The Lagos State Government on Thursday reiterated its resolve to demolish buildings that fail its integrity test.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu spoke after 14 buildings in close proximity to the two that went up in flames at Dosunmu Market on the Lagos Island on Tuesday caved in to the fire.

“A lot of residential apartments have been turned to warehouses. I am saying without any iota of doubt that more buildings will go down.

“I just finished the assessment of a very unfortunate, but preventable disaster.

“Access was denied to the first responders to the fire for a couple of hours. This fire started more than 48 hours ago and is still alive.

“At the last count we have about 14 houses that have been affected and more may go down after the extensive test.

“What I have seen here is what could have been prevented; we do not have a full report yet, so I do not want to speculate.

“From the initial report, it was gross carelessness,’’ he said at the site of the fire.

Sanwo-Olu added that the Dosunmu Market would be closed indefinitely. But he added that government would assist the traders affected.

“We will bring down any property that does not conform to our rules and regulations of construction.

“We cannot allow anyone to put the lives and property of others and the environment at risk.

“We will support those affected by the fire so they can get back on their feet, however.

“There are more progressive things we ought to be doing than to be spending scarce resources on avoidable accidents,’’ the governor lamented.

President Joe Biden of the United States, US, on Thursday said black women in America are more prone to die during pregnancy than their white counterparts.

Biden said this has made the Black Maternal Health Week an urgent call for action.

Posting on X, Biden said his administration is addressing the disparities the black community face in the US.

According to the US president, disparities that address the health of black women are being addressed by his administration.

Biden wrote: “Black women in America are 3x as likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, making Black Maternal Health Week an urgent call for action.

“That’s why we’re using the power of the federal government to address the long-standing disparities that Black communities continue to face—disparities that directly impact the health and well-being of Black mothers.”

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnic, Yabatech Chapter, has praised a philanthropist, Tunde Fanimokun, for donating N3.5 billion to build an entrepreneurship centre for the college.

The Chairman of SSANIP, Yabatech chapter, Jason Ayodeji, said on Wednesday that the donation was a welcome development that would add value to the students’ career paths.

The groundbreaking event, held on Tuesday at the Yusuf Grillo Hall of the college, was in commemoration of Mr Fanimokun’s 80th birthday.

Mr Ayodeji said that the union was delighted with the donation, which was in honour of the late Wahab Folawiyo, the founding father of Yinka Folawiyo Conglomerate.

He said that the building to be named Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre would provide an enabling environment where students could be taught crucial life skills to help them navigate the future.

According to him, an entrepreneurship centre plays a critical role in shaping the future of students. He said that such centres fostered innovation and creativity among the students, whereby they explore and grow their entrepreneurial skills.

He stated, “This is a laudable step. We are happy and express our gratitude to Alhaji Fanimokun. The Entrepreneurship Centre will provide the necessary resources, guidance and networking opportunities that will turn students’ ideas to successful ventures. The centre will be a distinguished four-story building having four lecture theatres, with 320 sitting capacity in each; another with 500 sitting; 19 classrooms; office spaces for staff; various areas for vocational activities and ample parking facilities.’’

The SSANIP chairman said that the union noted efforts put in place by the Rector, Yabatech, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, in securing such a significant endowment for the institution.

“The present administration under Dr Abdul has been doing a great job. This is another feat and we will continue to support his good work and activities to take the college to the next level,” he said.

The philanthropist, Mr Fanimokun, is a retired as a permanent secretary with the Lagos State Civil Service before his employment as the Executive Director, Projects, by the late Folawiyo.

President Bola Tinubu has received the news of the passing of the Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka (Adeola Olushi III), with deep sadness.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Ngelale said that the President condole with the family of the deceased, the Council of Obas and Chiefs, as well as the government and people of Lagos State.

While mourning the passing of Oba Agbabiaka, the President urges his family and everyone grieving this painful loss, to take solace in the remarkable legacy left behind by the departed. President Tinubu prays to God Almighty to grant the soul of the late monarch peaceful repose and his family the strength to bear the huge weight of his passing,” Mr Ngelale said.

The deceased, aged 64, passed away on Wednesday after observing the eid prayers.

President of the United State of America, Joe Biden has vowed that his country’s commitment to defend Israel against Iran was “ironclad”.

This comes over concerns in Washington that a “significant” Iranian strike could happen within days.

Iran has maintained its stance in retaliating against the bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus.

America and allied officials fear that a strike is imminent and could come in the form of a direct missile launch from Iran, rather than an attack through a proxy like Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel has vowed to respond in kind to such a direct strike, raising the prospect of a regional war, which US officials now believe is more likely than at any point since the beginning of the Gaza conflict on 7 October.

Biden’s pledge of support to Israel at the White House, intended as a deterrent, came a few hours after Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, repeated a threat to strike back against Israel over the Damascus bombing that killed 12 people, including Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and six other guard members.

“When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory,” Khamenei said, in remarks broadcast by Iranian state TV.

“The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished,” he added.Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, responded in a post on the X social media platform, vowing that: “If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran.”

Biden’s pledge to Israel on the White House lawn, in a joint appearance with the Japanese prime minister, Fumio Kishida, appeared to be a response to that warning, insisting the US would not stay on the sidelines.

“We also want to address the Iranian threat to launch a significant – they’re threatening to launch a significant attack in Israel,” Biden said.

“As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad.

“Let me say it again, ironclad. We’re gonna do all we can to protect Israel’s security.”

The Anambra State Police Command says it has combed some hideouts allegedly belonging to gunmen who specialise in attacking police formations in the state.

In a statement on Wednesday, the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said its Joint Security Force carried out the operation at the Ogbaru forest in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

Ikenga said during the operation, which lasted several hours, many camps were found and destroyed while weapons and ammunition were recovered.

He said, “Anambra State Joint Security Force on Friday extended its manhunt for criminals attacking security formations in the state to the Ogbaru forest. Locations around Amiyi and Ochuche were combed for the insurgents.

“Troops of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy lent considerable firepower to the operation, which completely routed the hoodlums from their hideouts in the forest.

“Several camps were found and destroyed during the operation, which lasted several hours. Nine improvised explosive devices recovered from the camps were safely defused by the police bomb squad.”

The PPRO added that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Aderemi Adeoye, commended the military for its steadfastness in supporting the fight against criminality.

“The CP also thanked the DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, NIS, and various vigilante groups across the state for the wonderful synergy that is yielding fantastic results in keeping Anambra State safe.

“The Commissioner of Police also warned cultists running amok in the state capital to be aware that their days are numbered. He warned that security will not fold its hands and watch them destabilise the state in the name of cult rivalry leading to fatalities.”

The Osolo of Isolo in Lagos State, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka, is dead.

The 64-year-old monarch reportedly died shortly after observing Eid prayers on Wednesday.

According to a statement by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the monarch passed away at the Lagos State Teaching Hospital “shortly after observing the Eid prayers.”

The statement quoted Sanwo-Olu as describing the monarch’s death as a great loss to the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Lagos, I commiserate with the people of Isolo, the deceased family, friends, and associates on the transition of the paramount ruler of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka, Adeola Olushi III.

“The death of Oba Agbabiaka is a great loss to the people of Isolo, and he will be greatly missed. He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of his community as a traditional ruler.

“Oba Agbabiaka, as a first-class traditional ruler, left a lasting legacy that the people of Isolo Kingdom will continue to cherish. I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of the late monarch and grant the royal family and the people of Isolo and Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Also, the Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Olasoju Adebayo, mourned the monarch.

According to Adebayo, the late Osolo was buried by 4 pm at his palace according to Islamic rites.

The council chairman said, “I have the instruction of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, to formally announce the passing of the paramount ruler of Isolo Kingdom, Oba Kabiru Alani Adelaja Agbabiaka, Adeola Olushi III, today 10th April 2024. He was aged 64.

“He will be buried today by 4 pm at his palace, 3/5 Akinbaye Street, Isolo according to Islamic rites. May his soul rest in peace.”

The Osolo spent 20 years on the throne.

Betta Edu, the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has threatened to sue the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for alleged defamation.

In a letter signed by her counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Edu demanded $50 million compensation from the media organization.

The letter, addressed to BBC’s Abuja and London offices, claimed that the BBC had reported false information regarding the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alleging that N30 billion was recovered from the suspended minister.

The lawyer stated that the concerned publication had caused immeasurable reputational damage, psychological trauma and anguish to Edu.

“Our client has suffered immeasurable reputational damage, psychological trauma and anguish as a direct consequence of the publication and dissemination of the article,” the letter read.

The letter further criticized the BBC for its article, stating that it suggested guilt on Edu’s part without allowing for the presumption of innocence.

It accused the BBC of breaching journalistic fairness and due process by not providing Edu with an opportunity to respond to the allegations before publishing the article.

Parts of the letter read, “First and foremost, the language used in describing our client’s purported involvement in the alleged corruption case suggests guilt without allowing for the presumption of innocence, which is fundamental in any fair and unbiased reporting.

“The reckless manner in which the article was crafted, without providing our client with the opportunity to respond to the allegations before its wide publication, is a clear breach of journalistic fairness and due process and demonstrates a complete disregard for journalistic integrity and professionalism.

“The headline, content, and tone of the article imply guilt on the part of our client, without any concrete evidence to substantiate such claims.

“This is a blatant attempt to tarnish our client’s reputation and undermine her credibility which she has earned over the course of her distinguished career in both private and public life.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our client has neither been indicted nor found culpable of any act of financial impropriety in relation to her stewardship of the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry in Nigeria.

“It is also pertinent to emphasize that neither N30 billion nor any amount whatsoever has been traced to or recovered from our client’s bank accounts nor has any proceeds of crime been traced or recovered from her to warrant the scurrilous article under reference.

“Suffice it to say that in the aftermath of the publication of this scandalous article (which the BBC caused to be disseminated to millions of persons across the globe), our client has been inundated by calls and messages from friends, associates expressing their shock and consternation.

“Our client has suffered immeasurable reputational damage, psychological trauma and anguish as a direct consequence of the publication and dissemination of the article.”

A fire outbreak at the Dosunmu market in Lagos Island has claimed the life of one person and left eight others injured.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday, resulted in severe damage to at least 14 buildings in the area.

This information was disclosed in a statement by Margaret Adeseye, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, on Wednesday.

The statement noted that the swift intervention of the Fire Service helped contain the blaze, although significant damage was already done.

According to the statement, “Yesterday, a devastating fire swept through the Dosunmu area in Lagos Island, causing severe damage to 14 buildings.

“Thanks to the swift intervention of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the blaze was contained.

“Dampening down operations are underway as we assess the damage and implement preventive measures.

“Unfortunately, one life was lost as a result of the incident. The victim was refueling a working generator when it ignited the fire.

“Eight individuals suffered from carbon monoxide inhalation, and one person sustained a fracture.

“They were all treated and discharged at the scene by the Emergency Management Service.”

The statement also pointed out the recurrence of fire incidents in the Lagos Island market area, despite extensive enlightenment campaigns.

This is the fifth fire incident in 2024 in the Lagos Island market.

Muslims in the country have been warned against indulging in social activities prohibited by Islam while observing the Sallah celebration.

An Islamic cleric, Mallam Musa Bello gave the warning on Wednesday at the Gadumo praying ground in Kogi State.

According to him, the experience of the 30-day Ramadan is meant to strengthen the belief of Muslims in the principles of Islam, adding that they are expected to deploy the experience gained during the Ramadan to enhance their daily interactions with other members of the public to boost peace.

“Rather than moving to the beer parlor, Muslims who are in this habit should celebrate in reflecting on how to improve on the material condition of the people and better the society,” he said.

He condemned some Muslims who, immediately they leave prayer ground, end up in beer parlours, stressing that such act is anti-Islam.

He called on Muslims known for spending hours praying and reciting Quran in the mosque and extorting people to check their action, adding that they are expected to engage in viable economic activities to fend for their families.

The Cleric prayed for peace in Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

The Lagos State police command has rescued two suspected phone thieves from a mob in the Surulere area of the state.

The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a post he shared on his X handle on Wednesday.

The PPRO alleged that the suspects snatched a phone from a woman while she was making calls.

“While a passerby was making a phone call at 11.00 p.m, five young men in a tricycle accosted her and robbed her of her expensive phone.

“She quickly raised an alarm, prompting people around to go after the men.

“Three escaped while two were apprehended, ” the spokesperson said.

He said that the timely intervention of the police saved the suspects from a mob action.

“Officers of the Bode Thomas Police Division got wind of this and raced to the scene.

“They arrived quickly to rescue the suspects from an angry mob,” he wrote.

The Chief Imam of the University of Ibadan, Professor Muftau Abdulrahman Oloyede has said that addiction and abuse of social media is causing mental illnesses among students of tertiary institutions.

Oloyede made this declaration in his sermon shortly after he led the Muslim congregation to observe the two Rakah obligatorily Eld-Fitri prayers at the premises of the university on Wednesday.

Prominent Muslims who were at the Eld-Fitri prayer included former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Barrister Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli and Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin.

The Islamic cleric while addressing the gathering lamented that too much time spent on social media among students has resulted in various cases of mental illnesses recorded among students in recent times.

He then advised parents and guardians to monitor their children on the usage of social media, adding that some cases of mental illnesses among students have been traced to excessive use of social media.

The Don in his address, also condemned the recent killing of soldiers in the country, advising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the people responsible for the act are brought to book.

“Social media has its usefulness and also has its dangers. We have reports from our medical service unit that some students are having mental illness. This is as a result of addiction and abuse of social media.

“Some of them spend their nights without sleeping on the internet and this is affecting them. They cannot sleep again because they have one online course or the other.

“Addiction to social media is causing mental problems among the students. Parents should be warned and advised not to use social media negatively.

“The killing of our soldiers is unfortunate. The president should take action and ensure that those responsible are brought to the book. It is not done in normal society for you to kill the soldiers and police protecting you”.

Serious confusion erupted in Gusau, Zamfara State capital as personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC shot a woman to death while attempting to pursue some hoodlums.

The terrible incident occurred while Muslim faithful gathered at the Eid praying ground observing prayers, saying that there was outrage and unrest among residents, which led to serious tensions in the area.

Eyewitness accounts said that operatives of the NSCDC were pursuing suspected hoodlums who were armed with dangerous weapons, pointing out that the NSCDC personnel opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the tragic death of an innocent woman.

It was also gathered that an angry mob gathered and set the operational vehicle of the police ablaze for killing an innocent woman as they protested over the incident.

The State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Yazid Abubakar confirmed the incident, saying that two personnel of the NSCDC associated with the incident have been arrested.

British foreign secretary, Lord David Cameron has said the UK will not suspend weapons export to Israel.

This is in light of the growing humanitarian crisis in GazaCameron pointed out that ministers had “grave concerns” about humanitarian access in Gaza and urged Israel to turn its commitments on aid “into reality.”

He spoke at a joint press conference with his US counterpart, Antony Blinken in Washington DC on Tuesday.

The UK has been under pressure from senior Tories to suspend weapons export to Israel after the death of three Britons in the strike on aid group, World Central Kitchen.

Cameron said that continuing to allow arms export put the UK in line with other “like-minded countries” and reiterated that the UK had a robust legal process for assessing those licences.

“We don’t publish legal advice, we don’t comment on legal advice but we act in a way that is consistent with it, we’re a government under the law and that’s as it should be,” he said.

The former prime minister said the Israel-Hamas conflict was a “different situation” from when the UK published a summary of legal advice before taking military action in Libya, or more recently in the Red Sea.

During his visit to Washington, which followed dinner with Donald Trump at the ex-president’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Cameron told reporters: “I have now reviewed the most recent advice about the situation in Gaza and Israel’s conduct of their military campaign.

“The latest assessment leaves our position on export licences unchanged. This is consistent with the advice that I and other ministers have received and as ever we will keep the position under review.

“Let me be clear, though, we continue to have grave concerns around the humanitarian access issue in Gaza, both for the period that was assessed and subsequently.

“We’ve seen a welcome increase in trucks with perhaps as many as 400 going in yesterday, the highest since 7 October, and of course public commitments from Israel to flood Gaza with aid. These now need to be turned into reality.”

Imo State Police Command says it has launched an investigation into the murder of another legal practitioner, Mr Garricks Anyanwu, who was killed by assailants a week ago.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a telephone interview with newsmen on Tuesday.

Okoye, who confirmed the incident, however, promised to make an official statement on completion of investigation on the matter.

It was gathered that Anyawu was killed in his home town of Orodo, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state by some suspected assassins.

His decomposing body was later discovered on April 5, in a bush.

A family source, who pleaded anonymity, simply said the deceased will be buried on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, and declined further comment.

It was also gathered that members of the victim’s family had approached the police with a sworn affidavit to recover his remains for immediate burial.

a magistrate, Nnaemeka Ugboma, the former Chairman, Obudiagwa Customary Court in Oguta Local Government Area of the state was equally murdered by assailants.

Ugboma was shot dead by gunmen on February 2, 2023, while he was presiding over a court session.

The gunmen, who reportedly rode in motorcycles, were said to have shot and killed the 55-year-old magistrate after identifying him as their target.

One of five buildings that caught fire at Dosumu Market, off Idumagbo, Lagos, on Tuesday, has collapsed.

The collapse was attributed to the impact of the inferno.

Ibrahim Farinloye, Lagos territorial coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), said this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

However, he said the cause of the fire was unknown and that an investigation was ongoing to determine it.The firefighters are battling to put out the inferno.

The tactical team of the ‘Operation Zenda Joint Task Force’ in Benue has arrested a 37-year-old woman over alleged illegal possession of 317 live ammunition.

The task force commander, Felix Nomiyugh, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday in Makurdi.

He said the suspect was arrested at Ayati Junction in Ukum LGA, Benue.

The commander said the suspect was an associate of a kingpin of a dreaded bandit operating in the local government area.

He confirmed that the task force recovered from the suspect 200 live ammunition of a general purpose machine gun (GPMG) and 117 rounds of 7.6mm ammunition.

No fewer than 138 Nigerian irregular migrants stranded in Libya evacuated by the federal government were expected back to the country on Tuesday.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by Kabiru Musa, chargé d’Affaires en titre of the Nigerian Mission in Libya.

Mr Musa disclosed that the evacuees departed from the Mitiga International Airport aboard chartered flight UZ 189 on Tuesday afternoon.

He said they were expected to arrive at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos later that day.

“Today, we successfully repatriated another batch of 138 Nigerians who were stranded in different parts of Libya as irregular migrants. Among the evacuees today are 77 males, 56 females, 11 children, and four infants.

They departed Tripoli International Airport on chartered flight UZ 189 and arrived at Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos.

“It is the fourth evacuation exercise the Nigerian Mission in Libya has conducted this year as part of the 4D foreign policy of the present administration, and under the directives of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“So far, nearly one thousand stranded Nigerians have safely returned home in 2024,” Mr Musa said.

He said the evacuation exercises were carried out in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Libya under its consistent Voluntary Humanitarian Repatriation (VHR) programme.

“With the support of the Libyan authorities, we also successfully facilitated the release and repatriation of those in detention facilities for immigration-related offences.

“Surely, we will not rest on our oars while discharging our obligations and rendering necessary consular assistance to Nigerians in Libya.”

He cautioned young Nigerians to refrain from irregular migration, as many would not realise their fantasies and could lose their lives through the perilous journey of searching for greener pastures.

Mr Musa said that the relevant government agencies would receive the evacuees upon arriving in Nigeria, who would ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into the society.

At least 200 shops were razed by fire on Monday night at the Ikom main market in the Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River.

Chika Anya, chairman of the Lagos line of the market, said the intensity of the inferno was such that nothing could be salvaged from the affected shops.

He said the fire incident has been a recurring issue in the market almost yearly and alleged that, as with previous cases, the state fire service could not provide much support.

“All we want now is support from the government to enable us to get our lives back.

“The government should also do the needful by having a functional fire service in Ikom and other council areas of the state,” Mr Anya told journalists.

One affected shop owner, Augustine Eze, said it was difficult to ascertain the cause of the fire as there was no electricity “and nobody is allowed to pass the night in the market.”

“This is not the first time we have had a fire issue in the market, and there has always been no assistance to quench the fire since the state fire service lacks the equipment to fight one here,” Mr Eze claimed.

Meanwhile, Peter Okorebi, the state director of fire service, said they would investigate the cause of the fire and take preventive measures.

Mr Okorebi, however, said the shop owners have long formed the habit of cooking in the shops despite repeated warnings by the fire service.

“Our safety officers have repeatedly advised them against this trend, but they simply won’t listen,” he added.

The director debunked the claims that the fire service lacked the necessary facilities to contain fire outbreaks in the area.

The police command in Ebonyi has arrested a woman who specialises in abducting and selling children and rescued six victims.

The police said Ngozi Abia, also known as Mercy Francis, has carried out her nefarious activities in Lagos, Ebonyi, Anambra and Edo.

Investigation into her activities began in January 2024 when one Nkwuda Francis reported that the woman, who posed as a member of the National Youth Service Corps, had kidnapped his two young children.

DSP Joshua Ukandu, the spokesman of the command, said in a statement on Tuesday in Abakaliki that the children were later found in Anambra, where she sold them.

“He complained that his children were kidnapped from his house at Nwezenyi Igbeagu, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi, after the suspect rented a room in the compound.

“The children, aged three and seven, were later found to have been taken by Ngozi Blessing-Abia, which was revealed to be the suspect’s true identity.

“Following a diligent investigation by officers attached to the gender unit of the command, the suspect was located in Oba, Anambra, where the children were rescued and returned to their family,” said Mr Ukandu.

Mr Ukandu added that two women, Lovina Iwuorah and Ndifereke Wisdom Clement, whose children were abducted in Ohaozara, Ebonyi, had identified the suspect as the conspirator.

He said she sold their three children to an orphanage home in Benin, Edo.

“The proprietor of the orphanage has been detained and is providing valuable information to the police,” the command spokesman said.

“Additionally, one Chinasa Uwezoke from Lagos, upon learning of the arrest, visited the command and identified the suspect as someone who had gained her trust and subsequently took her three children to the market, only to flee with her 3-year-old son,” said Mr Ukandu.

The command spokesman said the boy was later recovered from where she sold him and had been reunited with his family.

“The suspect’s modus operandi is to rent an apartment, fraternise with her unsuspecting neighbours, gain their trust and abduct their children for pecuniary gains,” he added.

Mr Ukandu advised property owners and caretakers to screen potential tenants thoroughly and for parents to educate their children about safety and interaction with strangers.