Category: PM News

The Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) has apprehended no fewer than 130 suspected hoodlums during an early morning raid in Victoria Island, Lekki-Ajah and parts of the Coastal Road.

The operation, which began around 2 a.m. on Friday followed reports of criminal activities targeting motorists, particularly during periods of traffic congestion, LNSA General Manager, Dr Ifalade Oyekan, who led the operation, disclosed in a statement issued on Friday.

He said the suspects were screened and presented to the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASSRA) team attached to LNSA.

According to him, the exercise was aimed at identifying and profiling the suspects, while those found culpable would face prosecution.

Oyekan said the operation reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting lives and property while ensuring residents and motorists could move freely without fear.

The general manager said the operation formed part of LNSA’s broader community policing strategy, involving residents and other security agencies.

He said the strategy was designed to identify security threats and tackle them promptly across communities.

According to Oyekan, the initiative also aligned with the Lagos state government’s efforts to strengthen grassroots security and support the establishment of a state police structure.

He said the proposed structure would enhance intelligence gathering, rapid response and effective policing across communities.

‘I commend the supporting agencies for their professionalism and coordination during the operation,’ Oyekan said.

He also thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde.

He said their continued support had strengthened security operations across Lagos state.

‘We will continue similar joint operations at strategic locations across Lagos to deter criminal activities and enhance public safety,’ Oyekan said.

The operation was supported by the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and an armed detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.

The operation was facilitated by the Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Kunle Fagbemi.

Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State made history on Friday, September 4, 2026, as Hon. Vera Sado was sworn in as the council’s first elected female chairperson.

She also set another record as the first person from the Anegbette/South Uneme axis to head the local government since its creation.

Governor Monday Okpebholo performed the swearing-in of Hon. Sado and 17 other chairpersons at Festival Hall, Government House, Benin.

The event attracted APC leaders, dignitaries and supporters from Etsako Central, who celebrated Hon. Sado as the only woman among the 18 newly inaugurated council bosses.

In his address, Governor Okpebholo said the inauguration signals ‘the beginning of a new chapter in grassroots governance and development.’

He scored the July 12 LG elections free, fair and credible, saying the turnout proved growing confidence in democracy and his government.

‘Local governments, being the closest tier of government to the people, have a greater responsibility to ensure development reaches communities across the state,’ he stated.

Linking the task to LG autonomy under President Bola Tinubu, the Governor said the responsibility is now heavier.

‘The overwhelming victory recorded by our party at the recent polls is a call for more work. I charge you to go and work for the people, complement the development efforts of the State Government and ensure that the impact of government is felt in every community,’ Okpebholo said.

He warned the chairmen against corruption, describing public office as ‘a sacred trust.’

‘Your legacies will be defined by the lives you touch, the problems you solve, and how effectively you use the opportunities entrusted to you,’ he added.

Hon. Sado won the chairmanship on Saturday, July 12, 2026, on the APC platform during the statewide LG polls.

After her swearing-in, she appreciated her constituents and assured them of ‘better days ahead.’

Her victory has been welcomed in the South Uneme/Anegbette axis as a historic milestone.

‘It is a dream come true to produce an elected chairman from our axis for the first time,’ said Hon. Emmanuel Okolo, former Councillor and ex-Leader of the Legislative Arm in the Council.

The Enugu State Police Command says it detained 6,240 suspects and rescued 211 kidnapped victims in 17 months of sustained security operations across the state.

The command also recovered 156 firearms and 1,486 rounds of assorted ammunition during the period, highlighting the scale of its operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, disclosed the figures on Friday while receiving the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13, AIG Miller Dantawaye, who paid a working visit to the command.

The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, made the disclosure in a statement issued on behalf of the commissioner on Saturday in Enugu.

Giwa said the figures covered the period from March 11, 2025, when he assumed office as Commissioner of Police in the state, to September 2026.

According to him, the command detained 158 kidnapping suspects, 186 armed robbery suspects, 188 murder suspects and 57 suspects linked to rape and defilement.

He added that 273 suspects were detained for cultism, while 63 others were detained for unlawful possession of firearms.

The remaining 5,315 suspects were detained for various other offences, including stealing, breaking and vandalism, the commissioner said.

Beyond the arrests, the command recovered a significant cache of weapons, including 43 AK-47 rifles and one G-3 assault rifle.

Giwa also disclosed that 209 vehicular exhibits comprising motor vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles were recovered during the operations.

The commissioner attributed the results to sustained intelligence-led operations, proactive policing and security collaboration with neighbouring states.

He said the command’s efforts had been reinforced by the deployment of the Violent Crime Response Unit, intensified border patrols under the Inspector-General of Police’s Handshake Patrol initiative, and improved emergency response through the Distress Response Squad and Command-and-Control Centre.

Giwa, however, called for continued support from the police zone, particularly in manpower, operational logistics and personnel welfare, to enable the command to consolidate its achievements.

Responding, AIG Dantawaye charged officers and men of the command to uphold professionalism, discipline, accountability and ethical conduct while strictly adhering to Force regulations and respecting citizens’ rights.

He urged the personnel to remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities and sustain public confidence in the police.

Dantawaye also expressed his readiness to work with the command to further strengthen security across Enugu State.

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) has donated two operational vehicles to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to strengthen security along the railway corridor and protect critical infrastructure in the state.

The vehicles were formally handed over to the NRC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Kayode Opeifa, at the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

Presenting the vehicles, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, said the intervention formed part of the Lagos State Government’s continued support for security agencies and institutions operating in the state.

Ogunsan, who was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary of the Fund, Mr Demola Lewis, said the vehicles would improve the ability of security personnel attached to the railway to respond to vandalism, theft and other criminal activities along the railway corridor.

He commended the transformation taking place within the NRC under Opeifa’s leadership, saying the state government considered it necessary to provide additional support to safeguard railway infrastructure and enhance operational efficiency.

Ogunsan urged the Nigeria Police Railway Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which are expected to deploy the vehicles for railway security operations, to ensure their proper and judicious use.

He said the LSSTF had a monitoring mechanism to ensure that security assets donated by the Fund were deployed strictly for their intended purposes.

According to him, responsible utilisation of the vehicles would strengthen the case for further assistance from the state government and the Fund whenever necessary.

Responding, Opeifa expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for its continued support for the NRC and its efforts to improve railway security and operations.

The NRC boss also commended the leadership and staff of the LSSTF for their commitment and partnership in strengthening the safety and security of the railway system in Lagos.

He said the donation would enhance the capacity of security agencies attached to the railway to protect passengers, railway infrastructure and other critical assets.

Opeifa assured the state government and LSSTF that the vehicles would be deployed strictly for the purposes for which they were donated.

He also called on other state governments, particularly the 26 states where the NRC has an operational presence, to support the protection of railway assets in their jurisdictions.

According to him, stronger collaboration between the NRC, state governments and security agencies would facilitate faster responses to vandalism and other criminal activities targeting railway infrastructure.

Opeifa also made a personal donation to the LSSTF and urged NRC staff, corporate organisations and residents of Lagos to continue supporting the Fund’s efforts to improve security across the state.

Beyond the vehicle donation, Opeifa disclosed that the Lagos State Government had expressed its readiness to rehabilitate some roads within the railway compound and install solar-powered streetlights after the completion of the road works.

He said work was also ongoing on a major storm-water drainage project designed to channel water from the railway compound towards the Mile 2 lagoon.

The drainage project, which commenced earlier in the year, had significantly improved the environment around the railway compound and helped reduce the perennial flooding previously experienced during heavy rainfall, he said.

Speaking on behalf of the security agencies, the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Railway Command, Deputy Commissioner of Police Yahaya Usman, thanked the Lagos State Government and LSSTF for the donation.

Usman assured that the vehicles would be used strictly for railway security operations, particularly surveillance, patrols and rapid response along the railway corridor.

The intervention further highlights the growing partnership between the NRC and the Lagos State Government in securing railway infrastructure, improving passenger safety and strengthening security around railway communities.

The wife of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Mrs Ekaette Akpabio, visited the Senate chamber to inspect faulty facilities and equipment, the Senate President’s aide has said.

The Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Diaspora and NGOs, Dr Jibril Tafida, made the clarification on Saturday while dismissing reports suggesting that Mrs Akpabio had ‘unholy access’ to the chamber.

Tafida said the visit was arranged following complaints from senators and National Assembly staff about poor facilities and concerns over the quality of work carried out by contractors.

According to him, the visit was approved by Akpabio and was deliberately scheduled for Saturday to avoid interfering with legislative activities.

He said Mrs Akpabio was accompanied by engineers and technical experts, including electrical, ICT, audio-visual and building maintenance specialists, who were at the chamber to assess the reported faults.

Tafida also denied claims that she came with ‘marabouts’ or individuals of questionable character, describing such reports as false and misleading.

‘No security protocol was breached, and relevant officials were aware of the visit,’ he said.

The aide accused the publication that reported the claims of engaging in speculative journalism, urging media organisations and content creators to verify information before publishing.

He said Mrs Akpabio was known for her philanthropic activities and integrity, adding that the Senate President remained focused on his legislative responsibilities.

‘The National Assembly remains secure and well managed,’ Tafida said.

When contacted, Tafida declined further comments beyond the statement but maintained that the Senate President’s office would not tolerate what he described as reckless reports targeting the family.

Dr Umar Tanko-Yakasai, Director General, Tinubu Support Groups (TSG), has claimed that President Bola Tinubu has saved Nigeria’s economy from imminent collapse.

Tanko-Yakasai stated this during the inauguration of the TSG 2.0 State Chapters, on Saturday in Kano.

The DG who commended the president, said he took over a shattered and battered economy, and has turned it around and stabilised it.

‘Our foreign reserves have hit over $53 billion from net $3.89 billion, inflation down to 15.43 per cent from over 34 per cent.

‘The nation’s GDP has grown to 4.43 per cent in the second quarter of 2026 with a nominal GDP of N119.27 trillion.

‘He cleared over $78 billion loan and additional $3.5 billion Covid-19 loan, and tripled the FAAC allocation to states, with state governments now paying salaries without bailouts,’ he said.

According to him, many state governments have started paying their inherited loans.

The DG further noted that President Tinubu created NELFUND to support students, granted local governments financial autonomy, and created additional regional development commissions for equality and regional growth.

Tanko-Yakasai said that the president also appointed over 50 Kano indigenes into his government to ensure inclusion.

He explained that Tinubu completed the Kano-Kaduna express way, while other projects are on-going, including Gwarzo-Dayi road, Katsina road and Daura road, among others.

‘Mr President has done a lot for Kano and is still doing more,’ he said.

The director-general tasked the newly inaugurated state executives to hit the ground running to ensure that they deliver victory for President Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.

He described the turnout for the event as impressive and a show of tremendous support for Tinubu.

While inaugurating the state executives, the Convener of TSG, James Abiodun-Faleke, said that the crowd was an indication that Kano is an All Progressive Congress (APC) state.

Also, the group’s North-West Coordinator, Dr Baffa Babba-Dan’agundi, commended all those who supported the group to keep moving in the region.

Earlier, the Chairman of APC in Kano, Umar Doguwa, declared that Kano is for the APC.

Also speaking, former APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said the Renewed Hope Agenda was a policy framework by the APC-led government.

He said that it was carefully designed to help the nation come out of its challenges, including poverty, insecurity and slow economic growth, among others.

Ganduje said the policy was a guide towards the nation’s development aspiration, describing Tinubu as a progressive leader.

Emerging photographer and visual storyteller Chijioke Grant Uzoanya, professionally known as Grant Elvis Galleria, has received a Certificate of Participation from BAFA, adding to a growing portfolio of creative engagements since he began exploring photography in 2025.

Uzoanya’s participation in the BAFA programme is part of a broader period of creative development that has seen him take part in community-focused and artistic initiatives aimed at strengthening his practice in photography and visual storytelling.

He discovered photography in February 2025 and has since explored visual storytelling through themes including identity, culture and human experience.

While the BAFA certificate marks a recent milestone in his creative journey, Uzoanya said formal recognition is only one measure of artistic development.

For the emerging artist, participating in creative projects, working with other creatives and engaging with communities are equally important to building experience and developing a distinct artistic voice.

His recent engagements have included activities with City in Frames Bradford and Move Right Bradford, which have exposed him to different approaches to community-based visual art and storytelling.

According to Uzoanya, these experiences have helped him better understand the role photography can play in documenting communities and capturing individual experiences.

His creative approach focuses on using photography not only for aesthetic purposes but also as a medium for preserving stories and documenting aspects of people’s lives and cultural experiences.

Uzoanya’s academic background in biochemistry has also influenced his approach to photography, particularly in areas such as observation, precision and attention to detail.

As he continues to develop his practice, Uzoanya is working towards establishing Grant Elvis Galleria as a creative identity centred on photography, storytelling and cultural documentation.

The artist is also preparing for ARTx, his next major creative project, which he said will provide an opportunity to present his work, examine his artistic progression and explore some of the experiences and ideas that have influenced his development.

With his photography career still in its early stages, Uzoanya’s BAFA certificate forms part of a wider process of building experience, developing his creative voice and establishing a body of work that reflects his evolving artistic identity.

A Nigerian-British businessman and social media influencer, Igho Ubiribo, has died after undergoing a penis enlargement procedure during a luxury trip to Thailand.

Ubiribo, 43, reportedly died after the cosmetic treatment triggered a fatal pulmonary embolism, according to findings from an inquest in the United Kingdom.

The businessman, who was also known as ‘Tiny’, ‘Denisi’ and ‘Ego’, was on holiday in Bangkok with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen, when he decided to undergo the procedure.

Reports from the inquest revealed that doctors injected about 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine into his penis at an unnamed clinic in Thailand in March.

After the procedure, Ubiribo and his wife reportedly returned to their Marriott hotel, where they went for a massage.

It was during the massage that he complained of chest pain before collapsing and losing consciousness.

He was rushed to Sukhumvit Hospital, where he was initially able to respond to medical staff.

His wife reportedly informed doctors that he had recently undergone penis filler injections, prompting concerns that the procedure may have been linked to his condition.

Medical personnel suspected a pulmonary embolism and recommended further scans, but Ubiribo reportedly lost consciousness before the examination could be completed.

Doctors later transferred him to intensive care, where attempts were made to revive him through prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

He was pronounced dead in the early hours of March 6.

Postmortem Links Death to Cosmetic Procedure

A postmortem examination conducted in the UK later found material in Ubiribo’s lungs consistent with the hyaluronic acid used during the penis filler procedure.

Pathologist John du Parcq told the inquest that the substance discovered matched the material injected during the cosmetic treatment.

He said the findings supported the conclusion that Ubiribo suffered a pulmonary embolism caused by the procedure.

The coroner, Jean Harkin, subsequently ruled that the businessman’s death was caused by a pulmonary embolism linked to the cosmetic injection.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot or other material blocks a blood vessel supplying the lungs, potentially causing sudden breathing difficulties, heart strain and death.

Medical Background

During the inquest, information from Ubiribo’s doctor in London showed that he had previously undergone joint surgeries and had been described as pre-diabetic and suffering from gout.

However, his doctor reportedly said he had no other major medical conditions.

Penis fillers containing hyaluronic acid are marketed as a non-surgical option for increasing girth, but medical experts have warned that injectable cosmetic procedures can carry serious risks if complications occur.

A Life of Luxury

Ubiribo was known for showcasing his luxury lifestyle on social media, where he had about 185,000 Instagram followers.

Reports said he owned a home in Los Angeles valued at about $1.1 million and a London apartment reportedly worth around $600,000.

He married Zimbabwean fashion designer Danielle Simba Allen in a lavish ceremony in 2022.

Following his death, Ubiribo was buried in London in a gold coffin, with reports claiming the funeral arrangement cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Afrobeats singer Davido, who was described as a childhood friend of the businessman, attended the funeral and paid tribute to him.

The case has renewed attention on the potential dangers associated with cosmetic procedures involving injectable fillers, after medical evidence linked the treatment to the fatal complication.

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion, working with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnap victims following a joint operation in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The victims, identified as Mr Kelvin Okafor and Mr Alex Anato, were abducted while working on a farm in the community on Friday, September 4, 2026.

The security operation was launched after troops received credible intelligence about the abduction and the location of the victims.

Acting on the information, the joint team mobilised to the area and moved to the kidnappers’ hideout.

The kidnappers reportedly abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing security personnel.

The troops and other security operatives gave chase, leading to the neutralisation of one of the fleeing kidnappers, while two others escaped deeper into the forest.

The two victims were rescued unhurt and subsequently handed over to the police for medical assessment, debriefing and further action.

The remains of the neutralised kidnapper were also handed over to the police for appropriate action.

The Nigerian Army said it remained committed to protecting lives and property, adding that troops would continue to work with other security agencies and local stakeholders to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements.

It said the operations were aimed at denying criminals freedom of action and improving the safety and security of communities across the country.

The Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy (LJLA) has celebrated the graduation of its 2025/2026 cohort and welcomed the 2026/2027 cohort, reaffirming its dedication to nurturing young Nigerians for leadership and public service.

Speaking during the graduation and induction event held in Ikeja on Friday evening, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged the graduates of the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy to utilise the knowledge and experience gained during their fellowship to promote positive change and bolster leadership across Nigeria.

He encouraged the young leaders to view the programme not as the conclusion of their training, but as the start of their duty to society.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, was honoured with an award at the ceremony, where 30 fellows of the 2024/2025 cohort, known as the ‘Class of Catalysts,’ were presented with their certificates of completion and the induction of another 30 fellows into the 2025/2026 fellowship year. The Governor stated at the event, that the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy was created to bridge the gap between the ambitions of young Nigerians and the realities of leadership in the public sector.

He said his administration established the academy and named it after the late former Lagos State Governor, Lateef Jakande, knowing that the former Governor demonstrated that true leadership was not measured by the duration in office or the number of projects completed, but by the lives transformed and the institutions established.

Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed conviction that the Academy would outlive his administration, noting that it was being built as a permanent asset of Lagos State rather than a programme dependent on any specific administration’s personality or budget priorities.

He challenged the graduating fellows to implement the lessons learned during their fellowship whenever they face challenging situations in their professional lives.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also revealed that over 16,000 applications were received for the new cohorts, describing the selection of successful fellows as proof of the confidence the Academy has in their potential.

He urged the new fellows to embrace discomfort, to learn to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and to be willing to contribute even when they are the least experienced in the room.

Governor Sanwo-Olu further emphasised the importance of creating a clear pathway from the Academy into public service, stating that young Nigerians should not be trained for leadership without opportunities to apply their skills within government and other institutions.

The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the fellows must be able to learn, unlearn, and relearn. He advised them not to be daunted by the future, as they are part of the administration’s modest experience.

Dr. Hamzat urged the fellows not to fear technological change but to adapt quickly and utilise emerging technologies to address societal issues.

He encouraged the fellows to carry forward the legacy of the first Civilian Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, by demonstrating through their actions that leadership is primarily about impact.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Academy, Mrs. Ayisat Agbaje-Okunade, expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the political will and support that enabled the Academy’s growth.

She remarked that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s dedication to empowering young people and providing them with leadership opportunities has inspired fellows to pursue careers in public service.

She also commended Dr. Hamzat for prioritising youth development, noting that both the Governor and Deputy Governor have shown confidence in young Nigerians by entrusting them with responsibilities.

The Executive Secretary added that the Academy’s aim is not just to train young people but to ensure that the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained translate into meaningful career opportunities and leadership roles.

She urged the incoming cohort to recognise the responsibilities that come with being selected and to use the experience to contribute meaningfully to society.

During his address, the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Hakeem Bello-Osagie, encouraged the fellows to find their way in life and not to follow the crowd, urging them to dare to fail and to overcome their fears.

Some of the stakeholders at the event praised the Lagos State Government for maintaining the vision of the Academy.