The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • 2027: Free, fair elections key to women, youth, PWDs’ political participation — Igbuzor

    2027: Free, fair elections key to women, youth, PWDs’ political participation — Igbuzor

    As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, pro-democracy activist and founding Executive Director of the Center for Leadership Strategy and Development (Center LSD), Dr. Otive Igbuzor, has stressed that free, fair, and violence-free elections are essential for increasing women’s participation in politics.

    Speaking in Abuja during his 62nd birthday celebration and the public presentation of his new book, Inclusive Governance and Development in Nigeria, Igbuzor said credible elections would also encourage greater involvement of youths and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in elective and partisan politics.

    He maintained that transparent elections are critical to achieving inclusive governance where women, youths, the poor, and persons with disabilities can influence who manages the affairs of the nation across the three tiers of government.

    “If we have free, fair, credible, and violence-free elections, more women will participate. Secondly, we need deliberate policies for inclusion—quotas for women, youth, and PWDs. Thirdly, we need participatory democracy as an approach. With these three, inclusive governance will be possible,” he said.

    Igbuzor further noted that good governance can only be realised if the right people are elected into leadership.

    He urged citizens, particularly God-fearing individuals, professionals, and religious leaders, not to shy away from politics for fear of it being a “dirty game,” warning that doing so would leave governance in the hands of charlatans.

    “And the end result will be accelerated development and progress of the entire society. You talk about a participatory approach to Nigerian governance. How do you make this attractive to those categories of persons who were mentioned as key elements in taking the driver’s seat? There are many ways we can make it attractive.

    “The first and the most important is awareness. For people to become more aware of the centrality of politics in life. For people to know that politics determines a lot of things in society. Politics will determine the kind of education you will have. Politics will determine the type of media you will have. Politics will determine religion. Politics will determine whether you have housing or not. Politics will determine whether you have food or not.

    Read Also: 2027: Nobody will dictate my successor, Gov Sule warns appointees

    “But the challenge we have all over the world is that many people run away from politics. That’s why you see that in Nigeria. If you go to the United Nations, Nigeria is doing well. If you go to the World Trade Organization, Nigeria is doing well. If you go to the African Development Bank, Nigeria is doing well. Just until recently, Dr. Osahon Enabulele was the President of the World Medical Association. In fact, Mrs. Bagudu was just In Nigeria, inclusive governance faces precarious conditions marked by limited participation of marginalized groups, particularly women, youths, and people with disabilities, in economic, social, and mainly political processes.

    “This exclusion hinders effective representation and decision-making, potentially leading to social and political instability. Efforts to promote inclusion are often hampered by institutional, individual, and socio-cultural or patriarchal barriers, requiring comprehensive and collaborative interventions to extirpate. There is no doubt that the absence of inclusivity in governance has had dismal consequences on the Nigerian state.

    “Exclusion from governance has created a sense of injustice, marginalization, and resentment, all of which have been experienced recently as the President of the World Cancer Association. Comrade Ayuba was once the global president of the International Confederation of Trade Unions. So, Nigerians are good leaders in other aspects.

    “That’s why my consistent message over the years is for good people, is for decent people, is for God-fearing people, is for religious people, is for professionals to participate in politics. Where you don’t participate, you leave this peace for charlatans and hoodlums.”

    In a keynote lecture to mark Igbuzor’s birthday, Dr. Stephen Iroro Izu of the Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, titled, “Ideology and the quest for inclusive governance in Nigeria”, the political scientist warned that inclusive governance in the country faces precarious conditions marked by limited participation of marginalized groups, particularly women, youths, and people with disabilities, in economic, social and mainly political processes.

    According to him, “This exclusion hinders effective representation and decision-making, potentially leading to social and political instability.”

    He lamented that efforts to promote inclusion are often hampered by institutional, individual, and socio-cultural or patriarchal barriers, which require comprehensive and collaborative interventions to extirpate.

  • 2,000 Nigerian youths to get free electric vehicle maintenance, manufacturing training

    2,000 Nigerian youths to get free electric vehicle maintenance, manufacturing training

    The Director General of the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF), Tony Nwulu, has said 2,000 Nigerian youths will benefit from free training in electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and manufacturing under a new partnership programme with CAWIN Mobility Limited.

    The initiative, unveiled in Abuja, is part of a broader programme aimed at empowering young people with the technical skills needed to prepare Nigeria for the growing adoption of renewable energy and green transportation.

    Nwulu described the project as a “historic milestone” that would position Nigerian youths at the forefront of the global transition to sustainable mobility.

    “One of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be who services electric vehicles when they develop faults. Through this partnership, we are equipping 2,000 Nigerian youths with the skills to fill that critical gap,” Nwulu said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between YIPF and CAWIN Mobility.

    He explained that as electric vehicles gradually make inroads into the Nigerian automobile market, it was important to ensure the country was not left behind in terms of technical expertise and manpower.

    Nwulu said the initiative, which commences on the 20th of this month, is designed to prepare young Nigerians to take advantage of the fast-emerging opportunities in the renewable energy and green transportation sector.

    “This project is open to all Nigerian youths across the country. If you are interested in electric vehicle repairs, simply visit our website at www.yipf.org.ng, fill out the form, and you will be contacted. The programme is completely free. You are not paying one kobo to be trained,” he said.

    According to him, the training will target 1,000 engineering students and another 1,000 mechanics drawn from across the country.

    Nwulu noted that the rise of EVs in Nigeria made it urgent to build local technical capacity for repairs and maintenance.

    Read Also: Lagos to host Electric Powerboat Championship

    “Today, if you drive past 20 vehicles, you are likely to see at least one electric vehicle. Like every other car, it will require servicing at some point, and the critical question is: who will fix it when it develops faults?” he said.

    He added that the YIPF’s partnership with CAWIN Mobility was not just about selling electric cars, but also about ensuring the manpower exists to support their use.

    “After-sales support and servicing are very important to everyone who buys these vehicles. This programme ensures that the technical skills are available locally so that EVs do not end up abandoned after a few years. With this training, we are preparing Nigerian youths to lead Africa in this innovation,” Nwulu stressed.

    Beyond the youth training programme, the partnership also introduced the Lawmakers Car Acquisition Scheme (LCAS), which will give federal lawmakers access to both electric and conventional vehicles at affordable prices, with flexible payment plans and after-sales services included.

    Nwulu stressed that the scheme was designed to ease the challenges lawmakers face in carrying out their duties, while also promoting cleaner and more sustainable transportation options.

    “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to youth empowerment, sustainable mobility, and national development. It is a testament to what is possible when innovation meets purpose,” he added.

    Nwulu commended CAWIN Mobility for believing in the vision and supporting an initiative that combines youth development with green energy advocacy. He also expressed appreciation to stakeholders and members of the media who witnessed the launch.

    “With this partnership, we are driving a future where our youths are empowered, our lawmakers are equipped, and our nation is positioned as a leader in the green revolution,” he said.

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament, Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, said the training would equip young Nigerians with the technical skills needed to prepare for the global shift towards sustainable mobility.

    “The world is moving into the electric era, and Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind. Through this programme, we are ensuring that when electric vehicles arrive in the Nigerian market, we will already have a prepared workforce and infrastructure to maintain and service them,” he said.

    He explained that the collaboration with CAWIN Mobility was not only about introducing electric cars into the Nigerian market but also about creating a sustainable support system for their use.

    “The future is electric, and we must train the next generation to understand and lead in this transition. This training programme specifically targets the EV market, ensuring our youths are not caught unprepared but are ready to drive innovation,” he said.

    Alao-Akala emphasized that the training, which commences this month, would be free for all participants.

    “Two thousand youths will benefit from this programme without paying a kobo, and that is a historic opportunity for empowerment,” he noted.

    He praised CAWIN Mobility for bringing its expertise to Nigeria and for agreeing to train Nigerian youths, while also commending his colleagues in the National Assembly for showing commitment by attending the event despite being on recess.

    “This partnership is meaningful, purposeful, and designed for the future of our country. We are committed to ensuring Nigerian youths get it right,” Akala added.

    Managing Director of CAWIN Mobility, Wayne Ji, said the initiative would prepare young Nigerians to play a central role in the country’s transition to green mobility.

    “This ceremony is not just symbolic; it is a promise to our youth, our environment, and Nigeria’s economic growth.

    “In China, electric vehicles drove a new wave of industrial revolution. We believe Nigeria can achieve the same transformation,” Ji said.

    Under the partnership, 1,000 technicians will be trained to immediately serve in garages and service centers, while 1,000 engineers will undergo advanced training in partnership with Nigerian universities, focusing on EV research, design, and manufacturing, he said.

    Ji emphasised that Nigeria’s youthful population is its greatest resource. “At CAWIN, we believe investing in young people is investing in the nation’s future. These 2,000 youths will be the backbone of Nigeria’s EV workforce, from the garage to the research lab.”

    He also highlighted the Lawmakers’ Car Acquisition Scheme, under which Nigerian lawmakers will have access to sustainable vehicles. He said this would “set an example for citizens and create a ripple effect that boosts confidence in electric mobility.”

    Beyond training, Ji explained that CAWIN Mobility will provide a complete EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure, local assembly, supply chains, and after-sales support.

    The programme, he added, is part of a broader vision to create jobs, diversify the economy, and make Nigeria a leader in West Africa’s electric vehicle revolution.

    “We are laying the foundation for cleaner cities, safer transportation, and a diversified economy with new industries and jobs.

    “To Nigerian youths: seize this opportunity. You are not just beneficiaries, you are the future owners of this industry,” he said.

  • Gender Inclusion: We must move from rhetoric to delivery, says Gates Foundation

    Gender Inclusion: We must move from rhetoric to delivery, says Gates Foundation

    The Gates Foundation has urged Nigerian leaders to accelerate action on gender equality goals by moving from policy launches to real delivery for women and girls.

    The foundation explained that the success of Nigeria’s development lies in moving from policy launches to real delivery for women to achieve common goals in women’s health and inclusive economic growth. 

    Deputy Director of Programme Advocacy & Communications (PAC) at the Gates Foundation, Ekenem Isichei, made the call during his keynote address at the 2025 Gender and Inclusion Summit organised by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) in Abuja.

    The summit with the theme: “New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating Inclusive Society” brought together government, private sector, and civil society to discuss gender inclusion and its impact on economic growth and development.

    In his address, Isichei said inclusive growth cannot be achieved unless women are intentionally prioritized in national and state policies, while warning that progress made in women’s health and empowerment could stall without stronger institutional delivery and budgetary commitment.

    He said, “Our goal is to leverage our knowledge and capital to enable the government to best serve its people to execute on budget commitments for key health innovations, to streamline donor delivery coordination mechanisms, to plan and operationalize national development plans on the state level, and much more.”

    Isichei noted that the conversation became important at a time when bilateral aid to Nigeria fell by 40 percent as programs that intentionally support women’s health or empowerment remained targeted, adding that funding for maternal and child health dropped by 67 percent.

    “We gather at a time when resources and momentum towards gender equality goals are waning. Since we gathered last year, bilateral Official Development Assistance, that is, aid from a donor country to Nigeria, has dropped 40%, and programs that intentionally support women’s health or empowerment were especially targeted.

    “Funding towards maternal and child health in Nigeria dropped by 67%. That means that for every three women in your community, two of them will not have access to critical women’s health commodities that they had last year.

    “When 70% of Nigeria’s poorest are women, we cannot ignore the unique experiences of women in climbing out of poverty. At the Foundation, we have seen hard evidence that proves that investing in women’s health and women’s economic empowerment has a lasting impact across generations. It leads to healthier families, stronger economies, and a more just world,” Isichie said.

    Read Also: Zambia VP lauds Sanwo-Olu on human capital development, gender inclusion

    He called on national and subnational governments to invest in skills systems and staying power to implement programmes effectively, and not just to launch.

    “This means institutionalizing gender desks, strengthening planning & budget units, and equipping local PHC managers and Gender Officers with the tools and data to lead with impact.”

    He also called for dedicated public resources for women, saying gender-responsive budgeting “cannot remain an annual budget exercise.”  Calling for clear expenditure targets for women-led MSMEs, which must be protected, disbursed, and monitored.

    The Gates Foundation recently pledged $2.5 billion through 2030 for research and development in women’s health, calling on the government, the private sector, and civil society to co-invest.

    Though civil society groups were praised for pushing inclusion into the national conversations and matching urgency with operational clarity, Isichie urged private sector leaders to see inclusion as smart economics rather than charity.

    Meanwhile, the chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses’ Forum (NGSF), Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq, reiterated the Forum’s commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, pledging stronger interventions to dismantle systemic barriers.

    Olufolake said that various state-level reforms are already underway, stressing that Kwara State has signed a 35 percent gender inclusion bill into law, while 10 states now grant six months of maternity leave to working mothers.

    Several states, including Imo, Ogun, and Ekiti, have female deputy governors, with Kwara reporting 50 percent female representation in its cabinet. Such measures, she said, signal progress toward reshaping governance and leadership representation in Nigeria.

    In another remark, the 2nd Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Ghana, Matilda Sante-Asiedu, said true progress extends beyond economic growth, as it is rooted in inclusion and representation for all. Gender equity, she said, “is not a moral responsibility but strategic for building societies that are inclusive, resilient, and prosperous. Changing the narrative of inclusion requires transformational thinking and an unconventional approach to doing things.”

    She urged all leaders and policymakers to embrace bold ideas and establish institutions that truly reflect the diversity of the African continent.

    Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre, Dr. Osasuyi Dirisu, said the summit aims to bring every cluster of discussion on gender under the same platform for inclusive discussion and participation, while noting that the impacts of the summit have grown over the years. She said the centre is poised to further deepen the positive impact of the summit in the next 10 years.

  • JCI commissions solar-powered borehole in Lagos community

    JCI commissions solar-powered borehole in Lagos community

    The Junior Chamber International (JCI), Lagos Coral, in collaboration with RGS Worldwide Ltd and Nedville Emergency Medical Services (NEMS), has commissioned a solar-powered borehole in the Tolu community of Olodo-Apapa, Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government.

    The initiative, tagged Tolu Community Borehole Project: Water is Life, is designed to provide residents with safe, treated water for generations. The project particularly targets women and children, who are most affected by water scarcity.

    President of JCI Lagos Coral, JCIN Efemona Ejeh, described the project as a testament to JCI’s commitment to community development. She noted that the organisation’s vision is to empower communities to take action themselves rather than wait solely on government intervention.

    “This is who we are and what we do. We can partner with people, government, and stakeholders to solve community needs,” Ejeh said.

    She also highlighted other JCI projects, including an *Entrepreneurship Masterclass* aimed at equipping young business owners with the skills to start and sustain their enterprises. The grand finale of the masterclass will hold on September 6 at Golden Gate Restaurant, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Ejeh urged residents to maintain the borehole properly, assuring them that JCI would conduct routine checks to ensure sustainability.

    Speaking at the commissioning, Managing Director of RGS Worldwide Ltd, Joseph Osazuwa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to giving back to the community.

    “We believe we do business in Lagos, and it’s also part of our social corporate responsibility to provide and support our community from where God is blessing us,” he said.

    Read Also: JCI lists 10 inspiring young persons

     According to Osazuwa, access to clean water is essential for sustainable development, and the partnership with JCI will help to address the community’s water needs.

    “RGS Worldwide Limited is a telecommunication and human resource company that provides services in the area of telecom services, training, and deployment of personnel to work on various sites in Nigeria and seven other African countries,” he explained.

    The company has expressed interest in continuing its partnership with JCI and the local government to support the community and provide necessities like treated water.

    “Water is life, and without water, we have a lot of diseases, but what we are providing is treated water, and it’s solar-driven, so it’s going to make life easy for people,” Osazuwa emphasized. “

    Project Chairperson Tolu Community Borehole, Rachael Emeyazia, said that the project was designed after assessing the needs of the community and bringing stakeholders together to implement a solution.

    She noted that the project has been in Inception since the 24th of November 2024 and is now being commissioned on the 30th of August 2025.

    Emeyazia added that JCI hopes to continue collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to implement more projects that benefit the community.

    Chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, Olamilekan Akindipe Olu, commended the organisation for the laudable project.

    He said the project is a ready-made one that allows people in the community to benefit significantly.

    “This is a very great initiative, as we all know that we need to support the local government, and for a body to erect such a laudable project in our local government, it’s something to be happy about.”

    “Everyone of us knows that water is life. And we’ve been looking into how to erect good boreholes for our community.”

    Akindipe noted that his administration aims to solve the needs of the people of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government.

    Baale of Tolu community, Chief Jelili Ajibola commended the JCI Lagos coral for the project, stating that it’s what they’ve been expecting for long in the community.

    “Here in Tolu, we have a lot of needs, from water, light, a good road network, but thanks to JCI Lagos, they’ve solved one of our basic needs, and the local government chairman has assured us of roads and others”.

    The Community Head assured the organisation of adequate maintenance of the project and also promised to ensure its availability for public use.

    Dignitaries present at the commissioning were: Chairman, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government, Olamilekan Akindipe; President, JCI Lagos Coral, Amb. Efemona Ejeh, Project chairperson, Financial Controller, RGS World Worldwide Limited, Rachael John C. Emeyazia, Executive Vice President, South West JCI Nigeria, JCIN Amb. Akinbode Abitogun, past present JCI Lagos coral (2011), Amb Rotimi Lawal; Baale Tolu Community Jelili Ajibola; CDC Chairman Ismail Jamiu

  • Ojokoro community leaders demand secondary school, improved roads at stakeholders’ meeting

    Ojokoro community leaders demand secondary school, improved roads at stakeholders’ meeting

    Community leaders and other stakeholders in the Ojokoro area of Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency II, Lagos State, on Thursday, called for the establishment of a senior secondary school and improved road infrastructure in the community.

    They expressed their concerns during the 10th annual constituency stakeholders’ meeting, which was held simultaneously across all 40 constituencies in Lagos State and convened by the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the theme of this year’s meeting was “Governance in Action: The Gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

    Speaking on behalf of the community, Alhaji Azeez Amusat, Chairman of the Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council (CDAC), emphasised the urgent need for a senior secondary school at Akinyele/Alakuko to expand access to quality education for local students.

    Amusat acknowledged that previous stakeholders’ meetings had led to the construction and repair of several roads in the area.

    However, he appealed for further attention to uncompleted and yet-to-be-constructed roads, which he described as critical to the community’s development.

    “We are looking for more such things,” he said. “We want to remind our lawmakers that some roads that are important to us are yet to be constructed. We also have a school project we need government support for.”

    He noted that while the community had been asked to construct six classrooms through self-help efforts, they still required government intervention to fully establish the senior secondary school structure at Akinyele/Alakuko.

    “We need a senior secondary school at Akinyele in the Alakuko area. We only have a junior secondary school there.

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    “When these children graduate from junior secondary school, there is no senior secondary school to go around.

    “The distance between Akinyele Junior Secondary School to where we have a senior secondary school is too far and it is too dangerous, endangering the lives of these children.

    “That is why we want a senior secondary school nearby that will take care of those children. We are looking forward to the government helping us,” Amusat said.

    According to him, the community, in collaboration with the LCDA, has purchased land and fenced it, while the construction of six classrooms is also ongoing.

    On economic challenges, the community leader urged all the representatives of the people to look at the suffering of the people and devise means of alleviating it.

    “We appreciate the federal government’s social welfare monthly packages for the poor. We want both the local and state governments to continue helping the people,” he added.

    Corroborating, Oba Williams Adeshoga, the Olorile of Alagbado in Ojokoro LCDA, reiterated the need for a senior secondary school in the area and the construction of more roads for easy movement.

    Also speaking, Olusegun Jolaosho, the Councillor representing Ward G, said that the community’s need for a senior secondary school could not be overemphasised.

    Commending the state government’s infrastructure and education strides, Jolaosho urged the state Ministry of Education to assist the community in the quest for a senior secondary school.

    In his address, the lawmaker representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency II at the Lagos Assembly, Mr Olotu Emmanuel, said that the meeting provided the lawmaker the opportunity to give an account of stewardship as well as engage, interact, and strengthen mutual relationships with the people.

    Emmanuel said that such a meeting remained imperative to collectively address pressing matters affecting the growth, progress, and development of the community.

    He said that the Assembly remained committed to the welfare and well-being of residents, saying, “We will not rest on our oars until the impact of governance is felt in every corner of the state.”

    Emmanuel, who noted that President Bola Tinubu’s leadership had brought hope to the nation, said that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State had also been a pivotal partner in the realization of the shared vision.

    According to him, the Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, had demonstrated accountable and forward-thinking law-making to secure a future that benefits all.

    He said that the Assembly had been supporting the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda in areas such as transportation, environmental sustainability, housing, healthcare, education, civic engagement, and security.

    Also, Mr James Owolabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, commended Emmanuel for quality representation, saying that the community needed improved road infrastructure.

    Earlier, in her welcome address, Mrs Adenike Rosiji, the Executive Chairman of Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), said that Tinubu’s agenda had positively impacted states and the grassroots.

    Rosiji, who appreciated Emmanuel for bringing the government close to the people, said that the meeting was a demonstration of accountability, inclusiveness, and collective responsibility.

    The event brought together various traditional, political, community, market, youth, women, and ethnic leaders and other stakeholders.

  • Nine arrested in Edo for cultism

    Nine arrested in Edo for cultism

    Operatives of the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, have arrested seven suspectsd cultists at Iguoshodin N’ Ikpemaba, Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State.

    Cache of firearms recovered included two baretta pistols, two cut-to-size double-barrel guns and AK-47 ammunition.

    Coordinator of the Squad, Idemudia Noah, said the operation was conducted, in collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders, after credible intelligence was received from residents.

    Idemudia said the operation was in response to distress calls that cult groups were terrorising residents.

    He said the arms and ammunition were recovered from a building allegedly belonging to the Okaighele of Omi, Mr. Osazuwa Igbineweka.

    Read Also: Nigerian politics full of liars, betrayers, says Jonathan

     “Prior to this operation, we had received multiple reports that cult members were causing serious unrest in Omi. Our raid not only led to their arrest but also exposed the dangerous weapons they used to perpetrate crime,” Noah added.

    The coordinator also said preliminary investigations point to the suspects being members of the Eiye Confraternity, a cult group notorious for violent clashes and criminal activities across several Edo communities.

    “From intelligence gathered and from the relief expressed by residents, it is clear that some of those arrested belong to the Eiye cult group. Their arrest has restored confidence among the people who are pleased to see decisive action being taken.

    “Among the weapons recovered were Baretta pistols, cut-to-size double-barrel shotguns, and AK-47 ammunition, all of which point to the extent of the threat posed by these individuals,” he explained.

    He reaffirmed commitment of the team to flush out cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

  • Police investigate crash linked to louts in FCT

    Police investigate crash linked to louts in FCT

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command has begun investigation into the accident around the Mabushi bridge, allegedly caused by louts, popularly known as ‘agberos’, which claimed a couple and sparked violence that left suspected some assailants dead.

    FCT Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, said three unidentified men entered a grey Toyota Highlander, registration number ABJ 206 EC, near Berger Junction, Utako, and struggled with the driver for control of the steering.

    In a statement, the Command confirmed that the accident occurred on September 3, about 1:30 p.m. on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by Mabushi underbridge.

    She said the vehicle lost control during the struggle, hit a parked Mazda, and somersaulted into a bridge pillar on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway by Mabushi under bridge.

    Adeh said: “Preliminary findings indicate that a grey Toyota Highlander, registration number ABJ 206 EC, driven by one Emeka Ehekweme with his wife, was accosted by three unidentified suspects who entered the vehicle near Berger Junction, Utako. In the ensuing struggle for control of the steering, the vehicle lost control, struck another parked Mazda vehicle and somersaulted into a bridge pillar”.

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    She explained that the incident led to multiple fatalities. According to her, “The Highlander’s driver, his wife, and two of the assailants were confirmed dead on arrival at the National Hospital, while a third suspect is currently receiving treatment. The Mazda driver, one Suleman Mohammed, sustained no life-threatening injuries.”

    Adeh stressed that detectives had started investigation into matter

    “Investigation into the circumstances of the incident is underway. The Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures the public of a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts of the matter. Further development will be communicated in due course,” the statement added.

    The Nation had on Wednesday reported that three suspected touts, locally known as agberos and linked to the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, were set ablaze by an angry mob after being accused of causing the crash.

    Videos from the scene showed the suspects lying on the ground before they were doused with petrol and set on fire.

    An eyewitness had lamented that touting had become a menace, urging FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to ban it.

  • Niger boat accident: 58 rescued, 30 dead, says NEMA

    Niger boat accident: 58 rescued, 30 dead, says NEMA

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that over 30 passengers died and 58 rescued in the boat accident at Gausawa in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

    Its Director-General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, has directed the agency’s Minna Operations Office, who are on site to intensify the ongoing rescue.

    According to a statement by NEMA spokesman, Manzo Ezekiel, witnesses at the scene of the incident indicated that about 90 persons were onboard the ill-fated boat.

    The accident, which occurred on September 2, was reportedly caused by overloading.

    The statement reads: “Witnesses at the scene of the incident revealed that about 90 persons were onboard the ill-fated vessel. So far, 58 passengers have been rescued, while over 30 lives have been lost as one additional body was recovered this afternoon.

    Read Also: Nigerian politics full of liars, betrayers, says Jonathan

    “Several other passengers remain unaccounted for, with search and rescue efforts still ongoing.

    “Initial investigations indicate that the mishap was caused by overloading of the vessel, compounded by a collision with a tree stump along the water channel”.

    The agency stated that the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) is leading the rescue operation with other stakeholders that includes the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC), Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), local divers and community volunteers.

    NEMA while assuring the public that further updates will be provided as more details emerge, added that NEMA is coordinating with stakeholders to ensure a sustained and organised response.

  • NBA sues police over tinted glass permit policy

    NBA sues police over tinted glass permit policy

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Nigeria Police Force to court over the controversial tinted glass permit policy introduced earlier this year by the Inspector-General of Police.

    Chairman, NBA-SPIDEL, Prof Paul Ananaba (SAN) confirmed that the litigation would be pursued to its logical conclusion.

    He urged the police to respect the judicial process and suspend enforcement of the policy pending the court’s decision.

    The suit has yet to be assigned to a judge.

    At its pre-conference National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on August 23 in Enugu, the NBA resolved to challenge the legality of the policy, which requires motorists to obtain annual permits for tinted vehicle glasses through a digital portal managed by a private vendor.

    The policy, announced in April, this year, directed motorists to apply for permits and pay theprescribed fees. Although enforcement was initially scheduled to start on June 1, the police extended the date to October 2.

    Read Also: Tinubu meets Ibas ahead end to Rivers emergency rule

    However, reports of harassment and extortion of motorists by officers citing the new policy have persisted across the country.

    Critics, including the NBA, argue that the policy infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement and property, as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. The Association also questioned the reliance on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, a 1991 military decree, arguing that it may not pass the constitutional test of laws “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.”

    Another point of contenti

    on is the financial structure of the scheme. Payments for the permits are reportedly being made into a private account belonging to Parkway Projects, rather than the Federation Account or the government’s Treasury Single Account, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

    Following its NEC resolution, the NBA through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) instituted a suit before the Federal High Court, Abuja. The matter, filed on September 2 under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025, has the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA as claimant and the Inspector General of Police as defendant.

  • Abducted Kogi traditional ruler rescued

    Abducted Kogi traditional ruler rescued

    • Police recover N2m, others from girl at Okene

    The traditional ruler/District Head, Bagaji Odo in Kogi East Senatorial District, David Akpa, who was abducted on Monday has been rescued.

    Sources said the monarch was rescued yesterday morning.

    In a statement, Gift Idoga, the Press Secretary to the Chairman of Omala Local Government Area, Edibo Mark, said his boss mobilised taskforce made up of hunters group, vigilantes, Police and the Nigerian Army in the the rescue.

    According to the statement, the district head was receiving treatment.

    Also, the police have recovered N2,047,300, Bareta pistol, one local double barrel gun, six rounds of 9 mm ammunition, hard drugs, axe and four phones when they arrested a girl in Okene.

    The 23-year-old girl, Charity William, was arrested on Tuesday following “an intelligence led-raid operation”.

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    The spokesman for the state Police Command, Superintendent of Police William Ovye Aya confirmed the incident.

     He said the lady was sighted at Yuwander Lodge, a suspected hideout at Oguda village, Okene. The police raided one of the rooms booked by one Christopher Kadiri, where the lady was nabbed.

    The spokesman added that on the same day, the operatives attached to Ofu Division recovered a gun at Ogbakpedo village on the Itobe-Ayingba Road.

    According to him, the recovery was based on a tip off that some persons suspected to be kidnappers were sighted in the bush.

    He explained: “On sighting the police, they ran away. Search of the area led to the recovering of one locally made barrel gun, cutlass, techno phone, among others.”

    He added that the state Police Commissioner, Miller Dantawaye, commended the officers for their dedication to duty and reaffirming his commitment to the fight against criminality in the state.