The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Facebook user docked for defaming actress Lizzy Anjorin

    Facebook user docked for defaming actress Lizzy Anjorin

    A Lagos Magistrate Court has arraigned a 37-year-old woman, Akanji Kofoworola, for allegedly using her Facebook account to publish, distribute or project articles and obscene content against a Nollywood actress and businesswoman, Lizzy Anjorin.

    Kofoworola was brought before Chief Magistrate Wahab Balogun by operatives of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, publication of fake news, and defamation.

    According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Haruna Ibrahim, the defendant and several other bloggers currently at large committed the alleged offences in Lagos between 2023 and 2025.

    ASP Ibrahim told the court that Kofoworola knowingly published false statements, rumours, and obscene content targeting the actress on Facebook, with the intent to damage her reputation.

    He said the actions violated Sections 39, 57, and 150 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 and are punishable under the same laws.

    The charges against the Facebook user read: “That you Akanji Kofoworola ‘F’ and other Bloggers at large, from 2023 till date, somewhere in Lagos State in the Lagos State magisterial district did unlawfully publish, Statements, rumor about one Chief Mrs. Lizzy Anjorin on Face Book, a platform on social media, knowing, or having reason to believe that such Statements, rumour and report are false thereby committed an offence punishable under section 39 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

    Read Also: Iyabo Ojo’s N1bn suit against me dismissed – Lizzy Anjorin

    “That you Akanji Kofoworola ‘F’, and other Bloggers at large, same time and place, in the Lagos State magisterial district did unlawfully display to the public pictorial representation of one Chief Mrs. Lizzy Anjorin on Face Book, a platform on social media, using the said public space to present her in a manner likely provoke or bring into disaffection any section of the community, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 57 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

    “That you Akanji Kofoworola ‘F’, and other Bloggers at large, same time and place, in the Lagos State magisterial district, did for gain of social media likes and remuneration distribute or project articles and content deemed to be obscene and likely to corrupt the minds of viewers towards the personality of Chief Mrs. Lizzy Anjorin, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 150 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.”

    Kofoworola pleaded not guilty to all charges.

    Following her plea, the prosecutor requested that the defendant be remanded pending trial. However, her lawyer made an oral bail application, arguing that the charges were bailable.

    The presiding Magistrate, after listening to the lawyer’s submission, admitted bail to the defendant in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum and some other conditions.

    The case was adjourned to August 21, 2025, for trial.

  • Lagos-Calabar coastal highway: Protesters storm ministry of works over demolition

    Lagos-Calabar coastal highway: Protesters storm ministry of works over demolition

    Protesters on Tuesday besieged the Federal Ministry of Works in Mabushi, Abuja, demanding adequate compensation for properties demolished along the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.

    Speaking on behalf of the group, leaders Declan Ihekaire and Shina Loremikan decried the government’s handling of the situation, stressing that such actions discourage both local and international investments.

    They demanded prompt and fair compensation that reflects the true value of the demolished properties, urging the authorities to address the issue without further delay.

    “I am here in conjunction with my other colleagues who believe that equity should be equity. Those who believe in fairness. Those who believe that oppressive tendencies should be resisted. So, what we are saying is that justice, justice now. When do we want it? Now. What do we want? Justice.

    “So, we are here at the Ministry of Works, Abuja. The same way we were at the Ministry of Lands in Lagos some weeks ago, to tell the Honourable Minister of Works that he has not been fair to Nigerians who invested so much in the corridor where you have the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road.

    “We are saying there is nothing wrong with constructing that road. But there is so much wrong when you take over people’s property, legitimate property, properties that have a C of O., and you take over such property without compensation.

    “We are saying no to that. We are also saying no to a situation where you convince Nigerians to come from overseas and put down their hard-earned currency. And after putting down such money in a property, you come and you demolish.

    Read Also: Deutsche Bank leads $747m loan consortium for Lagos-Calabar coastal highway

    “How do you now tell others there to come back and invest? So, it is a case of you giving and also taking away. We are also saying that a young Nigerian, Obanla, was also abducted at the site some time ago.

    “And to date, we are yet to locate where Obanla is. We are also saying that Obanla should be released to the family. And so, we are saying enough is enough,” Ihekaire said.

    While urging the National Assembly to call the minister to order, Ihekaire said the victims should be given the same treatment as the Super Falcons and D’Tigress, as they also laboured for their property.

    “We have enough money to compensate those whose property has been taken away. Just a few days ago, our Falcons did well. And after doing well, they were paid millions of Naira, 150 million, to each player.

    “And we are saying if we have so much to appreciate people, we should also have so much to compensate people whose property has been taken away.

  • Police officers arrested in Kwara for ‘extorting’ N200,000 from student

    Police officers arrested in Kwara for ‘extorting’ N200,000 from student

    Kwara State Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo, has ordered the arrest of police officers for allegedly extorting N200,000 from Mr. Taiwo Kayode Taye, a student of the Federal Polytechnic.

    Sources said the number of the alleged offenders might not be fewer than three.

    Ojo expressed disappointment over the conduct of the affected officers.

    He assured of discreet investigation on the matter.

    It was gathered that officers at the Anti-Cultism Unit of the state Police Command had stopped the commercial bus Taiwo was travelling in enroute Osogbo,Osun State at Erin-Ile town in Oyun Local Government Area and asked to unlock his phone.

    Read Also: Oyo police arrest four for hijacking, diverting goods-laden truck

    Following his refusal to do so, the policemen allegedly ferried the student to Ijagbo Police Division office where he was detained.

    It was also gathered that he was later moved to the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID), in Ilorin where he was allegedly forced him to unlock his phone and transfer N200,000 to a bank account owned by one Lucy Akor.

  • Court remands alleged serial killer Olori Esho in Lagos

    Court remands alleged serial killer Olori Esho in Lagos

    An Ogba, Lagos Chief Magistrates’ Court yesterday remanded a 44-year-old serial killer, Wasiu Akinwande (alias Olori Esho), at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Kirikiri for allegedly killing eight persons and causing disability to a woman .

    The court did not take the plea of the defendant. 

    Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola ordered that the defendant remanded pending legal advice from Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).

    She adjourned the matter to September 4.

    The police prosecution, Nosa Uhumwangho, had earlier asked the court to remand the suspect in a Police custody to enable them to conclude investigation.

    Uhumwangho said the defendant was found with 13 international passports with valid visas and some belonging to foreign nationals.

    He also told the court that there are other gang members yet to be arrested.

    He listed some of the evidence recovered from the defendant and before the court to include nine AK-47, two pump action and two pistols.

    But defence counsel, Adejare Kembi, opposed his submission, saying that the request of the prosecution was a bridge of his rights to be defended.

    Read Also: Court orders interim forfeiture of Lagos property over N986m diesel fraud

    Kembi urged the court to balance the rights of the defendant against the loud exhibits before the court.

    Citing relevant section of ACJL 2015, he urged the court to remand the suspect in custody of NCoS.

    The 11-count charge against the defendant bordered on conspiracy, possession of firearm, poisonous dagar, murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, threat to life, possession of international passports, and possession of other dangerous arms, preferred against him by the Police.

    The prosecution told the court that the defendant and others at large committed the offences between December 9, 2010, July 31, last year and April 5, this year.

    Uhumwangho said the incidents took place at No 11, Mosalashi Street Mushin Lagos.

    He told the court that the defendant killed one Yusuf Bolakale, 30, and Yusuf Ramadan, 23, by shooting them with AK-47 and absconded to Alagbado, Lagos State where he was later arrested.

    The defendant was also said to have on December 9, 2010, on  Tiamiyu Street, Fadeyi killed a 10-year old girl, Aminat Lateef, by shooting her with the Ak-47, while she was on errands and absconded to an unknown destination, at Alagbado, where he was tracked and arrested.

    The defendant was also accused of killing one Anyila( surname unknown, Ojajo (surname unknown) and three others by shooting them with the AK- 47 rifle during a clash between his faction and another on July 31, last year, at Idi-araba.

    The prosecution further told the court that Esho unlawfully had in his possession A2 assault rifle, AR 72739, two AK-47 rifles with  No 0275,5688 and two local single barrel pistols, 70 rounds of 5.56 ammunition, 27 rounds of 9mm, ammunition, 57 cartridges, three walkie talkies and one poisonous daggar.

    The court also heard that Esho, on February 17, 2011,  at Awoniyi Street,  Idi-Araba Mushin, attempted to kill a 58 -year-old woman, Awawu Ajalara, by shooting her legs with AK-47,  thereby causing her permanent disability.

    He was also accused of threatening one Mohammad Ali, by tying him up with a rope and demanded the whereabouts of his boss Sego, after invading his residence at 1:30 a.m. on April 5, this year, at No 4, Gbadamosi Close, Surulere, Lagos.

    Uhumwangho said that the defendant between 2009 and 2025, at Mushin while armed with dangerous weapons, went to cause fear and apprehension in Mushin and its environs.

    The prosecutor also told the court that sometime between 2009 and 2002, Esho, armed with firearms and other dangerous weapons, invaded and grabbed victims’ landed properties and disposed of the same.

    Uhumwangho alleged that Olori Esho, on July 31, last year, at No 11, Mosalashi Street Mushin Lagos, was found in possession of stolen international passports in the name of Ganiyu Faliat Blessing, Alade Sikiru, Pichama Betrran Mbeghe, a Guinea Bissau national, Jubisa Aruna Damaris a Da Guine national, Agbo Lucia Eta, national  Republic Da Guine, Yougouda Assiatou, a national Republic Da Guine, Forchit Victory Muyang, a national Republic Du Cameroun.

    Others are Dr Mashood Aladipo Haroona, national of Nigeria, Marcel Nguty Muda, a national of Republic Da Guine, Ojo Odunayo Idowu national of Nigeria, and Akinwande Wasiu Olufemi, a national of Nigeria, Haroona Ladi . O.M. a national of Nigeria, Aristide Nyuyki, a national of Republic Da Guine.

    The prosecutor said when Esho  was arrested, he was unable to give a satisfactory account to the police on how he  came about the various international passports found in his possession.

    The offences committed contravened Sections 233, 223, 27, (1), (a), (b)(ii), of the firearm Act laws of the federation of Nigeria 2004, as amended.

    The offences also contravened sections 230 (a),245, 562,(1), (a),(2),51,(2), of the property protection law 2016, and 329, of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2015.

  • Sisters nabbed for faking abduction to extort N5m from dad

    Sisters nabbed for faking abduction to extort N5m from dad

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested two sisters, Leadway Innocent and Joy Innocent, for staging a fake abduction to extort N5million from their father.

    The Police also arrested two accomplices in Jikwoyi Phase II, Abuja.

    According to a statement by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, said the case began when Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported to the Jikwoyi Police Division that his 16-year-old daughter, Leadway Innocent, had gone missing.

    Mr. Innocent explained that Leadway left home on Friday, July 18, this year, to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.

    He later received a call from an unknown person demanding N5million for her release.

    Adeh said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation. The phone number used to contact the complainant was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.

    The operatives proceeded to the location, where they found Leadway in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ondo farmers regain freedom five days after abduction

    “Both individuals were seen eating and conversing freely, indicating no signs of distress,” he added.

    Investigators arrested Leadway’s elder sister, Joy , and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji.

    Adeh noted that findings indicated Joy conspired with her boyfriend, who is married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa, to stage the abduction of Leadway, to defraud their father.

    Police discovered that Leadway participated in the scheme.

     Adewale, condemned the act, describing it as a “betrayal and manipulation, particularly one perpetrated within the family.”

  • Six die in Katsina building collapse

    Six die in Katsina building collapse

    No fewer than six persons have died after a building collapsed during a downpour in Dankama Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The incident occurred around 2 a.m. yesterday while the victims were asleep, claiming the lives of a mother and five of her children.

    The victims’ husband and father, Malam Muhammad Sani, confirmed the incident to reporters in Katsina.

    He said three others were rushed to hospital with various injuries.

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    Sani explained that he was away when it happened and was left in shock after hearing the news.

     “This affected about 10 people, but sadly six didn’t survive. Three are currently receiving treatment in hospital,” he told journalists.

     The deceased were identified as Mariya Sani, 45; Mujahid, 20; Zahariya, 18; Hauwa, 15; Amira; and Nura Sani, aged five.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tragedy has triggered widespread grief in the community.

    Many sympathisers have visited the family’s Dankama home to offer their condolences and support.

    Sani expressed his acceptance of the tragedy, saying: “I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest.”

     Hajiya Binta Dangani, Executive Secretary of Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the incident to NAN.

    She said agency officials had been dispatched to condole the family and assess the damages for follow-up.

  • Police rescue one of two abducted AAUA SSANU member

    Police rescue one of two abducted AAUA SSANU member

    The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of one of the senior staff member of the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), by suspected gunmen.

    Its spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Olayinka Ayanlade, who broke the news yesterday in Akure, said two AAUA staff members were initially abducted, but one was rescued, following swift police intervention.

    “Two AAUA staff were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. However, our men responded quickly and were able to rescue one,” Ayanlade said.

    He added that the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered that the rescued staff member be debriefed for intelligence gathering, while efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi, the Faculty Officer in the Faculty of Education and member of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)

    Eleyinmi was kidnapped at his residence in Supare-Akoko, Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, on Monday night shortly after returning from work.

    Read Also: Oyo police arrest four for hijacking, diverting goods-laden truck

    A senior lecturer, who pleaded anonymity, said the gunmen stormed the victim’s residence around 7:00 p.m., shooting sporadically to scare away residents before whisking him away.

    “One of our SSANU members, Mr. Omoniyi Eleyinmi was kidnapped at his residence this evening at Supare-Akoko. He had just returned from work when the incident occurred,” the source stated.

    The victim’s wife, who narrowly escaped the attack, said her husband was not at home when the attackers first arrived.

    She said the kidnappers were still at the premises, firing gunshots, when Mr Eleyinmi returned, only to be seized and taken away immediately.

    The whereabouts of Mr. Eleyinmi remains unknown, while police operations continue in the area.

  • Lagos Special Fraud Unit CP resumes

    Lagos Special Fraud Unit CP resumes

    The 32nd Commissioner of Police (CP), Special Fraud Unit (SFU), Lagos, Mrs. Rose Dung, has resumed

    Her appointment follows the elevation of her predecessor, Okunade Ronke, to the exalted position of  Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

    The Unit’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ovie Ewhubare, broke the news yesterday.

    In a statement, he said Mrs Dung, who hails from Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the former Bendel State University, Ekpoma (now Ambrose Alli University).

    Dung joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, trained at the Nigeria Police Academy Annex, Kaduna, and began her career at the Abia State Police Command.

    Over the years, she has held several strategic positions across varous commands and formations, including serving as Divisional Police Officer at Agbara in Ogun State, and Commandant of the Police Training School, Iperu.

    Read Also: International Award celebrates 980 Bronze recipients in Lagos

    She was also Assistant Commissioner of Police (Administration) in Ondo State and later Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) in Bauchi State. Before her current posting, she served as Commissioner of Police, Welfare, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

    A seasoned and versatile officer, Mrs Dung has attended several strategic and leadership courses. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Women Police.

    Mrs Dung expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police for the confidence reposed in her. She pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ensure strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of the Unit’s mandate.

    She appealed to the public and stakeholders for continued support and cooperation to enhance the Unit’s effectiveness in tackling economic and financial crimes.

  • Rotary Club donates to health centre

    Rotary Club donates to health centre

    Rotary Club of Minimah Estate in District 9112, has donated some relief materials, food items and medical equipment to Mushin Primary Health centre, Igbo Owu.

    The items include digital thermometer, kidney dish, artery forceps, uterine sound, episiotomy scissors, refractor, pulse oximeter, needle holder, bedsheets, fetal Doppler, underlay, mackintosh, baby diaper, and food items.

    Chairman, Mushin Local Government, Tunbosun Aruwe, said: “This is a good gesture. Everybody here is happy. The local government, the staff of the health centre, and expectant mothers are all happy. We just came on board on Sunday and this is taking place within a week of our inauguration. This is a good one.’’

    The President of the club, Brig.-Gen. Anthony Onibasa (retd), noted that the presentation was borne out of the passion to curb maternal and child mortality.

    Read Also: Rotary offers free hepatitis, malaria treatment in Abuja community

    According to the president, the gesture is also in the fulfilment of Rotary’s monthly  thematic focus on helping humanity. “This month, we are dwelling on maternity and child health.

    “For the Rotary Club of Minimal, we have actually been in one project earlier in Baliga and we are rounding it up with maternal and child health in Mushin. The focus is on delivery. From our findings, the maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is above the world’s average. Also, the child mortality rate in Nigeria is above the world average.

    “We chose to focus on delivery. Before we donated these, we first found out what they need to improve safe delivery in the health center. We donated the items to them. We are also pleased that the chairman of the local government identified fully with this project. It’s about adding value to humanity in a rotary way.  We also donated food items to the staff,” Onibasa said.

  • We are here to fix VON as a true instrument of national power, says DG

    We are here to fix VON as a true instrument of national power, says DG

    The Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba Ndace, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutional reform and national service, stating that his focus is on repositioning the organisation to become a true instrument of national power.

    He made this known while receiving the newly elected leadership of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), led by its National President, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, popularly known as Magic Fingers, during a courtesy visit to the VON headquarters in Abuja.

    Welcoming the union executives, the Director General praised their emergence through a 20-hour democratic process during the Seventh Quadrennial National Delegates Conference held in Gombe. He described their victory as a testament to the strength of organised labour and its role in transforming the public service.

    Mallam Ndace highlighted key milestones under his leadership, noting that VON is on a path of institutional renewal. He said the organisation is being repositioned into a pan-African and globally respected broadcaster, focused on operational excellence, digital transformation, and international relevance.

    With the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, VON is restoring its long-dormant 250KW Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) transmitter, which will enable a return to shortwave broadcasting for the first time in over a decade. Once operational, VON will reach audiences across Africa and beyond.

    He also recalled the successful hosting of the first staff retreat in more than ten years, describing it as a moment of strategic reflection and a turning point in staff engagement. The retreat led to the signing of performance bonds with directors and featured professional development sessions, including training on artificial intelligence, corporate risk management, and content innovation.

    On international partnerships, he cited renewed collaborations with broadcast organisations in China, Tanzania, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Côte d’Ivoire. These alliances, he said, are vital in repositioning VON as a bridge between Africa and the world. He also referenced recent discussions with the Chinese Embassy to support Mandarin-language broadcasting as part of VON’s multilingual expansion.

    Ndace further noted the establishment of partnerships with institutions such as the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), NIGCOMSAT, Galaxy Backbone, and Globacom. These collaborations, he said, are driving digital growth, enhancing staff capacity, and boosting operational efficiency.

    He assured the union leaders that his administration prioritises staff welfare, including the regular payment of the thirteenth-month salary. Describing staff as VON’s greatest asset, he stressed that all ongoing reforms are rooted in civil service rules and aimed at delivering measurable results.

    Addressing recent staff redeployments, the DG clarified that the exercise was an administrative step to reposition the service following the Voice of Nigeria Management Retreat in 2024. He said many staff members had welcomed the redeployments with a renewed sense of duty, noting that while reforms may be challenging, they are necessary for lasting progress.

    Speaking on unionism, he called for responsible and constructive engagement, urging RATTAWU to partner with management in ways that protect workers’ rights while enabling innovation, restructuring, and performance-based governance.

    Ndace reaffirmed VON’s alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the strategic direction of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris. He pledged that VON would continue to strengthen its platforms, expand partnerships, and invest in its people in pursuit of national interest.

    He commended Comrade Kalu for his service in the media industry, particularly at the Anambra Broadcasting Service, and expressed confidence that under his leadership, RATTAWU would be a credible partner in VON’s ongoing reforms.

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    The DG emphasised his strategic focus on People, Platform, and Partnership. He expressed confidence that with shared purpose and responsible leadership, the Voice of Nigeria will rise to become a world-class public broadcaster that the nation can be proud of.

    In his response, the National President of RATTAWU, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu, commended the Director General for his visionary leadership and transformative strides at the Voice of Nigeria.

    He expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reaffirmed the union’s unwavering support for VON’s reforms, pledging continued collaboration in advancing staff welfare, professional excellence, and national development.