The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Yusuf vows to sign death warrant for killers of Fatima, six children

    Yusuf vows to sign death warrant for killers of Fatima, six children

    Kano Governor Abba Yusuf has vowed to sign the death warrants of suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Mrs. Fatima Abubakar and her six children in Chiranci Dorayi if  convicted by a court of law.

    He also vowed to sign the death warrant for the killers of Hanifa and the Gezawa arsonists who also set many people ablaze.

    In the pursuit of justice, Yusuf directed the Kano Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice to fast-track the prosecution of suspects already arrested in connection with the killings.

    The Governor approved a welfare package for Haruna Bashir -the bereaved husband of the deceased wife and six children, who were gruesomely killed a few days ago.

    The package includes sponsorship for Hajj and Umrah, provision of a new house and full government support.

    A statement by Abba Yusuf’s spokesman Sanusi Bature stated that the governor made the announcement during his condolence visit to the family.

    Read Also: Obasanjo holds closed-door meeting with Babangida in Minna

    “Governor Yusuf expressed deep sympathy over the tragic incident and assured the family of the state government’s commitment to rehabilitating the bereaved father and restoring his social life.

    “He directed that a new and befitting house be provided for him and pledged continued welfare support.

    “The governor also said the state would assist the man to remarry, should he find a suitable life partner, and take care of all necessary requirements to enable him start a new life,” the statement said.

     The Governor commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies for their synergy and swift actions that led to the arrest of the suspects.

    In appreciation of the government’s gesture, the bereaved father (Haruna Bashir) donated his own house to the Kano State Government for the construction of an Islamiyya school that will serve the Chiranci Dorayi community.

  • Why Auxiliary couldn’t attend court on Tuesday- Agodi Correctional doctor

    Why Auxiliary couldn’t attend court on Tuesday- Agodi Correctional doctor

    A medical doctor attached to Agodi Custodian facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Dr Wasiu Adeyemi, on Wednesday explained why a former Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURYW) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi also known as Auxiliary was absent for his case on Tuesday. 

    Dr Adeyemi said Auxiliary was rushed out of court because he was feeling dizzy.

    He spoke while appearing before Justice Adetujoye, presiding over Court 11, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan on Wednesday. 

    The Nation reports that the judge had on Tuesday summoned the medical doctor to appear before it to give the true situation about the health status of the former Chairman of the Disciplinary Committe of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS) after he was rushed out of the court before his case which had been adjourned for continuation of hearing on January 20 and 21, 2026 would come up.

    The Nation reports that, while waiting for the court to resume on Tuesday, things took a different turn for Auxiliary who had been in cpurt earlier,  as it was noticed that the Correctional Centre offcers who brought him in the morning and some people gathered around him with snippets filtering around that the former PMS boss was not feeling too well.

    Read Also: Court restrains Wike, FCTA from revoking Maitama land 

    However, the situation in court was a bit calmer on Wednesday during the seeion as the matter came up around 11am. 

    Auxiliary was again brought to court by the officials of the Correctional facility, but was not docked.

    Speaking before the Court when called, Dr Adeyemi said the former PMS boss would need up to a month to recuperate and recover well.

    Ruling, the Court adjourned the case till March 4 and 5, 2026 for continuation of hearing.

    The state Prosecutor was led by O.S Tella, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, O.A Bolarinwa Senior State Counsel and F.F Gbadamosi.

    Defence (Auxiliary’s) Counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN was not in Court but was represented by one of his counsel.

  • Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    Ekiti youths to stage 10,000-man march for Tinubu, Oyebanji

    Youths in Ekiti State are planning a 10,000-man solidarity march in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Biodun Oyebanji ahead of the 2027 general election and governorship election in the state.

    Commissioner for Youth Development, Adesola Gold Adedayo, disclosed this on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti while featuring on a current affairs programme aired by local radio stations.

    Adedayo said the planned march slated for Friday, January 23, 2026, was aimed at aggressively mobilising support for President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji in appreciation of their purposeful, youth -friendly and inclusive leadership.

    Adedayo, who also serves as the coordinator of the All Progressives Congress electronic registration exercise in the state, noted that youths constitute about 70 per cent of registered voters, according to figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    He described the youth population as a strategic electoral force capable of determining the outcome of elections, adding that Governor Oyebanji had earned their loyalty through deliberate investments in youth development.

    Adedayo said Governor Oyebanji’s policies in agriculture, particularly the establishment of farm settlements and dormitories for commercial farming, had provided employment and economic opportunities for young people.

    The initiative, he said, had transformed rural communities into productive hubs, while youth farmers reportedly shared over N1bn as proceeds in December last year.

    The commissioner cited empowerment programmes, support for persons living with disabilities, and the state’s free education policy as some of the interventions that had endeared the administration to the youth.

    Adedayo added that the policies had ensured that children from poor backgrounds were not forced out of school due to financial constraints.

    Adedayo urged youths not to limit their political participation to social media activities but to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and vote during the election, saying that online support alone would not translate into electoral victory, urging young people to be actively involved in the democratic process.

    He added that the 10,000-man march would serve as a veritable platform to demonstrate the youths’ readiness to support President Tinubu and Governor Oyebanji’s re-election, whom he described as a lover and promoter of youth development.

    On governance, the Commissioner said that the achievements of the Oyebanji administration were evident in areas such as road infrastructure, agriculture, sports development, labour relations, security, arts and culture.

    Adedayo also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his commitment to repositioning the country on the path of economic recovery and prosperity.

    He said that the President’s policies and reforms had created opportunities for states, including Ekiti, to attract federal support and investments that would drive development at the sub-national level.

  • UNILAG graduates 89 first class engineering students

    UNILAG graduates 89 first class engineering students

    The University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Wednesday graduated a total of 2,097 students from its faculties of  Engineering, Law and Management Sciences.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that of the 613 graduates produced by the institution’s Faculty of Engineering, 89 made first class.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, gave the figure at the institution’s ongoing 2025 convocation ceremonies.

     Ogunsola said that degrees would be conferred on a total of 16,506 students at UNILAG’s 56th Convocation Ceremonies which began few days ago.

    “Today, graduating students of the faculties of Engineering, Law and Management Sciences will be admitted to their degrees, while in the afternoon, those in the Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dental Sciences, Health Professional, Pharmacy, and Distance Learning Institute will be admitted into their various degrees,” she said.

    Read Also: UNILAG graduates 3,136 students across 3 faculties

    Ogunsola said that a total of 321 students graduated from UNILAG’s Faculty of Law, including three first class students.

    “From the Faculty of Management Sciences, a total of 1,163 graduated, with 180 first class honours.

    “In total, there were 272 first class, 1,108 second class upper, 580 second class lower, 131 third class and six pass grades,” she said.

    Ogunsola said that the university would also confer honorary degrees on two outstanding Nigerians, whose lives exemplified hard work and service.

    “Mr Jubril Tinubu will receive  Doctor of Business Degree and Mr  Kanu Agabi, a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, will be awarded  Doctor of Law degree.

    “I would like to take this opportunity to thank members of  the senate, staff, alumni, partners and all stakeholders for their continued commitment to UNILAG,” she said 

    The vice-chancellor reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence and provision of  an environment that would support teaching, learning and innovation.

    (NAN)

  • Lagos Taskforce raids BRT corridors, impounds 28 vehicles, 14 okada

    Lagos Taskforce raids BRT corridors, impounds 28 vehicles, 14 okada

    The Lagos State Taskforce has impounded 28 vehicles and 14 commercial motorcycles during an enforcement operation aimed at curbing traffic violations and restoring order along designated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors across the state.

    The Taskforce spokesperson, Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, said the operation was carried out in response to rising cases of lawlessness and persistent abuse of BRT lanes, targeting commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) and private vehicle owners who unlawfully ply restricted routes, thereby endangering pedestrians and commuters.

    Speaking after the exercise, the chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the raid became necessary following complaints from residents about unsafe practices along the BRT corridors.

    He warned that allowing such violations to continue unchecked could escalate into a major security and safety threat.

    Read Also: Lagos taskforce impounds 134 motorcycles, vows crackdown on restricted routes

    According to him, the enforcement drive was part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and eliminate avoidable accidents, injuries, and loss of lives associated with illegal use of BRT lanes.

    The operation covered key areas along the Lagos–Abeokuta axis, including Oshodi, Ikeja Along, Ladipo Bus Stop, Mangoro, Adealu, Iyana-Ipaja Underbridge, Ile-Epo Bus Stop, Super Bus Stop, and Abule-Egba. Several okada operators were apprehended for plying prohibited routes, obstructing BRT bus movement, and causing public nuisance.

    In a related development, the Taskforce also arrested six suspected street urchins, locally referred to as “Omotaku,” around Dolphin Estate Road and Falomo Bridge. The suspects have since been charged to court.

    CSP Akerele disclosed that all impounded vehicles would be prosecuted, while the confiscated motorcycles would be forfeited to the state in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.

    He reaffirmed the Task Force’s commitment to sustaining enforcement operations until full compliance with traffic laws is achieved across Lagos State.

  • CVR: Oborevwori, stakeholders lament low turnout in Delta

    CVR: Oborevwori, stakeholders lament low turnout in Delta

    …call for massive grassroots mobilisation

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed concern over the poor turnout recorded during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state.

    He urged stakeholders to mount an aggressive grassroots mobilisation ahead of the second phase in January 2026.

    The governor spoke on Wednesday at a sensitisation and advocacy forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Delta State Government at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

    Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, Oborevwori described the figures from the first phase as “deeply disappointing,” noting that just over 76,000 registrants fell far short of Delta State’s population strength and democratic potential.

    He warned that voter registration is the gateway to democracy, stressing that without it, credible and inclusive elections are impossible.

    Calling for urgent action, the Governor charged traditional rulers, political leaders, religious bodies, civil society groups, youth and women organisations, market associations, and the media to take the CVR campaign directly to the grassroots.

    He made a special appeal to youths and first-time voters, describing them as the lifeblood of democracy and urging them not to surrender their future to apathy.

    Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a secure and enabling environment for INEC to discharge its constitutional duties, expressing confidence that the second phase of the exercise would record a dramatic turnaround.

    Read Also: Oborevwori condoles Warri Catholic Diocese over Bishop Afareha’s death

    Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said the engagement was convened in response to rising voter apathy and declining civic participation.

    He warned that citizens who refuse to register and vote ultimately lose the moral authority to question governance outcomes, stressing that democracy thrives only when the people participate.

    Emu urged stakeholders to energise their communities and encourage eligible residents to enrol.

    In his presentation, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, outlined the timeline of the first phase of the CVR, which commenced with online pre-registration in August 2025, followed by physical registration across local government offices and the display of the voters’ register for claims and objections, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

    He explained that the CVR accommodates first-time voters, those who missed earlier registrations, applicants seeking correction of personal details, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those wishing to transfer their registration.

    The REC announced that the second phase of the CVR began on January 5, 2026, stressing that voter registration is a civic duty and a cornerstone of democracy, not merely an administrative exercise.

    He also cautioned against registration offences such as multiple registrations and providing false information, noting the legal penalties attached, while assuring of INEC’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and peaceful conduct of the exercise.

    The sensitisation programme, which featured a roadwalk show, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; members of the State House of Assembly; Hon. Francis Waive, member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Udu Federal Constituency; traditional rulers, market women, civil society organisations, community leaders, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), ALGON, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), among others.

  • New GOC of 81 Division warns personnel against indiscipline

    New GOC of 81 Division warns personnel against indiscipline

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, has warned officers and soldiers of the division against compromising professional standards, declaring that indiscipline will not be tolerated under his command.

    Babalola, who assumed office on Tuesday, said professionalism and strict adherence to standards remained non-negotiable, stressing that any personnel found wanting would be held accountable.

    Speaking at a brief handover ceremony, the GOC said officers and men who maintained discipline and professionalism had nothing to fear.

    “For those who have worked with me, you should know that I do not compromise standards. Once we remain professional, there will be no problem. Nigerians expect so much from the military, and there is no excuse for us to fail them,” he said.

    Babalola said the Nigerian Army remained the backbone of national security, noting that soldiers must continually redouble their efforts to make the country safe and create an enabling environment for democratic governance and economic development.

    Read Also: New GOC assumes Command at 8 Division Nigerian Army

    He urged personnel of the division to align with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, assuring that collective commitment to the Army’s mission would guarantee success.

    The GOC expressed gratitude to God and paid tribute to his predecessor, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, whom he described as a disciplined and highly professional officer.

    Earlier, the outgoing GOC, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, said the 81 Division recorded significant operational, training, and administrative achievements during his 18 month tenure.

    He attributed the successes to professionalism, discipline, and effective collaboration with sister security agencies, adding that the division maintained optimal operational readiness throughout the period.

    Mijinyawa said the division successfully carried out its mandate across its area of responsibility in Lagos and Ogun states, contributing to the reduction of criminal activities through joint operations and interagency cooperation.

    He disclosed that the division hosted several major Army-level training activities in 2025, including the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference, describing the feat as a strong vote of confidence by Army Headquarters.

    The outgoing GOC added that discipline within the division remained satisfactory, with cases of illegal duties by soldiers drastically reduced, while infrastructural development and improved logistics support enhanced operational effectiveness.

    He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, officers, and soldiers of the division, other security agencies, stakeholders, and the media for their support and expressed confidence that his successor would surpass existing achievements.

  • Bus driver kills, dumps girlfriend by riverside

    Bus driver kills, dumps girlfriend by riverside

    A 42-year old commercial bus driver, Osabuohien Ogieva, has been arrested for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Joy Jerome, and dumping her corpse near Ikpe River in Ikpoba-Okha local government area.

    He was said to have hit her with a stick during a misunderstanding and rushed her to the hospital when she became unresponsive.

    Sources said she was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and the suspect took her corpse to an unknown destination before it was found near a river.

    Ogieva went into hiding after committing the act.

    Ikpe community members raised the alarm over a body dumped near the river.

    Edo Police spokesman, SP Eno Ikoedem, said corpse of the victim was discovered near the Ikpe river on January 10, 2026.

    Read Also: Police recover N31.1m armoured cable in raid of Abuja hotspots

    She said operatives of the Idogbo Police Divisio responded to a distress call and moved the body to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead and later deposited at the Stella Obasanjo mortuary.

    Ikoedem noted that investigations showed the deceased, a resident of Upper Sakponba area of Benin City, was in a romantic relationship with the suspect.

    She said Ogieva was smoked out of his hideout after which he confessed to having a disagreement with the deceased on January 9, 2026, while conveying her in his bus.

    The suspect, according to Ikoedem, confessed to have abandoned the body near Ikpe River along the Benin-Abraka highway.

    She said the suspect later contacted family of the deceased and claimed not to have seen her for some days.

    The police spokesman said the suspect would soon be charged to court after investigation has been concluded.

  • Death toll rises to three in Osun NURTW crisis

    Death toll rises to three in Osun NURTW crisis

    The death toll has risen to three following the killing of a chieftain of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kazeem Oyebamiji, an aide to the Osun State Chairman of the union, Kazeem Oyewole(Asiri Eniba), as reprisal attacks escalated.

    The Nation recalled that Oyebamiji was allegedly killed on Sunday by gang members of one Emir while he was on bike.

    Following the incident, the group loyal to Eniba allegedly carried out a reprisal attack which left three residents of Osogbo dead while others sustained gunshot injuries.

    Since then, three people have been confirmed killed.

    One of the victims of the reprisal attack named as Abiodun Olanipekun, who was hit by a stray bullet, was confirmed dead at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital Hospital, Osogbo after sustaining spine injury and respiratory failure.

    The victim’s aunt, Afon Oluwafunke, while narrating the ordeal to The Nation said: “He said he was going to buy garri for supper, after coming from work. When he finished drinking the garri, he sat at the woman’s shop. He had a friend, who the woman gave N200 to buy akara on that same road.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    He saw Biodun and asked if they would be work the following day. ‘Did the engineer have work for us tomorrow?’ That was what they were discussing when some men who drove Hilux and Camry cars, parked and came down aggressively, asked: ‘What are you doing there!’ That’s how they started shooting.’’

    “The one in the main ward was also shot on the arm, he fell, and Biodun fell on him when they were attempting to escape the gunshot. The bullet hit Biodun on the neck and back, we came to pick up his body in the mortuary, and we were told we should get his death certificate, and that’s what we are working on now.”

    When contacted, the Osun State Police Command through its spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said no arrest had been made. He also denied knowledge of a reprisal attack.

  • Police recover N31.1m armoured cable in raid of Abuja hotspots

    Police recover N31.1m armoured cable in raid of Abuja hotspots

    The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has arrested several suspects and recovered armoured cable worth N31.1 million following a raid of identified criminal hotshots in Abuja.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the FCT, Superintendent of Police Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    She said criminals had in recent months targeted critical public infrastructure, including internet cables, power lines, and drainage covers.

    She noted that criminal activities had resulted in disruption in electricity supply, internet services, and public safety in parts of the FCT and neighbouring states.

    According to her, in response, the FCT Police Command intensified intelligence-led operations, targeted patrols, and surveillance in identified hotspots, including Mabushi, Maitama, and the Central Business District.

    She said the efforts resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of 296 cut-to-size single-core armoured underground power cables, valued at N31,140,000.

    READ ALSO; Arewa, this has to stop

    Adeh said 171 manhole covers, four portable cable pullers, two transformers and 52 bags of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa were also recovered from the suspects.

    “Investigations are ongoing to apprehend receivers, buyers, and other collaborators involved in these criminal activities.

    “All perpetrators, including those who receive or trade stolen public assets, will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law,” she said.

    She enjoined the public to remain vigilant and provide timely, credible information to assist law enforcement efforts.

    Adeh pledged the commitment of the Command, to ensure the safety and security of lives and property in the FCT.