The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Chris Okafor submits self at SCID

    Chris Okafor submits self at SCID

    After failing to honour police invitation on Monday, embattled founder of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Pastor Chris Okafor yesterday reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos for questioning.

    Okafor, it was gathered, arrived at the department in the afternoon after some highly placed persons cautioned him about disobeying lawful invitations.

    His defiance, it was learnt, was not unconnected to ongoing investigation of the case between himself and estranged lover, actress Doris Ogalla, at the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2 Command in Onikan.

    Sources told The Nation that the preacher accused by multiple women of sexual impropriety, abuse of authority and alleged murder, felt that since a case was already initiated by him at the zonal command where Ogalla was alleged to have been detained earlier, he could ignore subsequent invitations from other police units.

    “But some highly placed persons read the news that he shunned the police invitation and warned him about the implication. That’s why he presented himself at the SCID in Yaba for questioning.

    “His statement was taken but he was not detained since there is no complainant yet. We have made attempts to reach out to the victims, even offered them protection and transportation to and fro but no one showed up.

    “Since there is already an investigation ongoing at Zone 2, where there is a suspect and a complainant, the Lagos Police Command will stand down to allow Zone 2 conclude their investigation.

    “However, our offer to victims to come forward still remains open. We are not dismissing the case, we are just standing down,” said a senior officer who pleaded anonymity.

    Spokesperson for the police command, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi confirmed the cleric was at the SCID but did not give further details.

    Okafor was invited by the Lagos State Police Command in a letter dated January 3, which directed he should submit himself for interrogation on or before 10am on Monday, a directive he rebuffed.

    Okafor’s issue with the law followed a series of allegations from multiple women including his daughter, ex-lovers and members of his church.

    The Commissioner of Police (CP) Olohundare Jimoh ordered a probe into the matter as more weighty allegations emerged online against the pastor.

    Okafor’s disgrace started weeks ago after Ogalla, with whom he had an unholy relationship called him out over alleged breach of marriage promise.

    The allegations with supporting audio-visual “evidence” startled the public, causing an outrage with Nigerians demanding criminal investigation against Okafor.

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    The cleric, who tied the knot with his new bride, Pearl, on December 16, initially dismissed the allegations as the handiwork of his enemies but later admitted to some and tendered an apology to his congregants before stepping aside as the senior pastor of the church.

    Among his accusers are his Cameroonian ex-wife with whom he allegedly had four children and multiple women in his congregation, including three siblings who claimed to have been hypnotised and impregnated by the randy preacher.

    Ogalla, who has refused to back down from publicly shaming Okafor, alleged he shared her nude photographs and videos; made her leave her previous marriage, caused the death of her younger brother, among several other accusations.

    She further alleged that Okafor offered her $10,000 bribe to retract her allegations and blame a rival pastor for orchestrating the scandal, a request she refused.

    Ogalla later demanded N1 billion in damages through a legal notice filed by her lawyers, alleging threats and intimidation following her arrest and detention by the police.

  • OAU probes 300-level medical student’s death in hostel

    OAU probes 300-level medical student’s death in hostel

    The Management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has launched a probe into the circumstances of death of 18-year-old, 300 level student of the College of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Surgery,

    Timilehin Adetoye Toromade, who reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of yesterday.

    The Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, in a statement said the university received with shock, and sorrow the news of the sudden death of Timilehin.

    Olarewaju said Timilehin with Matriculation Number CLI/2022/133 might have died around 2am because one of his room mates said he opened the door for one of them at that time.

    He said: “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, on behalf of the Visitor, the University Council, Management, Senate, staff, and students of the University, expresses heartfelt and unreserved condolences to the bereaved family, classmates, colleagues, and friends of the deceased.

    “The loss of a young life filled with promise, purpose, and potential is a tragedy that words alone cannot adequately capture.”

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    Describing the incident as deeply painful and distressing, Prof. Bamire notes that the entire University community is united in grief over the untimely departure of a student who had embraced the rigours of medical training with the hope of, one day, healing others and serving humanity. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his peers and all who knew him.

    He added: “The University Management assures the public that it is working closely with relevant authorities to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident, in line with established medical procedures.

    “At this moment of collective mourning, we University calls on students, staff, alumni, and friends of the institution to remain calm, compassionate, and prayerful, and to uphold the values of empathy and solidarity for which the Great Ife is renowned.

    “As a community of faith, hope and learning, we commit the soul of our departed student into the hands of Almighty God, the giver and sustainer of life. We pray that the Lord, who comforts those who mourn, will grant his family and all of us the strength to bear this irreparable loss.’’

  • Oyo govt suspends community leader over illegal mining

    Oyo govt suspends community leader over illegal mining

    •Forum kicks over illegal mining in Ogun communities

    The Oyo State government has suspended the Sobaloju of Ofiki, Chief Jacob Adefabi Sobaloju, for allegedly violating mining law and encouraging trespassing on government’s  assets.

    It noted that the decision was taken to protect the state and its people.

    A letter signed by the Director, Chieftaincy Matters in the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olajire A.M., entitled: “Re: Complaint against Chief Sobaloju of Ofiki for violation of State Executive Order, Forest Reserve Regulations and encouraging trespassing of government gazetted assets,” reads in part: “I am directed to refer to the above subject and inform you that you have been accused of violating the State Executive Order 001/2023, which governs mining in Oyo State, and of encouraging trespassing on government gazetted assets.

    “The allegations include issuing consent letters to mining companies without proper authorisation, permitting mining activities in state government Reserves Forest, and facilitating unauthorised mining operations.”

    Also, worried by what it described as acts of economic sabotage, the Ibile Justice Forum, an advocacy group, has raised the alarm over illegal mining in Iloro I, Iloro II and Ibiri village, all within Ado-Odo community, in Ogun State.

    In a statement on behalf of the Forum, comrades Ifeoluwa Amoo and Ganiu Owolabi, described as worrisome attempts by the management of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, to mine on a farm settlement dedicated to agriculture development, thereby disrupting the livelihoods of the agrarian community.The statement reads in part: “We are constrained to speak against the deliberate actions of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, whose actions and inactions have rendered our community prostrate, economically disadvantaged, environmentally unsafe with other clear and present dangers staring us in the face.

    “We are talking about a situation where our collective patrimony is being arbitrarily exploited by a company to the detriment of the community whose livelihoods have not only been hijacked but left in ruins and destruction as a result of the nefarious activities being perpetuated within their community.”

    “We are even more worried that these nefarious activities are being aided and abetted by the so-called traditional institutions which ordinarily is supposed to be the custodian of the mores and customs of the community, all for their own selfish aggrandizement and craze for the filthy lucre.

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    “That these illegal mining activities are happening at this time, the federal government is trying to harness and ensure equitable distribution of the nation’s natural endowments, is also a clear affront on the powers and authorities of the Federal Government by an unknown entity in law and should not be allowed to stand.

    “We are aware that the SAF Investment and Property Company Limited was directed by the Ministry of Agriculture in a memo dated January 28, 2025, to stop mining having withdrawn the initial approval granted to the company on December 5, 2024. But why the company chose to remain in site, and carry on with the exploration activities in defiance of the order by the Ministry is indeed baffling and worrisome.

    “The impression that the company can do anything unchallenged, unabated, unhindered has further heightened tension in the community, with residents living in perpetual fear and dread of what could happen to them with the continuous exploitation taking place.

    “We, therefore, use this medium to call on the Federal Government, the Ogun State government, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police to intervene in this matter to forestall a breach of public peace and harmony within the community, and rescue the people and community as a whole.”

    As at press time, attempts to reach out to one of the financiers of SAF Investment and Property Company Limited, Alhaji Kazeem Adebanjo Safiriyu, for comments were futile as the phones were switched off.

  • Kwara police exonerate, free six vigilante members in Edo

    Kwara police exonerate, free six vigilante members in Edo

    Kwara State Police Command has released six vigilance members arrested last year by military personnel in Edo State.

    The command added that the men were not guilty of any wrongdoing.

    In a statement, the spokesperson of the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi said the men were travelling in an Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State vehicle when they were nabbed.

    The PPRO said they were handed over to the Command by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Barracks, Ilorin, Brig.-Gen. N.N. Rume, for an investigation and profiling.

    Ejire-Adeyemi said it was discovered that the individuals are legitimate members of a legal vigilance group operating, in collaboration with security agencies, to combat banditry and other criminality.

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    “Consequently, having been exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing, the vigilante members were released to their leaders,’’ she added.

    Ejire-Adeyemi restated the command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, reiterates the command’s commitment to synergy among security agencies and community-based security outfits, while urging all groups to continually operate within the confines of the law.

    “Members of the public are assured that the Command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and security of all residents of Kwara State,” she added.

  • Romance fraud suspect nabbed over N1b scam

    Romance fraud suspect nabbed over N1b scam

    The Airport Police Command has arrested a 20-year-old man allegedly involved in an international romance and celebrity fraud scheme, which resulted in more than N1 billion in losses to victims in the United States.

    The suspect, Essien Emmanuel Akpama, was arrested on January 5 by operatives of the Anti-Fraud Unit of the Airport Police Command while attempting to board a flight out of Lagos.

    Police said the arrest followed months of surveillance aimed at curbing transnational crimes and preventing Nigerian airports from being used as escape routes by criminal suspects.

    In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Mohammed Adeola, said preliminary investigations indicated that Akpama previously lived in Calabar, Cross River State, before relocating to Lagos on February 23, 2024.

    From Lagos, he allegedly coordinated and executed several fraudulent schemes targeting foreign victims, particularly in the U.S..

    Police said in one major case in 2024, the suspect allegedly defrauded a 47-year-old American woman of $1 million.

    The victim was reportedly deceived into transferring funds through a celebrity scam, under the guise of purchasing property in Florida for an orphanage. Investigations showed that the money was solicited through a cryptocurrency scheme known as “BullRun 2.0,” formerly called “4 Way Mirror Money.”

    Further findings indicated that Akpama also allegedly defrauded another victim, a 70-year-old woman in the U.S. of about $18,000 (N25,709,400).

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    The funds were said to have been obtained through the purchase of gift cards, high-end mobile phones and computer equipment, which were shipped to Nigeria at the suspect’s instruction.

    Items recovered in connection with the case include a MacBook Pro 14-inch, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, two Google Pixel 10 Pro XL devices and one Google Pixel 10 Pro, worth over N8.1 million.

    Police said the suspect posed as a 60-year-old orthopaedic surgeon working with the United Nations in Nigeria, claiming the devices were needed for secure communication.

    The Commissioner of Police, Airport Police Command, Ogunbode Olufunke, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating fraud and other transnational crimes.

    She said intelligence-driven operations would continue to be deployed to dismantle criminal networks operating within Nigeria’s aviation environment.

    The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit for further investigation. Police said the suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

  • Troops rescue six kidnap victims in Kaduna, retired Colonel in Plateau

    Troops rescue six kidnap victims in Kaduna, retired Colonel in Plateau

    Troops of Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), have rescued six kidnapped victims during a clearance in Kajuru/Kujama, Kaduna State.

    The victims were freed on Monday, January 5, during the military operation across flashpoints in Chikun, Kajuru, Kachia and Kagarko local government areas, including border communities around the area.

    The operation, according to the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Shuaibu Umar, was part of efforts to restrict extremists and criminals in the Joint Operations Area of Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA jurisdiction.

    Also, the troops of the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army and Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a retired senior military officer, Colonel Ajanaku (rtd), from kidnappers in Rafiki, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, 3rd Division, Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, who broke the news, said he was abducted from his residence about 12:45 a.m. on Monday.

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     The sources said troops trailed the kidnappers through the Wildlife Park, while search and rescue was intensified around caves and rocky high grounds suspected to be criminal hideouts.

    Lt.-Col Umar said troops of Sub-Sector 5, who were carrying out clearance in the Kujeni, responded to the alert on the activities of suspected bandits around Kasso hills.

    Upon arrival at the location, the troops engaged the criminals, forcing them to flee into the forest.

    The troops exploited the area, leading to the rescue of six kidnapped victims, who were unharmed.

    The rescued victims were handed over to representatives of Kajuru Local Government Area and Kajuru Emirate Council to be reunificated with their families.

    Commending the troops for the operation, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 OPFY, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, charged them to remain on alert and sustain the tempo on criminals.

  • Nurse, one other found dead in suspected ‘one-chance’ operations in Abuja

    Nurse, one other found dead in suspected ‘one-chance’ operations in Abuja

    Two women have been found dead in separate locations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in incidents linked to the activities of “one chance”  gangs operating within the nation’s capital. 

    One of the victims, Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem, was a nurse with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, whose killing subsequently drew condemnation from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council. 

    The second victim, Princess Ochigbo, was said to be found lying lifeless by the roadside, with indications suggesting she might also have fallen victim to “one chance” hoodlums. 

    In a statement by the chairman of NANNM, FCT Council Jama Medan, the association said Chuwumeziem closed from afternoon duty on January 3 and boarded a vehicle on her way home but never arrived alive.

    The statement noted that her body was later discovered to have been dumped in what the association described as a “most inhumane and heartbreaking manner.”

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    The NANNM described the killing as not only an attack on the nursing profession but “an assault on healthcare workers and humanity at large,” calling on security agencies in the FCT to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. 

    According to an X post, Princess Ochigbo was found dead by the roadside at a different location in Abuja on the same day with documents recovered suggesting she might have been a staff member of the FCT High Court.

    The handler, who provided the update with image of the deceased woman and her ID, noted that her bag was discovered, flung a short distance away from her body, a pattern consistent with previous one chance attacks, where victims are robbed, assaulted, and most times thrown out of moving vehicles.

    Efforts to reach the FCT Police Command for updates on the two incidents proved abortive.

     SMS and Whatsapp messages sent to its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, were not responded to as of press time.

    Although the FCT Police Command established an Anti-One Chance Squad in 2018, attacks have continued, raising questions about enforcement, surveillance and accountability.

  • Lagos transport commissioner emphasises commuter safety

    Lagos transport commissioner emphasises commuter safety

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi has reiterated the government’s commitment to commuter safety during a working visit to the Lagos State Waterways Authority as efforts intensify to improve safety standards on the state’s waterways.

    During interactions with LASWA management and staff, the commissioner stressed that the protection of passengers remains the Authority’s primary responsibility, noting that safety must underpin all operational decisions and service delivery processes.

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    He urged the agency to continue upholding prescribed safety standards across all water routes, describing commuter safety as a core operational priority.

    The commissioner also highlighted the importance of the timely completion of the Omi Eko Project, noting that expanded and modernised infrastructure would enhance operational efficiency and significantly reduce risks on the waterways.

    He commended LASWA personnel for their dedication and reaffirmed the Ministry of Transportation’s support for a performance-driven environment that prioritises safety, reliability, and efficient service delivery.

  • Army empowers women to boost economic dependency

    Army empowers women to boost economic dependency

    The General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation Fasan Yamma, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, has donated 20 new motorcycles to women in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, in a move aimed at improving the economic well-being of soldiers’ families.

    The motorcycles were formally handed over to the Cantonment Magajiya at the NAOWA Leisure Park as part of the Barracks Women Empowerment Scheme. Major General Ajose said the initiative reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families, while promoting self-reliance within the barracks community.

    A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osaba, said the motorcycles would enhance mobility for women involved in petty trading, enabling them to access markets more easily, manage logistics, and expand their businesses within and outside the cantonment.

    The GOC noted that the initiative aligns with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to boost the morale and well-being of troops and their dependents through practical empowerment programmes. He also commended the Magajiya and other women leaders for their contributions to supporting troops and sustaining peace and harmony in the barracks.

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    Receiving the motorcycles on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Magajiya of Giginya Cantonment, Hajiya Amina Adamu, expressed appreciation for the support, describing it as transformative.

    She praised the GOC’s leadership and assured that the motorcycles would be distributed fairly and maintained responsibly.

    The event was attended by formation commanders, senior officers, the Chairperson of the 8 Division Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association, members of the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association, and families of personnel.

    The ceremony concluded with a symbolic presentation of keys, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs, marking a step towards greater economic independence for women in the cantonment.

  • NCDMB, Innovius Nigeria train youth on AI, Data Analytics, Machine Learning

    NCDMB, Innovius Nigeria train youth on AI, Data Analytics, Machine Learning

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has commenced a capacity development programme for young people in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, and Machine Learning, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital skills pipeline and prepare youths for the future workforce.

    The training, which is funded by NCDMB and delivered by Innovius Nigeria, draws participants from the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State.

    The programme was officially flagged off on Monday, 5 June, at a ceremony held in Lagos, attended by the Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Lagos State, Mobolaji Ogunlende, representatives of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, senior government officials, programme partners, facilitators, and beneficiaries.

    Speaking at the event, Martins Olajide of Innovius Nigeria described the initiative as a forward-looking intervention funded by NCDMB to equip Nigerian youths with globally relevant competencies in emerging technologies.

    He explained that the programme focuses on Artificial Intelligence for problem-solving and automation, Data Analytics for evidence-based decision-making, and Machine Learning for predictive insight and innovation.

    He praised NCDMB for its sustained commitment to human capital development, noting that the Board continues to redefine local content by placing strong emphasis on skills, knowledge, and intellectual capacity, alongside infrastructure development.

    According to him, the programme is designed to prepare participants for meaningful contributions across critical sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, finance, public sector governance, and emerging technology industries.

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    Olajide further noted that the training is deliberately practical, with laptops provided to all participants to ensure effective hands-on learning and application throughout the programme duration.

    In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, commended NCDMB for funding the initiative and Innovius Nigeria for its delivery, describing the programme as timely and aligned with the Greater Lagos Rising vision of the Lagos State Government.

    He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to initiatives that equip young people with relevant, future-ready skills.

    The programme will engage 80 selected youths in structured training sessions facilitated by experienced professionals, with strong emphasis on discipline, excellence, and real-world problem-solving. Beneficiaries will also have access to post-training resources and support for one year.

    The initiative underscores the impact of strategic public–private collaboration in advancing youth empowerment, technology adoption, and sustainable national development.