge filed by the police in the case between the Commissioner of Police and the defendant, Adebayo and her daughter allegedly conspired to traffic young girls for prostitution.
The charge alleged that between February and March 2026, at No. 12 New Era Street, Parata, Ikorodu, Lagos, the defendant and her daughter conspired to harbour and traffic three girls from Ikorodu to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, for the purpose of prostitution, contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

During the earlier proceedings, the prosecuting counsel, Adegoke Philip, urged the court to remand the defendant for 30 days pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
However, defence counsel, Raji Lateef, opposed the application and sought bail, arguing that the defendant was not a flight risk and would be available for trial.

During yesterday’s proceedings, defence counsel, Ayo Odekunle, maintained that Adebayo was innocent and had no involvement in the alleged trafficking.
In response, the prosecuting counsel informed the court that the victims were present.

The magistrate then invited one of the victims for a brief questioning before calling the Investigating Police Officer, Bunmi Adejobi, to testify.
After listening to all the parties, Kusanu asked why the suspect was granted bail on June 9, and then adjourned the matter to October 29, 2026 for mention.

  

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Corruption And Bribery Allegation: NGO Calls For Suspension Of LASODA's Leadership, Asks EFCC To Wade In

The Centre for Infrastructural and Technological Advancement for the Blind CITAB has expressed profound disappointment, shock, and outright condemnation over the investigative report by The Punch Newspaper alleging systemic corruption and bribery within the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs LASODA.

This was contained in a press release issued in Lagos by Jolomi Fenemigho, Executive Chairman of CITAB.

CITAB noted that the report, which details alleged extortion, administrative roadblocks, and kickback demands targeted at non governmental organisations NGOs that cater for children with disabilities, paints a devastating picture of state enabled neglect. According to the report, approvals and support that should flow directly to children in need are allegedly being processed only after certain envelopes move in the opposite direction, leaving vulnerable children to pay the hidden price of official indulgence.

 

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Fenemigho described the revelations as a tragic betrayal of trust and a direct assault on the survival and dignity of persons with disabilities in Lagos State.

According to him, “It is a moral low and a structural tragedy when an agency explicitly mandated to protect and uplift the disability community becomes the very obstacle to their survival. Extorting NGOs that are struggling to keep children with disabilities alive, educated, and cared for is a crime against humanity. LASODA was built to be a refuge, not a tollgate, and public servants were not hired to collect gate fees before compassion can cross the door.”

The CITAB leader recalled that LASODA was established to implement the Lagos State Special Peoples Law, guaranteeing equity, access to infrastructure, and welfare for citizens with disabilities. He said that any practice that allegedly ties approvals, grants, or access to assistive devices and welfare programmes to appreciation from NGOs completely invalidates the progressive image Lagos State claims to project on disability inclusion.

The statement warned that when corruption penetrates a disability agency, the consequences for beneficiaries are immediate and physical, noting that for a blind child, a project quietly stalled on a desk because an NGO declined to play ball can mean another term out of school, while diverted resources can mean the denial of basic mobility and digital tools required to participate in society.

In the light of the situation, CITAB issued a series of firm demands to the Lagos State Government, calling first for the immediate suspension of LASODA’s leadership and all implicated officials, and the establishment of an independent judicial panel of inquiry to investigate the allegations in full.

“We cannot entrust the investigation of these claims to the same structures accused of enabling them. Only a transparent, independent judicial process can restore public confidence and reassure families and NGOs that their cries are being taken seriously. If there is nothing to hide, then the books, the files, and the phones should have nothing to fear,” it stated.

CITAB further urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC to wade in, insisting that any official found guilty of demanding kickbacks, hoarding aid, or weaponising approvals against NGOs must face the full weight of the law.

Fenemigho also called for the total digitization and automation of LASODA’s aid and resource distribution processes. He demanded an open, accessible digital portal where NGOs and individuals can submit applications, track approvals, and view disbursements in real time, so that favour no longer determines whose file moves and whose gathers dust.

The CITAB boss stressed the need for civil society oversight, calling for independent, certified non governmental organisations within the disability community to be formally included in monitoring the allocation of disability resources and auditing LASODA’s operations.

According to him, “Every naira diverted through kickbacks or blocked approvals is a naira stolen from mobility tools, therapy, education, and rehabilitation for our children. When an agency created to protect us is accused of turning NGO partnerships into a cash and carry arrangement, Lagosians must ask: who is really being served, the public or private appetites”

Fenemigho expressed CITAB’s unwavering solidarity with the NGOs and the families allegedly victimised by systemic extortion and administrative abuse, pledging that the organisation will not remain silent while resources meant to give children with disabilities a fighting chance at life are converted into returns on investment for a few well placed officials.

He called on the Lagos State Government to clean up LASODA without delay through an independent judicial investigation, criminal prosecution where warranted, full digitization and public transparency of aid processes, and structured civil society oversight. He stressed that the disability community deserves accountability, dignity, and justice, not exploitation, adding that Nothing About Us Without Us must guide every policy and naira spent in their name.

  

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LASODA In The Eye Of The Storm, As Allegations Of Corruption And Kick-back Bribery Hit Agency

When in May, this year, the annual budgetary allocation to the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) was increased from N500 Million to N1 Billion, there was hope that the increment would help alleviate the plight of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state. However, the agency is currently entangled in allegations of kickback demands, blacklisting of outspoken NGOs, and mismanagement of the Disability Intervention Fund, which have compounded the woes of PWDs in the state.

According to a report in The Punch, disability rights advocates say there is a growing number of children living with disabilities, many of whom require specialised healthcare, rehabilitation services, assistive devices, educational support and welfare interventions but do not receive them due to alleged corruption and other systemic challenges.

While government intervention funds and support programmes exist to address some of these needs, stakeholders alleged that beneficiaries are unable to access them.

 

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“Disability advocates and non-governmental organisations working in the sector say  children living with disabilities continue to struggle to access intervention funds and support services meant to improve their lives,” the report stated.

The 2021 United Nations Population Fund estimated that about 32 million Nigerians, including children, live with one form of disability or another.

Children with disabilities experience disrupted education for various reasons, including stigma and discrimination, inaccessible school infrastructure, delayed identification and diagnosis, and inadequate funding to support their needs.

However, to address these challenges, the administration of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola established the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs following the enactment of the Lagos State Special People’s Law in 2011.

It was meant to safeguard persons with disabilities from discrimination and guarantee equal rights.

LASODA was created to enforce the law, issue disability certificates, protect the rights of persons with disabilities and serve as a link between the government and NGOs, homes and cluster foundations working with them.

His successor, Akinwunmi Ambode, established the disability fund and inaugurated the agency’s board in line with the law.

Following this, the Lagos State Government voted N500m annually to support persons with disabilities before increasing the allocation to N1bn in May 2026. The fund is intended to promote inclusion, accessibility and public awareness.

The Lagos State Government also provides annual grants ranging from N500,000 to N1 million to registered NGOs, special homes and disability clusters.

The funds are managed and disbursed through LASODA to support the daily operations, advocacy and caregiving activities of organisations working with persons with disabilities.

However, according to the report, stakeholders alleged that some officials involved in administering the funds demand kickbacks from beneficiary organisations before processing or releasing the grants.

An NGO operator identified simply as Ishola, who works closely with children with disabilities, alleged that corruption had become a major obstacle preventing support from reaching those who need it most.

“There is funding available for these children, but it cannot reach them because corruption is getting worse every day. Some officials responsible for processing or facilitating access to intervention funds demand a percentage of the money as a kickback before approving or releasing support,” the source told The Punch.

Several stakeholders who spoke exclusively to Sunday PUNCH raised concerns about transparency and accountability in the administration of disability-related intervention funds.

They alleged that demands for kickbacks significantly reduce the funds available to NGOs to cater to the needs of children living with disabilities.

Another NGO operator, who requested anonymity for fear of being blacklisted from accessing intervention funds, alleged that during an interaction with the Director of Social Development and Integration at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Kelani Akeem, the official proposed sharing intervention funds.

“He said he would include my NGO’s name among the beneficiaries, but I would have to give him a certain amount as commission. I knew that if I did that, there would be nothing left to carry out the interventions for the children,” the source told Punch’s correspondent.

The source further alleged that organisations that refused to comply with such demands risked being excluded from funding opportunities.

“We have been blacklisted because we refused to pay. Some of the things happening in this sector are deeply troubling,” the source claimed.

He further added that many organisations that allegedly comply were afraid to speak out for fear of being cut off from future interventions.

“They would say half a loaf is better than none, thereby denying needy children the intervention that was meant for them and enriching some selfish individuals within LASODA,” the source alleged.

The allegations against LASODA come amid growing concerns by some stakeholders over the management of disability intervention funds in Lagos State.

The PUNCH, in a report published on November 6, 2025, reported that the Coordinator of Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation, Kehinde Oshilaja, urged the Lagos State Government to make greater provisions for the welfare of persons with disabilities, particularly in affordable housing, healthcare and social infrastructure.

The organisation also called for well-equipped sporting facilities to promote the physical and social well-being of persons with disabilities across the state.

When the Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, announced in May 2026 an increase in the disability support fund managed by LASODA from N500 million to N1 billion during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing, he said the additional funding was specifically meant to strengthen support for persons with disabilities across the state.

According to the commissioner, the agency had continued to make significant progress in promoting inclusion, accessibility and public awareness for persons with disabilities in Lagos State.

He said LASODA’s interventions covered capacity building and professional training, economic empowerment and business support, financial assistance to homes and disability clusters, as well as the provision of assistive devices, prosthetics, and work tools.

However, Sunday PUNCH reported that some stakeholders alleged that the same intervention fund had become vulnerable to kickback demands by some officials from NGOs seeking access to the grants.

Behind the allegations of corruption and demands for kickbacks are families whose lives have been upended by the inability to access support meant for children living with disabilities.

For a grandmother, who introduced herself to Sunday PUNCH as Mrs Sola, the cost was irreversible.

As her grandson’s condition worsened, she knocked on the doors of non-governmental organisations, hoping someone would help. She exhausted her family’s savings, borrowed from neighbours and sought assistance from charitable organisations. But the help she desperately needed never came.

Her grandson died while they were still searching for support, leaving behind grief and painful questions about whether his life could have been different had help arrived in time.

For another mother, the nightmare is still unfolding.

Her young son suffers from a severe medical condition that requires surgery, yet months after seeking help, she is still unable to find an NGO willing or able to fund the operation.

A Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician at Havanah Hospital, Lagos Island, Dr Cynthia Okafor, said delays in accessing intervention for children living with disabilities could have devastating consequences.

She noted that many families are unable to secure urgent medical treatment because organisations expected to support them often lack adequate resources.

According to her, one of the gravest consequences of the alleged corruption is that it diminishes children’s chances of receiving timely medical attention that could improve or even save their lives.

“Illnesses and diseases are better treated at an early stage. When treatment is delayed beyond the critical or golden period, the chances of recovery become significantly reduced,” she said.

A child rights advocate and lawyer, Lawrence Ndukwe, said the allegations underscore the need for stronger oversight, transparent disbursement mechanisms, and independent monitoring of disability intervention funds.

He argued that every naira allocated to support children living with disabilities should be traceable from appropriation to implementation.

When contacted over the allegations, the Director of Social Development and Integration at the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Kelani Akeem, appealed to Sunday PUNCH to “use your good office to address the matter,” saying it had been resolved internally.

“May God not let you lose your job. May God not let you lose your job. May God not let you lose your job. I don’t know what to say. Please use your good office to address the matter. The matter has been settled in the office,” he said when asked to respond to the allegations.

The General Manager of LASODA, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, was also contacted on Friday, July 17, 2026, and asked to respond to the allegations. She requested that the enquiries be sent via email, which the punch’s correspondent did.

When reminded the following day that no response had been received, she replied:

“Good afternoon, sir. You sent your email, didn’t you? Exactly… you will get your reply. Thank you.”

As of the time this report was filed, LASODA had yet to respond to the detailed questionnaire sent by Sunday PUNCH, which sought its reaction to allegations of kickback demands, the blacklisting of NGOs, the alleged mismanagement of the Disability Intervention Fund, and the measures it has put in place to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the funds.

With report from The Punch

  

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