The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • NSE honours Harmony Gardens CEO Mosadoluwa with award of excellence

    NSE honours Harmony Gardens CEO Mosadoluwa with award of excellence

    The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Ibeju-Lekki Branch, on Saturday, September 6, presented an award of excellence to the chief executive officer of Harmony Gardens & Estate Development Ltd, Saheed Mosadoluwa Abdullahi, popularly known as Mr. Ibile.

    The event was held at JATA Hotel, Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos state.

    The award was in recognition of Dr. Mosadoluwa’s notable contributions to engineering, infrastructure, and national development through innovative housing projects and commitment to community growth.

    Mosadoluwa, an advocate for affordable housing, was celebrated for spearheading large-scale estate projects such as Lekki Aviation Town, which has transformed from bare land into a vibrant community. 

    His vision of bridging Nigeria’s housing deficit with sustainable and accessible models continues to attract recognition both locally and internationally.

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    In their remarks, NSE Ibeju-Lekki leaders described him as a “practical problem-solver” whose work in real estate and community development reflects engineering excellence and national progress.

    Accepting the award, Dr. Mosadoluwa dedicated the honour to his team at Harmony Gardens, noting that their collective resilience made the recognition possible. 

    He pledged to sustain efforts that promote innovation, engineering excellence, and sustainable housing solutions for Nigeria.

    The colourful event drew engineers, industry leaders, and stakeholders, many of whom hailed Dr. Mosadoluwa as a transformative leader whose projects are making a lasting impact.

  • PPDC develops e-filing for magistrates’ courts in FCT

    PPDC develops e-filing for magistrates’ courts in FCT

    The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has developed Docket Master, a digital platform for electronic filing and case management system for magistrates’ courts in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The new e-filing software, designed by Devon Technologies, would assist lawyers to handle court records, criminal cases, and administrative processes.

    Speaking during a presentation and validation exercise with legal practitioners and civil society organisations on Wednesday in Abuja, Chief Executive of PPDC, Lucy Abagi described the initiative as a game-changer that will help end unnecessary detention by speeding up court processes.

    Abagi, who was represented by PPDC Program Officer, Onyeka Oduye, said: “We are committed to building a justice system that is fair, efficient, and accountable. Docket Master will help end unnecessary detention by speeding up court processes.

    “Before the full-scale deployment of the system, it is essential to subject it to a thorough presentation and validation exercise.

    “This will enable us to confirm that Docket Master meets all functional requirements, aligns with court processes, and effectively addresses the long-standing gaps that have contributed to unnecessary and prolonged custodial detention in Nigeria.”

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    The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, said the introduction of an electronic filing and case management system will transform how magistrates’ courts operate in the FCT.

    The Chief Judge explained that the new platform would cut paperwork delays, streamline processes, and make justice more accessible to ordinary citizens.

    Baba-Yusuf, who was represented by Okolie Bede, said: “We cannot shy away from technology. It is our commitment to leverage it for improved service delivery.

    “This milestone marks a major leap forward in our journey towards digital transformation.”

    President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), represented by the association’s General Secretary, Mobolaji Ojibara, said magistrates’ courts remain the first point of contact for most citizens.

    “They represent the face of justice, if we can get the magistrates’ courts right, we can begin to restore confidence in our justice system,” the NBA president said.

  • Man jailed for stealing 35 tubers of yam

    Man jailed for stealing 35 tubers of yam

    The Akure Division of the Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State yesterday sentenced a 22-year-old Emmanuel Godfrey, to 18 months in prison for stealing 35 tubers of yam.

    Godfrey told the court that he committed the crime because he was hungry.

    According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on August 29, at Awogbamigbe, Oba-Ile, in Akure North Local Government Area, where Godfrey allegedly uprooted the yams from a farm belonging to Sunday Chinedu.

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    Prosecutor T.O. Gbadebo of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said the theft was reported to the Corps’ office on September 2.

    He informed the court that the defendant had stolen the tubers on two occasions and had previously been pardoned by the community for a similar offence.

    The charge read: “That you, Emmanuel Godfrey, on August 29, 2025, at Awogbamigbe, Oba-Ile, Akure North Local Government Area, did commit felony by entering a farm belonging to Sunday Chinedu to steal 35 tubers of yam, which you uprooted from the ground.”

  • Police promise to arrest killers of NSCDC officers

    Police promise to arrest killers of NSCDC officers

    Edo State Police Command has assured the Chinese community at the BUA Cement that it would arrest the killers of eight personnel of the Nigeria and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    It said it would work with other security agencies to rescue the kidnapped Chinese expatriate.

    The personnel, who were attached to the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, were killed in an ambush while one Chinese expatriate was kidnapped.

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    Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, gave the assurance when he visited the crime scene and BUA Cement factory.

    In a statement, the state Police spokesman, Moses Yamu, said the commissioner commiserated with the state Command of the NSCDC over the loss of their personnel and vowed that the attack would not go unpunished.

    “In his remarks to the Chinese community in BUA Cement, Okpella, the Commissioner assured that the Command is intensifying operational efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted expatriate, while strengthening security deployments in the area to forestall a recurrence.

  • Gunmen kill three police officers in Kogi attack

    Gunmen kill three police officers in Kogi attack

    The Kogi State Police Command yesterday confirmed the killing of three of its officers by gunmen at a checkpoint in Egbe, a community which shares boundary with Kwara State.

    Spokesman for the command, Superintendent of Police William Ovye-Aya confirmed the incident yesterday, saying the incident in the morning.

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    Ovye-Aya added that the Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye had deployed the police tactical team to the area, adding that they were on the trail of the gunmen.

  • ‘Why diversion is necessary on Ogudu-Ifako Bridge’

    ‘Why diversion is necessary on Ogudu-Ifako Bridge’

    Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, has explained why traffic diversion on Ogudu–Ifako Bridge is necessary.

    Bakare-Oki, who inspected replacement of the expansion joints on the bridge at Ifako yesterday, noted the inconveniences road users have endured. He stressed that the project is vital to safeguarding lives and improving the structural integrity of the bridge.

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    “I empathise with people over the inconveniences engendered by this diversionary arrangement. Nonetheless, this rehabilitation is an indispensable undertaking of government to safeguard lives, fortify the structural integrity of the bridge, and elevate the commuting experience on this vital transportation artery,” he said.

    He assured Lagosians that the project is being carried out under strict international standards and will be completed within the timeframe earlier announced by the state government.

    The LASTMA boss also commended residents for their discipline and resilience in adapting to diversionary measures, describing it as a reflection of the collective spirit of Lagosians.

  • Customs intercepts N13.5b illicit drugs in Rivers

    Customs intercepts N13.5b illicit drugs in Rivers

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Area 2 Command, Onne in Rivers State has intercepted 20 containers carrying illicit drugs worth over N13. 5billion.

    The outgone Controller of Area 11 Command, Onne, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, paraded the containers and their contents in Onne yesterday.

    Babandede, who handed over the leadership of the Command to his successor, Comptroller, Aliyu Alkali, said the intercepted containers were laden with 1,195,400 bottles of codeine syrup, 3,200,000 tablets of extra Diclofenac, 3,500,000 tablets of benzhexol, 1,633 cartons of laboratory equipment and 2,612,400 analgin injection packages.

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    He identified other drugs as 239,400 packages of diluent ampoules of atesunate injection and 399,700 packages of diluent ampoules of expired aretemac injection.

    Babandede said the drugs, which were imported from India, smuggled by concealing them under the disguise of regular imports of 6,720 pieces of chilly cutters, 192 cartons of bench vice, 30 pieces of ceiling fans, 479 pieces of plumbing materials, 6,048 pieces of blades and other items such as hoes, wall lights, bale of used clothes and gallons of sahala vegetable oil.

    He said the country had struggled with the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medication posing a significant risk to public health with potential fatal outcomes.

  • Police arrest self-proclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” foil installation ceremony

    Police arrest self-proclaimed “Obi of Lagos,” foil installation ceremony

    The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday arrested a 65-year-old man who allegedly paraded himself as the “Obi of Lagos” with three accomplices, effectively halting a planned unveiling ceremony for his purported palace.

    The suspect, Engr. Chibuike Azubike, an indigene of Obodoukwu Ancient Kingdom in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, was taken into custody with Chief Chibuzor Ani, 57; Chief Martins Nwaodika, 65; and Mr. Ikechukwu Franklin Nnadi, 41.

    According to a statement by the Lagos Police Command, intelligence reports revealed that the group had concluded arrangements to unveil a prototype of a ₦1.5 billion “Palace of Obi of Lagos State” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Apple Hall, Amuwo Odofin.

    Acting on this tip, police operatives sealed off the venue to prevent the event from taking place.

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    The Command said it deployed conventional police officers, members of the Eko Strike Force, and other tactical squads to the area to ensure public order and avert any breach of peace.

    “The suspects are currently in detention and investigation is progressing into their nefarious activities. The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and they will be charged to court accordingly,” the statement read.

    The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warns members of the public to remain vigilant against impostors and criminal elements who attempt to exploit revered cultural and traditional institutions for selfish gains.

    He reiterated that such actions are unlawful, contrary to the statutes of Lagos State and capable of breaching the peace of the society.

    “The Command will continue to enforce the law firmly and decisively against any individual or group engaging in acts that undermine legality, public order, and the integrity of the State,” he stated

  • EFCC arraigns two over N26m money laundering, vote buying in Abuja

    EFCC arraigns two over N26m money laundering, vote buying in Abuja

    The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Esther Ashivelli Dawaki and Shehu Aliyu Fatange, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of money laundering and vote buying involving N26 million.

    The duo is standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, accepting and making cash payments in excess of legally approved limits, and money laundering in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    According to the charge sheet, Dawaki was accused of procuring Fatange to accept a cash payment of N26 million without passing through a financial institution, an offence punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Act. Fatange was also accused of receiving the said sum from Dawaki in contravention of Sections 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Act.

    Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their plea, prosecution counsel M.O. Arumemi applied for a trial date and requested that the defendants be remanded in custody.

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    Defence counsel, E.N. Ogbu and A.A. Ashat, did not oppose the application but sought an adjournment for the hearing of bail applications. They also prayed the court to remand the defendants in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail.

    Justice Nwite, however, ordered Dawaki to be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre, while Fatange was sent to Kuje Correctional Centre. The matter was adjourned to Monday, September 15, 2025, for the hearing of bail applications.

    EFCC investigations revealed that the defendants were arrested on August 16, 2025, after operatives intercepted N26,463,000.00 hidden inside a Toyota Corolla (2010 model) belonging to Fatange, parked within a hotel premises in Kaduna.

    Upon arrest, Fatange reportedly identified himself as the Director-General of the campaign office of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, which was held the same day. The recovered cash was suspected to have been set aside for vote buying during the election.

  • BAT Nigeria hosts multi-stakeholder workshop on sustainable water stewardship

    BAT Nigeria hosts multi-stakeholder workshop on sustainable water stewardship

    BAT Nigeria has convened a multi-stakeholder workshop at its Ibadan factory to address pressing water challenges and advance strategies for sustainable water stewardship.

    The event, themed “Collaborating for Sustainable Water Stewardship,” brought together government officials, industry leaders, and community representatives to explore collective solutions amid the growing global water crisis.

    Opening the forum, BAT West & Central Africa Operations Director, Hasnain Ishtiaq, stressed the need for joint action, saying, “This workshop is a testament to our firm belief that we can only make a real difference and build a sustainable future by working together, sharing ideas, and committing to collective action.”

    With the World Bank warning that over 40% of the global population lives in water-stressed regions, participants highlighted the urgency of adopting sustainable practices.

    Rising agricultural demands and climate change, experts noted, are set to intensify water scarcity, floods, and droughts.

    BAT’s Sustainability Operations Manager, Dr. Adesuyi Adeola, presented the company’s progress under the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard, citing reductions in water withdrawal, improved recycling, and the success of its wastewater treatment plant, which recycled over 14,000 m of water in 2024.

    The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, stressing that the AWS framework goes beyond compliance by fostering community engagement and building trust with regulators, investors, and local communities.

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    In an open dialogue session, participants raised concerns over public water infrastructure, while the Director of Water Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Bode Raji Olugbemiga, assured that government efforts were underway to repair facilities. She praised the workshop as a strong example of public-private collaboration.

    Stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) were among those in attendance.

    The workshop concluded with a call for attendees to serve as “ambassadors” for water stewardship, reinforcing the vision of clean and accessible water for all.