Goods Worth Millions Of Naira Destroyed As Fire Guts Shopping Complex In Ajegunle

Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed as a fire outbreak gutted a shopping complex and surrounding shops along Amore Street, Ajegunle, Boundary area.

According to a preliminary report signed by Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the fire was reported via LASEMA’s 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines, prompting activation of the state’s emergency response plans from its Cappa Base in Oshodi.

On arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team observed active flames consuming the one-storey complex, which housed several clothing dealers.

“Following distress alerts received on it’s 767/112 Toll-Free Emergency Lines at 0240hours, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, activated the State’s Emergency Response Plans from it’s Cappa Base, Cappa-Oshodi, Lagos.

“Upon arrival of LRT at the incident scene by 0322hours, it was observed that an outbreak of fire occurred in a shopping complex that accommodates clothes dealers was gutted by fire. Responders further observed active flames from the fire, indicating intense combustion within the complex and surrounding shops used for the storage and sales clothes. The high volume of combustible materials contributed to the rapid spread of the intense fire,” the statement read.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a power surge following the restoration of electricity ignited the blaze.

“Preliminary investigations conducted by the LASEMA Response Team revealed that the fire ignited as a result of power surge when public power supply of electricity was restored. Fortunately there was no loss of lives, nor casualties involved as a result of the incident.”

LASEMA said it immediately conducted a risk assessment, cordoned off the area, and implemented safety measures to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring structures.

It said, “Upon arrival, LASEMA Response Team conducted Risk Assessment of the incident scene and cordoned off the activity area. Agency’s Response Team activated Safety and Precautionary Measures to forestall damages to adjoining buildings and immediate environs of the incident scene.

“Prompt interventions were implemented by LRT in collaboration with other responders to forestall escalation of fire to adjoining buildings and eventually extinguish it. LRT co-ordinated the multi-agency response to ensure a quick and safe operation.”

The incident resulted in the complete destruction of the shopping complex and adjacent shops, along with all goods stored inside.

“The entire one-storey shopping complex and surrounding shops were completely razed by the fire. All goods and properties worth millions of naira stored therein were totally destroyed by the fire. Physical examination of the one-storey shopping complex reveals partial compromise, thereby requiring immediate structural assessment.”

LASEMA urged commercial property owners in the area to review fire safety measures and storage protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Responders at the scene, according to LASEMA included the LASEMA Response Team from Cappa Base, the LASEMA Fire Unit, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and the Nigeria Police Force.

The agency said the rescue and recovery operation has been concluded, but monitoring of the site will continue to prevent a re-ignition of the fire.

 

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Why We Demolished Makoko Waterfront And Others - Lagos Gov

The Lagos State Government has defended its demolition of structures in Makoko and other waterfront communities, stating that the exercise is aimed at protecting lives, property, and public safety.

Government officials made this known on Saturday during Ask Lagos, a weekly X-space discussion designed to foster engagement between the state government and residents.

The session featured the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on e-GIS and Urban Development, Mr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde.

Addressing concerns over the demolitions, Omotoso said the actions were driven by safety, environmental, and security considerations, particularly the risks posed by illegal structures built beneath high-tension power lines and along waterways.

“No responsible government can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways,” Omotoso said, adding that the measures were preventive rather than punitive.

He also countered claims that affected residents were not notified, stating that the government had engaged the communities for more than five years.

According to him, existing regulations require buildings to be at least 250 metres away from power lines, but many structures were constructed within restricted zones.

“The danger is enormous. If a power line falls into the lagoon, the disaster could be unimaginable,” he warned.

Mr. Babatunde described the demolitions as part of a broader urban regeneration strategy aimed at making Lagos a safer and more sustainable megacity.

He cited the relocation of residents from Oko Baba to newly developed housing estates as an example of government intervention, noting that hundreds of housing units had been provided for displaced persons.

He encouraged residents and developers to comply with planning regulations, emphasising the importance of sustainable urban development.

During the discussion, some participants raised concerns about alleged casualties, excessive enforcement, inadequate compensation, and unclear relocation plans.

Others highlighted the emotional impact on affected residents.

Responding, Omotoso urged the public to avoid speculation and focus on verified information. At the same time, Babatunde noted that the government’s e-GIS platforms enable residents to verify zoning and setback requirements in advance.

Despite criticism from some residents and civil society groups who describe the demolitions as discriminatory or anti-poor, government officials maintain that the measures are necessary to prevent larger safety and environmental disasters.

 

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Lagos Based Company Convicted For Stealing Over N30.6 Million Belonging To Chevron Staff

A Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has convicted a company, AAC Consulting Limited, for stealing over ₦30.6 million belonging to contract staff of Chevron Nigeria Limited, ordering the firm to pay a ₦5 million fine or face winding up.

Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the judgment yesterday after finding the company guilty of dishonestly converting the sum of ₦30,564,635.81 entrusted to it for the benefit of the affected workers.

AAC Consulting Limited was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 12 January 2026 on an amended one-count charge of stealing, contrary to Section 285(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. 44, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

The case dated back to 5 June 2023, when the company and its Managing Director, Anthony Adeoye, were first arraigned on a 50-count charge of stealing and issuing dud cheques. Both defendants initially pleaded not guilty, leading to a full trial.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by I. O. Daramola, called two witnesses and tendered several documentary exhibits, all of which were admitted by the court.

However, following the repayment of the disputed sum to the petitioner in December 2023, the defendants opted to change their plea. The EFCC subsequently amended the charge, and the company pleaded guilty to the lone count of stealing.

The charge stated that AAC Consulting Limited, on or about 27 April 2013, within the Ikeja Judicial Division of Lagos State, dishonestly converted to its own use the aggregate sum of ₦30,564,635.81, being funds belonging to contract staff of Chevron Nigeria Limited.

In his judgment, Justice Oshodi held that the company’s decade-long delay in refunding the money underscored the criminality of the act, notwithstanding the eventual repayment. He consequently convicted AAC Consulting Limited and imposed a ₦5 million fine, to be paid within 14 days.

The judge warned that failure to comply with the order would result in the winding up of the company, stressing the need for corporate accountability and deterrence in financial crimes.

 

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How Two Heavy Duty Trucks Contesting For The Road, Collided At Otedola Bridge, Killing One And Causing Massive Traffic

A Trailer driver lost his life on Friday following a multi-vehicle crash involving articulated trucks at Otedola Bridge inward Secretariat along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) spokesperson, Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, said the principal incident involved a violent collision between two heavy-duty trailers, one laden with sand and the other conveying granite, reportedly occasioned by a reckless contest for right of way.

According to him, the impact of the collision trapped the driver of the sand-laden trailer, who sustained fatal injuries and was later confirmed dead.

Taofiq explained that operatives of LASTMA, who were on routine surveillance, promptly responded to the incident and successfully extricated the trapped victim.

“He was immediately handed over to officials of the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) and rushed to the General Hospital, Ikeja, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the second trailer was rescued alive and reportedly sustained no injuries,” he said.

In a related incident, another trailer loaded with flour overturned about 50 metres from the primary crash site, further compounding traffic congestion along the busy corridor.

Security operatives from the Alausa Police Division were deployed to the scene to maintain order, manage crowd control, and support rescue and recovery operations. The combined incidents reportedly blocked nearly 80 per cent of the carriageway, necessitating extensive traffic diversion.

Motorists travelling inward Lagos from the Mowe, Kara Bridge and Redemption Camp axis were redirected through the Ojodu–Olole route, linking Agidingbi, Coca-Cola, Secretariat and 7-Up areas, to access Gbagada or Ojota.

Reacting to the incident, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, described the crashes as regrettable and avoidable, attributing them to impatience, indiscipline and the failure of some drivers to yield.

He urged motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and exercise courtesy on the roads to prevent further loss of life.

Giwa also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and commended the swift and coordinated response of LASTMA, LASAMBUS and security agencies in managing the emergency.

 

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Six Injured, One Dies As Truck Rams Into Vehicles Along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

An auto crash involving a Dangote truck and other vehicles along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has claimed the life of one persons, leaving six others seriously injured.

Vehicles involved in the crash are: Toyota Sienna – Registration Number KWL 889 XC; J4 Vehicle – Registration Number KTU 130 TL; J4 Vehicle – Registration Number AKD 428 YH, and a Sino Truck (Dangote Group Truck) – Truck Number OBJ-CNG14C-030.

Spokesperson of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed this to newsmen in a statement in Abeokuta on Thursday.

Akinbiyi said that seven persons(all males) were involved in the accident that resulted in the death of one person trapped in the wreckage and six injured persons.

He said that the cause of the crash was due to wrong overtaking on the part of the truck driver, who rammed into other vehicles on the road

The TRACE PRO said that operatives of his agency, the Police, and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were on the ground for a rescue mission.

He said that the body of the dead person trapped in the wreckage was successfully removed and taken to Idera hospital private morgue.

Akinbiyi added that the injured victims were rescued and taken to Famobis Hospital by FRSC and OGSAES.

He said that all the accident vehicles had been towed by Mowe MTD Police for further investigation.

The TRACE Image Maker said that the traffic initially affected has since returned to normal.

In other news, two persons sustained injuries in a truck-truck collision that occurred along the same Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The vehicles involved in the crash are: a White DAF truck with registration number T-13351LA and another White DAF truck with no registration number.

Spokesperson of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed this to newsmen in a statement in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Akinbiyi said that two persons(adult males) sustained varying degrees of injuries from the accident.

He said that four people were occupants of the two white DAF truck with one loaded with diesel and the other loaded with bottled water.

The TRACE Public Relations Officer said the cause of the crash was speeding by the driver of the truck loaded with diesel, who hit the truck loaded with bottled water from the rear.

He said that operatives of TRACE, Police and Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC) were on the ground for a rescue mission.

Akinbiyi said the injured victims had been taken to Live Well Hospital in Sagamu, while the accident vehicles had been towed by Redeem POLICE MTD for further investigation

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Supreme Court Dismisses Al-Mustapha’s Trial For Kudirat Abiola’s Murder After Lagos Abandoned Case

The Supreme Court has dismissed the trial of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd), the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, in the murder of the late politician, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Kudirat Abiola was the wife of the late businessman and politician, Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election that was annulled by former President Ibrahim Babangida.

She was murdered in Lagos during the nationwide crisis that followed the annulment and in the course of her persistent struggle to have the annulment reversed by the military.

The trial of Al-Mustapha in the murder charge brought against him by the Lagos State government was put to rest on Thursday by a five-member panel of Justices of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Uwani Aba-Aji.

At the proceedings, where Lagos State was slated to re-open the trial, no legal representation appeared, and no process had been filed since 2014, when an order to re-open the case was granted in its favour.

Paul Daudu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) representing Al-Mustapha, informed the Justices that Lagos State had not taken any steps to implement the 2014 order to reopen the trial.

He said that not even a notice of appeal had been filed by Lagos as the appellant to demonstrate its seriousness in prosecuting the trial.

Daudu noted that when the order to reopen the trial was granted in 2014, Lagos State was issued a 30-day ultimatum to file its notice of appeal.

He explained that more than 11 years later, nothing had been done to comply with the order.

He therefore urged the Court to hold that the appellant had abandoned the case and should have it dismissed in its entirety.

Justice Uwani Aba-Aji, who presided over the matter, sought to know if Lagos had been served with the hearing notice, a question answered in the affirmative by the Registrar of the Court.

In a brief ruling, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, agreed that Lagos had lost interest in the matter and had consequently abandoned it.

Justice Aba-Aji held that nine years was long enough for the appellant to have filed a notice of appeal and the brief of appeal.

The Court also expressed disapproval that no legal representation had been made by the state government, while no information was provided to the Court or the respondent, despite being served with the hearing notice since 2020.

Consequently, the matter marked SC/CR/45/2014 was dismissed. Another matter by the Lagos governor, marked SC/CR/6/2014, on the same trial was also dismissed on the same ground.

The Supreme Court had in 2014, in a ruling on Lagos State’s application for permission to re-open the case out of time, granted the request to challenge the Court of Appeal decision of July 12, 2013, which discharged and acquitted Al-Mustapha in the murder case.

The then Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, in a ruling of a seven-member panel, ordered Lagos State to file its notice of appeal within 30 days.

The decision followed the consent of Al-Mustapha’s lawyer, Mr. Joseph Daudu SAN, not to oppose the application, which was argued by Osunsanya Oluwayemisi, a Senior State Counsel in the Lagos Ministry of Justice.

The Acting CJN had said that by the decision of the apex court, the time for Lagos to appeal against the Court of Appeal’s findings on the high-profile murder case had been extended from July 12, 2013, when the Court of Appeal judgment was delivered, until January 7, 2014.

By the permission granted in 2014, Lagos was cleared to challenge the not-guilty verdict granted in favour of the military officer by the Court of Appeal in 2013.

In the attempt to re-open the case, Lagos State had sought to file a notice of appeal out of time at the Supreme Court, asking for permission to challenge the Court of Appeal’s findings by Justices Amina Adamu Augie, Rita Nosakhare Pemu, and Fatimo Omoro Akinbami, on the grounds of miscarriage of justice.

The state had prayed the apex court to allow it to exercise its constitutional right to test the validity and correctness of the Court of Appeal decision.

It argued that it wanted to raise grounds of appeal on arguable legal and factual issues, especially regarding whether there was any direct or circumstantial evidence establishing Al-Mustapha’s guilt in the murder case.

Lagos State explained that the delay in filing the appeal was due to setting up two legal teams to review the circumstances of the case and the Court of Appeal verdict.

The government said it took time for the two legal teams to present their findings and recommend that an appeal could be filed and sustained.

The state government said it would ask the Supreme Court to set aside the Court of Appeal judgment, which discharged and acquitted Major Hamza Al-Mustapha in the murder case of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

It intended to urge the apex court to uphold and restore the death sentence by hanging imposed on the former CSO to the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, by a Lagos High Court on January 30, 2012.

Al-Mustapha, Mohammed Abacha, and one Lateef Shofolahan were arraigned before a Lagos High Court on a two-count criminal charge of conspiracy to commit murder and the murder of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola on June 4, 1996, in Lagos State.

In a judgment delivered on January 30, 2012, by Justice Moji Dada, the accused were found culpable as charged and sentenced to death by hanging.

However, in an appeal approached by Al-Mustapha on April 27, 2012, the three-member Court of Appeal, in a unanimous judgment on July 12, 2013, set aside the high court decision, discharged, and acquitted the accused on the grounds that the evidence against them was insufficient to warrant the death sentence.

 

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Ayo Labinjoh Accuses Davido's Father Of Intimidation Over Paternity Crisis

Ayo Labinjoh, the mother of the teenage girl claiming to be the daughter of Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has accused the singer’s father, Dr Deji Adeleke of intimidation and interfering in a matter she insists should be addressed directly by Davido himself.

In a statement posted on her daughter’s Instagram page, Labinjoh said she was shocked to learn that her sister had allegedly been in contact with Dr Adeleke since 2020.

Labinjoh further alleged that Davido, rather than his father, should take responsibility for addressing the matter.

She accused Dr Adeleke of abusing his influence and wealth.

“I am not Sophia negotiating child support. Let Davido address me.” Labinjoh wrote. She also insisted that her daughter’s case was about identity, not money.

She warned that if anything happened to herself, her daughter, or her mother, law enforcement should hold Dr Adeleke responsible.

Labinjoh alleged that her sister, Titilayo Labinjoh, had contacted their mother from Abuja to express fear over the renewed media attention surrounding Anu.

She questioned why her sister was in communication with the Adeleke family, describing it as a betrayal.

She also disputed claims made earlier by Dr Adeleke regarding DNA tests.

According to Labinjoh, neither she nor her daughter met with Dr Adeleke in 2020 for additional DNA tests, contrary to public statements.

She maintained that the DNA process referenced by the Adeleke family was flawed and reiterated her demand that all test results be made public.

“Post the tests, sir,” she wrote, addressing Dr Adeleke directly.

The statement also revisited claims surrounding the management of Anu’s social media presence.

Labinjoh acknowledged that controversial blogger Dr Kemi Olunloyo had opened the Instagram page years ago and handed it over to the family in 2019.

She said she was not an active social media user and did not post for several years. According to her, Anu currently lives with her grandmother, while she travels for trading activities across border countries.

Labinjoh denied allegations that her daughter had ever met Davido’s cousin, Adebayo Adeleke, also known as B Red, or that he was involved in the DNA controversy. She said such claims were speculative and harmful.

Her statement comes after Davido’s father, Dr Deji Adeleke, told journalists earlier that DNA tests conducted in Lagos returned negative results and that the family had supported the child and her mother financially over the years. He insisted he would accept the child if science proved paternity.

Labinjoh, however, disputes those claims and insists that her daughter is seeking clarity, not conflict. “My daughter is fighting for her identity,” she said, adding that prolonged public debate and harsh language have affected Anu’s mental health.

 

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Davido Reacts After Father Clears Him In Paternity Dispute

Afrobeats singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has reacted after his father, Dr Deji Adeleke, publicly confirmed that DNA tests cleared him in the long-running paternity dispute involving a girl identified as Aanu.

The singer took to his X page on Thursday and wrote, “Thank you my loving Father … ❤️🙏”

Adeleke had earlier disclosed the development while speaking with journalists at his residence in Lagos on Wednesday, where he explained that multiple DNA tests conducted in Lagos confirmed that Davido is not the biological father of the child.

He said the issue dated back to 2014 when he received a legal letter from Ibadan alleging that his son had impregnated a woman, Ayo Labinjoh, who claimed Davido abandoned the child.

The businessman, who said he has 14 grandchildren, insisted that he had no issue accepting another child if science confirmed the claim.

He said, “I have 14 grandchildren, so what will one more do? Is it that I will not be able to afford to do things for her or bring her into my family? I want more grandchildren, but there is science — DNA. If you say you are my granddaughter and science has proven that you are my granddaughter, I would gladly accept you.”

He further revealed that three DNA tests were conducted for Davido. Two returned negative results, while the third was declared inconclusive due to contamination. To eliminate any doubt of mistaken identity, tests were also carried out for Davido’s cousin, Adebayo Adeleke, known as B Red, which equally returned negative.

Narrating how the process began, Adeleke said he contacted the child’s mother directly and made it clear he would accept the girl if the tests proved positive.

“Immediately I saw this letter, even before calling David, I called this woman and said, ‘Look, I’m not speaking to my son yet, but I’m going to speak to him. But I’ll suggest to you to give me your address in Ibadan. I’ll send my driver to come and know where you live, but I can assure you that if this girl is my granddaughter, you have no problems with me; I’ll welcome her into my family happily.’ She was happy. She gave me her address, and I gave the address to my driver.”

He explained how the samples were taken at Vedic Hospital in Lagos, adding that the test was conducted using saliva samples, not blood.

“So we were all in the same room, and he (the doctor) told us the procedure. It was not blood. I’ve read on social media that they were drawing blood. It’s not. It was not done by blood. It was from their saliva in their mouth. And he told us that these samples would be sent to South Africa for analysis. The grandmother of the baby and I signed that both of us would be the ones to receive the result.”

He revealed the outcome.

“When the result came, there was 0.00 possibility that Davido was the girl’s father. Another test, he said, also turned negative.”

Despite the outcome, Adeleke disclosed that the family had supported the child and her mother financially over the years, including sponsoring their education. He said the mother later dropped out of university while the child completed her primary education.

The issue resurfaced publicly on January 15, 2025, when an Instagram account believed to be linked to Labinjoh appealed to Davido, alleging the child was being bullied and demanded another DNA test.

Davido responded on X, saying, “After five DNA tests… she dey crase… she and her mom better leave me the f**k alone and go find her papa.”

The woman later released alleged private messages between Davido and the child online.

Adeleke, however, claimed that a sister of the girl later informed him that the social media accounts used to push the narrative were allegedly created and managed by a media personality without the family’s approval.

 

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Police Burst Kidnapping Syndicate, Arrest 13 Kidnappers At A Shrine In Idimu

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a den disguised as a shrine and operated by suspected kidnappers in the Idimu area of the state.

Operatives of the command also arrested no fewer than 13 suspects in connection with the discovery.

The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who led journalists on a tour of the premises located along Pipeline Road in the community on Wednesday, said the suspects were members of a notorious “one-chance” and kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.

He said the arrests followed intelligence-led stop-and-search operations carried out by police operatives in the early hours of Sunday.

According to the CP, three suspects were initially intercepted at Bode Thomas in the Surulere area of the state while operating in a vehicle allegedly used to pick up unsuspecting members of the public, especially at night and in the early hours of the morning.

He said, “The syndicate usually lured victims under the pretence of selling dollars or offering fake investment schemes that promised to double money before taking them to the shrine.

“This gang is led by one Demola Adelua, who has been operating for over eight years. He controls about six operational teams across Lagos State.

“If victims cooperate and they succeed in defrauding them, they release them. But if the victim is too smart and refuses to cooperate, they bring the person here, lock them inside this room they call a shrine, and then call their relatives to demand ransom.”

He stressed that the state did not have rampant cases of conventional kidnapping but noted that such “one-chance” criminal gangs often escalated to kidnapping when victims refused to submit to fraud.

The police boss also noted that the gang targeted worshippers going to mosques and churches early in the morning, exploiting limited movement and low police presence at such hours.

He said, “Only two formal complaints were initially received, which prompted the command to establish tactical stop-and-search points in the identified axis.

“The three suspects arrested led us to this operational base. We conducted an on-the-spot search and recovered weapons used for their criminal activities.

“Following the discovery, operatives raided the surrounding area and arrested additional members of the gang, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in the operation to 14,” he added.

The CP disclosed that the gang operated with at least six vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna, which was used to pick victims from bus stops and other locations.

He, however, added that efforts were ongoing to recover the remaining vehicles.

During the tour, one of the suspects, Rotimi Adilola, admitted that the premises served as an operational base for the group.

Asked who owned the shrine, another suspect, Amos Ogunna, said he was responsible for the place, describing it as similar to a church.

“This is my shrine. He is my friend. I knew him through my brother, and I stayed with him in Ijegun. We are local 419. My colleagues bring customers with a motor. Sometimes people pay N100,000, sometimes N200,000,” he said.

Another suspect, Emmanuel Njoku, who said he was arrested at Bode Thomas, narrated how the victims were lured.

He said, “We go there to carry people. We tell them we are going to Lagos. Somebody will say she has dollars. Anybody who is greedy will ask questions. From there, we interview the person and bring them here.”

Njoku claimed that those who refused to cooperate were sometimes returned after being given transport fare.

The suspect, who claimed to be about 60 years old, admitted he had been involved in the scheme for about eight years in Lagos.

A female suspect, who identified herself as Tina Willy from Akwa Ibom State, told journalists that she became involved after the death of her husband. She also confirmed that some victims had previously been fully kidnapped after refusing to cooperate.

She said, “I am not working with them steadily. My husband died, and I had no money. I met my brother, who introduced me to the business, and that was how I followed them. There was a woman they carried before. She did not play along, and they called her family to pay ransom.”

Another suspect admitted he had earlier been imprisoned for a fraud-related offence involving N300,000, adding that he spent four months in custody.

Jimoh assured Lagos residents that the command was on top of the security situation, adding that investigations would be extended to mop up all members of the syndicate, including those coming from neighbouring states to commit crimes in Lagos.

He also announced the strengthening of the state’s security architecture with the deployment of tactical teams, including an undercover “walk-and-operate” squad, a coast drive strike force, and the soon-to-be-launched anti-crime patrol and community protection squad.

“I want to assure Lagosians to go about their lawful businesses without fear. Full deployment has been carried out across the nooks and crannies of the state,” the CP added.

 

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Lagos Supports Families Of Fallen LASTMA Officers With N40 Million

The Lagos State Government has disbursed a total of ₦40 million as consolatory support to the families and dependants of deceased officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) who lost their lives in the line of duty.

The presentation, coordinated by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, took place at the LASTMA headquarters in Oshodi. Twenty beneficiary families received ₦2 million each.

Speaking at the event, Giwa stressed that the financial support should not be seen as compensation for the loss, noting that no amount of money can equate to the value of human life. He said the gesture was meant to acknowledge the courage, dedication and ultimate sacrifice of the fallen officers.

According to him, the initiative reflects the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to humane governance and the welfare of public servants and their families.

“Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their families will not be abandoned,” Giwa assured.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, described the intervention as a demonstration of empathy and responsible leadership, adding that it would strengthen confidence in government and motivate serving officers.

Also speaking, the LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, paid tribute to the deceased officers, describing them as patriots whose legacy of service and discipline would endure. He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for prioritising human dignity and staff welfare.

Adding a personal touch, the wife of LASTMA’s pioneer General Manager, Mrs Adebayo Coker, urged beneficiaries to invest the support in the education and wellbeing of their children.

Responding on behalf of the families, Mrs Adeyemo Rotimi expressed gratitude to the state government for its compassion and reassurance, saying the gesture had brought comfort and renewed hope.

The ceremony ended with a reaffirmation of the Lagos State Government’s resolve to support its workforce and honour officers who paid the supreme price in public service.

 

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I Dreamt President Tinubu Spent Eight Years In Office - Oba Of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu

The Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has revealed that he had a dream in which he saw President Bola Tinubu spending eight years in office.

Oba Akiolu made the remark on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the 46th Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, to the palace.

The monarch urged Nigerians to exercise patience with President Tinubu, saying the country would begin to experience positive outcomes from the far-reaching reforms introduced by the administration. He described current hardships as temporary sacrifices for long-term national progress.

“I dreamt that President Tinubu will be re-elected and will spend eight years as President of Nigeria,” Akiolu said. “There is no doubt Nigeria has some problems, but we will overcome them. The suffering of today is for a better tomorrow.”

The Oba stressed that the responsibility of securing and rebuilding the country rests on all Nigerians, not only the government, while commending officers and men of the Nigerian Navy for their commitment and professionalism.

He described the role of the Navy in Lagos as critical, noting that there is no well-meaning citizen who would not support the service in carrying out its duties. He also called for the establishment of a joint intelligence board to enhance intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha said the visit was to seek the support of the traditional institution, noting that monarchs play a vital role in maintaining security within their communities.

He said Lagos State occupies a strategic position in the Navy’s operations, as over 70 per cent of cargoes entering Nigeria pass through the state, in addition to its extensive and sensitive waterways.

Mustapha also recalled an earlier encounter with the Oba of Lagos, during which the monarch advised him to prepare early for retirement, an advice he said had been beneficial to his career.

 

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Lagos Government Engages LASU Students On Housing Administration And Delivery In The State

The Lagos State Government is addressing the challenge of mass housing delivery through innovation and robust public-private partnerships across multiple fronts. The delivery of over 11,000 housing units in nearly seven years under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is evidence that the housing deficit could be effectively reduced.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Abdulhafis Toriola, made this known while receiving Master’s students of the Centre for Planning Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, who visited the Ministry.

The visit was designed to expose the postgraduate students to the realities of housing administration, policy implementation, and service delivery in Lagos State, while reinforcing the value of collaboration between academic institutions and government agencies.

 Represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Akanji Shadare, Toriola, an engineer, commended the students and their lecturers for the initiative and applauded their desire to deepen their understanding of the practical application of academic concepts in the built environment. He emphasized the need for the centre and similar departments within the university to continually share research outputs, innovative ideas, and solutions relevant to housing delivery.

 On housing investment, the General Manager of Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC), represented by Mrs. Olabisi Funsho-Peters, Head, Mortgage and Credit Department, engaged the students and staff, highlighting the critical role of mortgage institutions in the real estate value chain. She explained that LBIC is an accredited mortgage bank insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), providing mortgage loans strictly for housing purposes, with up to 70 per cent financing and repayment tenures of 10 years and above.

 Also addressing the team, the Executive Director, Enterprise Services, Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (LSDPC), Mr. Adeniyi Aromolaran, outlined the Corporation’s mandate in providing real estate services, including construction, sale, and rental of properties. He clarified, however, that LSDPC does not engage in social housing.

 Earlier, the Programme Coordinator, Centre for Planning Studies, LASU, Professor Aliyu Ibrahim, stated that the visit aimed to provide firsthand insight into how housing policies and data are generated and managed. He identified four key takeaways: understanding how the Ministry coordinates housing provision across public and private sectors; how housing investment is undertaken; the challenges affecting housing delivery; and how housing provision and distribution have evolved in Lagos State.

 In his remarks, the Director of the Centre, Professor Fatai, noted that the Centre, established in 1989, organized the visit to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience. He added that the engagement was particularly important, as much of the housing data used in academic institutions was sourced from the Ministry of Housing.

 

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Makoko Demolitions: Ezekwesili Accuses Lagos Government Of ‘Class Cleansing’, Land Grabbing

Former Minister of Education and founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG), Obiageli Ezekwesili, has issued an open memorandum to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, condemning the demolition of homes in Makoko and describing the exercise as unconstitutional and unjust.

In the memorandum dated 19 January, Ezekwesili argued that the demolitions amounted to “state-sanctioned oppression of the poor” and an assault on the rights of Nigerian citizens. She questioned whether poverty nullifies citizenship, stating, “Makoko residents are not squatters on the Nigerian soil. They are citizens of Nigeria. They are preyed on by your same political class to vote for your parties during elections. They work. They raise families. Their children, whose education is now disrupted, are some of the most brilliant Nigerians I have met.”

She criticised the Lagos State Government for breaching agreements with community leaders, noting that officials had initially informed residents that demolitions would be limited to structures within 30–50 metres of high-tension power lines.

“Despite the acceptable distance stipulated by law falling within the 30–50 metre range, the demolition has continued far beyond those limits, reportedly surpassing the agreed metre mark and extending deep into the residential core of Makoko,” she wrote. Human rights monitors cited demolitions extending between 277 and 522 metres from the power lines.

Ezekwesili described the exercise as a “fundamental breach of trust and legality” and likened it to a land grab. She referenced reports that at least four people were killed during the demolitions, comparing the situation to the biblical story of Naboth and King Ahab.

“What has happened in Makoko is not about safety nor urban development. What is happening in Makoko is that individuals in authority of the Nigerian State are engaged in a vicious Class Cleansing,” she stated.

She warned that the demolitions had created a humanitarian emergency, with thousands of families rendered homeless. “Many are sleeping in the open, exposed to rain, heat, disease, violence, and hunger. Children have been pulled out of school. Livelihoods have been destroyed overnight,” she said.

Ezekwesili demanded an immediate halt to demolitions, disclosure of the legal standards governing power-line setbacks, provision of emergency shelter and healthcare for displaced families, compensation, and a transparent process for long-term solutions developed with the community. She also called for accountability for the use of force against civilians.

She argued that the demolitions violated constitutional guarantees of dignity, fair hearing, and social justice. “A government cannot create homelessness and then plead administrative delay. A state that leaves citizens homeless after state action has violated everything that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees,” she wrote.

Ezekwesili urged both federal and state authorities to adopt inclusive urban development practices rather than forced evictions. “What will make Lagos a respected mega-city is to strategically build up to the status of an inclusive city. Inclusive cities invest in in-situ upgrading, secure tenure, sanitation, schools, and livelihoods,” she said.

Sending a warning to political leaders, the ex-minister said, “A nation that fails to govern well and turns around to criminalise poverty while celebrating wealth has lost completely its moral compass. Start immediately with the grieving children of Makoko and their families. It is fiercely urgent.”

 

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Traders Lament As Fire Guts Ikeja Computer Village

A major fire gutted a commercial building at Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday, destroying goods valued at several millions of naira, officials said.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of Tuesday on Somoye Street, a busy part of the technology hub, affecting traders dealing in computers and related accessories. The structure, a one-storey building used mainly for storage and sales, was engulfed by flames before emergency services arrived.

Witnesses said the fire began around midnight, with thick smoke and flames quickly consuming the building due to the presence of highly flammable materials. Shop owners were unable to salvage their goods. No fatalities were reported, although one Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service officer sustained minor injuries and received first aid at the scene.

Emergency responders, including personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were mobilised following distress calls. Officials said their prompt intervention contained the fire and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed that all goods and properties in the building were “completely destroyed by the conflagration.” He said emergency teams immediately secured the area and implemented precautionary measures to protect adjacent structures.

“The LASEMA Response Team conducted a risk assessment and cordoned off the affected area. Safety and precautionary measures were activated to forestall damage to adjoining buildings and the immediate environment,” Oke-Osanyintolu said. He added that the structure suffered partial damage and would require further evaluation before reopening.

Firefighting operations concluded after several hours, while cooling activities continued to prevent a fresh outbreak. Traders and residents gathered at the scene to assess the damage, expressing shock and frustration over the losses.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities said they are examining both immediate and underlying factors that could have contributed to the incident.

 

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Red Cross Mobilizes 5000 Volunteers For The Measles–Rubella Vaccination Exercise In Lagos

    The Nigerian Red Cross Society has mobilised about 5,000 volunteers across Lagos State to support the measles–rubella vaccination exercise across Lagos State.

The project, jointly funded by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Red Cross, will see the deployment of 4,857 trained community-based volunteers across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.

Speaking at the ongoing training in Lagos, the Lagos State Branch Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross, Mr. Olakunle Lasisi, said the organisation would work across all 20 local government areas, ensuring that every ward and community is reached.

He said, “Our volunteers are community-based. They live in the communities they serve, and that makes it easier to reach caregivers directly. What we are doing now is the training of trainers. These trainers, known as supervisors, will oversee the volunteers at the local government level.”

According to him, programme coordinators, divisional secretaries and data officers are also being trained to support daily reporting, data collection and monitoring of the exercise. 

He said that any case of resistance or refusal to vaccinate would be flagged and referred to local government health educators and local immunisation officers for follow-up.

Lasisi stressed that the Lagos State Government remains the lead agency for the campaign, with the Red Cross serving as an auxiliary to public authorities. 

After the training of trainers, Lasisi said, step-down training would be conducted at the local government level, ahead of field mobilisation scheduled to begin two days before the commencement of vaccination.

“From experience, our involvement has always yielded strong results. In 2018, we recorded about 99 per cent coverage. With nearly 5,000 carefully selected volunteers this time, we expect nothing less,” he added.

Also speaking, Senior Project Officer of the Nigerian Red Cross, Dr. Ahmad Majid, said the organisation was deploying more than 4,800 volunteers across every local government, ward and community in Lagos to support vaccination teams through mobilisation, referrals and community engagement.

He said, “Our volunteers will also address rumours, myths and misconceptions surrounding vaccines.”

He explained that, in addition to the measles–rubella vaccine, other routine immunisation vaccines, including the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for adolescent girls, would be available during the campaign.

Majid noted that the measles–rubella campaign is part of a national programme being implemented in phases, with earlier phases conducted in northern states, including Kano, where the Red Cross supported mobilisation and capacity building across 14 states.

He urged parents and caregivers to rely on credible sources of information, assuring them of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

“The vaccines are safe, effective and fully paid for by the Nigerian government. People should avoid misinformation and consult health workers, community leaders and trusted platforms such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, WHO, UNICEF and Red Cross channels,” he said. 

IFRC representative Mrs. Sandra Kanezi said the Lagos campaign would run for 12 days, supported by two days of pre-mobilisation and two days of follow-up activities. 

She added that more than 400 supervisors would coordinate over 4,000 volunteers conducting house-to-house mobilisation across the state.

“This campaign is meant to complement routine immunisation and ensure that no child is missed,” she said, expressing optimism that Lagos would record high coverage and reduced measles and rubella burden.

 

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