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Nigerian Doctor, Wife Slammed With Nearly $1m Fine Over Illegal Tree Cutting In California

Published

2 months ago

May 9, 2026

Matthew Bernard and his wife, Lynn Warner

Nigerian Doctor, Wife Slammed With Nearly $1m Fine Over Illegal Tree Cutting In California

A Nigerian-born medical practitioner in the United States, Matthew Bernard, and his wife, Lynn Warner, have been ordered to pay nearly $1 million after authorities in Oakland, California, found them guilty of illegally cutting down dozens of protected trees around their property.

The couple was hit with a massive fine of $915,135.40 following a heated public hearing before the Oakland City Council on Tuesday. The sanction stemmed from the removal of 38 protected trees between 2021 and 2022 on and around their property located on Claremont Avenue in the Oakland Hills area of California.

According to reports by American media outlets including KQED and the San Francisco Chronicle, the trees included mature coast live oaks, buckeyes and broad-leaf maples protected under Oakland’s environmental laws.

Residents in the area strongly opposed the tree removals, insisting the dense canopy played a major role in wildfire prevention, erosion control, environmental stability and public health. During the council hearing, more than 20 community members reportedly urged city officials to strictly enforce the city’s tree preservation regulations.

City authorities said Bernard and Warner failed to obtain the necessary permits before cutting down the trees. Officials also claimed the couple ignored repeated warnings issued by city workers and police officers during the period the trees were being removed.

Investigators further alleged that some of the trees were located on neighbouring properties and city-owned land, escalating the severity of the case.

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Defending their actions, Bernard told the council that the trees were either “dead, dying, leaning,” or in a “hazardous condition.” He maintained that the removals were carried out based on recommendations from a professional arborist and were necessary to reduce wildfire risks around the property.

The couple also disputed the number of trees allegedly removed, arguing that some had already fallen before they acquired the property while others collapsed during storms.

Despite the explanation, Oakland officials rejected the defence and proceeded with the financial penalty, describing the environmental impact as severe and long-lasting.

Community tree specialist Erys Gagnez told the council that replacing trees of such magnitude would take decades, if not centuries.

“Trees of that size are not commercially available for replacement. Even with replanting, it will take decades, even centuries, to restore the ecological and protective functions that were lost,” Gagnez said.

Authorities have also placed a lien on the property, meaning Bernard and Warner may be unable to sell, develop or secure permits for the land until the fine is fully settled.

The development has sparked debate within Oakland’s political circles, with some council members insisting the punishment was necessary to deter environmental violations, while others questioned whether the fine was excessively harsh.

Councilmember Janani Ramachandran defended the sanction, stating that Oakland’s identity and environmental safety depended heavily on preserving its tree population.

However, another council member, Carroll Fife, reportedly questioned whether the enforcement process had been applied fairly, noting concerns about unequal treatment in previous environmental cases.

The case has continued to attract widespread attention online due to the size of the fine and the environmental implications surrounding the illegal removal of protected trees in California.

Nigerian Doctor, Wife Slammed With Nearly $1m Fine Over Illegal Tree Cutting In California

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Police Bust Syndicate Moving Military Camouflage, Hard Drugs Out of Lagos – 4 Arrested

Published

8 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Police Bust Syndicate Moving Military Camouflage, Hard Drugs Out of Lagos – 4 Arrested

The Lagos State Police Command has smashed a smuggling syndicate moving military camouflage uniforms and illicit drugs out of the state, arresting four suspects in a major intelligence-led operation. Commissioner of Police CP Tijani Fatai paraded the suspects and exhibits at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, detailing the command’s successes over the past two weeks.

Operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit intercepted an unregistered MAN diesel truck on the night of Saturday, June 20, 2026, along the Lekki-Epe corridor. The truck, according to the CP, was loaded with 47 sacks containing military camouflage uniforms and caps and 80 cartons of different categories of suspected narcotics. A police source involved in the investigation told NewsWatch Online that the truck driver and his assistant were initially arrested before two other suspects who came to a police station in Surulere to claim the exhibits were also taken into custody.

CP Fatai identified the arrested suspects as Chinedu David, 29; Ezeagwu Chukwuma, 38; and Ifeanyi Ogbeanyi, 45. He stated that “preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered truck was allegedly being used to transport the military camouflage uniforms to the eastern part of the country.” However, he warned that the investigation is still ongoing, adding: “With the trend of events across the country, especially in areas affected by banditry and other violent crimes, we have seen criminal elements wearing military uniforms. We do not yet know what these uniforms were meant for, and that is why the investigation is ongoing.”

Police Bust Syndicate Moving Military Camouflage, Hard Drugs Out of Lagos – 4 Arrested

The seizure of military-grade uniforms and illicit drugs on their way out of Lagos comes weeks after a similar interception by the Nigeria Customs Service along the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway, raising fresh concerns about criminal access to military accoutrements outside authorised channels. Customs officials had previously seized a luxury bus conveying military apparel and narcotics concealed in cartons and hidden compartments, also heading towards the South-east.

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In a separate operation, police arrested 34 foreign nationals during a raid on Lagos Island. Those arrested comprised 14 citizens of Chad, nine from Burkina Faso, four from the Benin Republic, four Malians, two Togolese, two Cameroonians, and one Guinean. The CP stated that many of those arrested were unable to provide satisfactory explanations for their activities, claiming “they were into networking.” They are being profiled by the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further action.

The police also rescued 38 foreign nationals from possible mob action in the Epe area of Lagos State on June 17, 2026. Preliminary investigations revealed that 20 of the individuals entered Nigeria illegally, while 18 possessed valid ECOWAS travel documents. The matter has been referred to the Nigeria Immigration Service and relevant diplomatic missions for appropriate action.

The command also recorded other successes in the period under review, including the arrest of a suspect linked to a notorious ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicate, with 51 mobile phones recovered from victims. Additionally, operatives arrested two suspected cable vandals identified as Ikenegboge Godwin, 23, and Aondoaka Jacob, 23, who were intercepted while vandalising electrical cables on the Third Mainland Bridge. Police operatives recovered the stolen cables and have launched a manhunt for other fleeing members of the syndicate.

In the Ijanikin area of Lagos, police operatives acting on intelligence supplied by residents arrested several suspects and recovered a cache of firearms, including two double-barrelled guns and six locally fabricated single-barrel firearms. The police also arrested suspected cultists linked to the Eiye and Alora confraternities, recovering firearms and ammunition during the operations. Other recoveries include 14 firearms, four live cartridges, and two Vehicle Engine Control Units (ECUs), otherwise known as brain boxes.

The police boss reaffirmed the command’s resolve to keep Lagos secure: “We are not going to allow any banditry into Lagos. Our borders are tightened up and we are not going to rest on our oars.” He also stated that police are on the trail of the alleged financier of the syndicate, adding: “We are on the trail of the person funding the syndicate. The suspects we have arrested are giving us useful information, and we are confident we will apprehend him.”

The interception of the truck and the arrest of the suspects represent a major success in the command’s sustained efforts to combat violent crime in Lagos State and other parts of the country. Investigations into all cases are ongoing.

Police Bust Syndicate Moving Military Camouflage, Hard Drugs Out of Lagos – 4 Arrested

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El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Refuses to Vary “Stringent” Bail Terms

Published

10 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Trends Admin

El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Refuses to Vary “Stringent” Bail Terms

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, seeking to relax the stringent bail conditions imposed on him in the ongoing wiretapping trial. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in her ruling on Tuesday, declined to vary the conditions, meaning the former governor will remain in custody pending his ability to meet the existing bail requirements.

El-Rufai, through his lead counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN) , had approached the court seeking a review of the bail conditions, describing them as harsh, stringent, outlandish, and practically impossible to fulfil. His legal team specifically challenged several requirements, including the condition mandating sureties to be Level 17 civil servants with verifiable landed properties in high-profile areas of Abuja, specifically Maitama or Asokoro districts. The defence also raised concerns over the additional requirement involving verification and attestation letters from the Kaduna State Traditional Council.

However, prosecution counsel Oluwole Aladedoye (SAN) strongly opposed the application, insisting that qualified public officers who meet the court’s requirements do exist and urged the court to dismiss El-Rufai’s request. Justice Abdulmalik agreed with the prosecution, holding that there are civil servants who own properties in the specified locations and that the conditions were not impossible to meet.

At Tuesday’s hearing, the Department of State Services (DSS) formally closed its case against the former governor in the ongoing alleged wiretapping trial. Prosecuting counsel Aladedoye informed the court that the prosecution would not be calling additional witnesses, signalling the end of the DSS case. The DSS had called just two witnesses during the trial, and the prosecution stated it was satisfied that the evidence already presented was sufficient to establish the offences against the former governor.

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Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, El-Rufai’s legal team informed the court of its intention to file a no-case submission. A no-case submission is a legal application asking the court to dismiss charges on the grounds that the prosecution has not presented sufficient evidence to justify continuing the trial. The defence argued that the prosecution has failed to establish a strong enough case to warrant further proceedings against the former governor. Erokoro requested two weeks to file the application, while the prosecution also requested two weeks to study and respond to the submission.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026, for the hearing of the no-case submission and continuation of proceedings.

El-Rufai is facing a five-count charge filed by the DSS bordering on alleged breach of national security and unlawful interception of communications of the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). The charges stem from comments made by the former governor during a live interview on Arise Television in February 2026, where he claimed to have intercepted a telephone conversation involving NSA Nuhu Ribadu. According to the DSS, the alleged offence is punishable under Section 12(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Amendment Act, 2024. El-Rufai had alleged that the intercepted conversation revealed instructions to security operatives to arrest him. He pleaded not guilty to all charges when arraigned on April 23, 2026.

The court had earlier granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N100 million with one surety in like sum, subject to stringent conditions. The conditions include that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17, residing in Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja, and must deposit the original Certificate of Occupancy of a landed property at the court’s registry. The court warned that failure to comply with any condition would lead to automatic revocation of the bail.

Observers note that securing an attestation letter from the Chairman of Kaduna State Traditional Rulers Council may be difficult given the frosty relationship between El-Rufai and his successor, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani. The next stage of the case will determine whether El-Rufai will be required to open his defence or if the court will dismiss the charges entirely.

El-Rufai Remains in Custody as Court Refuses to Vary “Stringent” Bail Terms

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Military Free 47 Hostages from ISWAP Enclave in Lake Chad Region

Published

11 hours ago

June 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Military Free 47 Hostages from ISWAP Enclave in Lake Chad Region

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) , have rescued 47 persons, mostly women and children, from captivity in an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) enclave in Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The rescue operation, conducted on June 20, 2026, was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Mohammed Goni.

According to the military, the victims regained their freedom following sustained offensive operations against terrorist hideouts in the Lake Chad region. Captain Goni explained that the rescue was made possible through coordinated ground and air assaults that forced the insurgents to abandon their positions in disarray. “The unrelenting ground and air offensives forced the terrorists to abandon their positions in confusion, enabling the victims to escape from prolonged captivity,” the statement read.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention and humanitarian support at a secure location, with relevant agencies coordinating their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society. “The rescued persons are currently being seen by medical professionals at a secure location. Necessary humanitarian support is being provided in coordination with relevant agencies to facilitate their eventual reintegration,” Goni stated.

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The military said the rescue underscores its commitment to protecting civilians and weakening terrorist networks operating in the North-East. “This rescue further highlights the commitment of OPHK troops to not only degrade terrorist capabilities but also to secure the release of innocent civilians held against their will,” the statement noted.

Kangarwa and other communities in Kukawa Local Government Area lie within the Lake Chad basin, one of the areas most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency over the past decade. The region has witnessed repeated attacks, abductions, and displacement of residents, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Despite recent military gains, remnants of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters continue to operate in parts of northern Borno, particularly around the Lake Chad axis, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains.

The rescue also comes amid continuing concern over other civilians still in captivity in Borno State. On May 15, 2026, suspected Boko Haram insurgents abducted pupils and students from Mussa-Biri Primary School and Junior Day Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The abducted learners were still in captivity as of the latest public update, a development that recently prompted a protest by the Nigerian Union of Teachers in Maiduguri.

The Theatre Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain offensive operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist networks and restoring peace across the region. “The Theatre Command reaffirms its resolve to sustain offensive operations, dismantle remaining ISWAP networks and restore peace and normalcy across the North East region,” the statement concluded.

The military has in recent months intensified operations across the Lake Chad Basin and the Sambisa forest axis, leading to the rescue of captives, recovery of weapons, and the neutralization of scores of insurgents. The identities of the rescued persons and the duration of their captivity were not disclosed.