Category: PM News

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it will not depend entirely on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect its votes during the 2027 general election.

The party said it has already made plans to ensure that every vote cast for its candidates is protected.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, made this known on Wednesday in Ilorin, Kwara State, while speaking to journalists during a road walk organised to create awareness about the party and its preparations for the 2027 elections.

Abdullahi said that although there are honest officials within INEC, elections should not be based on trust alone.

He explained that the party lost confidence in the electoral body after the 2023 general election.

‘We know what INEC is capable of. We trusted the commission during the 2023 general election, but the outcome left us disappointed. We will not make the same mistake again by relying only on trust,’ he said.

He added that the ADC is determined to protect its votes across the country and will not leave the outcome of the election to chance.

Abdullahi also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would lose the 2027 election, saying the party would ensure that every valid vote for its candidates counts.

While he did not reveal the party’s strategy, he said the ADC has a clear plan to defend its votes during the election.

Gov. Hyacinth Alia has vowed that he will do everything legitimately possible to ensure that people of Benue state are protected and their land is secured.

Alia said this while expressing deep sadness over attack by some yet to be identified gunmen on Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

Scores of residents were reportedly killed, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries after the attackers invaded the community in the early hours of Tuesday.

‘Our people are peaceful and hardworking. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure my people are protected and our land is secured,’ Alia said while describing the attack as unfortunate.

He also vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice, according to a statement issued Tuesday in Makurdi by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula.

Alia also commended the Benue Police Command for its swift response to the incident.

He said the police neutralised two suspected armed bandits believed to have participated in the attack while pursuing the fleeing assailants.

Police operatives were immediately deployed after receiving reports of the attack to track down those responsible.

The operatives engaged the fleeing suspects in a gun battle, killing two who allegedly provided cover for others attempting to escape.

Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in eliminating criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property across the state.

He warned that those seeking to displace Benue residents and occupy their ancestral lands would not succeed.

The governor said: ‘Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come, push people away, and take over should think twice.

The latest attack comes less than a week after Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu announced a special 14-day security operation to flush out criminal elements from identified flashpoints across Benue.

Disu made the declaration last Thursday during a town hall meeting on security in Makurdi, attended by Alia, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse, religious leaders, traditional rulers, security chiefs and other stakeholders.

Disu described the security situation in Benue as a source of ‘sleepless nights’ for both residents and security agencies.

He decried that the state, once renowned for peace and hospitality, had become engulfed by violence.

According to him, the crisis has evolved beyond farmer-herder clashes, with kidnappers, armed gangs and political interests aggravating the insecurity.

Disu urged youths not to allow themselves to be recruited by influential individuals to perpetrate violence, particularly during elections.

‘The youth are usually not the ones who start wars, but they are the ones who fight them. Parents must caution their children against being used as cannon fodder,’ he said.

IGP condemned the cycle of attacks and reprisals across the state, saying it must come to an end.

He conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that insecurity in Benue would no longer be tolerated and warned that only authorised security personnel were permitted to bear arms.

The police chief vowed to intensify efforts to recover illegal firearms and said officers had been directed to act decisively in line with Force Order 237 whenever confronted by armed criminals.

He acknowledged concerns over police misconduct, admitting the force was not perfect but assuring residents that every complaint against officers would be investigated and appropriate action taken.

Disu directed the Benue Commissioner of Police to publicly display his contact details to encourage residents to report crimes and police misconduct, stressing that policing could only succeed through community partnership.

‘The Nigerian police belong to the people. We are here to serve you, not to be your masters,’ he said.

The Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of police in charge of mobile police, Francis Iduh, disclosed that the force had identified 14 major security flashpoints across Benue for targeted operations.

He listed the vulnerable areas to include Gbajimba, Agasha, Kwande, Agatu, Naka, Otukpo, Makurdi, Apa and other communities mapped for intensive surveillance.

Iduh said the planned 14-day operation would involve stability and clearance patrols aimed at reclaiming forests, farmlands and criminal hideouts.

He explained that the exercise would target armed herders, bandits and other criminal elements without victimising innocent residents.

‘If communities partner with us and provide credible intelligence, we will deal with criminals without criminalising law-abiding citizens,’ he said.

A suspect has been arrested following allegations that members of a deceased man’s family assaulted, threatened and attempted to dispossess his 28-year-old widow, Tosin, barely days after his death.

The case attracted widespread outrage after human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu shared Tosin’s ordeal online and appealed to the Lagos State Government for urgent intervention.

According to Gwamnishu, Tosin’s legally married husband died on July 20, 2026, leaving her with their two young sons.

Rather than being allowed to mourn peacefully, Tosin alleged that her father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law and his wife moved into her matrimonial home.

They allegedly ordered her to pack her personal belongings and those of her children into a single room in the house.

Gwamnishu further alleged that some of the deceased’s properties had already been shared, while arrangements were being made to sell his car.

The development reportedly left Tosin fearing for her safety and the future of her two children.

She consequently appealed to the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to protect her family from intimidation, unlawful dispossession and any attempt to deny her children their father’s inheritance.

Responding on Wednesday, the DSVA confirmed that it was alerted to the viral report on Tuesday and had established contact with Tosin.

The agency said the widow alleged that she had suffered physical assault, intimidation and threats to her life following her husband’s death.

It added that Tosin had already reported the matter to the Owutu Police Division.

The DSVA subsequently contacted the police officers investigating the case.

Preliminary information from the police confirmed that an alleged perpetrator had been arrested and remained in custody, although the agency did not disclose the person’s identity.

The Lagos State Government assured Tosin and her children of protection while investigations continued.

It also pledged to work with the police and other relevant authorities to ensure that justice was served.

‘No widow should have to fight for dignity, shelter and justice just days after losing her husband,’ Gwamnishu declared.

The Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, has congratulated Mr. Haruna Olawale Adetu on his reappointment as the Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan, describing the development as a well-deserved recognition of his exemplary service, professionalism and outstanding administrative competence.

In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of the University community by the University Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, Professor Adebooye said Mr. Adetu’s reappointment came as no surprise, noting that his years of meritorious service at Osun State University laid a solid foundation for his remarkable achievements in university administration.

According to the Vice-Chancellor:

‘On behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff and students of Osun State University, I warmly congratulate Mr. Haruna Olawale Adetu on his well-deserved reappointment as the Registrar of KolaDaisi University, Ibadan.

‘Mr. Adetu is an exceptional university administrator whose dedication, integrity, professionalism and commitment to excellence have continued to distinguish him. His reappointment is a testament to the confidence reposed in his ability to provide quality leadership and strengthen institutional governance.

‘At Osun State University, we take pride in the quality of our workforce. Our staff members are exceptional professionals who continue to excel wherever they are called to serve. Therefore, we are not surprised by Mr. Adetu’s reappointment, as he is one of the outstanding administrators produced by this University.

‘Mr. Adetu cut his administrative teeth at Osun State University, where he served diligently in several strategic capacities and made invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the institution. His success today reflects the culture of excellence, diligence and service that UNIOSUN promotes.

‘As he begins another term in office, I pray that God grants him greater wisdom, sound health and renewed strength to continue providing exemplary leadership. I have no doubt that he will record even greater accomplishments in the years ahead.’

Professor Adebooye wished Mr. Adetu a successful and impactful second term, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience would continue to advance the fortunes of KolaDaisi University and contribute meaningfully to the development of higher education in Nigeria.

Mr. Adetu served Osun State University in several strategic administrative capacities before his appointment as Registrar of KolaDaisi University in 2022. The Governing Council of the University recently approved his reappointment for another term, effective October 1, 2026, following a favourable appraisal of his performance, professionalism and significant contributions to the growth and stability of the institution.

Professor Adebooye described the reappointment as a source of pride for the entire Osun State University community, adding that it further reflects the University’s enduring tradition of producing highly competent professionals and administrators who continue to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday varied the bail conditions it earlier granted the National President of Miyetti Allah Kauta Kore, Bello Bodejo.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Bodejo with 2.63 million dollars money laundering.

Justice Salim Ibrahim, who is the vacation judge, granted the application after it was moved by Bodejo’s lawyer, Mohammed Sheriff.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Inyang Ekwo, had on July 20, admitted the defendant to N2 billion bail with two sureties in like sum.

The judge ordered that one of the sureties must present a three-year tax clearance evidence and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, while the second sureties must have a land worth N2 billion in Abuja.

Delivering the ruling after Bodejo’s lawyer moved the bail application, which was opposed to by counsel to the EFCC, Fatal Erewunmi, Justice Ibrahim said he was inclined to vary the bail terms.

The judge, who reduced the bail sum from N2 billion to N1 billion with two sureties, ordered that one of the sureties must own a landed property worth N1 billion in either Guzape, Asokoro or Maitama District in Abuja.

The judge added that the sureties must supply the court with photocopies of their driver’s licences, National Identification Number (NIN) or or international passport.

He then further ordered that the case file should be returned to Justice Ekwo’s court for the continuation of trial after vacation.

Bodejo, who was arraigned on July 9 before Justice Ekwo, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Oct. 5 for trial.

Bodejo is, in count one, was alleged to have, on or about Jan. 11, 2022, in Abuja, without lawful authority, accepted a cash payment of 100,000 dollars from Sa’idu Abubakar a former Accountant-General (AG) of Bauchi State who is currently in the lawful custody of the Nigerian Police Force.

The EFCC said the sum exceeded the statutory cash prescribed under Section 1(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), without routing the said transaction through a financial institution as required by law.

He was said to have committed an offence contrary to Section 16(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act.

In count two, Bodejo is alleged to have on or about the Jan. 21, 2022, in Abuja, without lawful authority accepted a cash payment of 200,000 dollars from Abubakar, which exceeded the transaction threshold.

In count three, he is accused of accepting a cash payment of another 100,000 dollars on or about Oct. 26, 2022 in Abuja, without lawful authority from Abubakar.

In count four, Bodejo ia alleged to have on or about Feb. 7, 2024, in Abuja, without lawful authority accepted a cash payment of the sum of 980,00 dollars from Abubakar.

Bodejo is, in count five, accused of accepting 750,000 dollars on or about March 3, 2024 in Abuja, from Abubakar without lawful authority.

The offence, the EFCC said to be contrary to Section 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has said as part of measures to promote accountability and transparency, commuters who pay cash on any of its regulated transport services will be penalised from Aug. 1.

The authority said this will also be in full compliance with its cashless fare payment system across regulated transport operations.

LAMATA announced this on its X space with key stakeholders, transport leaders on the topic, ”Lagos Cashless Transit: What Aug. 1 Enforcement mean to You”, on Tuesday.

The transport body also urged commuters to report any driver or conductor requesting cash through LAMATA’s official email and customer service phone numbers.

Head of Legal LAMATA, Mr Idris Akinola, said laws and regulations governing LAMATA required commuters to use the approved electronic payment method (the Cowry Card) on regulated public transport services.

He also referred to Lagos State laws that treated both giving and receiving unauthorised payments (which he described as bribery in this context) as offenses.

”This means both the person offering cash and the person accepting it may be held liable under the applicable laws, ” he said.

Akinola advised bus operators to employ trustworthy drivers and conductors.

He also urged the operators to carry out random internal inspections to ensure staff were not accepting cash and support LAMATA’s own random enforcement checks on buses.

‘Both parties, if convicted under the applicable laws, could face up to seven years’ imprisonment,’ he said.

Also, Managing Director Teejay Motors, Mr Adekunle Tajudeen, said the company had held meetings and training sessions with its drivers (‘captains’) and boarding officers on preparation for the transition.

‘We have instructed our staff not to accept cash under any circumstances and have emphasised that passengers must use a Cowry Card.

On challenges faced by operators, Tajudeen said several TJ Motors drivers had previously been arrested and jailed for collecting cash.

He argued that passengers were encouraging the practice by offering cash, so enforcement against commuters was intended to act as a deterrent.

He said to avoid disruptions, they recruited additional drivers and expanded its fleet, so that removing non-compliant drivers from service did not leave commuters stranded.

On reason for enforcing the rule on commuters, Mr Adepoju Fawokon, a Public Transport and Urban Mobility Expert, explained that enforcing the policy only against drivers had not been enough.

‘Since every cash transaction involves both the person offering cash and the person accepting it, LAMATA believes both parties should be held accountable.

‘The goal is to reduce revenue leakage and protect the sustainability of the regulated bus system rather than simply punish commuters,’ Fawokan said.

Addressing top-up complaints, Managing Director, Touch and Pay Technologies, Mr Olamide Afolabi, acknowledged that some commuters had complained about agents loading the wrong amount onto their cowry cards.

Afolabi noted that new technology to reduce disputes had been introduced, the Carry Hub and mobile app, where users can view recent top-ups and card balances.

‘Self-service top-up kiosks at bus and rail terminals allow commuters to load cards without an agent.

”Mobile app top-ups work with tools to transfer the balance from the phone to the card,’ he said.

He disclosed that there would be a postpaid/single-card system, expected to roll out more widely before the end of the year.

According to him, the system is one, where online top-ups will be available for immediate use without transferring funds to the card first.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has urged political leaders to allow the electorate to determine Osun state’s next governor through a free, fair and credible electoral process.

The revered traditional ruler said this while condemning the rising political tension in the state ahead of the Aug. 15 governorship election.

‘There is political tension in the state and, truth be told, the tension is becoming unbearable for us. As traditional rulers, we must remain above politics because Osun is bigger than any politician,’ Oba Ogunwusi said.

He spoke while receiving Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday.

Amupitan led a delegation of the commission on a courtesy visit to seek the support and blessings of the traditional institution, ahead of the off-cycle governorship election.

Ooni, in a statement by Mr Moses Olafare, the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, on Tuesday in Ile-Ife, urged political stakeholders to embrace peace.

Addressing the INEC Chairman, Ooni said that the prevailing political atmosphere in the state had become increasingly worrisome, stressing that traditional rulers, as custodians of peace and unity, could not remain silent while tensions continued to escalate.

‘We occupy the thrones of our forefathers, and our responsibility is to speak the truth at all times, irrespective of political affiliations,’ he said.

Ooni said that the traditional institution owed a duty to engage political leaders constructively and remind them that governance should be centred on justice, fairness and the welfare of the people rather than partisan interests.

According to him, politicians may change alliances based on personal or political interests, but the traditional institution remains permanently committed to protecting the peace, stability and unity of the state.

‘Politics is about interests. Those who are opponents today may become allies tomorrow, but the people remain. We do not want political interests to divide our communities or threaten the peace of Osun.

‘Let the people come out freely to vote and decide who they want to govern them,’ he said.

Oba Ogunwusi called on INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality, transparency and professionalism, noting that the electoral umpire held the key to reducing the current political anxiety across the state.

‘You are the umpire. Be very just, upright and transparent in the conduct of this election. We want the election to be free, fair and credible.

‘You have the responsibility to douse the growing tension and inspire confidence among all political stakeholders,’ he said.

Ooni commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process and for creating an enabling environment for INEC to operate independently.

‘We appreciate President Bola Tinubu for empowering INEC to function independently and for providing the commission with the support needed to carry out its constitutional mandate.

‘We believe that the commission should justify that confidence by ensuring justice, fairness and credibility throughout the electoral process,’ he said.

While appealing to political parties, candidates and their supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric capable of provoking violence, Ooni warned against allowing political competition to degenerate into hostility.

He said that no election should be allowed to destroy relationships or permanently divide communities, reminding politicians that they would continue to coexist long after the polls.

‘The traditional institution will continue to promote peace across Osun. We will continue to encourage politicians to embrace peaceful campaigns because elections should never become a source of bloodshed, destruction or division,’ Oba Ogunwusi said.

The Ooni also urged citizens to participate peacefully in the electoral process without fear or intimidation, insisting that the wishes of the electorate must ultimately prevail.

Earlier, INEC Chairman, Amupitan, said that the visit to the Ooni’s Palace was both a cultural obligation and an institutional engagement, aimed at securing the support of the traditional institution for a peaceful governorship election.

He described Ile-Ife as the ancestral home of the Yoruba race and the Ooni as the foremost custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition.

Amupitan said that the commission recognised the influential role of traditional rulers in promoting peace and public confidence during elections.

‘We have come to pay homage to Your Imperial Majesty and seek your royal blessings. Osun occupies a unique place in Nigeria because its people are politically conscious.

‘This election is significant, not only for Osun State, but also as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections,’ he said.

The INEC chairman assured the royal fathers that the commission remained committed to delivering a free, fair, transparent and credible governorship election.

He added that technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), would be fully deployed to safeguard the integrity of the process.

He disclosed that rebuilding public confidence in INEC remained a major priority of his administration, and that such confidence could only be earned through transparent elections that genuinely reflected the will of the people.

Amupitan also appealed to traditional rulers to intensify efforts at promoting peaceful coexistence, by prevailing on political actors and their supporters to reject violence and embrace issue-based campaigns.

He expressed concern over the prevailing security situation in the state and urged political parties to refrain from actions capable of threatening public peace.

The INEC chairman further cautioned against vote-buying and other electoral malpractices, encouraging eligible voters to reject inducements and exercise their civic responsibility freely.

He assured residents that adequate electoral materials would be deployed across the state ahead of the election.

Amupitan urged political parties and members of the public to rely only on official information from INEC and avoid spreading unverified claims capable of heightening political tension.

INEC delegation was received by the Ooni alongside prominent traditional rulers from the Osun State Council of Obas, who gathered at the palace for the engagement. (NAN)

A former presidential candidate in the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) election, Olumuyiwa Akinboro (SAN), has petitioned the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), along with other legal and security agencies over alleged irregularities in the NBA presidential election.

In separate petitions dated July 27, 2026, Akinboro also wrote to the General Council of the Bar, former NBA presidents, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), asking them to investigate the election and provide redress.

The senior lawyer alleged that the election was marred by bias, abuse of office and manipulation, which he said affected the credibility of the process.

Akinboro claimed that after the 2024 NBA election, Osigwe, then President-elect, encouraged him to contest the 2026 NBA presidency and later introduced him to former NBA President Augustine Alegeh (SAN).

According to him, Alegeh agreed to support his ambition if he could convince the South-West bloc to accept a micro-zoning arrangement that would see the NBA presidency rotate between the South-West and Mid-West whenever the position was zoned to the Western Zone.

However, Akinboro said he rejected the proposal because he believed it would be wrong for him to push a political arrangement that could appear to favour his own ambition. He alleged that after the talks failed, Alegeh and Osigwe turned against his candidacy.

He further accused the NBA leadership of using the association’s official platforms and resources to support the eventual winner, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya (SAN).

According to him, during the 2025 NBA Annual General Conference in Enugu, officials distributed campaign materials for Badejo-Okunsanya while denying other candidates the same opportunity. He also claimed he was refused access to the conference’s Friendship Centre for campaign activities and had to rent another venue from the Enugu State Government.

Akinboro also alleged that the association’s ‘Unbarred Party’ was used to promote the eventual winner through campaign billboards and public recognition.

He further claimed that at the NBA National Executive Council meeting in Maiduguri on February 5, 2026, Osigwe openly said he could not remain neutral because he had the right to support a candidate of his choice.

He also alleged that during an NBA-SPIDEL event in April 2026, the NBA President urged lawyers to support a female candidate by telling them to ‘trust a woman with the leadership of the NBA.’

According to Akinboro, Osigwe also contacted several senior lawyers, including Senior Advocates of Nigeria, asking them to withdraw their support for his candidacy.

He further alleged that the Women’s Forum, the Young Lawyers Forum and several NBA committees were used to campaign for the preferred candidate.

Akinboro said he and another presidential aspirant, Yemi Akangbe, had earlier reported the alleged bias to the NBA Board of Trustees, but the board could not act because it no longer had enough constitutional powers to intervene.

He also questioned the composition of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA), claiming its members were appointed by the NBA President instead of the National Executive Council as required by the 2021 NBA Constitution.

According to him, the appointment of the ECNBA Chairman and Secretary to the Body of Benchers after the election raised further concerns about the committee’s independence.

Akinboro also alleged that appointments into the Body of Benchers and other legal regulatory bodies had become political rewards for loyal supporters while opponents were sidelined.

As an example, he cited the removal of J.S. Okutepa (SAN) from the Body of Benchers after the senior lawyer backed his presidential ambition.

The Lagos State Government has stepped up efforts to prevent accidents and fatalities in high-rise buildings by engaging facility managers, safety professionals and industry stakeholders on stricter safety standards and compliance across the state’s built environment.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Lagos State Safety Commission, is aimed at promoting collaboration among stakeholders to improve safety practices, strengthen facility management and ensure the protection of workers in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum themed ‘Safe Building, Protected Workforce,’ the Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, stressed that safety must be integrated into every stage of a building’s lifecycle, from design and construction to operation and maintenance.

Drawing from his experience in facility management, Mojola lamented the rapid deterioration of many buildings due to poor maintenance and inadequate attention to safety.

‘A building is a dynamic, living ecosystem that must be tested every day through operational discipline, routine maintenance, electrical and mechanical inspections, elevator checks, fire safety systems and emergency preparedness,’ he said.

According to him, every building failure, fire outbreak and workplace accident serves as a reminder that safety should never be treated as an afterthought.

‘Safety is the foundation that protects lives, preserves assets and sustains public confidence,’ Mojola added.

He also called for mandatory safety training and certification for facility managers, saying global best practices demand that professionals managing buildings possess strong safety knowledge to reduce workplace accidents.

Mojola noted that workers carrying out high-risk duties, including painters, cleaners, rooftop technicians and contractors, must be adequately protected from injuries and fatalities through strict adherence to safety procedures.

Delivering the keynote address, the Technical Adviser to the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Seun Awojobi, said the forum was designed to develop practical solutions that would improve construction safety, occupational health and facility management across Lagos.

He said the government’s commitment goes beyond regulation, stressing that every worker deserves to return home safely after each day’s work.

‘As Lagos continues to expand with more skyscrapers, industries and commercial developments, maintaining the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance has become more critical than ever,’ Awojobi said.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to promoting a proactive safety culture through regular inspections, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, public enlightenment and strict enforcement of safety regulations.

Experts at the forum also underscored the need for stronger collaboration between facility managers and safety professionals to reduce risks in workplaces and high-rise buildings.

Guest speaker Mr. Lekan Akinwumi described collaboration as the cornerstone of workplace safety, urging organisations to integrate occupational safety with effective facility management.

Similarly, leaders of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON), the Association of Facility Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AFMPN) and the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) called on industry players to embrace global best practices, uphold ethical standards and comply fully with safety regulations.

The stakeholders also highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness, risk management and disaster prevention as Lagos continues to witness rapid urban development and a growing number of high-rise buildings.

A Nigerian-born man who professed love to a lone woman before following and sexually assaulting her at a London train station has been jailed for two years.

Obinwa Obichukwu, 45, targeted the woman at Euston station on the evening of August 20, 2023.

Obichukwu initially approached the victim and attempted to start a conversation about the music she was listening to.

He grabbed her hand, professed his love, placed an arm around her shoulder and invited her to his home.

Obichukwu then followed the woman along Euston Road and down an escalator towards the Tube station.

He sexually assaulted her at the station entrance and again near the ticket barriers before she pushed him away and fled.

British Transport Police officers later traced Obichukwu to his home and arrested him.

The Inner London Crown Court convicted him in January on two counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on July 21.

Announcing the sentence, British Transport Police described Obichukwu as a ‘sexual predator’ who deliberately targeted a woman travelling alone.

‘We’ve put another sexual predator in prison. Obinwa Obichukwu targeted a lone woman and attacked her at Euston station,’ the police said.

In addition to his prison sentence, Obichukwu was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the sex offenders register for the same period.