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Abia Assembly Passes Law to Protect Tenants From Exploitative Landlords, Agents

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Abia Assembly Passes Law to Protect Tenants From Exploitative Landlords, Agents

Abia Assembly Passes Law to Protect Tenants From Exploitative Landlords, Agents

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed the Abia Property and Tenancy Bill into law, introducing far-reaching reforms aimed at regulating property transactions, protecting landlords and tenants, and sanitising the activities of property agents across the state. The bill was passed during Tuesday’s plenary after consideration by the Committee of the Whole. The law provides for the establishment of the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority, which will oversee the implementation of the new law once it receives the assent of Governor Alex Otti. Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the passage of the bill during plenary, stating that the law would take effect upon receiving the governor’s assent. He congratulated members of the House on the successful passage of the legislation, expressing confidence that it would strengthen the state’s property administration framework and promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in landlord-tenant relationships. The Property and Tenancy Bill was jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Augustine Okezie, and Hon. Mandela Obasi, representing Ohafia North State Constituency, as part of the Assembly’s efforts to provide a legal framework that protects the interests of landlords, tenants, and genuine property agents while promoting order and professionalism within the real estate sector. It is one of four major bills passed by the Assembly in a single plenary session, alongside the Abia State Criminal Law Bill, the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, and the Abia State Restorative Justice Bill. The law became necessary following widespread outcry from tenants in Umuahia and Aba over high house rents for residential and commercial buildings. Residents of the two major cities accused house agents of conspiring with landlords to arbitrarily jack up rents. According to lawmakers, over 90% of Abians are tenants, with many living under the global poverty level, making housing a major challenge.

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The new law establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for Abia’s housing sector, introducing several protections for tenants and agents, as well as landlords. A key provision of the legislation makes it mandatory for all property agents operating in Abia State to be registered with the regulatory authority. Collecting rent from multiple tenants for the same property has been made a criminal offence punishable by law. Anyone found operating as a property agent without a valid licence will be liable to a fine ranging from N1 million to N10 million. The law fixes the maximum agent’s fee at 5% of the annual rent, curbing the excessive charges that have long burdened tenants in the state. Any licensed or unlicensed agent who defrauds a client, whether a prospective tenant or a landlord, will, upon conviction, face between six and seven years’ imprisonment. Landlords are prohibited from demanding, and tenants from paying, rent exceeding six months in advance. Violations attract fines or potential jail time. The bill also seeks to control unreasonable rent increases, a pressing challenge where landlords have historically raised rents at arbitrary rates. Tenants can now challenge such increases in court and cannot be evicted while the case is pending. The law streamlines the process of property recovery for landlords dealing with non-compliant or defaulting tenants, providing faster eviction procedures. Tenants must present proof of rent and utility bills payment when filing or appealing tenancy-related cases, ensuring transparency in dispute resolution. It shall be the duty of the party who engages the services of a professional in respect of the tenancy agreement to pay the fees for such professional services.

The bill provides for the inauguration of a governing board immediately after the governor assents to the law. The board will be responsible for regulating the activities of property agents, ensuring compliance with the law, enforcing professional standards, and addressing issues relating to property transactions in the state. Professional fees will be paid by the party who engages the services of a professional in respect of the tenancy agreement.

The legislation followed years of complaints from residents about exploitative practices in the housing sector. Lawmakers noted that the existing laws created a “lacuna for abuse of tenancy agreements and unreasonable increment of rents” which put many into undue suffering. Hon. Barr. Anderson Akaliro, representing Umuahia North State Constituency, described the bill as “a necessary step toward protecting both landlords and tenants,” adding that effective legal safeguards are essential for promoting harmony within communities. The bill has received broad support from lawmakers across the state, including Chief Whip Hon. Emeka Tommy Obioma. Many residents who have long faced arbitrary rent hikes and exploitative agent fees have welcomed the development as a major relief, while property owners have expressed appreciation for the streamlined processes for property recovery.

The law will become effective immediately upon receiving the Governor’s assent. Once operational, the Abia State Property and Tenancy Regulatory Authority will be established to oversee property transactions, monitor the activities of property agents, and safeguard the interests of both landlords and tenants across the state. The passage of the bill is expected to address longstanding concerns over arbitrary agency charges, unregistered property agents, and disputes arising from tenancy agreements, while creating a more transparent and regulated property market in Abia State. Stakeholders in the housing sector have welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the reform will reduce conflicts and foster mutual understanding between landlords and tenants. As Governor Otti’s assent is awaited, residents and stakeholders in the housing sector are hopeful that the new law will usher in a new era of fairness and accountability in Abia State’s property market. The Assembly’s commitment to passing this legislation reflects a broader recognition that housing is a fundamental right and that both tenants and landlords deserve a legal framework that protects their interests and promotes harmonious coexistence.

Abia Assembly Passes Law to Protect Tenants From Exploitative Landlords, Agents

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Panic as CNG Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 17 Rescued, One Severely Burnt

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November 11, 2026

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Panic as CNG Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 17 Rescued, One Severely Burnt
Panic as CNG Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Panic as CNG Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 17 Rescued, One Severely Burnt

Seventeen people have been rescued after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered commercial bus exploded and burst into flames along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, leaving one passenger with severe burn injuries.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Berger Bus Stop, along the Lagos-bound section of the expressway, triggering panic among commuters and other motorists.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the vehicle was a fully loaded Toyota Hiace bus with registration number EKY 798 YK.

The bus, carrying 18 occupants, including the driver, was travelling from the Mowe-Ibafo axis towards Lagos when it reportedly caught fire following a gas explosion.

LASTMA officials who responded to the emergency rescued 17 occupants, including the driver, without injuries.

However, one male passenger seated at the rear of the vehicle sustained severe burns in the incident.

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The injured passenger was evacuated by LASTMA personnel and taken to the Lagos State Trauma and Emergency Centre, Toll Gate, for urgent medical treatment.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service also responded to the incident, deploying firefighting equipment to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other vehicles and nearby areas.

Police officers from the Ojodu Police Division provided security at the scene, maintained order and supported the emergency response.

Commending the emergency responders, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, praised the agency’s personnel for their swift intervention, courage and professionalism, which helped save the lives of 17 occupants.

He also acknowledged the cooperation between LASTMA, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and the Nigeria Police Force during the rescue operation.

Bakare-Oki urged commercial transport operators, particularly those using CNG-powered vehicles, to prioritise regular professional inspections and proper vehicle maintenance.

He emphasised the need to comply with prescribed safety standards, especially those relating to gas storage systems and fuel delivery components, to reduce the risk of explosions and other fire-related emergencies.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of CNG-powered commercial vehicles and the need for strict adherence to maintenance requirements as Nigeria increasingly promotes natural gas as an alternative fuel for transportation.

Panic as CNG Bus Explodes on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, 17 Rescued, One Severely Burnt

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Troops Arrest Father, Son Over Terrorism Suspicions, Recover AK-47 in Sokoto

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November 11, 2026

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Troops Arrest Father, Son Over Terrorism Suspicions, Recover AK-47 in Sokoto

Troops Arrest Father, Son Over Terrorism Suspicions, Recover AK-47 in Sokoto

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a father and his son over suspected links to terrorist activities in Bauni Forest, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and other items during the operation.

The suspects, identified as Muhammadu Ali and his son, Umaru Ali, were arrested at about 12:47 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, during a coordinated security operation in the forest.

The operation involved troops of the 248 Battalion, supported by French Special Forces and the tactical team of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Security sources said the two suspects were allegedly linked to terrorist groups operating in the area. However, the nature and extent of their alleged involvement have yet to be established, as investigations are ongoing.

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Items recovered from the suspects included an AK-47 rifle, a magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and the sum of ₦9,760 in cash.

Troops also recovered three motorcycle tubes during the operation.

Following their arrest, Muhammadu Ali and his son were transferred to the 8 Military Intelligence Battalion for further investigation.

The arrests form part of ongoing military efforts to track down suspected terrorist elements and disrupt their activities in Sokoto State and other parts of the North-West.

The investigation is expected to establish the suspects’ alleged connections, identify any possible accomplices and determine whether they played any role in terrorist activities in the area.

Troops Arrest Father, Son Over Terrorism Suspicions, Recover AK-47 in Sokoto

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Agunbiade Celebrates Oyo Grand Chief Imam Akeugberu at One, Says His Impact Equals a Decade

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November 11, 2026

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Agunbiade Celebrates Oyo Grand Chief Imam Akeugberu at One, Says His Impact Equals a Decade
Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadilatul Sheikh Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu

Agunbiade Celebrates Oyo Grand Chief Imam Akeugberu at One, Says His Impact Equals a Decade

A prominent member of the Oyo State Muslim Community (MUSCOYS), Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, has congratulated the Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Fadilatul Sheikh Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, on his first anniversary in office, describing his leadership as a period of remarkable achievements and far-reaching influence.

Agunbiade said the Muslim cleric had made an impact within just 12 months that could ordinarily take a decade to achieve, citing his efforts to promote unity, strengthen relationships with Islamic institutions and expand the influence of the Muslim community in Oyo State and beyond.

The Grand Chief Imam marked his first anniversary on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

In a congratulatory message made available to journalists, Agunbiade said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and contributions of a religious leader whose emergence, according to him, had renewed hope and confidence among Muslims in Oyo Land.

He stressed that the anniversary was more than a celebration of one year in office, describing it as a recognition of purposeful leadership, institutional engagement and efforts to advance the interests of the Muslim Ummah.

Agunbiade recalled that Sheikh Akeugberu’s emergence as Grand Chief Imam had raised expectations among Muslims who wanted a leader capable of providing direction, strengthening unity and promoting the collective interests of the community.

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He said the cleric began demonstrating his leadership capacity shortly after assuming office, particularly through engagements with prominent Islamic authorities and respected Muslim institutions.

One of the early developments he highlighted was the reception accorded the Grand Chief Imam by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, mni, within the first month of his emergence.

Agunbiade described the meeting as an indication of the recognition and acceptance enjoyed by the Oyo Muslim leader within the wider Nigerian Muslim community.

He added that Sheikh Akeugberu’s engagements had since extended beyond Oyo State, strengthening his relevance across the Southwest and the wider Nigerian Muslim Ummah.

The MUSCOYS member described the Grand Chief Imam as a man of honour, dignity, wisdom and exceptional leadership qualities, noting that religious leadership required more than occupying an influential position.

According to him, the office demands humility, inclusiveness, courage, selfless service and a genuine commitment to the welfare and unity of the faithful.

He particularly praised Sheikh Akeugberu’s ability to engage Muslims across different ideological orientations, saying the responsibility of a Grand Chief Imam was to unite the community rather than deepen divisions.

Agunbiade said the cleric had demonstrated the importance of building bridges, fostering mutual understanding and providing direction for Muslims with different perspectives and affiliations.

“The Grand Chief Imam is a man whose emergence many Muslims had anticipated with great expectations. Alhamdulillah, barely one year into his administration, his impact has given renewed meaning to those expectations,” he said.

He added that the first year of the cleric’s leadership had demonstrated what could be achieved when experience, wisdom, influence and commitment to the Muslim Ummah were combined.

Agunbiade urged Muslims in Oyo Land and beyond to continue supporting the Grand Chief Imam, offering prayers for him and cooperating with his leadership.

He said the continued progress of the Muslim community depended on collective responsibility, mutual understanding and the willingness of stakeholders to work together for the common good.

The congratulatory message also included prayers for the cleric’s good health, wisdom, strength, sincerity and divine protection as he continues to discharge the responsibilities of his office.

Agunbiade expressed the hope that the remaining years of Sheikh Akeugberu’s tenure would bring greater unity, spiritual advancement and institutional development, while strengthening the recognition of Muslims in Oyo Land, the Southwest and Nigeria.

He prayed that Almighty Allah would preserve the Grand Chief Imam, increase him in knowledge and wisdom, protect him from distractions and enable him to serve Islam and humanity with sincerity.

He also expressed the hope that the cleric’s future years in office would build on the achievements of his first year and bring lasting benefits to the Muslim Ummah.

Agunbiade Celebrates Oyo Grand Chief Imam Akeugberu at One, Says His Impact Equals a Decade

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