More than 230,000 people have signed a petition demanding the government to revoke Elon Musk’s Canadian citizenship and passport over claims that the billionaire is engaging in practices that go against Canada’s national interest.

The petition alleged that Mr Musk had “become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase Canadian sovereignty.”

Mr Musk is also a U.S. citizen and an ally of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly sought the annexation of Canada to make it the United States’ 51st state.

Mr Musk did not appear bothered by the petition.

“Canada is not a real country,” said Mr Musk in a now-deleted X post.

The relationship between Canada and the U.S. has become volatile since Mr Trump’s second coming.

He has continued to refer to Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as ‘Governor Trudeau’.

Abia Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Goodluck Ubochi, says that from March 1, Abia education marshals, an education task force, will hunt pupils not in school during school hours.

Mr Ubochi disclosed this on Tuesday while taking questions from reporters after a press conference ahead of the Abia schools transformation programme launching on February 26.

He said the programme’s theme is “AbiaFIRST”, which stands for “Fostering Innovation and Reform for School Transformation” in the state.

The commissioner said pupils not found in school during school hours would be arrested and used to apprehend their parents, who would be punished for not sending them to school.

According to him, the government would enforce school attendance by pupils because it has invested in giving them a better education.

Mr Ubochi said the planned transformation of Abia schools through innovation would begin with 221 out of 1,600 schools.

“The transformation is real, but the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step. We plan to reach out to all the schools that have challenges at the same time, but we have to start somewhere.

“We have marked out 221 schools, 10 primary schools and five secondary schools from each of the 17 local government areas,” he said.

He said the government, recognising the challenge vandalism posed to public schools, engaged communities to assist in securing their schools.

Mr Ubochi said schools with minor infrastructure challenges would be fixed before the rains set in fully.

He said that pursuant to Governor Alex Otti’s free education policy, the principals and head teachers received imprest funds of N100,000 and N80,000 monthly.

Mr Ubochi said the improved welfare of teachers was part of the holistic project “Fostering Innovation and Reform for School Transformation”.

The commissioner noted that the extension of teachers’ service year and increment of their salaries were currently being implemented.

He, however, stressed that only physically fit teachers who could deliver as expected would be given the extension.

The Sabo-Yaba Magistrate Court on Tuesday discharged singer Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and his ally Samson “Sam Larry” Eletu in connection with the death of a Nigerian artiste, Ilerioluwa”Mohbad” Aloba.

The court said, instead, it was a nurse, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and Ayobami Sadiq who should be prosecuted for Mohbad’s death due to alleged recklessness and negligence.

The magistrate, E. Kubeinje, said the ruling was on the advice of the state’s Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), signed by its director, Babajide Martins.

The magistrate said the DPP had advised the court to strike out the names of Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Owodunni Ibrahim (alias Primeboy) and Mohbad’s manager, Babatunde Opere, for lack of evidence linking them to the death of Mohbad.

Kubeinje said the DPP had a prima facie case of the offence of reckless and negligent acts, contrary to section 251(e) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015, against Ogedengbe and Sadiq, respectively.

She said the court agreed that an unlawful assault was carried out by Naira Marley, Sam Larry, Opere, and Primeboy on Mohbad, but the assault could not rise to the point of criminal responsibility in view of the deceased.

Kubeinje added that Mohbad had also previously withdrawn his complaint against Naira Marley, dated October 11, 2022, on assault, on the grounds that the matter had been settled amicably; hence, the defendants have no case to answer.

The court, thereafter, ruled that Ogedengbe and Sadiq should be prosecuted for recklessness and negligence, which contravened section 251(e) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

She also ruled that Sam Larry, Naira Marley, Primeboy, and Babatunde, respectively, have no case to answer in view of the demise of the deceased.

Kubeinje said the defendants should be released if still in custody.

The magistrate adjourned the case until March 24 for an update in view of the ruling.

A hit-and-run driver struck two siblings, aged 12 and 15, at the Ogundare bus stop along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway on Monday, February 24.

The incident occurred while the driver was traveling along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane.

The accident left the victims with severe injuries. Tragically, the 12-year-old succumbed to the injuries despite receiving medical treatment, while the 15-year-old remains hospitalized.

This information was contained in a statement by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Tuesday, February 25.

The statement partly reads: “On Monday, February 24, 2025, at about 1535hrs, a yet-to-be-identified driver, while plying the BRT lane at high speed at Ogundare bus stop along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, hits two female pedestrians, siblings aged 12 and 15, on their way back from school.

“The accident victims sustained serious degrees of injuries and were quickly evacuated to Orile Agege General Hospital for treatment, where the 12-year-old sadly passed on while receiving treatment, while the other victim was later transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for further treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh while disclosing that a speedy, detailed, and conclusive investigation has since commenced, hereby calls on road users, particularly motorists, to strictly comply with traffic rules/laws, speed limits, and safe driving practices.

“Meanwhile, CP Jimoh, on behalf of officers and men of the Command, commiserates with the family of the victims over the unfortunate incident and expresses confidence that the Command will get to the root of the matter and ensure justice is served.”

Police in Thailand have arrested a British man for overstaying his tourist visa by a record 25 years, a senior officer told AFP on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old, who has not been identified, entered the kingdom in early 2000 on a tourist visa and never left, evading previous police checks by claiming to be in the process of extending his visa.

He was finally caught in the northern province of Chiang Mai on Monday during a crackdown by immigration officials on overstaying foreigners — more than 9,000 days after arriving on a 30-day visa.

Officers checked during the operation on areas regularly frequented by foreigners and found the Briton, who failed to show his passport.

He admitted during questioning that he came to Thailand on a 30-day tourist visa in 2000 and stayed until he was arrested.

“After checking on his name on our immigration system, he entered Thailand in 2000 and never had any other stamp on our system since then,” a senior officer in the operation said.

“It was 9,135 days that he overstayed in Thailand — it is the record. The longest previous overstay was a Pakistani man with 10 years,” he said.

The man — who will be deported back to Britain — even managed to renew his passport in 2018, police said, adding that the new document was completely empty of immigration stamps.

Police said the man lived in Bangkok for 13 years, building a life with a Thai woman with whom he had a child.

They moved to Chiang Mai 12 years ago for economic reasons, although police said the man does not have a job and lives on money from his family in Britain.

Police said the man told them he previously avoided arrest by telling authorities he was extending his visa, which only the immigration bureau can check.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an Artificial Intelligence training programme to equip 6,000 selected senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The initiative, organised by the National Senior Secondary Education Commission seeks to integrate AI into the educational system, enhancing teaching methods and empowering educators with the skills to prepare students for a technology-driven future.

At the flag-off ceremony of the training, as well as the unveiling of the minimum standards for senior secondary education in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, said the programme is a landmark in its collective commitment to equipping teachers with the skills necessary to prepare students for the rapidly evolving digital age.

“The world is undergoing a technological revolution, and Artificial Intelligence is at its core. AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present-day reality, transforming industries, economies, and societies.

“As educators, we must embrace this evolution and ensure our education sector is not left behind. The integration of AI into pedagogy offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance learning experiences, personalise education, and develop critical thinking skills among our students. Our goal is to prepare them for careers in a technology-driven world, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as reading and writing.

“This document, which was developed by NSSEC through extensive collaboration with stakeholders and approved by the National Council on Education, will serve as a guiding framework to ensure that senior secondary education across Nigeria adheres to high-quality standards. It is our blueprint for ensuring consistency, accountability, and measurable improvement in our education sector”, he stated.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, said the world is moving rapidly towards a digital future, and Nigeria must not be left behind.

According to her, the introduction of AI into Nigeria’s education system will enhance both teaching methodologies and learning experiences, ensuring that our students are better prepared for global opportunities.

The Minister, who was represented by the Special Assistant to the Minister of State on Technical Matters, Dr. Clara Ujam, said the Ministry of Education, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu GCFR, has placed a high premium on education reforms aimed at ensuring Nigerian students are equipped with 21st-century skills.

“The AI in Pedagogy training is a vital component of these reforms, ensuring our teachers acquire the necessary skills to facilitate innovative and technologically-driven education.

“To our dedicated teachers, you are at the centre of this transformation. The knowledge and expertise you acquire through this training will have a ripple effect on our students, preparing them for a world where digital and AI skills are indispensable. I encourage you to embrace this opportunity fully and apply the knowledge gained to enrich classroom experiences.”

Also speaking, the executive secretary of NSEEC, Dr. Iyela Ajayi, said the official unveiling of the Developed Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education and flag-off of an online Google-sponsored AI in Pedagogy training of 6,000 Senior Secondary School Teachers across the country marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of excellence in education, bearing in mind the Renewed Hope Agenda on our nation’s education system.

“As we embark on this journey of national renewal under the visionary leadership of Mr President Bola Tinubu, we must recognise that education is not merely a tool for individual advancement, but the cornerstone of a prosperous and equitable society.

“What we are about to witness today is a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence, equity, and relevance in our senior secondary education system. As we all know, education is the bedrock of any progressive society, and the senior secondary level plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our young ones, preparing them for higher education, employment, and lifelong skills.

“The Virtual training programme, which is sponsored by Google Research and supported by Data Science Nigeria and Olabisi Onabanjo University Ogun State, is aimed at enhancing the AI pedagogical skills among senior secondary school teachers across the 36 states and the FCT. The training is packaged in five modules and is expected to run for a period of five weeks.

“On the other hand, the National Senior Secondary Education Commission, entrusted with the crucial responsibility of repositioning the Senior Secondary Education, provides intervention in the area of capacity building of teachers, provision of instructional resources, among others, and has developed Minimum Standards for Senior Secondary Education in Nigeria.”

The body of a 200-level Chemical Engineering student of the Federal University, Otuoke, who drowned in Ekoli Creek, Yenagoa, after allegedly attempting to swim across for a N300 bet, has been recovered.

The student’s remains were retrieved from the river on Monday evening, nearly 24 hours after he went missing.

Witnesses said he had jumped into the water but failed to resurface.

Grief-stricken students of the university held a candlelight procession in his honour on Monday night.

When contacted, the university’s Public Relations Officer, Mercy Ekott, declined to comment, stating via text message, “Sorry, but I haven’t been authorised to speak on the matter.”

Confirming the incident on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, said investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

“The deceased had gone to the river with a friend to bathe. Unfortunately, in the process, he jumped into the water and drowned.

“We urge students, especially young people, to exercise caution around rivers, whether they know how to swim or not,” he said.

Sources alleged that the student had wagered he could swim across the creek, but midway through, he submerged and did not reappear.

Fire on Tuesday gutted some shops in the Ladipo market destroying goods worth millions of Naira.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.

He said that the agency received distress calls through its 767 and 112 emergency toll-free lines at about 00.09hrs concerning the fire outbreak.

”LASEMA immediately activated the state’s emergency response plans and response team from its Cappa Base.

”Upon arrival at 00.16hrs at the scene of the incident, it was discovered that a warehouse surrounded by shops was gutted by the fire.

”Investigations revealed that the inferno was caused by an electric power surge after public electricity power supply was restored to the area,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu said that there was no record of injury or loss of life during the incident.

”Valuable goods worth a fortune were however, destroyed by the inferno,” he said.

He said that the goods destroyed include electronics, generating sets, bicycles, auto spare parts, phones, and home appliances.

The permanent secretary said that occupants of the warehouse have been sensitised on the appropriate safety measures to take to prevent a re-occurrence in the future.

Iranian police have blocked several social media accounts, including that of a well-known blind dating show on Instagram, the Tasnim news agency reported on Monday.

The bans were in response to “complaints from families about social, cultural and moral damage’’ caused by the pages in question, Tasnim quoted a senior police officer as saying.

According to the report, those responsible, 15 people have been detained, summoned or warned.

Among those affected was the popular Iranian Instagram account “vinyvids,’’ which has 1.2 million followers.

The account hosts a YouTube dating show in which two strangers were asked personal questions by a presenter before rating each other.

The format is likely to have met with harsh criticism from conservative Islamic circles in Iran, where Instagram and YouTube are officially banned.

The social media sites can only be accessed in the country using virtual private networks (VPNs).

Young people in Iran are increasingly opposing the influence of clerical politics.

In autumn 2022, nationwide protests broke out under the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom’’ following the death of the young Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini.

Since then, many women in the country’s cities have defied the Islamic dress code as a sign of protest and self-determination.

Gunmen shot dead eight people in Mexico’s most violent state, authorities said Sunday.

The five women and three men, who have not been identified, were killed in the street on Saturday night in Guanajuato, the prosecutor’s office said.

Guanajuato is a thriving industrial hub and home to several popular tourist destinations, but it is also considered Mexico’s most violent state, according to official homicide statistics.

The gunmen have not been caught.

The shootings took place in the municipality of Cortazar, where in 2023 gunmen stormed a water park and killed seven people, including a child.

The National Guard arrested on Sunday a man in Guanajuato identified by local media as the leader of hitmen for the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel.

Violence in Guanajuato is linked to ongoing conflict between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, one of the most powerful in the Latin American nation.

Drug-related violence has seen more than 480,000 people killed in Mexico since the government deployed the army to combat trafficking in 2006, according to official figures.

The management of the Federal University Dutsinmm Katsina State, on Monday, shut down the school following violent protests by students over an alleged killing of their colleague.

Reports said two students were allegedly shot by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force operating in the area, leading to the death of one.

A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue told our correspondent in Katsina on Monday morning that “some officials of the CJTF shot two students in error, thinking they were bandits’ informants.

“One of the students died on the spot while the other one was shot in the leg and has since been taken for medical attention in a nearby hospital.

“Following this development, students have been involved in violent protests since yesterday when the incident happened and they took to the streets in Dutsinma, burning vehicles as well vandalising property”.

Also speaking with PUNCH Online, a resident of the area, Mallam Usman, said the protesting students blocked the Dutsin-Ma–Katsina highway and set tyres on fire, drawing the attention of security forces.

“Military personnel and police officers arrived at the scene to restore order. The security forces reportedly employed a diplomatic approach, calming the situation without resorting to force.

“The demonstration extended into the town, with students chanting slogans and expressing their dissatisfaction over the incident”, the source said.

Meanwhile, the FUDMA Senate in a statement on Monday, announced the immediate closure of the school and directed students to proceed on a “one-week mid-semester break starting from Monday 24th”.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, announced the decision of the Senate and advised the students to leave campus before 6.00 pm Monday, 24th February 2025.

“The management wishes the students a happy and peaceful mid-semester break,” the statement stated.

Also, the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq has confirmed the incident.

Sadiq stated, “Yes, I’m aware of the incident and I will release an official statement soon.”

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have manned the Federal High Court in Abuja, as the trial of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello on alleged fraud charges resumed on Monday.

The operatives were wielding various brands of guns and blocked one of the major roads leading to the court complex with one of their vehicles.

Apart from guns, dogs and other weapons have been fully deployed at the court entrance by the security men.

As of the time of this report, lawyers who felt uncomfortable with the intimidating presence of the EFCC operatives, especially being subjected to unnecessary checks, were murmuring aloud, wondering what prompted the takeover of the court.

Recall that the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Friday, December 13, 2024, granted Bello bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.

This was after the former governor pleaded not guilty to the 19-count charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

He is facing an alleged money laundering trial involving N80.2 billion but has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Joseph Daudu, SAN, is leading the defendant, while Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, heads the EFCC legal team before Justice Emeka Nwite.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has blamed the prolonged trials and prison congestion in the country on poor investigative processes, lack of thorough case preparation and delays in prosecution.

Justice Kekere-Ekun urged the police and other sister agencies to complete their investigations before filing charges to prevent the striking out of cases due to lack of evidence.

The CJN called for enhanced coordination among the police, the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary to ensure seamless prosecution of cases.

A statement by her Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Tobi Soniyi, said Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke in Abuja when she hosted Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and his team.

The CJN expressed concern over non-compliance with court orders by some law enforcement agencies, saying such attitude weakens the integrity of the justice system.

She said the rule of law requires strict adherence to judicial decisions, adding that any act of disobedience undermines public trust in law enforcement and the judiciary.

Justice Kekere-Ekun urged the IGP to issue clear directives to police officers to ensure that they respect court judgments and orders and implement same without delay.

The CJN expressed concerns over threats to judges, court officials, and litigants, especially in high-profile or politically sensitive cases.

She sought Egbetokun’s support to ensure the security of judicial officers as well as prevent anyone from intimidating or harassing them.
Justice Kekere-Ekun called for enhanced police presence at court premises, particularly in areas prone to violence or unrest.

The CJN also expressed concern over increasing cases of unlawful arrests, prolonged detentions and extra-judicial actions.

She stressed the need for compliance with constitutional safeguards, including the right to legal representation, the right to be informed of charges, and the right to be promptly brought before a court of competent jurisdiction.

Justice Kekere-Ekun urged the police and other security agencies to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The CJN emphasised the need for enhanced compliance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 which, among others, prohibits arrests in lieu of culprits, inhumane treatment of suspects and provides for mandatory electronic recording of confessional statements.

She stressed that under Section 7 of the ACJA, it is illegal for the police to arrest family members or associates in place of a suspect.

Justice Kekere-Ekun urged the police to enforce internal disciplinary measures to ensure that its personnel do not engage in unlawful practices.

The CJN also urged the IGP to put in place mechanisms for monitoring and preventing police brutality, as well as ensuring that officers who violate these provisions are held accountable.

She reiterated the constitutional and legal obligations to treat suspects with dignity and ensure compliance with Section 8(1) of the ACJA, which prohibits torture, inhuman or degrading treatments.

The Senate Committee on Finance will today begin its public hearing on the four Tax Reform Bills.

Its House of Representatives counterpart will begin its public hearing on Wednesday.

The four Bills are: the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Joint Revenue Board Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent the four Tax Reform Bills to the National Assembly as part of his administration’s commitment to foster a more efficient and equitable tax system in the country.

The four Bills seek to repeal the Capital Gains Tax Act, Cap C1, LFN, 2004; the Casino Act, Cap. C3, LFN, 2004; the Companies Income Tax Act, Cap. C21, LFN, 2004; the Deep offshore and Inland Basin Act, Cap. D3, 2004; the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act, Cap. 117, LFN, 2004; the Income Tax (Authorised Communications) Act, Cap. 14, LFN, 2004; the Personal Income Tax Act, Cap. P8, LFN, 2004; the Petroleum Profits Tax Act, Cap. P13, 2004; the Stamp Duties Act, Cap. S8, LFN, 2004; the Value Added Tax Act, Cap. V1, LFN, 2004; the Venture Capital (Incentives) Act, Cap. V2, LFN 2004; and the VAT Modification Order 2021.

The Bills also seek to amend the Customs, Excise Tariffs, Etc. (Consolidation) Act Cap. 49 LFN 2004; the National Information Technology Development Agency Act, 2007; the National Lottery Act, 2005; the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act, Cap. N107, LFN 2004; the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Act, Cap. 05, LFN 2004; the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021; the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2011; the Companies Income Tax (Significant Economic Presence) Order 2020, and the Nigeria Start-up Act, 2022, among others.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, told reporters that the public hearing would hold on February 24 and 25.

He said the decision of the Senate to start the hearings today followed a series of consultations with stakeholders across the country to iron out areas of concerns in the Bills.

Also, House of Representatives spokesman Akintunde Rotimi announced in a statement that the public hearing would bring together government agencies, business leaders, tax experts, private sector representatives, civil society organisations (CSOs), and the general public to provide insights and recommendations into the proposed tax reforms.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has detained a 24-year-old Thai lady, Ms. Pattaphi Wimonnat, for attempting to smuggle 43 parcels of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, weighing 46.60 kilogrammes into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known yesterday, said she was arrested after operatives discovered the illicit consignment in her boxes.

Babafemi said the suspect confessed to being a hired drug trafficker.

She was arrested last Thursday during the inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways flight from Thailand via Doha, Qatar at the Arrival Hall, Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport.

According to a statement by Babafemi, the drug cartel promised to pay her $3,000 upon delivery of the illicit consignment.

Babafemi said another bid by a syndicate to ship 68 parcels of Ghanaian Loud weighing 42.2kg concealed in walls of crated cartons to London, United Kingdom, through the export shed of the Lagos airport was also frustrated by NDLEA officers last Friday.

Babafemi’s statement reads: “Three suspects: a freight agent and two dispatch riders – were initially arrested in connection with the seizure before the mastermind of the shipment, Samuel Bitris, was swiftly traced to his Exodus Estate, Ajah, Lagos home where he was arrested.

“At the Port Harcourt Port Complex, Onne, Rivers State, NDLEA officers on Thursday 20th February intercepted 49 cartons containing 49,000 pills of tamol, a brand of tramadol 225mg in a 40ft container during a joint examination of the shipment with men of Customs Service and other security agencies.’’

Ondo State Police Commissioner Mr Wilfred Afolabi has ordered the deployment of personnel and security measures around the venue of the swearing-in of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aiyedatiwa will be sworn in today as the governor of Ondo State.

This is contained in a statement made available to reporters yesterday in Akure by CSP Funmilayo Odunlami, police spokesperson.

Afolabi, in a statement made available yesterday in Akure by Odunlami, said the deployment was to ensure the safety of attendees.

He said the deployment would also ensure smooth running of activities, while escorts attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) would not be permitted entry with rifles, as part of security measures.

“However, they may remain around the stadium perimeter in designated areas.

“Also, commuters who regularly use routes around the venue are advised to take alternative routes for ease of movement and to reduce congestion.

“Vehicle owners, who usually park around Stadium area, are advised to park in safer locations, to avoid damage, congestion or obstruction on the road.

“All security agencies will be on ground to enforce compliance with these guidelines,” the CP said.

Afolabi, therefore, urged residents to align with the guidelines, to ensure a secure and orderly event.

The Federal Government on Friday announced plans to end visa-on-arrival policy and introduce landing and exit cards as part of security reforms in the country.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the closing ceremony of a weeklong capacity-building training organised for personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Abuja on Friday.

According to Mr Tunji-Ojo, the decision was made to tighten the country’s borders and ensure that only legitimate travellers enter the country.

The visa-on- arrival policy was introduced in 2020 due to the limited Nigerian embassies worldwide and to provide short stay entry issued at entry points to foreigners from countries where there is no Nigerian embassy.

However, Mr Tunji-Ojo said that the government noticed how foreigners exploit the visa-on-arrival policy by travelling to neighbouring countries by air and complete their journeys through land borders to bypass security checks. He described the policy as a disruption to Nigerian security, noting that it was unacceptable since it made it impossible to accurately identify foreign visitors or their population.

Mr Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for a rigorous screening process because Nigeria cannot serve as a haven for wanted criminals. He added that to address the issues, the federal government planned to introduce a comprehensive solution by March 1 or April 1, to include replacing the visa-on-arrival policy with automated landing and exit cards.

He further said that the automated landing and exit cards would be integrated with global security databases, including Interpol and criminal record systems to ensure only legitimate foreigners could get access to the country.

Mr Tunji-Ojo said, ”The visa-on-arrival issue is one of the core policy issues because I always tell people the visa is not just an approval of entry, it is a migration management device. It is a security device to manage migration into your country. So the way it is at the moment is very subjective. We are not really too objective and that is why we are automating the whole process end-to-end. And the e-visa solution, we are working hard to be able to meet the first of March or peradventure if we are unable, the first of April, we will hit it live.

“We will automate the system. People apply online and we will do what we need to do. That solution will be integrated with the Interpol system, the criminal records system, so that we can be able to make decisions. We do not want foreign attachés approving and issuing visas. It is not going to be that way anymore, we want to be able to screen people more. Nigeria cannot be a destination for wanted criminals in the world. Nigeria is not a haven for any criminal and it will never be. Another thing we are trying to do even for our expatriates is to see how we can integrate these our immigration solutions. What we are doing is to harmonise all these solutions in our data centre, harmonise the database and be able to let the solutions speak to one another rather than having solutions in silos.

“We want to have integrated solutions. So what we are looking at is that, for any decision that borders on immigration into Nigeria, it will be impossible for approvals to be given without the clearance of interpol, criminal records system and all background checking agencies in real time.

“Security is not a sector where you can afford to be 99.9 per cent correct. You just have to be 100 per cent. We believe that it is better for us to take decisions based on objectivity rather than subjectivity. And of course, that will lead to the cancellation of the visa-on-arrival process because the visa-on-arrival we understand is not a system that works, because I don’t expect you to just come into my country without me knowing that you are coming into my country. No, it is never done anywhere and of course, we are also introducing what we call the landing and exit card. We do it now, but it is manual. We are not going to be doing that anymore. This is 2025. This is not 1825. So technology must take its place.”

Mr Tunji- Ojo stated,”A scenario where it is difficult for NIS, on the tip of a finger, to tell me the number of foreigners who are entering into Nigeria is unacceptable. A scenario where somebody comes into Nigeria, disappears and becomes untraceable is unacceptable. A scenario where there is abuse of immigration policies and processes is unacceptable. A scenario where somebody needs to come to Nigeria, stay for six months, waiting to regularise their residency in Nigeria is unacceptable. It is not done anywhere in the world. Why we are trying to do these is to be able to safeguard our people, it’s for us to be responsible in the comity of nations, and for us to be able to contribute our fair quota to international peace.”

Also, the minister assured Nigerians that when the e-solutions were implemented, it would connect with security agencies in Nigeria and around the world, including Interpol which would help identify and catch people wanted by the law, no matter where they were and enhance global security collaboration and cooperation.

The local government election in Osun State on Saturday witnessed a poor turnout of the electorate in the state.

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria who monitored the election in some local governments reported that there was no presence of ad hoc staff of the State Independent Electoral Commission in polling units visited.

In Osogbo, some of the polling units located at Ogo-Oluwa, Alekunwodo, Olaiya, Oja-Oba, among others, were devoid of electorate, OSSIEC staff and security personnel as at 9:15 am.

NAN also observed that the voters’ list was not displayed at some of the polling units visited.

However, election took place in Units 18, 19 and 20, ward 4, Ataoja D.

Although Governor Ademola Adeleke ordered the restriction of vehicular movement from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. across the state, this was not complied with as there was free vehicular movement without any form of restriction.

NAN, however, also observed that there were roadblocks along the major roads by the police.

Similarly, in Ile-Ife, there was no sign of the electorate as well as OSSIEC ad-hoc staff in some of the polling units visited.

However, shops, markets and other shopping malls were under lock and key.

In Ede, the home town of the governor, the situation was a bit different.

Electorates were seen in some of the polling units visited with OSSIEC and hoc staff attending to them.

At Obalaoye Grammar School, Unit 2 Ward 4, some electorate were seen on queue at 8:00 am waiting to cast their votes.

Also, Oloba Atapara Ward 1, unit 6 witnessed a few electorates waiting to be accredited and to cast their votes.

One of the electorate, Mr Nifemi Akingbala, said that the process had been so peaceful and urged all voters to cast their votes without fear.

Akingbala commended the electoral umpire for making the process peaceful.

Another electorate, Mrs Aminat Idowu Aminat said that she cast her vote at 8:20 a.m.

Aminat commended the peaceful conduct of the election.

At Alajue 1, Unit 8, voting ended at 8:56 a.m.

The presiding officer at the unit, Emmanuel Olayiwola, said the election started at 8:30 a.m. Olayiwola, however, said that the election was generally peaceful.

Also, at 150A Station Road, ward 8, unit 6, some electorate were also seen around the place.

The presiding officer, John Olawale, said that the election ended at 8:30 am.

Olawale said that the electoral body was in the process of sorting out the votes for counting.

NAN also observed that elections concluded early in most of the polling units in the town.

Meanwhile, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, cast his vote at unit 5 ward 9 Asi in Odo-otin LGA.

Egbedun, after casting his vote, commended OSSIEC for the peaceful conduct of the election.

The speaker commended the electorate for standing firm on the side of the law.

He assured the electorate that the election would reflect the will of the people.

Egbedun also commended the electorate for coming out en mass to cast their votes.

A container load of hospital equipment and consumables worth millions from Canada donated by the Alaafin-Elect , Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, has been delivered in Oyo town amid kudos and jubilation among residents.

The ultra modern equipment brought to the town on Friday would be installed at the community health centre also being constructed by the paramount ruler.

According to the Royal father, the donation was to ensure even development in the community and to support the mantra of inclusive governance of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.

The aim, he added, was to help the less privileged, stressing that, the construction of the health centre and donation of medical equipment was to help those with health challenges.

A statement by the Alaafin’s media aide, Bode Durojaiye, said the monarch expressed optimism that the equipment would ease the challenges confronting the people in accessing quality medical treatment.

It stated that the equipment included ultra sound machines, electrical beds among others.

Some of the residents who witnessed delivery of the equipment described Oba Owoade as a monarch with “self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience, who is learning agile and flex his influence while communicating the vision, showing gratitude, and collaborating effectively.

“With this laudable feat, our monarch has proved himself that he is able to set a practical vision and suitable, achievable targets. He knows how to set smart goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Kudos to our pragmatic Paramount Ruler,” the statement added.

The Ogun State Police Command on Saturday said its operatives on Friday at about 8:30 pm foiled a kidnap attempt of some travellers around the Warewa axis of the long bridge of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and neutralised four of the kidnappers during the ensuing gun duel.

The spokesperson for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The bandits were said to have ambushed a white Paragon commercial vehicle with number plate BDG 753 YH, driven by one Mr Morufu Adedeji and heading towards Lagos.

The armed men reportedly forcefully halted the vehicle, pointed a gun at the driver, and began robbing passengers at gunpoint.

Odutola said, “During the attack, some passengers managed to escape through the rear door, which had been smartly and courageously opened by the driver.

“This act enraged the kidnappers, who then brutally assaulted the driver to the point of unconsciousness. Other motorists raised an alarm, which was swiftly intercepted by the Anti-Kidnapping Team on patrol.

“Upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun duel. Four of the armed men were fatally injured, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest.

“The bodies of the neutralised kidnappers have been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.”

Items recovered at the scene of the crime included one locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, cash sum of ₦20,000, one Tecno Android phone, one solar power bank and three USB lights suspected to have been stolen.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the area of criminal activities.

In a move to further strengthen the security in that area, the CP has reinforced the tactical operatives and ordered them to remain stationed at strategic flashpoints, in Arepo and heighten routine patrols to ensure the security of residents and commuters.

The command urged members of the public, especially medical practitioners, to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.