Three people were rescued on Sunday night after a 40ft container fell on a Toyota Corolla car in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos State.

It was learnt that the incident happened around 8pm.

It was gathered that the container-laden truck was ascending the bridge when it tripped, fell off and crashed on the vehicle with the number plate JJJ-811-FV.

The Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, in a statement, said the trapped victims include two male adults and a female.

The statement read in part, “The rescue alert which was triggered at 20:45 hours Sunday had the Sari Iganmu Rescue Crew of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service among other State Emergency Responders including sympathizers rescued alive two male adult and a female adult who are occupants of the car while trailer driver with assistant escaped.”

“The three victims are being attended to at the Lagos State Accident and Trauma Center after being administered first aid on the spot of the accident,” the statement added.

On Saturday, the federal government in Abuja charged Nigerians to preserve the coconut sector for present and future generations.

Ernest Umakhihe, permanent secretary at the federal ministry of agriculture and food security, gave the charge at the commemoration of 2023 World Coconut Day.

Coconut, he said, is a source of nutrition, a versatile crop, and a source of sustainable livelihood for millions.

World Coconut Day is commemorated annually on Sept. 2. The theme for 2023 is “Sustaining the Coconut Sector for the Present and Future Generations.’’

Mr Umakhihe said there was a need to preserve the sector, adopt sustainable practices, invest in research, and support smallholder farmers.

He said Nigeria could earn huge foreign exchange from coconut by ensuring that the tree of life continued to flourish.

He stressed that the coconut industry could create millions of jobs and help address insecurity and youth restiveness.

Mr Umakhihe urged stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the sector and work toward technology transfer to bridge the skills gap in the coconut value chain.

“In Nigeria, coconut production has been an integral part of our cultural heritage for centuries, offering food, fibre, and shelter.

“To ensure the long-term viability of the coconut sector, we must adopt sustainable farming practices, revamp old grooves with improved seedlings, manage water efficiently, and increase the use of organic fertiliser.

“By so doing, we will safeguard our environment and also ensure a steady supply of high-quality coconuts,’’ he said.

Mr Umakhihe added that the ministry has been distributing improved seeds and seedlings, agrochemicals, and growth enhancers to coconut farmers free of charge.

He was represented at the occasion by Aisha Aliyu, desk officer, coconut value chain, in the ministry.

The operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency responders in the early hours of Saturday combated an industrial fire outbreak at Mega Plastics Company at No. 4, Ilupeju Bypass.

Taofiq Adebayo, the director of the public affairs and enlightenment department of LASTMA, made the disclosure in a statement in Lagos on Saturday.

Mr Adebayo stated that the industrial fire outbreak took place at Mega Plastics Company at No. 4, Ilupeju Bypass, beside the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ilupeju area of Lagos.

“The Traffic Officer of LASTMA, Ayo Olaosebikan (Falcon) of Zone 21, confirmed that the LASTMA rescue team arrived at the scene of the industrial fire outbreak around 6:30 a.m. before other emergency responders were contacted by LASTMA.

“Immediately after we arrived at the scene of the industrial fire, we quickly informed other emergency responders, particularly the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services and the Nigerian Police.

“The causes of the industrial fire could not be immediately ascertained, he said.Mr Olaosebikan noted that a preliminary investigation revealed that the storage and factory sections of the petrochemical company were seriously affected by the fire outbreak.

Mr Olaosebikan said that neither injury nor death had been recorded.

The House of Representatives says it will resume from its annual recess on Tuesday to continue the first legislative year of the 10th Assembly.

Clerk of the house, Yahaha Danzaria, said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

The 10th Assembly proceeded on its annual recess on July 27.

This followed a plenary session during which Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the leadership of the standing committees of the house.

Commenting on the resumption, Akin Rotimi, the Spokesperson of the house and House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the 10th Assembly had been prolific.

He said since its inauguration, the house had recorded 470 bills, with all passing first reading, while four passed second reading.

He added that there had been 175 motions considered by the parliament.

He said in spite of the recess, it had continued to function, as various ad hoc committees continued to carry out their crucial mandates.

He said this had generated significant positive public interest.

Mr Rotimi said some of the key early developments expected on resumption was the conclusion of the work of all ad hoc committees and the submission of their reports.

He said this was for the consideration of the House in line with the directive of the speaker.

He said the house would get the final draft of its Legislative Agenda developed by the ad hoc committee, led by the Majority Leader, Julius Inhonvbere.

He said it would be considered and adopted by the house, adding that the draft agenda was developed following extensive consultations with critical stakeholders.

He also said that the membership of the standing committees would be announced and fully constituted.

Troops of 103 Battalion (Rear) of 82 Division, Nigerian Army, presently on Operation UDO KA II, have rescued Maxwell Ayim between Four Corner-Agbogwe Junction in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

This was contained in a statement issued in Enugu on Saturday by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army.

Mr Unuakhalu said that Mr Ayim was rescued unhurt on Thursday.

According to him, the rescue operation was conducted when troops deployed at Udi checkpoint received a distress call from the police on the incident.

Mr Unuakhalu said that on arrival, the troops came in contact with the kidnappers, adding that due to the troops’ superior fire, members of the criminal gang fled in disarray with gunshot wounds into the nearby bushes.

The army spokesman said that the gallant troops during further exploitation of the gang withdrawal route found the victim abandoned by the gang.

“Troops proceeded to rescue the victim. He had since been reunited with his family after preliminary medical checks.

“Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II therefore, calls on the law abiding and good citizens of Enugu and the South-East region in general not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable Information.

“This will help in putting an end to the spiral of kidnapping activities and sundry criminality within the region.

“Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,” he said.

The Minister of State, Steel Development, Maigari Ahmadu, has urged Chinese investors to explore and forge mutually beneficial relationships in sectors including steel development, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and renewable energy.

Representing Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Mr Ahmadu made this known at a Business Forum hosted by China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association on Friday night in Lagos.

Mr Ahmadu said the new administration was investing heavily in critical infrastructure, including roads, ports, and energy.

These developments, he said, would not only facilitate the movement of goods and services but also create opportunities for investments.

Mr Ahmadu said Nigeria was committed to enhancing its investment climate, understanding that for businesses to thrive, they required a stable and conducive environment.

“Nigeria is rich in natural resources from oil and minerals to a fertile agricultural landscape. These resources provide a solid foundation for businesses in various industries.

“We view Chinese investors not merely as financiers, but as partners in our journey toward the economic prosperity of our country.

“It is in the light of this that we are using this opportunity to emphasise collaboration between our nations which can bring about transformative change,” he said.

He described Nigeria as a land of immense opportunities, adding that with a population of over 200 million people, the country represented the largest consumer market.

He noted that investments in the country had the potential to reach millions of eager consumers because of its strategic position in West Africa, offering Chinese investors a gateway to broader regional markets.

“We are committed to responsible business practices that will benefit people, protect our environment and ensure long term businesses.

“We invite our Chinese friends to join us on this exciting journey of growth, innovation, and prosperity.

“We sincerely look forward to building a brighter and a more prosperous future with the People’s Republic of China,” he said.

Guo Pengwen, Commercial Consul at the Chinese Consulate in Lagos, lauded the existing cooperation between both countries, noting that it had a huge potential.

Representing Yan Yuqin, Chinese Consul General, Mr Pengwen said investment from China was helpful to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, increased the local government tax revenue, improved employment and promoted industrial development.

He said that in terms of the steel industry, no other countries could do better than China.According to Mr Pengwen, in 2022, China produced more than one billion tons of steel, accounting for 55 percent globally.

“China can produce normal steel and the special steel which are used in different fields.

“Normal steel used in the real estate space but special steel is used to make high-speed railways, spaceships and aircraft carriers.

“The Chinese enterprises also have the awareness of environmental protection, sustainable development and low carbon emission.

“China and Nigeria have good economic cooperation. Many Chinese enterprises have invested in Nigeria and I believe there will be bright future for our countries,” he said.

On his part, Eric Ni, Chairman, China Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association, said that the Chinese community was committed to giving back to Nigerians.He noted that one of the ways they did this was by empowering low-income students with scholarships.

“We’ve given over 6,000 scholarships and renovated five primary schools in Lagos. We will continue to do more as long as we are here,” he said.

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa have arrested a 22-year-old for allegedly stealing a motorcycle belonging to his father’s friend.

The NSCDC spokesman in the state, Adamu Shehu, who confirmed the arrest in Dutse on Saturday, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday.

Mr Shehu said the suspect, a resident of Madara village in Azare Local Government Area of Bauchi state, was arrested in Sundumina village in Birnin Kudu area of Jigawa on a suspected case of motorcycle theft and trespass contrary to the Penal Code Law of the state.

“The suspect was arrested at about 1:00 p.m. following a tip-off where he has taken the stolen motorcycle for sale at the village’s weekly market.

“Upon his arrest, he confessed to have sneaked into the house of his neighbor, one Malam Muhammad of same address and a friend to his father, stole his motorcycle (Boxer) and brought it to Sundumina with intent to sell,” Mr Shehu said.

The spokesman added that the suspect, who stole the motorcycle on September 13, kept it and waited until the next market day in Sundumina village.“The motorcycle was valued at N400,000,” the spokesman added.

According to him, the suspect, who confessed to committing the crime, has been charged to a Magistrate court in Birnin Kudu for prosecution.

Singer Simi and her daughter, Deja, surprised her husband, Adekunle Gold, while he was performing on stage at his Dallas show in the United States.

At the show which took place on Friday night, Simi came up the stage with her daughter amid cheers from the fans.

Adekunle Gold reposted the video which captured the moment on his Instagram story on Saturday.

Six students of the Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, abducted in the early hours of Friday, have been rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army.

According to a tweet posted Friday by one of Nigeria’s foremost military blog, #ZagazOlamakama, the six students were rescued by “troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji under the command of the General officer Commanding  8 Division Nigerian Army.

“Officers of the troop also recovered an Ak47rifle, a walkie-talkie and some motorcycles.

“The Troops of the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation HADARIN DAJI under the command of the General officer Commanding  8 Division Nigerian Army rescued six students of Federal University Gusau that were abducted in the early hourz of Friday in Sabon Gida in Zamfara State.

“The troops also recovered motorcycles, an Ak47 riffle and a walkie-talkie in the aftermath of the encounter,” the tweets read.

The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council, on Saturday, said the individual reportedly arrested for injecting the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad is not a registered nurse.

The association disclosed this in a press statement signed by the State Secretary, Toba Odumosu.

The association also urged the media to verify the qualifications and professional status of individuals before labelling them as healthcare professionals.

NPG reports that 27-year-old Mohbad died on September 12, 2023.

On September 14, Mohbad’s father, Joseph Aloba, said the singer passed away after receiving an injection administered by an auxiliary nurse.

Aloba said, “According to what I heard from people, I do not believe in that. The only thing I can think of is maybe this auxiliary nurse that used to treat people which is a very bad idea. I do not know the kind of level the woman is.

“They said they called her to give him an injection and that is a very bad idea and that injection can result in any length. He had wounds but I do not know the kind of wounds he had.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command on Friday said the late singer’s remains have been deposited at the mortuary after the completion of an autopsy on his body.

While expressing its condolences to the family of the late singer, the Lagos State Council of NANNM said there is a need for professionalism in reporting and conducting the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mohbad’s death.

“The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council, expresses its deepest condolences to the family and associates of the late musician, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as we mourn his tragic passing.

“We fully support the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and urge the relevant authorities to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice for him.

“However, we must stress the importance of professionalism in reporting and conducting this investigation. NANNM is closely monitoring the situation with keen interest. Our preliminary investigations indicate that the individual reportedly taken into custody by the police for providing care to Mohbad is not a registered Nurse.

“We emphasise the critical need to verify the qualifications and professional status of individuals before labelling them as healthcare professionals,” the statement read in part.

The council said it is regrettable that Nigeria’s healthcare system faces significant regulatory challenges, leading to the presence of unqualified individuals performing medical roles they are not trained for.

“In Nigeria, to be recognised as a Nurse, one must complete a rigorous five-year Bachelor of Nursing Science program at a university, followed by an additional year of internship. Alternatively, one can undergo training at an accredited School/College of Nursing and become registered and licensed by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

“We wish to clarify that the term ‘Auxiliary Nurse’ has no place within Nigeria’s healthcare system or its laws. An individual is either a qualified Nurse or an unqualified individual performing tasks beyond their competence.

“Furthermore, we call on the investigating authorities and the media to exercise caution and accuracy in their reporting during this investigation. We will not tolerate any misrepresentation of Nurses and the Nursing profession. We demand that all media outlets that inaccurately reported the arrest of a Nurse take immediate corrective action to rectify their stories”, it added.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has impounded 292 bags of foreign rice illegally imported.

This is according to a statement by NSCDC spokesperson Babatunde Afolabi on Friday in Abuja.

According to Mr Afolabi, three suspects were arrested in connection to the crime on their way from Cotonou, Benin Republic, to Lagos while conveying the products with three wooden boats.

He said they were intercepted by operatives of the NSCDC commandant general’s marine monitoring team based on credible intelligence.

The PRO said the NSCDC boss, Ahmed Audi, had directed that the suspects and exhibits be handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for prosecution.

He said this was in line with the extant laws of the land after preliminary investigations were concluded.

Mr Afolabi said the NSCDC boss had assured that the corps would continue to pursue its statutory functions of protecting critical national assets and infrastructure and continue in its fight against insecurity.

He reiterated the corps’ commitment to continued proactive and tactical patrol on land and sea to forestall all forms of smuggling, make the country’s waterways safe and enhance economic prosperity.

Olayemi Cardoso, on Friday, formally assumed duty as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).According to a statement by Isa Abdulmumin, CBN’s spokesperson, Mr Cardoso’s resumption in acting capacity is pending his confirmation by the Senate.

“This follows the resignation of Mr Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the CBN,” said Mr Abdulmumin.

He added, “Similarly, the deputy-governors-designate have also assumed duty, in acting capacities.”

Mr Abdulmumin said this followed the resignation of Folashodun Shonubi, Aishah Ahmad, Edward Adamu, and Kingsley Obiora as deputy governors.

“Cardoso and his colleagues subscribed to the relevant oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the bank’s head office in Abuja,” Mr Abdulnumin said.

He said they had since settled down to the task of administering monetary and financial sector policies of the federal government.

President Bola Tinubu nominated Mr Cardoso as CBN governor on September 15.

Mr Tinubu also nominated Emem Usoro, Abdullahi Dattijo, Philip Ikeazor, and Bala Bello as deputy governors.

Troops of the Operation Safe Haven have uncovered a gun manufacturing factory in Kafanchan, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Nigerian Army via their official X handle on Friday.

The discovery was reported to have followed a week long intelligence operations that finally led to the capture of a wanted gunrunner, Napoleon John, who has been on the wanted list of OPSH.

The suspect, who confessed to the crime, led the troops to a concealed factory where arms of different calibre were sold by another miscreant identified as Monday Dunia, who confessed to have been in the business for more than five years fuelling the crisis in Kaduna and neighbouring Plateau States.

A thorough search of the factory and follow up operations led to the recovery of different weapons including pistols, locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, military grade AK 47 rifles, revolvers, and a submachine gun amongst others.

The statement added that the major kingpin is still on the run but would soon be apprehended.

Nigerian artiste Bella Shmurda, has said the Lagos State Government needs to focus more on arresting every person who oppressed and maltreated the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka MohBad, during his lifetime.

MohBad, in 2022, had called out his former boss, Marlian Music owner, Afeez Fashola, aka Naira Marley, and his associate Samson Eletu, aka Sam Larry, for assault and threat to life.

The ‘Peace’ crooner had the time shared photos showing injuries inflicted on him by these persons, even petitioning the Lagos State Police Command at some point for.

In an X post on Thursday, Bella Shmurda, a close friend of the deceased, charged the police to focus more on bringing to book every person who oppressed and maltreated the deceased when he was alive.

Shmurda tweeted, “Delayed justice is injustice Bring out those who oppressed and maltreated the hell out of him when he was alive that the goal Autopsy or not he no concern me Unless our govt don’t have feelings. #Justice4mobhad #imoleliveon.

Grammy-award-winning artiste Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has taken to social media to join in the call seeking justice for late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka MohBad.

In an X post on Friday, Tems tweeted: “RIP Mohbad, you will get the justice you deserve.

“Tems’ tweet is coming hours after singer Davido charged entertainers across the globe to join forces in seeking justice for the late ‘Peace’ crooner.

Two suspects are currently being detained at the Tudun Wada Police Station in Gusau town, the Zamfara State capital for alleged killing a Voice of Nigeria reporter, Hamisu Danjigba.

The suspects; Bilal Haruna and Mansur Haruna, are the sons of late Danjigba’s elder brother, Malam Haruna.

Both of them were staying in late Danjigba’s house in Samaru area, Gusau before the incident happened.

There were series of complaints by late Danjigba on the unruly behaviour of the two suspects who were his elder brother’s children.

When Danjigba was declared missing last Saturday, many people were of the view that he was kidnapped by bandits.

There was also a text message, which was sent by unknown person, demanding the sum of N1m from his family as part payment before announcing the final ransom on Friday.

The family and friends struggled to know the whereabouts of Danjigba without success until on Wednesday when his dead body which was dumped in a soakaway behind his house in Samaru area of Gusau started to decompose and became fully exposed to the surrounding.

The soakaway was immediately dug out where late Danjigba was found with several cuts on his body.

Two prime suspects close to late Danjigba’s family were apprehended by the security personnel in relation to his brutal murder, while investigation into the matter was ongoing.

A funeral prayer for late Danjigba was performed near his house with hundreds of sympathisers in attendance.He was immediately buried according to Islamic injunction.

Late Danjigba worked in many media houses such as, Ayau Newspapers, Kunnen Gari, Voice of Nigeria and Vision FM Nigeria.

He was survived by a wife, many children and grandchildren.Meanwhile, the Zamfara State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has extended its condolences to the deceased family, VON, and the entire people of the state.

The union called on the security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter and bring to justice the perpetrators of the dastardly act.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Yazid Abubakar, promised that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the matter with a view to ensuring that the perpetrators were brought to book.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared two siblings from Delta State wanted for alleged fraud of N330 million.

This was contained in a statement issued by the EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State on Friday.

The anti-graft agency named 55-year-old Faith Onoja and 44-year-old Emmanuel Onoja, both from Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, as being declared wanted by the EFCC.

According to the commission, Faith’s last known address is “Close to Celestial Church, Ekrovie new layout, old Egini road, Orhuehorun, Delta State” while Emmanuel’s last known address is “No 6. Jasmison Street, NPDC/ND Western Estate, Warri, Delta State”.

The statement urged that “anybody with useful information as to their whereabouts should contact the commission” in its offices nationwide.

Three members of the Edo State Security Network were on Thursday night, shot dead by unknown gunmen in Okhun Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The hoodlums numbering over 10 according to eyewitnesses invaded the community and shot the victims who were on duty.

Some of the eyewitnesses said the attack is connected with leadership tussle in the community, while others suspected it to be cult reprisal attack.

Also, a member of the Emergency Social Safety Net, who introduced himself simply as ‘commander Small Baba, confirmed the incident in a viral video.

Commander Small Baba said, “today (Thursday night), we got an information that some hoodlums were shooting sporadically in Okhun Community.

“We swung into action immediately upon receiving the information. But we were attacked by the hoodlums. They killed three of my men in the process.

“I was also shot by the hoodlums, but I managed to escape”, Small Baba, who sustained wound on his right hand said.

It would be recalled that two persons were recently killed in Okhun Community which later snowballed into a cult war in Benin as now fewer than 10 persons lost their lives during the war.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the payment of N375,455,000.00 for both fresh and subsequent scholarships and bursary awards.

A statement signed by the Lagos State Scholarship Board fund said it was designated to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Lagosians pursuing higher education across the country.

The Executive Secretary, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mr Abdur-Rahman Lekki, added that Sanwo-Olu was committed to advancing education within Lagos State.

He said, “The governor’s vision is to make education accessible, affordable, and sustainable, which is evident through the timely disbursement of these funds.”

While explaining the breakdown of the allocation, Lekki revealed that N164,500,000.00 had been earmarked for the 2021/2022 Fresh Scholarship Award for Undergraduate, Masters & Ph.D. (Batch B), 2021/2022 Subsequent Scholarship Award for Undergraduate & PhD, and 2022/2023 Subsequent Scholarship Award for Undergraduate & PhD recipients as well as the 2022/2023 Governor’s Discretionary Awards.

He said, “Furthermore, an allocation of N210,955,000.00 has been approved for the 2021/2022 Fresh Bursary Award for Undergraduates and Law School (Batch B), 2021/2022 Subsequent Bursary Award for Undergraduates, and 2022/2023 Subsequent Bursary Award for Undergraduates.”

Lekki also said that applications for the Year 2022/2023 Fresh Scholarship and Bursary Awards were completed, saying Academic and Indigenship Verification Processes were set to commence.

It read, “Students are encouraged to regularly check their emails for updates.”

A housewife living in Oke Akute Area, Iba, Osun State, identified simply as Adijat, shot by some yet-to-be-identified persons, died on Thursday at an undisclosed hospital in Iree, where she was being treated of gunshots wound.

According to sources in Iba, the woman was shot while she was taking her bath at her residence around 10pm on Tuesday.

Adijat, a Fulani by tribe, who was nursing a three month-old baby before her death, was rushed to a private hospital in Iree, where she had been on admission since Tuesday.

A resident of Iba, who craved anonymity, while commenting, said the incident caused panic in Iree, adding that the victim died in the early hours of Thursday.

He further said, “The reason, why they shot her was unclear to the residents. She was shot by unknown people around 10pm on Tuesday. She was in the bathroom when they attacked her.

“She was rushed to a private hospital in Iree that Tuesday evening, but she died around 5am today. I saw some police and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps at the scene of the crime. A day after she was shot. We are all scared.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of NSCDC in Osun, Kehinde Adeleke, said operatives of the command visited the scene, noting that other security agencies were also involved.