The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Cement-laden truck kills four, injures many at Asaba section of Second Niger Bridge

    Cement-laden truck kills four, injures many at Asaba section of Second Niger Bridge

    A tragic road accident at the Second Niger Bridge on the Benin-Asaba expressway has resulted in the deaths of no fewer than four persons, with several others injured.

    The accident occurred on Monday around 11.30 am and involved a truck transporting cement, which reportedly lost control while navigating the bridge.

    According to eyewitness accounts, the truck, travelling at a high speed, fell and subsequently collided with two other vehicles.

    It was gathered that the impact was devastating, leading to multiple fatalities on the spot.

    Some injured victims were reportedly rushed to St. Rebecca Hospital on Nnebisi Road, Asaba, the Delta State capital, for medical treatment.

    One of the eyewitnesses said that the accident involved a truck and two other vehicles along the Second Niger Bridge.

    The eyewitness, who craved anonymity, narrated: “We saw a speeding truck carrying cement trying to navigate through the bridge, but could not control the vehicle, which somersaulted and eventually fell.

    “The truck crashed into two other vehicles, and some people died, others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Asaba.”

    Read Also: Fed Govt to complete Second Niger Bridge, others

    The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State Command, Mr Frederick Ogidan, confirmed the crash, blaming the truck driver for speeding.

    Ogidan said, “The victims were trapped in their vehicles because the vehicles somersaulted.  Our towing truck was there to rescue them.

    “Four persons were confirmed dead. Contrary to speculation, the vehicle involved was not Dangote’s truck. However, the truck carried cement.

    “It is unfortunate that a crash will happen on that very good road — it shows that the driver was reckless and probably speeding and lost control of the vehicle.”

  • Army hands over fake major to police in Lagos

    Army hands over fake major to police in Lagos

    The Nigerian Army has handed over a 36-year-old man, identified as Animashaun Khalid, to the Lagos State Police Command after he was caught impersonating a senior military officer.

    Khalid was arrested at the popular Arena Market in Oshodi by soldiers of the 9 Brigade, Ikeja, after he was found in possession of a forged Nigerian Army identity card bearing his name and the rank of Major.

    The suspect was immediately transferred to the police in what authorities described as a seamless operation that reflects improved cooperation between the military and police in Lagos.

    Police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Monday, said the case has been assigned to the Command’s Special Squad I for discreet investigation.

    He explained that detectives would focus on unravelling the source of the forged ID, identifying possible accomplices, and determining whether the suspect had used the fake rank to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the Army for its swift action and urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant.

    Read Also: Army neutralises 15 terrorists, rescues 30 victims in nationwide operations

    He stressed that synergy among security agencies is crucial in tackling crime and maintaining public safety.

    “The Command assures the public that close collaboration between the security forces will continue to enhance safety in Lagos State,” he said.

    The suspect is expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

  • Do not despair, Balami charges youths on birthday 

    Do not despair, Balami charges youths on birthday 

    Popular aviator and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Comrade Isaac Balami, has charged youths not to lose hope in the country amid challenges, stating that difficulties of the moment are are ‘propellers’ that can drive their dreams.  

    The renowned youth leader gave this advice in his birthday message posted on his X handle @balmiisaac on Monday. 

    The former national Deputy Campaign Manager of the Labour Party(LP) clocks 41 on Monday, August 25th.

    Balami, in the birthday message, said his life is enough to inspire millions of Nigerian youths who may have lost their hopes in the country.

    He said like him, consistency and self-belief will take them to their destination. 

    According to him: “Today, I turn 41. I am deeply grateful to God for the gift of life, strength, and purpose.

    “Birthdays for me are not about fanfare but reflection, gratitude, and the moment we renew our commitment to our life journey and expectations. 

    “Turning 41 carries a profound meaning for me. In the Bible, Jesus embarked on 40 days prayer and fasting. This was a breakthrough in his spiritual mission. To me, 41 symbolizes stepping into that season of manifestation, after years of preparation and perseverance,” the youth activist wrote. 

    Reflecting on his life journey, Balami said, “In a flash, my life is a journey of grace and resilience. From humble beginnings in Borno to becoming an aviator and now leading initiatives that touch aviation, education, and philanthropy, I see God’s manifestation. 

    “In this journey so far, I have worn many caps, even as an engineer, entrepreneur, union leader, and now CEO of 7Star Global Hangar & Airlines. I also founded the Isaac Balami Foundation (IBF) and the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM). Through these platforms, I’ve realized that self-belief, when matched with action, can transform lives.”

    He said the greatest gift God has bestowed on him was the passion to lift others.

    “By sponsoring 160 young Nigerians in aviation training and creating opportunities where none existed gives me the greatest joy,” he said. 

    According to the former President of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, many of the young Nigerians he empowered are about to kickstart their career in the aviation sector. 

    He went on to state that his story is that of resilience and a message to young people not to give up. “Keep the hope alive. Believe in yourself. Believe in Nigeria,” he advised. 

    Admitting that times are tough, Balami said, “I can relate with the frustration because I’ve travelled the path. But challenges are not roadblocks; they are runways. Use them to take off – run on them. 

    “I started in aviation without  godfather, no resources, no connection. I had only faith and determination to push through. It wasn’t smooth ride but I was consistent, marrying my vision with tenacity.  

    Read Also: Balami hails Tinubu, Zulum’s zeal amid challenges

    “The simple truth is that your dreams are valid. No matter how hard it gets, do not let your environment kill your vision.

    “Today is not about hosting a big party but recommitting to the work ahead – Building 7Star Global Hangar & Airlines into a world-class brand, expanding IBUAM to produce not just aviators but innovators who will lead Africa’s aviation future, strengthening IBF to empower more young Nigerians with opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.”

    “My dream is simply to see a Nigeria where young people are the architects of opportunities and not just seek them; a Nigeria where we build aircraft, not just to fly them; a Nigeria that exports talent instead of losing it to brain drain.

    “So, as I step into this 41st year, my message is clearly that of hope and self-belief. Don’t give up. Stray true to your dream,” he concluded.

  • NERC transfers regulatory oversight to Bayelsa

    NERC transfers regulatory oversight to Bayelsa

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“NERC” or the “Commission”) has transferred the regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Bayelsa State to the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA).

    The transfer, according to an order of the commission, complied with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN) and the Electricity Act 2023 (Amended).

    The order, which was issued on Monday, said, “The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (“NERC” or the “Commission”) has issued an order to transfer regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Bayelsa State from the Commission to the Bayelsa State Electricity Regulatory Agency (BYERA).”

    NERC recalled that with the EA 2023, the Commission retains the role as a central regulator with regulatory oversight on the inter-state/international generation, transmission, supply, trading, and system operations.”

    Read Also: Reps query NERC over non utilisation of N59b for mass metering

    The order further noted that the EA also mandates any state that intends to establish and regulate intrastate electricity markets to deliver a formal notification of its processes and requests NERC to transfer regulatory authority over electricity operations in the state to the State Regulator.

    The order reads in part, “The transfer Order by NERC has the following provisions: “- Direct Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc (PHED) to incorporate a subsidiary (PHED SubCo) to assume responsibilities for intrastate supply and distribution of electricity in Bayelsa State from PHED.” PHED shall complete the incorporation of PHED SubCo within 60 days from 21st August 2025. The subcompany shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from BYERA, among other directives. “All transfers envisaged by this order shall be completed by 20th February 2026.”

  • Police arrest six robbery, cultism suspects, recover firearms in Enugu

    Police arrest six robbery, cultism suspects, recover firearms in Enugu

    The Police Command in Enugu State says it has arrested six suspects for alleged armed robbery and cult-related activities in separate operations within the state.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday in Enugu by SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s Public Relations Officer.

    Ndukwe explained that operatives of the command also recovered firearms, drugs and other incriminating exhibits from the suspects who were presently still under detention.

    He said that the feat was part of sustained onslaught against violent crimes and cult-related activities in the state.

    According to him, on Aug. 22, at about 5 a.m., operatives of the command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested four male suspects.

    Read Also: Police deport Chinese gang kingpin

    ”One firearm, one expended cartridge, substances suspected to be methamphetamine (locally known as ‘Mkpuru-miri’) and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from them.

    ”Their arrest followed the confessional statement of one other suspect earlier arrested detained by the police operatives of Abakpa Division for cultism, armed robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm.

    ”Preliminary investigations revealed that while two of the suspects are members of the Black Axe Confraternity, the others confessed to belonging to the Vikings Confraternity.”

    The Enugu state command image maker further said that on Aug. 19, at about 6:30 p.m., operatives of the command working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, stormed Ogor-Affa in Udi LGA and arrested another male suspect aged 48.

    ”A locally made pistol was recovered from him, and he confessed to being a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity,” he said.

    Ndukwe quoted the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, as reassuring residents of the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements.

    Giwa urged citizens to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and promptly report suspected criminals and their activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s control room via 08032003702, 08086671202 and the state’s Command-and-Control Centre on 112, 09134666668, or 09134448093. (NAN)

  • Widow using fake pregnancy to traffic cocaine arrested by NDLEA in Lagos

    Widow using fake pregnancy to traffic cocaine arrested by NDLEA in Lagos

    A 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for attempting to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using a fake pregnancy to escape scrutiny and detection.

    Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement yesterday.

    Babafemi said the widow, a mother of one and Proprietress of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago Palace way, Okota, Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba last Friday while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja.

    Babafemi said a follow up at her house led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine.

    In her statement, Ezewuike claimed she inherited the criminal trade from her husband who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years.

    Babafemi also said not less than 90 parcels of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 48.6kg, imported from the United States and concealed in three cartons of kitchen sink were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos on August 19 by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI).

    The statement reads: “In Adamawa, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Friday, 22nd August raided the home of a notorious drug dealer Idris Garba, who scaled the fence to escape arrest while one of his associates Boniface Nnaji, 55, who attempted same was caught in the act at Rumde Baru area of Yola South.

    “Recovered from the premises include a black Toyota Thundra jeep marked FST- 885-CZ driven to Yola by Nnaji to supply Garba 354,480 pills of tramadol 225mg, 250mg and others as well as a Toyota Yaris car with registration number DSA 776 AA.

    Read Also: Six dead, three missing as canoe capsizes in Sokoto – NEMA 

    “A total of 5,000 capsules of tramadol, 400 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 200 ampoules of diazepam injection were seized from a suspect Neche Okonkwo at the Idah waterside after crossing the River Niger from Onitsha, Anambra State to Lokoja, Kogi State with the opioids on Wednesday, August 20.

    “In Kano, the duo of Buhari Ibrahim, 25, and Mansur Musa, 24, were nabbed at Zangon Dakata Ungogo, with 5,850 capsules of pregabaline on Tuesday 19th August, while a total of 452,070 pills of opioids were recovered from the home of a suspect Rabilu Mukhtar who is at large, at Rangaza, Ungogo LGA just as Buhari Idris, 35, was arrested at Tashan Rami area of the state with 140 litres of codeine syrup, both on same Tuesday. No fewer than 7,000 capsules of tramadol were seized from Adamu Yusuf, 29, along Zaria-Kano Road, Kwanar Dangora area of the state on Saturday, August 23.

    “A total of 2, 289.49 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis were intercepted in three interdiction operations by NDLEA operatives in Kwara State. While 1,232.86kg was recovered from a Mitsubishi Canter truck marked ZUR 66 XT on Wednesday 20th August at Ajase-Ipo area of the state with a suspect, Kabiru  Abdullahi arrested,  another consignment of same psychoactive substance weighing 328.42kg was seized from Paul Olaniran, 47, in a Mercedes Benz truck marked  LSD 659 YE same day, same location.

    “The following day, Thursday, August 21, NDLEA operatives intercepted another consignment of skunk weighing 728.21kg in a Mitsubishi Canter truck with registration number GAD 287 XA, at Ajase-Ipo junction, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara state where two suspects: Abubakar Zaki, 44; and Yau  Babangida, 45, were arrested. Similarly, two suspects: Awe Sunday, 50; and Ayodele Adedayo, 54, were nabbed at Alafia Quarters, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti state in connection with the seizure of 96 kilograms of skunk.

    “In Taraba, NDLEA operatives, in conjunction with Civil Defence Corps personnel, on Wednesday 20th August destroyed 7,500kg skunk on three hectares of farmland at Dadin Kowa village, Bali LGA, while 901kg of same substance was recovered from a warehouse at Uzebba in Owan West LGA, Edo State where a 54-year-old female suspect Fodo Stella Sunday was arrested on Tuesday, August 19.

    “In other operations in Edo state, a total of 14,233.37 kilograms of skunk were destroyed on four plantations that measured 5.69375 hectares at Ebule forest, Owan West Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 20.

    “In Delta State, NDLEA operatives supported by the military destroyed a total of 25,500kg skunk on four plantations measuring 10.2 hectares in Emu-Obiogu community, Ndokwa West LGA on Thursday 21st August, while in Ondo State, 25,025kg of same psychoactive substance was destroyed on three farms with a combined measurement of 10.01 hectares at Asolo camp, Uso area of the state.

    “Two dispatch riders were on Thursday 21st August arrested by NDLEA officers in a stop and search operation in Jabi area of Abuja for distributing illicit substances in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). While Garba Sule, 29, was caught with 300 milligrams of pentazocine injection, Isaac Augustine, 35, was nabbed with 8.64grams of skunk packaged for delivery.

    places and communities among others in the past week.

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) hailed the officers for their efforts.

  • Edo Police launch manhunt for kidnap-suspects

    Edo Police launch manhunt for kidnap-suspects

    • Gunmen whisks away 13 passengers

    The Edo State Police Command has confirmed Saturday’s kidnapping, which was recorded live by social activist Martins Vincent Otse, alias VeryDarkMan (VDM).

    Commissioner of Police (CP) Monday Agbonikan, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation, adding that the shot driver was responding to treatment.

    He thanked Otse and his team for the courage they displayed during the incident, noting that VDM’s insistence on taking the driver to the hospital helped to keep him alive.

    According to the CP, the kidnappers took 13 victims with them and efforts had started to ensure their safe rescue, and the arrest of the culprits.

    “We have already taken steps to ensure those kidnapped are rescued and the suspects apprehended. We have deployed operatives and technology. Our teams are combing the areas as I speak to you,” said CP Agbonikan.

    Otse, who was on a road trip in Edo State, had stumbled on kidnappers attacking a white bus, presumably an inter-state transport vehicle.

    Read Also: Troops seize 32,000 litres of stolen products, arrest 69 suspects in Niger Delta

    From the video he made around 4pm on Saturday, the kidnappers allegedly shot the driver and left him for dead while they marched the passengers into surrounding bushes.

    According to Otse, some military personnel mounted a checkpoint not far from where the incident took place but did not advance to confront the kidnappers.

    While other vehicles stopped moving toward that direction, VDM, in whose entourage was a policeman and some other men, charged them to keep moving to chase the criminals.

    He was able to get reinforcement from a patrol vehicle that was plying the same corridor and urged them to advance towards the scene to stop the criminals.

    A visibly angry Otse could be seen threatening to take up a gun and go into the forest to confront the criminals as he motivated the patrol vehicle to shoot at or run over any of the kidnappers who dared to confront them.

    As soon as they got close to the wounded driver, Otse was heard telling his team that they must take him up and rush him to the hospital.

    “We cannot leave him here. We will not go without him. That’s the human life we are talking about. Please lift him up for me and put him in the vehicle,” he signalled them, refusing  entreaties to the contrary.

    His acts of bravery and compassion have received accolades from thousands of Nigerians across social media who are demanding that the Federal Government gives him a national award.

  • TechWings Global launches dance entertainment platform Beats Fussion

    TechWings Global launches dance entertainment platform Beats Fussion

    TechWings Global LLC  has announced the launch of Beats Fussion, a first-of-its-kind digital platform that redefines the way dance is experienced, celebrated, and shared.

    Beats Fussion, according to its founders, is a vibrant entertainment hub where dance teams compete in live battles, fans stream performances, and audiences vote in real-time to decide winners.

    Read Also: Six dead, three missing as canoe capsizes in Sokoto – NEMA 

    Beyond just a competition, the platform creates opportunities for dancers to showcase their skills, gain global recognition, and connect with passionate communities across borders.

    “Our vision at TechWings has always been to build technology that inspires and empowers people.

    With Beats Fussion, we’re giving dancers and performers the global stage they deserve, while offering audiences an exciting, interactive way to experience culture and creativity,” said Bonojo Adedayo, Marketing and Communication Lead of TechWings Global LLC.

    According to him, the  launch of Beats Fussion is set for Monday September 15, 2025, with registration for dance teams

  • Crime fighting: Senior lawyers reward ACP with N1m in Delta

    Crime fighting: Senior lawyers reward ACP with N1m in Delta

    The Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN) from the Warri, Udu, and Effurun branches in Delta State has honoured Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Aliyu Shaba for his exemplary conduct and anti-corruption efforts.

    The ceremony took place recently at the Ekpan Community in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

    As part of the recognition, Shaba received a monetary scholarship of N1 million, aimed at supporting the education of one of his children, expressing the community’s appreciation for his commitment to fighting crime and promoting integrity within the police force.

    Shaba, who is the Commander of the Ughelli Police Area Command, was previously the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the Ekpan Division in Uvwie. He was recognised as the Best Police Officer of the Year 2023.

    During the award presentation, Chief Thompson Okpoko, the doyen of BOSAN in Delta and former Chairman of the Body of Benchers of Nigeria, emphasised that the event was organised to acknowledge and appreciate outstanding performances in law enforcement.

    Okpoko said: “We felt we should acknowledge what is good. We commend ACP Shaba, good work must be commended and rewarded.

    “When such officers go back, they will not be afraid to say, they have done so much.

    “BOSAN also decided to donate a sum of N1 million to Shaba and asked him to award it to any of his children deserving the scholarship award to go to school and also learn to become a good Nigerian.

    “Even though corruption has pervaded virtually all strata of the Nigerian society, we need people like Shaba to pick up the campaign in the Police Force, to change the system.  If there is nobody ready to receive bribe, there will be nobody to give it.”

    Also speaking, Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN), former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), urged police officers to exhibit distinction, commitment and dedication to their duty.

    Alegeh, while speaking on the topic,

    ‘The Nigeria Police Force and Public Perception’, said that such traits would earn the police officers good recognitions from the public.

    Alegeh thanked Chief Okpoko (SAN) for bringing the SANs together and honour ACP Shaba.

    Read Also: Troops seize 32,000 litres of stolen products, arrest 69 suspects in Niger Delta

    The former NBA boss noted that despite the challenges in the country, some individuals still excel in their services to the nation.

    He said that Shaba had excelled in a way that he should be celebrated, noting that the recognition would encourage other officers to do same or better.

    He stated: “This hosting is not just about celebrating Shaba, it will spur others around him to do same or better.

    “We cannot keep complaining about the federal and state governments. Life makes meaning if we all do our bits in our respective states.

    “Instead of SANs asking federal government to reward individuals, it has done its part by recognising Shaba. If what SANs’ body has done needs recognition, so be it!

    “We cannot just be asking the federal and state governments to recognise people when on our part we have done nothing.

    “So, I thank Chief Okpoko (SAN) for bringing us together to celebrate and honour Shaba.”

    Also speaking, Mr Kunle Edun (SAN), former National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, said that Shaba was honoured for his outstanding performances as the DPO in Ekpan, Warri, Udu and Abraka divisions.

    “It is a matter of public record that Shaba performed excellently. We have to celebrate him so that other police officers will be encouraged to follow in his footsteps,” he said.

    On his part, Shaba thanked the BOSAN for the award, noting that he never expected it.

    “I never saw it coming. I am highly delighted to have a class of SANs with my Commissioner of Police and well-meaning citizens in Delta State, particularly in Warri, coming together to give me this award.

    “This is just to tell other officers to put in their best, not for reward purposes. They should always do what is right, so that people will say good things about them.”

  • Court orders parties to ‘stay off’ disputed Abuja Estate

    Court orders parties to ‘stay off’ disputed Abuja Estate

    The legal tussle over ownership and development rights in the River Park Estate in Abuja has taken another turn as a Federal Territory Capital (FCT) High Court has ordered parties to stay-off the disputed property.

    The court gave the order on August 21 in Suit No. CV/2902/2025 between Jonah Capital Nigeria Limited (Claimant) and Paulo Homes Nigeria Limited (Defendant).

    Presiding judge, Justice C. O. Agashieze, in her ruling, held that both parties should refrain from interference with the properties in contention until further notice.

    The court’s directive affects developments within the estate, including Paulo Boulevard and projects associated with Aazik Homes. By adjourning the matter sine die, the court effectively put a hold on all activities at the estate pending a substantive hearing.

    Read Also: Six dead, three missing as canoe capsizes in Sokoto – NEMA 

    During proceedings, a letter written by the Head of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, Commissioner of Police Akin Fakorede, dated August 7, surfaced as part of the documents tendered before the court.

    The letter had been addressed to the FCT Director of Lands and copied to relevant agencies, relating to official dealings on the estate.

    The letter has raised questions among stakeholders, as the matter is still under judicial consideration. Lawyers noted that the inclusion of such correspondence may play a role in shaping the direction of the case.

    Meanwhile, the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had earlier directed that matters relating to the dispute be subjected to review to ensure compliance with due process. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had also convened meetings with stakeholders in July to encourage an amicable resolution and ensure that court processes were respected.

    The dispute has attracted significant public attention because of its implications for land administration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its relevant agencies such as the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) and Development Control, also plays a crucial role in resolving ownership and planning issues in the estate.

    Analysts say the prolonged dispute has implications for investor confidence, particularly within Abuja’s real estate sector. Concerns have been raised about the clarity of land titles, regulatory compliance, and the need to safeguard investments from overlapping claims.

    Stakeholders argue that a transparent resolution of the River Park matter would strengthen Nigeria’s land governance framework and reassure investors about the sanctity of property rights in the FCT.