metro
LASTMA, police probe traffic extortion, withdraw errant officers
The Lagos State Police Command and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority have started investigations into the alleged extortion of motorists in the Berger-Isheri area of the state.
PUNCH Metro also gathered that the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, had summoned the divisional police officers in other areas where some motorists alleged extortion rates were high.
The development followed an investigation by PUNCH Metro on a suspected syndicate made up of policemen and LASTMA officers in the Berger-Isheri area.
Our correspondent, who disguised as a hawker and sold popcorn and face masks in traffic, observed for four hours as the group exploited motorists seeking to connect from the Berger-Isheri Road to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The reporter noted that the green arrow of the old traffic light ran for about 20 seconds before indicating the amber and the red light.
Motorists, who left the waiting lane between 17th and 19th seconds, when the green light was still on, were arrested as soon as they got to the road linking the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
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Our correspondent also observed as the LASTMA officers and policemen stopped motorists and pointed their attention to the traffic light, which by then had turned red.
PUNCH Metro noted that the motorists were stopped on the instruction of a pot-bellied man in mufti, who entered their vehicles.
The dark-complexion man, with two others also in mufti, entered at least two Toyota Camry cars and did not alight until after a stop at a Point-of-Sale terminal shop.
While the investigation lasted, our correspondent noticed coordination among the uniformed officers, numbering seven, as motorists were extorted.
Some Nigerians, who read the report on Tuesday, took to different social media platforms to share their ordeals in other parts of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officers, Benjamin Hundeyin, told PUNCH Metro that the command had commenced investigation into the matter.
“We are taking steps to make sure this kind of thing stops,” he added.
A source at the command headquarters told our correspondent that the state Commissioner of Police, Alabi, was angry at the conduct of the policemen.
The source noted that all the DPOs in the other areas had been summoned for a meeting.
The source said, “The report has spurred the command to action, and the CP has ordered that the names of the places mentioned in the story be listed and the DPOs in those areas summoned to his office.”
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Some of the spots mentioned by readers are Iyana Ipaja Motor Park; Apple Junction, Amuwo Odofin; Ikeja Underbrige inward Maryland by LASUTH; Allen Roundabout, Ikeja; Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere; Ajao Estate, via Osolo; Ajah Traffic Light, Lekki-Epe Expressway; FESTAC Town by First Gate, among others.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, when contacted on the phone, said he had ordered an independent investigation into the report.
He said, “We have begun our own covert investigation into the matter. It started today (Wednesday) and it will take days to conclude our findings.”
Meanwhile, checks by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday and Wednesday revealed that the cops and LASTMA officers sighted by our correspondent during the investigation were no longer at the location.
However, a few LASTMA officers were seen inside the traffic warden box.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, said experts had been consulted to check “complaints people have about the traffic light” in the community.
On the traffic cameras the government announced in January 2021 to catch traffic offenders, Omotosho said the gadgets were only in few places, adding that efforts were on to deploy them across the state.
metro
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has rewarded 19-year-old Gombe State Qur’anic scholar Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi with N20 million following her outstanding performance at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Oluremi Tinubu presented the cash award to Maryam at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday after the young Qur’anic scholar was formally presented to her by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The governor was accompanied by Maryam’s father, teachers and other members of the Gombe State delegation during the visit.
In addition to the N20 million reward, the First Lady expressed her willingness to support Maryam in pursuing a master’s degree, encouraging the young scholar to continue her academic development alongside her Qur’anic studies.
Tinubu described Maryam’s achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and an example of what young Nigerians, particularly girls, can accomplish through dedication, discipline and education.
Maryam attracted international attention in August after emerging winner of the second category of the women’s division at the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition in Saudi Arabia.
She scored 97.70 marks to take first position in a category that required participants to demonstrate mastery of the entire Holy Qur’an, together with excellence in recitation and interpretation of Qur’anic vocabulary.
The 46th edition of the international competition reportedly attracted 334 contestants from 133 countries, with participants competing across various categories covering Qur’anic memorisation, recitation and interpretation.
Maryam’s victory also earned her a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, widely reported at about N120 million, making the N20 million presented by the First Lady a separate recognition of her achievement.
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Receiving Maryam at the State House, Oluremi Tinubu praised the teenager’s commitment to Qur’anic scholarship and her determination to excel in both religious and formal education.
She also acknowledged the contribution of Maryam’s parents, teachers and mentors, noting that sustained support from families and educators remains important in nurturing young talents.
The First Lady encouraged Maryam to remain committed to her education and to embrace mentorship as she progresses in her academic and personal development.
Maryam’s international success is also part of a remarkable family record in Qur’anic competitions.
Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, won the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in Jordan in 2024.
The achievements of the two sisters have drawn attention from Nigerian leaders and stakeholders in Islamic education, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu previously congratulating Maryam on her international victory and recognising the role played by her family, teachers and mentors.
According to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Maryam’s success followed years of participation in Qur’anic competitions at different levels.
She reportedly distinguished herself in local and state competitions before progressing to national contests and eventually representing Nigeria at the international competition in Saudi Arabia.
Maryam is a Physics Education student at Gombe State University and also studies at the Abubakar Siddiq Community School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Gombe.
Speaking after her reception at the Presidential Villa, Maryam expressed appreciation to the First Lady for the recognition and financial support.
She said her participation in the Saudi Arabian competition enabled her to interact with contestants from different parts of the world and gain broader exposure.
The young scholar also expressed hope that her achievement would inspire other Nigerian youths to remain committed to education, develop their talents and pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
With the latest N20 million award, Maryam has received substantial financial recognition following her historic performance in Saudi Arabia.
Her 300,000 Saudi Riyal prize came from the King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition, while the N20 million reward from Oluremi Tinubu was presented during her visit to the Presidential Villa.
The First Lady’s offer to support Maryam’s postgraduate studies could further strengthen the young scholar’s ability to pursue higher education while continuing her development in Qur’anic scholarship.
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
metro
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
The Kaduna State chapter of the APC has appealed for calm after reporting alleged attacks, vandalism and intimidation involving its members and party-related facilities.
The party wants the police and other security agencies to determine what happened and identify those responsible for any offences established by the evidence.
APC Publicity Secretary Sani Dan Azare said vehicles were allegedly damaged during an incident at party premises, while some members and supporters were reportedly assaulted or intimidated elsewhere in the state.
Rather than draw conclusions from the competing claims, the party asked security agencies to examine all credible leads and evidence before taking action.
The appeal comes as political activities intensify in Kaduna ahead of the 2027 elections. The state has already recorded a separate dispute involving ADC supporters and security operatives during a campaign-related walk, with the parties giving different accounts of the confrontation.
The APC said such incidents should not undermine what it described as progress made in reducing political, ethnic and religious tensions in the state.
It therefore urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the law.
Dan Azare also asked APC members and support groups to avoid retaliation, warning against any form of self-help.
“Let the facts be established. Let due process prevail. Let the law take its course” the party said.
The APC added that anyone with relevant information should make it available to security agencies to help establish what happened and determine whether anyone should face legal action.
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
metro
Fatal NURTW Leadership Clash in Osun Leaves Two Dead; State Orders Park Shut Down
Fatal NURTW Leadership Clash in Osun Leaves Two Dead; State Orders Park Shut Down
As Olalekan Oyeyemi is buried in Osogbo, authorities transfer murder probe to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
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