The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Inspector Obic Modestus, a police officer seen in a viral video violently assaulting an Uber driver.
The video which was shared by X user, Oyindamola, who identifies as #dammiedammie35 , showed the officer repeatedly beating the driver.
He wrote, “A new video of Nigerian police men violently assault!ng an Uber driver. Please spread this video cos this is someone’s father they’re beat!ng like an animal like this.”
Responding to the video on Monday, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated, “The Police Officer, Inspector Obic Modestus, has been summoned by the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) #LagosPoliceNG. He will be handed over to the Provost Department for appropriate disciplinary measures.
“The Lagos State Police Command, under CP Olohundare Jimoh, will not condone any form of incivility to members of the public.”
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Inspector Obic Modestus, a police officer seen in a viral video violently… pic.twitter.com/GXLKtoJjTR
The All Progressives Grand Alliance has expressed its deep sadness over the passing of Chief Sylvester Chukwudozie Ezeokenwa, the father of the party’s National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa Jr.
In a short press statement released on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, said the deceased, who passed on a few days ago, was a founding member and pioneer Chairman of APGA in Onitsha South Local Government Area of the state.
Opara said Ezeokenwa’s dedication to APGA and his leadership in galvanising grassroots support have been instrumental in strengthening our party.
The statement read, “Chief Ezeokenwa’s dedication to APGA and his leadership in galvanising grassroots support have been instrumental in strengthening our party.
“His legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to societal progress continues to inspire our National Chairman and the entire APGA family.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to Sly Ezeokenwa and the Ezeokenwa family, praying for the peaceful rest of Chief Ezeokenwa’s soul and comfort for the family during this difficult time.”
One person has died and 61 others have been rescued after an overloaded migrant boat disintegrated in the English Channel during an attempted crossing overnight, according to French maritime authorities, Sky News reported on Monday.
The Maritime Prefect of the Channel and the North Sea confirmed the vessel had collapsed in the water, prompting a major rescue operation involving both French and British emergency services.
Among the rescued were a mother and her child, both suffering from hypothermia. They were airlifted to the hospital by helicopter. The rest of the survivors were transferred to the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, south of Calais.
The French rescue tug Abeille Normandie launched three speedboats to retrieve 50 people from the water.
An additional 11 were rescued by British crews—two by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and nine by the UK Border Force vessel Ranger. All were eventually brought aboard the French tug.
A French Navy helicopter later spotted an unconscious person in the sea. The individual was retrieved by the RNLI and taken to the Abeille Normandie, where they were declared dead by the medical team onboard.
The United Kingdom government confirmed the fatality and expressed condolences. “We can confirm there has been a tragic incident in the Channel involving a small boat in French waters, which has resulted in the loss of one life.
“This latest tragedy underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings, and we continue to do everything we can to prevent callous criminals exploiting vulnerable people. Our thoughts are with those affected,” a spokesperson said, adding that efforts to prevent human smuggling continue.
The incident occurred amid a surge in Channel crossings. Over 12,000 people have arrived in the UK by small boats this year, including more than 1,100 in the past week alone.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer recently vowed to dismantle smuggling networks, while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak warned of growing immigration pressures and pledged to reduce net migration by 2029.
Former England football captain Gary Lineker will leave the BBC at the end of the season, it was confirmed on Monday, days after he shared a social media post that contained anti-Semitic imagery.
“Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024/25 season,” the BBC said in a statement.
“He will not be part of the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season’s FA Cup coverage.”
Last week Lineker apologised “unreservedly” for sharing an Instagram story about Zionism, which he deleted, and which had featured a picture of a rat, saying: “I take full responsibility for this mistake. That image does not reflect my views.”
In a fresh statement on Monday Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember — both on the pitch and in the studio.
“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic — it goes against everything I stand for.
“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”
Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.”
Davie described Lineker as a “defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades”.
Lineker, 64, had already planned to end his 26-year stay as host of popular Premier League highlights programme Match of the Day at the end of the season.
However, he had been due to lead the BBC’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup and FA Cup next season.
Instead, Sunday’s Match of the Day following the final round of Premier League fixtures will be his final show.
Lineker was the BBC’s highest-paid presenter, earning £1.35 million ($1.8 million) a year from the publicly funded broadcaster.
His outspoken views on social media have caused headaches for BBC bosses due to the corporation’s rules on impartiality.
In March 2023, Lineker was briefly taken off air after comparing the language used to launch a British government asylum policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany.
Lineker was reinstated just over a week later — after a revolt by several of his colleagues in sympathy with him — but the BBC launched an independent review of its social medial guidelines as a result of the incident.
Ekiti State Government has appealed to stakeholders to support the bid to ensure children are safe and healthy by ensuring they have unfettered access to healthcare, particularly immunisation.
The Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Information, Olusesan Alabi, gave the charge in Ado Ekiti on Saturday during a one-day quarterly meeting of the Social and Behavioural Change Committee organised by Ekiti State Ministry of Information in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund to champion the cause of children in Ekiti State and Nigeria.
Alabi said, “Children’s right to good health is very important because it helps in shaping the future, empowers and promotes healthy generations. However, entrenched socio-cultural barriers and misinformation continue to hinder the full realisation of this right. ”
He urged the SBC Committee members to “be agents of disseminating messages on the values and benefits of taking children for immunisation in order to protect children from childhood diseases which may lead to untimely death.”
A UNICEF Social and Behavioural Change specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Adewole, who canvassed more sensitisation to dismiss the myths and beliefs mitigating against the uptake of vaccine, said, “Vaccine is a safe, reliable and effective means to ensure our children remain healthy and free from numerous preventable diseases which can be fatal”.
Akinola-Adewole, represented by the Ekiti State Health Educator, Olajumoke Oguntoye, listed the benefits of ensuring the children take vaccine during the scheduled immunisation programmes or as the case may be, included “protection against dangerous diseases like measles, polio, and influenza; and reduces the severity of illness if the disease is contracted.
The SBC specialist added that being immunised “contributes to the overall health of communities by reducing the spread of contagious diseases and also helps in achieving global health goals, such as the eradication of diseases like smallpox”.
Oguntoye appealed particularly to the religious leaders, private school owners, and parents to embrace vaccination and spread the message to ensure that children were presented for immunisation.
She called on all and “sundry to support and participate in vaccination programmes to ensure a healthier future for all. Immunisation is a critical tool in preventing diseases, saving lives and promoting public health.”
She listed some of the 25 diseases for which vaccines are available according to World Health Organisation as tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, poliomyelitis, hepatitis E, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, human papilloma virus (HPV), Rubella, cholera, anthrax, yellow fever, rabies, typhoid fever, pneumoccocal disease, haemophilus influenza type, meningococcal disease, mumps, varicella and herpes zoster, and rotavirus gastroenteritis.
The State Immunisation Officer, Omolabake Ogundola, who said the importance of immunising children against preventable diseases could not be overstressed, disabused people’s minds against rumours, misinformation and religious beliefs inhibiting uptake of the vaccine.
Ogundola, represented by the Assistant State Immunisation Programme Officer, Felicia Olorode, urged parents and stakeholders to ensure eligible girls were presented for the HPV vaccination targeted at immunising more children in Ado, Ikere, Oye, Gbonyin and Ise/Orun local government areas.
She said, “The ongoing HPV immunisation programme for children aged 9-14 is to protect girls from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is one of the diseases killing women. So we want to stop it. ”
A former State Health Educator and the Executive Director, Foundation for Justice and Social Development, Lola Ologuntoye, encouraged residents “to release their children for immunisation because it is very important to protect them against the diseases. They should remove myths and misconceptions. Immunisation is very important in the lives of our children so that this will fight against diseases affecting little children. ”
Ologuntoye, who said that her NGO had been doing a lot to support the state, especially at the grassroots, said, “I go to my target communities, meet with the stakeholders, because for the success of any programme, there must be community involvement, community participation, ownership and sustainability.”
Stakeholders at the meeting included representatives of the National Orientation Agency, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Muslim community, community-based organisations, civil society organisations, market women, health and immunisation personnel and the media.
The Nigerian Navy says it apprehended no fewer than 215 suspected oil thieves and 26 vessels in 2024.
It also said that 468 illegal refinery sites were deactivated within the period under the auspices of Operation Delta Sanity.
The Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Adm. Ibrahim Dewu, made this known on Monday in Abuja during a news conference on the activities lined up to commemorate the 69th Anniversary Celebrations of the Navy.
Dewu said that an estimated quantity of 6.5 million litres of stolen crude oil and seven million litres of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil were seized and appropriately handled.
He added that 361 wooden boats, 1,107 dugout pits and 279 storage tanks were also deactivated.
According to him, since January this year, more than 103 Illegal Refinery Sites have been destroyed and 34 suspects linked to crude oil theft have been arrested.
“Also, 39 wooden boats and one ship involved in this menace were also seized.
“Additionally, approximately 773,000 litres of crude oil and 150,000 litres of refined products have been recovered this year.
“All these efforts have impacted positively on Nigeria’s crude oil production, in line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s directive to eradicate crude oil theft in order to ramp up Nigeria’s oil production and exports,” he said.
Dewu said the anniversary celebration, otherwise often referred to as ‘Navy Week, was scheduled to hold from May 23 to June 1.
He said the Nigerian navy had grown from its humble beginnings with a handful of coastal boats into a force to be reckoned with, not only in the West African Sub-region, but also in the Gulf of Guinea and indeed the entire sub-Saharan Africa.
According to him, the Navy week also serves as an opportunity to present a scorecard of the navy’s performance in the service of our dear nation.
“The Nigerian Navy has continued to maintain round-the-clock situational awareness of Nigeria’s maritime domain extending to the limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone through our Maritime Domain Awareness Facilities.
“These facilities comprise the Falcon Eye and Regional Maritime Awareness Capacity Systems.
“Both systems enable early detection and swift response to incidents within Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“This has ensured that Nigeria maintained its zero-piracy status in the International Maritime Bureau piracy rating.
“In furtherance to this, the Nigerian Navy has taken the initiative to ensure that the entire Gulf of Guinea is free of piracy and other maritime crimes,” he added.
On Monday, the Nigerian Bar Association said it would establish an anti-corruption committee in each of its 130 branches to address corruption-related issues.
The Chairman, NBA National Anti-Corruption Committee, Prof. Babafemi Badejo, made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Badejo said that the NBA National Executive Committee, at its meeting in Ilorin recently, passed the motion for all NBA branches to set up an anti-corruption committee mandatorily.
“An anti-corruption committee shall be established in all NBA branches to address corruption-related issues within their jurisdictions.
“They shall work closely with local stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and community organisations, to reduce corruption at their respective levels.
“They shall collaborate with the NBA National Anti-Corruption Committee towards a robust NBA coordinated abhorrence of corruption.
“The national-level body shall coordinate anti-corruption efforts across all branches,” he said.
The chairman added that the NBA, under the leadership of Mr Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, had already put in place the NBA national anti-corruption committee earlier this year.
Badejo also said the branch-level committees would design their respective activities to boost anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
“With the freedom of each branch and national coordination mechanism in articulating what can be done to curb corruption, the NBA will be delivering a clear message that corruption is not a normal way of life.
“The NBA is boldly engaging in its expected role as the bastion of accountability and the rule of law.
“Proactive NBA on anti-corruption is not just a professional necessity, but a national imperative.
“NBA is promoting the rule of law through the promotion of anti-corruption, and the promotion of the rule of law is the guiding principle of the NBA,” he said.
Shaudo Alku, a close associate of the notorious terrorist kingpin, Bello Turji, has been confirmed killed in a targeted airstrike.
The operation, carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fasan Yama, struck a terrorist hideout near Tunfa Primary School in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Sunday.
The Nigerian Armed Forces confirmed that Alku, a key link in cross-border terrorist logistics, was killed alongside several fighters and suspected high-ranking commanders.
According to intelligence reports, Alku had crossed into Nigeria from Niger Republic to attend a clandestine strategy meeting convened by Turji’s network.
A source from the military who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “Surveillance and actionable intelligence enabled the Nigerian military to pinpoint the gathering, prompting a swift and decisive air assault that neutralised multiple targets.
“This operation marks a significant step in dismantling the command structure of terrorist groups operating across the North West.
“Alku was not just a foot soldier. He was deeply involved in arms procurement and coordination of cross-border insurgent activity.”
The Nigerian Army, via its official communication channels, described the success as a demonstration of its resolve to rid the country of terrorism and restore peace to the embattled communities of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
The statement added that mop-up operations were ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend fleeing terrorists.
Bello Turji, long considered one of the most dangerous and elusive bandit leaders in the region, has maintained a brutal reign marked by mass abductions, killings, and attacks on civilian settlements.
His network stretches across state and international borders, complicating military operations.
The elimination of Alku, according to a security expert in Sokoto, is expected to disrupt the logistical and operational capabilities of Turji’s faction, though analysts caution that the battle is far from over.
“This is a big win, no doubt.
“But dismantling terrorist networks requires sustained pressure and coordination with neighbouring countries, especially Niger and Chad,” said a conflict and security analyst, Dr. Yusuf Anka.
Residents in Isa LG have expressed relief over the development.
“We heard the explosions and later saw helicopters. It gave us hope that the government has not forgotten us,” said a resident who requested anonymity for security reasons.
This strike is the latest in a series of intensified aerial offensives launched under Operation Fagge Yama, a renewed military campaign aimed at rooting out terrorists and bandits in Nigeria’s troubled North West.
As of press time, the Nigerian military has promised to release further details, including casualty figures and intelligence gains from the operation.
The Alternative Bank is set to redefine the rewards space in Nigerian banking, as it launched a new campaign that allows users to earn real Gold simply by transacting through its innovative digital banking platform, Altbank. The campaign, tagged Altbank Gold Rewards, will run until the end of 2025 and aims to promote awareness and adoption of the bank’s mobile application, while rewarding users with tokenized Gold (small units of real Gold, stored digitally in the app) for performing routine financial transactions.
For every interbank transfer, that is, transfers to other financial institutions made through the Altbank app, users automatically receive one gold token, equivalent to 25 micrograms of Gold. These tokens accumulate in the user’s in-app wallet and can be liquidated into Naira at the prevailing market rate for Gold on the day of liquidation. It is an unusual proposition in a market dominated by airtime giveaways, cashback offers, and discounts.
According to the bank, the initiative is part of its wider strategy to attract financially and digitally savvy users who are looking for more value and long-term benefits from their banking relationships.
The Alternative Bank is Nigeria’s leading non-interest commercial bank and part of the Sterling Financial Holdings Company, operating with a national license and a strong focus on specialised and inclusive financial services. Unlike traditional banks, it offers interest-free financing and financial solutions rooted in Islamic finance principles.
“This is not your typical loyalty program,” Mohammed Yunusa, Director, Digital Business and Innovations, said. “We are literally putting real value in the hands of our users, one transfer at a time. The goal is to create a direct, tangible benefit for simple actions people are already doing, sending money.”
Beyond the Gold rewards, the Altbank app also allows users to send and receive funds, pay bills, purchase airtime and data, and request both virtual and physical debit cards. One of its most notable features is the provision of interest-free financing of up to ₦500,000, along with free Takaful insurance for new customers. The insurance covers gadgets, vehicles, and medical costs, activated simply by carrying out basic transactions on the platform.
The campaign is structured to be as seamless as possible. Once the app, which is available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store is downloaded, —— customers can begin earning Gold tokens immediately with each successful interbank transfer.
While digital banking in Nigeria continues to expand, this initiative by The Alternative Bank introduces a new dynamic to the space: turning routine transactions into an investment. With Gold historically seen as a hedge against inflation and economic volatility, some customers may view their Altbank tokens not just as rewards, but as a miniature savings portfolio. More details about the campaign are available at
www.altbank.ng/gold.
About The Alternative Bank
The Alternative Bank commenced its journey in January 2014 as a non-interest banking window in Sterling, with a vision to create a dynamic banking experience that respects individuality and speaks the language of its customers/partners. In July 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued a Banking License to The Alternative Bank, enabling it to operate as a fully-fledged, standalone bank. Guided by its Advisory Committee of Experts (ACE), The Alternative Bank ensures all its operations align with the ethics of Non-Interest Banking. For more information, please visit www.altbank.ng.
One of the construction workers trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building at Idi Araba in the Mushin area of Lagos State has been recovered dead.
The one-storey building, which was under construction, came down around 3:30pm on Sunday.
The coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, Lagos Territorial Office, Ibrahim Farinloye, confirmed the development in a statement.
“So far, one person has been confirmed dead, while three others have been rescued alive.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing continue,” he wrote.
The spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Shakiru Amodu, also confirmed the death of the recovered victim.
“Unfortunately, one adult male has been recovered dead,” he told our correspondent.
Director of the fire service agency, Margaret Adeseye, had, in a statement, explained that the building was under construction before the incident occurred.
Adeseye added that three male adults were rescued from the rubble and were receiving treatment.
The statement read, “A building under construction at the one-storey level suddenly collapsed at 96 Ishaga Road, opposite Idi Araba Central Mosque, Mushin, Lagos. The distress call was received at approximately 3:30 pm.
“Responding agencies included the Isolo Fire Station of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Lagos State Ambulance Service, and the Nigeria Police.
“Three adult males have been rescued alive with varying degrees of injury. They were attended to at the scene before being transferred to the hospital for further treatment by the Lagos State Ambulance Service.”
