Gombe police arrest suspects, recover pistol, vehicles

The Gombe State Police Command has clamped down on criminals across the state, leading to the recovery of stolen vehicles, arrest of suspects, and seizure of a locally made pistol.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Buhari Abdullahi disclosed this in a statement obtained by Arewa PUNCH.

The police mouthpiece noted that the successful operations were achieved through credible intelligence and proactive policing.

“These arrests and recoveries reflect our commitment to ensuring Gombe remains one of the safest states in Nigeria. The Command will continue to pursue criminals until the state is completely free of their activities,” he added.

According to the statement, “the first breakthrough occurred on October 13, 2025, when a patrol team from Balanga Division intercepted a suspicious black Toyota Jeep with registration number ABUJA ABC 241 DW along the Bangu–Laura feeder road.

“Upon sighting the police, the suspects sped off, prompting a chase. During the pursuit, the police patrol vehicle suffered a flat tyre, forcing two officers to continue the chase on a motorcycle.

“The suspects also ran into trouble when their vehicle developed a flat tyre near Laura village.

“As the officers approached, one of the suspects allegedly struck a police constable with a pestle before fleeing on a motorcycle, abandoning the vehicle.

“Upon inspection, detectives discovered that the supposed Toyota Prado was actually a Lexus Jeep that had been repainted black and altered to disguise its identity.

“Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been stolen from Abuja on October 5, 2025, and the theft was earlier reported at Nyanya Police Division, FCT.

“We are already collaborating with the FCT Police Command to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure justice is served,” DSP Abdullahi confirmed.

In another operation, the police in Gombe Division arrested 45-year-old Sani Bappari of Mallam Inna Quarters for allegedly stealing an ash-coloured Honda Civic with registration number DKU 564 AA.

Again, DSP Buhari Abdullahi narrated the incident to our correspondent: “The vehicle was reportedly stolen from Central Roundabout, Gombe, on October 15, 2025, around 9:18 p.m

“Thanks to swift intelligence gathering, detectives tracked and arrested Bappari later that night. The stolen vehicle was recovered intact and secured as an exhibit.”

He added, “Our detectives acted with precision and speed to recover the vehicle within hours of the complaint. Investigation is still ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate.”

The Command also arrested one Augustine Nkwakoye of Bolari Quarters for alleged possession of a locally made pistol and one cartridge.

“The incident occurred on October 14, 2025, when a misunderstanding between the suspect and a customer at Old Tipper Garage escalated into a threat.

Nkwakoye allegedly pulled out a pistol and threatened to shoot the complainant but was swiftly disarmed by a bystander. Police later recovered the weapon from his residence.

“The case has been transferred to the State CID for further investigation,” Abdullahi added.

Igbo Town Unions drag Lagos demolitions to UN, ECOWAS Court, alleges ethnic bias

The Association of Igbo Town Unions, ASITU, has taken its grievances to the international stage, petitioning the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice over what it described as the “systematic demolition” of properties belonging to Igbo traders and investors in Lagos State.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia, Abia State, the National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, decried the continued targeting of Igbo-owned businesses and structures, alleging that the actions amounted to “economic cleansing.”

Diwe lamented that Nigeria was “gradually dying from the cancer of ethnic discrimination and selective justice,” accusing government institutions of failing to uphold fairness and equality.

Flanked by members of ASITU’s national executive council drawn from various Igbo communities, Diwe explained that the petition followed multiple unsuccessful attempts to engage with relevant Nigerian authorities.

“We have not lost faith in Nigerian institutions, but they have consistently failed to respond to our documented complaints. That is why we have turned to regional and international bodies for intervention,” he stated.

The ASITU president faulted the Lagos State Government’s justification that the affected buildings were constructed on waterways, describing it as a misleading claim designed to mask deeper biases.

“These properties were lawfully acquired and duly approved by relevant agencies. Such demolitions send a disturbing message to investors, that property rights in Nigeria are insecure and that ethnicity may determine how justice is applied,” Diwe asserted.

He argued that the destruction of legitimate businesses not only discourages investment but also threatens job creation, economic stability, and Nigeria’s international image as a country governed by the rule of law.

According to ASITU, most of the demolition notices were served just days before enforcement, denying property owners the opportunity to seek legal remedy.

The group also accused officials of disregarding valid approval documents submitted by affected traders.

“Many of these buildings had valid permits issued by the same Lagos State Government that later tore them down. This is not law enforcement. It is the deliberate erasure of livelihoods and a violation of constitutional guarantees of equality and justice,” Diwe said.

While urging those affected to remain calm and law-abiding, ASITU called on the Igbo business community to rechannel part of their wealth into the South-East to foster economic independence.

“To our brothers and sisters in business, do not lose hope. Let us embrace the philosophy of Aku Ruo Ulo, let wealth return home,” Diwe advised. “When we invest in our homeland, we create jobs, security, and dignity for our people.”

He clarified that the association’s call for justice was not an agitation for secession but a demand for fairness, mutual respect, and equitable treatment of all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Oworonshoki: Police assure residents as youths plan protest on Third Mainland Bridge

The Lagos State Police Command says it has deployed officers across strategic locations to forestall any disruption of public peace following intelligence reports of a planned protest on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area.

In a statement released in the early hours of Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the police assured residents that robust security measures have been put in place to maintain law and order throughout the state.

“The Command is aware of information circulating regarding a planned disruption on the Third Mainland Bridge by some youths in the Oworonshoki area,” the statement read.

According to Adebisi, officers have been fully mobilised to safeguard road users, prevent obstruction of vehicular movement, and ensure the safety of lives and property.

She urged residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear, adding that police personnel have been strategically positioned to respond promptly to any potential security threat.

“Members of the public are therefore advised to go about their lawful activities without fear and to cooperate with security personnel carrying out their duties,” Adebisi stated.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring the free flow of traffic across Lagos.

Anioma state, Nnamdi Kanu’s release will bring peace to Southeast – Ned Nwoko

The lawmaker representing Delta North, Ned Nwoko, has said that the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, will bring peace to the Southeast.

This was as he said peace has continued to elude the Southeast geopolitical zone due to the perceived marginalisation of the region by successive governments.

Nwoko stated this in an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television monitored by DAILY POST.

According to him, the Southeast has witnessed persistent unrest in recent years, following agitations by the separatist group, which has been calling for the creation of an independent state of Biafra.

He maintained that the creation of Anioma State and the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, will almost certainly bring lasting peace to the Southeast.

“The problem in the Southeast has to do with the perceived injustice by successive governments.

“So, what needs to be done, and it’s one of the reasons I am here today, is the creation of a new state to make up the number to six, and then the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

“By the time you do these two things, I am almost certain that peace will return to the Southeast,” he said.

NiMet predicts three-day dust haze, rain from Monday

NiMet

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted varying weather conditions, including dust haze and rainfall, across different parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday, urging residents to stay alert.

In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected slight dust haze with good visibility over Borno, Zamfara, northern Kaduna, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Katsina States on Monday.

The agency added that isolated thunderstorms with light rain were likely in parts of Taraba and Adamawa States during the afternoon or evening hours on Monday.

NiMet forecast sunny skies with patches of clouds over the central region, with prospects of isolated thunderstorms and light rain in the FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi States later in the day.

The statement read, “Cloudy conditions are expected in the southern region on Monday morning, with isolated thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.

“Later in the afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are anticipated in Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Ondo, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom States.

“On Tuesday, NiMet forecast continued slight dust haze in good visibility over northern states, while Taraba and Adamawa may experience isolated thunderstorms and light rain throughout the day.

“Sunny skies with intermittent clouds are predicted in the central region, alongside chances of early morning thunderstorms in Benue and later moderate rain across FCT, Nasarawa, and Kogi States.”

NiMet also projected cloudy skies across the southern states, with moderate rainfall over Rivers, Cross River, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom in the morning, intensifying later in the day.

The agency warned of possible flooding in parts of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, and Cross River States, urging local authorities to activate emergency response measures where necessary.

For Wednesday, NiMet anticipated sunny skies across the northern region, with isolated thunderstorms and light rain expected later in the day, particularly over parts of Taraba State.

“The central region will experience sunny skies with patches of clouds, while isolated thunderstorms with light rain are likely over Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In the south, cloudy conditions are expected in the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rains later in the afternoon and evening across Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom,” it stated.

NiMet reiterated a high risk of flash floods, urging motorists to exercise caution when driving in rain and for authorities in vulnerable areas to implement flood response measures immediately.

The agency also advised individuals with asthma and respiratory conditions to limit outdoor exposure due to dust particles suspended in the atmosphere over the northern parts of the country.

Airline operators were urged to obtain airport-specific weather reports from NiMet for flight planning, while the public was encouraged to follow updates via the agency’s website and communication channels.

SERAP demands NNPCL’s explanation on alleged missing N22.3bn, $49.7m, others

SERAPThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bayo Ojulari, to explain the whereabouts of alleged missing oil funds amounting to N22.3bn, $49.7m, £14.3m, and €5.2m, reportedly unaccounted for in the company’s financial records.

The civic group, in a letter dated October 25, 2025, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, said the missing sums were documented in the 2022 annual report recently published by the Auditor-General of the Federation on September 9, 2025.

SERAP urged Ojulari to identify and hand over those responsible for the alleged diversion or misappropriation of the funds to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for prosecution.

It also demanded that the missing funds be recovered and returned to the national treasury without further delay.

“These grim allegations by the Auditor-General suggest a grave violation of public trust, the Nigerian Constitution, anti-corruption laws, and the country’s international obligations,” the organisation stated.

According to SERAP, the Auditor-General’s findings point to “systemic corruption” within the NNPCL, which has “undermined Nigeria’s economic development, trapped millions in poverty, and deprived citizens of access to essential public services.”

The group noted that the Auditor-Generalhas, over the years, consistently documented similar reports of unremitted or missing oil revenues, lamenting that “ordinary Nigerians continue to bear the brunt of widespread corruption in the oil sector.”

It said,“Combating the corruption epidemic in the oil sector would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods and services, and enhance the government’s ability to meet its human rights and anti-corruption obligations.”

SERAP further alleged that the misappropriated oil revenues reflected a broader failure of accountability and transparency at the NNPCL, contributing to Nigeria’s rising debt levels and deficit spending.

The group said, “Had the NNPCL accounted for and remitted these diverted or misappropriated oil monies, more funds would have been available for education, healthcare, and other critical sectors. The level of borrowing by the government would also have been reduced.”

SERAP gave the NNPCL a seven-day ultimatum to take the recommended steps or face appropriate legal action to compel compliance.

Quoting details from the 2022 audited report, SERAP highlighted numerous irregularities in NNPCL’s accounts, including: a ₦292m abandoned contract for an Accident and Emergency Facility in Abuja; over £14m allegedly spent to repair its London office without evidence of execution; an irregular $22.8m payment to a contractor for crude lifting, with unclear justification.

Others include a N2.3bn paid as car cash options to 100 staff without requisite approvals; ₦12.7bn unremitted operating surplus for December 2020, and the €5.1m paid for jetty operations with no supporting documents.

Multiple cases of undocumented or fictitious contract payments running into billions of naira and millions of dollars.

The Auditor-General reportedly expressed fears that much of the money “may have been diverted or misappropriated” and called for its recovery and remittance to the treasury.

SERAP cited Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, urging the NNPCL to act transparently in the public interest.

Lagos signage agency clears staff of fraud, faults him for policy violation

The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency, LASAA, has exonerated one of its staff members, Olukayode John Adetifa, of allegations of fraud that recently circulated on social media, but found him culpable of violating the agency’s “no cash” policy.

In a statement signed by Atinuke Dasilva, Head of Corporate Communications, LASAA stated that an internal investigation revealed that Adetifa, who serves in the agency’s Alimosho office, did not defraud the client, MJ Beauty Salon, as alleged, but mistakenly received payment into his personal account.

DAILY POST had reported that a viral social media post had accused Adetifa of collecting N45,000 via his personal Opay account while issuing a receipt of only N7,100.

However, LASAA clarified that a fact-finding panel discovered that the staff merely assisted the client, who was reportedly unwell, to complete an official online payment for signage registration amounting to N40,000.

According to the agency, the salon owner later corroborated this finding and tendered an apology for the misunderstanding, disowning the viral claim that sparked the controversy.

While noting that the investigation found no evidence of fraudulent intent, LASAA maintained that Adetifa’s conduct breached internal procedures and that he would be subjected to disciplinary action in line with Public Service Rules.

The agency reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in service delivery, urging the public to strictly adhere to its “no cash” payment policy and to report any complaints through official communication channels.

Lagos: LASTMA arrests six ‘one-chance’ suspects, clears Ijora Bridge criminal enclave

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has arrested six suspected members of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate believed to be operating under the Ijora Bridge corridor in Lagos.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Mobile Police, Lagos State Task Force, Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, and the Nigerian Army.

The arrests, carried out on Thursday, October 23, 2025, were part of a joint enforcement operation aimed at clearing illegal garages, makeshift shanties, and criminal hideouts along Apapa Road, Costain, and Ijora under-bridge.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said the coordinated exercise demonstrates the government’s zero-tolerance stance on environmental violations and the unlawful occupation of public spaces.

“This operation is part of the Sanwo-Olu administration’s integrated effort to make Lagos safer, cleaner, and more habitable. Criminal elements and illegal occupants still operating beneath bridges and in unauthorized spaces are hereby warned to vacate immediately,” Giwa stated.

During the operation, enforcement teams recovered 77 mobile phones, two POS machines, several wristwatches, and other personal items believed to have been stolen from unsuspecting commuters and pedestrians. Authorities also confiscated multiple kegs of adulterated diesel and over 150 packs of expired plantain chips and cheese balls.

Giwa revealed that the Ijora under-bridge area had become a hub for criminal activities. “The location had evolved into a storage centre for stolen items and contraband. Today’s cleanup has successfully dismantled those hideouts and restored sanity to the corridor,” he said.

In addition to the arrests, more than 120 illegal shanties were demolished, including structures located around St. Peter’s Catholic Nursery and Primary School on Apapa Road.

“By reclaiming these public spaces, we are reinforcing urban discipline and ensuring that vital infrastructure is not converted into criminal shelters,” Giwa added.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, lauded the collaboration among security and enforcement agencies, describing it as a model of effective inter-agency synergy.

“LASTMA’s responsibility extends beyond traffic management. It includes ensuring public safety, protecting transport corridors, and preventing criminal encroachments on public infrastructure,” Bakare-Oki stated.

He urged Lagos residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

The six suspects; Adetunji Bashiru (28), Sulaiman Kada (35), Abubakar Bala (42), Abubakar Ahmed (28), Rasaq Gbadamosi (21), and Ibrahim Yakub (23), have been handed over to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and prosecution.

Varsity founder condemns NECO result rejection

FacilitatorThe Founder and President of Atiba University, Oyo State, James Ojebode, has condemned the alleged refusal of some federal universities to accept the recently released National Examinations Council results from admission seekers.

In a statement on Friday, Ojebode described the development as, “unjust, discriminatory, and inconsistent with the country’s commitment to inclusive and equitable education.”

He lamented that many candidates who applied for admission using ‘Awaiting Results’ were later denied entry after NECO released their results.

Ojebode also described the situation as “a denial of the fundamental right to education and a reflection of administrative insensitivity.”

The varsity founder urged the Federal Ministry of Education, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, and NECO to take immediate action to address the issue.

National Assembly reviews 55 new state proposals

Senate newThe National Assembly has begun discussions on constitutional amendments to create 55 new states and 278 additional local government areas nationwide.

The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday.

According to the statement, Barau spoke during the opening of a two-day joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos.

He reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to delivering “people-centred and timely” amendments to the constitution.

Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, urged lawmakers to work towards fulfilling their promise of transmitting the first set of amendments to the state Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

“It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives’ Constitution Amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters.

“We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organisations, and interest groups in town hall meetings, interactive sessions, and public hearings—harvesting and synthesising views and perspectives, which have ultimately culminated in what we have here today: 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests,” he added.

Barau noted that the lawmakers were expected to resolve these issues and make recommendations to both chambers, expressing optimism that progress could be achieved within the two-day session.

“It is not going to be a simple task to achieve within two days, but I believe we can do it, especially as we have promised Nigerians that we will deliver the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of this year,” he added.

While stressing the need for patriotism and unity in the review exercise, Barau urged participants to avoid divisive tendencies.

He said, “We are seated here as one committee. There should be no ‘we’ and ‘them’; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians. I wish all of us a very fruitful deliberation and hope for recommendations that will meet the approval threshold of the provisions of Section 9 of the Constitution.”