Lagos dredger docked for allegedly vanishing with ?14.8m project money

A 51-year-old dredger, Jones Adeyemi Malumi, has landed in legal trouble after being accused of diverting ?14.8 million meant for a dredging project in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

According to police reports, the complainant, Abdulwahab Abubakar, allegedly engaged Malumi to execute a dredging job and paid the full contract sum upfront.

However, after receiving the funds, Malumi reportedly vanished without carrying out the project.

When all efforts to reach him failed and his mobile lines became unreachable, Abubakar petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, who ordered an investigation. Malumi was later traced to a hideout and arrested through intelligence gathering.

Following the probe led by Inspector Mathew Agbonta, the defendant was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence, conversion, and stealing.

Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offences contravened Sections 280, 314, and 280(1)(b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Malumi, a resident of Iba Estate, Ojo, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The presiding magistrate, Chief Magistrate Olumide Fusika, granted him ?2 million bail with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must deposit ?2 million with the court registrar.

The magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions and adjourned the case for further hearing.

Five men in court for calling Bauchi senator ‘sponsor of banditry’

Absence of trial judge stalled the arraignment of five suspects who allegedly described Shehu Umar, the senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District at the National Assembly a ‘sponsor of banditry.’

The five men who also called for the investigation of the senator.

The matter was fixed for the defendants to take their plea on Tuesday before Federal High Court in Abuja

The five suspects were accused of cyberbullying Shehu Umar who is also Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence in an 11-count charge had been preferred against them by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police.

They were identified as Ahmed Abdulrahman, 41 years; Daure David, 35; Ishaq Muhammed, 25; Abdulrashid Musa, 30; and Nasir Abubakar, 21, as 1st to 5th defendants respectively in the charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/526/2025 dated Oct. 3 and filed by Egwu on Oct. 6, bordering on cybercrime, advance fee fraud, among others.

In count one, the suspects were alleged to have, sometime in 2025, conspired among themselves ‘to commit an offence, to wit; cyberstalking against Sen. Shehu Buba Umar.’

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 27(1)(b) and punishable under Section. 21(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024.

In count three, Abdulrahman, the 1st suspect , was alleged to have, sometime in 2025, intentionally sent a video via his Tiktok handle with user name ‘Kibanna Channel’ and his Youtube channel to defame the lawmaker.

The suspect was alleged to have stated that ‘Sen. Umar, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sponsor of banditry and further called for his investigation, a statement you made by means of computer systems and network knowing same to be false, for the purpose of causing breakdown of law and order.’

The offence is also said to be contrary to Section 24(1}(5) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015 (as amended) 2024, among other counts.

Although counsel to the prosecution, Anthony Egwu, and the defence lawyers; Hamza Dantani and Affis Matanmi, were in court, the trial judge, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, was absence.

The matter was subsequently fixed for Oct. 30 for the defendants to be arraigned.

Meanwhile, Musa and Abubakar (4th and 5th suspects) were alleged to have apologised, in separate video recordings, for their defamatory act against the lawmaker who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

LASTMA officers save Lagos ?430bn yearly in Man-Hour losses

Lagos State’s traffic management efforts have been credited with saving the state over ?430 billion in man-hours annually, according to Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation.

Speaking at the official flag-off of the 2025 Ember Month Safety Campaign of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Giwa described the agency as a vital pillar of Lagos’ economy, ensuring productivity through efficient traffic control and disciplined road use.

The event, themed ‘Safe Roads, Safe Lives-LASTMA Cares’, took place at LASTMA’s headquarters in Oshodi, with top government officials, security agencies, and transport stakeholders in attendance.

Giwa revealed that each of the agency’s 4,100 officers helps prevent economic losses estimated at ?85 million annually through proactive traffic management, timely clearance of gridlocks, and accident prevention.

‘Our LASTMA officers are not just enforcers of traffic laws; they are economic stabilisers,’ Giwa said, adding that ‘Every hour they recover from gridlock is an hour returned to productivity, and every accident they prevent is a life preserved.’

He stressed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration remains fully committed to road safety, traffic discipline, and the welfare of Lagosians, especially during the Ember Months, a period marked by increased travel and commercial activities.

Giwa outlined five strategic pillars for the 2025 campaign: Advocacy and Sensitisation, Empathetic Enforcement, Enhanced Field Deployment, Inter-Agency Collaboration, and Preventive Education.

He urged motorists to embrace patience and discipline, warning that road safety must become a cultural habit rather than a seasonal concern.

In his remarks, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, reaffirmed the agency’s goal of achieving Zero Accidents, Zero Fatalities, and Zero Excuses throughout the Ember Months.

He commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s investment in digital tools such as drone surveillance, body cameras, and improved emergency logistics to strengthen LASTMA’s operations.

The ceremony also featured a drama presentation by students under the ‘Catch Them Young’ School Traffic Advocacy Programme, alongside participation from the FRSC, Nigerian Army, Police, LASAMBUS, LASDRI, NURTW, NARTO, RETEAN, LETI, Traffic Radio, and LBSL.

Senegal cries for Justice as footballer Cheikh Toure found dead in Ghana

Ghanaian police are investigating the mysterious death of a 20-year-old Senegalese footballer, Cheikh Toure, whose body was brought to a hospital in Kumasi last week.

Police said a man who claimed to be Toure’s brother, identified as Issah, took him to the hospital, saying he had been in an accident. But hospital records showed that Toure was already dead when he arrived and had several abdominal injuries.

Senegal’s government said Toure had fallen victim to a group of fake football recruiters who scammed, extorted, and eventually killed him.

According to Senegal’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, Toure was a player with Esprit Foot Academy in Yeumbeul, near Dakar.

He had travelled to Ghana after being promised football trials in Morocco, but was instead kidnapped and murdered.

The Senegalese sports ministry has warned clubs, academies, coaches, and parents to be careful about unverified offers of trials or transfers abroad.

Ghanaian police say they are working to uncover what really happened.

Meanwhile, Senegal’s foreign ministry has sent officials from its embassy in Ghana to help local authorities and arrange for Toure’s body to be returned home.

Tango Brook earns Global ISO 27001:2022 Certification for Data Security

In a major stride toward global best practices in data protection, Tango Brook Technologies Limited, a leading innovator in digital payment solutions, has earned the prestigious ISO 27001:2022 certification, an international benchmark for information security management systems (ISMS).

The certification affirms the company’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding customer data, strengthening digital trust, and maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and system resilience.

Coming shortly after the launch of its groundbreaking Tango Fuel Card, Nigeria’s first unified smart fuel and fleet management system, the achievement marks another milestone in Tango Brook’s mission to deliver secure and transparent digital payment experiences.

The Tango Fuel Card offers consumers and businesses a seamless way to manage fuel purchases nationwide through a physical card accepted at all fuel stations. It integrates advanced analytics, real-time reporting, and fraud prevention tools that empower individuals, households, and fleet managers to monitor and optimise fuel expenses efficiently.

Speaking on the certification, Mr Obi Wemambu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tango Brook Technologies, described it as a reflection of the company’s deep-rooted culture of security and innovation.

‘The ISO 27001:2022 standard is the gold benchmark for information security worldwide. Achieving it demonstrates our commitment to protecting customer data with uncompromising diligence. For us, this goes beyond compliance, it’s about trust,’ Wemambu said.

‘With the Tango Fuel Card, we are redefining fuel payments through transparency, security, and smart technology, ensuring every transaction delivers confidence and value.’

Also speaking, Ms Omobolanle Pase, Head of Legal at Tango Brook Technologies, noted that the certification represents far more than a procedural milestone.

‘ISO 27001:2022 guides how organisations identify risks, build safeguards, and maintain resilience. At Tango Brook, this certification reinforces our long-term pledge to protect customer information and strengthen digital confidence,’ she said.

‘Leading this process has been a rewarding experience. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication and marks the beginning of continuous improvement in our privacy and security systems.’

The ISO 27001:2022 certification solidifies Tango Brook Technologies’ position as a trusted leader in the digital payments space.

It underscores the company’s proactive approach to managing information security risks and its commitment to delivering secure, innovative, and reliable technology solutions for Nigerian consumers and businesses.

Emotional moment Iyabo Ojo welcomed grandson to Nigeria- VIDEO

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has finally welcomed her first grandson, Rakeem Mkabala to Nigeria. The actress in an heartfelt video was seen celebrating with her daughter, Priscilla Ojo Mkabala and her husband, Juma Jux, upon their return to the country.

The couple who tied the knot earlier this year welcomed their first child in August. Iyabo Ojo expressed her joy over the arrival of her daughter and her grandson.

She welcomed them with a surprise house party and an entourage of dancers and singers.

PDP lawmaker joins APC, gives party full control of Benue federal seats

Ojema Ojotu, a member of the House of Representatives representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency in Benue State, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over Tuesday’s plenary session, announced Ojotu’s defection and read the lawmaker’s letter on the floor of the Green Chamber.

Prior to this, the APC held 10 out of the 11 federal constituencies representing the North Central State in the House of Representatives. With Ojotu’s defection, the ruling APC now has full control of all Benue federal seats in the House.

In his letter, read by Kalu, Ojotu cited the ongoing crisis within the PDP as the reason for his decision.

‘After consultation with my constituents, family members, and political associates, I have decided to leave the PDP for the APC,’ he stated.

The defection sparked a challenge from the opposition. The House Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, urged the presiding officer to declare Ojotu’s seat vacant.

He said, ‘Honourable Speaker, I rely on Constitutional Point of Order 68 (1) (g), which states that a member’s seat should be declared vacant if he leaves the party that sponsored his election, and if there is no division in that party.’

This was countered by the House Majority Leader, Ibrahim Halims, who cited Order 7, arguing that ‘when there is an unresolved crisis in a party and that party cannot resolve it, the person concerned can leave to protect his future.’

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker welcomed Ojotu to the APC and assured him of the party’s support at all times.

Blaqbonez opens up on idea of open marriage

Nigerian rapper and singer Emeka Akumefule, also known as Blaqbonez, has opened up on his thoughts about having an open marriage.

While speaking on the In My Opinion podcast, the artist stated that lots of married couples experience a drop in intimacy after being together for a while.

He claimed that it is ok for a married person to be intimate with other people in the absence of their spouse.

‘I don’t mind having an open marriage. Most married couples, you don’t keep having same amount of sex you were having at the beginning. It will reduce. If somebody is satisfying her sexually while I’m hustling, touring, I’m not available to be getting intimate with her all the time. That is okay. There’s more to marriage than sex. I don’t mind that you’re sleeping with someone else provided you’re dedicated to me,’ he stated.

Blaqbonez also added that he would love to have is own room when married. He sated that himself and his wife will only share a bed when they want to be intimate.

‘It will be difficult for a random person to just come and match up with what I have put in there. Nobody is just going to get her sexually and also mentally addicted to them. They probably can’t make her laugh the way I do. If I’m even going to get married, I need two rooms. Me and my wife will only meet when we want to have intimacy.’

What Shine Rosman said about societal treatment of women

Nollywood actress Shine Rosman has made a strong claim about the Nigerian society and how it treats women.

The actress on her Instagram story, claimed that the society hates women. This opinion comes after Regina Daniels cried out over her marriage, stating that she was constantly physically abused.

Shine expressed her dissatisfaction over the way women are being treated and mocked.

‘Nobody can convince me otherwise, so keep your comments to yourself. The Nigerian society genuinely hates women,’ she wrote.

This statement quickly stirred up mixed reactions and debates from other users. Some agreed with her opinion while other claimed that the society is not kind to both genders

Rampant Arsenal crush Atletico Madrid in London showdown

Arsenal delivered a breathtaking performance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, thrashing Atletico Madrid 4-0 in a one-sided contest that showcased the Gunners’ attacking brilliance and tactical maturity.

After a goalless first half filled with near misses and solid defensive work from both sides, Mikel Arteta’s men exploded into life in the second half, producing four unanswered goals that left Diego Simeone’s Atletico shell-shocked.

The breakthrough came in the 57th minute, when Declan Rice curled in a pinpoint free kick that found Gabriel Magalhães, whose towering header flew into the net to make it 1-0. The goal broke Atletico’s resistance and ignited a spell of relentless Arsenal dominance.

Just seven minutes later, Myles Lewis-Skelly released Gabriel Martinelli with a clever pass. The Brazilian showed composure and precision, slotting home into the bottom corner to double Arsenal’s advantage.

The Gunners’ momentum only grew stronger. In the 68th minute, Viktor Gyökeres, Arsenal’s new attacking powerhouse, made it 3-0, his deflected strike wrong-footing Jan Oblak after fine build-up play from Bukayo Saka.

Gyökeres wasn’t done yet. From the ensuing corner in the 70th minute, he pounced again, this time burying the ball into the roof of the net after Gabriel’s knockdown to seal a commanding 4-0 lead and send the home crowd into raptures.

Atletico struggled to respond, despite several substitutions including the introduction of Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada. Their best effort came from Almada in the 77th minute, but Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya produced a magnificent save to preserve his clean sheet.