The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Stakeholders mull reforms in housing sector

    Stakeholders mull reforms in housing sector

    The nation’s housing sector is poised for a change as stakeholders set machinery in motion for what may be a game changer in real estate development, The Nation reports.

    The foregoing was the focus of discussion at the just-concluded Real Estate Stakeholders’ Forum (RESF) 2025, held in Lagos.

    The event, which drew over 1,000 participants, including leading developers, investors, policymakers, financial institutions, and allied professionals to address Nigeria’s pressing housing and investment challenges.

    The Forum featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and fireside chats tackling urgent sectoral concerns, including affordable housing delivery, land use reforms, modular housing innovations, and financing gaps.

    One of the event’s landmark outcomes was the unanimous adoption of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) to champion the cause of stakeholders by presenting their jointly issued communiqué to the government.

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    This document, crafted through broad consensus, consolidates stakeholder demands to accelerate housing reforms, streamline land titling, reduce multiple taxation, and unlock new investment opportunities for sustainable urban development.

    Speaking at the event, Barr. Festus Adebayo noted, “The critical problem facing us today is housing affordability,” while also stressing that “We need to professionalise real estate development.”

    In his keynote, Professor Timothy Nubi, Director, Centre for Housing and Sustainable Development, University of Lagos, emphasised collaboration as the pathway forward: “Collaboration between the government and real estate developers is essential for unlocking Lagos’ full potential. No entity can thrive in isolation; partnership is key to successful urban development.”

    By adopting REDAN to lead this charge, stakeholders emphasised their confidence in the association’s capacity to coordinate follow-up engagement and ensure that the communiqué receives the attention of policymakers.

    The Forum also resolved to produce a Policy Advisory Document, offering deeper technical analysis and actionable steps for Lagos State’s Urban and Regional Planning Department, with wider implications for national housing reform.

    The Forum closed with renewed optimism and a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive, innovative, and investment-friendly real estate ecosystem in Nigeria.

  • Forum pledges support for Tinubu, Oborevwori ahead of 2027 elections

    Forum pledges support for Tinubu, Oborevwori ahead of 2027 elections

    The Ughelli South United Forum, a new political group of stakeholders from the local government, has vowed to work towards securing massive electoral victories for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

    Led by Olorogun Godwin Okporoko and comprising prominent figures including Hon. Oteri Homes, Chief Ogaga Etada, Chief Michael Oshetigho, Secretary of the Forum, Hon. Bright Ovayero (Majority Leader, Ughelli South Legislative Arm), Olorogun Okiemute Oviri, Olorogun Samson Okomitie, Olorogun Moses Ekavwo, Comrade Omogosibo Benjamin, Charles Buluku, Olorogun Vincent Oduaran, and Hon. Chief Josephine Oduaran, the Forum said it was determined to mobilise voters and consolidate party strength across the wards in Ughelli South.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Michael Oshetigho explained that the Forum was formed in response to the narrow loss suffered by the party in the 2023 governorship election, where it was defeated in Ughelli South by just 110 votes. He said members were resolved to close such gaps going forward.

    Oshetigho declared that the Forum had adopted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as their sole candidates for 2027, while pledging to align with the party’s decisions regarding other elective offices.

    He also thanked the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, for his contributions to infrastructure development in the state over the past two years, and urged him to accept their request to serve as a patron of the Forum.

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    Chairman of the Forum, Olorogun Okporoko, assured that the body would work tirelessly to secure landslide victories for the party at all levels.

    In his response, Comrade Izeze praised the Forum’s vision and pledged to align with its objectives, describing the initiative as a unifying platform for the people of Ughelli South.

    He recalled his own political journey in the area and emphasised the need for dignity, freedom, and fairness in political engagements.

    Izeze commended the members for their solidarity and urged them to change the philosophy of local politics by creating space for all interests.

    “There is no shortcut to freedom. Leadership must come to you individually, and the sky is big enough to accommodate everyone’s political ambition,” he said, adding that future congresses would be crucial in determining the direction of the party at the grassroots.

    He expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for the opportunity to serve in his administration and called on the Forum to remain focused on strengthening the party and uplifting the people of Ughelli South.

  • Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers in Plateau

    Police neutralise two suspected kidnappers in Plateau

    The Police Command in Plateau has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and foiled a kidnap attempt in Bokkos Local Government Area of the State

    DSP Alfred Alabo, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Jos on Tuesday.

    Alabo said that the incident occurred on Monday morning.

     ”Yesterday, at about 5:30a.m., we received a distress call from a patriotic citizen that some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers were operating in Fangha area of Daffo District, Bokkos LGA.

    ”Upon receipt of the tip-off, a team of Policemen and other security agencies swiftly rushed to the scene of the incident where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel

    ”In the process, two of the hoodlums were neutralised, while others escaped with bullet wounds.

    ”Exhibits recovered from the hoodlums include, one locally fabricated revolver gun loaded with four 7.62mm ammunition, two Phones, one dagger and a knife,” he said.

    The police spokesman said that a manhunt had been launched to apprehend the fleeing gang members. (NAN)

  • Saudi authorities free three Nigerian pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking

    Saudi authorities free three Nigerian pilgrims arrested for alleged drug trafficking

    Saudi Arabia authorities have released three Nigerian pilgrims detained in Jeddah, since last month following their arrest over alleged drug trafficking. 

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, announced this in a briefing on Wednesday.

    The three Nigerians freed from detention after four weeks in custody include: Mrs. Maryam Hussain Abdullahi; Mrs. Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu; and Mr. Abdulhamid Saddieq. 

    Babafemi said their freedom came following weeks of relentless engagements by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) with the leadership of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) in Saudi Arabia.

    This, he said, was with the full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the assistance of the Hon Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    Babafemi said a syndicate operating at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano had tagged bags containing illicit drugs with the names of the three unsuspecting Nigerians who travelled on an Ethiopian Airline flight ET940 which departed Kano on 6th August 2025 to Jeddah on lesser hajj. 

    He said they were later arrested in Saudi for alleged drug trafficking.

    He said following complaints to the NDLEA boss by families of the three victims over the detention of their family members in Saudi Arabia after the completion of their lesser hajj on an allegation of trafficking in illicit substances, an investigation was launched to unravel what happened. 

    According to him, the probe led to the arrest of 55-year-old drug kingpin Mohammed Ali Abubakar alias Bello Karama and three other members of the syndicate including the airline officials behind the shipment of the illicit substances for which the three innocent pilgrims were arrested and detained in Jeddah. 

    He said charges had since been filed against Mohammed Ali Abubakar and other members of the syndicate: Celestina Emmanuel Yayock; Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi and Jazuli Kabir.

    Babafemi said armed with the outcome of NDLEA investigation and charges filed against members of the syndicate as well as other evidences to prove the innocence of the three Nigerian pilgrims, Marwa engaged with his Saudi counterpart at multiple levels and different locations including Saudi Arabia in compliance with President Tinubu’s agenda that no Nigerian suffers unjustly in a foreign land.

    Read Also: Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites

    He said following the series of engagements one of the three Nigerians was released from custody on Sunday 14th September and the remaining two on Monday 15th September 2025.

    Expressing happiness over the development, Marwa commended his counterpart at the Saudi GDNC for upholding the essence of the Memorandum of Understanding between NDLEA and GDNC on collaboration and partnership. 

    “The biggest support of our effort on this case came from President Tinubu who is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian gets their deserved respect and fair treatment wherever they are across the world. 

    “And that is what has come to play in this case, that no Nigerian is unjustly punished for crimes they know nothing about anywhere in the world. We equally appreciate the assistance provided by the Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Amb. Yusuf Tuggar and the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo SAN, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who were with us all the way on the matter,” he said. 

  • Officials rescue three in Lagos road crashes

    Officials rescue three in Lagos road crashes

    Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), rescued three accident victims in two separate crashes that occurred in Lagos on Wednesday. 

    The first incident involved a lone accident on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, where a Ford vehicle with registration number APP 413 YH crashed near Kofo Abayomi Junction, inward Kilimanjaro/Law School.

    According to preliminary findings, the driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, lost control of the vehicle while speeding on the rain-soaked road. The impact left him critically unconscious after he struck his chest against the steering wheel.

    LASTMA officials at the scene promptly alerted LASAMBUS, whose medical team resuscitated the victim before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Officers of the Bar Beach Police Division also secured the area during the rescue operation.

    In a related development, two persons were severely injured in a multiple-vehicle collision at Volks, inward Abule-Ado. The crash involved a Coaster bus (NCA 118 XB) and a Mini bus (FKJ 118 XB).

    Read Also: ‘97 killed, 558 injured in Lagos road crashes this year’

    Investigations revealed that the Coaster bus, which was reportedly speeding despite heavy rainfall, lost control and rammed into the Mini bus. LASTMA personnel, working with emergency responders, pulled out two injured male victims and took them to GMC Hospital, Ilaje, Abule-Ado for urgent medical care. Security operatives from Ojo Police Division provided backup during the rescue.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, cautioned motorists against reckless driving, especially during the rainy season when poor visibility and slippery roads increase the risk of accidents.

    He also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery while reaffirming the agency’s commitment to protecting lives, ensuring safety, and maintaining smooth traffic flow across Lagos State.

  • NAF airstrikes knockout terrorists’ camps in Kaduna, Katsina

    NAF airstrikes knockout terrorists’ camps in Kaduna, Katsina

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), says the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch and Hadarin Daji have eliminated terrorists’ enclaves killing scores in Kaduna and Katsina States.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gabkwet said the air strikes by the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch on terrorists’ enclave in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State between May 30 and May 31, yielded the requisite outcome.

    He said the strikes were executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist, Buharinyadi, situated at Bula Forest area in Giwa LGA of the state.

    The strikes, he said, prompted by painstaking Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (IRS) operations conducted in the targeted vicinity where several clusters of thatched roofed huts within compounds were observed amid thick vegetation.

    Gabkwet said the surveillance also confirmed a substantial presence of armed terrorists loitering around the huts and over 13 motorcycles seen tucked under a large umbrella tree.

    He added that a targeted exploitation of multiple sources revealed that the terrorists at the location were responsible for most of the attacks and kidnappings in several communities within Birnin Gwari, Igabi and Giwa LGAs.

    “Accordingly, the Air Component dispatched its available air assets to strike the location.

    “Overhead the location, scores of the terrorists were sighted and subsequently struck, bringing effective and maximum damage on the targets and their equipment.

    “Following a tip that some of the surviving terrorists had relocated 500 meters west of the interdicted location, a follow up strike was immediately conducted, with a post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealing the neutralisation of several terrorists and their hideouts engulfed in flames,” he said.

    The NAF spokesman said that similar air strikes were also carried out by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji on June 2, at Zango Hill in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.

    He said that intelligence revealed that the location which had a cluster of huts and zinc roofed structures with multiple human and livestock movements, was being used by a terrorists’ kingpin, Alhaji Iliya and his cohorts.

    Gwabket said that air interdiction was conducted over the location to decimate the terrorists, destroy their weapons and mobility.

    “After the strike, Battle Damage Assessment footages and feedback received revealed that the strikes were successful as several terrorists were eliminated and their structures engulfed in flames.

    “The NAF, in collaboration with surface forces, will continue to sustain domination of the battlespace through extensive situational awareness, constant patrols, and targeted interdiction of terrorists’ safe havens within its various Areas of Responsibility.

    “Still, a whole of society approach remains a key factor in the ongoing efforts to minimise the threats posed by criminal elements,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Nine rescued, one injured as fire guts Lagos building

    Nine rescued, one injured as fire guts Lagos building

    • House burnt in Ibadan

    Nine people were rescued yesterday in the fire at the Afriland Towers, Broad Stree on, Lagos Island.

     The incident, which began around 1:38 p.m., was traced to the inverter room in the basement of the six-storey building.

    According to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, thick smoke quickly spread across multiple floors, forcing a frantic evacuation of occupants.

    He said one person was injured. 

    A witness simply identified as Joshua said the fire started around 1:42 p.m. from Avon Medical in the building. According to him, two persons jumped out of the building.

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    “Unfortunately, one of them hit his head when he fell and his condition was critical. He was rushed to the hospital, but I don’t know if he survived it or not,” he said.

    Deputy Controller-General, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ogabi Olajide, added: “Evacuation of occupants is in progress, while firefighting operations have since been concluded, dousing the earlier panic before the arrival of first responders.’’

    However, one of the occupants of the building, UBA, in a statement, said: “We are aware of the fire incident at a building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which incidentally houses one of our many branches in Lagos Island.

    “As against reports on online and social media, the affected building is not UBA House, Marina, the Bank’s head office.

    “We have ensured the safety and well-being of our branch staff, customers and other visitors in the building.

    Also, no fewer than six rooms in a private residential building were yesterday gutted by fire at Akinsoji Zone, Ogbere Moradeyo, Oremeji Area of Ibadan.

    Chairman, Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr Maroof Akinwande, confirmed the incident.                                  ement in Ibadan.

    Akinwande said the agency’s personnel received a distress call at 5:55 a.m. from one Mr Kayode and firemen led by CFS Adesina Olusoji were deployed to the scene

    “On getting to the scene of the fire incident, it was a private residential building of six rooms engulfed by fire and our officers swung into action and restricted the fire from spreading to other nearby buildings,” he said.

    The chairman said that the fire was extinguished by the Oyo State fire services and the Federal Fire Service, Ibadan Command.

    Akinwande said though no casualty was recorded, but the building was severely affected by the fire.

    He said that the cause of the fire was traced to indiscriminate dropping of cigarette stub by one of the occupants that ignited nearby combustibles and set the building on fire.

    The chairman urged households to install fire extinguishers in their respective premises in order to promptly put out fire whenever there was an outbreak.

  • NAPTIP rescues eight kids stolen from Asaba orphanage

    NAPTIP rescues eight kids stolen from Asaba orphanage

    Eight kids suspected to have been stolen from Kano State between 2017 and 2022 have been rescued from an orphanage in Asaba, Delta State by officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

    The kids were among 70 under aged, including newborns, found in the orphanage during an operation by the NAPTIP, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, civil society groups, and concerned parents, the agency said yesterday.

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    In a statement, the NAPTP Press Officer, Vincent Adekoye, said investigation of the orphanage followed petitions from parents in Kano who alleged that their children, mostly between ages two and 10, had been abducted and moved to other parts of the country.

    “Some parents had previously reported cases dating back to 2017, with another wave of suspected trafficking reported in 2022.

    “During the operation, more than 70 children, including newborns, were found in the orphanage, but only eight were confirmed to have been taken from Kano. They have since been reunited with their families,” said Adekoye.

    According to him, NAPTIP Director-General, Binta Adamu Bello, described the findings as disturbing, warning that some orphanages in the country have become havens for trafficked children. She urged state ministries of women affairs to intensify oversight of such facilities in line with existing regulations.

    Bello also commended the DSS, police, and other partners for supporting the operation, stressing that NAPTIP remains committed to protecting children and ensuring justice in cases of trafficking and abduction.

  • Court discharges firm of involvement in alleged $4.6 million fraud

    Court discharges firm of involvement in alleged $4.6 million fraud

    • By Adebisi Onanuga, Kafilat Alabi and Moyinoluwa Oshunkeye

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court has discharged Lionstone Company Limited in the $4.6 million alleged fraud case against a couple, Amaechi Ndili, Njude (Chizoba) Ndili and Lionstone Offshore Services Limited by the Police.

    Amaechi, Njude (Chizoba) and their company Lionstone Offshore Services Limited are 1st to 3rd defendants while Lionstone Company Limited is the 4th defendant in the suit.

    Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe struck out Lionstone Company Limited from the charge following submissions by its counsel Yinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN).

    During resumed hearing on Tuesday, Olumide-Fusika reminded the court that there was a pending motion dated April 4th 2025 brought pursuant to the rules of the court.

    He said the application had not been abandoned and urged the court to hear it.

    He said the first prayer in the application has been overtaken by exigencies and events.

    Olumide-Fusika said the second prayer sought an order terminating prosecution of the fourth defendant.

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    He prayed the court that the application be granted since there was no opposition to it by other parties in the matter.

    He also asked that the third prayer be discontinued due to efflux of time.

    He informed the court when the matter was brought before the court, the then prosecutor, Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Lough (SAN) was no longer a police officer.

    Citing relevant sections of the law, he argued “power of prosecution must only be vested in serving police officer who must be a legal officer.”

    The new prosecutor, Yusuf Ali (SAN) and defence counsel, Ebun Shofunde did not oppose the application.

    Ruling on the matter, Justice Abike-Fadipe granted the prayer of the defence counsel and struck out the fourth defendant from the charge.

    Under further questioning by lead defence counsel, Shofunde, investigating officer, Inspector Friday Shaibu, stated that there was no recommendation that the second defendant be charged.

    The witness confirmed that he was aware of the contract in respect of which payments were made to Lionstone Offshore Services Limited.

    He described the contract as a bridging agreement between Hercules and Lionstone.

    He however denied knowledge of any contract between or invoice in respect of services rendered by Lionstone to Addax.

    He said this was because the Police only investigated the criminal aspect of the case.

    He denied knowledge of invoices issued by Lionstone to Addax.

    Police prosecutor, Yusuf Ali (SAN) reminded the court that the question of issue of invoices was thrashed out in the court proceedings of April 26.

    The witness admitted knowledge of a document on enrolled order of a Federal High Court in respect of arbitration.

    He however said he was not aware of a pending appeal on the decision of the Federal High Court before the Court of Appeal.

    Justice Abike-Fadipe has adjourned the matter for continuation of trial today.

    Amaechi Ndili, Njude (Chizoba) Ndili, and Lionstone Offshore Services are facing charges for allegedly conspiring to and dishonestly converting $4,666,234.28 meant for Hercules Offshore Nigeria Ltd.

    They are charged with fraudulent conversion and failing to deliver the funds, which were received from Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Limited on behalf of Hercules Offshore Nigeria Limited.

    The police claimed that Lionstone was engaged by Hercules as its local partner and to receive payments on its behalf in respect of contracts it executed for Addax Petroleum Development Nigeria Ltd.

    The couple and their company pleaded not guilty to the charges.

  • Two bandits killed in Taraba crossfire with soldiers

    Two bandits killed in Taraba crossfire with soldiers

    Troops of the Sixth Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have killed two terrorists and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

    Spokesman of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col Aliyu Danja, in a statement yesterday, said the troops engaged the terrorists after acting on credible intelligence that a community was about to be attacked.

    The statement read: “Acting on credible intelligence on September 15, 2025, on a planned attack on the Chanchanji community by the Bojo terrorist group, troops swiftly deployed to the area. The operation led to an armed engagement with the terrorists along the Demeva–Chanchanji road. The troops effectively neutralised one terrorist, forcing the others to retreat.

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    “In a follow-up to intercept the fleeing suspects, troops pursued them to the Demeva-Gbudu axis. This location was identified as a planned crossing point into the Ananum community in Donga Local Government Area.

    The troops engaged the remaining terrorists in a second firefight, neutralising one more”.

    According to the statement, the items recovered from the operations include: one G3 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one motorcycle.

    The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Uwa also “urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support the ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the region”.