Year: 2025

LASTMA begins crackdown on traffic offenders, seizes 235 vehicles, arrests 10

 

 

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has launched a massive clean-up operation across Lagos to bring order to the roads and improve the city’s appearance.

 

In the first day of the exercise, which started in areas like Oyingbo, Oshodi, Adeniji Adele, Jibowu, and Iddo, LASTMA impounded 235 vehicles for breaking various traffic rules.

 

These included private cars, commercial buses (Danfo), tricycles, trucks, and inter-state buses.

 

This was contained in a statement by the LASTMA on its X handle on Thursday.

 

According to the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the vehicles were seized for parking on walkways, blocking traffic, creating illegal bus stops, and ignoring traffic laws.

 

“We will no longer tolerate any form of lawlessness on our roads. All impounded vehicles will be taken to court, and offenders will face the law.

“This operation is not targeted at anyone. It is simply about bringing back sanity to our roads. Everyone must learn to obey the rules,” Bakare-Oki said.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority during the crackdown on traffic offenders in Lagos. Photo: LASTMA

He said five trucks were caught unloading cows and animal waste on the Adeniji Adele Bridge, which could damage the bridge and put people at risk.

 

He stated that the drivers have been arrested and will be prosecuted, adding that 10 miscreants who were disrupting traffic and engaging in illegal activities were also arrested.

 

Bakare-Oki warned that the clean-up would continue across all parts of Lagos, including Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

 

He said LASTMA is now operating under a zero-tolerance policy for traffic offences.

 

“Any vehicle parked illegally or driving against traffic will be dealt with immediately,” he stated.

Embrace financial discipline, savings culture, NDIC urges students

 

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting financial literacy and savings culture among secondary school students in Sokoto State.

 

This pledge was made on Thursday by the NDIC Zonal Controller in Sokoto, Bello Usman-Kaoje, during a financial literacy training programme held at Government Day Secondary School, Kalambaina.

 

They brought together students from various secondary schools across the state.

 

Usman-Kaoje explained that the initiative is part of NDIC’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at instilling financial discipline, prudent spending, and effective money management in young Nigerians.

 

“This programme is organised in commemoration of the 2025 Financial Literacy Day, with the theme: ‘Think Before You Follow – Spend Money Wisely Tomorrow’,” he stated.

 

He noted that the NDIC has consistently engaged in mentoring students on the importance of saving and financial planning to equip them with the tools needed for responsible financial decision-making.

 

“The goal is to nurture a generation that understands the value of saving, budgeting, and investing, thereby contributing to the growth of the national economy,” Usman-Kaoje added.

He also warned students about the rising cases of financial fraud, particularly through online platforms and Point-of-Sale operators, urging them to be cautious and avoid falling prey to fraudulent schemes motivated by greed or the lure of quick gains.

 

Also, speaking at the event, Mr. Abubakar Usman of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sokoto Branch, emphasised the role of regulated financial institutions, including commercial and microfinance banks, in safeguarding customer deposits and promoting secure financial transactions.

 

In a related presentation, Deputy Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Sokoto State Command, Aliyu Omama, cautioned students against drug abuse and its financial and social consequences.

 

Hajiya Mansura Abdulsalam, who spoke on behalf of the school principals, described the training as timely and impactful.

 

Abdulsalam encouraged students to apply the knowledge gained and cultivate healthy financial habits.

 

The event featured lectures, interactive sessions, and discussions on financial planning, fraud awareness, and the significance of long-term savings.

Immigration arrests fleeing Enugu native doctor accused of ritual killing

 

Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service have arrested a popular native doctor, Levi Obieze, also known as ‘E de play, e de show.’

 

Obieze is wanted by the Enugu State Police Command for alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping, and ritual killings.

 

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, on Thursday confirmed the arrest in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, titled ‘Nigeria Immigration Service confirms arrest of notorious crime suspect, Obi Levi Obieze.’

 

“Through credible intelligence, Obi Levi Obieze was apprehended by vigilant men of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos State Border Patrol Command, at Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Seme Road while attempting to flee the country on a motorcycle,” the statement read.

 

Obieze, a resident of Umuojor village in Isiagu Community, Enugu State, and a known native doctor, is alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl on Tuesday.

 

According to reports, the community was thrown into panic on Monday following the discovery of two decomposing bodies of pregnant women in the soakaway pit of a native doctor.

 

The discovery was linked to the kidnapping of the teenager days earlier as she walked with her father to the farm.

 

Reports say two men on a motorcycle abducted the girl after they feigned a technical fault by the roadside.

 

“She was walking with her father to the farm on Monday when two men riding on a motorcycle stopped and pretended that their motorcycle had developed faults

 

“One of the men told the father of the little girl to please help them with his cutlass to use and fix the fault in the motorcycle, which the man obliged.

 

“They said the fault would require pushing the bike and begged him to help. It was in this process that one of the men grabbed the girl and jumped onto the motorcycle, and they zoomed off,” a source told The Guardian.

Local vigilante groups and the police began searching for the missing girl after her father raised the alarm.

 

Residents reported hearing screams from a bush near Obieze’s compound.

 

The search party then approached the premises, where the native doctor reportedly tried to stop them.

However, the vigilante groups overwhelmed him, foraged through the compound, and successfully rescued the abducted girl.

 

Further search revealed two decomposing corpses of pregnant women in separate soakaway pits on the premises, triggering an uproar in the community.

 

In a video shared on social media, community members were seen dragging and parading Obieze naked.

 

Popular for his flamboyant displays of wealth and habitual money spraying at public events, the native doctor was reportedly on the run along with his four wives before his eventual capture.

 

Akinlabi revealed that, “He is currently in custody and his identity has been confirmed through a National Identity Management Commission enrollment slip found in his possession.

 

“During initial questioning, he admitted to the alleged crimes.”

 

The NIS, reaffirming its commitment to border security, says it is collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force for the suspect’s handover and further investigation.

Chelsea to sign Liam Delap, trigger £30m release clause

 

Chelsea are on the verge of completing a deal for highly rated forward Liam Delap, with final details of a long-term contract being wrapped up between the club and the player’s representatives.

 

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a post on Thursday, Chelsea are prepared to activate Delap’s £30 million release clause, with formal communication from the club now the only step remaining in sealing the transfer.

 

The influence of new head coach Enzo Maresca, as well as the prospect of UEFA Champions League football next season, are said to have played a decisive role in Delap’s decision to join the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Romano wrote, “Chelsea are closing in on Liam Delap deal as details of the long term contract are being completed with his agents. Enzo Maresca appreciation + UCL football made the difference as Chelsea are set to activate £30m release clause. #CFC just wait for formal communication now.”

 

Earlier, he reported, “Chelsea are prepared to seal Liam Delap deal soon after positive talks with the striker again this week. Delap gives his preference to Chelsea project and is now expected to follow with formal steps, including £30m release clause to be triggered. Deal underway.”

You cannot ‘hide’, Amorim tells Man Utd players

 

 

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said Thursday that his players cannot “hide” after a dismal season hit a fresh low when they were booed off following a friendly defeat in Malaysia.

 

United finished 15th in the Premier League and failed to win a trophy, then immediately jetted out Sunday for lucrative friendlies in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.

 

But if his squad were hoping for some respite in Asia, they did not get it, suffering a 1-0 defeat to a Southeast Asian XI in the Malaysian capital on Wednesday.

 

United’s players trudged off with boos ringing in their ears and now face Hong Kong’s representative team in another friendly on Friday.

 

“We’ve had the season that we had and it’s not easy to face the fans around the world, so it’s a moment that is hard for us and we want to finish the season,” Amorim said of the tour at the end of a long and poor campaign.

 

“But at the same time, we want to give something to the fans. We are travelling, we don’t have time to adapt, we don’t have so much time to have contact with the fans and give everything they deserve.

 

“But it’s clear that we cannot hide… if there is one thing that is really important in this club, it’s that we need to face our fans in this moment and give something to our fans around the world.”

 

Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag during the season but failed to spark an improvement in performances, said his side of first-teamers and youngsters was “not really focused” on Wednesday’s loss.

“Everybody can feel it. But I understand the fans (booing), I understand the players, and you also understand that we want to give something to the fans, but it’s hard in this moment,” he said.

 

The 40-year-old Portuguese said he had learned that being Manchester United manager meant being “more than a coach.”

 

“You have to improve as a person, you have to improve as a leader. Sometimes after the games you see I am frustrated, I am trying to control that.

 

“When you have results, you can manage everything so much easier,” he added.

 

Heavy rain lashed the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium on the eve of the game and Amorim will be desperate not to have any fresh injuries to finish off the campaign.

 

“The weather looks like Manchester so we feel at home,” Amorim joked.

“If we are professional and we focus on the game it is the best way to protect our players from injuries,” he added.

Accept Appeal Court verdict like a sportsman, Okpebholo tells Ighodalo

 

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the state, Asue Ighodalo, to accept Thursday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed his victory as governor.

 

The Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on Thursday, reviewed the arguments presented by all parties and upheld the decision of the lower tribunal, validating the governor’s election.

 

In a statement on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Ituah, Okpebholo described the judgment as a confirmation of the people’s will and should serve as a clear signal for all political actors, especially Ighodalo.

 

The statement reads, “Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man.

 

“This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in our Edo State.

 

“Governor Okpebholo urges the opposition and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment. The prolonged litigation only serves to distract from the urgent task of governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

“The governor has consistently extended an olive branch to all, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of our dear state remains paramount. He reiterates this call.

 

“Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”

 

Okpebholo assured the people of Edo State that he remains fully committed to his “people first” agenda, which is focused on accelerated development across all sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

 

“The administration of Governor Okpebholo urges all well-meaning citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.

 

“The government of Governor Monday Okpebholo is re-energised by this affirmation of its mandate and will continue to work tirelessly to serve the best interests of every resident of Edo State,” the statement added.

Nigerian pilgrim returns missing $5,000 to owner in Saudi

 

A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab, from Plateau State, has returned $5,000 (about ₦8.2 million) she found at Masjidul Haram in Makkah to its rightful owner, a Russian pilgrim.

 

The Plateau State Pilgrims Board, led by Daiyabu Dauda, and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, praised her honesty and integrity.

 

“She demonstrated exceptional integrity and honesty by returning $5,000 she found in Masjidul Haram to its rightful owner. That’s a remarkable act of kindness,” Dauda said in a statement.

 

Meanwhile, NAHCON says it is in talks with Saudi authorities to reopen visa processing for intending pilgrims.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday, by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, Fatima Usara.

 

Usara said the commission said it remains hopeful.

 

“There is optimism for a positive outcome, and when that is realised, the commission will immediately transport the registered pilgrims for the Hajj in another special arrangement,” Usara said.

 

She added that some staff have been placed on standby in case the visa window is reopened.

Stop ‘reckless’ borrowing now, Atiku tells Tinubu

 

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the decision of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to seek new external and domestic loans, describing the move as reckless and a threat to Nigeria’s economic future.

 

In a statement on Thursday via X, Atiku said the proposed borrowing of $21.54 billion, €2.19 billion, and ¥15 billion — totaling over $24 billion — would dangerously increase the country’s debt profile, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.

 

“This borrowing spree will raise our total public debt from ₦144.7 trillion to a crushing ₦183 trillion,” Atiku stated, warning that the new loans represent more than 60% of Nigeria’s total foreign exchange reserves.

 

He noted that Nigeria’s debt burden has already reached alarming levels, with public debt standing at $94 billion (₦144.7 trillion) as of December 31, 2024.

 

Atiku further said, “Since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, public debt has jumped by 65.6%. Under the APC-led administration since 2015, public debt has ballooned by 1,048%, from ₦12.6 trillion to ₦144.7 trillion.”

He decried the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio exceeding 50% and a debt-service-to-revenue ratio of over 130%, arguing that the government is spending more on repaying loans than it earns.

 

“This is not just unsustainable — it is immoral. The Tinubu administration is borrowing money not for development but to service existing loans, fueling a debt spiral that leaves nothing for infrastructure, education, healthcare, or jobs,” he said.

 

The former Vice President described the pattern of borrowing as a “Ponzi scheme,” warning that “Nigeria is now caught in a vicious cycle that mortgages the future to pay for the past.”

 

Calling the plan economic sabotage, Atiku urged immediate action to stop what he described as a looming catastrophe.

 

“We demand that this reckless borrowing plan be halted immediately. We call on lawmakers, civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to take urgent action to stop this looming catastrophe. Nigeria must not be sold into debt slavery,” he added.

Nigerians reaping gains of Tinubu’s reforms -Ododo

 

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the occasion of his second year in office.

 

In a congratulatory message on Thursday, Ododo lauded Tinubu for demonstrating visionary leadership and for inspiring resilience among Nigerians through bold and transformative policies.

 

This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ismail Ishaq, on Thursday.

 

Ododo said, “Today marks two years of visionary leadership under our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

“Your Renewed Hope Agenda has brought bold reforms, national recalibration, and a new sense of purpose across critical sectors of our economy and governance.”

 

He described the President’s second year as a season of harvest, emphasising that Nigeria is beginning to experience tangible benefits of the far-reaching economic reforms initiated during the first year of the administration.

 

“Key policy decisions such as the removal of the fuel subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange system, and reforms in the tax and financial sectors were credited for stabilising the economy and restoring investor confidence in Nigeria.

 

“President Tinubu’s second year in office has been about deepening reforms, managing the effects of bold policy initiatives, and translating difficult decisions into real economic gains.

 

“We are beginning to see signs of macroeconomic stability, increased non-oil revenue, and renewed private sector interest in key sectors such as gas, agriculture, transportation and technology,” he added.

Ododo also pointed to the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative, the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the administration’s push for food security and revitalisation of manufacturing as clear evidence of a strategic, long-term transformation agenda.

 

“We in Kogi State align fully with this national direction, building infrastructure, expanding access to healthcare and education, and creating opportunities for our people.

 

“The spirit of Renewed Hope is alive in our communities and in the hearts of our citizens,” Ododo said.

 

He reaffirmed Kogi State’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s agenda by tailoring state policies to attract investment, empower youth and extend the impact of national reforms to the grassroots.

 

In further support of the clean energy transition, the governor noted that Kogi was actively participating in the CNG revolution by training youths in conversion technology, a move he noted promotes cleaner alternatives, reduces dependency on fossil fuel, and generates sustainable jobs.

He also announced the planned launch of intra-city bus services in the state capital to ease urban transportation as part of the dividends of the renewed hope agenda.

 

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kogi State, I congratulate Mr. President and all Nigerians on this important milestone. Together, we will continue to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous nation.

 

“As the president marks this second anniversary in office, we celebrate your resilience, foresight, and unwavering commitment to building a Nigeria that works for all. The journey may be challenging, but your courage and dedication continue to inspire hope and confidence across the nation,” he restated.

WAEC apologises for late-night English exams, cites anti-malpractice measures

 

The West African Examinations Council has blamed the delay in the conduct of the 2025 English Language paper on Wednesday on heightened efforts to curb examination malpractice, particularly the leakage of question papers.

 

In a statement issued on Thursday, WAEC acknowledged the disruption experienced by candidates during the English Language Paper 2, which was scheduled for May 28 but held several hours behind schedule in many centres nationwide.

 

Videos and photos circulated on social media showed students sitting for the examination as late as 10pm, relying on torchlights and lanterns due to power outages, a situation that sparked outrage and renewed concerns about examination planning and student welfare.

 

WAEC’s Acting Head of Public Affairs, Moyosola Adesina, said the examination body’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the examination contributed significantly to the delay.

 

“While maintaining the integrity and security of our examination, we faced considerable challenges primarily due to our major aim of preventing leakage of any paper.

 

“While we successfully achieved our objective, it inadvertently impacted the timeliness and seamless conduct of the examination.,” Adesina said.

 

The examination body also pointed to other compounding factors such as logistical challenges, security concerns, and sociocultural dynamics, which disrupted operations in some areas.

 

To prevent a recurrence, WAEC said it is working with security agencies to streamline the process and improve operational efficiency in subsequent exams.

“Despite our best efforts, we encountered logistical hurdles, security concerns and sociocultural factors that negatively influenced our operations.

 

“In order to forestall future occurrences of this nature, the council is currently collaborating with security agencies,” the statement added.

 

WAEC apologised to students, schools, and parents for the inconvenience caused by the disruption and thanked all stakeholders for their understanding during what it described as a “challenging period”.

 

The examination body reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of its exams and promoting academic excellence across the region.

 

“We recognise the importance of timely conduct of examinations and the impact of this decision on the candidates, their schools and parents, and we sincerely apologise for any inconveniences caused,” Adesina added.

 

PUNCH Online had earlier reported on the troubling scenes from several WAEC centres across the country, including videos showing students sitting forexams in dark classrooms using flashlights and kerosene lanterns.

One such incidents was recorded in Delta State, where candidates reportedly began their exam late in the evening due to delayed arrival of papers.

 

The 2025 WASSCE for school candidates commenced on April 24 and is scheduled to end on June 20.

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