The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Land grabbing: Ogun files charges against Obas, others

    Land grabbing: Ogun files charges against Obas, others

    The Ogun State Government has filed charges against two traditional rulers and other persons over land grabbing.

    In a statement, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), the government said it filed the charges of forceful takeover of land and entry of land against the Onijoko of Ijoko Ota, Oba Fatai Matanmi, as investigation showed that Oba Matanmi sold a parcel of land in 1976 for N22,000 to the late Madam Irokosu.

    The statement added that the Madam Irokosu fenced the land and sold it in 2016 to the complainant who took possession, adding that following her demise, Oba Matanmi began to harass the complainant, claiming that late Madam Irokosu owed him a balance of N28,000.

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    Although this claim was bogus, the complainant paid N5million to Oba Matanmi to let peace reign, but the monarch continued to harass the complainant, leading to the charges filed in HCT/84R/2025 The State v. Oba Fatai Matanmi.

    Similarly, the state  slammed another Oba, Yusuf Olasunkanmi, the Olu of Orile-Igbon, a town in Igbesa area of Ogun State, with charges of forceful entry into a  land using intermediaries, and  unlawfully appropriating land belonging to a complainant and many other persons.

    Using cover of a judgment obtained against third parties, Oba Olasunkanmi allegedly commissioned the attachment of land and enforcement of the judgment in areas more than one kilometre away from the judgment land.

  • Police officer, passenger crushed to death in Lagos crash

    Police officer, passenger crushed to death in Lagos crash

    A police officer, and passenger lost their lives yesterday when a 40-foot container truck overturned onto a commercial tricycle in which they were riding at Ijora Causeway, Lagos.

    The truck has registration number XP 368 AKD and the tricycle has registration number KJA 364 QN.

    According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the articulated truck lost control while the driver was maneuvering a bend, causing the container to topple onto the tricycle killing the passengers.

     The remains of the officer were taken to a morgue in Yaba by security operatives, while the deceased female passenger’s family retrieved her body.

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    But, two others — including the tricycle operator — sustained severe leg fractures. They were rushed by the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS) to Jimsan Hospital, Gasikiya, Ijora, for treatment.

    The scene turned chaotic as angry bystanders attempted to set the truck ablaze, but police detachments from Badia, Trinity, and Kirikiri divisions  restored order.

    LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the accident as “deeply grievous and most regrettable.”

    Bakare-Oki warned drivers against reckless maneuvering, particularly around bridges and congested roads.

  • Army recovers 10 AK-47 rifles, five bombs, 36 hand grenades from terrorists

    Army recovers 10 AK-47 rifles, five bombs, 36 hand grenades from terrorists

     Army’s troops have neutralised several terrorists, apprehended 20 criminal elements, and recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, five RPG bombs, 36 hand grenades across various theaters of operation.

    A military source, who spoke to The Nation, revealed that troops also recovered a significant cache of ammunition, substantial quantities of drugs, and other items, over the past four days. 

    Elaborating on the operation’s details, the source said the 152 Task Force Battalion, alongside the Hybrid Force and Civilian Joint Task Force, recovered a full box of 12.7 x 108mm rounds and a box of 7.62 x 51mm NATO rounds, among other items, after repelling an ISWAP/JAS attack in Banki, Borno State.

    The source stated that the 21 Special Armoured Brigade successfully neutralized two command improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the Darel Jamel-Bula road in Yobe State.

    “In another encounter, combined troops of 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade intercepted ISWAP/JAS logistics elements along Damboa–Gumsuri road, neutralizing one terrorist and recovering two AK-47 rifles, 36 hand grenades, IED materials, desert camouflage trousers, four uniforms, 32 bicycles, large quantities of drugs, chemicals, red oil, mosquito nets and other sundry items.”

    According to the source, 222 Battalion laid an ambush in Konduga, Borno State, killing one terrorist, while 3 Battalion intercepted a truckload of dry NPK fertilizer suspected of being intended for terrorist use in Logomani. Additionally, 149 Battalion intercepted four vehicles and arrested four terror logistics suppliers in Gubio, while FOB Gajiram arrested three kidnappers in Nganzai.

    “In fresh counter-offensives, 135 Special Forces Battalion with Civilian JTF repelled ISWAP/JAS attack in Biu Local Government Area, recovering five RPG bombs, three AK-47 magazines with 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special, four PKT belts with 306 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and other items. 

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    “Similarly, troops at FOB Azir, Damboa repelled another attack, neutralized one terrorist, and recovered three AK-47 rifles, explosives, intoxicants and drugs.”

    On operations in the North West, the military source stated that Nigerian Army troops continue to dominate the area, neutralizing terrorists and recovering weapons. Specifically, troops of the Defence Special Operations Battalion killed two terrorists in Sokoto, recovering one AK-47 rifle and two magazines. Additionally, in engagements with terrorists at Jeka Areda and Ruwan Godia in Katsina State, the troops captured seven motorcycles.

    In Kaduna, Sector 7, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) rescued a kidnapped girl at Manchok, arresting one criminal, while Sector 8 OPEP arrested another suspect in Plateau with a Dane gun. 

    The source stated, “1 Battalion (Rear), in collaboration with the Department of State Service (DSS), apprehended four terrorists in Kebbi, confiscating a vehicle, mobile phones, and other items. 

    “In Taraba, Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) troops arrested three suspected kidnappers. Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops intercepted and destroyed 350 litres of crude oil being illegally siphoned from the Imo River. 

    “Furthermore, Sector 1 OPWS troops in Benue rescued a kidnap victim and seized one FN rifle, five magazines, and 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. In Cross River, 245 Battalion neutralized one miscreant, arrested two others, and recovered a pistol, cartridge, and drug paraphernalia.” 

  • Tantita donates NOUN study centre to Warri correctional facility, empowers inmates with education

    Tantita donates NOUN study centre to Warri correctional facility, empowers inmates with education

    A new chapter has opened for inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS), Warri, with the commissioning of a National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Study Centre built and donated by Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).

    The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with eight fully furnished classrooms, a solar-powered system, and a borehole, will provide inmates and nearby residents with access to quality education.

    Speaking at the commissioning on Tuesday, Tantita’s Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, said, “True security is not just about protecting pipelines or borders, but about rebuilding lives. This is a moral duty, a social investment, and a testament to our unwavering belief that Nigeria can only be truly secure when her people are empowered.”

    He expressed hope that the centre would serve as “a beacon of hope, a centre of learning, and a symbol of second chances.”

    Officials of the NCS and the Delta State Government hailed the project as a national model, aligning with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, stressed the importance of education in rehabilitation. “Justice is incomplete without genuine reformation. This is not charity, it’s prevention. You cannot build enough prisons to contain crime, but you can educate people out of it,” he said.

    The Comptroller General of Corrections, represented by Assistant Comptroller of Prisons, Kingsley Njoku, described the study centre as “a catalyst for the collective reintegration of inmates,” reaffirming education as central to the country’s reform agenda.

    Tantita’s intervention, which follows its earlier renovation of the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, reflects a growing commitment to social investment — targeting people, institutions, and spaces that foster community resilience. With the NOUN Study Centre, the company signals its resolve to fill critical gaps in correctional education, an area long neglected in public funding.

    Remarkably, the centre is not exclusive to inmates, as residents from surrounding communities will also be able to enroll, creating a rare bridge between prison walls and the public.

    Delta State Comptroller of Prisons, CC Raymond Nwaoku, said the openness of the centre will not only reduce crime by reintegrating educated inmates, but also boost literacy and opportunity in Warri’s urban margins.

    However, he appealed for more support—specifically for computers to support digital learning, stating: “This building is a foundation, not a finished product.”

  • UN appoints Nigeria’s Adeleke as co-chair of Independent Group of Scientists

    UN appoints Nigeria’s Adeleke as co-chair of Independent Group of Scientists

    Green Growth Africa on Tuesday announced the appointment of its Executive Director, Dr. Adedoyin Adeleke, as co-chair of the United Nations Independent Group of Scientists (IGS) tasked with preparing the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR).

    This was contained in a press statement the Green Group Africa issued on its website yesterday.

    The statement added, “The appointment, made by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, marks a historic milestone as Dr. Adeleke becomes the first African to be appointed Co-Chair of the eminent group of 15 scientists selected from across the world. He is also the first Nigerian to be appointed to a prestigious group. “

     It explained that the Global Sustainable Development Report is the United Nations’ flagship, evidence-based publication on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, mandated by UN Member States and issued once every four years.

    The GSDR is designed to strengthen the science-policy-society interface and provide actionable recommendations to world leaders.

     As co-chair, Adeleke will guide a team of 15 distinguished experts drawn from diverse scientific disciplines and regions, ensuring that the 2027 report delivers cutting-edge insights on emerging challenges and transformative pathways for sustainable development.

    The appointment reflects not only global recognition of Adeleke’s expertise but also the rising influence of African voices in shaping global development policy. His leadership will contribute to advancing a balanced and inclusive perspective on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on justice, intergenerational equity, and transformative solutions.

    Given that the 2027 Global Sustainable Development Report is the last to be published before 2030, the IGS, to be co-chaired by Dr. Adeleke, will provide the last push towards the realisation of the SDGs. The outcome of the report will also shape the post-2030 United Nations’ development agenda.  

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    A green growth and sustainability expert whose work bridges science, policy, and practice, Dr. Adeleke is the Founder and Executive Director of the Green Growth Africa Sustainability Network (Green Growth Africa). Green Growth Africa is a UNEP-accredited NGO headquartered in Nigeria and committed to driving just and green transitions for Africa’s development.

    Dr. Adeleke holds a PhD in Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology from Politecnico di Milano, Italy, where he also served as a Research Fellow within the UNESCO Chair in Energy for Sustainable Development. He has contributed to diverse international development projects, including the EU-funded Long-Term Joint Research and Innovation Partnership on Renewable Energy (LEAP-RE) and AMBassadors for Sustainable TransITION (AMBITION), among others.

    His pioneering work has advanced sustainable energy, climate actions, biodiversity protection, and citizen-led sustainability initiatives across Africa. He has initiated and led award-winning youth-focused programmes – EcoHeroes Initiative and Mentoring for Research Programme – that have directly impacted more than 10,000 secondary school students and 175 graduate researchers in 57 universities across 26 African countries.

    Dr. Adeleke developed Nigeria’s first ultra-modern green building constructed entirely from waste plastic bottles and fully powered by solar energy. He currently champions a nationwide initiative – Scaling National Capacity for Plastic Upcycling (SNAP-Up) – to address system barriers within the waste value chain and promote green building in Nigeria.

    He also established Nigeria’s first development media and broadcasting outfit – Green Growth TV & Studios – based in Asokoro, Abuja. Moreover, he pioneered two digital innovations for sustainable development – Green Growth DigiHub, a web and mobile application that provides global visibility for sustainable development projects and actors.

    The digital platform also extracts and valorizes the global and policy impact of local sustainable development initiatives. His other digital innovation – Green Growth Watch – empowers citizens to capture, document, and report environmental news, including projects, incidents, and crimes and violations to Green Growth TV. Green Growth Watch empowers citizens to know and exercise their environmental rights and ensure that their rights are respected in environmental governance in Africa.  

  • UniAbuja, group step up salt reduction campaign to tackle hypertension

    UniAbuja, group step up salt reduction campaign to tackle hypertension

    The Nigeria Sodium Study Team, in partnership with the University of Abuja’s Cardiovascular Research Centre, has intensified its salt reduction awareness campaign to reach wider segments of the population.

    The campaign, which initially targeted students in universities across the country’s geopolitical zones, has now been scaled up to reach everyday Nigerians through mass media and grassroots channels, raising awareness about the dangers of excessive salt consumption.

    “Nigeria has one of the highest rates of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa, largely driven by poor dietary habits,” said Professor Dike Ojji, lead investigator at the University of Abuja’s Cardiovascular Research Centre, and head of the salt-reduction campaign.

    He added, “Salt may taste good, but too much of it is destroying our health. To save lives, we must cut it down. Our people need to understand the dangers of excessive salt consumption — without this awareness, many will remain ignorant, and changing salt-use behaviour will be difficult.”

    Ojji explained that the campaign is not only about sharing research findings but also about guiding Nigerians on practical ways to avoid the dangers of excessive salt consumption.

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    He advised people to taste their food before adding salt, cut down on seasoning cubes, and embrace healthier alternatives such as local spices.

    The campaign builds on insights from the Nigeria Sodium Study, which earlier assessed dietary sodium intake, surveyed retail products, and engaged stakeholders to shape effective national policy.

    It was anchored on findings from the study, conducted by the University of Abuja’s Cardiovascular Research Centre in collaboration with leading global institutions, including Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern University in Chicago, and The George Institute for Global Health in Australia.

    Health experts say the effort could prove critical in tackling hypertension, strokes, and kidney disease, conditions that account for thousands of preventable deaths annually in Nigeria.

  • Agbarere community launches social charter against gender-based violence

    Agbarere community launches social charter against gender-based violence

    In a significant step toward community-led action against gender-based violence (GBV), the Agbarere community in Ilorin has launched a Community Social Charter, a framework aimed at protecting women and girls, promoting gender equality, and holding perpetrators of abuse accountable.

    The Charter was unveiled by Alhaji Kadir Baba Yusuf, the Community Head, and endorsed by traditional, religious, and civic leaders, marking a direct result of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI)’s sustained engagement and mobilisation of influential traditional rulers, supported by the Ford Foundation.

    Agbarere is one of several communities BBYDI is supporting across Kwara State to catalyse sustainable social transformation; ensuring that women and girls are not only protected but also have a seat at the table in traditional decision-making spaces, with clear mechanisms in place to punish GBV offenders.

    As part of the launch event held on Saturday, September 20, over 250 participants, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women and youth representatives, security agencies, and civil society actors, joined the dialogue.

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    Gender advocate and educationist Mrs. Funmilayo Olutimehin delivered a powerful keynote on “Community Responsibility in Ending Gender-Based Violence,” calling for a collective stand against harmful norms and unwavering support for survivors.

    In a parallel session, BBYDI’s Communications Director, Sanni Alausa-Issa, stressed the importance of male engagement in the fight against GBV. “We cannot end gender-based violence without confronting the roles that harmful masculinities play and replacing them with values rooted in empathy, respect, and accountability,” he said.

    BBYDI Executive Director Nurah Jimoh-Sanni affirmed the importance of the charter as a tool for community-led accountability and ownership.

    He said, “Our goal is to build a system where communities don’t wait for external interventions but take charge themselves. We’re here to support them with the tools, knowledge, and platforms they need.”

    With more engagements planned across Kwara State, BBYDI remains committed to advancing the fight against GBV through education, community mobilisation, and partnerships with traditional and religious institutions.

  • Two men arraigned for allegedly stealing food items

    Two men arraigned for allegedly stealing food items

    The Police on Tuesday, charged two men before an Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing food items from a company, worth N2.5 million.

    The defendants, Wisdom Habeeb-Abudu, 22, and Victor Otache, 30, are standing trial before the Magistrate, Mrs Folashade Hughes, on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing.

    They each, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    The prosecutor, Insp Philomena Davies, told the court that the defendants committed the offences between April and Sept. 14, at the Lekki area of Lagos.

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    She alleged that the defendants conspired to steal food items like: rice, beans, palm oil, chicken, fruits, garri, among other food items, belonging to a company called Abundish Ltd, which is also located in the area.

    The total value of stolen items is N2.5 million.

    The prosecution said that the offences contravene the provisions of sections 287(7) and 411, of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The court granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500, 000 with sureties in like sum.

    The court held that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must also provide evidence of two years’ tax clearance.

    She ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Service, pending perfection of their bail terms.

    The case will be mentioned on Oct. 14.

    (NAN)

  • JUST IN: Lagos senior civil servants seal solidarity house over leadership tussle

    JUST IN: Lagos senior civil servants seal solidarity house over leadership tussle

    …endorse Balogun for Lagos TUC chairmanship position

    The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Lagos State Branch, has sealed its solidarity house in the Ikeja area of the state.

    Our correspondent observed that members of the association stormed the solidarity house in their numbers amid tight security.

    This action followed the communique issued at the Special Emergency Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, held on Tuesday, September 23.

    Comrade Olusegun Rahmon Balogun was also endorsed as the qualified candidate for the chairmanship position of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos Chapter.

    The communique jointly signed by the Chairman, ASCSN, Lagos State Branch; Representative of the Delegates, Comrade Jimoh Rotimi Monsuru; and Coordinator of the Delegate Conference, Comrade Olusegun Kadiri said: “The Special Emergency Delegates Conference of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Lagos State Branch, was held today, 23rd September 2025. After thorough deliberation and consideration of the agenda items, the conference resolved as follows:

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    “Distances itself from the purported TUC Delegates Election: The conference resolved that the TUC, Lagos State Branch, hereby distances itself from the purported TUC Delegates Election held on September 18, 2025, due to non-compliance with the Constitution, rules, and guidelines.

    “Endorsement of Candidate: The conference endorsed Comrade Olusegun Rahmon Balogun as a qualified candidate for the TUC Chairmanship position in accordance with our Constitution and guidelines.

    “Adherence to Constitution: The conference advises that the leadership should ensure strict adherence to our constitutional provisions and guidelines in future electoral processes. The conference urges the National Secretariat to take necessary actions to implement these resolutions.”

  • Police nab three suspected robbers, recover alleged stolen tricycle in Anambra 

    Police nab three suspected robbers, recover alleged stolen tricycle in Anambra 

    The Police Command in Anambra has detained three robbery suspects and recovered a tricycle they allegedly stole from a victim in Isuaniocha, Awka North Local Government Area (LGA) on Sunday.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Tochukwu Ikenga disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.

    Ikenga disclosed that the tricycle snatched from the owner was later recovered in Awarasi Village, Uga, Aguata LGA same day by police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad in the state.

    “On Sept. 21, at about 2.20pm, the command received a distress call on how a commercial tricycle operator was attacked at Isuaniocha bridge by armed men who dispossessed him of his yellow tricycle with registration number NZM 92 YH.

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    “Police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad swiftly mobilised to the scene, and the victim was rescued and taken to the hospital where he is responding to treatment,” he said.

    According to Ikenga, in the same vein, and acting on technology guided intelligence, the operatives traced the suspects to Awarasi Village, Uga, Aguata LGA, and recovered the stolen tricycle.

    “During the operation, the suspects who attempted to escape on sighting the operatives, were given a hot chase and eventually arrested.

    The police spokesman said that efforts were ongoing to uncover more leads related to the criminal activities of the suspects.

    He said that the suspects would be charged to Court upon the conclusion of the investigations. (NAN)