www.newstower.ng

Menu
Facebook Twitter Youtube

HOM

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

Posted on by admin50

 

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.

COAS redeploys top army officers, makes new appointments (+FULL LIST)

Posted on by admin50

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a wide-ranging redeployment of top army officers to strategic commands, staff positions, and military training institutions across the country.

In a statement signed by Acting Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, on Thursday, several senior officers were assigned new responsibilities as part of efforts to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the service’s command structure.

Among the notable postings, Major General Bamidele Alabi moves to the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans as the new Chief of Policy and Plans (Army). Major General Jamal Abdulsalam, formerly Chief of Special Services and Programmes at Army Headquarters, has been transferred to the Defence Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Defence Operations. Major General Peter Mala departs the Office of the National Security Adviser for the Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC), where he will serve as Commander.

Also affected in the latest shake-up is Major General Samson Jiya, who moves from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC) to the Defence Headquarters Department of Defence Accounts and Budget as Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

Other key appointments include Major General Mayirenso Saraso, redeployed from NAHFC to the Army Headquarters Department of Operations as Chief of Operations (Army); Major General Isa Abdullahi, who takes charge as Chief of Administration (Army) at the Department of Administration; and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi, who now heads the Department of Civil-Military Affairs as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs.

Similarly, Major General Abubakar Haruna has been moved from NAHFC to the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), Kontagora, as Commander, while Major General Philip Ilodibia leaves the Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans for the Defence Space Administration, where he will serve as Chief of Defence Space Administration.

“Equally appointed are Major General Godwin Mutkut, from Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) N’Djamena to Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre as Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar from the Ministry of Defence to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo moves from Nigerian Army School of Artillery (NASA) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as Corps Commander Artillery and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi from Nigerian Army Cyberwarfare Command to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals as Corps Commander Signals,” the statement read.

The redeployment also affected the Army’s finance, logistics, and training institutions.“Additionally, Major General Taofik Sidick has been redeployed from the NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Finance Corps as Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim from NAHFC to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps as Corps Commander Ordnance, Major General Adeyinka Adereti from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as Corps Commander, Major General Nansak Shagaya from Army Headquarters Department of Operations to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport as Corps Commander Supply and Transport while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed has been appointed Acting Corps Commander Education,” it added.

According to the statement, the COAS also approved new appointments in military schools. Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, formerly with Headquarters 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, is now Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. Major General Emmanuel Mustapha, from Defence Space Administration, takes over as Commandant of the Nigerian Army Signal School, while Major General Adamu Hassan moves from the Nigerian Defence Section, Riyadh, to head the Nigerian Army School of Artillery. Brigadier General John Bulus has been appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

According to the statement, senior officers appointed as field commanders includes,  Major General Saidu Audu from Army Headquarters Department of Training to Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), N’Djamena, as Force Commander, Major General Warrah Idris from Defence Headquarters to Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA as Commander and Major General Oluremi Fadairo from Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs to 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu as General Officer Commanding and Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA.

The COAS further appointed Major General Olatokumbo  Bello  as the Director Defence Media Operations at Defence Headquarters while Brigadier General Samaila Uba was redeployed from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji to Defence Headquarters as Director Defence Information.

“Lieutenant General Waidi  Shaibu charged the newly appointed senior officers to bring to bear their wealth of operational experience, administrative acumen and strategic foresight in driving a disciplined and combat-ready Army to decisively confront the  contemporary and emerging security challenges. He urged them to sustain the current operational momentum, strengthen interagency collaboration and remain unwavering in upholding the Nigerian Army’s core ethos of loyalty, selfless service, integrity and excellence,” it added.

More trouble as number of detained military officers hits 42

Posted on by admin50

The number of military officers held in connection with the alleged coup attempt against President Bola Tinubu’s administration has reportedly increased to 42.

The Defence Headquarters had earlier confirmed the arrest of 16 officers over what it described as “disciplinary infractions,” without directly linking them to any coup-related activities.

However, sources revealed that the detentions were tied to an alleged plan to disrupt Nigeria’s 26-year stretch of democratic governance.

According to a report by Daily Trust on Thursday, security insiders said the arrested personnel are currently undergoing interrogation to determine the extent of their involvement and the nature of the alleged plot.

“So far, 42 officers have been picked up. They are being interrogated to establish the depth of involvement and whether there was any concrete plan beyond mere discussions,” one source said.

Another security source disclosed that the number of those arrested might rise further as investigators from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Military Police continue to trace communication links and possible funding sources.

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, said the Presidency stands by the position of the military authorities on the matter.

Speaking on TVC, Dare reiterated that the Armed Forces remain the legitimate institution charged with safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and territorial integrity, adding that the Tinubu administration maintains full confidence in their loyalty.

“We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country,” Dare said. “Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that.”

Security analyst and retired military officer, Bashir Galma, said that the federal government may be hesitant to publicly acknowledge any coup attempt in order to prevent public panic or discourage investors.

He, however, cautioned that sustained denial could erode public trust if new evidence later comes to light.

Natasha invites Akpabio, others to project launch in Kogi

Posted on by admin50

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

Posted on by admin50

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.

Two officers flee as military expands arrests over alleged coup plot

Posted on by admin50

Two Nigerian military officers have reportedly gone into hiding after being linked to an alleged plan to overthrow the country’s democratic government.

According to a report by The CABLE, sources disclosed that the armed forces have continued to detain additional suspects following the initial questioning of 16 officers who were apprehended in the first week of October in connection with the foiled coup attempt.

According to findings, 18 officers were slated for arrest, but two managed to escape and are now believed to have left Nigeria.

Military sources identified one of the fugitives as Major JM Ganaks, with service number N/14363, who hails from the Federal Capital Territory. Ganaks, a member of Regular Course 58 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), was reportedly stationed in Jaji, Kaduna State.

Also said to be on the run is Captain Binuga, from Taraba State. He was attached to DHQ SOF Bida, Niger State, and was part of Regular Course 64.

Information obtained from some of the detained officers has allegedly aided the authorities in apprehending more suspects, with sources estimating that over 30 officers are now in custody.

While some detainees are reportedly refusing to speak, others have been described as “very cooperative.”

Contrary to speculation, the alleged coup was not scheduled for October 1, as the arrests only took place in the first week of the month.

Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not officially confirmed the alleged coup plot, it stated that the ongoing investigation of the 16 officers is part of a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring discipline and professionalism within the ranks.”
(The CABLE)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

United States opens up on Wole Soyinka’s visa revocation

Posted on by admin50

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

Posted on by admin50

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

Posted on by admin50

 

 

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.

 

Pastor re-arraigned for allegedly fondling minor’s breasts

Posted on by admin50

 

 

A pastor who is also a legal practitioner, Aka-Bashorun Olawale Akanni, was on Wednesday re-arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for the alleged indecent treatment of a 14-year-old girl.

The Lagos State Government re-arraigned Akanni on a one-count charge bordering on the indecent treatment of a child.

The charge alleged that the defendant, who also serves as a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, indecently assaulted the minor at the Iwaya area of Lagos by fondling her breasts.

The prosecution counsel, Funmilola Aluko, told the court that the defendant had unlawfully fondled the breasts of the minor.

According to her, the offence committed contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his plea, defence counsel, Morenikeji Oyekunle, prayed the court to allow her client to continue on the bail earlier granted by a Magistrate’s Court, arguing that he had complied with all conditions and was not a flight risk, being a lawyer and clergyman.

But Aluko opposed the bail request, urging the court to review the terms of release.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi upheld the bail conditions previously granted by the Magistrate’s Court and directed the defence counsel to ensure the defendant’s presence at every adjourned date.

After the ruling, the prosecution informed the court that the complainant, now 27 years old, was present and ready to testify.

Led in evidence by the prosecution, the witness told the court that she met the defendant through her father, who was a member of the defendant’s church, the RCCG, on Lagos Island.

She said that in 2010, when she was about eight years old, she moved in with the defendant’s family to improve her academic performance and participate more actively in the church choir.

The witness alleged that during her stay, the defendant began to molest her sexually and physically.

She narrated how he would assault her and subject her to severe punishment whenever she performed poorly in school.

According to her, she eventually ran away from the defendant’s house and reported the matter to her parents.

She said she officially lodged a complaint in 2023 after learning of a similar incident involving another minor in the same church.

Under cross-examination, the witness told the court that she first confided in her class teacher, identified as Mrs Akingbeoyewa, about the alleged abuse while still living with the defendant.

At the close of her testimony, the defence requested an adjournment to enable it to obtain the Certified True Copy of the witness’s evidence.

The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that further delay could cause emotional distress to the witness.

Justice Oshodi granted the adjournment but invoked Section 193 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, awarding a cost of N50,000,in favour of the witness, to be paid by the defence before the next trial date.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case to December 9, 2025, for continuation of the trial.