How A 52-Year Old Lagos Bricklayer Disappeared Without A Trace

The family of 52-year-old bricklayer Abidemi Alao is appealing for help following his disappearance while returning from a family event in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, last Saturday.

Alao, popularly known as “Daddy,” was last seen boarding a commercial bus around 4 pm, heading toward Ibadan.

He was expected to arrive home that same evening, but has neither been seen nor heard from since.

His brother, John Kolawole, who spoke with newsmen , narrated the circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

“He travelled for our sister’s introduction ceremony. On his way back, one of our brothers dropped him off at the bus stop.

“He boarded the bus around 4 pm, and later, someone who sat beside him called to say he had reached Ibadan around 7 pm and was about to continue from there.”

The brother added that subsequent efforts to reach Alao failed.

The brother continued, “On Sunday morning, when we called his number, a stranger picked up and said he found the phone inside the bus.

“The person said his phone was found in the bus and promised to call back around 10 am, but didn’t. When we called again by 2 pm, the phone was already switched off.”

Worried by the development, another member of his family, Mutiu Ayanwale, told newsmen on Sunday that the matter was reported at different police stations in Lagos.

He also revealed that the family received a suspicious call from an unknown person claiming to be holding Alao and demanding N50,000 ransom.

“That’s the only step we’ve taken so far, apart from posting his picture on Facebook and Instagram.

“One of his daughters called to say someone contacted them, claiming they were holding him and asking for N50,000.

“The caller even said they saw him from the bus, but when asked to let us speak with him, they refused.

“We believe it’s a 419 scam because we had just posted his picture online. We didn’t send any money,” he recounted.

The family expressed deep concern over the continued silence, saying no credible information has come in despite the social media alerts.

 

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Airport Police Arrest 20-Year Old Romance Fraudster For Defrauding Unsuspecting Women Of Over N1 Billion

The Airport Police Command, Lagos, has arrested a 20-year-old man, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, accused of defrauding multiple victims in the United States of over N1 billion (more than $1 million) through a celebrity romance and fraud scheme.

In a statement signed by ASP Mohammed Adeola, Police Public Relations Officer of the Airport Police Command, the force said the arrest followed months of intelligence-led surveillance.

“The Nigeria Police Force, Airport Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat transnational crimes and prevent the use of Nigerian airports as escape routes for criminal elements, has arrested a notorious celebrity scam and romance fraud suspect,” the statement read.

“The suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, was arrested on 5th January, 2026, by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos State.”

Investigations revealed that Akpama relocated from Calabar, Cross River State, to Lagos on February 23, 2024, from where he coordinated several fraudulent schemes.

One of the scams involved a 47-year-old woman in the US, who was deceived into transferring $1 million under the pretext of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage.

“The suspect, through a celebrity scam modus operandi, deceived a 47-year-old female victim in the United States into transferring one million US dollars under the pretext of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage,” the statement said.

The funds were solicited via a cryptocurrency scheme called “BullRun 2.0,” formerly known as “4 Way Mirror Money.”

It was also revealed that Akpama also defrauded a 70-year-old US woman of N25,709,400 (about $18,000) through purchases of gift cards, high-end mobile phones, and computer equipment shipped to Nigeria under his direction.

“Further investigations revealed that the suspect also defrauded another 70-year-old female victim in the United States of a total sum of N25,709,400, equivalent to $18,000.

“The fraud was perpetrated through the purchase of gift cards, high-end mobile devices, and computer equipment, which were shipped to Nigeria at the suspect’s direction,” the statement added.

Recovered items include a MacBook Pro 14-inch, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, two Google Pixel 10 Pro XL devices, and one Google Pixel 10 Pro, collectively valued at N8,141,367.

The statement further added that, “The suspect reportedly posed as a 60-year-old orthopaedic surgeon working with the United Nations in Nigeria to convince victims that the devices were needed for secure communications.”

Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, CP Ogunbode Olufunke, Mnips, PhD, reiterated the importance of intelligence-driven operations in curbing crime.

“The Command will continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to detect, disrupt, and dismantle criminal networks operating within and around Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem,” she said.

The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit for further investigation, and the suspect will be arraigned in court upon completion of the inquiry.

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Residents Of Meiran Run Helter-skelter As Hoodlums Chase One Another With Axes

    

Residents of Meiran were thrown into panic on Wednesday after hoodlums reportedly chased one another with axes along parts of the area.

It was gathered from multiple eyewitnesses that no life was lost during the fracas, which occurred at Kabowei Bus Stop in Meiran at about 1pm on Wednesday.

However, the incident caused panic among motorists, with several drivers abandoning their vehicles along the axis to seek safety.

As the violence unfolded, residents and commuters reportedly scampered for cover while groups of young men, some armed with axes, ran through the road.

A resident who identified himself only as Segun told newsmen that he was forced to abandon his vehicle and take refuge in a nearby house until the situation calmed.

“The issue started right in front of Amala at Meiran Bus Stop. I had to get out of my car and seek shelter when I saw a group of men wielding axes and chasing another group of young men.

“I didn’t know what could happen if I tried to drive through the chaos. Other drivers also parked their vehicles by the roadside to allow the violence to die down. I returned to pick up my car a few minutes later when everywhere became calm,” he said.

Explaining what allegedly triggered the incident, another resident, who identified himself only as Moses, said the fight started after some youths bought ice cream and refused to pay the seller.

Moses narrated, “After they collected the ice cream, the seller demanded his money, but instead of paying, they refused and began threatening him.

“He then contacted some of his friends, who came to confront the boys. Suddenly, about five of them brought out axes, and that was how the chaos started.”

Although it remains unclear whether the incident was cult-related, similar cases of youths chasing one another with dangerous weapons such as guns and cutlasses have been reported in other parts of Lagos.

Last year, youths suspected to be cultists reportedly infiltrated a masquerader festival in the Orile Iganmu area of the state, shooting at least three people dead.

 

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Akpabio Cares Initiative Impacts 700 Surulere Residents With Medical Outreach

Residents of Surulere turned out in large numbers to benefit from a free medical outreach organised under the Akpabio Cares Initiative, a philanthropic programme driven by the office of the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

The medical exercise, which provided free consultations and prescribed drugs and eyeglasses, marked the third edition of the initiative in two years. Previous outreaches were held in Osogbo, Osun State, and Yankaba in Kano State.

A significant number of vulnerable residents accessed essential healthcare services at no cost during the programme, which targeted those who could not afford basic medical care.

Speaking with journalists at the venue, the convener of the initiative and Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, Mr Ahmed Tijani Mustapha, said the outreach was part of efforts to give back to society, emphasising the importance of good health.

“We are doing this as a way of giving back to society, and we believe that the best gift is that of good health,” Mustapha said.

He disclosed that the Lagos edition of the outreach was designed to reach about 700 beneficiaries, who would receive free medical consultations, drugs and eyeglasses.

Responding to questions on why the programme was held in Lagos instead of Senator Akpabio’s home state of Akwa Ibom, Mustapha explained that the office of the Senate President operates with a national perspective.

“Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and his impact must be felt across the country,” he stated.

Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed gratitude to Senator Akpabio and the organisers, describing the intervention as timely and impactful.

One of the beneficiaries thanked the Senate President for remembering the community, noting that the initiative had brought relief to many residents who could not afford basic healthcare services.

Another beneficiary praised Mustapha’s appointment as an aide to the Senate President, saying his connection to the community had helped attract what he described as dividends of democracy to the area.

At the conclusion of the exercise, Mustapha revealed that the next phase of the Akpabio Cares Initiative would move to the North Central geopolitical zone, as the programme continues its humanitarian outreach across the country

 

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Lagos To Kick Off Measles Rubella Campaign January 20th

The Lagos State government will kick off Measles Rubella vaccination campaign on January 20 for ten days and additional two days for mop up with the goal of reaching 10.5 million children and reduce the burden of vaccines preventable diseases.

The Immunisation Officer of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Oluwakemi Oshodi, who revealed this during a media orientation programme on Measles Rubella vaccine, tasked the media and critical stakeholders on helping to curb misinformation about vaccines.

According to her, the state is committed to tackling wrong messaging about vaccines with the right information and campaign so that the people can get better educated about the importance and the impact of vaccines.

The Immunisation Programme Coordinator, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Adetola Akinpelu, said that the goal within the 12 days of the immunisation exercise is to achieve nothing less than 95 per cent coverage for the about 10.5 million children of ages nine months and 14 years living in Lagos State.

He noted that one of the major threats to receiving immunisation vaccines is misinformation despite the huge advantages it offers, imploring the media to educate residents about the importance of vaccines.

He added that 90 per cent of persons who come in contact with anyone with Measles Rubella will likely be infected, but with vaccines the negative impact will be likely neutralised

He also said that it is usually mild in children but can have severe consequences during pregnancy, leading to congenital rubella syndrome in newborns with lifelong disabilities such as heart disease.

According to him, each year, an estimate of 10,000 children are born with congenital rubella syndrome in Nigeria representing one third of global incidents.

Speaking on the impact of vaccines, he said that over the last 50 years, safe vaccine use worldwide has averted about 94 million deaths, while measles rubella immunisation has the potential to avert 2.8 million deaths in Nigeria and contribute to global shift in immunisation coverage.

“Nigeria contributes significantly to the burden of measles and rubella globally as Nigeria is second to DR Congo.

Many under 14 in Nigeria has not received the Rubella Measles vaccine.”

On her part, the Director, Health Education and Promotion Services, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Adesola Grace-Honfor, tasked the media about letting the people know the importance of measles rubella vaccine for ages nine months and 14 and that the state government has the interest of the citizens because when the children are healthy that the parents can be healthy.

The UNICEF representative, Seyi Nubi, enjoined journalists to identify, counter and correct misinformation about Measles Rubella vaccine in order to strengthen public confidence in the safety, effectiveness and quality of the measles rubella vaccine.

 

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BRT Bus Burst Into Flame On Third Mainland Bridge, Causing Traffic Gridlock

A Lagos State BRT bus was engulfed in flames on the Third Mainland Bridge on Tuesday afternoon, disrupting traffic movement around the Adekunle axis inward Iyana Oworo.

The incident was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority on its official X account.

According to Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the fire incident occurred around 1:00 p.m. and immediately affected vehicular movement on the busy corridor, which serves as a major link between Lagos Mainland and other parts of the city.

LASTMA noted that emergency response efforts were already underway at the time of the update.

“Efforts are ongoing to put out the fire, and our officers are on scene managing the traffic situation,” they said.

Traffic officers were deployed to control the flow of vehicles and reduce gridlock while fire suppression efforts continued.

The Third Mainland Bridge is one of Lagos’ busiest transport routes, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. Because so many commuters depend on it to move between Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, even a brief disruption can quickly cascade into heavy congestion.

Any disruption along the corridor often leads to significant delays, spillover congestion, and longer travel times for commuters heading toward Iyana Oworo, Yaba, and surrounding areas.

There have been several recorded cases over the past few years where BRT buses in Lagos caught fire or were burnt under different circumstances. These incidents call for regular vehicle maintenance and stricter safety inspections to ensure passenger safety and prevent prolonged traffic congestion.

 

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"Sometimes Love Is Not Enough To Keep A Marriage" - Tiwa Savage

When Nigeria’s generally acclaimed “Queen of Afrobeats” broke down in tears while performing her hit single Somebody’s Son at the WeLoveYa festival in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, it came as no surprise. Tiwa’s case is just a case of a woman who has been too strong for too long. The pressure and the strain simply caught up with her, and she could not keep it all in anymore. She cracked.

If we know nothing about the woman or even the singer known as Tiwa Savage, her overflowing emotions boiling over penultimate Saturday show she’s just an average woman next door who cherishes love and the institution of marriage. She’s far from the run-of-the-mill horny singers who bed every Dick and Harry who come their way. She’s a lover who believes in love. Unfortunately, that has eluded her so glaringly and for too long.

Since her divorce in 2018 from a marriage of four years to music executive Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, Tiwa Savage has remained guarded about her romantic life. Though she has been linked to a few high-profile names through rumours and speculation, the singer has consistently emphasised privacy and personal peace. For Tiwa, love is no longer about public validation but about balance, respect, and emotional safety.

Her romance with love again in 2021 didn’t end well, as she became a victim of blackmail. According to her, it was not a sex tape of a woman hot for sex but an act of intimacy taken advantage of.

“I am not going to call it a sex tape, but it’s a tape between me and the person I am dating right now,” she told broadcaster Angie Martinez of Power 105.1 New York.

According to Savage, the unnamed blackmailer obtained the footage after her lover accidentally posted it on Snapchat. Although he quickly deleted it when he realised his error, it had already been caught by a third party, she said.

Tiwa Savage is celebrated globally for her voice, stage presence, and trailblazing role in Afrobeats, but beyond the music, her love life and views on relationships and family have also drawn public interest. Over the years, the singer has spoken candidly about love, marriage, heartbreak, motherhood, and self-worth—often turning her personal experiences into powerful lessons for fans.

Even her ex-husband, TeeBillz, could not fault the singer’s good heart and her commitment to sustaining a happy home and the sanctity of family.

TeeBillz, acknowledging her resilience after their separation, said, “I hurt a woman who genuinely loved me.” His public apology came during the height of their marital crisis.

“She carried the weight of the family while I was broken,” he said, admitting his failures as a husband.

“Tiwa Savage is not just a great artist, she is a great mother,” he added.

The award-winning singer has never shied away from speaking openly about the lessons she learned from her highly publicised marriage to Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, particularly during the crisis that surrounded their relationship in 2016.

Recalling that period, Tiwa Savage admitted that love alone could not sustain a troubled union. “I loved blindly. I trusted completely,” she said at the time, describing the depth of her commitment. She later acknowledged that emotional connection does not always guarantee stability, noting that “sometimes love is not enough to keep a marriage,” a statement that resonated widely with fans navigating similar experiences.

Beyond marriage, the singer has increasingly emphasised self-worth and emotional well-being in her conversations about relationships. According to her, love should never come at the expense of personal identity. She has stressed that true affection must not cause lasting pain or self-erasure, adding that walking away from a damaging situation can sometimes be an act of courage rather than failure.

Tiwa Savage has also highlighted the central role of family and motherhood in shaping her values. She has repeatedly described being a mother as her greatest achievement, placing it above fame and career success. For the singer, family is defined not by perfection but by consistency and support, even during difficult moments—a philosophy that reflects her journey toward healing, balance, and lasting happiness.

 

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"I Don't Like Men Who Talk Too Much" - Nollywood Actress Bolade Adeshina

Fast-rising Yoruba Nollywood actress Bolade Adeshina has spoken candidly about her journey into acting, her views on love and relationships, and the principles guiding her growing career in the Nigerian film industry. In an exclusive chat with Potpourri, Adeshina shared strong views shaped by experience. She described real love as sweet when shared with an intentional partner, adding that she has had many experiences that have shaped her outlook. Addressing her biggest red flag in men, the actress stated that she dislikes men who talk too much or disclose unnecessary information.

“My ultimate dream as a woman is to have a happy home with children. My red flag is when a man talks too much and disclose what it is unnecessary

She added that she believes a woman can keep a man who truly wants to be kept. While she expressed empathy toward single mothers, describing such situations as sometimes circumstantial, her view on marriage remains traditional, stating that a woman should be submissive

 The actress also revealed that her passion for acting began in childhood, inspired by iconic Nollywood stars such as Funke Akindele, Sola Sobowale and Bukky Wright, with Ronke Odusanya playing a major role in convincing her that she could thrive on screen.

Adeshina explained that despite her early love for acting, she was unable to pursue the dream initially due to her upbringing, as her father is a clergy and she was deeply involved in church activities. She later left her hometown to further her education and spent years as an entrepreneur before finally deciding to follow what she described as her “main dream” — acting. According to her, one of her most memorable film experiences was Eni Akoko, where she endured real physical intensity on set, an experience that further strengthened her resolve and passion for the craft.

Speaking on success in the entertainment industry, the actress stressed that while beauty can open doors, talent is what sustains a career. She maintained that she would always prioritise talent over physical appearance, noting that beauty can be enhanced with money, but skill and dedication remain the true foundation of longevity. She also advised aspiring actors to respect themselves and others, continuously sharpen their skills, and remain prayerful.

Culled from The Punch Newspapers 

 

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Islamic Scholars Gather In Lagos To Propagate Sound Islamic Beliefs

Daaru Na’im Academy for Shariah Sciences, an Islamic organisation,  has convened an international conference in Lagos, bringing together scholars, government officials, and traditional leaders from across the globe to discuss the importance of sound Islamic faith in addressing social instability.

According to a statement from the organization, the 17th conference, themed “The Jurisprudence of the Sound Creed (Fiqh al-‘Aqīdah) and Contemporary Challenges,” featured over 20,000 participants, including ambassadors, heads of Islamic affairs, and academic scholars from Nigeria, the US, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

In his opening remarks, the Director-General and Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im, Sheik Imran Eleha, emphasised the need for sound Islamic belief to address contemporary challenges facing societies.

“We are gathered here to examine the significance of sound Islamic belief for various African societies and countries in light of the changes, practices, and behaviours witnessed in contemporary communities, some of which contradict the principles of correct Islamic creed,” he said.

Eleha also called on Islamic scholars to unite and prioritise collective scholarly engagement to uplift Islam and Muslims in Nigeria.

The conference features special lectures and academic papers presented by distinguished scholars, including Prof Abdur-Razaq Alaro and Muneerud-Deen Ariyady.

Eminent personalities, including the Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs, Saudi Arabia, and the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, attended the conference, according to the statement.

The representative of the President of the Islamic Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Abubakar Muhammad, described the gathering as “superb” and “truly an international program with representatives from all over the world.”

Focusing on the theological theme, Muhammad explained that the conference was rooted in the foundational principles of Islam.

He said, “The bedrock and the foundation of religion is the creed, the oneness of Allah, and that is what the conference is emphasising. All subsequent teachings shared here will aim at spiritual development and rectification, specifically focusing on cleansing, standardising, and clarifying what a Muslim should know and do first, even before he says Allahu Akbar—to be a good Muslim, one who recognises and worships Allah alone without associating partners with Him.”

Speaking at the event, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, stated that Islam is a religion of peace, love, and unity.

He explained that his role as a crowned king during times of struggle was to shed light on the doctrine of kingship and clarify related misconceptions.

The Olofin of Isheri Land, Oba Ibrahim Bello, called for more collaborative efforts among Yoruba kings, noting that promoting Islam should be a top priority.

He also praised Eleha for gathering Islamic scholars from across the world to propagate Islam meaningfully.

 

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Court Jails Former Lagos State Director For Stealing N48 Million

A Lagos State Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court sitting in Ikeja has sentenced a former Director in the Lagos State Ministry of Education, Olawale Solomon Feleti, to two years and five months’ imprisonment for stealing ₦48,992,271.73.

Justice Rahman Oshodi convicted the 64-year-old after finding him guilty on five counts of stealing preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC had alleged that Feleti dishonestly converted the sum of ₦48,992,271.73, belonging to Access Bank Plc, to his personal use.

According to the prosecution, the convict exploited a system glitch during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to gain unauthorised access to the bank’s credit card platform.

The anti-graft agency told the court that Feleti made multiple withdrawals, sometimes accessing up to ₦43,000 per transaction, despite knowing he had no authorisation to do so.

It was alleged that between July 2 and July 10, 2020, he fraudulently withdrew ₦12,528,598, while additional sums of ₦6,808,480 were withdrawn between May 22 and July 1, 2020.

The EFCC said the offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 287(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that Feleti’s actions were calculated, noting that he carried out several transactions despite being fully aware that he had no legal access to the funds.

The court further held that the convict showed no genuine remorse and failed to accept responsibility for his actions.

Justice Oshodi consequently found him guilty on all five counts and sentenced him to two years and five months’ imprisonment on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The court also ordered Feleti to pay restitution of ₦3 million to the court and ₦45,991,271.73 to Access Bank Plc.

In addition, the judge directed him to pay a fine of ₦5 million, noting that full restitution could warrant consideration of a non-custodial sentence if the bank formally notified the court.

The judge ordered that the custodial sentence commence on January 5, 2026, at a maximum security facility, and further directed that Feleti’s name be entered into the Lagos State offenders’ registry maintained by the Lagos State Judiciary.

 

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