The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Group slams Sowore over attacks on IGP

    Group slams Sowore over attacks on IGP

    The Police Integrity Movement has condemned civil rights activist Omoyele Sowore for what it described as his relentless and unwarranted attacks on Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. 

    The group questioned Sowore’s motives, wondering why he has chosen to consistently criticise the police leadership at a time when the country is grappling with significant security concerns.

    It argued instead of attacking the police, Nigerians should be rallying behind the authorities to find solutions to the nation’s security challenges. 

    According to the spokesperson of the group,  Isaiah Ijele: “At a time of immense security concerns facing our country, the reasonable thing one expects from well-meaning Nigerians is to join hands with the Police authorities on the way out of the woods,” the group said. “On the contrary, Sowore has become a tool of destruction and to ridicule the Nigerian Police.”

    It added under the current Inspector General of Police, significant strides have been made with over 150,000 officers promoted, and the police pension scheme has been digitalised. 

    Read Also: DSS summons Sowore over post on Tinubu

    It added insurance coverage has been provided for fallen officers, and awards have been instituted to encourage and recognize the best officers. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to the welfare and professionalism of the police force.

    “We urge activists like Omoyele Sowore to leave the IGP alone and allow him to continue his good work. A more balanced approach would help foster a more positive and supportive environment for law enforcement agencies to thrive.

    “In the meantime, The Police Integrity Movement is a vital initiative dedicated to upholding police integrity, accountability, equity, and justice within our law enforcement agencies. It’s crucial because many Nigerians harbour negative sentiments toward the police due to the actions of a few corrupt individuals. This negativity unfairly impacts the majority of dedicated officers, leading to their stigmatization.

    “Every organization has its share of good, bad, and ugly elements, but it’s disheartening that online platforms often highlight only the corrupt actions of some officers. This constant focus on the negative promotes crime and corruption while demoralizing law enforcement agencies, making it challenging for honest officers to thrive.

    “Our movement aims to foster positive awareness and appreciation for the good officers who serve and protect us. We must honor the sacrifices of those who have died in the line of duty. It’s time for activists to reconsider their approach and adopt a balanced perspective to rebuild trust and support the vital work of our law enforcement agencies,” the group stressed. 

  • NCAA, NIHOTOUR move to harmonise regulatory roles

    NCAA, NIHOTOUR move to harmonise regulatory roles

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged to work with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) to evolve a clear regulatory framework that will streamline their roles and prevent conflicts.

    Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received NIHOTOUR’s Director General, Aare (Dr.) Fagade Abisoye and his team on a courtesy visit to his Abuja office.

    Najomo, who welcomed the delegation warmly, said collaboration between both agencies was long overdue.

    “We are more than willing to sit down with NIHOTOUR to create a framework that will remove any ambiguity in our respective roles,” he said. “The best way to achieve this is to set up a joint committee that will review our enabling Acts and regulations. That way, we will clarify who does what and avoid unnecessary role clashes.”

    He stressed that the aviation sector cannot function in isolation from tourism and hospitality, hence the need for synergy.

    “Our work directly impacts the passenger experience, which is at the heart of tourism. It makes sense that our agencies align for the benefit of Nigerians and the industry as a whole,” Najomo added.

    Responding, Dr. Abisoye underscored the significance of the partnership, noting that tourism regulation must be inclusive of aviation for Nigeria to realise its full potential.

    Read Also: NCAA summons airlines over flight disruptions, compensation issues

    “This collaboration is important because our mandates intersect,” he said. “Rather than allow these overlaps to create conflicts, we should harmonise them. I strongly believe that formalising this partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will help prevent role encroachment and strengthen our regulatory framework.”

    The NIHOTOUR boss added, “Tourism is a growth driver for our economy. If we align with the NCAA, we can ensure standards that will make Nigeria a competitive destination globally.”

    At the end of the meeting, both agencies agreed to set up a committee that will work out the framework for cooperation. The committee was given a three-month deadline to submit its recommendations.

    NCAA, established by the Civil Aviation Act, regulates the aviation industry to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of air travel in Nigeria. Its functions cover airlines, airports, airspace, and passenger welfare.

    On the other hand, NIHOTOUR, created by Decree 81 of 1993, is mandated to train, certify, and regulate practitioners in the hospitality and tourism sector. With the rise of travel-linked tourism, especially air passenger tourism, the institute’s role has occasionally overlapped with the NCAA’s regulatory oversight, leading to grey areas in standards and responsibilities.

    Experts have long called for synergy between aviation and tourism agencies, arguing that clearer coordination will boost Nigeria’s chances of attracting international visitors, improve service delivery, and align the country with global best practices where aviation and tourism are jointly promoted.

    The new committee is expected to recommend a harmonised framework that reflects this alignment within three months.

  • Civil Defence Corps to bring killers of personnel to justice

    Civil Defence Corps to bring killers of personnel to justice

    The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo State has vowed that killers of eight of its personnel would be arrested and brought to justice.

    It said its personnel and other security agencies were combing the bush and forest.

    Eight personnel of the NSCDC, who were attached to Chinese expatriates working at the BUA Cement factory, were shot dead at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.

    The kidnappers reportedly ambushed the convoy on Friday night and whisked away one of the Chinese expatriates after killing the NSCDC personnel.

    Read Also: 23 terrorists killed, 26 kidnap victims rescued in Katsina

    Edo NSCDC spokesman, Efosa Ogbebor, said the Corps National Headquarters has contacted the families for burial of the victims and welfare of their family members.

    He said: “The National headquarters have taken over the issue, investigation is still ongoing and our men are still out there combing the forests because those men must be brought to book, they must be brought to book, the Corps is not taking it lightly in anyway, those person who did that must and will be brought to book, there is no hiding place for them, we are doing the combing in collaboration with other security agencies.

    “For the victims, communication has been established with families by the Corps Headquarters and the welfare of the families they left behind is being handled by the national headquarters.”

  • Residents block Third Mainland Bridge over alleged demolition by govt

    Residents block Third Mainland Bridge over alleged demolition by govt

    • Calm restored

    Traffic on the Third Mainland Bridge, Lagos was brought to a standstill yesterday morning when protesting residents of Oworonshoki blocked the inward lane leading into the community.

    The demonstrators, who trooped out in large numbers, expressed anger over the demolition of buildings in the area allegedly carried out by the Lagos State Government. Many of them, wielding placards, accused the authorities of rendering families homeless without adequate notice or compensation.

    The protest, which started at dawn, caused heavy gridlock on the ever-busy bridge, leaving motorists stranded and forcing many commuters to seek alternative routes into Lagos Mainland.

    Security operatives were later deployed to the scene to restore order and open the road to traffic.

    Read Also: DSS summons Sowore over post on Tinubu

     Calm has been restored on the bridge after swift intervention by the Lagos State Police Command.

    Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, led his men to the scene. His intervention, in collaboration with officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), ensured the dispersal of the protesters and reopening of the road.

    In a statement, police spokesman, Babaseyi Oluseyi, confirmed the development.

    “Calm has been fully restored on the Third Mainland Bridge after the swift intervention of CP Olohundare Jimoh. The Lagos Police Commissioner visited the scene, ensured safety and order, and reopened the road. Traffic is now flowing smoothly,’’ he said.

    Some motorists like Igwe Blessing expressed frustration over the initial disruption, stressing that protests should not be allowed to obstruct major highways.

    “Even if they are protesting, it is not enough reason to block the road and therefore affect other road users,” she stated.

  • Two die in Edo community leadership tussle

    Two die in Edo community leadership tussle

    Two persons have been killed over leadership tussle at Iyanomo community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

    The deceased were Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo has, however, launched an investigation to get the killers and prosecute them.

    Okpebholo spoke through the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers” when the Government House Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Superintendent of Police Osaro Roberts, and Principal Security Officer to the Governor, Okoh Saturday, visited the community.

    They said they were in the community to ascertain the true circumstances surrounding the killings.

    Addressing the community elders and youths, Secretary of the Special Security Squad, John Izegaebe, said the governor’s resolve to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in the state would be accomplished.

    Read Also: 23 terrorists killed, 26 kidnap victims rescued in Katsina

    “Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle between two rival factions in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and, ultimately, claimed the lives of two men. This is unacceptable. The governor has directed us to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. No one is above the law.

    “The government condoles with the families of the victims and assures them that justice will be served. At the same time, we are sending a very strong message to community leaders: disputes must be resolved legally, not through violence. Governor Okpebholo has zero tolerance for crime, and anyone who foments unrest in Edo communities will face the full wrath of the law.”

    The residents called on the state government to beef up security in the area to forestall further bloodshed.

  • Four security personnel killed in Imo shootout

    Four security personnel killed in Imo shootout

    Four security personnel were killed in a bloody shootout at a disputed land in Mbaishii, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The officers were part of the personnel guarding the disputed land, a long-standing source of contention among the Mbashisi communities (comprising six communities), the Zion Ministry, and state government.

    According to eyewitnesses, the officers had an altercation, which escalated into the shootout, claiming the lives and leaving others seriously injured.

    Read Also: DSS summons Sowore over post on Tinubu

    They said: “It was a chaotic scene, with officers shooting at each other indiscriminately.

     “The incident is believed to have been triggered by a disagreement over the sharing of proceeds from their paymaster, Evangelist Ebuka Obi and his Zion Ministry.”

    The incident has left many residents in shock.

    “In a bid to apprehend the trigger-happy cop and stop him from further killings, more officers lost their lives in the incident until he was overpowered and allegedly shot too,” the source said.

    It was learnt that the Zion Ministry is set to start a four-day crusade in the area next week, and this incident has raised concerns about security arrangements for the event.

    Police sources denied involvement, while the Department of State Security (DSS) claimed the number of casualties was lower. “We don’t talk on the phone, but the number of casualties is lower,” said Director of Operations, Ikechi Ogbonna.

  • Police begin probe of death at National Assembly car park

    Police begin probe of death at National Assembly car park

    Following the discovery of a body of a man in a car at the car park of the National Assembly on Sunday and the alarm raised, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has begun an investigation into the incident.

    The deceased, identified as 55-year-old Gaddafi Iwar, a Tiv man suspected to be a labourer at a construction site in the complex, was found in a red Peugeot 406 with registration number BWR-577 BF around 9:00 am last Sunday.

    Read Also: 23 terrorists killed, 26 kidnap victims rescued in Katsina

    Sources said the body was evacuated to the National Assembly Clinic for confirmation before it was taken to Asokoro General Hospital. However, the hospital reportedly rejected the remains due to advanced decomposition.

    Tiv community leaders later conveyed the body to Gbawu village, a border town between Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, and Kuje Area Council, where it was buried to prevent a health hazard.

    Spokesperson of FCT Command, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident.

  • KingMakers champions youth empowerment with inaugural E-sports Academy Kids Programme

    KingMakers champions youth empowerment with inaugural E-sports Academy Kids Programme

    KingMakers, in partnership with Carven Gaming and Reach (RCL), successfully hosted the first cohort of its E-Sports Academy Kids Programme over the weekend at Landmark Village, Oniru, Victoria Island. The CSR-driven initiative is aimed at empowering children with digital literacy, responsible gaming education, and opportunities in the fast-growing e-sports industry.

    The inaugural session welcomed over 40 children, including participants from Kidsports Charity Initiative, who engaged in more than five hours of hands-on training and interactive activities. The programme featured skill development workshops, mini masterclasses on real career pathways, exciting tournaments, and a prize presentation ceremony where the top three runner-ups were recognized and rewarded.

    Commenting on the initiative, Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director of KingMakers, said: “At KingMakers, our CSR mission is about creating opportunities that transform lives. Through this programme, we are showing children that gaming is more than play, it is a pathway to learning, teamwork, discipline, and even future careers. Seeing the excitement and potential in these young participants reinforces our commitment to using innovation to give back to society.”

    Also speaking, Solomon Nnanna, Founder of Reach and Programme Organizer, expressed his delight at the programme’s impact: “This first cohort has been a huge success, empowering over 40 children with knowledge and exposure that many of them would not ordinarily have had access to. Our goal is to nurture their confidence, creativity, and digital awareness while creating a fun and inclusive space. The partnership with KingMakers and Carven Gaming ensures we can keep expanding this vision to reach even more children.

    Beyond this programme, KingMakers has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering young people across multiple fields. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Ojah Scholarship Foundation, The Destiny Trust Initiative, and The BRIDGE Initiative, KingMakers has actively supported disadvantaged youth with scholarships, mentorship, and digital literacy initiatives. These collaborations highlight the company’s long-standing vision to create lasting impact by opening doors to education, sports, and personal development for young people across Nigeria.

    The E-Sports Academy Kids Programme will run in two cohorts annually, with one more planned before the end of 2025. Each cohort will continue to expand access, giving more children across Lagos the chance to benefit from structured e-sports education, mentorship, and empowerment.

  • Four men arraigned for kidnapping, attempted murder in Ondo

    Four men arraigned for kidnapping, attempted murder in Ondo

    The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned four men before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly kidnapping a 60-year-old man, Tijani Aremu, and attempting to murder a woman in the Akoko area of the state.

    The defendants – Yahaya Galejo, 30; Ismail Illa, 20; Muhammadu Usman, 25; and Muhammed Idrisa, 27 — were charged with five counts bordering on criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and unlawful gathering.

    Police prosecutor Sulieman Adebayo told the court that the accused persons, along with others still at large, committed the offences on August 17, 2025, at about 4:00 p.m. at Ikuiye Awara Farm within the Ondo State Magisterial District.

    Adebayo alleged that the defendants, armed with a short single-barreled gun, a dagger, and other dangerous weapons, abducted Aremu and took him to an undisclosed location, where he was held for two days while his family was coerced into paying a ransom.

    On the same date and location, the prosecutor further alleged that the defendants attempted to kill a woman, Omolayo Aremu, by locking her inside a reservoir tank.

    The court also heard that the suspects were found in possession of dangerous weapons, including a short single-barreled gun and a dagger, without a satisfactory explanation.

    Read Also: Ondo govt backs distribution of 3.6m treated nets to curb malaria

    The charges, according to the prosecution, contravene Section 6(b), 2(a and b) of the Anti-Abduction and Anti-Kidnapping Law of Ondo State, 2010; Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap. R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024; and Section 320 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

    Adebayo urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    However, the pleas of the accused were not taken, as their counsel sought an adjournment to enable him to file a counter-affidavit against the remand application.

    Magistrate Damilola Sekoni ordered that the defendants be remanded in police custody and adjourned the case until September 18 for ruling on the remand application.

  • NSCDC deploys 174 newly trained officers to protect critical assets in FCT

    NSCDC deploys 174 newly trained officers to protect critical assets in FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified intelligence operations across Abuja and its environs to curb vandalism and other criminal activities.

    Commandant of the FCT Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this on Monday during the passing-out ceremony of 174 officers who recently completed a specialised training tagged “Enhancing Tactical Efficiency through Modern Security Tools.”

    He explained that the officers, now certified, would be deployed to strategic locations to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure within the capital city.

    Dr. Odumosu noted that the training was designed to sharpen the personnel’s tactical skills in line with global best practices, stressing that today’s security challenges are more complex and demand both courage and the effective use of modern tools and techniques.

    The Commandant also commended the Nigerian Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja, for its support and collaboration, while emphasising that inter-agency synergy remains vital in achieving national security objectives.

    He said, “The quality of instruction and guidance you have given is quite enormous and an investment in the security architecture of FCT and Nigeria at large.

    Read Also: Edo NSCDC vows justice for eight personnel killed in Okpella attack

    “The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is statutorily mandated to safeguard Critical National Assets and Infrastructure. As a nation, the threats we face are not static; they evolve daily, ranging from insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping to vandalism of Critical Assets, oil, communication, and power installations, as well as emerging threats such as cyber intrusions and drone-enabled crimes.

    “The skills acquired through this training will translate into stronger surveillance capacity, quicker response times, and improved protection of assets vital to our economic and social wellbeing.”

    The NSCDC FCT boss charged the 174 participants to apply the knowledge with professionalism, discipline, and a strong sense of duty.

    “In the last few years, the FCT Command has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of capacity building programmes and I assure you that this unique training would be a catalyst for drastic reductions in reported cases of vandalism, theft of public infrastructure and a surge in the arrests of vandals and other criminal elements within the FCT and its environs, ” Dr Odumosu said.

    In his address, the NSCDC Unit Commander, ACC John Alabama Stephen, said the training programme was carefully designed to sharpen the tactical skills of the personnel, equipping them with modern knowledge and practical tools needed to thrive in today’s ever-evolving security environment.