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Viral videos: Lagos Police probes officers’ misconduct

Police said they have initiated investigations investigations into viral videos showing officers of Lagos Command tear-gassing students in Alakuko and an accident in Ikorodu injuring two people.

The command confirmed the probe in a statement posted on its X handle @LagosPoliceNG on Friday.

According to the post, Lagos Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), to conduct a thorough investigation into both incidents.

Jimoh condemned the unprofessional conduct seen in the Alakuko video, stressing that misuse of power and overzealousness by officers would not be tolerated.

He urged representatives of the victims in the Ikorodu accident to come forward with information to establish the facts and ensure justice.

The command assured the public that due process would be followed and any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action.

The Lagos police Command also reaffirmed their commitment to accountability and professionalism, urging residents to remain calm as investigations progress. (NAN)

CBN reforms to stabilise economy, restore investor confidence – Cardoso

Mr Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria has said the reforms being carried out by the bank are aimed at stabilising the economy, restoring confidence and bringing inflation down to single digits in the medium term.

Cardoso said this while taking questions during a fireside chat at his inaugural lecture series at the Lagos Business School (LBS).

The lecture had the theme ‘Next Generation Leadership in Monetary Policy and Nation Building’ and marked the launch of the CBN Governor’s Lecture Series.

The lecture had in attendance students from various tertiary institutions, members of academia, bankers and industry experts.

Cardoso explained the challenges of stabilising the nation’s economy and how hard work and credibility had helped CBN to redirect the nation’s economy on a positive growth path.

He explained ongoing reforms and achievements in the last two years geared toward stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence.

‘The idea is to ensure that in the medium term we achieve single-digit inflation,’ he said.

He said interest rates and the foreign exchange market were areas of concern for everyone, adding that, at one point in time, the foreign exchange market had multiple challenges.

He explained the crisis of access to foreign exchange when he assumed office two years ago and efforts through necessary and stringent reforms that restored sanity, transparency and credibility.

He said credibility is at the heart of any central bank to win people’s trust and investor confidence, while listing some benefits of the reforms, including the ability of citizens to use Naira debit cards abroad.

Cardoso said when he promised to clear verifiable FX backlog estimated at over seven billion dollars, the feat was a daunting task which credibility, transparency and resilience helped him to achieve.

He said promises must be kept for people to keep trusting the nation’s economy, adding that people invest where there is integrity, credibility and trust, and that transparency and credibility restored sanity and attracted foreign investors.

Cardoso said during his tenure the apex bank began publishing financial statements, a practice that had been suspended for several years.

‘For years, the financial statements of the Central Bank had not been published. We have gone ahead to publish it. It’s on our website,’ he said.

He also explained how CBN used technology to eliminate sharp practices, citing adoption of a new electronic matching system, which made market activities open and transparent.

According to him, beyond macroeconomic stability, vision building involves creating opportunities for young people, in particular areas like financial inclusion and support for small and medium-scale businesses.

Cardoso said he was not seeking to praise himself but urged Nigerians to read positive comments of various local and international rating agencies about the efforts of the bank under his leadership.

Earlier, while delivering his keynote, he insisted that the CBN is building an institution that can be trusted, while urging the youths to embrace credibility.

Cardoso said the inaugural lecture initiative was aimed at deepening public understanding and strengthening the transmission of monetary policy.

The governor said the country’s most important asset is its next generation, which forms the largest demographic comprising more youths who must be groomed to drive the nation’s future development and growth.

He said when he assumed office as governor in 2023, Nigeria’s economy faced formidable headwinds with high inflation rates, depleted external reserves, low investor confidence, and nearly every macroeconomic indicator under pressure.

Cardoso said he tackled inflation with tightening policy aggressively, raising rates by more than 800 basis points and strengthening liquidity management.

He explained other reforms including strengthening reserves, now standing above 42 billion dollars, and new channels for diaspora remittances and investments.

‘On financial inclusion, we expanded mobile and agency banking to underserved communities, raising access from 56 per cent in 2020 to over 64 per cent in 2025, and commenced the recapitalisation of banks to ensure a stronger, more resilient financial system,’ he said.

He said the nation’s inflation, which peaked at almost 35 per cent, moderated to about 20 per cent, adding that real GDP expanded by 4.2 per cent in the second quarter, signaling a re-emergence of growth momentum.

The apex bank boss also explained the future of digital payments, credit, savings, investment and others being redefined by fintech and digital platforms.

Prof. Olayinka David-West, Dean, Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, delivering a welcome address, explained the role of the institution since inception in 1991.

She praised the partnership with the CBN governor to foster thought leadership, policy engagement, and in-depth discourse between town and gown.

Diddy faces fresh sex assault lawsuit hours after sentencing

Less than 24 hours after learning his fate in federal court, music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is back in the headlines, this time facing a new sexual assault lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.

According to TMZ, the new lawsuit was filed by Houston attorney Tony Buzbee, who represents over 100 alleged victims suing Diddy for sexual assault. The complainant, identified as Leiana Ripley, alleged the incident happened around November 1, 2016, at Club Playhouse in L.A.

Ripley claims Diddy approached her with a drink and ordered her to take it. When she hesitated, he allegedly snapped: ‘Bitch, I’m not asking you. Drink that st and shut the f up.’* Feeling intimidated, she said she complied – only for Diddy to allegedly put his arm around her, shove his hand under her skirt, and penetrate her with his fingers while saying, ‘Bitch, I do what I want, take that s*.’*

The lawsuit claims Ripley tried to push him off but Diddy laughed, appearing amused by her discomfort, before eventually letting her go. She reportedly left the club in shock, returned to her hotel, and later discovered bruising and a tear in her genital area.

Ripley says the incident left her traumatized and is seeking damages for emotional and physical distress.

Diddy’s legal team ,who were in a New York courtroom on October 3 for his sentencing in a separate criminal case have not yet responded to the latest allegations.

Chief Adeoluwa Adeshola Michael to Receive Two Prestigious Egba Chieftaincy Titles

It is with immense joy and pride that we announce the conferment of two prestigious chieftaincy titles on Chief Adeoluwa Michael Adeshola (popularly known as Billionaire), the Group Chief Executive Officer of Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited, by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, The Alake of Egbaland, in commemoration of the monarch’s 20th Coronation Anniversary.

On Saturday, 26th October, 2025, Chief Adeoluwa Michael Adeshola will be formally conferred with the title of Fiwagbayi of Ijaye-Kurunmi Egba.

The celebrations will then reach their height on Friday, 15th November, 2025, when His Imperial Majesty will bestow upon him the distinguished title of Aare Akinfimitotolu of Egbaland, during the grand anniversary event at Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

As Group CEO of Arzikin Noma Nigeria Limited, Chief Adeshola has carved a strong reputation as a visionary leader and an innovative entrepreneur. Under his stewardship, the company has expanded its footprints in agribusiness, fostering partnerships across Africa to promote food security, sustainable farming, and job creation. Most recently, Arzikin Noma entered into strategic collaborations with international agribusiness partners to scale production, empower thousands of smallholder farmers, and introduce cutting-edge processing technologies into Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

His numerous achievements in business and philanthropy are a testament to his resilience, ingenuity, and passion for excellence. These honors by the Alake are a recognition of his contributions not only to industry but also to community development, culture, and the enduring legacy of Egbaland.

We warmly invite family, friends, associates, and well-wishers to join us in celebrating these historic moments.

The event is to take place at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta, Ogun State on the 26th of October, 2025. Aare Akinfimitotolu Title and 20th Anniversary of The Alake: 15th November, 2025. Come and rejoice with us as we honor tradition, celebrate leadership, and pay tribute to the rich heritage of Egbaland.

Sanwo-Olu celebrates autistic teen who painted world’s largest canvas

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated 15-year-old Kanyeyachukwu Tagbo-Okeke, a Nigerian teenager living with autism, for making history by creating the world’s largest canvas painting by an individual.

The monumental artwork, titled ‘Impossibility is a Myth’, spans an astonishing 12,303.87 square metres, earning Kanyeyachukwu a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and international acclaim. The piece was unveiled at Marina, Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, the governor described the achievement as a powerful statement on youth potential, disability inclusion, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.

‘At just 15, Kanyeyachukwu has done what many thought impossible. His painting is not just a personal triumph – it is a symbol of possibility, inclusion, and hope,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

He highlighted the infinity symbol at the centre of the painting as a message of boundless potential, particularly for people on the autism spectrum. The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in platforms that promote youth creativity and global competitiveness.

The painting, first unveiled on World Autism Awareness Day 2025, combines turquoise and coral hues with imagery of multiple human faces to reflect emotions, diversity, and shared humanity.

Kanyeyachukwu, who is non-verbal, has used visual art as his primary form of communication since early childhood. His work has inspired global attention and advocacy for neurodiverse creatives.

Mindanao Ave. southbound lane temporarily closed for concrete pouring

A lane in the southbound direction of Mindanao Avenue near Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City was temporarily closed.

In a Facebook traffic advisory, the Quezon City government said the lane closure ‘is due to concrete pouring being carried out in the area.’ It said the activity is part of the construction of the Tandang Sora station of the Metro Manila Subway Project.

‘The activity is expected to end tomorrow afternoon, October 5, 2025 (Sunday),’ the QC government said.

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes while the concrete pouring is ongoing.

The local government assured the public that personnel from the Quezon City Traffic and Transport Management Department and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority are on standby to assist with traffic flow on the said road.

Bong Go raises concern over condition of Cebu earthquake victims

Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go raised alarm over the plight of residents in Pandan Mahawak, Medellin town, northern Cebu, after photos emerged showing earthquake-affected families covering themselves with plastic bags to shield themselves from the rain.

The images, taken last Thursday, October 1, during a heavy downpour, revealed families with no proper evacuation centers, tents, or shelters. Still unable to return to their homes following the September 30 earthquake, residents resorted to covering their bodies with plastic bags while sleeping outdoors.

Go described the situation as both painful and unacceptable. ‘It hurts the heart to see that our own fellow countrymen are sleeping under plastic because they have no shelter. This should not be the condition of a Filipino family who is a victim of a disaster,’ he said.

The senator urged urgent intervention from both local and national agencies to provide additional tents, food packs, water, and other forms of relief.

The disaster stemmed from a magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck just before 10 p.m. on September 30, with its epicenter located about 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo City. The tremor, recorded at a shallow depth, inflicted widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, bridges, and heritage buildings across northern Cebu. In the aftermath, more than 70 people have died and hundreds more were injured. Hospitals in the worst-hit municipalities were overwhelmed, forcing some patients to be treated in makeshift tents or outdoors due to fears of aftershocks.

Evacuation facilities

As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and a staunch advocate for disaster resilience, Go has long emphasized the need for permanent and well-equipped evacuation facilities. He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, also known as the Safe Filipino Centers Act (original: Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act), which mandates the establishment of disaster-resilient evacuation centers nationwide.

‘We cannot keep relying on temporary tents again and again. There must be strong and proper evacuation centers that are ready at all times,’ Go added, stressing that preparedness saves lives.

Beyond immediate relief, the senator is pushing for structural reforms to strengthen disaster response. He refiled Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to unify disaster preparedness, response, and recovery under a dedicated agency. He explained that a centralized body would ensure faster and more coordinated action during emergencies.

Housing remains a major concern for displaced families, and Go underscored his proposal for long-term shelter support. He refiled SBN 415, or the proposed Rental Housing Subsidy Program, to provide temporary housing assistance for families rendered homeless by calamities. According to him,

‘A family cannot lose their home and then just be abandoned. There must be a bridging program so they have a place to stay while they are rebuilding,’

Go has also filed SBN 669, which is passed, requiring local government units to grant hazard pay to disaster personnel working in dangerous conditions, recognizing the sacrifices of first responders. Complementing this, his Senate Bill No. 666 aims to modernize the country’s Building Code to enforce stricter construction standards, minimizing the risks posed by disasters.

The senator stressed that these measures are part of a larger vision to protect vulnerable communities. He reiterated that disaster response should not end with relief goods but should include long-term solutions that address resilience, housing, and safety.

‘When there is a disaster, we should not only take care of people in the short term. We must support them continuously until they return to a normal life,’ Go emphasized.

In the aftermath of the Cebu earthquake, Go renewed his appeal for unity and proactive governance in addressing disasters. He said that while Filipinos are resilient, the government must not rely on resilience alone but must ensure systemic solutions are in place.

‘Filipinos are strong, but we should not always depend on being strong. The duty of the government is to provide concrete solutions to problems. We must ensure that in the next disaster, we will no longer see such a heartbreaking situation,’ Go declared.

P214.9M prize for Grand Lotto 6/55 still up for grabs, says PCSO

The P214.9 million jackpot prize for the Grand Lotto 6/55 is still up for grabs, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Saturday, October 4.

In its evening draw, no one matched the winning combination for the Grand Lotto 6/55, which was 25-28-01-42-13-50.

Jackpot prize would have been P214,989,254.80. Aside from this, PCSO likewise noted that no bettor won the Lotto 6/42 draw, which has an P8,895,388.00 winning prize.

The lucky combination was 41-06-40-04-36-01.

The Grand Lotto 6/55 is drawn every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, while the Lotto 6/42 is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

PBA at 50: Longer calendar, rule tweaks, new franchise

The landmark 50th season of the Philippine Basketball Association will also serve as the longest in history, and the journey toward completing the traditional three conferences starts on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

And as with any season, new things are expected to factor out during the 2025-26 campaign that the PBA hopes would be a fitting way to mark the golden anniversary of Asia’s first pay-for-play basketball league. With the Gilas Pilipinas program in mind, the PBA decided to go pragmatic by setting a season schedule that will run until December 2026, spanning 14 months. Season 49 went 11 months from August 2024 to July 2025.

The PBA is set to hold lengthy stoppages during the windows of the Fiba World Cup Asian Cup Qualifiers in late November, February, late June, late August and late November. Gilas is also set to play in the Nagoya Asian Games in September 2026, which would lead to a 40-day break from the Fiba window to the quadrennial meet.

Plans for a pocket tournament that could feature foreign teams are in the works, according to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial. The Philippine Cup will be followed by the two import-flavored tournaments in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup. San Miguel is the defending champion of the Philippine Cup while TNT aims to defend the two other tournaments this season. Teams will be allowed to field imports of unlimited height in the Commissioner’s Cup while a cap of 6-foot-6 and below is going to be implemented for the Governors’ Cup. All three conferences will likely use the same playoff format, with the top eight teams advancing past the eliminations.

NEW RULES Nine rules were modified for the upcoming season, the most notable being that calls not made on the spot will no longer be reviewed, an offshoot of the controversial Mo Tautuaa dunk that was nullified late in Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals.

The PBA has also scrapped the use of a playoff for the No. 8 seed in the quarterfinals in the event of a tie after the eliminations, with head-to-head and quotient system, and possibly-but a long shot-a coin toss to be used as a tiebreaking scenario.

NEW TEAM 2023-2024 PBA Opening Ceremonies. -PBA IMAGES

The landmark 50th season of the Philippine Basketball Association will also serve as the longest in history, and the journey toward completing the traditional three conferences starts on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

And as with any season, new things are expected to factor out during the 2025-26 campaign that the PBA hopes would be a fitting way to mark the golden anniversary of Asia’s first pay-for-play basketball league.

14-MONTH SEASON

Gilas Pilipinas in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. -FIBA PHOTO

With the Gilas Pilipinas program in mind, the PBA decided to go pragmatic by setting a season schedule that will run until December 2026, spanning 14 months. Season 49 went 11 months from August 2024 to July 2025.

The PBA is set to hold lengthy stoppages during the windows of the Fiba World Cup Asian Cup Qualifiers in late November, February, late June, late August and late November. Gilas is also set to play in the Nagoya Asian Games in September 2026, which would lead to a 40-day break from the Fiba window to the quadrennial meet.

Plans for a pocket tournament that could feature foreign teams are in the works, according to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.

THREE CONFERENCES

FILE-PBA trophies for the season. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The Philippine Cup will be followed by the two import-flavored tournaments in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup. San Miguel is the defending champion of the Philippine Cup while TNT aims to defend the two other tournaments this season.

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Teams will be allowed to field imports of unlimited height in the Commissioner’s Cup while a cap of 6-foot-6 and below is going to be implemented for the Governors’ Cup. All three conferences will likely use the same playoff format, with the top eight teams advancing past the eliminations.

NEW RULES

San Miguel Beermen’s Mo Tautuaa dunks the basket during a play in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals against TNT Tropang 5G. The basket was later overturned. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Nine rules were modified for the upcoming season, the most notable being that calls not made on the spot will no longer be reviewed, an offshoot of the controversial Mo Tautuaa dunk that was nullified late in Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals.

The PBA has also scrapped the use of a playoff for the No. 8 seed in the quarterfinals in the event of a tie after the eliminations, with head-to-head and quotient system, and possibly-but a long shot-a coin toss to be used as a tiebreaking scenario.

NEW TEAM

Players of the newest PBA team Titan Ultra Giant Risers, which took over NorthPort Batang Pier. -PBA IMAGES

Titan Ultra is the league’s newest team after the PBA Board of Governors approved Pureblends Corporation’s purchase of the NorthPort franchise for a reported P90 million.

The sale was completed in early September, with the approval taking weeks in order to allow Pureblends to complete several requirements. New ownership, though, was already actively managing the team while still carrying the NorthPort name.

NEW COACHES There will be four rookie coaches and one returnee entering the new season.

The most popular being LA Tenorio, who will act as playing coach of Magnolia after several seasons with Barangay Ginebra. Also debuting are Willy Wilson for Phoenix, Ronald Tubid for Terrafirma and Pampanga vice governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda for Converge.

Johnedel Cardel was tapped by Titan Ultra to call the shots, a year after he was let go as Terrafirma coach.

The rest are the seasoned ones in TNT’s Chot Reyes, San Miguel’s Leo Austria, Barangay Ginebra’s Tim Cone, Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao, Meralco’s Luigi Trillo, NLEX’s Jong Uichico and Blackwater’s Jeffrey Cariaso.

YOUNG ONES

About 12 rookies, including Converge’s Juan Gomez de Liano and Blackwater’s Dalph Panopio, were lined up for the start of the season, with several more expected to join upon the conclusion of their stints in either the MPBL or the NCAA.

Terrafirma’s No. 1 overall pick Geo Chiu is among those that will be around sometimes midway to the season, at the maximum, as he’s still with Abra in the regional league.

YOUNG ONCE

Four players at least at the age of 40 are still strutting their wares in San Miguel Beer’s Chris Ross, Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, TNT’s Kelly Williams and Converge’s Rafi Reavis.

SK official, brother gunned down in Cotabato City

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and his companion were gunned down in broad daylight on Saturday along Jose Lim Street, Barangay Poblacion 5 here.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, the city police director, identified the victims as Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, youth council chair for Poblacion 5 in Cotabato City.

His brother, Muamar Salvador Matanog, who was with him during the attack, was seriously wounded and immediately rushed to a local hospital, where he later died. Police initial probe states that the victims were aboard a red Toyota Raize with plate number NFJ 8206 when they were fired upon by motorcycle-riding assailants.

Prince Mohaz sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, causing his instant death.

The Police Station 1 immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to a firefight with the suspects. One of the assailants was reportedly hit, while a patrolman was also wounded during the encounter. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered around 94 fired bullets from the crime scene as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Cotabato State University (CotSU) community is grieving for the death of Prince Mohaz, a third-year student of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. ‘This brutal and senseless act is an offense against peace, order, and the values of public service that our city stands for,’ Matabalao said.

He also offered a bounty of P500,00 for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.