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LASG DISMANTLES OVER 200 ILLEGAL SHANTIES, DISLODGES CRIMINAL HIDEOUTS AS LASTMA OPERATIVES UNCOVER DUMMY GUN BENEATH COSTAIN BRIDGE

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

In an emphatic manifestation of its relentless commitment to urban regeneration, environmental rectitude, and the safeguarding of public order, the Lagos State Government has executed a sweeping enforcement exercise that led to the dislodgement of illegal squatters, demolition of over 200 illegal shanties, and evacuation of derelict vehicles sprawling around Apapa Road, Ijora, and Costain under bridges.

 

The large-scale clearance operation, meticulously coordinated through a synergy of inter-governmental agencies, was spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa. The exercise strategically targeted the reclamation and sanitization of critical public spaces that had been desecrated by unlawful habitation, environmental degradation, and nefarious criminal activities.

 

During the extensive operation, personnel of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) made a shocking discovery—a dummy firearm and other dangerous weapons clandestinely concealed within makeshift structures beneath the bridges. This alarming revelation underscored the exigency of the intervention and validated the State Government’s proactive stance against festering criminal hideouts in key transportation corridors.

 

Hon. Sola Giwa decried the appalling condition of the affected areas, characterizing the unlawful activities and shanty settlements as “a monumental affront to public decency, environmental order, and the collective security of Lagosians.” He further asserted that “no responsive and responsible government would countenance such brazen lawlessness within vital infrastructural zones that sustain the State’s socio-economic engine.”

The Special Adviser reiterated that the clearance exercise was designed to eradicate incessant traffic robberies, dismantle drug peddling enclaves, and abate chronic environmental nuisances that had plagued the axis for years. He further disclosed that the operation equally led to the removal of unauthorized garages and evacuation of long-abandoned trucks, which had been converted into criminal dens under the Ijora Bridge.

 

Hon. Giwa reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the Lagos State Government to sustain the tempo of urban renewal and environmental enforcement across the metropolis, warning that any attempt by displaced miscreants or illegal occupants to return to the cleared sites would be met with swift and decisive sanctions.

 

The multi-agency exercise featured robust participation from the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI), Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), and the Nigeria Police Force, all working in concert to restore environmental order, safety, and infrastructural integrity.

Other affected areas included Apapa Road, Ijora, and Costain under bridges inward Iponri, where similar demolitions were executed to dismantle criminal hideouts and reclaim encroached public spaces.

 

This bold and far-reaching intervention forms an integral component of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s holistic urban renewal and environmental restoration agenda, aimed at reclaiming public infrastructure, ensuring citizen security, and preserving the aesthetic dignity and operational efficiency of Lagos State’s transportation corridors.

 

 

 

Hon. Giwa commended the seamless cooperation among participating agencies and enjoined residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and supportive of government initiatives.

 

He reaffirmed that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remains irrevocably committed to actualizing a safer, cleaner, and more habitable Lagos one that reflects the true spirit of a 21st-century megacity.

Natasha invites Akpabio, others to project launch in Kogi

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, has extended an invitation to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and her colleagues for a project commissioning ceremony in her constituency — barely two months after her suspension was lifted.

During Thursday’s plenary, Akpabio read Akpoti-Uduaghan’s letter to members of the Senate.

In the letter, the senator said the event, slated for Sunday, November 2, in Ihima, Kogi State, would commemorate her second year in office.

“In marking my second-year anniversary as a serving senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to invite fellow distinguished senators to join me for project commissioning in Kogi state,” the letter reads in part.

She noted that the assembly point for guests would be her residence at Plot 101, Jimoh Akpoti Street, Ihima, Okene, Kogi State.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also mentioned that lawmakers arriving by air could land at the Obajana airstrip before proceeding to Ihima by road.

After reading the letter, Akpabio congratulated her on the milestone.

Akpoti-Uduaghan and Akpabio had a public disagreement earlier in the year during a heated exchange over seating arrangements in the Senate. The Kogi senator later accused the Senate President of sexual harassment — an allegation Akpabio denied.

On March 6, the Senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months after adopting the report of the committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions. She returned to plenary on September 24 after serving the suspension and has since resumed full participation in legislative duties.

Earlier this month, on October 18, she attended a legislative retreat organised by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. On Thursday, she also sponsored a bill seeking the establishment of a National Centre for Autism and six zonal centres across Nigeria to promote early diagnosis, research, education and care for persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

Why Jonathan cannot run for president in 2027 – Justice Ayo Salami

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Former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, has declared that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan is constitutionally barred from contesting the 2027 presidential election.

Justice Salami stated that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, limits any individual from serving as president for more than two terms totaling eight years. If Jonathan were to contest and win, he said, the former president would surpass that limit.

According to him, Jonathan’s potential candidacy would be invalidated by the Court of Appeal and upheld by the Supreme Court if challenged.

Citing Sub-section (3) of Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution, as altered by the Fourth Alteration Act No. 16 of 2018, Salami said Jonathan’s bid was “dead on arrival.” He warned those urging the former president to run to take heed of the cautionary phrase often directed at land speculators: caveat emptor (buyers beware).

Salami shared his position in a legal opinion addressing the controversy surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility.

He stated: “It is painstakingly and dispassionately demonstrated abundantly to all and sundry that ambition of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to contest for the office of the president for the second term in the 2027 general election is effectively and undoubtedly shot down by Sub-section (3) of Section 137 of the 1999 Constitution as altered by the Fourth Alteration Act, No 16 of 2018 which, to my mind, is unassailable.”

He added that any attempt by Jonathan’s supporters to ignore this legal provision could lead to his removal from office if he wins, as “the Court of Appeal… will conveniently remove him,” a decision that “will be undoubtedly affirmed by the Supreme Court.”

The retired jurist further clarified that constitutional amendments can have retroactive implications, unlike criminal statutes. “It is trite that an amendment to an enactment relates back to the date the principal enactment… came into force,” he explained.

Addressing the argument that the constitutional amendment cannot apply retroactively, Salami maintained that such reasoning overlooks the distinction between civil and criminal rights.

He said: “The Constitution protects criminal right against retroactive legislation… The Constitution frowns at or forbids retroactive enactment with regards to criminal act, omission and penalties and not civil or constitutional infractions.”

Citing the Interpretation Act, he argued that the Fourth Alteration Act, which amended the Constitution in 2018, effectively dates back to when the 1999 Constitution itself came into effect.

Salami concluded that there is no justification for the “hue and cry” over retroactive application, stressing that constitutional provisions hold a higher legal standing than statutory laws and cannot be set aside on grounds of unconstitutionality or retroactivity.

United States opens up on Wole Soyinka’s visa revocation

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The United States Consulate in Lagos has reiterated that visas granted to foreign nationals are a privilege and not a right, as it addressed questions surrounding the revocation of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka’s visa.

Responding to an inquiry on Thursday, the Consulate explained that it was unable to discuss the specifics of Soyinka’s case due to confidentiality laws.

“Under U.S. law, visa records are generally confidential. We will not discuss the details of this individual visa case,” said Julia McKay, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos.

McKay noted that the U.S. government reserves the right to revoke visas at any time.“Visas are a privilege, not a right. Every country, including the United States, can determine who enters its borders. Visas may be revoked at any time, at the discretion of the U.S. government, whenever circumstances warrant,” she stated.

Prof. Soyinka had revealed on Tuesday during a media interaction in Lagos that his B1/B2 visa had been revoked by the U.S. Embassy.

At the event held at Kongi’s Harvest, Freedom Park, the 91-year-old literary icon told journalists not to expect him in the United States for any engagements.

“It is necessary for me to hold this press conference so that people in the United States who are expecting me for this event or that event do not waste their time. I have no visa; I am banned, obviously, from the United States. And if you want to see me, you know where to find me,” he said.

The playwright, who has been openly critical of U.S. President Donald Trump, said he was unsure what led to the decision.

“I’ve started looking back—have I ever misbehaved towards the United States of America? Do I have a history? Have I been convicted? Have I gone against the law anywhere?” he wondered.

Soyinka went on to recount two minor incidents that occurred decades ago, saying he doubted they were linked to the current situation.

He recalled being fined about $25 at a Chicago airport after failing to declare some green chilies he had in his pocket. “At the airport, they wanted to charge me to court, but they said I could plead guilty and pay a fine… That’s one possible crime that could have been dug up,” he said.

He also narrated a confrontation with police at an Atlanta hotel in the early 1970s following what he described as racist conduct by a receptionist.

According to a letter from the U.S. Consulate dated October 23, 2025, Soyinka’s non-immigrant visa “has been revoked pursuant to the authority contained in the U.S. Department of State regulations 22 CFR 41.122 and is no longer valid for application for entry into the United States.”

The Consulate asked that the visa be returned for physical cancellation and noted that Soyinka would need to reapply for a new one. The document stated that his visa had been issued on April 2, 2024.
Soyinka, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1986, has long-standing ties to the United States, where he has held several academic positions.

The revocation has stirred debate over recent U.S. measures to curb migration, especially from African nations.

(PUNCH)

PSC WARNS AGAINST CROWD RENTING AND PROTESTS & DEMONSTRATIONS AT ITS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN JABI, INSISTS AGGRIVED PARTIES MUST FOLLOW DUE PROCESS

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Police Service Commission has warned that although it will continue to ensure Police Officers are held accountable for their actions and inactions, it will not succumb to a disturbing and unfolding theatrics of crowd renting and demonstrations at the gate of its Corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

The Commission says aggrieved individuals or groups with genuine cases of Police abuse should feel free to submit petitions, which would be treated and given the required attention.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, was reacting after an obviously rented crowd besieged its Corporate headquarters to demand for the setting up of a Special Investigation Panel (SIP) within 48 hours to investigate a case of criminal conspiracy, abuse of Office, robbery, terrorism… by the DPO Shendam, Plateau State and the DCO.

The Commission noted that the aggrived party has the right and freedom to submit its petitions but not to rent a crowd to magnify the allegations.

The PSC Chairman said the Commission will not be intimidated by crowd renting and will subsequently not tolerate such abuse of privilege.

DIG Argungu said the Commission’s headquarters is not an arena for demonstrations and advised that they should endeavour to follow laid down rules and regulations in the pursuit of their grievances. He advised that the aggrived party should also have reported the matter to the state Commissioner of Police before besieging its office with card carrying demonstrators.

The group had alleged that on the 22nd and 23rd of October, 2025 some hoodlums backed by “the Nigeria Police Force, I.e the DPO of Shendam, Bashiru Maisule, DCO, Jacob Ogbolu and almost 100 Policemen…..disrupted our peace, robbed us and destroyed our houses”

The Commission has however officially written and directed the DPO, DCO and other officers of Shendam Police Division mentioned in the petition to respond to the weighty allegations.

The Chairman said the Commission will get to the root of the matter and ensure that justice prevails at the end of the day.

U.S. ends automatic work permit extensions for Nigerians, other immigrants

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new rule that ends the automatic extension of employment authorization documents (EADs) for immigrants in specific visa and eligibility categories who apply for renewal.

The interim final rule, announced on Wednesday, marks a major shift in the country’s employment authorization process.

With this rule, DHS said it “prioritises the proper screening and vetting of aliens before extending the validity of their employment authorisations”.

Immigrants who file to renew their EAD on or after October 30, 2025, will no longer receive an automatic extension of their EAD. There are limited exceptions to this rule, according to DHS, including extensions provided by law or through a Federal Register notice for TPS-related employment documentation.

Ending automatic extensions of EADs results in more frequent vetting of aliens who apply for employment authorization to work in the U.S., it noted.

Additionally, it explained that reviewing an alien’s background more often will enable U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to deter fraud and detect immigrants with “potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States”.

“USCIS is placing a renewed emphasis on robust alien screening and vetting, eliminating policies the former administration implemented that prioritized aliens’ convenience ahead of Americans’ safety and security,” said USCIS director Joseph Edlow.

Mr Edlow added, “It’s a commonsense measure to ensure appropriate vetting and screening has been completed before an alien’s employment authorization or documentation is extended. All aliens must remember that working in the United States is a privilege, not a right.”

USCIS urged immigrants to seek a “timely renewal of their EAD by properly filing a renewal application up to 180 days before their EAD expires”.

It warned that the longer an alien waits to file an EAD renewal application, the more likely it is that they may experience a temporary lapse in their employment authorisation or documentation.

The interim final rule does not affect EADs automatically extended before October 30, 2025.

 

Delta State Police Command Nab Cultists, Gun Peddlers, Recovers Cache Of Arms

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

 

The Delta State Command, the image maker, SP Edafe Bright, said has tightened the net on violent crime with two decisive operations that led to arrests and the recovery of multiple firearms and ammunition. The actions, driven by credible intelligence, has sent a clear signal to cult groups and robbery syndicates that the State is not a safe harbour for notorious activities.

 

 

 

He disclosed that on 25th October 2025 at about 1800hrs, a resident of Aviara community, under Oleh Division, reported that on 22nd October 2025 at about 0812hrs, a video depicting suspected Eiye cult activity was posted on a WhatsApp group known as “Real Men”. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oleh Division, CSP Keme Osuluku, detailed his operatives to investigate discreetly. At 0800hrs on 26 October 2025, acting on preliminary findings, the operatives arrested the suspect linked to the post, Donatus Odovo (male, 29), of Aviara community. Follow-up investigation, Edafe revealed led to the arrest of Zachariah Okeh (male, 36), alleged to be an Eiye cult leader in Aviara. During a execution of a search warrant at his residence, officers recovered one locally made double-barrelled gun, one locally made single-barrelled gun, and six live cartridges. The exhibits were secured, and the suspects were taken into custody for further questioning, while efforts continue to apprehend additional collaborators.

In another development, on 27/10/2025 at about 1345hrs, Rapid Response Squad operatives, while on stop-and-search duty along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, intercepted a Toyota RAV4 with registration EPE 189 GN. The driver, Mordi Emmanuel (male, 45), of No. 74, Family Estate, Asaba, complied with routine checks. Inside an envelope found in the vehicle, officers recovered one fabricated Beretta pistol with breech No. 5182207, with four live rounds.

 

 

Acting under the operational direction of the Rapid Response Squad Commander, CSP Nosa Alex, who coordinated the deployment and approved immediate follow-up actions, a team executed a duly obtained search warrant at the suspect’s residence. The search yielded one pump-action shotgun with breech No. 20-R-3921, and four live cartridges from the house and premises. The exhibits and the suspect are in custody and investigation is ongoing.

 

The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commends the vigilance of residents and the professionalism displayed by the officers involved. He reaffirms the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and the unlawful possession of firearms, and restates the commitment to intelligence-led policing, community partnership, and strict respect for the law.

He urges members of the public to remain security-conscious and to share timely, credible information with the police.

Policeman, monarch’s son killed in farmers-herders clash in Gombe

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Tension has erupted in Komi District of Funakaye Local Government Area in Gombe State, where a clash between farmers and herders has reportedly claimed at least two lives and left several others injured.

According to police sources, the conflict began on Sunday following a dispute that quickly escalated, drawing in youths from surrounding communities and turning into a violent confrontation.

Among the casualties was 27-year-old Mohammed Jibrin, the son of the district head of Komi. He was rushed to the General Hospital in Biri, Nafada Local Government Area, after sustaining severe injuries during the fracas, but sadly passed away while receiving treatment.

The Gombe State Police spokesman, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, told our correspondent that three other farmers and one herder suffered minor injuries. He added that policemen and local vigilante units were mobilised to restore order, but that the situation deteriorated when groups of youths, some allegedly from Dukku and Kwami local government areas, confronted security operatives upon arrival.

“When the police and other local vigilantes were mobilised to the scene, youths, including those allegedly from neighbouring LGs – Dukku and Kwami – attacked and killed one of the police officers,” DSP Abdullahi said.

The police spokesman also said they had arrested 17 suspects in connection with the violence, and that calm had been restored to the area.

Farmers in the area frequently complained of encroachment, crop destruction, and competition over grazing paths by herders.

DSP Abdullahi added investigations were ongoing, urging residents to remain calm and to provide information that might assist the Police probe.

 

Hidden assets: Court rules Abba Kyari has case to answer

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The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed the no-case submission filed by suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, and his two brothers in the criminal case instituted against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

Kyari, alongside his brothers, Mohammed and Ali, is being prosecuted by the NDLEA on 23 counts, bordering on full disclosure of their assets.

The agency also accused them of disguising the ownership of properties and converting proceeds of crime — offences punishable under Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

To prove the charges, the prosecution called 10 witnesses and tendered at least 20 exhibits.

In response, however, Kyari and his brothers filed no-case submissions, arguing that the NDLEA failed to establish a prima facie case that would warrant them to put in any defence.

However, in a ruling on Tuesday, , Justice James Omotosho dismissed the no-case submissions, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants, warranting them to open their defence.

“In view of all the exhibits and the evidence of the prosecution, the defendants need to offer explanations in this regard,” the judge stated.

He clarified that the ruling did not amount to a finding of guilt but was to ensure that the defendants were given the opportunity to present their defence and enjoy their constitutional right to a fair hearing.

“The evidence of the prosecution has established sufficient grounds for this trial to proceed. A connection between the defendants and the alleged offences, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence.

“Holding that a prima facie case has been established does not imply guilt. It simply allows the defendants to exhaust their defence options before a final judgment,” Justice Omotosho explained.

He further emphasised that the defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty, while the burden of proof rests on the prosecution to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, in line with Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011.

Upon the close of the prosecution’s case, the defendants filed a no-case submission, arguing that the NDLEA failed to establish ownership of the alleged properties.

Kyari contended that under Section 128 of the Evidence Act, transactions involving state land could only be proved through certified true copies of title documents, insisting that no other form of evidence was admissible.

However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court would not evaluate the weight of the evidence at this stage, holding that the prosecution’s case justified a response from the defendants.

“I have carefully examined the evidence presented by the prosecution. It points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendants, requiring them to proffer explanations or a defence, especially considering the gravity of the allegations,” he said.

He added that the defendants’ right to defend themselves was a fundamental one guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which could not be waived except expressly or by conduct.

“In the final analysis, the no-case submissions filed by the defendants cannot be upheld in the face of the evidence led by the prosecution. Consequently, the applications are overruled, and the defendants are hereby ordered to open their defence,” the judge ruled.

Justice Omotosho gave Kyari and his brothers three days to enter their defence and adjourned the matter to November 4, 5, and 6 for continuation of trial.

It takes 62 signatures to pay one contractor in NDDC, says ex-chair Ndoma-Egba

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Former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and ex-Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, has revealed the level of bureaucracy that fuels inefficiency and corruption within the agency.

According to him, political interference and instability have crippled the commission’s ability to deliver development to the Niger Delta region.

Ndoma-Egba, who stated this on The Exchange Podcast hosted by journalist Femi Soneye, disclosed that it once took 62 different signatures for a single contractor to receive payment from the commission.

He said the process is a perfect breeding ground for inefficiency and corruption.

The Senator recounted a conversation with his Managing Director where he was informed that it took 62 stops for a contractor to receive any payment.
He said he initially heard a figure of 53 but was corrected to 62.
“What does that imply? Serious bureaucracy. And what does serious bureaucracy breed? Inefficiency. What does inefficiency breed? Corruption,” he said.

The Senator recalled the initial launch of the NDDC master plan, a document that was generated through extensive stakeholder consultations, including communities, state governments, oil companies, and the federal government.

He expressed dismay that this vital plan was abandoned almost immediately after its launch, and that up till today, the commission operates without one.

He said: “It’s like you building a house in your village… you start with a plan. For the NDDC, the lack of a master plan means the commission is just walking in the dark, unable to effectively integrate an entire region economically.”

The former NDDC chairman said the problem is not limited to financial red tape but extends to structural and institutional dysfunctions that have undermined the commission since its inception.

Ndoma-Egba said his efforts to revive the abandoned plan through a reform committee were abruptly truncated when his board was dissolved via a news bulletin, without any formal communication from the Presidency or supervising ministry.

He described the arbitrary dissolution of boards as a major factor that breeds instability and short-termism in the agency.

He also narrated how an attempt to investigate allegations that contractors had to pay bribes before receiving their entitlements was violently disrupted. According to him, thugs invaded Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt, where the inauguration of the investigative panel was to hold, and dispersed the gathering.

The former Senate Leader argued that corruption in the public sector is often not premeditated but opportunistic, emerging from a system that encourages delay, discretion, and manipulation.

Ndoma-Egba urged the Federal Government to allow every NDDC board to complete its statutory four-year tenure as provided by law, saying leadership continuity is essential for proper planning and measurable progress.
“If the board is sure of its tenure, it can plan properly and deliver results. But when you keep dissolving boards arbitrarily, you destroy continuity and institutional memory,” he said.