TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lagos State

  • Lagos Assembly workers remanded in DSS custody

    Lagos Assembly workers remanded in DSS custody

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday ordered the remand of three Lagos State House of Assembly workers in Department of State Security Services (DSS) custody over alleged assault.

    The defendants, Ibrahim Olanrewaju, Adetu Adekunle, and Fatimoh Adetola, were named in charge No. FHC/L/273C/2025, dated Feb. 24, 2025.

    The DSS accused them and others at large of conspiring to obstruct and assault security officers while they were on duty.

    Justice Daniel Osiagor ordered their remand after DSS counsel, Mr Michael Bajela, sought their arraignment.

    However, the judge stated that he needed to review the case file before proceeding.

    The defendants will remain in DSS custody until their arraignment on Wednesday.

    According to the charges, the alleged offence took place on Feb. 17 at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    The DSS alleges that the defendants obstructed officers without lawful excuse.

    They were also accused of cyberstalking, including recording and sharing false information on social media to incite public disorder.

    The agency further alleged that Olanrewaju and Adekunle used an iPhone 12 Pro Max, while Adekunle also used a Tecno POP 8, to spread misleading content.

    The DSS claimed this was intended to embarrass the agency and disrupt public order.

    The offences contravene section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Law of the Federation, 2004.

    PASAN demands immediate release of detained Lagos Assembly workers

    Before the workers were remanded in the custody of the DSS, the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) had demanded for their immediate release.

    The association’s Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Babatunde Ogunlana, made the demand while addressing  journalists  on Tuesday in Ikeja.

    This is after the DSS on Friday arrested the three staff members for allegedly attacking its personnel at the Assembly complex on Feb. 17.

    The detained workers, two Sergeants-at-Arms officers and a  Public Affairs Officer,  had prevented the DSS officials from entering the chamber with firearms on the same day.

    The Assembly, had in a letter dated Feb. 14 and signed by the Acting Clerk, Babatunde Ottun, invited the DSS to provide more security at the complex on Feb.17,citing intelligence reports   indicating  potential threat to peace at the complex.

    The House added that it received reports of plans by the impeached speaker of the House ,Mr Mudashiru Obasa,to forcibly remove the new speaker ,Mrs Mojisola Meranda, and impose himself as Speaker.

    However, the presence of the DSS operatives at the Assembly complex  resulted in chaos as  they were confronted by some legislative workers  who accused them of acting beyond providing security.

    Speaking at the news conference, Ogunlana, said the continued detention of  the association’s members raised genuine concerns for the health and safety of the affected staff; one of whom was asthmatic.

    The chairman called on Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  Civil Society Organisations and the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) to intervene in the matter and help free the detained staff.

    Ogunlana said the arrest and detention of the affected workers was a violation of their rights.

    “The association is using the medium to condemn the humiliating arrest, detention and trial of the officers as abuse of power and gross violation of the rights of the workers who were performing their statutory duties.

    “PASAN, as a union, demands the immediate release of the detained staff members, and call on the authorities to institute a thorough investigation into their arrest, torture, and continued detention with a view to forestalling recurrence.

    “We are calling on the Civil Society Organisations and organised labour to rise in defense of democracy and rule of law and  prevent future intimidation and harassment of workers by security agencies

    “The association further calls on DSS to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of the affected staff,” he said.

    Ogunlana added that the association found the continued detention of the staff worrisome ,accusing the DSS of subjecting them  to psychological trauma.

  • 26-year-old bike passenger crushed to death in Lagos

    26-year-old bike passenger crushed to death in Lagos

    A 26-year-old female passenger was on Monday crushed to death at the Ojo Barracks main gate along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Lagos State.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the tragic incident involved a Howo truck driven by one Kazeem Olashokumi and a red TVS motorcycle.

    The spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement disclosed that the motorcycle was heading from Mile 2 toward Iyana-Iba when the rider lost control.

    The female passenger fell off the motorcycle and was crushed under the rear tyre of the moving truck, dying instantly.

    Authorities have evacuated the victim’s body, while the truck, motorcycle, and driver have been taken to the police station for further investigation.

  • LASTMA denies knocking down two students on road chase

    LASTMA denies knocking down two students on road chase

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has denied claims that its officials knocked down two students while chasing a vehicle on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lane.

    This is contained in a statement on Monday by Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment at LASTMA.

    “LASTMA’s attention has been drawn to a misleading report titled, ‘Two students knocked down as LASTMA officials chase vehicle on BRT Lane.

    “We categorically refute the claims, which misrepresent the facts and attempt to misinform the public regarding the tragic incident,” he said.

    Adebayo clarified that LASTMA officials do not engage in high-speed pursuits, whether on regular roads or BRT corridors.

    “Our agency has transitioned to advanced Traffic Management Solutions (TMS) technology, enabling remote identification and apprehension of violators without physical confrontation,” he said.

    Preliminary investigations confirmed that a driver of a black Toyota Camry encroached on the BRT lane. Upon noticing LASTMA officers ahead, he recklessly attempted to evade detection.

    In doing so, he lost control and fatally struck two students of Government College, Agege, who were walking home from school.

    “We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and reaffirm our commitment to traffic orderliness and the safety of all road users,” Adebayo stated.

    He urged the public and media to uphold journalistic integrity, ensuring facts are verified before sharing information that could cause panic or damage the reputation of government bodies.

  • New speaker to emerge from Lagos West, largest senatorial district in the state

    New speaker to emerge from Lagos West, largest senatorial district in the state

    Inspite of a subsisting court case over the removal of Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, President Bola Tinubu and some leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC), weekend, reached a political solution considered a win-win for all parties.

    Sources at the villa hinted that Tinubu had received many prominent party leaders, including former APC national chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; former governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba; Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake; and a former commissioner in Lagos State, whose name the source refused to disclose for political reasons.

    Ahead of the meeting between the president and the party leaders, the source added that another prominent Nigerian and nonagenarian from the South-west (name withheld) had also met the president over the Assembly matter and other national concerns, during which he pleaded with the president to consider his request on Lagos as his birthday gift.

    It was gathered that the president met with different people on the Lagos Assembly matter, with each analysing the implications of letting the situation escalate beyond the point it was at the moment, even though some damage had been done. It was against this backdrop, the source said, that the meeting agreed that Obasa’s removal had come to stay and there was no going back on his speakership, especially as the laws guiding the Assembly were clear about the election and removal of a speaker.

    Particularly more instructive was the revelation that virtually everyone, who had something to say on the Assembly crisis, spoke badly about the leadership of Obasa and his conduct for the period he held sway.

    They argued, among other things, that if 37 out of his 39 colleagues stood against him with scathing remarks about his leadership, in addition to the position of the political leaders in the state, who also wrote him off, then returning him would be against the tide.

    They reckoned that would be dangerous for the politics in the state, and the democratic credentials of the president.

    It was on the strength of these arguments that the president resolved at the meetings that Obasa’s removal had come to stay, but a plea was made to salvage his political future by giving him a soft-landing.

    It was in the bid to give him a soft-landing, the source added, that a conclusion was reached during the meetings that Obasa’s removal should be quashed and commuted to resignation, the same way the removal of a former deputy speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Funmi Tejuosho, was converted to resignation.

    Once that was settled, the fate of the current speaker, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, was next on the agenda and it was somewhat tricky for the president, the speaker being a woman.

    The source explained that while the president wanted the elevation of a woman in the politics of the state, the speaker coming from the same senatorial district as the governor – Lagos Central, made it impossible for her to keep her position.

    One of the reasons canvassed in support of that viewpoint was that, if the governor was elected from Lagos Central and his deputy from the East, then the largest senatorial district, Lagos West, could not be left out of the power equation on account of the leadership crisis in the Assembly.

    The source disclosed that the president was so disturbed about the situation that he asked if another woman from Lagos West could be sourced and put forward, instead, so that the women folk would not allege discrimination in the power game.

    Unfortunately, the only woman from that part of the state was not only a first timer, but also elected on the platform of a minority party, Labour Party, making her choice impracticable in view of the power arrangement in the state.

    The meeting concluded that Meranda, too, should resign and stand down from the speakership position and allow someone from Lagos West to occupy the office, just so that none of the three senatorial districts would feel alienated.

    Further explaining how the state arrived at this juncture, the source explained that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the president did not care about Obasa’s removal, as he was not special.

    The source said Tinubu’s response conveyed the impression that if Obasa was unable to manage and carry his colleagues along, to the point that he lost their trust, then the president would not do his job for him.

    It added that there was also the feeling that Obasa had served as Speaker for over nine years by riding on the coattails of the president, and that was enough compensation, for now.

    However, the source said the president was angry with the fact that Obasa’s removal caught him unaware. He was not just the political leader of the party in the state and at the national level, but also as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He considered being taken off guard in such situation discourteous, and having attendant political implications.

    But after several interventions, the president, the source said, looked beyond the failings of the assembly members, and was now interested in moving forward. This disposition gave rise to the solutions collectively arrived at.

  • Man beats girlfriend to death in Lagos

    Man beats girlfriend to death in Lagos

    Operatives of the Isheri Osun Police Division in Lagos State have arrested a  Nigerian man, identified as Gbolahan Adebayo, 23, following the death of his 25-year-old girlfriend, who was found unconscious with visible injuries in his apartment in Ijedodo.

    According to a police, a concerned neighbor had earlier witnessed Adebayo physically assaulting his girlfriend for reasons yet to be determined.

    The situation took a tragic turn on the morning of February 23, when Adebayo reportedly screamed for help, prompting them to rush to his apartment, where they found the young woman lying unconscious on the bed, bearing visible marks of violence.

    She was immediately rushed to a hospital in Ijegun, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

    Upon receiving the report, a team of detectives visited the scene and later proceeded to the hospital, where the deceased’s body was examined and photographed.

    The corpse has since been deposited at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) morgue in Yaba for an autopsy.

    Meanwhile, Adebayo has been taken into custody as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue.

    “On 23/02/25 at about 0900 hours, one neighbor reported at Isheri Osun Division that on 21/02/25 at about 2000 hours, he saw his neighbor, one Gbolahan Adebayo ‘m’ age 23 years, beating his girlfriend, aged 25 years, in his home in Ijedodo for yet-to-be-determined reasons.

    “However, at about 0700 hours, the said Gbolahan Adebayo ‘m’ reportedly screamed for help, and on getting to his apartment, the said girlfriend was met lying unconscious on the bed with visible marks of violence found on the body.

    “She was immediately taken to a hospital in Ijegun, where she was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

    “Based on the report, a team of detectives visited the scene. The hospital was also visited, where the corpse was inspected and photographed. (The) corpse (was) evacuated and deposited at IDH morgue Yaba for autopsy.

    “The suspect was promptly arrested, and (an) investigation is in progress on the matter,” the report shared by the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin read.

  • FG considers new measure to discourage ‘death race’ on Third Mainland Bridge

    FG considers new measure to discourage ‘death race’ on Third Mainland Bridge

    The federal government (FG) is considering a new measure to discourage over-speeding by motorists on the recently rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the FG to be considering installation of speed bumps on the Third Mainland Bridge to discourage over-speeding, which has resulted in many cases of accidents and deaths on the bridge.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, who made this known in Lagos, expressed concern about excessive speed by motorists  on the newly rehabilitated Third Mainland Bridge.

    Speaking at a stakeholder engagement on the Phase One and Phase Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, Umahi gave an update on efforts being made by the FG to rehabilitate key bridges in the State, specifically  the Third Mainland Bridge, Carter Bridge and Eko Bridge.

    The minister urged motorists to avoid excessive speed on the bridge  to discourage the federal government from considering installation of the speed bumps on the bridge.

    Umahi said: “We have to talk to our people. The speed there is terrible. If we put speed bumps, then, it is going to create a heavy hold-up on the bridge”.

    The minister said that the government had installed Closed Circuit Television  (CCTV) cameras on the bridge and under it, adding that they would soon be inaugurated.

    He disclosed that officials would be on standby to monitor the footage and enforce speed regulations.

    Umahi also said that the government had extended rehabilitation of the bridge to Falomo, adding that streetlights and additional CCTV cameras had been installed at Falomo.

    He disclosed that all activities on that stretch would be monitored remotely from Abuja.

    “Let me also announce that we have also done an extension of that bridge rehabilitation, a beautiful sight to behold from that Third Mainland Bridge down to Falomo. We have put street lights and we have also put CCTV cameras.

    “Whatever you are doing on that stretch of Falomo to Third Mainland Bridge and the ramps, we are seeing you; it is on camera, and we are also routing it down to Abuja.

    “We will stay in our office and watch, like what we have done on the Second Niger Bridge,’’ Umahi said.

  • FG orders contractor to resume Ikorodu-Itoikin road

    FG orders contractor to resume Ikorodu-Itoikin road

    The Federal Government has instructed the contractor handling the Ikorodu-Itoikin road to return to the site within 24 hours or face arrest.

    The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, issued the directive during a tour of the Ikorodu-Sagamu linking Itoikin road on Thursday.

    Umahi gave the contractor 24 hours to return, warning of consequences for breaching the contractual agreement.

    “This Ikorodu-Itoikin road is 34 kilometres long. I cannot recall how long the contractor has been on the project, but we’ve faced funding challenges.

    “With the little funding we have, the contractor claims to have used it for palliative work, but we disagree with the extent of the work done. The funds must be returned to active construction.

    “The contractor has demobilised from the site, which is a breach of contract. We are giving him 24 hours to return.

    “We’ve secured good funding, and the president is keen to complete this road. What the contractor is doing is unacceptable,” Umahi said.

    The Minister explained that the contractor was instructed to remove existing asphalt and increase the road level by 20 cm of laterite.

    “However, the contractor has destroyed the sub-base and weakened the road’s CPR,” he said.

    Umahi warned that no controller would be permitted to allow contractors to remove existing asphalt in the future.

    “We simply need to improve the asphalt at the pavement level. If it’s damaged, we mill it and overlay it,” Umahi stated.

    He further directed the contractor to immediately remobilise to the site.

    Umahi noted that the road lacked shoulders, which would now be constructed using continuous reinforced concrete on both sides, 1.5 metres each.

    The carriageway will remain 7.3 metres wide, with a binder course of 60 mm and a wearing course of 40 mm, he added.

    “The road is stable, but the pavement has deteriorated,” the Minister said.

  • Police dismiss video alleging kidnapping incident in Lagos

    Police dismiss video alleging kidnapping incident in Lagos

    The Police Command in Lagos State have on Wednesday dismissed the viral video making the rounds on social media that three alleged kidnappers were caught in Lagos.

    The Command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement in Lagos, said that the video was false, misleading and malicious.

    Hundeyin said that the video was meant to cause fear and apprehension in the hearts of residents.

    Earlier, a video was shared by some X users claiming that three kidnappers were caught and beaten by a mob for attempting to kidnap people at Victory Estate, Ago Okota area of the state.

    Hundeyin said that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Moshood Jimoh, held a meeting in response to the viral video wherein some yet-to-be identified persons were seen beating and humiliating three men for being suspected kidnappers.

    “CP Jimoh held a fact-finding meeting on Wednesday with the chairman, chief security officer, two other residents of Victory Estate and one of the men alleged in the video.

    “After an extensive interview, it has been undisputedly proven that the three men in the video are not kidnappers and there was no kidnapping incident at the Estate.

    “The chairman of the Estate Association told the commissioner of police that the people are not kidnappers.

    “Also, the chief security officer and another Security Committee member equally told the commissioner of police that the three men are not kidnappers and that there was no kidnapping incident at the Estate as  falsely spread in the social media,” he said.

    Hundeyin said further that, “The men had indeed gone to see their friend (who was also present at the CP’s meeting) at the Estate at about 10.00 p.m. on Monday.

    “An altercation between the three men and a tricycle rider degenerated into pandemonium and confusion in the Estate at that time.”

    Hundeyin urged Lagos residents to be cautious and verify news items before sharing them to avoid spreading panic and fear in the minds of the good people of the state.

    “Unverified information can cause threat to peace or lead to loss of life. People are implored not to take laws into their hands,” the image maker said.

    He encouraged the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation, and to be assured that the police was fully on ground to guarantee their safety and security always.

  • Obasa denies allegations of arms cache discovery

    Obasa denies allegations of arms cache discovery

    The immediate past Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, says allegations of a sudden discovery of a “cache of arms and ammunition” in his office are an attempt to tarnish his image.

    Obasa, a six-term lawmaker, made this known in a personally signed statement in Lagos on Thursday. He described the allegation as baseless and an afterthought.

    Some online publications claimed the Assembly uncovered a significant cache of arms in the office of the ousted Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, on Tuesday.

    According to several online media sources, the arms cache allegedly included about 47 pump-action rifles and live cartridges, stored within the Speaker’s office space.

    Following the discovery, the Department of State Services (DSS) was notified. DSS operatives arrived to take inventory of the arms, with an investigation scheduled.

    Reacting to the allegation, Obasa, a three-term Speaker, said it was evident his detractors were attempting to malign his reputation by fabricating the claims against him.

    He described the allegation as illogical and baseless, asserting that it was doomed from the outset and lacked credibility.

    Obasa said: “My attention has been drawn to a viral, hatchet job disguised as journalism, published on Feb. 18.

    “The ill-conceived story, besides being a complete fabrication, exposes its author and sponsors as malicious individuals with a low intelligence quotient.

    “The story aimed to malign my hard-earned reputation, built over decades of political leadership and legislative dedication.

    “In their desperation to defame me, their laughable narrative — an outright abuse of social media — left many gaps, with obvious questions left unanswered.

    “The report cited phantom sources in the Assembly and alleged the discovery followed an uproar over DSS presence in the complex.”

    Obasa stated that the DSS, acting on a voluntary invitation, would ultimately expose those orchestrating his persistent blackmail through false accusations.

    He added that despite their claims, his detractors continued searching for non-existent evidence to tarnish his image.

    On Jan. 13, a speakership crisis erupted following Obasa’s removal over alleged financial misconduct and gross impropriety.

    Obasa was immediately replaced by his Deputy, Mojisola Meranda, while Fatai Mojeed was appointed as the new Deputy Speaker.

    On Friday, Obasa approached the Lagos High Court to challenge his removal by fellow lawmakers.

    However, chaos erupted at the Assembly on Monday as lawmakers and staff clashed with DSS operatives upon their arrival at the complex.

    The Assembly complex was shut for several hours before legislative staff forced open the chamber’s doors, resuming activities amid heightened tension.

    In a later statement, the Assembly condemned the presence of armed DSS operatives, arguing it undermined legislative sanctity and obstructed lawmakers from performing their duties.

  • Sanwo-Olu reacts as Kenyan, again wins Lagos City Marathon

    Sanwo-Olu reacts as Kenyan, again wins Lagos City Marathon

    Kenyan long distance runner, Edwin Kibet on Saturday finished ahead of other runners  to win the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

    Kibet  breasted the tape at 2:14:19:73 to emerge winner of the 42km  marathon.

    Another Kenyan, Kypgon Nehemiah, came second, finishing at 2:16:37:47 while his compatriot, Bernard Sang claimed the third position, finishing at 2:17:17;13.

    With  Kibet, Nehemiah and Sang emerging as top three finishers, the Kenyans have once again dominated the podium like they did in previous editions of the marathon.

    Recall the Kenyans  also claimed the top prizes at the 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023 editions of the marathon.

    Ethiopian runners dominated the podium in the women’s race.

    Guta Hirpa finished  ahead of other runners while her compatriot  ,Alemenesh Guta ,finished second and Kenyan Jeromo Peris finished third.

    Kibet won the star prize of 50,000 dollars prize money, while the second finisher won 40,000 dollars and the third finisher won 30, 000 dollars .

    The same prize money was given to each of the top three runners in the women’s category.

    Dignitaries at the  marathon included Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Director-General of NSC, Bukola Olopade.

    Others were Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports, Prince Anthony Adeboye, the Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Lekan Fatodu, among others.

    Sanwo-Olu reacts, promises better 2026 Lagos City Marathon

    Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Saturday promised a bigger and better Access Bank Lagos City Marathon in the 2016.

    Sanwo-Olu made the pledge in an interview on the sidelines of the 10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon finishing point ceremony held at the Eko Atlantic city.

    The governor, to the surprise of many, had previously participated in a 6km race of the Gold Label marathon to the finish line in company of his cabinet members.

    Speaking on the impact of the 42km race and contributions to the socio economic and tourism areas, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the need to make it more prominent globally.

    “The 10th edition has gone fine and the last three hours have been great from what I have seen. I have also taken part in my own 6km race and the level of organisation, and I must say,  the turnout have been impressive.

    “I was told that over 25,000 people started the race this morning, but we don’t know how many completed the race. The things we are looking at is how to make the race much more a global brand for the 11th edition,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu added that Lagos State had been supporting the race since its inception and would continue to support in a bigger way.

    “We have done it with Access Bank and Lagos State for the last 10 years, it is now time to make it bigger and that is what we are looking forward to making it a federal appeal.

    “We have the federal government backing and the state government backing, we hope that Access Bank will also allow more sponsors to come in because it will get more bigger next year.

    “We need to go back to the roots and develop grassroots sports from the primary and secondary schools because there is no two way to sports.

    “We can’t start training a 25-year-old for football, We have to start from a very younger age,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu added: “Coincidentally, we are taking the initiative of identifying schools that will make sports a priority.

    “We also want to be ready with the infrastructure training and also talk with the parents to encourage their children and wards because sports is a way of life now and not a backdoor industry.

    “Sports is a frontline in revenue generation now and not recreation because it brings about tourism, funding, improved economy, just imagine the number of people present today it is a way of boosting the economy.

    “Sports has its place in the global market and we need to take it seriously,” he said.

    Earlier in his address, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos would be bidding to host the next Youth Games “by the grace of God”.

    Edwin Kibet won the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon as he breasted the tape at 2:14:19:73.

    Another Kenyan, Kypgon Nehemiah, came second ,finishing at 2:16:37:47 while his compatriot, Bernard Sang , claimed the third position, finishing at 2:17:17;13.

    In the female category, an Ethiopian, Guta Hirpa finished ahead of other runners while her compatriot, Alemenesh Guta, finished second and Kenyan Jeromo Peris finished third.