Politics

Tight Security as Lagos APC Chairmanship Primaries Holds

By Web News 143

The All Progressives Congress Local Government chairmanship primaries are currently underway at the party secretariat in Ikeja, amid heavy security.

According to reports, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed July 12 to conduct elections into the 20 Local Governments and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the state.

There is a heavy presence of police operatives at the venue to ensure a  hitch-free conduct.

The state  Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, is seen monitoring the security situation within and around the venue.

Operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Security were also on the ground to provide security.

Vehicular movements on the entire stretch of the road leading to the venue was restricted, as Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority were sighted at strategic locations.

The development created gridlock around ACME Road and other roads, forcing vehicles to take alternative routes to access their destinations.

Reports say that hundreds of delegates from the different Councils areas were screened for accreditation.

Addressing newsmen briefly before the commencement of the delegates’ accreditation, the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Mr Babatunde Ogala, called for fair reportage from the media.

According to him, though the accreditation was supposed to start at 9am, the committee delayed commencement by some minutes to ensure delegates coming from far places were part of the process.

NAN/Adebukola Aluko

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Lifestyle

A Homecoming to Remember: CMS Old Grammarian Society Reunites, Honours Departed Friends

By Web News 291

By Dominic Mokikan

The flames of love, laughter and timeless memories were rekindled at the at the Ogba, Ikeja facility of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, when the 1988 set of the Old Grammarian Society of CMS Grammar School, Lagos, came together for their reunion for this year.

It was indeed a memorable time as members trooped in from within and outside the shores of Nigeria for the colourful event that evoked the Grammarian Spirit.

The joy was palpable as warm smiles kissed fond memories that refused to fade.

In the warmth of reunion, shadows of memories past whispered the names of friends who had passed on.

The meeting also featured the presentation of cash gifts and food items to the families of five deceased members, while other interested members also benefitted from free screening for prostate cancer.

The President- General (world wide) of the Society, Mr. Cyril Ogbekene rejoiced with the set members for having the grace to close the year 2024 with thanksgiving.

He said, “as the President General of the Society world wide, I’m striving to build a strong and reliable central body, which can only be possible by strengthening all the sets of the Society across the nations of the world”.

Ogbekene who maintained that the successful hosting of the programme had showcased the ’88 set as a key stakeholder in the efforts to achieve the association’s set-goals also applauded the love extended to the families of deceased members and encouraged them to bring in more of their colleagues into their fold.

Chairman of OGS “88 Set, Mr Biodun Ogunlayi described the group as a united big family, stating that investments programmes had been initiated towards improving the lives of members and urged them to take advantage of the opportunity.

He commended the Executive members for their exemplary support and commitment.

Earlier in his address of welcome, Chairman, Organizing Committee of the End of the Year Party, Mr Omololu Elias, who spoke through Mr. Yinusa Akinbowale said the event was to appreciate God Almighty for His kindness upon the members.

He enjoined members to always be their brothers’ keepers in order to make life better for all.

According to the Publicity Secretary for the Set, Mr Saliu Adeniyi, representatives of the family members of deceased colleagues also expressed appreciation to the the 1988 Set of the Old Grammarian Society of CMS Grammar School, Lagos for giving them the opportunity to celebrate and sustain the good memories of their late family members.

Transportation

Lone Accident on Lagos-Ibadan Express Leaves Three Dead

By Web News 599

By Olusegun Folarin 

Three persons have been presumed dead while two people sustained varying degrees of injuries in a line crash on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around Fidiwo Bridge.

The lone accident involved a Toyota Jeep marked BDG213BJ.

The Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun Sector Command, Mrs Florence Okpe who confirmed the crash in a statement in Abeokuta said that out of the 5 persons involved 2 got injured while the remaining 03 were killed from the lone crash.

She attributed the cause of the lone crash to Tyre bust speed which led to loss of control and the vehicle crash under the bridge

Mrs Okpe pointed out that the injured victims were taken to a private Hospital, Ogere while the corpses were also deposited at a private Morgue in  Ipara.

She advised motorists to drive within the stipulated speed limit and always go on a routine check to detect any fault on a vehicle. 

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Transportation

Six Feared Dead, 21 Injured in Lagos-Ibadan Road Mishap

By Web News 481

By Olusegun Folarin 

Six people have been presumed dead while 21 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries while 26 people escaped unhurt in a separate accident that occurred in different locations in Ogun State.

The first crash which occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway around the FIDIWO area of the state involved a Toyota bus marked GBJ915XA Toyot and a golf car with no registration number but Golf car. 

The second lone accident which occurred on Ore- Ijebu-ode section of the expressway after Ajede junction involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number RBC213XT.

The Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Mrs Florence Okpe said the third accident occurred on Ore-Ijebu-ode expressway after Ajebamidele bridge.

Mrs Okpe explained that the crash involved IVECO Truck with registration number TRE265XB Luxury bus with no number on it.

She said out of the 29 people involved in the third crash 2 persons were injured and 1 death while 26 people were unhurt in the accident 

According to the Mrs Okpe, the suspected cause of the crash were wrongful overtaking, Speed and the vehicle loss  control and crash . 

Mrs Okpe said the injured victims were taken to Private health facilities in Ogere and ijebu while the corpses were deposited at a private MORGUE in IPARA

and General Hospital Ijebu-ode while the corpses were deposited at the General Hospital morgue.

She said the Sector Commander, Mr ANTHONY UGA advised motorists to drive cautiously and have enough rest to avoid fatigue. 

He  also sympathize with the family of the crash victims . 

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Human Angle

Woman Jumps into River from Moving Boat In Lagos

By Web News 455

A woman, who boarded a boat from Igando in Lagos State to Ogun has allegedly jumped into the river from the moving boat, the police have said.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday evening, said that rescue teams were already searching for the woman.

Hundeyin said one Rasaq reported the case to the Igando Police Division on Sunday at about 8 am.

According to Rasaq, at about 10 pm on Saturday, one Folashade Nimotalahi, of yet be known address, boarded a boat from their Isuti Jet, Isuti Road, Igando in Lagos, going to Totowu in Ogun.

“There were 12 passengers on board. Suddenly, the woman removed the life jacket she was wearing and jumped into the river.

“She left behind one nylon bag containing a bottle of sniper, Alimosho General Hospital cards and some drugs,” the  PPRO quoted Rasaq to have said.

Hundeyin said that the scene of the incident was visited immediately by detectives from the division.

He said a search party has been contacted to recover the corpse, while investigation was ongoing as they make efforts to contact the family.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

NDLEA Swoops on Skuchies Factories, Arrests 26-Year-Old Lady

By Web News 415

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have nabbed a 26-year-old lady, Obasanmi Esther Iyanu, who produces and distributes skuchies during a raid on her hideout in Osogbo, the Osun state capital.

At least, 16.5 litres of the illicit substance and different quantities of molly and cannabis were recovered from her during the raid.

This is just as NDLEA operatives in Lagos state also on Wednesday 6th March arrested Aba Thomas at Igbo Elerin area of the state.

During a raid, 84 litres of skuchies, 1.1 litres of codeine syrup, 4kg cannabis sativa, and 800 tablets of tramadol 225mg were seized from him.

Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi who made this known, disclosed that operatives intercepted a consignment of illicit drug consignment concealed in the engine compartment of an inter-state commercial bus and arrested two grandfathers over drug trafficking.

He said, “No fewer than 5.2kg of cannabis sativa and opioids were discovered in the engine compartment of an inter-state commercial bus marked VDY 187 XA on Thursday 7th March 2024 along Gbongan – Ibadan road, Osun state by NDLEA officers on stop and search operation on the highway.

“The bus driver, Iorliam Sughnen Dominic, 35, who took responsibility for the concealment was taken into custody for further investigation.

“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Borno state have arrested a 70-year-old grandfather, Mallam Mai Gemu Adam and 65-year-old Yamama Musa for drug trafficking.

“They were arrested on Saturday 9th March along with 24-year-old Abubakar Ya’u and Babagana Abubakar Ali, 28, in Maiduguri and Gamboru-Ngala respectively while 32,000 ampoules of tramadol injection were recovered from them.

He said, “No fewer than 5.2kg of cannabis sativa and opioids were discovered in the engine compartment of an inter-state commercial bus marked VDY 187 XA on Thursday 7th March 2024 along Gbongan – Ibadan road, Osun state by NDLEA officers on stop and search operation on the highway.

“The bus driver, Iorliam Sughnen Dominic, 35, who took responsibility for the concealment was taken into custody for further investigation.

“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives in Borno state have arrested a 70-year-old grandfather, Mallam Mai Gemu Adam and 65-year-old Yamama Musa for drug trafficking.

“They were arrested on Saturday 9th March along with 24-year-old Abubakar Ya’u and Babagana Abubakar Ali, 28, in Maiduguri and Gamboru-Ngala respectively while 32,000 ampoules of tramadol injection were recovered from them.

“Same day, operatives at Geidam in Yobe state intercepted a Golf 3 salon car heading to Gagamari in Niger republic, where the occupant, Alhaji Mala Tijjani, 28, was to deliver 40 blocks of cannabis weighing 24.5kg to another dealer.

“Another 42 cartons containing 8,400 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 1,260 kilograms were recovered from a driver, Mutari Ya’u, 29, at Katsina road, Kaduna on Tuesday 5th March.

“In Kano state, Nura Yusuf, 35, was arrested with 62kg cannabis at Gadar Tamburawa area, where Abubakar Sani, 40, was also nabbed with 244 bottles of codeine syrup, while Mohammad Alkali, 28, was found with 49, 800 pills of tramadol along Kano-Maiduguri road, on Thursday 7th March.

“No fewer than eight suspects were arrested on Friday 8th March when NDLEA officers raided the notorious Karu abattoir drug joint in the FCT, Abuja with 51.3kg cannabis recovered from them.

“Those arrested include Buhari Muhammadu; Jamilu Muhammed; Abubakar Wappa; Yahaya Tasiu; Ezekiel Mulanda; Abba Haruna; Habibu Umar and Shamsu Lawali.

“In Plateau state, two suspects: Pam Thomas, 45, and Stephen Nyam,38, were on Monday 4th March arrested with cannabis weighing 611.428kg at Zawan, Jos South,.

“In Kogi state, NDLEA officers intercepted a commercial J5 bus coming from Onitsha, Anambra state to Zaria, Kaduna state on Wednesday 6th March along Okene-Lokoja-Abuja expressway where a total of 8,580 pills of tramadol and exol-5 were seized from a suspect, Yusuf Abdullahi, 40.

“In Enugu, operatives on Tuesday 5th March raided some locked-up shops at the new market in Enugu metropolitan area where 371.42kg cannabis and 9.49 grams of methamphetamine were recovered.

“The NDLEA Commands across the country in the same vein balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities.

“Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture for 1,320 students of Government Secondary School, Madakiya, Kafanchan LGA, Kaduna; students and teachers of Kingdom Heritage School, Badagry, Lagos; students of Comprehensive Secondary School, Bichi, Kano.

Others were WADA advocacy visit to Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji and her Abia State counterpart, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, among several others.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) commended the efforts of the Borno, Kogi, Kaduna, Kano, Osun, Lagos, Plateau, Enugu, Yobe and FCT Commands of the Agency for jobs well done in the past week.

He charged them and their compatriots in other formations nationwide not to rest on their oars as they continued to intensify their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction activities.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Labour

Sanwo-Olu Slashes Work Days to 3 for Civil Servants

By Web News 355

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced that civil servants from levels 1–14 will begin to work three days a week as part of measures to ease the economic challenges facing residents.

Sanwo-Olu made this announcement during a live media chat, tagged, ‘Sanwo Speaks’ in Lagos on Thursday.

The governor, however, said workers in the teaching sector will maintain the five-day-a-week work schedule, adding that the government will ensure additional transport support for them.

He said, “We want to start with our public servants, immediately from next week, Civil servants from the lower level will be working like three times a week and level 15-17 can work four times in a week.”

On the rising cost of food, he added that his administration would open more markets where Lagosians can buy food items at discounted rates.

He said, “We will open Sunday Markets in at least 42 identified markets across Lagos State. You will be able to buy food items at a discounted price. You will only be able to buy items worth up to N25,000.”

Sanwo-Olu added that the 25% reduction on transport services will start this weekend for the State Public Transport system (BRT, Train, Ferry).

The governor noted that his administration was also in discussions with various transport unions to reduce their fares.

“First is to express empathy with our citizens, We are not unmindful of the situation, as leaders, we must be able to solve socioeconomic problems,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also challenged the private sector to look into what they can do for the citizens by replicating their role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Entertainment

Entertainment Industry is growing so fast and so well – Otunba Adeneye

By Web News 539

Spicy & Trendy With Adetutu Adetule/Taiwo Akinola

Media entrepreneur and a politician, Otunba Dayo Adeneye popularly known as D1, has expressed a heartfelt joy over how successful the industry is growing.

He made this known during an interview with Trendy & Spicy.

He said, the music, language and culture of Nigeria have been exported globally, saying, it was a great pride for the country at large.

Otunba Dayo Adeneye however advised the upcoming artistes, and the present entertainers who have gained their grounds in the industry not to relent in what Nigeria and Africa have to offer.

He further advised the young stars to keep cooking the best beat, remembering to remain true to their culture and heritage, not copying the Americans and their game, because, they cannot beat them at rap, adding that, continuing to project Nigeria and Africa in a positive way would go a long way.

He urged the artistes to involve esteemed record label that would protect their interest at all times in their music which would speedily take them to their stardom.

News

Lagos Seals Two Traditional Birth Attendant Facilities

By Web News 307

The Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board has sealed two traditional birth attendant facilities for flouting practice regulations.

The facilities were sealed during an operation of the board to combat non-compliance with the code of conduct of traditional medicine practice in the state, according to a statement on the government’s official website.

The two traditional birth attendant facilities found wanting were sealed at No. 58, Willoughby Street, Ebute-Metta and 12, Ogunnaike Street, Agege, area of the state.

Speaking during the enforcement operation, Mrs, Adams Aisha, who led LSTMB’s inspectorate team,  said the facilities were sealed to protect public health and safety in the state.

She said the inspectorate team mobilised personnel of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps to ensure swift and effective response to protect the well-being of Lagosians.

According to Adams, the Board strives to protect the public from unscrupulous traditional medicine practitioners and promote the responsible use of traditional medicine for the benefit of all through continuous clampdown and ongoing initiatives.

She said, “The Board’s operation is rooted in its commitment to create a structured Traditional Medicine practice that is respected, standardised, documented, modernised and protected.”

Adams, therefore, urged practitioners and the public to collaborate in upholding the best standards, while prioritising the well-being of patients seeking treatments.

The Lagos government had on Sunday said it would impose sanctions on traditional medical practitioners operating in the state who fail to register their business with the traditional medicine board.

The LSTMB Registrar, Babatunde Adele, made this known in a statement on January 21.

The government ordered all traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine practitioners to regularise their registration by visiting the head office of the agency on or before Friday, February 6, 2024.

“The order for registration was necessitated owing to the increasing and unbearable level of quackery in the field of traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine,” Adele had said.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Environment

Lagos Warns Markets, Seals Two for Reckless Waste Disposal

By Web News 499

The Lagos State Government has sealed Oke-Afa market, Isolo, and Katangua market, Abule Egba, for violating waste disposal regulations, including sundry unhygienic practices around the markets, which constitute grave environmental infractions.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos Waste Management Authority, Mrs Folashade Kadiri.

LAWMA said the closure of the markets became expedient to curb mounting environmental health concerns.

Commenting on the development, the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said the government’s zero tolerance for waste initiative which started last year was still on course.

Wahab warned that any market or facility engaging in reckless waste disposal would be sanctioned.

“The government has not jettisoned its zero tolerance for waste initiative which we have been pursuing since last year.

“The only way for markets and traders is to engage in decent and civilised waste disposal practices as outlined by LAWMA

“Any market or facility that runs foul of this arrangement will face sanctions,” Wahab said.

The commissioner assured residents that the markets would remain sealed until stringent hygiene and waste disposal measures are implemented and compliance maintained.

He added that the state government was totally committed to ensuring cleanliness in all parts of the metropolis.

“The health and well-being of our residents are paramount. We cannot allow a few persons to endanger the health of many through irresponsible environmental practices.

“The sealing of these markets is a necessary step to compel compliance and safeguard public health,” Wahab said.

The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, urged various market executives to always mobilise their members to abide by waste management regulations, including the use of the double dino bins provided for markets and observance of hygienic habits in their activities.

Gbadegesin said that the rules of engagement were simple enough, adding that traders were all familiar with them

“Do not dispose of waste recklessly; use the dino bins; shun waste disposal on road medians around markets; deploy waste policing to prevent and apprehend outsiders messing up your markets and pay your waste bills promptly. It is as simple as that,” Gbadegesin said.

He warned that the zero-tolerance initiative would be pursued more vigorously this year, adding that markets that refuse to embrace basic and decent waste disposal practices would not escape sanctions.

Gbadegesin further appealed to market executives to work harder on mobilising their members to do what is right to preserve the environment for the good of everyone.

The LAWMA boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment, stressing that cooperation from all stakeholders, including market operators and traders, was crucial.

“LAWMA deploys resources daily to clear waste from markets across the state.

“However, our efforts are often hampered by poor waste Management practice,” Gbadegesin said.

NAN/Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

Accident Claims Three on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

By Web News 584

By Omolara Adasofunjo 

A fatal  accident between IVECO trucks with registration number AAB 414 ZY and a Cabster, ZUR 601 XY at Kara bridge inbound on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway has claimed three lives

According to a release by the public relations officer, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, the hoodlums, who had believed that the accident was caused by the truck, set it ablaze.

Mr Akinbiyi said the Iveco truck developed a mechanical fault on the road after colliding with another vehicle which drove against traffic, inbound Lagos on the Kara bridge.

He explained that while the driver and the motor boy were trying to sort out mechanical fault on the road, a Cabstar, loaded with watermelon which was at excessive speed, lost control and rammed into the Iveco truck from behind, killing all the 3 occupants in the Cabstar, including the driver.

According to him, some hoodlums from nowhere stormed the Kara bridge and set the Iveco truck ablaze because they believed the Iveco truck caused the accident.

He noted that it took the intervention of TRACE, POLICE and the Ogun State Fire Service before normalcy could be restored on the Kara bridge for incoming vehicles inbound Lagos at that hour.

The TRACE PRO said that all three commuters who lost their lives in the Cabstar had been taken away by their family members for burial and the accident vehicles were towed to Adigboluja Police Station Ojodu fir further investigation.

Politics

Supreme Court Affirms Yusuf, Sanwo-Olu, Muhammed’s Victory

By Web News 395

By Ifeoma Nwovu

The Supreme Court has affirmed the outcomes of the 2023 governorship elections in Lagos, Kano, and Bauchi states.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeal, which had confirmed the re-election of Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Governor of Lagos State.

In a lead judgement delivered by Justice Garba Lawal, the 5-man panel of the apex court unanimously held that the appeal by the Labour Party and its governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, was unmeritorious and therefore liable for dismissal.

The apex court ruled that all parties should bear their respective costs.

The Lagos State Division of the Court of Appeal dismissed Rhodes-Vivour’s appeal on November 15, 2023, having affirmed the decision of the Lagos State Governorship Tribunal, which upheld Sanwo-Olu’s re-election.

The Labour Party and its gubernatorial candidate had urged the court to allow the appeal, set aside the decision of the tribunal, and grant the reliefs sought.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Sanwo-Olu, winner of the governorship election having polled 762,134 votes to defeat his close challenger, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour of the Labour Party (LP), who scored 312,329 votes.

S’Court upholds Bala Mohammed’s victory as Bauchi Governor

Similarly, the Supreme Court declared the election of Senator Bala Mohammed as Governor of Bauchi State.

In a lead judgement, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which on November 17, 2023, upheld the election of Bala Mohammed as the duly elected Governor of Bauchi State.

The unanimous judgement of the 5-man panel was on an appeal by the gubernatorial candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Amb Saddique Baba Abubakar, who was not satisfied with INEC’s declaration of Bala as winner of the March 18 governorship election in the State.

Justice Saulawa held that Abubakar’s appeal was “devoid of merit” since all six issues adopted for determination were answered against the appellant.

The Bauchi Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, had earlier declared Bala Mohammed the winner of the election.

Bala, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, polled 525,280 votes to defeat Abubakar

Plateau, Ebonyi, Cross River, Jigawa and Bauchi await fate.

NNPP’s Yusuf reinstated as Kano Governor

Also affirmed by the Apex Court is the election of Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) of Kano State.

Justice Inyang Okoro gave the judgement in an appeal by Governor Yusuf, challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal Abuja, which had on November 17 sacked him from office.

The Appeal Court had disqualified Governor Yusuf Kabir from the Kano state governorship election and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election in Kano State.

But in a lead judgement delivered by Justice Inyang Okoro, the Supreme Court unanimously held that the tribunal never found that Yusuf was not qualified to contest the election.

Justice Inyang Okoro held that the issue of sponsorship and nomination of candidates falls under the domestic affairs of a political party.

He insisted that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain a matter that bordered on the internal affairs of a political party.

Dauda Lawal’s mandate as Zamfara Gov restored

In a related development, the Supreme Court declared Dauda Lawal as the validly elected governor of Zamfara State, having set aside the judgement of the Court of Appeal, which declared his election inconclusive.

Justice Emmanuel Agim, who read the lead judgement, held that the decision of the Court of Appeal in declaring the election inconclusive was perverse.

The judgement was on an appeal by Lawal, seeking redress over the decision of the Court of Appeal, which on November 16, 2023, declared the Zamfara gubernatorial election inconclusive.

Justice Agim held that the appeal has merit; it subsists and allowed.

A three-member panel of the appellate court had unanimously annulled the victory of Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Lawal the winner of the March 18, 2023, election with 377,726 votes.

However, Bello Matawalle, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, who polled 311,976 votes, challenged the outcome of the poll.

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Human Angle

Water Sweeps Siblings Away at Ibeshe Beach

By Web News 506

A 26-year-old Femi Adegboyega and 23-year-old Ibukun Adegboyega drowned while swimming at the Ibeshe Beach in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos State.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Christmas Day.

The deceased were said to be swimming with their friends before the disaster and they were siblings who resided in the FESTAC Town area of the state.

An eyewitness, Seun, who claimed to have been together with them before the occurrence, recounted the incident and expressed his condolences to the deceased’s parents.

He said, “We were swimming together on the beach. To be honest, I do not understand how it happened because we were together and all of a sudden they both drowned. I wonder how their parents will feel now because they are brothers and I also feel terrible because we could not help.”

Another eyewitness identified as Femi said all efforts by the friends and divers of the beach to rescue the siblings proved abortive.

 Femi added, “All efforts by his friends and local divers to rescue them from Ibeshe Beach did not work. The divers searched the beach but their bodies have not been found.

 “We swam for a long time but to no avail. I strongly believe their bodies will be found soon. We informed the police about it quickly before the situation escalated. I pray their bodies will be found. I pray everything works well.”

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident and disclosed that said divers had been hired to find the bodies, while an investigation was underway, noting that the deceased’s family had already been notified.

Hundeyin said, “Divers have been employed to locate the bodies and the family of the deceased are already informed and the investigation is ongoing.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi 

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Transportation

Passengers Bemoan Difficulties in Booking Free Train

By Web News 296

By Rotimi Famakin

Some train passengers travelling to Lagos this morning were allegedly denied access to the free train ride declared by the Federal Government.

The passengers also bemoaned difficulties in booking the free train ride ticket online.

Speaking with a Radio Nigeria correspondent who monitored the situation at Obafemi Awolowo train station, Moniya, Ibadan, two military personnel who do not want their name mentioned said some passengers who arrived at the station early were only allowed entry into the passenger hall but were not allowed to enter the train.

The officers who said they did not have the ticket due to difficulties experienced in booking the ticket online said the train left them with scanty passengers.

Two passengers, Temitope Rotimi, Omowunmi Akintimehin and one of the angry passengers lamented the sleepless night they had in accessing the ticket, the failure of officials of Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC to address them on why they were denied entry to the train as well as the cost of their transportation from the city the train station.

The train passengers said rather than bearing another transport fare to Iwo road to board a Lagos vehicle they had been made to wait till 4 p.m. when another train billed to arrive by 11 o’clock this morning will depart for Lagos.

Efforts to reach the Regional manager of the Nigeria Railway Corporation were unsuccessful as officials at the station said she would be expected at the station this morning.

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Environment

Ogun Clears Illegal Structures on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

By Web News 340

The Ogun State Government, on Tuesday, started demolishing shanties and makeshift structures in Kara along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to the task force, the shanties and illegal structures disfigure the corridor and are considered to be hideouts for criminals in the area.

The operation was led by the Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Environment,  Farouq Akintunde

Akintunde said the exercise was meant to position the state as the industrial hub of Nigeria.

He noted, “Ogun State has a role to play in the economic advancement of the nation. No serious investor will come here and partner with us with all these kinds of shanties and garbage.”

Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the operation,  observed that faeces and dirt littered the road median along the corridor and under the Kara Bridge.

Though there was mild opposition as some protesters were seen with sticks, the heavy presence of security agents such as policemen and operatives of the Ogun State Community Social Orientation and Safety Corps helped prevent any breakout of violence.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Human Angle

Pathologist Ascribes Bamise’s Death to Blunt Force Trauma

By Web News 416

A pathologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. Sunday Shoyemi, on Friday, told a Lagos state High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square that the death of a 22-year-old fashion designer named Oluwabamise Ayanwole, was caused by a force blunt trauma on the head.

Shoyemi said the death was ascribed to craniocerebral injury following a force blunt trauma.

The witness, who is also a lecturer at the Medicine Department, LASU, told Justice Sherifat Sonaike while giving evidence at the ongoing trial of a Bus Rapid Transit driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, who was charged with rape and murder of Ayanwole.

Ominnikoron is facing five counts bordering on rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault and murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

The prosecution told the court that Ominnikoron conspired with others now at large to rape and murder his 22-year-old passenger.

The prosecution said that the defendant had sexual intercourse with Ayanwole, without her consent, and murdered her, at about 7 p.m., between the Lekki Ajah expressway and Carter Bridge, on February 26, 2022.

“The defendant and others now at large on February 26, 2022, unlawfully killed one Ayanwole by throwing her out of a moving bus between Lekki- Ajah expressway and Cater Bridge,” the statement read.

According to the prosecution, the offences committed contravened Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

However, the 48-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

At the resumed hearing of the case on Friday, Shoyemi, who was led in evidence by Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, told the court that prior to the autopsy, the body of the deceased had been embalmed.

He said that the body had no clothing but a silver-coloured ring was found on the middle right finger of the deceased.

Shoyemi testified that he observed a bruise on the left side of the forehead of the deceased, a bruise on the right temple just above the ear on the right temple.

He also told the court that he observed a large bruise on the back of the skull of the deceased.

“In addition, there was a bruise on the elbow region. These findings were the external appearance.

“Upon opening, I saw what we call Subdural hematoma, which means bleeding into the soft tissue covering the skull, or bleeding into the brain. This was noticed in the frontal area as well as on the back of the skull.

“At the back of the skull, there were multiple fractures, which meant bone broken into two or more pieces. There was a fracture at the temporal bone, the bone above the ear.

“I also observed the bleeding into the brain called Subdural. I checked for deep bruising, the bruising you would not be able to see under the skin excerpt the skin is removed.

“Bruises were found on both lower lips and the organs were essentially normal except the right ovary which had cysts which had a fluid collection. It was an incidental finding which has nothing to do with the death,” he said.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Police Says ‘Killaboi’ Declared Wanted for Girlfriend’s Death Nabbed

By Web News 522

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, has confirmed the arrest of one Benjamin ‘Killaboi’ Nnanyereugo, who was declared wanted in Nigeria for allegedly killing his girlfriend, by the Sierra Leonean police.

Recall that on October 11 the Lagos State Police Command declared Benjamin Nnanyereugo wanted for the murder of his girlfriend, Augusta Osedion.

Nnanyereugo was suspected to have killed the 21-year-old woman on July 13 in his home at Oral Estate in the Ajah region of the state, according to a statement released by the police on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin.

The statement read in part, “Following the exhaustion of all available options to bring him in, he is declared wanted.

“The suspect is 26 years old, approximately 5’9 feet tall and hails from Abia State. He is dark in complexion and speaks English, Igbo and pidgin English fluently.

“If seen, please contact the nearest police station or call 0803 688 5727.”

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Human Angle

 #EndSARS Anniversary: Mr Macaroni, Others Converge on Lekki Tollgate 

By Web News 502

Nigerian skitmaker, Adebowale Adedeyo popularly known as Mr Macaroni, and other Nigerians gathered at Lekki Tollgate in Lagos on Friday, to mark the third anniversary of the shootings that happened during the #EndSARS protest on October 20, 2020.

Meanwhile, there was a heavy presence of police officers at the Lekki tollgate.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa and other top police officers were also in the area.

Lagos State Police Command had warned that it would not tolerate any form of gathering at the tollgate in the Lekki area of the state.

#EndSARS protests was a public outcry for an end to police brutality, extrajudicial killings, extortion, and abuse of power, especially by officers of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The protest, which started off peacefully, led to the disbandment of SARS by the Federal Government.

The protest, however, turned violent as hoodlums took advantage of the situation, burnt police stations, and public facilities, and carried out attacks on officers and citizens.

The protest was brought to a halt on October 20 when officers of the Nigerian Army shot at the protesters, killing and injuring some of the mostly youth protesters.

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Energy

Stop panic buying, root cause of queues addressed-  NNPC

By Web News 373

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited said it has noted the appearance of fuel queues in some parts of Lagos and a few other locations around the country.

The retail management of the NNPC in a statement on Thursday, said the queues are due to reduced Depot loadout in Apapa, Lagos over a few days.

It added that the root cause of the queues has since been addressed.

“We assure all Nigerians that there is ample supply with sufficiency of at least 30 days,” the statement said.

The NNPC, however, advised motorists to desist from panic buying as distribution will normalise over the next couple of days.

“NNPC Retail Ltd. notes the appearance of fuel queues in some parts of Lagos and a few other locations around the country. This is due to reduced Depot loadout in Apapa, Lagos over a few days, and the root cause has since been addressed.

“We assure all Nigerians that there is ample supply with sufficiency of at least 30 days. Motorists are advised to desist from panic buying as distribution will normalise over the next couple of days,” the company said in a statement signed by management.

The last notable queues at petrol stations happened in May after President Bola Tinubu announced an end to fuel subsidy during his inauguration.

Tinubu had said the 2023 budget made no provision for fuel subsidy and more so, subsidy payment is no longer justifiable.

The announcement had led to scarcity of petroleum products, resulting in long queues at petrol stations across the country, with a litre of petrol rising from N184 per litre in Lagos to over N500.

Leadership/Simeon Ugbodovon

Transportation

Lagos Clears Highways of Abandoned, Indiscriminately Parked Trucks

By Web News 365

Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA  and Nigeria Police  on Thursday, embarked on strict enforcement operations to remove all abandoned and indiscriminately parked trucks within Apapa and its environs, particularly, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

This is coming barely 48 hours when the Senate and Lagos State Government, expressed the need for concerted efforts to end the perennial, interactable traffic gridlock in Apapa and environs of the state.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also called on the executive and legislature to develop the blue economy in Nigeria by paying greater attention to the sector. 
The move for joint efforts in tackling Apapa gridlock was expressed during a courtesy call by

 the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina.

Leading the Senate Committee on Marine Transport to Lagos, was the Chairman of the Committee and former Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Senator Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni.

Meanwhile, on the enforcement, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, through, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, explained that the decision which was taken after the expiration of a ‘Removal Order’ issued to truck drivers would ensure general safety of motorists and allow unimpeded free flow of traffic around the entire Apapa axis.

Oreagba, who led the combined enforcement team, disclosed that over 18 trucks have so far been removed in accordance with the government’s zero tolerance for gridlocks and indiscipline.

He added that the enforcement operations which would be a continuous exercise was to checkmate the excesses of those trailer a drivers and restore sanity around Creek Road, Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, down to Tin-Can first/second Gates to Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise and Mile-2 axis.

According Oreagba said, “The Lagos State Government, being a responsible and responsive one, will ensure that every motorist has a smooth ride from the Port Gate inwards Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and not only trailers carrying containers.”

The General Manager said efforts had been made in the past to restore sanity and bring back the glory of Apapa, which had been truncated by the indisciplined attitude of trailer drivers.

According to Oreagba “Series of meetings have been held with the Petroleum tanker/trailer drivers branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, other transport stakeholders to educate their members and ensure that they desist from indiscriminate parking and being indiscipline on the road.

“All tanker/ trailer drivers are advised to adhere strictly to the new directive, as the government will not hesitate to enforce traffic rules and regulations to the letter.”

Oreagba, however, called on motorists including other road users to take possession of the road and not hesitate to inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers/ tankers via the Agency hotlines. (08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928593)

He maintained that all contravened trailers/ tankers would be immediately charged to court for prosecutions in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Transportation

Four Die in Lagos-Ibadan Road Mishap

By Web News 1189

By Olusegun Folarin

Four persons have been presumed dead while three people sustained injuries in a crash that occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan highway, Ogun State.

The crash, which occurred at quarter to one this morning, involved a luxury bus marked, ACA 533 ZP and another vehicle with no registration number on it.

The Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Ogun Sector Command, Mrs Florence Okpe, who confirmed the crash in a statement, said a total of 21 persons involved in the crash, comprising 13 male adults and eight female adults.

Mrs Okpe said three of the 21 persons sustained injuries while four male adults died in the road crash.

She disclosed that the injured victims were taken to private hospitals for medical attention, while the corpses were deposited at a private morgue.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Ogun, Mr Anthony Uga, had described the incident as avoidable if necessary caution had been put in place and simple rules obeyed.

Mr Uga advised motorists to apply common sense speed limit, especially at night when visibility is poor.

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Politics

Parties Await Tribunal’s Verdict on Lagos Governorship Poll Monday

By Web News 464

The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will deliver judgment for Lagos State on Monday, September 25, Punch Online reports.

Via a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday, the governorship flag bearer for the Labour Party, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, said that he has been informed that the judgment of the election petition at the tribunal will be delivered on Monday.

He posted, “We have just been informed that judgment on our election petition at the tribunal will be delivered on Monday, the 25th of September.”

On April 11, the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate, Mr Abdul-Azeez Adediran, known as Jandor, and the Labour Party candidate, Rhodes-Vivour, had separately asked the tribunal to nullify governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s re-election and declare them the winners.

Subsequently, on Wednesday, May 24, the tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by the Allied Peoples’ Movement and the Action Peoples Party against the victory of Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, in the March 18 governorship election.

Sanwo-Olu polled 762,134 votes to defeat his closest rival, Rhodes-Vivour, who polled 312,329.

The candidate of the PDP, Adediran, came third with 62,449 votes while the candidate of APM, Funmilayo Kupoluyi, polled 884 and the candidate of APP, Abiola Adeyemi, garnered 259 votes.

The petitions of the APM and APP were dismissed by the Chairman of the three-man Tribunal, Justice Arum Ashom, after the petitioners withdrew them.

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Crime

Court Jails Vulcaniser for Life over Wife’s Niece Defilement

By Web News 370

An Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court has sentenced a 41-year-old vulcaniser, Wasiu Ibrahim, to life imprisonment for defiling his wife’s 15-year-old niece in Lagos State.

Justice Rahman Oshodi held that the prosecution sufficiently proved the charge of defilement against Ibrahim.

Oshodi held that the convict  tried to deny a statement he made, in which he confessed to have defiled the survivor (name withheld).

He said, “Mr Wasiu Ibrahim, for sexual gratification, you violated the survivor after your wife returned home from a burial.

“She had lived with you since she was 10, and called you daddy; yet, it did not deter you.

“You threatened to beat her up if she would tell  anyone, after having sexual intercourse with her.

“She did not inform anyone until days later, after she was found crying at the back of a classroom at the Estate Primary School, Ogba.

The judge said Ibrahim should be ashamed and punished, noting that the state had zero tolerance for sexual crimes.

“The charge of defilement for which you have been found guilty carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

“I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment, and your name will be in  the Sexual Offences Register as maintained by Lagos State.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Entertainment

Fans Protest Mohbad’s Death in Ondo, Lagos, Ogun (Video)

By Web News 733

Spicy and Trendy

By Adetutu Adetule

Fans of the late hip hop sensation, Ilerioluwa Aloba, widely known as MohBad, took to the streets of Akure, the Ondo State capital, to express their solidarity with the grieving family of the departed singer.

Clad in black attire, the fans embarked on a procession along prominent routes, including Adesida and Arakale roads, culminating at the NEPA roundabout.

Their presence brought vehicular movement on one of the dual carriageways to a standstill for several hours, undeterred by an evening rain that nearly disrupted the march.

Throughout their journey, they chanted various songs in honour of MohBad’s memory, with placards which read, #JusticeforMohbad and #WhoOffLight among others.

The cause of 27-year-old Mohbab’s death is still unknown, and the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has also invited the State Security Service to investigate the death, which has sparked controversy.

A state delegation, led by the Lagos Deputy Governor, also visited Mohbad’s family’

Comrade Ogundipe Oláníyì, the organiser of the solidarity walk, explained that the fans in Akure felt compelled to join their voices with other prominent Nigerians in condemning the singer’s death.

He called on law enforcement agencies already involved in investigating MohBad’s death to conduct a thorough and impartial inquiry, seeking justice for the deceased.

Furthermore, Comrade Olaniyi offered valuable advice to aspiring musicians, urging them to exercise caution when selecting partners to further their careers.

The security agencies closely monitored the event to prevent any potential disruption of public order.

Similarly, over hundreds of youths took to the streets of Abeokuta, Ogun state capital, in a peaceful protest to demand justice over the mysterious death of singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Mohbad, a signee of Marlian Records Company, died on September 12 in Lagos. He was 27.

Clad in black tee-shirts, the youth began the rally at Panseke area of the Ogun capital hoisting placards with inscriptions such as: “Justice for Mohbad’’, “Government must arrest `Naira Marley’ ‘’ and `Sam Larry’’ among others.

The cause of Mohbad’s death has been a subject of controversy since the tragic incident.

Some of the protesters told reporters that police must investigate the cause of the singer’s death and bring culprits to book.

One of them, Ayo Michael, said: “We are in pain! Mohbad must not die in vain. We want government to arrest anyone culpable.’’

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Transportation

Lagos-Ibadan Highway Mishap Claims 5, Injures 12

By Web News 404

No fewer than five people were confirmed dead on Sunday while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in an accident near  the Foursquare Camp on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Mrs Florence Okpe, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, confirmed the development in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta.

Okpe explained that the accident involved a DAF truck marked, KMC 810 ZB, a Toyota bus marked, TMA-244b XA and a Mitsubishi pickup van with no registration number.

The FRSC spokeswoman said that the accident occured at about 6:15 a.m. and was caused by excessive speeding, tyre blowout and loss of control on the part of the driver of the truck.

She noted that due to the tyre blowout and loss of control, the truck fell and blocked the road, noting that both the bus and the pickup van rammed into the fallen truck.

Okpe disclosed that 21 people were involved in the multiple crash, saying that 12 people were injured while five people died.

She stated that the injured people were taken to Victory Hospital in Ogere, near Abeokuta for medical attention while the dead were deposited at a morgue in Ipara community, near Abeokuta.

Okpe quoted the Ogun State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Anthony Uga, as advising motorists to desist from using sub-standard tyres and to also apply common sense while driving in this rainy season.

The sector commander sympathised with families of the victims, advising them to visit the Ogunmakin Unit of the FRSC for more information on the accident.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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