The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Gunmen abduct 10 INEC officials in Kogi, as troops rescue 31

    Gunmen abduct 10 INEC officials in Kogi, as troops rescue 31

    Security operatives have rescued 31 officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) engaged in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise after gunmen attacked their bus along the Dekina–Ajiyolo–Anyigba Road in Kogi State.

    The attack occurred around 6 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, as the officials were returning from Abocho and surrounding communities where they had participated in the voter registration exercise.

    Residents said over 40 CVR officials were travelling in a bus they had chartered to convey them to Dekina, the local government headquarters, when gunmen laid ambush and opened fire.

    According to local sources, the assailants forced the vehicle to a halt and abducted several passengers before security operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene.

    Troops of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, working in collaboration with members of a local security network, reportedly pursued the attackers into the surrounding forest.

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    “The kidnappers played a fast one on us,” a source familiar with the rescue operation said. “They released about 31 victims, and we thought that was all. We relaxed, not knowing they had gone away with about 10 others. By the time we realised their trick, they were already far.

    “When the profiles of the victims were taken, it was realized that there are about 10 members of the community still missing including the driver of the bus.”

    The released victims, mostly residents of Abocho community, were safely evacuated, while about 10 persons, including the bus driver, remain unaccounted for. The rescued bus was later recovered and taken to the Abocho Police Station.

    As of Saturday evening, security operatives were still combing the area in search of the remaining abducted officials.

    The Kogi State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement at the time of filing this report.

  • Brake failure kills three LASUSTECH students

    Brake failure kills three LASUSTECH students

    Three students of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu died  in a multi-vehicle accident on Saturday at Powerline Junction, near Aleje, on the route toward the Ikorodu Roundabout.

    The victims—two males and one female—were said to have died on the spot while seven others, including tricycle operators, sustained severe injuries.

    The crash involved an unregistered sand-laden tipper truck, a Toyota Corolla (registration number SMK 42 AJ), an MPV bus and four tricycles. 

    According to preliminary findings by traffic authorities, the tipper truck suffered brake failure while travelling at high speed. 

    The driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to ram into multiple motorists and tricycle riders along the busy corridor.

    Seven seriously injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment while the remains of the three deceased students were taken to the General Hospital, Ikorodu mortuary.

    All damaged vehicles and debris were subsequently cleared from the roadway by LASTMA officials to restore the free flow of traffic.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, expressed deep sadness over the incident and condoled with the families of the deceased students. He prayed for strength for the bereaved and a swift recovery for the injured.

    Describing the accident as “entirely avoidable,” Bakare-Oki condemned the persistent issues of speeding, reckless driving, and lack of proper vehicle maintenance, especially the failure of brake systems in heavy-duty vehicles.

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    He urged commercial drivers and truck operators to comply strictly with speed regulations and ensure regular mechanical inspections of their vehicles.

    Bakare-Oki affirmed LASTMA’s commitment to enforcing traffic regulations, promoting safer roads, and providing timely emergency response across Lagos State.

    Personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were the first responders at the scene, swiftly mobilising to prevent further accidents, manage traffic, and coordinate rescue efforts. They were joined by operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Odongunyan Unit, and officers of the Shagamu Police Division.

  • Teenager kills cousin for ritual in Edo

    Teenager kills cousin for ritual in Edo

    A 12-year-old boy, Emiliano Egwunbare, has been kidnapped and killed by his 18-year-old cousin Tega Emajuwa.

    Emajuwa and two of his friends kidnapped their victim at Obagie Community, Egor local government area of Edo State.

    He had stayed with parents of late Emiliano for few months before carrying out dastardly act on September 16, 2025.

    Sources said Emajuwa collected ransom from parents of the deceased but didn’t release him.

    The source said the police was involved after payment of ransom and through due intelligence, Emajuwa was tracked down and arrested.

    Police source said Emajuwa confessed to the crime one week after arrest and two of his accomplices, Edugie Destiny, aged 20 and Osayande Vincent, aged 23 were arrested.

    Their confession led police to where they dumped the body of Emiliano inside a well.

    Some vital organs of late Emiliano were reportedly harvested.

    Deputy Edo Police spokesman ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and denied allegations that the suspects have been released.

    She said the case was initially reported at Ogida Police Division and later transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit, Benin, for discreet investigation.

    “Following sustained tactical and technical intelligence, operatives of the unit arrested three suspects — Tega Emajuwa ‘m’ aged 18, Edugie Destiny ‘m’ aged 20 and Osayande Vincent ‘m’ aged 23 — who all made confessional statements linking them to the crime. Sadly, during the course of investigation, the victim’s body was later discovered inside a well in Obagie Community. The remains were evacuated and deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) mortuary for autopsy.

    “In a viral video recently circulated on social media, the mother of the deceased alleged that the suspects have been released from Police Custody. 

    “The Edo State Police Command wishes to categorically state that this claim is false, misleading, and unfounded. The suspects remained in lawful custody until they were charged to court on 16th October 2025, where the case is currently, while they have all been remanded for prosecution. The said mother was of the deceased was present in court during the proceedings.” 

  • Nestoil refutes defamatory claims, reaffirms integrity, commitment to rule of law

    Nestoil refutes defamatory claims, reaffirms integrity, commitment to rule of law

    Nestoil Limited has dismissed as false and malicious what it described as “defamatory and unsubstantiated claims” being circulated by certain online platforms and individuals masquerading as freelance journalists.

    In a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Department, the indigenous oil and gas company emphasized that the allegations — including insinuations of bribery and judicial interference — are “entirely baseless, malicious, and orchestrated to mislead the public.”

    “At no point has Nestoil undermined justice or influenced public or judicial officers through unethical means. We have always, and will always, adhere to due process and the rule of law,” the company stated.

    Nestoil categorically rejected any suggestion that it or its representatives have ever engaged in improper payments or attempted to subvert the judicial process, describing such claims as “completely unfounded.”

    Addressing what it called the deliberate misrepresentation of ongoing legal proceedings involving entities associated with First Bank of Nigeria (FBN), Nestoil explained that an ex-parte order was obtained against the company, its affiliate Neconde Energy Limited, and some executives without prior notice or participation from them. 

    The company said this temporary order has since been exploited to create a false public impression of a takeover.

    Nestoil further noted that the FBN entities had gone beyond the intent of the order by allegedly vandalizing third-party assets and sponsoring misleading reports — actions it described as a “blatant disregard for the judicial process” and part of a wider campaign to weaponize misinformation.

    The company reaffirmed that it has taken appropriate legal steps to refute the claims and defend its reputation in court, maintaining that its conduct has remained lawful and transparent.

    “These actions and the related false narratives are not only unjust but also lack any legal or factual basis,” Nestoil said.

    Warning against the dangers of misinformation, the company urged the media, stakeholders, and the public to rely on verified sources and disregard sensational or anonymous publications, noting that such falsehoods undermine public trust in both the judiciary and corporate governance.

    Reiterating its readiness to defend its integrity, Nestoil said it would pursue all available legal remedies against individuals or organizations that persist in publishing or amplifying defamatory materials.

    The company reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices, stressing that its operations have always been guided by respect for the law and the communities it serves.

    “Nestoil is, and has always been, guided by an unyielding commitment to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and ethical business conduct,” the statement concluded. 

    “We will continue to operate within all applicable legal and regulatory frameworks and defend our reputation through lawful means.”

  • EFCC returns N42.5m to 70-year-old widow defrauded by banker

    EFCC returns N42.5m to 70-year-old widow defrauded by banker

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N42.5 million to a 70-year-old widow and retiree, Mrs. Margret Taye Odofin, who was defrauded by her account and investment officer in a new generation bank.

    The money, recovered from the suspect, Mrs. Kehinde Olawale Yusuf, was presented to the victim in Kaduna by the Acting Director of the EFCC Kaduna Zonal Command, Bawa Kaltungo, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.

    According to the EFCC, Mrs. Odofin had petitioned the Commission in December 2024 after discovering the banker had diverted her savings

    . She alleged that Yusuf lured her into a fake investment scheme in 2020 with a promise of a quarterly return of N1.7 million, only for her to later discover that N47 million had been siphoned from her account and transferred to multiple destinations without authorisation.

    The suspect, who allegedly fled to the United Kingdom after the fraud was uncovered, was tracked through EFCC investigations, leading to the recovery of part of the stolen funds.

    An emotional Mrs. Odofin, while receiving the recovered money, broke down in tears of joy, praising the EFCC and its leadership for restoring her hope.

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    “I cannot believe this is happening. When we reported the case in the UK, we were told the offence was committed in Nigeria and that only the EFCC could help,” she said.

     “Today, God has used the Commission to wipe away my tears. I waited for years to get my hard-earned money back. I will campaign for the EFCC anywhere because they have proven that justice still works in Nigeria.”

    Kaltungo, who represented the EFCC Chairman, said the recovery reflects the Commission’s renewed resolve to ensure justice for victims of financial crimes.

    “We appreciate you for trusting the Commission. This recovery demonstrates our professionalism and capacity to resolve cases within our mandate,” he said.

    He reaffirmed that under Olukoyede’s leadership, the EFCC remains committed to pursuing financial criminals and ensuring victims get justice, no matter how long it takes.

  • NYSC extends 2025 Batch ‘C’ registration till midnight, Nov. 11

    NYSC extends 2025 Batch ‘C’ registration till midnight, Nov. 11

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the registration period for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) till midnight of Nov. 11.

    In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, the Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said the registration deadline was extended to enable Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) conclude registration.

    She noted that the extension became necessary following difficulties faced by some PCMs in the ongoing registration for mobilisation.

    Read Also: Abia approves 1,150 per cent increase in NYSC allowance

    Embu, however, said that the longer than usual time it was taking some PCMs to complete the registration was as a result of network issues.

    She said “while management regrets the inconvenience this might have caused our valued PCMs, we wish to assure all that we are working round the clock to resolve the issues and ensure they enjoy seamless registration.”

    (NAN)

  • Female FRSC operative, daughter missing in Ogun 

    Female FRSC operative, daughter missing in Ogun 

    An operative of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attached to the Abeokuta Unit, SRC Lasisi Funmilayo Oluwamayokun and daughter, Sewa, having been declared missing.

    The 38- year-old and daughter have not been found since Sunday, November 2, 2025.

    They were said to have left their residence at Obasanjo Hilltop Estate, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta and have not returned.

    Efforts to reach them on phone have proved unsuccessful.

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    Ogun Police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Friday, confirmed the incident was reported at Kemta Divisional Police Headquarters on Tuesday, on November 5 by an FRSC Officer in the company of the victims’ family members.

    CSP Odutola stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, had ordered a thorough investigation to ascertain their whereabouts and ensure safe return.

    She also appealed to the public with any useful information that could assist in locating the missing persons to contact the nearest police station or call the Ogun State Police Command’s emergency numbers: 0800 000 9111, 0915 957 8888, or +234 803 860 9898.

  • Police recover decomposed body in Imo kidnap operation

    Police recover decomposed body in Imo kidnap operation

    The Imo State Police Command has dislodged kidnappers’ hideouts in Owerri-West, recovering a decomposed corpse suspected to be that of abducted lawyer, Barrister Jeffery Ucheagwu.

    The operation, coordinated by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, led to the recovery of a decomposed corpse from one of the hideouts located in an abandoned livestock farm deep within the Okuku–Agwa forest.

    According to ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, the operation was intelligence-driven and involved synergy with local vigilante groups.

     “The scene was cordoned off, and the body was carefully evacuated by operatives and taken to the morgue for further forensic examination,” he said.

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    It was learnt that samples have been obtained for DNA analysis to confirm the identity of the body.

    In a statement by the police spokesman, Henry Okoye, Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, commended the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry, saying, “The Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all Imolites.”

    He said “The police are intensifying efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and rescue Barrister Ucheagwu, if alive.”

    The public boss urged to remain calm and provide any information that could aid ongoing investigations.

  • Pretty Mike, club supervisor arraigned over alleged drug offences

    Pretty Mike, club supervisor arraigned over alleged drug offences

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday arraigned popular socialite and entertainer, Mike Nwalie, alias Pretty Mike, before Justice Ambrose Alagoa of a Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged drug-related offences.

    Nwalie, who owns the Proxy Lagos Night Club, Victoria Island, Lagos was arraigned alongside the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary, 32, on three counts bordering on conspiracy, illegal possession of hard drug and knowingly allowing the use of the club premises for illegal drug activities.

    The charge, dated October 30, 2025, stemmed from an incident that allegedly occurred on or about October 26, 2025, at the popular nightclub located at 7 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The prosecution stated that the alleged offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

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    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

    Following their not guilty plea, NDLEA counsel, Buhari Abdullahi, requested a trial date.

    However, counsel to the defendants, Dr B.S. Awosika (SAN), informed the court of a pending bail application on behalf of his clients.

    While arguing the bail application, Awosika SAN, pleaded with the court to grant bail to the defendants on the most liberal terms, insisting that they had no prior criminal records. He also argued that the burden rests on the prosecution to show cause why bail should be denied.

    Opposing the application, Abdullahi contended that the defendants had not provided sufficient material facts to justify bail and urged the court to dismiss the application and order an accelerated hearing instead.

    In his ruling, Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that the burden lies on the prosecution to provide valid reasons why bail should be refused, noting that the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    The judge further stated that the essence of bail is to ensure that defendants appear in court to face trial.

    He consequently granted each defendant bail in the sum of N50,000,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

    Justice Lewis-Allagoa also directed that the sureties must swear to an affidavit of means.

    The matter was consequently adjourned till January 14, 2026, for commencement of trial.

  • Court freezes Indian businessman’s accounts over N9.5b ‘debt’

    Court freezes Indian businessman’s accounts over N9.5b ‘debt’

    The Federal High Court in Lagos has restrained all banks operating in Nigeria from dealing with, releasing, or otherwise tampering with any funds or assets belonging to Indian businessman Mr Arun Goswami and his companies, Metwest Steel Limited and Eastern Metals Limited.

    It is over alleged unpaid debts totalling N9,503,012,155.29.

    The defendants were alleged to be indebted to First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Union Bank Plc, and United Capital Trustees Limited.

    Goswami and his firms reportedly owe FCMB and United Capital Trustees N4,540,325,140.36, and Union Bank and United Capital Trustees another N4,962,687,044.93.

    Justice Akintayo Aluko also granted a Mareva injunction, restraining the businessman, his companies, directors, agents, and privies from transferring or dealing with any funds in Nigerian banks up to the value of the total debt.

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    The order covers all commercial banks and financial institutions in Nigeria, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

    The order was granted following separate motions filed by FCMB and Union Bank in suits FHC/L/CS/798/2025 and FHC/L/CS/800/2025, respectively.

    Both motions were argued by Barrister A. Adedoyin-Adetunji, counsel to the two banks.

    Justice Aluko further directed the listed banks to file and serve affidavits within seven days, disclosing the balances in all accounts held by the defendants.

    He restrained the defendants from selling or transferring any of their properties, including the mortgaged property located at Km 16, Asaba–Benin Expressway, Issele-Azagba, Delta State, which was used as collateral for the loan facilities.

    The court ordered that the counter-claimants provide an undertaking as to damages to indemnify the defendants if the order is later found to have been wrongly made.

    The case was adjourned to February 23, 2026, for further hearing.