The Vice Principal of Dugja Bayan Tasha Junior Secondary School in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, Mallam Aliyu Mohammed, his wife, and three children have lost their lives in a fire outbreak in their house.
According to available information in the media space, the devastating fire outbreak occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
The development was confirmed by the Southern Borno Progressive Union and Biu Forum in different statements on Sunday.
In the statement on one of its social media handles, the union said: “We extend our deepest condolences on the tragic passing of Aliyu Mohammed, Vice Principal of Dugja B/Tasha JSS, and his entire family due to the devastating fire outbreak.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for the community and a great blow to the education sector in Borno, where his selfless service and dedication have contributed significantly to the growth of education in the state.”
The Biu Forum, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Bukar Umar Tashkalma, said: “The Biu Forum is deeply saddened on the tragic loss of Aliyu Mohammed (Danasabe) and his entire family of five, who perished in a devastating fire that engulfed their residence behind the motor park in Biu, Borno State, in the early hours of Sunday, 2nd February 2025.”
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has unequivocally condemned the egregious recklessness of a fully loaded trailer driver, whose imprudent speeding and subsequent loss of vehicular control culminated in a devastating accident at the Ojodu Berger axis of Lagos.
The tragic incident transpired while the LASTMA officer was en route to commence his afternoon duty, underscoring the perilous consequences of careless driving on public roads.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the ill-fated trailer, bearing Bauchi State registration number KTG 33 ZZ, originated from Agidingbi by Oba Ogunji Road en route to Omole Junction in the Ogba corridor when the driver, operating at an alarmingly high velocity, lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a catastrophic collision.
The sheer impact of the crash inflicted severe trauma on the LASTMA officer, leading to a grievous fracture of his right leg and hand. Upon emergency medical assessment at the Surgical Emergency Centre of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), attending specialists determined that the extent of the injuries necessitated an immediate amputation of his right leg.
In a brazen attempt to evade justice, the culpable trailer driver absconded from the scene. However, through the concerted efforts of security operatives from Ojodu Police Station, in collaboration with vigilant LASTMA officials, he was swiftly apprehended.
Reacting to the tragic occurrence, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, promptly visited the hospitalized officer at LASUTH, vehemently condemning the incident and emphasizing that such a calamity could have been averted had the driver exercised due diligence and adhered to fundamental road safety protocols.
He admonished trailer and truck operators, alongside all motorists, to uphold a heightened sense of safety consciousness, stressing the inestimable value of human life.
“LASTMA officers are not adversaries to motorists; rather, they are dedicated to ensuring that traffic flows seamlessly, thereby fostering economic growth and urban efficiency in Lagos State,” he asserted.
Expressing profound sympathy, Mr. Bakare-Oki extended his sincerest wishes for the officer’s swift recovery, while reaffirming LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to enhancing road safety and ensuring orderliness on Lagos highways.
Defaulting Officers Risk SanctionsThe Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has raised serious concerns about the unwarranted and unethical practice of transfering ongoing cases and misusing of public office by certain officers and individuals. He stressed that these practices which undermine investigations and diminish public confidence in the Force, will no longer be tolerated.
The IGP has emphasized that transparency, professionalism, and accountability must remain the guiding principles of policing. In line with this, he has directed all supervising officers and personnel, particularly those in investigative units, to handle cases with diligence and integrity. He further warned that any officer found engaging in indiscriminate transfers of case files or misusing their office will face strict disciplinary actions. The recurring practice of transferring cases still under investigation between formations without authorization has been deemed unacceptable. Such actions create unnecessary delays, impose undue burdens on parties involved, and waste resources. The IGP has categorically stated that cases should be investigated within the jurisdiction where alleged offenses occurred unless expressly approved by his office. Equally concerning is the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, particularly in matters of land ownership.
The IGP has reminded officers that the police have no jurisdiction over purely civil matters unless there is an underlying criminal element, and even in such cases, investigations must be overseen by the State Commissioners of Police, who will be held accountable for the process and outcome. The filing of frivolous or malicious petitions aimed at harassment or intimidation is another issue the IGP has vowed to address. Moving forward, all petitions submitted to the police must now include a declaration confirming their authenticity and genuineness, and stating that the complaint has not been submitted to any other law enforcement agency or, if it has, that it has been withdrawn before involving the police. Petitioners found to have filed frivolous petitions will be made to face the appropriate sanctions for giving false information to the Police.
Force spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that the IGP has urged members of the public to submit complaints and petitions directly to the appropriate Police Commands, Divisions, or Units rather than to the IGP’s office, except in cases requiring review, appeal, or special intervention. He also stressed the importance of avoiding framing civil disputes as criminal matters to manipulate police intervention. As part of his commitment to professionalism, the IGP reassures Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to upholding transparency and accountability. He calls on citizens to trust the police to deliver justice and to report any unethical practices through appropriate channels. Any officer or individual found misusing the name or authority of the IGP will face severe consequences, including prosecution where necessary.
Detectives at the Zone 2, Onikan Command, Lagos, have arrested the investigating police officer at Isheri Osun division, where the case of anal sexual assault of a teenage student was reported. The 16-year-old boy, Edozie Michael Chiagozie, was allegedly assaulted anally by a famous Lagos hotelier identified as Macdonald Okpara, last year ending, after which the teenager confessed to his mother and later ran mad.
The hotelier was subsequently arrested by detectives from Zone 2, Onikan, who were swiftly directed by the AIG in charge of the Zone, Adegoke Fayoade, to investigate the case. Reports said that after the arrest of the suspect, his lawyer claimed that they earlier reported the case to the same zone for proper investigation. However, police sources said that when their case file was recovered from one of the units in Zone 2, it was discovered that it was doctored. Sources said that both a confessional statement made at Isheri Osun division by another teenager sumply called Balogun, who suffered the same fate and reports from doctors at Mirable Center at the General Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, were doctored. Based on this, according to sources, the AIG directed that more investigations be carried out leading to detectives from the Zonal Oracle unit led by CSP Uba storming Isheri Osun police station.It was gathered that when they got there, the IPO who delivered the doctored report confessed that he removed some statements from the case file.
He later brought out the hidden statements, and it turned out to be that of a second victim who gave vivid details of what the hotelier did to them with documented evidence.The rattled detectives reportedly moved him to their office, where he is still undergoing interrogation with a view to disclosing who engaged him to remove the documents and how much he was paid.Reports said that earlier when detectives stormed the house of the hotelier at Egbeda area of the state for fact finding, he nearly deceived them by taking them to a hidden hideout but the detectives cleverly beat him to it and succeeded in locating his main house but it is yet to be ascertained if any incriminating evidence was found there.
However, sources said that they will also proceed to another of his solitary mansions near the hotel at Bucknor in Ejigbo division after they recieved information that the mansion is always isolated and nobody is allowed to enter there. Meanwhile, it was learned that the detectives may invite the police at Ejigbo division, whose men were accused of playing a clandestine role when detectives at Zone 2 stormed Empire hotel owned by the suspect for his arrest. Police sources alleged that as soon as detectives arrived the hotel and were frantically looking for the owner, he reportedly ran upstairs and made calls to Ejigbo division who sent some armed men to intervene. The source claimed the armed men arrived the scene but instead of allowing detectives from the Zone to carry out their duty, they made overtures for respite for the suspect which resulted in his escape that day.As it were, police sources hinted that close friends of the suspect have been making overtures to the police at the zone to give him a soft landing without success hence they have resorted to blackmailing detectives by accusing them of making frivolous monetary demands.
According to sources, it is believed that some high profile personalities are behind the suspect and are hell-bent on scuttling investigations. The source, however, assured that the AIG is on top of the case and has vowed to get to the root of the matter without minding whose ox was gored. As at the time of going to press, both the owner of the hotel known as Empire and the IPO are still in police net. Sources said the investigators are optimistic that they will soon make useful statements to the police.
The Police Service Commission has been inaudated with calls, messages and reports on the status of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, in the aftermath of the Commission’s decision, directing all serving Police Officers who have served for 35 years or attained the age of 60 years to proceed on immediate retirement in line with the nation’s existing laws.According a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, it stated that it does not have the Constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police.
It says that the Police Service Commission is one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. By virtue of Paragraph 30, part 1 of the third schedule to the Constitution and clause 6 (1) of the Police Service Commission (Establisment) Act, 2001, the Commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector General of Police).
The law is clear on the mandate of the Commission and it does not extend to the Inspector General of Police who is an appointee of Mr. President with the advice of the Police Council. The Commission at its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board on Friday 31st January 2025, only considered and took decision on the regularisation of date of First appointment of CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants.
This has nothing to do with the Inspector General of Police or his office. The Commission at the Meeting passionately revisited its decision of 27th and 28th of September, 2017 and came to the conclusion that the early decision that Force Entrants should have their Cadet date of appointment in the Force against the date of enlistment, in its intent and purpose contradicted the principles of merger of service in the Public Service “and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii) which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of birth” It therefore set aside the earlier decision. The Commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers which the Constitution has bestowed on it and is not interested in shopping for more powers that obviously are not backed by law.
It notes that it has maintained a close and complementary working relationship with the Inspector General of Police in the overall interest of the Nigeria Police Force.The Commission will continue to support the Police Force to achieve its Constitutional mandate of providing security and maintaining law and order across the nation.
The Federal Government has indicated that electricity tariffs will be increased in the coming months as part of efforts to attract private investment into the power sector.The government, however, said that the planned increase needed to be balanced by subsidies for less-affluent electricity users.Bloomberg quoted the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, as giving this hint at the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Nigeria presented a $32 billion plan to expand electricity connections by 2030.
Verheijen emphasized the need for a “cost-efficient but cost-reflective tariff” model that ensures the sector generates sufficient revenue while safeguarding low-income consumers.“One of the key challenges we’re looking to resolve over the next few months is transitioning to a cost-efficient but cost-reflective tariff,” she said. “So the sector generates revenue required to attract private capital, while also protecting the poor and vulnerable.”The move follows last year’s approval of a threefold increase in tariffs for Band A customers. It also comes amid growing pressure from Nigeria’s financially strained electricity distribution companies, which have been pushing for a tariff structure that better reflects the true cost of power supply.
Embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was transported from his federal prison cell to a hospital for medical evaluation late Thursday night, according to sources.Combs, who remains in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center while awaiting trial on multiple sex crime charges, was taken to Brooklyn Hospital for an MRI due to persistent knee pain.The transfer occurred around 10 p.m. in an effort to minimize attention, insiders told DailyMail.com.A source emphasized that the hospital visit was unrelated to any incident inside the detention center, explaining, “It was just an old injury that was bothering him.” Combs was returned to his cell shortly after the procedure and did not stay overnight.
The 55-year-old rapper has been behind bars since his arrest last year on charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution. He has been denied bail on multiple occasions and continues to maintain his innocence.Last week, prosecutors expanded their case against Combs, accusing him of sex trafficking three women in a newly filed indictment.
While the initial allegations involved one alleged victim, the updated indictment names two additional women. However, no new charges have been added as a result of the latest filing.Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ attorney, responded to the development in a statement to DailyMail.com, saying:“The latest indictment contains no new offenses. The prosecution’s theory remains flawed. The government has added the ridiculous theory that two of Mr. Combs’ former girlfriends were not girlfriends at all, but were prostitutes. Mr. Combs is as committed as ever to fighting these charges and winning at trial.”The indictment alleges that Combs facilitated the transportation of multiple women, including professional sex workers, across state lines. One of the women, though unnamed, appears to be singer Cassie Ventura, Combs’ former girlfriend, who previously accused him of rape and physical abuse in a lawsuit filed in November 2023. That lawsuit was settled a day after it was filed, though no details of the agreement were made public.Prosecutors claim that security footage from a woman and dragging her back to a room where an alleged “freak-off” party was taking place. In another allegation, a woman accused Combs of ordering a “madam” to assault her with a copper IUD.Ashley Parham, another accuser, has filed a lawsuit alleging that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs and his associates in 2018. In an interview with NewsNation’s Ashleigh Banfield, Parham claimed she met Combs when he entered the California home of her friend Shane Pearce uninvited.Since his incarceration, Combs has also been named in multiple civil lawsuits, with allegations detailing lavish and drug-fueled parties involving ketamine, ecstasy, and GHB—substances prosecutors claim were used to manipulate victims.Combs’ legal troubles continue to mount as he awaits his trial, scheduled to begin on May 5.
If convicted on the racketeering charge, he could face a life sentence.
The Delta State Police, according to SP Edafe Bright, the command spokesman, has, today, launched a strict enforcement campaign of the Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance policy in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and in accordance with Section 68 of the Insurance Act and Sections 1, 2 – 3 of the Motor Vehicle (Third-Party Insurance) Act, which mandates all vehicle owners to obtain a minimum of Third-Party Insurance before operating on Nigerian roads.
Edge said that the Third-party vehicle insurance is a type of coverage that financially protects you if you’re considered responsible for damages to another persons vehicle.”As part of the routine enforcement operations, the Delta State Command has observed with concern that a decreasing number of vehicles in the state are insured, as reported by the Nigeria Insurance Associations.
In response to that data, and to ensure strict compliance, the Delta State Police Command has established an enforcement team to tackle the challenge of the declining number of insured vehicles, and to ensure adequate compensation of accident victims””CP Abaniwonda Olufemi noted that the enforcement effort is about ensuring fairness and protecting responsible road users who follow the law. He encourages responsible driving, reminding Deltans that compliance with vehicle insurance laws is essential for road safety, that driving without insurance is not only illegal but also irresponsible.
He added that vehicular users who are uninsured puts themselves and other road users at financial risk; thereby urging all drivers to check their policies and ensure they’re covered before getting behind the wheel. On that note, drivers are advised to verify that their vehicle insurance is up to date, and always carry proof of valid Third-Party Insurance when driving to avoid facing severe legal consequences not limited to vehicle seizure or impoundment and possible prosecution”.
In a near death experience, a 59-year-old businessman Chijioke Nnanna Igbokwe has undergone a surgery, exploratory laparotomy, to let out 57 out of 81 pellets of cocaine stuck in his stomach after seven days of ingesting the illicit substance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Igbokwe was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the arrival hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, during the inward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight on Sunday 26th January 2025. He was promptly taken for body scan, which revealed illicit drugs in his system. He was soon after taken into NDLEA custody for excretion observation. Investigation revealed that Igbokwe who claims to be into cloth business at Arena, Oshodi area of Lagos, departed Lagos on 22nd January to Addis Ababa where he ingested the 81 wraps of cocaine the following day 23rd January and boarded a flight to Beirut, Lebanon to deliver the illicit consignment for a fee of $3,000.
Upon his arrival in Beirut, he said he was refused entry because he had less than $2,000, the amount required to grant him entry. He was then deported to Addis Ababa where he attempted excreting the illicit drugs but could not. He thereafter proceeded to Lagos on Saturday 25th January with the consignment in his bowel. He was however arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport by NDLEA officers on 26th January. After five days under excretion observation, he could only expel 24 pellets following initial medical intervention at the Agency’s medical facility and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja.
With the clock ticking for him and the complication of other underlining medical conditions, the suspect was eventually admitted at the tertiary facility where he had to undergo exploratory laparotomy to extract the remaining 57 wraps of cocaine stuck in his stomach after his wife and brother endorsed the necessary consent forms on Thursday 30th January. In all, a total of 81 pellets of the Class A drug with a gross weight of 1.943 kilograms were recovered from his stomach. Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives in Lagos on Wednesday 29th January intercepted a consignment of 2,000 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud, a strain of cannabis produced in Ghana, at Lekki beach, where two suspects: Sunday Awoyede and Christopher Cletus attempted loading them into a truck.
The suspects, the skunk shipment and the van were immediately taken into custody. Another suspect, Lawal Idris Olasunkanmi was also arrested same day with 55kg skunk during a raid at his base in Mushin area of Lagos. Across the country, NDLEA Commands and formations continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization lectures and advocacy visits to worship centres, schools, workplaces, palaces of traditional rulers and communities all through the past week. Instances include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Grand Light Model School, Ata Udosung, Akwa Ibom; Community Grammar School, Iganna, Iwajowa LGA, Oyo state; Ebute Afuye Primary School, Epe, Lagos state; Akwakuma Girls Secondary School, Owerri, Imo state; and Federal Government College, Kebbe, Sokoto state, while the Kogi state command of the Agency paid a WADA advocacy visit to Attah of Igala, HRH Mathew Opaluwa Oguche at his palace in Idah, among others.
While commending the officers and men of MMIA Strategic Command for their vigilance and professionalism in handling Chijioke Igbokwe’s case, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) warned those involved in the illicit drug trade that they’re not only destroying the lives of others, but equally putting their own lives at great risk. He equally applauded the Lagos State Strategic Command for blocking the huge consignment of skunk from coming into the country. He recognized the concerted efforts of their compatriots in all the commands across the country for intensifying the WADA social advocacy lectures and sensitization activities to create a balance in drug supply and demand reduction efforts of the Agency .
In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the mandatory minimum Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance from February 1, 2025All vehicle owners in the FCT are required to possess a valid Third-Party Insurance policy before operating on public roads.
Those without any form of insurance are advised to get insured immediately to avoid penalties.Third-Party Insurance is a mandatory policy designed to protect road users from financial losses due to accidents. It covers damages caused to another person’s vehicle, property, or bodily injury resulting from an accident involving the insured vehicle.
This policy ensures that accident victims receive necessary compensation while reducing the financial burden on vehicle owners.The FCT Police Command warns that non-compliance with this legal requirement will attract strict enforcement measures. The enforcement is part of efforts to ensure adherence to road safety regulations and protect all road users.Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, psc, has directed officers assigned to carry out the enforcement to be professional, courteous, and firm in the discharge of their duties. He also emphasized that no form of harassment or extortion of motorists would be tolerated.
The general public is urged to cooperate with the police as this enforcement exercise is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all road users in the FCT.For inquiries or reports of suspicious activities, residents can contact the FCT Police Command through the: Emergency Lines: 08061581938, 08032003913,Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192
