The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Osun Amotekun base sealed, 25 corps arrested after killings in Akinlalu town

    Osun Amotekun base sealed, 25 corps arrested after killings in Akinlalu town

    The operational base of Osun State Amotekun corps has been sealed in Osogbo following killings by operatives of the outfit at Akinlalu town. 

    The Corps invaded Akinlalu community market last Tuesday and  killed three members of a family and another person while several others sustained gunshot wounds. 

    On Wednesday evening, The Nation learnt that over 25 corps of the security outfit were arrested by Inspector General of Police(IGP) squad who bursted the base. 

    It was gathered the squad also sealed the Amotekun base located at Ife Central Local Government Area of Osun State. 

    Read Also: Osun Amotekun Commander escapes assassination attempt

    When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Osun Amotekun, Yusuf Idowu, confirmed the development to The Nation on phone. 

    He said “They arrested 20 Amotekun corps when the IGP squad burst our operational base located at Oke-Fia, Osogbo on Wednesday. Our office at Ife Central was equally sealed and five of our men were arrested.”

    When our correspondent visited the Amotekun headquarters located at Powerline, Osogbo there were few officers who are not in uniform around the facility. 

  • How kidnapped NIS’ officer’s wife was rescued

    How kidnapped NIS’ officer’s wife was rescued

    The wife of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer allegedly kidnapped in Lagos on Monday has regained freedom, The Nation learnt. 

    Mrs. Ladi Abel, 45, was rescued late on Tuesday at 47, Ogunleye Street, a swampy area of  Ibereko community in Badagry. 

    Her rescue occurred barely 24 hours after she was abducted by suspected criminals along the Badagry-Mile 2 expressway. 

    According to sources, the woman, who was on her way to the International Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, boarded a commercial bus that turned out to be operated by criminals. 

    Her daughter, Naomi, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), revealed that the abductors whisked 15 persons away that morning at Torikoh Bus Stop, Badagry, adding the criminals drugged them. 

    “When they entered the commercial vehicle, the men blew a white substance on them, which made them unconscious. About 15 of them were taken to their hideout in Ibereko area, and they were taking them out one by one after receiving their ransom.

    “My mother said some of the kidnapped victims in the bus were working for them,” she said.

    The suspected kidnappers contacted the family that Monday through her mobile phone and demanded N7million before reducing the demand to N3million by Tuesday morning. 

    Read Also: House panel summons minister over utilisation of funds by foreign missions

    But unknown to them, crack detectives of the police command commenced tracking following their call and were able to pinpoint their location. 

    It was gathered that around 11pm on Tuesday, a team comprising police and NIS operatives stormed the swampy area where the woman was found. 

    The suspected kidnappers were said to have fled the scene, leaving the woman, they earlier refused to release after allegedly collecting N2.5m from her husband, CSI Abel Mada. 

    Spokesman for the SEME Border Command of the NIS, Isaac Elijah, confirmed the woman’s rescue, adding that the team deployed for the operation engaged in a house-to-house search. 

    “It took the efforts of about 20 immigration officers, 25 Police officers and some good people of Ibereko community to rescue the victim. The Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, CSP Folajimi Akosile was in charge of the operation that burst the syndicate in their hideout.

     “But unfortunately, none of them was arrested because they had fled leaving only the victim in their hideout,” he said.

    Narrating the ordeal, the woman’s husband said he sent N2.5m to the kidnappers who insisted on getting the balance of N500,000 before her release.

    “When they were shouting on my wife, we first sent N500,000 and later, N2,000,000 in the evening, but they insisted that we have to balance the remaining N500,000 before they release her.

    “I was still looking for the balance N500,000 when I heard that she had been rescued by the Police and Immigration around Ibereko swampy area,” he said.

  • BPE reaffirms commitment to transparency, efficiency in service delivery

    BPE reaffirms commitment to transparency, efficiency in service delivery

    The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has reaffirmed its commitment to efficient and transparent service delivery through the full integration of SERVICOM principles across its operations.

    Speaking at the Bureau’s 2025 SERVICOM Day Symposium in Abuja, themed ‘Reforming Responsibly Through Effective Service Delivery’, the Director General (DG), Ayodeji Gbeleyi said the agency’s progress reflects its alignment with the national ‘Mission Possible’ agenda for public service excellence.

    At the event that brought together members of the National Assembly, anti-graft agencies, and other stakeholders, Gbeleyi noted that the Bureau continues to position itself as a trusted knowledge hub for investors and a driving force behind Nigeria’s economic reform under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “Our stakeholders, and indeed every Nigerian, look up to the Bureau to lead the economic reforms embedded in the Renewed Hope Agenda. We have positioned the Bureau as a trusted knowledge hub for investors seeking opportunities in Nigeria,” he said.

    Gbeleyi stressed that effective service delivery remains central to advancing the ease of doing business, adding that the symposium aimed to reinforce the importance of customer service in achieving the Bureau’s mandate.

    According to the DG, since establishing its SERVICOM Unit in 2008, BPE has implemented measures to enhance responsiveness and efficiency, including regular customer satisfaction surveys, a Service Charter, and quarterly SERVICOM meetings. 

    The Bureau, he said, has also improved workplace conditions through electronic registers, CCTV installations, and upgraded reception and canteen facilities.

    “These initiatives reflect the Bureau’s unwavering commitment to upholding SERVICOM’s core values and ensuring service delivery that is efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused,” Gbeleyi noted.

    Highlighting staff training and international exposure as major drivers of service excellence, he noted, “In 2023, only 16 staff participated in investors’ fora. 

    “That number rose to 49 in 2024, and 70 are already engaged in offshore training this year,” adding that such capacity building equips staff with global best practices to improve professionalism and efficiency.

    He urged participants to apply lessons from the symposium to strengthen service delivery within their institutions, emphasizing that every public interaction should “leave a delightful and enduring impression.”

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commercialisation and Privatisation, Senator Shuaibu Lau, represented by Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga, called for responsible reforms and stronger collaboration to enhance service delivery nationwide.

    He described the event as “A vital platform for dialogue and sharing innovative ideas” to improve efficiency and accountability in public institutions. 

    “Effective service delivery is a vital component of good governance that directly impacts citizens’ lives and the nation’s economic well-being”.

    Lau noted that reforms in the privatisation sector could stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and create jobs, adding, “By reforming responsibly together, we can not only improve service efficiency but also build public trust”.

    Acting National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Anthony Oshin, also commended the Bureau for prioritizing transparency, teamwork, and citizen-centred service. 

    Oshin, who was represented by Ngozi Akinbodewa, the Head of Operations at SERVICOM stressed that employee experience is the new customer experience, urging the Bureau to invest in staff motivation, technology, and continuous feedback.

    “Every public asset privatized must translate into measurable national development,” Oshin, while describing customer complaints as “free consultancy” that helps institutions identify weaknesses and improve processes.

    He emphasised that genuine reform depends on committed leadership and a motivated workforce, “When staff feel valued, they deliver better service. Treat employees as kings, and they will treat customers as kings,” he said.

    Guest speaker, Dr. Sam Ikoku and former BPE Director-General Bolanle Onagoruwa both praised the Bureau’s dedication to service excellence and transparency. 

    They urged the agency to sustain its reform efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s economic environment and accelerate national growth.

  • NANS condemns PENGASSAN over forced unionization at Dangote Refinery, warns against economic sabotage

    NANS condemns PENGASSAN over forced unionization at Dangote Refinery, warns against economic sabotage

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized what it described as the anti-masses stance of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and denounced the alleged forced unionization of workers at the Dangote Refinery.

    The student body also declared its unwavering support for the Dangote Refinery, warning against actions capable of sabotaging Nigeria’s economic growth and discouraging indigenous investment in the oil and gas sector.

    During a peaceful protest at Oworo Berger, Lagos, students and youths carried placards bearing messages such as “Dangote Refinery—Pride of Africa,” “Stop the Sabotage,” and “Support Indigenous Industries, Not Monopoly.” The demonstration, held under the supervision of officers of the Nigerian Police, called on stakeholders to protect local enterprises driving national development.

    NANS President, Comrade Olusola Oladoja—represented by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Adeyemi Ajasa—said the demonstration served as a national warning to both the government and industry stakeholders that Nigerian students and youths would not tolerate economic sabotage.

    Oladoja cautioned international saboteurs and their local collaborators against frustrating operations at Dangote Refinery and other emerging private refineries, drawing parallels with the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving textile industry due to policy neglect and unfair competition.

    He alleged that importers of petroleum products, international oil companies (IOCs), and certain trade unions were conspiring to undermine private refineries through undue pressure and regulatory manipulation.

    Reacting to reports of PENGASSAN’s attempts to compel Dangote Refinery workers to join its union, Oladoja described the move as unconstitutional and a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.

    “Private refinery workers have every right to decide whether or not to join any union,” he said. “Just as lecturers in private universities are not forced to join ASUU, and teachers in private schools are not under COEASU, refinery workers must not be coerced into union membership.”

    Oladoja outlined four key demands from the federal government: “Prioritize crude oil supply to all Nigerian refineries, including private ones; end crude under-valuation and the practice of selling cheaper crude to foreign refineries; incentivize local refineries to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on petroleum importation in favor of supporting indigenous refining capacity.”

    He reaffirmed that Nigerian students stand firmly for industrial growth, job creation, and economic independence, declaring that NANS would resist any attempt to sabotage private investments in the oil and gas sector.

  • LASTMA nabs 47-year-old impostor for extorting motorist in Lagos

    LASTMA nabs 47-year-old impostor for extorting motorist in Lagos

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has arrested a 47-year-old man, Adetayo Adewodun, for impersonating a LASTMA officer and extorting money from a motorist at Itire Junction in Lagos State.

    According to a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, the incident occurred on Tuesday.

    Preliminary investigations showed that Adewodun stopped one Mr. Ayano Stephen, driver of a white Hilux vehicle (registration number GME 259 TE) belonging to a construction firm, accusing him of making an unlawful turn.

    Pretending to be a LASTMA operative, the suspect demanded ₦80,000 as a penalty for the alleged offence. Unable to pay the full amount, Stephen pleaded and eventually handed over ₦7,800—the only cash he had on him—to the fake officer.

    READ ALSO; Why I stepped aside, by Nnaji

    Stephen later became suspicious of the man’s conduct and contacted LASTMA through its toll-free hotline to verify his identity. Acting promptly on the report, the agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit, under the directive of General Manager Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, mobilised to the location.

    On sighting the enforcement team, Adewodun attempted to flee but was pursued, arrested, and taken to LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi for interrogation.

    During questioning, Adewodun confessed to being part of a three-man syndicate that frequently poses as LASTMA officials to extort unsuspecting motorists around the Itire area and other parts of Lagos. He revealed that the group makes an average of ₦65,000 daily from such fraudulent activities.

    Commending the motorist for his vigilance, Mr. Bakare-Oki described the report as an act of civic responsibility. He reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, and transparency, emphasizing that the agency maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward impersonation and extortion.

    “All authentic LASTMA officers can be easily identified by their official uniforms, personalized name tags, and service identification numbers,” Bakare-Oki stated.

    He urged motorists to remain alert and report suspicious activities through the agency’s verified communication channels, including its toll-free emergency line (080000527862).

    Mr. Bakare-Oki assured that the suspect would be arraigned before a Mobile Court to serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar criminal acts.

    He reiterated that LASTMA remains resolute in ensuring order, discipline, and sanity on Lagos roads while protecting law-abiding motorists from fraudulent exploitation.

  • Police probe disappearance of NIS officer’s wife

    Police probe disappearance of NIS officer’s wife

    The Lagos State Police Command has commenced investigation into the whereabouts of the wife of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer, Mrs. Ladi Abel, who was allegedly kidnapped on Monday.

    Mrs. Abel, according to NIS’ Seme Command’s public relations officer, Isaac Elijah, was kidnapped along the Badagry-Mile 2 Expressway in Lagos.

    The 45-year-old wife of CSI Abel Mada was said to have left her Sawmill, Badagry residence around 7am for the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo when the incident occurred.

    Elijah who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Badagry, said the woman’s husband received a call through her phone that Monday and the kidnappers demanded N7 million ransom.

    “One of the kidnappers used the woman’s phone to contact her husband, CSI Mada, requesting for N7 million in ransom to free his wife.

    Read Also: Best Bitcoin & Crypto Casino Sites In Nigeria: Our Top Picks Reviewed

    “Today (Tuesday) at about 6am, one of the kidnappers called again reducing the ransom to N3 million if the husband wants the woman alive,” he said.

    The PRO said the case had been reported at the Badagry Police Station and Area K Zonal command of the Police.

    He appealed to anyone with information that could lead to her safe return to contact the family on 08080883848.

    But a police source told The Nation that the circumstances surrounding the incident were being investigated, stressing that the important issue was the woman’s safety.

    “We got a complaint about a woman who was on transit to the market from her home in Badagry and never got home. Right now, we are probing the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure she’s safe. Police operation is ongoing and this is not something we want to discuss publicly for the woman’s safety and security,” said the source.

  • Sanwo-Olu unveils 420 home units today

    Sanwo-Olu unveils 420 home units today

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will today unveil a newly completed 420 home units at Ajara, Badagry.

    The opening of the new Lagos State Housing Estate Ajara phase 1 at Badagry, will further increase the stock of model housing units and cater for accomodation needs of over 2000 individuals.

    Commissioner for Housing Moruf Akinderu-Fatai during a media chats with reporters stated that the estate consists of 420 home apartments of one, two and three bedrooms.

    Read Also: Fed Govt reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to Kampala’s declaration on food security

    Akinderu-Fatai said the aim is to provide affordable and quality housing in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s campaign promise to complete all ongoing housing projects in the state.

    He expressed excitement about the project’s completion, citing its potential impact on the community’s economy.

    The commissioner thanked prospective subscribers for their patience and trust in the administration.

    He also advised interested subscribers who have intention to apply to visit the Estate department of the Ministry at Block 3, the Secretariat, Alausa and refrain from dealing with swindlers as the ministry does not engage agents in the sale of any of its housing units.

  • Police to jerk up constables enrollment to 30,000, says IGP

    Police to jerk up constables enrollment to 30,000, says IGP

    •404 Constables deployed to home-states

    The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, said the force will set modalities in motion to implement President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s approval for recruiting 30,000 Police Constables in the next phase of the recruitment exercise for effective community-oriented policing Police.

    Egbetokun said the recruitment of an additional 30,000 constables over the next few years demonstrates an unwavering resolve to close manpower gaps in policing and enhance security delivery nationwide.

    The IG made this known yesterday during the passing out parade of 55 intake batch “B” Police Constables, held at the Police training school, Jos.

    Represented by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Adesina, Egbetokun confirmed the passing out parade will bring the total number of recruits under his tenure to 20,000.

    He said: “This ceremony, taking place simultaneously across all Police Colleges and Training Schools nationwide, signifies the successful conclusion of six months of intensive training—a period that has tested the endurance, discipline, and determination of these young men and women.

    “Today, they take a solemn oath to serve their nation with courage, loyalty, and integrity. Their transition from civilians to sworn police officers marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to protect and uphold the laws of our land. I urge you all to serve with empathy, fairness, and dedication—always remembering that every action you take reflects not only on you as individuals but on the entire Nigeria Police Force.

    “Shun corruption, extortion, and abuse of power. The uniform you wear is a symbol of trust—it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people you are sworn to protect. Uphold the rule of law, act with compassion, and remember that the true measure of your success lies in the safety, peace, and confidence of the communities you serve.”

    The Commandant Police training school, Jos, ACP Zipporah Obemde, acknowledged that about 531 constables undergone rigorous training for six months in which 451 were Male while 80 were female, cutting across states of Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa, Yobe, Borno, Kogi, Kano.

    According to her, “during their training, these recruits have been exposed to modern policing standards, ethical values, and practical field operations designed to prepare them for the complex realities of law enforcement in the 21st century.

    “The curriculum emphasized community partnership, intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights, and the judicious use of authority. I am confident that the knowledge and discipline instilled in them will reflect in their professional conduct and in their contributions to safer communities across the nation.”

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang represented by his special assistant on security matters, Brig. Gen. G. G. Shipi, (retd), who doubled as Coordinator of Operation Rainbow, said the force is gaining additional manpower that will be injected into our security arrangements.

    Read Also: FG seeks evacuation of Pastor Egbaji from Benin prison to Nigeria

    In the same vein, Egbetokun yesterday announced that 404 recruit constables who passed out from the Police College, Ikeja, have been deployed to their states of origin.

    Egbetokun who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, stresses the need for the new cops to uphold integrity.

    He said the graduation of the recruits across the country represented a milestone in efforts to strengthen national security and deepen public trust in the service.

    The police chief announced that arrangements had been concluded to commence the next phase of recruitment in line with the presidential directive, adding that the Force was committed to building a “modern, reformed, and professional institution that Nigerians can trust and take pride in.”

    Egbetokun said most of the newly trained officers had been deployed to their states of origin in line with the police policy on community-oriented policing. The move, he explained, was to foster local trust, enhance intelligence gathering, and promote effective collaboration between officers and residents.

    Addressing the constables, the IGP urged them to see policing as a sacred duty rather than a mere job, warning against corruption, extortion, and abuse of power.

    “The uniform you wear is a symbol of trust. It must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people you are sworn to protect,” he said.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh.

  • Emefiele, EFCC disagree on modalities for forensic examination of WhatsApp messages

    Emefiele, EFCC disagree on modalities for forensic examination of WhatsApp messages

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday heard that forensic examination ordered into WhatsApp messages on the phone of the former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele did not go as planned.

    This was because, the examination, intended to be conducted by experts from the defence and prosecution failed to agree on modalities.

    The court had during the last sitting ordered the forensic examination of a phone and WhatsApp conversations, central to the alleged $4.5 billion fraud trial against Emefiele.

    During resumed proceedings yesterday, Emefiele, through his counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN) raised concerns over the issue before the court.

    Ojo alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on two separate occasions blocked the successful execution of the court’s order.

    The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, had at last sitting of the court, ruled that the mobile device, marked “iPhone 2,” and its WhatsApp contents, which were tendered by the EFCC as evidence, must be subjected to a scientific, forensic examination.

    The judge issued the order following an application by Emefiele’s defence team who argued for the necessity of the examination in the interest of justice.

    They had also pointed out that the exercise would require the presence of experts from both sides.

    Ojo told the court that on September 24 and 25, the dates ordered by the court, nothing could be accomplished despite the presence of representatives from both parties and the court’s Registrar.

    “The first brick wall we faced was that the EFCC said the device cannot be exposed to the entire team,” Ojo said.

    He said same was raised by the EFCC team on the second day.

    He said in spite of clarification by the Registrar that the court directed for the examination of the phone and WhatsApp, the EFCC representatives failed to produce the phone when the Apple expert demanded for it.

    He said the EFCC team gave a “categorical No” to the request.

    He emphasised the need for what he termed as an unfettered access for the experts to perform their duty, insisting that the EFCC’s actions had blocked the process.

    Ojo urged the court to issue a fresh directive to ensure proper access to the phone and its WhatsApp content.

    Responding, the counsel for the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, (SAN) stated that the initial forensic examination conducted by the defence’s expert was flawed and non-compliant with forensic standards.

    According to him, the expert in question had no physical laboratory, no verifiable office, and reportedly carried out parts of the examination via a live internet connection, risking data compromise.

    He said: “the implication of their request is that Exhibit E may be altered. The data could auto-sync and change the integrity of the exhibit.”

    Oyedepo confirmed that the iPhone remained in flight mode, ensuring it remains untampered with.

    He assured the court of the prosecution’s commitment to transparency:

    “The prosecution has never, and will never, prevent the defence from accessing the facility. But handling of the exhibit must be done properly,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigerians expect more deliberate action from lawmakers, says Speaker Abbas

    However, in their responses, defence counsels to first and second defendant, Ojo (SAN) and Adeyinka Kotoye (SAN) urged the court to defer further testimony until the forensic analysis is completed.

    They argued that the WhatsApp chats are central to their case and proceeding without the full report would be premature.

    Justice Oshodi acknowledged their concerns and ruled that the prosecution must file the forensic report within 24 hours.

    He allowed the continuation of the prosecution’s witness testimony, noting that the witness had travelled from Abuja for the hearing.

    He also directed both parties to adopt electronic service of documents moving forward to prevent further delays.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on 19 counts bordering on receiving gratification, corrupt practices, and abuse of office.

    The co-defendant, Henry Omoile, on the other hand, is facing a separate three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts.

  • Nigeria, Qatar deepen ties to combat drug trafficking

    Nigeria, Qatar deepen ties to combat drug trafficking

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Qatar have strengthened their partnership in combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between both countries.

    The exchange was conducted yesterday in Abuja by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, and the Ambassador of Qatar to Nigeria, Ali Bin Ghanem Al-Hajri.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 3, 2024, in Doha, between President Bola Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

    The agreement focused on cooperation in combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and their precursors.

    Marwa, in his remarks, commended the existing partnership between both nations, describing it as a joint commitment to tackling a major global threat to public health and security.

    He assured that the NDLEA would continue to collaborate closely with its Qatari counterpart to protect the people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

    According to him, the agency in the past four years has intercepted over 1,000 kg of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and other illicit substances destined for Qatar.

    Read Also: Fed Govt reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to Kampala’s declaration on food security

    Marwa also lauded the government of Qatar for its peace-building efforts and humanitarian interventions across the world through the Qatar Foundation.

    He appealed to the foundation to support Nigeria in the provision of rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of persons struggling with drug addiction.

    Responding, Amb. Al-Hajri pledged to convey Marwa’s request to the Qatar Foundation.

    He commended the growing cooperation between the two nations and noted that the partnership had led to an increase in travels and exchanges between Nigeria and Qatar.

    He reaffirmed Qatar’s readiness to continue working with Nigeria in areas that promote security, stability, and mutual prosperity.