Five Vehicles Burnt As Petrol Tanker Burst Into Flames Along Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway

No fewer than five vehicles were razed in a fire incident that occurred on Wednesday along the Epe–Ijebu-Ode Expressway in the Eredo Local

Council Development Area of Lagos State.

 It was gathered that the fire began when a 45,000-litre tanker conveying diesel lost control and fell on its side.

 The fall reportedly caused the tanker to spill its contents on the road before it was engulfed in flames.

 The impact of the blaze was said to have destroyed four other vehicles that were parked along the road.

 Eyewitnesses confirmed that at about 1:50 a.m., a fully loaded tanker plying the expressway suddenly lost balance, fell, and burst into flames, causing

widespread destruction.

 Several vehicles on the road were completely razed as the inferno spread rapidly.

 Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,

Shakiru Amodu, disclosed that the tanker, with number plate KWK 833 SK, was conveying diesel when it fell while climbing a hilly part of the expressway.

 He identified the vehicles destroyed in the inferno as a Mazda car, a Nissan car, a Honda Accord car, and a Toyota Hilux, in addition to the tanker.

 “The incident happened at about 2 a.m. We received a distress call and upon arrival at the scene, discovered that a 45,000-litre tanker loaded with diesel

had fallen and spilled its contents on the road before being engulfed in fire.

 “Firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas. Four vehicles parked along the road, as well as the tanker,

were razed. No life was lost in the incident,” Amodu said.

 

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How Lagos Provost Bagged 3-Year Jail Term For Forgery

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Wednesday convicted and sentenced the provost of Adonai Advanced Institute of Management, Samson Orijugo, to three years’ imprisonment for forging a notification of result on the letterhead of Lagos State University.

Justice Modupe Nico-Clay convicted Orijugo on a two-count charge of forgery, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The court found that Orijugo, in 2015 at Badagry, forged a notification of result issued to a student, John Chibuzor Okoro, using LASU letterhead to falsely represent that Adonai Institute was affiliated with LASU.

Orijugo was arraigned on December 2, 2021, pleaded not guilty, and the trial began on March 8, 2022.

The prosecution, led by Mrs T. Olanrewaju-Daud, called three witnesses and tendered seven exhibits, while Orijugo testified in his defence.

In her judgment, Justice Nico-Clay held that the notification of the result tendered before the court was issued by the convict and was forged.

She relied on evidence establishing that Adonai Institute had no affiliation with LASU, contrary to the representations made to the student and his mother.

The first prosecution witness, Patience Okoro, the student’s mother, testified that Orijugo introduced himself as the provost of a Benin Republic-based institution affiliated with LASU.

She said he issued her son a notification of result on LASU letterhead after completing his studies.

Okoro told the court that she met Orijugo on May 12, 2012, in a commercial bus while returning from Iyana Oba Market.

According to her, Orijugo spoke about Adonai University, gave her flyers, and claimed the institution was affiliated with LASU.

Okoro explained that she expressed doubts because she was a LASU graduate and had never heard of such an affiliation, but Orijugo insisted that the university was one of the best in the Benin Republic and affiliated with LASU.

Okoro later visited Orijugo’s residence with her son, where he showed them transcripts translated into English on LASU letterhead.

Okoro further testified that she made independent enquiries at the Federal Ministry of Education in Abuja, where officials said the school was recognised but were unaware of any English or French sections.

 

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Driver Flees As Truck Runs Into Commercial Vehicles In Alimosho

Two persons have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries following a multiple-vehicle collision at Iyana Meiran in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The accident, which occurred on Meiran Road near the Primary Health Centre, involved a silo mixer truck, a commercial minibus and four tricycles.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Taofiq Adebayo, stated that preliminary findings indicated that the silo mixer truck, allegedly driven at high speed, suffered brake failure, lost control and rammed into the vehicles.

The impact, according to the agency, led to severe damage, with several commuters trapped in the wreckage.

“Preliminary security findings revealed that the tragic occurrence was triggered by a Dangote Silo Mixer Truck, which, while being operated at an inordinately high speed, suffered a sudden brake failure and consequently lost control.

“The runaway truck forcefully rammed into a commercial minibus, popularly referred to as ‘Korope’ (EPP 541 YF), as well as four tricycles (Marwa): KTU 360 QN, LND 444 QL, LSR 444 QN, and EKY 122 QP.

“The violent impact culminated in extensive destruction, trapping commuters amid mangled vehicles and twisted wreckage,” the statement partly read.

Adebayo added that LASTMA officials, with the assistance of passersby, rescued three critically injured victims from the crushed vehicles and immediately evacuated them.

According to him, LASTMA officials immediately cordoned off the entire corridor and instituted comprehensive traffic control and diversion measures to ensure the safety of responders and forestall secondary collisions.

He further stated that security operatives from the Meiran Police Division were also alerted, with the Divisional Police Officer leading officers to the scene to provide security during rescue and recovery operations.

The driver of the Dangote mixer truck, however, reportedly fled the scene after the crash, while the remains of the two deceased victims were handed over to the police, who conveyed them from the scene with an ambulance.

Reacting, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

 Bakare-Oki urged motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to ensure that their braking systems and other critical components are in good condition before embarking on any journey.

He also warned against speeding, noting that mechanical negligence and excessive speed remain major and avoidable causes of fatal road crashes in the state.

“He reiterated the Agency’s unwavering commitment to the preservation of lives and property on Lagos roads and re-emphasised the critical obligation of all motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty and articulated vehicles, to ensure that their braking systems and other vital mechanical components are thoroughly inspected and certified roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

“Mr Bakare-Oki further admonished drivers to adhere strictly to government-regulated speed limits, stressing that mechanical negligence and excessive speeding remain persistent and avoidable causes of fatal road crashes.

“LASTMA once again appeals to all road users to exercise utmost caution, prioritise vehicle roadworthiness and uphold traffic regulations in the collective interest of public safety across Lagos State,” the statement added.

 

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Detty December Boxing Tournament: "Why Fighting In Lagos Means Everything To Me" - British-Born Nigerian Heavyweight, Lawrence Okoli

British-Nigerian heavyweight contender Lawrence Okolie says fighting in Lagos carries deep personal meaning as he prepares to make his African debut at Chaos in the Ring II on Sunday, December 21.

The two-weight world champion and WBC number one heavyweight contender will headline his first professional fight on African soil when he faces Ghanaian powerhouse Ebenezer Tetteh at the Detty December Festival Grounds in Lagos.

“Fighting in Lagos means everything to me,” Okolie said.

“This is where my family is from. This is the dream. Under the Detty December lights, I’m putting on a show you won’t forget.”

Born in London to Nigerian parents, the 33-year-old Okolie won the WBO cruiserweight title in 2021 with a sixth-round knockout of Krzysztof Glowacki, successfully defended the belt, and later captured the WBC bridgerweight world title before moving up to heavyweight.

Standing in his way is Tetteh (23-3, 20 KOs), a rugged Ghanaian veteran known for his durability and knockout power. Tetteh recently went seven hard rounds with British heavyweight contender Dillian Whyte and has vowed to push Okolie into a gruelling test.

The event, broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, is being staged by former world champion turned promoter Amir Khan and Ezekiel Adamu, CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, following the success of the inaugural edition in October.

“This card is here to make a statement,” Dr Adamu said.

“Africa is ready to host the biggest nights in world boxing, and Chaos in the Ring II is proof.”

Khan added, “I’ve fought all over the world, but this Lagos card is special. Okolie headlining in Africa for the first time, a stacked heavyweight lineup, and Detty December behind us, we are giving fans a night they’ll never forget.”

The co-main event features towering French heavyweight Tony Yoka (14-3, 11 KOs), the 2016 Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist, who faces German veteran Patrick Korte (23-5-1, 19 KOs) in a ten-round contest as Yoka seeks a return to world title contention.

The undercard includes two all-Nigerian six-round bouts with Basit Adebayo (9-0, 4 KOs) facing Sikiru Shogbesan (23-3-1, 10 KOs), and Isaac Chukwudi (5-3-1, 3 KOs) versus unbeaten puncher Raheem Animashaun (18-0, 12 KOs).

Further action sees Ghanaian super middleweight Elvis Ahorgah (15-4, 13 KOs) take on rising British star Harley Benn (9-2, 1 KO), while unbeaten prospects Shiloh Defreitas (6-0, 3 KOs) and Taye Fajimi (10-0, 4 KOs) clash in a compelling matchup.

The night also features a four-round women’s contest between Nene Joy Ojo (2-1, 2 KOs) and unbeaten Sandra Darkwah Boateng (5-0).

 

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I Cut Short My Mainland Party Concert Due To Safety Concerns, Afrobeatts Rising Star, Fola Apologizes To Fans

Afrobeats singer, Folarin Odunlami, popularly known as Fola, has apologised to fans after his first headline performance at the Mainland Block Party was cut short due to safety concerns caused by overcrowding at the venue.

The incident happened on Monday, December 15, in Lagos, when a large turnout of fans reportedly pushed attendance beyond approved limits, forcing organisers to halt the show over safety concerns.

According to reports from fans and organisers, the crowd became uncontrollable, raising fears about safety as movement inside the venue became difficult.

Some ticket holders also complained that they were denied entry despite purchasing tickets sold in batches.

Fola, who managed to perform briefly before leaving the stage, addressed the situation on Tuesday via his X handle, where he took responsibility for the disappointment felt by fans and explained that safety informed the decision to stop the show.

“My people, I’m really sorry about how last night went,” the singer said.

He also expressed concern over reports that some fans sustained injuries during the disruption, stressing that such incidents should never occur at live shows.

“People were hurt, and that should never happen. I had to stop the show because safety comes before anything else,” he said.

The singer assured fans that their voices had been heard and promised that efforts were ongoing to address the situation and make amends.

“I hear you on all fronts, and we’re working to make things right,” he added.

The concert, which had generated excitement among fans of the 2025 Afrobeats breakout star known for songs like Lost and Bye Bye, sparked widespread backlash online.

Many social media users blamed both the organisers and the artiste’s team, citing poor planning and weak crowd control.

Reacting separately, Dangbana Republik, the record label Fola is signed to, also released a statement on X acknowledging lapses during the event and restating its commitment to fan safety.

“We acknowledge the serious safety issues that occurred at the event organised by Mainland Block Party,” the label said.

The label confirmed that the venue exceeded its capacity, creating what it described as unsafe conditions.

“The venue capacity was exceeded, resulting in unsafe conditions that should never have happened,” the statement said.

It added that the decision to halt the performance was taken immediately once it became clear that fans were at risk, noting that discussions were ongoing with the organisers.

“Once it became clear that fans were at risk, the performance was stopped immediately. We are working with the organisers to ensure adequate measures are taken to address the concerns of those affected. Your safety remains non-negotiable to us,” it added.

 

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The Efficacy Of Blood Transfusion In Lagos May No Longer Be Guaranteed If JOHESU's Strike Is Allowed To Go On, Lab Directors Warn Sanwo-Olu

 The Guild of Medical Laboratory Directors (GMLD), Lagos State chapter, has called on the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene in the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

The appeal was made in a statement signed on Wednesday by the chairman, Adekoya Abimbola Julius, and the secretary general, Dr Leo Aniakor.

In the statement, the guild said the strike has begun to affect healthcare delivery across the state, particularly laboratory services critical to patient care.

“The withdrawal of services at screening centres has significantly constrained critical laboratory testing required for safe blood transfusion and effective patient management,” the guild said.

It warned that the disruption is already causing delays in diagnosis and treatment, adding that such delays pose serious risks to lives.

“These disruptions are causing avoidable delays in diagnosis and treatment, thereby placing the health and lives of Lagos residents at serious risk,” the statement added.

The guild also expressed concern that investments made by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee could be undermined if the strike continues.

It said, “The notable progress and investments made by the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Committee in strengthening safe and reliable blood services may be eroded if the industrial action persists.”

Calling for dialogue, the guild stressed that no Lagos resident should suffer preventable illness or death over issues that can be resolved through negotiation.

“No resident of Lagos State should suffer preventable illness or loss of life over matters that are ultimately resolvable through dialogue and negotiation,” it said.

The guild urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to use his office to facilitate engagement among all parties and bring the strike to a peaceful end.

The appeal comes amid the decision by JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations to continue their ongoing indefinite strike.

The unions had earlier vowed not to suspend the industrial action unless the Federal Government addresses their demands, particularly the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

In an interview with journalists, National Secretary of the unions, Martin Egbanubi, said the strike would continue, insisting that the government had failed to act despite meetings held since the action began.

“For now, we have resolved to continue the strike. We met with the government twice since the commencement of the strike, and nothing has changed,” Egbanubi said.

He added that the unions would not accept intimidation or sanctions against their members, stressing that the delay in implementing the adjusted CONHESS since 2022 remains the core issue.

Egbanubi also accused successive administrations of failing to address salary disparities among health workers, noting that the unions had narrowed their demands to the implementation of the adjusted salary structure.

JOHESU, which commenced the nationwide strike on November 15, 2025, represents several unions, including the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and other health sector staff associations.

 

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Wike's Faction Dissolves PDP's Exco In Lagos And 13 Other States

The National Working Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dissolved the party’s state executive committees in Lagos state. Also dissolved were the executives of Delta, Kano, and 11 other states. The party also declared that it remains “strong, united and indivisible” under a single, legitimate leadership.

Rising from its meeting held         yesterday, the committee issued a communiqué in Abuja, insisting that there is only one recognised PDP leadership under the chairmanship of Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The committee dismissed claims in some quarters that parallel party executives had been recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning individuals and groups “bent on bringing the image of the party into disrepute” to desist immediately.

According to the committee, reports suggesting that an “illegal” executive loyal to Tanimu Turaki had been accepted by INEC were false.

“The claims making the rounds in the media that the Turaki illegal executives have been accepted by INEC are untrue,” the committee said, challenging Turaki to produce “the code with which he uploaded his executives to the INEC portal.”

The caretaker committee further ratified the dissolution of some state working committees and confirmed the constitution of caretaker committees to oversee party affairs in the affected states.

The dissolved state working committees are those of Borno, Bauchi, Oyo, Zamfara, Yobe, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Taraba, Kano and Lagos states.

In a move aimed at strengthening internal administration, the committee also assigned portfolios to some of its members. Professor Adenike Ogunse was named Women Leader; Engineer Deji Dohati, Deputy National Secretary; Senator Olaka Ogunwu, Treasurer; Hon. Jungu Haruna Mohammed, Publicity Secretary; while Ambassador Dr. Ibrahim Bala-Aboki was assigned to function as Youth Leader.

The committee approved a calendar for the conduct of state congresses, scheduled to commence on January 9, 2026. It noted that the date for the national convention would be fixed only after the successful conclusion of the state congresses, adding that a detailed timetable would be released in due course.

In his opening remarks, the Acting Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, thanked the party leadership, the Board of Trustees, and the party’s leader and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for entrusting the committee with a 60-day mandate to oversee party affairs.

Mohammed said the caretaker committee was determined to ensure that the PDP’s activities across the federation were conducted in line with the party’s constitution and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“I want to use this opportunity to call the attention of the public who may be hearing and seeing gatherings and meetings here and there. The public should not be panicked. We have only one PDP under my leadership and my team as the caretaker committee of our great party,” he said.

According to him, the committee is well aligned with the law and has the capacity to manage the day-to-day affairs of the party nationwide.

“With this, I want to assure everyone, especially the press, that there is only one recognised PDP leadership under my chairmanship,” Mohammed added.

 

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