Fela Becomes The First African To Be Honoured With Lifetime Achievement Award

Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has received a major global honour nearly three decades after his death.

The BBC reported on Friday that the Recording Academy will posthumously confer a Lifetime Achievement Award on the Nigerian music icon at the Grammy Awards, making him the first African to receive the honour.

The award recognises Fela’s lasting impact on global music and culture, according to the BBC

Reacting to the recognition, his son and Afrobeat musician, Seun Kuti, said, “Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time. Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it’s a double victory. It’s bringing balance to a Fela story.”

A former manager and long-time associate of the late singer, Rikki Stein, said the honour was long overdue.

“Africa hasn’t in the past rated very highly in their interests. I think that’s changing quite a bit of late,” Stein said.

The BBC noted that the recognition comes amid rising global interest in African music, driven largely by the international success of Afrobeats, a genre rooted in Fela’s work.

In 2024, the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category, while Nigerian singer Burna Boy earned a nomination this year in the Best Global Music Album category.

Fela’s Lifetime Achievement Award places him among global music legends. Past recipients include Bing Crosby, while this year’s honourees also feature Carlos Santana, Chaka Khan and Paul Simon.

Members of Fela’s family, friends and associates are expected to attend the ceremony to receive the award on his behalf.

“The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it’s my father,” Seun Kuti said.

The BBC described Fela as more than a musician, portraying him as a cultural thinker, political agitator and the creator of Afrobeat.

With drummer Tony Allen, he developed the genre by blending West African rhythms with jazz, funk and highlife, marked by extended improvisation and politically charged lyrics.

During a career that lasted until his death in 1997, Fela released over 50 albums and became a fierce critic of authority, repeatedly clashing with the Nigerian military governments through his music and activism.

 

 

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"I Cannot Dance To Promote My Own Movie", Kunle Afolayan; "Don't Allow Jealousy To Burn You", Funke Akindele Fires Back

A subtle feud appears to be brewing between Nollywood actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, and fellow filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, following recent comments on the sustainability of current movie marketing strategies in the industry.

While Afolayan criticized the prevailing trend in which movie makers, Funke Akindele inclusive, are compelled to market their own movies through dancing and other skits, Funke believes his criticisms are borne out of jealousy.

Akindele is currently Nollywood’s highest-grossing filmmaker with her movie ‘Behind The Scenes, released in 2025, grossing N2,407,000,000. She is well known for her energetic promotional style, often involving dance videos and comedy skits used to market her films across social media platforms.

Akindele’s comments come amid remarks by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, who recently questioned the pressure on filmmakers to constantly create promotional content, particularly dance-driven marketing, to sell their films.

Speaking earlier, Afolayan described such promotional demands as exhausting, recalling his experience in the industry.

“In 2006, I did all the runs, and it was exhausting. I want to make a film if you can guarantee I don’t have to dance to sell that film.

“We need to come up with other strategies. How do we sell without exhausting ourselves?

“I don’t know how the likes of Funke Akindele and others are doing it — creating skits every day, changing costumes all the time. I can’t do it,” he said.

He also raised concerns about the financial returns of cinema successes, arguing that high visibility does not always translate into commensurate earnings for filmmakers.

“I don’t want two billion streams at the cinemas and end up receiving ten million naira,” Afolayan said.

This did not go down well with Funke Akindele. In a series of posts shared on her Instagram Story on Saturday, the actress dismissed suggestions that her approach to movie promotion was hindering the progress of others in the industry, stressing that success in Nollywood should be inclusive.

“I’m not the one hindering your progress. Ka rin ka po, yiye nin ye ni,” she wrote.

She further stated that the entertainment industry was large enough for everyone to thrive, urging colleagues to explore alternative approaches rather than criticising existing ones.

“If you can’t beat them or join them, create your own path. No allow jealousy burn you. The sky is so big for everybody to fly,” Akindele added.

The actress also encouraged filmmakers who find the current trend exhausting to adopt other promotional strategies or engage professional marketing firms.

“Go ahead and create alternative promotion or marketing strategies for promoting your business, or hire a company to handle it. You can do it. The opportunities are endless, and everyone has their own path. I’m focused on mine, and I have faith in God’s plan for me,” she said.

 

 

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Outrage As Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Shows Off The New Tattoo On His Body

Barely a month after Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, said there was nothing wrong with retaining the tattoos on her body despite giving her life to Christ, relationship coach and lead pastor of David Christian Centre (DCC), Kingsley Okonkwo, has sparked an outrage on social media after revealing a new tattoo on his arm. 

The tattoo, which he shared on his Instagram page, with the caption ‘3:16’, has left many of his followers surprised and divided. 

While some supporters argue that faith is about inner conviction, not outward symbols, others question whether tattoos align with the moral image expected of a pastor, citing Leviticus 19:28, which warns against marking the skin.

@iamqneth noted: “The Bible says we should not make a mark on our skin.well I know that the Bible hasn’t changed and God’s word hasn’t change too so all I can say is hmmmmm” 

@ladyrosabel commented: “For those of us that have something to say but decided not to say it, may the peace of the Lord be with us amen”. @iamkingdinero1 shared: “Just know God personally, nó let anyone introduce their own God to you , find your God , know am for yourself’

@sailorojay stated: “It’s baffles me like does this pastor not know it’s a sin to tattoo his skin?? Like I have nothing for tattoos but as a pastor you should be the one person leading your members in the right part with what the Bible teaches. It’s like pastors of these days only use verses in the Bible that favors them and throws the rest out.” @papcy_valery shared: “Leviticus 19:28 Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD.”

Okonkwo, known for his teachings on marriage and relationships, has not publicly addressed the controversy.

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Culled from The Punch 

 

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No Shot Was Fired At Protesters In Alausa - Lagos CP

The Lagos State Police Command has denied claims that its officers shot at residents protesting the demolition of their homes, insisting no gun was fired during Wednesday’s demonstration.

Protesters from communities including Makoko, Oworonshoki, Owode-Onirin and Oko Baba marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly, demanding proper relocation plans, compensation, and justice for residents who reportedly lost their lives during past demolition exercises.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “A megacity cannot be built on the bones and blood of the poor” and “Justice for Owode-Onirin traders,” the protesters demanded compensation, relocation plans, and justice for past demolitions.

Tensions escalated at the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa when demonstrators were denied entry. According to the report, several people, including journalists and a nursing mother, were affected by tear gas fired to disperse the crowd. One protester sustained a leg injury.

A photograph showing an injured protester being assisted to the hospital circulated widely on social media, sparking claims that the individual was shot.

Responding to the reports, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, told Channels Television on Thursday, “No gun was fired. I was there. I was appealing to them to remain peaceful, but they continued to hurl abuses at me. As a police officer, I am trained to work under this kind of pressure, so I did not react.”

He added that the police sought to resolve the situation peacefully.

“We spoke with the leadership of the Lagos State House of Assembly, who promptly — despite being in recess — sent five honourable members to appeal to them. Still, it fell on deaf ears because their aim was to enter the House of Assembly and cause mayhem, which we will not allow.”

He also dismissed reports of bullet wounds reportedly sustained by one of the protesters. He said the case was reported to the area commander, who inspected the injury and determined that it was not caused by a bullet. Jimoh said the injury could have occurred while protesters were fleeing from teargas.

Teargas was used to disperse the crowd, and some injuries were reported. The police chief explained, “When teargas is fired, people run to leave the scene. It is during that process that some may sustain injuries. To our records, nobody reported a gunshot injury to us during the operation after they had been warned that force would be used if they refused to disperse.”

 

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We Are Not Selling Tickets For Lagos–São Paulo Direct Flight - Air Peace

Air Peace has dismissed claims that it sold tickets or stranded Nigerians in connection with the proposed Lagos–São Paulo direct flight, insisting that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between the Nigerian and Brazilian governments was not a flight launch, but a framework to deepen bilateral aviation cooperation.

The airline, in a statement on Friday, described the reports as false, misleading and deliberately sensational.

The statement denied allegations that it connived with the Federal Government to deceive the public over the commencement of the route.

The airline insisted that no tickets were ever sold, no booking platform was opened and no flight date was announced for the Lagos–São Paulo service, stressing that it was therefore impossible for passengers to have been stranded.

“An MoU is a statement of intent. It is not a ticket sale, a flight schedule, or a guarantee of immediate commencement of operations,” the airline added.

It expressed that international long-haul routes required extensive regulatory and operational approvals before operations could begin.

These approvals, it said, included the implementation of Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) frameworks, authorisation from Brazil’s civil aviation authority, airport slot allocations in São Paulo, safety and insurance certifications, as well as aircraft deployment and route-viability assessments.

On fleet availability, the airline declared that it had the capacity to operate the route, noting that it currently operates four Boeing 777-200/300 aircraft, while two of the aircraft are deployed on its London Heathrow and London Gatwick routes and the remaining two are available for other long-haul destinations, including São Paulo, once all regulatory and commercial processes are completed.

Besides, the statement denied making any binding commitment to a specific start date for the route, adding that international route development often takes several years.

It gave an example of its London service, which it said took about seven years from conception to accomplish.

The airline further rejected suggestions that the MoU would automatically lead to reduced international airfares, stating that it did not control global airline pricing or foreign carriers.

“The allegations are an attempt to undermine the airline and discredit the Federal Government,” it added.

The airline noted that preparations for the Lagos–São Paulo route began in 2024 and that it had been engaging Nigerian aviation authorities, the Brazilian government, and other stakeholders to bring the service to reality.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Sexual Harassment In Public Transport: LAMATA Launches Campaign Against Offenders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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Another Romance Scam: Court Remands Man Over N10.5 Million Fraud

Operatives of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Annexe, Alagbon-Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, arraigned a suspected Internet fraudster, Samson Onaolapo, over an alleged romance scam involving the sum of $7,000 (about N10.5 Million).

Onaolapo, popularly described as a “Yahoo boy,” was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Alexander Owoeye.

The defendant was arraigned on four counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing and impersonation, preferred against him by the police.

The defendant, who resides at 34 Association Crescent, Abimbola Awoniyi Estate, Ifako-Ijaiye, Lagos, pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him in court.

The prosecution counsel, Williams Tijani, told the court that the defendant allegedly used his email address, ScothSparks@yahoo.com, to fraudulently impersonate an American citizen, Scott Spark, in order to defraud two victims, Patti Anna and Linda Morgan, of the sum of $7,000.

Tijani further informed the court that the defendant allegedly acquired, retained and took possession of the said sum, knowing or having reasonable grounds to know that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

The prosecutor told the court that  the offences were committed between 2019 and 2024.

According to him, the offences committed contravened provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006; the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024); the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended); and Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Following the defendant’s not-guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date and urged that the defendant be remanded in custody pending the determination of the case.

However, defence counsel, Olalekan Ogunbunmi, told the court that he had just been briefed on the matter and requested a short adjournment to enable him to file a formal bail application on behalf of his client.

In his ruling, Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter to May 27, 2026, for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Correctional Centre pending the hearing and determination of his bail application.

 

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How Husband And Wife Faked Their Own Kidnap In Mushin, Demanding N10 Million Ransom From Family And Friends

A Lagos-based couple, identified simply as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested for allegedly staging their own kidnap and extorting N10m in ransom from their families and friends.

It was gathered that the couple faked the abduction on January 7 to solicit funds for the husband, who intended to return to the United States due to a lack of financial support.

A police source who spoke to newsmen on Thursday said the suspects contacted relatives on both sides of the family and claimed they had been kidnapped while demanding ransom.

The source added that the families raised N10m within three days, believing the money was meant to secure their release.

“The couple faked their kidnapping, thereby calling on friends and families for contributions towards the ransom payment. And what happened was, according to them, the husband wanted to travel back to the US, and he needed some money, but their sponsors were not forthcoming, so they planned it together that maybe by the time they do that, they’ll be able to raise some money.”

Speaking on their arrest, another police source in the command said the couple arranged a location at a school in Cappa in the Mushin area of Lagos, where the ransom was to be delivered.

“Operatives monitoring the area noticed the woman entering the premises alone, while the man arrived separately moments later. However, suspicion was raised when both suspects later emerged together carrying a bag.

“The operatives stopped them, searched the bag, and discovered the ransom money, prompting their immediate arrest. The wife said she was the one who encouraged the husband to make them plot the kidnap.”

The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police, where investigations confirmed that the incident was a case of self-kidnap.

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

She said, “The couple will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”

 

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Lagos Trains Teachers, Students On Wastes Management And Fire Prevention

The Lagos State Government, on Thursday, stepped up efforts to promote environmental sustainability and safety in public schools by training teachers and students on waste management and fire prevention, amid growing concerns over recent fire incidents across the state.

The training, organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together teachers, students and education officials from public secondary schools across the state.

Officials said the initiative was aimed at instilling early awareness of environmental responsibility among students, while equipping teachers with practical knowledge to respond effectively to emergencies, particularly fire outbreaks.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the programme was partly motivated by recent fire incidents in parts of Lagos, as well as the need to strengthen preventive education in schools.

He recalled that fire outbreaks recorded last year in some communities highlighted gaps in safety awareness, stressing that prevention remained the most effective response. The commissioner also referenced the innovation of two Lagos students and their teacher, whose work on fire safety earned the state international recognition.

“Last year, fire outbreaks in some parts of Lagos, and the innovation by two students and their teacher, motivated the passion for organising this programme,” Alli-Balogun said. “Those students represented Lagos State in Singapore, and they did well. It showed what our students can achieve when properly guided.”

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, urged teachers to go beyond theory by ensuring students understand basic safety procedures and environmental practices.

She said schools must serve as centres of behavioural change, where students are taught to be proactive during emergencies and be conscious of their surroundings. According to her, early education remains critical in reducing avoidable disasters linked to human negligence.

Tutor-General of Education District III, Dr Osinaike, described the programme as a vital step in deepening sensitisation among students, while charging teachers to cascade the lessons to their respective schools.

“This training will help students to be more aware, while teachers are expected to carry the message back to their classrooms and school communities,” he said.

Representatives of LAWMA, who facilitated sessions on waste management, emphasised the link between poor environmental practices and public health risks. They encouraged students to adopt a “think, act and do” mindset towards waste disposal, recycling and cleanliness.

The agency also reminded participants of the Lagos State Government’s ban on single-use plastics such as styrofoam, noting that such materials contribute significantly to flooding, environmental degradation and blocked drainage systems, especially during the rainy season.

Fire safety sessions were led by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Goke Babatunde, who represented the Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola.

Babatunde told students that the most effective way to combat fire was prevention, explaining that fire occurs through the interaction of three elements: heat, fuel and oxygen.

“When you remove one of these elements, fire cannot occur,” he said, urging students to report faulty electrical fittings, avoid playing with flammable materials and observe safety rules both at home and in school.

Lagos has, in recent years, intensified public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and waste management, particularly as the state continues to grapple with rapid urbanisation, population growth and environmental pressures.

One of the teachers who attended the program said, while the state is doing its best to promote necessary awareness, providing tools for the realisation of these tasks is also important.

 

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30-Year Old Woman Arrested In Agege For Allegedly Stabbing Her Sister To Death Over Domestic Issues

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old woman for allegedly stabbing her younger sister to death during a domestic dispute.

Security consultant and counter insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, announced her arrest on Thursday in a post he shared on his official X account.

Makama, quoting sources disclosed that the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at about 8:20 p.m. at No. 22 Anikulapo Street, Pen Cinema, Agege.

He said: “According to the source, one Ikechukwu Uka reported that two sisters, Mary Ibekwe, 30, and Favour Uka, 18, had a disagreement which degenerated into a physical fight.

“In the course of the altercation, Mary Ibekwe allegedly stabbed her younger sister with a knife on the left side of her chest,” the source said.

Makama said the police added that the victim was immediately rescued and rushed to Blue Cross Hospital, Ogba, for medical treatment, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

A team of detectives was said to have visited the scene as well as the hospital, where the corpse was inspected and photographed.

“The corpse was later evacuated and deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, for autopsy,” the source said.

The suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody, while investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

The Lagos State Police Command has assured that the case would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted accordingly.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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From Islam To Christianity, Korede Bello Says Christians Should Stop Focusing On The Cross

Singer Korede Bello has shared a reflective message on faith, reaffirming his commitment to Christianity.

In a video on Instagram, Bello questioned the focus on Jesus’ crucifixion, stating that as a Christian, Christ’s sacrifice is complete and there’s no need for re-crucifixion.

“Does Jesus still belong on the cross? Before you crucify me, please be aware that I am a Christian and Christ has already died for me. He has already been crucified for me, so there’ll be no need for that. Jesus never said remember me on the cross. Am I saying the cross is not important? No”, he said.

Bello explained that his message was inspired by a moment of prayer and reflection, during which he realised that Jesus is no longer on the cross but seated next to the Father.

“I was praying and looking at the cross when it hit me that He’s no longer on it. When I think Jesus, I think my identity is seated right next to the Father. That’s where I am,” he said.

He stressed that the resurrection is central to the Christian faith, citing Apostle Paul’s words: “If Christ has not risen, then your faith is futile.”

Bello also shared his personal journey, revealing that he was born and raised a Muslim but became a Christian through personal study of the Bible.

“I was not born a Christian. I was born a Muslim, I had to start at the Bible myself, not for religious reasons, but for personal reasons,” he explained.

He expressed concern that many Christians remain fixated on the image of Christ on the cross, emphasising that their faith and identity should be in the risen Christ.

“Our faith and identity are in the Christ who has ascended and is right next to the Father. When we pray, we’re praying through someone who is not on earth or on the tree. The cross carried our sins. The old identity is gone. Staying there is like nailing Christ over and over again,” he said.

The singer urged believers to focus on love as the true mark of Christian identity, citing Jesus’ teaching: “People will know you’re my followers by the love you have for each other.”

He also spoke on communion, saying it was the true act of remembrance.

“He said when you eat the bread and drink the wine, do it in remembrance of me. He didn’t say remember me on the cross,” Bello added.

He concluded by encouraging Christians to live renewed lives, saying: “Be well, be safe, be renewed, and be Christ-like. Think mega”.

 

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Court Remands Actress Angela Okorie In Prison Over Alleged Cyberstalking

    A Federal High Court, sitting  in Abuja, has ordered the remand of actress, Angela Okorie in the Suleja prison in Niger State following her arraignment on charges of criminal defamation and cyberstalking.

Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday while ruling on an oral bail application made by Okorie’s lawyer, Alex Ejesieme (SAN) shortly after his client pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge brought against her by the police.

Justice Nwite ordered that the mother of one be kept in the prison until January 30 when her bail application would be heard.

Okorie of 1 Henry Montero Street, Lekki Palm City, Ajah, Lagos is alleged, in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/278/2025 to have conspired with Ifeoma Mbonu (now at large) to commit  cyberstalking and defamation by calling a fellow actress, Mercy Johnson Okojie a blood sucking demon in their posts on their social media platforms of Instagram and Tiktok.

The police said the offences, allegedly committed in 2024, violated the Cybercrime (Prohibition Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015.

After Okorie pleaded to the charge, prosecuting lawyer, Victor Okoye urged the court to remand the defendant in Suleja prison and fix a date for the prosecution to open its case.

Ejesieme objected to Okoye’s application, claiming that his client was not afforded adequate time and opportunity to prepare for her defence.

The defence lawyer said even though the prosecution filed the charge since July 2025, it only handed a copy to the defendant about an hour before the commencement of proceedings.

He claimed that his client was never informed about the  case in court but only arrested in Lagos the previous day and brought to Abuja for arraignment. He also claimed that the police denied him access to her for proper briefing.

Ejesieme prayed the court to allow his client to continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted him by the police.

In the alternative, Ejesieme urged the court to release the defendant to him to enable her make provision for her child that has been left alone in Lagos and for her to also file a formal bail application.

The defence lawyer said his client was a single mother of one, who was not afforded time to make adequate arrangement for her child before being brought to Abuja from Lagos. 

Responding, Okoye faulted Ejesieme’s arguments. He argued that the administrative bail granted the defendant has since expired upon her arraignment.

Okoye accused Okorie of jumping bail and failing to honour invitations sent to her to report to the police headquarters in Abuja in respect of the case.

The prosecuting lawyer urged the court to order the defendant to file a formal bail application to enable the prosecution exhibit necessary documents in support of its position that the defendant jumped the administrative bail granted her and also failed to honour past invitations sent to her.

Ruling, Justice Nwite confirmed that the police actually sent an invitation to the defendant on January 16 to report at the headquarters in relation to the case.

The judge however faulted the police for denying the defendant access to her lawyers before the court’s proceedings.

He ordered parties to file and exchange all necessary documents in relation to the formal bail application to be filed by the defendant within 24 hours.

Justice Nwite also ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja prison and to be produced on January 30 for the hearing of her bail application.

Okorie’s case stemmed from a petition by Mercy Johnson Okojie’s lawyer, in which sundry allegations were made against her and Ifeoma.

Part of the petition, dated Mary 14, 2025 reads: “Most alarmingly, in a recent criminal and defamatory publication, Angela Okorie published the following statement via her Instagram page @ realagelaokorie:

‘Blood sucking demon no see blood suck again, E say na slimming tea. Except there’s no God, MJ go and beg people you chop their destinies and destroyed their hornes else no peace for the wicked!!! Gospel songs won’t save you. Your heart Is Dark!!!’

“This malicious statement, clearly targeted at our client, was published with the intent to cause irreparable reputational injury, incite hatred, provoke unrest among the public and further harass and emotionally traumatize our client. 

“The tone, content, and framing of the publication aim to portray our client as a destructive person, despite her widely known public image as a humanitarian and devout Christian mother. 

“The principal suspect, Angela Okorie, has demonstrated a relentless and calculated effort to incite public hatred and threaten public peace by repeatedly using her social media platform for criminal intimidation, false accusations, and criminal defamation. 

“She has become the most aggressive and persistent in this malicious campaign.”

 

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