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Ban: Okada rider, passenger to be arrested, prosecuted, says Lagos police

Published

4 years ago

May 21, 2022

The Lagos State Police Command has announced that both motorcyclists and passengers who defy the new ban on Okada operations in the state will be arrested and prosecuted.

The Lagos State Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known on Saturday.

“Under the new total ban of motorcycles in six local government areas of Lagos State, passengers and riders alike will be arrested and prosecuted. The passenger is an accomplice. Ignorance will not be an excuse!” he tweeted.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has on Wednesday, declared a total ban on the operations of commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada, in six Local Governments.

The six local governments listed by the governor are Ikeja, Surulere, Eti-Osa, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, and Apapa.

The governor said the fresh Okada ban followed the February 2020 restriction placed on the activities of commercial motorcycles.

Sanwo-Olu said the government took the decision in line with the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 to immediately address the chaos and menace created by the operations of Okada in the listed areas.

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He told the police to enforce the order without compromise.

He said, “After a critical review of our restriction on Okada activities in the first six Local Government Areas where we restricted them on February 1, 2020, we have seen that the menace has not abated. We are now directing a total ban on Okada activities across the highways and bridges within these six Local Government and their Local Council Development Areas, effective from June 1, 2022.

“This is a phased ban we are embarking on this period, and we expect that within the short while when this ban will be enforced, Okada riders in other places where their activities are yet to be banned can find something else to do. We have given the notice now and we expect all commercial motorcycles plying the routes in the listed councils and areas to vacate the highways before enforcement begins. The enforcement will be total.”

The ban came days after Okada riders killed a young man in the Lekki area of Lagos State over N100 balance.

It was learnt that the victim, who was a sound engineer, was lynched and burnt to death after a misunderstanding ensued over the N100 balance with one of the commercial motorcyclists.

How my husband was killed by Okada riders over N100 -Widow

Grace, widow of the 37-year-old sound engineer who was killed by motorcyclists in Lagos State, David Imoh, has narrated how her husband was killed while trying to settle a fight between two friends and his killers.

In an interview with The PUNCH on Monday, Grace said her husband was wrongly labelled as a ritualist and Yahoo Boy before being lynched to death.

“They didn’t just beat him, they stabbed and burnt him to death,” the mother of two broke down in tears.

“He was burnt as if he is a robber. They have taken my world away from me because of N100. This is not good,” she added.

The PUNCH had reported that two suspects have been arrested in connection with Imoh’s death.

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The late Imoh, who was popularly called Dave Sound, had an aged mother, a five-year-old boy and another One-year and five-month-old baby.

She identified the two other friends of her late husband involved in the fight as band members of D’Banj and Phyno.

The widow said, “My husband went to work on May 10, I was called on May 13 by one of his friends that we lost him. He said his family should come to the Maroko police station. So my relatives and his own went there. The police told them that my husband and his friend climbed the Aboki (Hausa man)’s bike, and they had an argument over N100.

“In the process, one of the Okada guys was hit and he fell down so they started beating them up.
My husband was beaten and they were shouting that he is a ritualist and a Yahoo Boy. After being beaten, he was burnt to death.”

Grace, however, explained that the narrative by one of Imoh’s friends made her realise that her late husband was invited to settle the dispute over the N100 balance when he was killed.

She continued, “But on Twitter, a colleague of his put up a video on what happened. She said my husband was setting up in a bar. Being a sound engineer he works with Church of God Mission Garden City, Lekki during the day. He also works with Legacy 360 Band in the evening when there is a show.

“My husband was not part of those who mounted the bike. Two guys (band members) took the bike and when they arrived at the venue, an argument happened between the two guys and the motorcyclist.

“They gave the motorcyclist N500 and were to get a balance of N100 but the bike man said he didn’t have change. They told him to take N300 but he refused and a fight broke out.

“My husband was invited to intervene in the issue. David intervened because of N100 and was killed. He came outside trying to intervene but when they saw that the motorcyclists were overpowering them, they had to run back inside the bar but the bar manager pushed them out. He denied knowing them, David tried hiding but a Hausa lady exposed him.”

Grace, who is a civil servant and a Post Graduate Diploma holder, called on the Lagos State Government to ensure justice in the matter.

“All because he wanted to help settle a dispute, he was killed. They have taken away my world. Please Lagos Government, Governor Sanwo-Olu, my Head of Service, Muri Okunola, and others help me, I cry for justice and for the welfare of my children. Please come to my rescue. I’m helpless,” she said.

“How do I take care of these kids. I wanted to pursue my Master’s and get my COREN certification as an engineer. Those were his plans for me. My husband is the only one helping me. How will my children go to school?”

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Sanwo-Olu Unveils 2026 Lagos Economic Blueprint to Drive Growth

Published

5 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Sanwo-Olu Unveils 2026 Lagos Economic Blueprint to Drive Growth

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday officially launched the 2026 Lagos Economic Development Update (LEDU), reaffirming his administration’s commitment to achieving inclusive growth, economic resilience, and prosperity that benefits every Lagosian. The event, held in Ikeja, featured the governor alongside Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, senior government officials, and key economic stakeholders.

The 2026 LEDU provides a comprehensive analysis of Lagos’ economic trajectory, incorporating global, national, and local trends to guide policy and investment decisions. Sanwo-Olu described the report as more than a policy document, calling it a strategic compass for shaping economic direction, guiding governance, and reinforcing Lagos’ position as a leading African economy.

“This platform has evolved beyond a mere policy document; it is a compass guiding our economic direction, shaping decisions, and reinforcing our commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Lagos,” the governor said. He added that despite global economic challenges such as inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and post-pandemic recovery issues, Lagos continues to thrive through strategic policies, fiscal discipline, and key infrastructure investment under the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda.

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The theme of the 2026 report, “Consolidating Resilience, Advancing Competitiveness, Delivering Shared Prosperity,” reflects Lagos’ current economic priorities. Consolidating resilience involves strengthening institutions, maintaining budgetary discipline, and reinforcing Lagos’ capacity to withstand economic shocks. Advancing competitiveness focuses on boosting productivity, encouraging innovation, and attracting both domestic and foreign investment. Delivering shared prosperity ensures that growth translates into job creation, expanded opportunities, and improved living standards for residents.

Sanwo-Olu highlighted progress achieved since the inception of LEDU, including the expansion of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems, improved digital revenue systems, and ongoing investments in roads, energy, ports, and urban planning. He emphasized the importance of human capital development, noting that “people are the true engine of growth.” The governor underlined the administration’s commitment to economic diversification, private-sector led growth, data-driven governance, and social inclusion, emphasizing collaboration with private sector partners, civil society, and international development institutions.

Ope George, Lagos Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, praised the state’s ability to respond to economic shocks while building stronger systems. He stated that growth should be measured by its impact on citizens’ lives, not just macroeconomic indicators. In a goodwill message, Biodun Adedipe, Chief Consultant at B. Adedipe Associates Limited, described LEDU as a credible framework for tracking economic performance and guiding development initiatives, noting Lagos’ central role in Nigeria’s overall economic success. Tayo Adeloju, CEO of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, highlighted affordable housing as a critical factor for shared prosperity, emphasizing that it would improve living standards and support inclusive growth. He also stressed fiscal discipline, efficient service delivery, and broadening the productive economic base to maintain Lagos’ status as a leading megacity economy in Africa.

Looking ahead, the 2026 LEDU sets the stage for Lagos’ strategic focus on strengthening economic resilience and fiscal prudence, encouraging private-sector led growth and innovation, promoting inclusive urban development and social equity, and expanding investment opportunities through structured public-private partnerships. The blueprint aligns with the ₦4.237 trillion 2026 budget, titled the “Budget of Shared Prosperity,” ensuring that Lagos’ growth continues to be inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.

Sanwo-Olu Unveils 2026 Lagos Economic Blueprint to Drive Growth

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EFCC Re-Arraigns Nadabo Energy Boss Over ₦1.4bn Oil Fraud

Published

26 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Abubakar Ali Peters, Managing Director of Nadabo Energy Limited

EFCC Re-Arraigns Nadabo Energy Boss Over ₦1.4bn Oil Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Abubakar Ali Peters, Managing Director of Nadabo Energy Limited, alongside his company before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, over an alleged ₦1.4 billion oil subsidy fraud. The hearing took place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

The defendants were previously standing trial before Justice C.A. Balogun, but the case was reassigned following the judge’s retirement. The EFCC is prosecuting Peters and Nadabo Energy Limited on a 27-count charge involving alleged use of forged documents to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Petroleum Support Fund (PSF).

One of the charges alleges that on April 3, 2012, the defendants fraudulently obtained ₦978,401,732.09 by falsely claiming to have imported 19,488,992 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from Ashland SA Geneva, Switzerland, when in reality only 6,505,140.04 litres were imported. The purported delivery involved mother and daughter vessels, including MT American Express, MT Evridiki, and MT St. Vanessa.

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Another count accuses the defendants of forging a Certificate of Marine Insurance no. 0047851, allegedly issued by Staco Insurance Plc, to facilitate obtaining funds under the PSF on October 25, 2011.

Peters pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

During proceedings, prosecution counsel S.K. Atteh requested that the court set a trial date and considered remanding the defendant in a correctional centre. Defence counsel E.O. Isiramen opposed the remand, noting that Peters had been granted bail on December 19, 2012, had complied with all conditions, and had never absconded. He urged the court to allow Peters to continue on his existing bail.

Justice Ijelu ruled in favour of the defence, allowing Peters to remain on bail. Sureties were ordered to appear in court on the next adjourned date to reaffirm their undertaking, and the lawyer was directed to sign an undertaking to produce the defendant for trial.

The court adjourned the matter for May 19, 20, and 21, 2026 for the commencement of trial.

The EFCC has continued to intensify its crackdown on financial crimes in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with particular focus on companies allegedly misappropriating subsidy funds. Analysts say cases like Peters’ highlight the ongoing challenges of regulating petroleum transactions and ensuring transparency in subsidy disbursement.

Observers note that convictions in such high-profile cases could serve as a deterrent for other players in the sector involved in large-scale financial fraud.

EFCC Re-Arraigns Nadabo Energy Boss Over ₦1.4bn Oil Fraud

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‘I Have Not Resigned’ – Power Minister Adelabu Debunks Viral Resignation Report

Published

42 minutes ago

April 1, 2026

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Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu

‘I Have Not Resigned’ – Power Minister Adelabu Debunks Viral Resignation Report

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has dismissed viral claims suggesting he has stepped down from office, describing the report as false and misleading.

The clarification was issued through his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, who confirmed that the minister remains in office and continues to carry out his duties.

Speaking during a phone conversation on Tuesday, Tunji said the resignation report circulating on social media is fake and should be disregarded.

The rumour was fueled by a purported resignation letter allegedly written by Adelabu to President Bola Tinubu and dated March 26, 2026. In the widely circulated document, the minister was said to have resigned to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.

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Parts of the fake letter claimed that Adelabu expressed gratitude to the president for the opportunity to serve and indicated his intention to focus on contesting for the governorship position.

However, Tunji firmly debunked the document, stressing that it did not originate from the minister and has no official backing.

He reiterated that Adebayo Adelabu has not resigned, nor has he communicated any intention to step down from his position as Minister of Power.

The aide described the development as a deliberate attempt by mischief-makers to spread misinformation, especially amid increasing political activities ahead of future elections.

Despite speculations linking him to political ambitions in Oyo State, Adelabu remains focused on his current assignment, with ongoing efforts to improve Nigeria’s electricity supply and implement reforms in the power sector.

The public has been urged to verify information from credible and official sources before sharing, particularly on sensitive national issues.

‘I Have Not Resigned’ – Power Minister Adelabu Debunks Viral Resignation Report