The Lagos State Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to traders operating under the Apongbon Bridge and along drainage setbacks in Lagos Island to vacate the areas.

The directive is part of the state’s urban regeneration initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and tackling environmental challenges.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, announced this during an inspection of the Savage/Elegbata/Bombata Drainage Channel on Thursday.

In a statement made available by the Director of Public Affairs, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adeshina, Wahab highlighted the impact of human activities in the area, including flooding and threats to lives and property.

“I have instructed that the shop/stall owners be served abatement notice. We are going to clear these infractions and keep the maintenance work going while ensuring that the contract is revisited to accommodate these two collectors,” he said.

The commissioner noted the illegal conversion of spaces under the Apongbon Bridge into livestock markets and ordered the immediate relocation of traders to designated areas.

He said, “What we saw is not something that we are happy about. People have fully built on setback and drainage channels and when you build structures on these infrastructure, how do you expect these infrastructure to be maintained?

“We have abused these infrastructure and I have given directives to the appropriate department to serve notice of abatement and if compliance is not carried out enforcement will commence.”

Wahab warned that the state would enforce environmental laws if compliance is not achieved.

He emphasised that all affected traders would be monitored after the 48-hour deadline, with violators facing penalties.

In addition, two buildings under construction on Alakoro Martins Street and in Ebute Ero Market were sealed for illegally stacking materials on drainage systems.

Wahab stated that offenders must clear the blockages and restore the drainage system before the buildings can be unsealed.

“The buildings were sealed because they stacked their building materials on the drainage system and this is illegal because they block the drainage system in the process. Such offenders will be required to remove the materials and clean the drainage system before they are unsealed,” Wahab stated.

Wahab reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working with local governments to maintain market spaces and enforce environmental laws.

He also stressed the importance of public cooperation in preserving infrastructure and preventing illegal activities such as refuse dumping and trading on drainage channels.

Addressing concerns raised by the Lagos State House of Assembly on stolen manhole covers, Wahab noted that the Ministries of Environment and Works are collaborating to resolve the issue.

Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, urged traders to use designated market spaces and avoid defacing the environment.

He called on residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and maintain a sustainable environment.

The inspection covered areas including Savage Lane, Cole Street, George Street, Abu Lane, Apongbon Underbridge, Olowogbowo, and Alakoro Martins Street.

Officials present included the Permanent Secretaries of the Environment Ministry, representatives from the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Lagos State Waste Management Office, and other agencies

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued the wife of the former Assistant Inspector General, Hakeem Odumosu.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed this on his official X handle on Thursday morning.

Adejobi added that the abductors of the former AIG’s wife were killed, and ransom was recovered from the culprits.

Adejobi said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the police operatives and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, for a good job.

Mrs Odumosu was abducted last Thursday at the entrance of her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspects linked to a recent burglary and recovered stolen items valued at millions of naira.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo.

According to the statement, the suspects, identified as Moses Godwill Ndiong and Abraham Udo, were apprehended on Monday, January 20, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM, following credible intelligence provided by a concerned citizen about a burglary at the residence of a man (name withheld) in Okpokpong, Eket Local Government Area.

“Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully apprehended two suspects, Moses Godwill Ndiong and Abraham Udo, in connection with a recent burglary incident on January 20, 2025, at approximately 0400 hours,” the statement read.

The Public Relations Officer revealed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, promptly dispatched a team of officers to the scene upon receiving the tip-off. Their efforts led to the swift arrest of the suspects, who confessed to the crime during interrogation.

“Upon receiving this information, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, immediately dispatched a team to the scene. Upon interrogation, both suspects confessed to their involvement in the burglary.

“The following items were recovered from them: cutter and pliers used in the burglary, one 65″ LG Smart TV, one 2900 SUMEC Generator, one 42″ LG LED TV, one 32″ LG LED TV, one set of Sony Home Theatre System, one Toyota Camry car with registration number KY984EKY, six pairs of shoes, and electrical cables,” the statement continued.

While noting that investigations are ongoing, the PPRO commended the vigilant citizen, whose timely information played a pivotal role in apprehending the suspects.

The PPRO also encouraged other residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies promptly.

United States President Donald Trump has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an immediate peace deal with Ukraine, warning of harsher economic sanctions if the conflict persists.

In a statement posted on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump pressed for a swift resolution to the ongoing war, which he claimed would not have started under his administration.

The president stressed his intent to fulfil his campaign promise of ending the conflict before his second term gains momentum.

“If we don’t make a ‘deal,’ and soon, I have no other choice but to put high levels of taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on anything being sold by Russia to the United States and various other participating countries,” Trump stated.

Trump said he was “not looking to hurt Russia” and had “always had a very good relationship with President Putin,” a leader for whom he has expressed admiration in the past.

“All of that being said, I’m going to do Russia, whose economy is failing, and President Putin, a very big FAVOR. Settle now, and STOP this ridiculous war! IT’S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE.”

Trump added, “Let’s get this war, which never would have started if I were President, over with. We can do it the easy way or the hard way – and the easy way is always better. It’s time to make a deal.”

The statement comes as Trump seeks to resolve the protracted conflict, which has had significant global economic and humanitarian consequences.

The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, Mojisola Adeyeye, has said that about 14.3 million Nigerians are victims of drug abuse.

Adeyeye stated this at the inaugural ceremony of the agency’s youth programme, tagged ‘Catch Them Young,’ held at the Government Secondary School, Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

According to her, research findings show that one out of every four high-risk drug users has been arrested for drug-related offences.

She said that the arrest included 73 per cent for drug possession, 12 per cent for theft, five per cent for sex work, four per cent for burglary, and two per cent for shoplifting.

“Note that this data only shows the number of arrests; if we consider that most crimes are unreported, then we will see that we have a huge problem on our hands,” she said.

Adeyeye, however, noted the negative effects of drug abuse on families, society, and the nation’s socio-economic development.

She explained that the situation caused NAFDAC to initiate a comprehensive, coordinated, and intensive programme, designed to reduce the prevalence of drug abuse among secondary school students.

According to the DG, drug addiction can arise from both legal such as prescribed medicines and illicit drugs.

“This programme is not designed to scare anyone but to have honest conversations with you.

“This will help you to make informed decisions with regards to illicit drug use, including alcohol consumption,’’ she said.

Speaking earlier, State Coordinator, NAFDAC, Rivers, Mr Onogwu Emmanuel, stated the reason behind the sensitisation and capacity building programme being moved to secondary schools.

He explained that the secondary students were most vulnerable, adding that the youths, as future leaders, should actively participate in preventing drug abuse.

He, however, said that two schools were selected from each of the state’s three senatorial zones for the project’s pilot phase.

In her remark, the Principal of the school, Gladys Iheumamme, commended NAFDAC for the project and urged it to sustain it to save the future of the Nigerian youth.

Sierra Leone National carrier, Air Sierra Leone, has resumed its scheduled flight operations between Lagos and Freetown after over 15 years of inactiveness.

Air Sierra Leone returned to Nigeria in partnership with a Nigerian airline, XEJet.

While XEjet provides technical support to the airline, it also provides three operational aircraft for the airline to return to the country.

While speaking with journalists at the sideline of the inaugural flight ceremony, on Wednesday, at the Lagos airport, Air Sierra Leone General Manager, Edgard Lacle, expressed joy for the return of the airline to the country.

Lacle told journalists that the airline has secured permission to operate in the country three times weekly; on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Promising that the schedule will be increased as the number of passengers increases.

For the inaugural flight to Lagos, the airline boss said its aircraft conveyed 36 passengers into the country.

He said, “The connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria is strong, especially in terms of trade and we have a market and everybody is trying to part in that market.

“The trade is top, tourism is part of it and the connection between Sierra Leone and Nigeria.

“The partnership is a technical one and they provide aircraft. The aircraft suits the market and movement of passengers. The moment we see the market changes we will adjust.”

Also speaking the Chief Executive Officer of XEJET, Iza Emmanuel, describes the event as a rebirth of the Air Sierra Leo in Nigeria.
He added that the airline was created as a beacon of hope, progress, and resilience for Sierra Leone.

He said “After over 15 years, the Sierra Leonean flag again takes to the skies. To our dignitaries and guests from Sierra Leone and Nigeria, your presence here today is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that unite our nations. It is also a reflection of the shared vision of growth, connectivity, and opportunity for our people. We are truly honored to have you join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone.”

The air component of Operation Fansan Yamma says it killed scores of bandits and dismantled their logistics base in a series of airstrikes at Alawa Forest in Shiroro LGA of Niger.

This was announced in a statement on Wednesday.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday, following credible intelligence and confirmatory aerial surveillance efforts that indicated an influx of armed terrorists into the forest, according to the statement.

“These criminals were linked to widespread violence, including two improvised explosive device attacks on 19 December 2024 in Bassa, Shiroro LGA, which sadly claimed some innocent lives.

“In response, NAF launched a three-day sustained air operation, code-named ‘Konan Daji’, to degrade the terrorists’ capabilities and render the forest uninhabitable for them.

“To this end, the air component dispatched a formation of fighter aircraft to execute air interdiction missions in the area. Upon arrival, the jets swiftly engaged the identified targets with precision strikes,” said the air force.

“They neutralised numerous armed fighters and destroyed their logistics base, as confirmed by multiple secondary explosions,” the statement added.

It said sustained efforts were underway to eliminate all criminal elements from Alawa Forest and surrounding areas, ensuring lasting peace and security for communities in Niger and beyond.

The statement noted that the operation was a significant blow to the bandits and a major achievement for NAF in its efforts to combat terrorism and insecurity in the region.

Despite the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, several violent encounters have occurred involving armed or masked Palestinians.

An Israeli military spokesman disclosed late on Wednesday.

In one such encounter, a man was killed, with the military identifying him as a fighter for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

In other cases, soldiers fired warning shots to keep masked suspects at a distance, the spokesman said.

The army said it was determined to adhere to the ceasefire agreements while taking all necessary measures to protect its soldiers from potential threats.

It has urged Palestinians to steer clear of military personnel.

In line with the agreed terms, Israeli troops on Wednesday withdrew their vehicles from Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip.

The military released images showing a convoy of tanks leaving the area along the border fence.

Former Edo Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, has sympathised with the people of Jattu-Uzairue Kingdom and the entire Etsako West Local Government Area following a destructive fire that engulfed the Jattu Community Market on Tuesday.

Shaibu also expressed deep sympathy to the traders who lost their businesses and properties. “Your pain is unimaginable, and your resilience in the face of this repeated tragedy is truly inspiring,” he said.

In July last year, a deadly windstorm that claimed lives and uprooted centuries-old trees, rocked the area and left the community in deep grief.

Shaibu’s sympathy was contained in a statement he shared via his X handle on Tuesday, January 21.

The statement reads: “My heart is heavy as I join the people of Jattu-Uzairue Kingdom and the entire Etsako West Local Government Area to grief over the devastating fire that ravaged the Jattu Community Market on Tuesday. This tragic incident, coming so soon after the windstorm that claimed lives and uprooted our century-old trees, has left our community in deep grief.

“To our traders who have lost their livelihoods and properties, I extend my deepest sympathies. Your pain is unimaginable, and your resilience in the face of this repeated tragedy is truly inspiring.

“As one of your own, I feel your sorrow deeply, and I am committed to standing with you in this difficult time. This is not just a loss for the affected traders but for the entire Jattu-Uzairue Kingdom. Our market is not just a place of business—it is a symbol of our unity, hard work, and heritage.

“I urge all well-meaning individuals, organizations, and leaders within and beyond our community to come together in solidarity to provide relief to those affected, rebuild what has been lost, and restore hope to our people. Together, we can overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger.

“May God comfort all who are grieving, and may He grant us the strength and wisdom to rebuild.”

Over 20 people were killed and more than 10 others wounded during two days of fighting between Islamic State fighters and security forces from Somalia’s Puntland region, officials said Tuesday.

In an interview with VOA’s Somali Service, a spokesperson for Puntland security operations, Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, said that 15 Islamic State militants and seven Puntland soldiers were killed in the clashes Sunday and Monday.

Ahmed said IS fighters used improvised explosive devices to protect their hideouts near the Ufeyn area. As soldiers were clearing landmines, one of the devices exploded, killing six soldiers and wounding three, he said.

The spokesperson said that during the operation, soldiers killed eight Islamic State militants.

Ahmed said the latest military operation, which centered around the Cal Miskat mountains in the Bari region, continued through Monday.

“On Monday, our soldiers encountered the terrorist fighters around Laba-Afle area, killing seven of them. One of our soldiers was also killed and four others injured,” he said.

Residents, who requested anonymity fearing for their lives, told VOA they saw the bodies of militants strewn along the roads leading into the Cal Miskat mountains.

Puntland began a military offensive last month against extremist groups in the region following months of preparations.

The region’s leader, Said Abdullahi Deni, appealed to the public to support the operation, which he said is aimed at dislodging the Islamic State militants from their hideouts in mountainous areas.

Puntland has endured terrorist attacks perpetrated by al-Shabab and Islamic State militants, but the ongoing military operation appears to be focused on IS.

The group has a relatively small presence in Somalia compared to the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab, but experts have warned of growing activity.

U.S. military officials and Somali security experts reported that IS increased its membership numbers in Somalia last year.

The group was previously estimated to have between 100 and 400 fighters, but Somali security and intelligence experts estimate their current numbers to be 500 to 600 militants.

Most of the newcomers are said to be from the Middle East and eastern and northern Africa.

IS in Somalia was formed in October 2015 by a group of former al-Shabab fighters led by the cleric Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, who reportedly pledged allegiance to the late IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Mumin appears to have survived a U.S. airstrike on May 31, 2024.

A United Nations counterterrorism official last year warned of increased attacks by Islamic State affiliates in Somalia, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Saudi Arabia embassy in Abuja has hosted a farewell ceremony for 20 Nigerians selected for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Programme for Umrah 2025.

A statement by the embassy in Abuja said the ceremony was held under the leadership of Faisal Al-Ghamdi, the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria.

It said the initiative highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslims and fostering spiritual connections through pilgrimage.

The programme, initiated by King Salman Al Saud, allows Muslims to undertake the lesser Hajj with full sponsorship.

The ambassador thanked Mr Al Saud and the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, for their dedication to Islam’s holy sites.

He also praised their providing enhanced services to pilgrims and ensuring their journey to the sacred sites is both spiritually fulfilling and seamless.

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince have prioritised the well-being of pilgrims, viewing it as a sacred duty and an immense honour.

“Through this programme and other initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Muslims while ensuring their comfort and safety during their spiritual journey,” he said.

According to the statement, Mr Al-Ghamdi said the country had invested over 100 billion dollars in the recent expansion and modernisation of the two holy mosques.

According to him, these ambitious projects, encompassing state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced crowd management systems and cutting-edge technology, reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims.

He added that Saudi Arabia was sparing no effort in mobilising resources to improve the pilgrimage experience for all Muslims.

Mr Al-Ghamdi also emphasised the importance of adhering to the country‘s laws and regulations, which are designed to maintain order and ensure the safety and comfort of all pilgrims.

“The leadership of Saudi Arabia remains fully committed to serving the guests of God. This is a responsibility we hold dear, and we continuously strive to enhance the spiritual and logistical aspects of the pilgrimage experience,” he said.

Guests at the occasion expressed appreciation for the opportunity made available through the sponsorship initiative.

The programme allows pilgrims to perform the lesser Hajj, covering all costs, including travel, accommodation and other logistics.

France’s judiciary on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for ousted Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad on suspicion of complicity in war crimes, specifically relating to the death of a French-Syrian man in 2017.

Investigating judges suspect al-Assad of complicity in murder and attacks on civilians.

The newspaper Le Parisien reported that the 59-year-old man was killed when his house in the southern Syrian city of Daraa was bombed by Syrian army helicopters in June 2017.

Citing investigators, the newspaper stated that France’s judiciary suspects that al-Assad ordered the attack and provided the necessary means for it.

At the time, al-Assad’s government was attempting to regain control of Daraa from opposition forces.

In 2023, the French judiciary issued an arrest warrant for al-Assad in connection with chemical weapons attacks.

This specifically concerned severe chemical attacks in the region of East Ghouta near Damascus in August 2013.

In an attack with the nerve gas Sarin, hundreds of people were killed. Human rights organisations report more than 1,000 fatalities.

Nigeria has condoled with Turkiye over the fire that killed 76 people at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.

This condolence was made via a statement by the foreign affairs ministry on Wednesday.

“The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express deep condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkiye over the unfortunate fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.

“The fire, which claimed the lives of 76 persons and injured more than 50 others in Bolu Province in Northwestern Turkiye, was reported to have started in the early hours of Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathises with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and the families of the victims of the fire incident and also wishes a speedy recovery of the injured,” the statement said.

The board chairman of Seplat Energy Plc, Udo Udoma, says the company is committed to partnering with the Akwa Ibom government to drive sustainable development in the state.

PauseUnmute
Fullscreen
Mr Udoma stated this in Uyo when he led a delegation of the company’s leadership to visit Governor Umo Eno.

He told the governor that Seplat Energy Offshore Limited had recently completed the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited.

Mr Udoma said the company would now be known as Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited and retain all previous firm’s assets and liabilities.

“As a leading indigenous oil and gas producer, we have a commitment to partner with the Akwa Ibom Government to ensure sustainable development in the state.

“Our objective is to significantly contribute towards meeting Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas aspirations while supporting the socio-economic development of the state,” he said.

Mr Udoma expressed confidence that the company would bring significant economic and social benefits to the state and its host communities through strong partnerships and shared goals.

Mr Eno commended the delegation for the visit and assured them of the state government’s unwavering support and commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He expressed hope that the collaboration between the state government and SEPNU would yield tangible benefits for the people.

“We are confident that this partnership would also boost the local economy and promote sustainable development,” Mr Eno said.

Turkey has detained nine people in connection with a deadly fire that claimed the lives of 76 people and injured dozens at a ski resort in western Turkey.

Interior minister Ali Yerlikaya, who disclosed this early Wednesday, said that the owner of the hotel has also been detained.

Mr Yerlikaya also reported that the bodies of 45 victims had been handed over to their families while DNA tests were being conducted to identify the remaining bodies at the forensic institute.

The fire occurred at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in the Bolu mountains.

The hotel, where the fire broke out expressed deep sorrow in a statement on Wednesday and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

“We are cooperating with authorities to shed light on all aspects of this incident,” the statement said. “We are deeply saddened by the losses and want you to know that we share this pain with all our hearts.”

The 12-storey hotel, which had 238 registered guests, was consumed by flames after the fire started on the restaurant floor around 3:30 a.m. (0030 GMT).

Survivors described scenes of panic as they fled through smoke-filled corridors and jumped from windows to escape.

Authorities are facing growing criticism over the hotel’s safety measures, as survivors reported that no fire alarms went off during the incident.

Guests said they had to navigate the smoke-filled corridors in complete darkness.

President Tayyip Erdogan declared Wednesday a day of national mourning following the tragedy, which occurred during the peak of the winter tourism season, with many families from Istanbul and Ankara travelling to the Bolu mountains for skiing.

The Defence Headquarters says two notorious terrorists, Abu Radde and Umar Black, operating in the North West theatre of operation, on January 19, surrendered to troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Tuesday, said the surrendered terrorists had been operating in Batsari and Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Mr Buba said the surrender was occasioned by ongoing synchronised offensive operations by the ground troops and the air component, which resulted in several terrorists being dislodged from their enclaves with high casualties.

He said the troops recovered assorted weapons and ammunition as well as secured the release of 15 hostages held by the terrorists during the operation.

According to him, troops are nevertheless sustaining the momentum as they continue the hunt for notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji, among others.

“On the whole, troops will continue to eliminate threats posed by terrorists and destroy them on the battlefield.

“The terrorists either surrender or be buried on the battlefield.

“Additionally, troops continue with their operations to create conditions whereby terrorists are denied the ability to carry out acts of terror against citizens,” he said.

President Bola Tinubu has greenlit a project for the construction of Inland Dry Port (IDP) in Ijebu-Ode in a move that lends credence to an exclusive report by Peoples Gazette that he was solidly rooting for the creation of Ijebu state.

Three days after The Gazette blew the lid on Mr Tinubu’s conversation with the Awujale, Sikiru Adetona, promising to support the creation of Ijebu State, the president has approved that a dry port facility be erected in Ijebu-Ode.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola announced plans for the new facility in Abuja on Monday while defending the 2025 budget before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport and House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbour, Maritime Safety, Inland Waterways and Shipping Services.

Mr Adegboyega relayed the president’s goodwill and plan to decongest the Western port system by strategically establishing Inland Dry Ports in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state and Moniya in Oyo state.

“Pursuant to its mandate and the charge given by Mr President, the Ministry is developing dry ports at Ijebu-Ode and Moniya in Ogun State and Oyo State respectively,” the minister said. “These IDPs are targeted for fast-tracked delivery to decongest the Western Port System. Design consultancies for the project are ongoing.”

The dry port, if completed, will boost Ijebu-Ode’s economic viability and put to bed concerns that the region lacked the wherewithal to be an independent state.

Mr Adetona obtained Mr Tinubu’s strongest assurances that Ijebu-Ode State will stand on its own as a state, independent of Ogun state. The Awujale informed the president that modalities were underway to guarantee the successful transition of the region into a state, provided he supports it.

The president received the revered traditional ruler at his Bourdillon residence on January 5 and promised his guest that he would not withhold support for the proposed state just northeast of Lagos, sources familiar with the details told The Gazette under anonymity to discuss privileged conversations.

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the 2025 weekly hajj induction course in nine centres.

This is contained in a statement by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Sulaiman Dederi, on Tuesday in Kano.

Mr Dederi quoted the Director-General of the board, Lamin Danbappa, as saying this during a meeting with Ulama (Islamic scholars), who would lead the induction course at various centres across the state.

The DG, represented by the Director of Administration and General Services, Yusif Muktar, said the centres included Bichi, Dogowa, Gwarzo, the School for Arabic Studies, Rimin Gado, Gezawa, Kura, Rano, and Wudil.

Mr Danbappa solicited prayers from Ulama across the state for a successful conduct of the 2025 hajj operation.

He advised prospective pilgrims to endeavour to attend the induction course at their respective centres to acquire more knowledge on the rudiments of hajj.

Two sisters and six men were on Tuesday brought before an Akure Magistrates’ Court, Ondo State, over alleged cult killings in Owo town.

The defendants are Ogunseyila Oladimeji, 28, Olabode Ojo, 30; Adeola Bero, 30; Olayemi Ayodele, 20; Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye, 42, and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga, 25 and Esther Gbenga.

The police arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal possession of firearms and illegal possession of a vehicle.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendants and others at large committed the offences between January 6 and January 8, at Owo town.

He alleged that the defendants were members of Alora and Ave secret cults.

The prosecutor said that the defendants used gun and other offensive weapons to carry out the offences.

Mr Akintimehin stated that the alleged offences contravened Sections 516, 319 and 430 of the Criminal Law of Ondo State, 2006.

It also contravened Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Secret Cults and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The court did not take the plea of the six defendants for lack of jurisdiction.

The prosecutor, through a written application, urged the court to remand the defendants at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending the advice of the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The defence team led by Daniel Onu, in their separate responses, prayed for an adjournment to enable each defendant file a counter-affidavit to the application sought by the prosecutor.

In view of their offence, the Magistrate, Sunday Adedapo, granted the seventh and eighth defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

Mr Adedapo ordered that the remaining six defendants should remain in police custody till the next hearing.

He adjourned the case until January 27 for reply to the affidavit and ruling.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has arrested the driver of a notorious one-chance syndicate that uses a commercial bus with number plate KSF 56 XL to rob unsuspecting passengers of their valuables.

The agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Tuesday.

It revealed that the arrest occurred along Funsho Williams Avenue in the Surulere area of the state following an incident involving a female passenger, Bibian Emelifonwu, who was a victim of the syndicate while commuting to work on Tuesday morning.

The statement partly read, “Recounting her ordeal, Miss Emelifonwu disclosed that she boarded the bus and sat beside a male passenger holding a nylon bag in the front seat next to the driver. Under the pretext of opening the front door beside her, the man surreptitiously leaned on her and deftly removed her phone from her bag.

“Having successfully executed the theft, the criminals heartlessly ejected her from the moving vehicle onto the highway.”

A team of LASTMA officers in the area who witnessed the incident were said to have immediately pursued the fleeing bus, ultimately apprehending the driver, identified as Toyib Ogunjobi, while his accomplices—the conductor and another passenger—managed to escape.

During interrogation, Ogunjobi reportedly admitted to leading a three-man syndicate, which included the owner of the bus, whom he said was actively involved in their operations.

“He revealed that their modus operandi involved enticing passengers with low fares on the Costain-Ojota route, stealing their belongings, and forcibly ejecting them from the vehicle while in motion,” the statement disclosed.

The suspect was said to have further confessed that the syndicate generated between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 daily by selling stolen phones and valuables.

He reportedly disclosed that similar one-chance operations are proliferating across Lagos State, illustrating the pervasive nature of this criminal enterprise.

Seven stolen phones, which comprised models such as Techno Pop, Samsung AZZ, Intel A623, Techno Spark, Techno Pounoir, and Samsung devices, were said to have been recovered during the arrest.

In the statement, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, was said to have lauded the officers for their swift and commendable action, noting that the apprehended driver would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for thorough investigation and prosecution.

He also urged Lagos residents to exercise heightened vigilance when boarding vehicles, emphasising the need for caution not only with commercial buses but also with private vehicles that may harbour ill intent.