metro
N26bn Debt: Court Grants Access Bank’s Request to Take over Sunny Odogwu Properties
A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday upheld the N26 billion debt claimed by Access Bank Plc against the estate of the late Ide Ahaba of Asaba, Chief Sunny Odogwu.
Justice Daniel Osiagor in his judgement upheld the Access bank’s claim, and dismissed the preliminary objection filed by the estate of the late Chief Sunny Odogwu challenging the claim of the bank.
The court held that a consent judgement had earlier been entered in which parties to the debt agreed on the payment of N12 billion as full and final payment.
The defendants in the preliminary objection had argued that having taken advantage of the consent judgement, the plaintiff can’t turn around and ask the court to set aside same.
However, Access Bank in its claim before the court argued that the judgement was floored in that it was delivered by a court that lacked jurisdiction to entertain it as at the time it was entered as consent judgement.
The bank through its counsel, Kemi Balogun, SAN, submitted that the matter having been placed at the bosom of the Court of Appeal, the lower court which entered the consent judgement was at the time it gave the judgement Functus Officio (lacked jurisdiction), and that the only court that has the power to adjudicate on such matter at that level is the appellate court.
Justice Osiagor while dismissing the objection of the defendants nullified the consent judgement entered by Justice Rilwan Aikawa, which sanctioned the consent judgement on the ground that it lacked jurisdiction to grant such order as it is functus officio as at the time he granted the order.
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The judge then affirmed the earlier judgement of justice Saliu Saidu, which ordered the defendants to pay its outstanding indebtedness of N26 billion.
Justice Osiagor however ruled that the payment must be less all amount earlier paid to the judgement creditor
The court also awarded a cost of N200,000 against the defendants.
It would be recalled that Access Bank Plc and the late Ide Ahaba of Asaba, Chief Sonny Odogwu, entered into a N26 billion loan agreement when he was alive.
The late businessman wanted to use the facility to build luxury apartments to be known as Le Meridien Grand Towers in highbrow Ikoyi, Lagos.
In line with global best practices, the bank demanded collateral security.
Thus Odogwu mortgaged prime properties in Lagos, Abuja, Dubai, and Los Angeles among others to Access Bank in return for the facility.
After the death of the businessman, the mortgaged properties eventually became a subject of litigation
Trouble started when the estate of the late Chief Odogwu, reacted angrily to a move by Access Bank to take over the uncompleted property.
The bank had in its originating summons urged the court to enter judgment in the sum jointly or severely against the first to third defendants, being the outstanding sum as at September 30, 2014, advanced by the bank for the defendants.
The bank also asked the court for an order granting leave to it to foreclose and sell the said property situated at 31-35 Ikoyi Crescent, Ikoyi, Lagos State and an order directing judicial sale and granting leave to sell the said property, being the security for the sum of N26, 229, 934, 035.22
The bank also urged the court to direct Leadway Trustees Limited to surrender all title documents in its custody in relation to the said property.
Thisday
metro
Third Mainland Bridge Crash: 10 Injured as LASEMA Averts Train Collision in Lagos
LAGOS — At least 10 passengers have been injured in a chain-reaction crash involving two commercial buses and a trailer on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, while emergency responders separately averted a possible train collision at Ilupeju Bypass.
The two incidents occurred on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The bridge accident reportedly began when a commercial bus stopped to fix a faulty tyre. Another bus subsequently rammed into the stationary vehicle, triggering a chain reaction.
A trailer then crashed into the second bus before its driver reportedly fled the scene, leaving the injured passengers in need of emergency assistance.
LASEMA said its emergency response team arrived at the scene, administered first aid to the victims and evacuated them to a hospital for further treatment.
The damaged vehicles were subsequently cleared from the affected section of the bridge, allowing traffic to resume.
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The incident raised fresh concerns about road safety on the busy bridge, which connects Lagos Island with the mainland and carries heavy traffic daily.
In a separate incident at Ilupeju Bypass, emergency responders prevented a potential collision between a train and a commercial bus that had broken down on a railway track.
According to LASEMA, the bus became stranded on the track after developing a mechanical fault, creating a potentially dangerous situation for rail operations.
Emergency officials deployed a light tow truck to remove the vehicle from the railway line before a possible collision occurred.
The agency said its response team managed the situation and ensured that the stranded bus was removed from the track.
Following the incidents, LASEMA urged motorists to maintain their vehicles regularly and avoid stopping to carry out repairs on busy highways and bridges, warning that such actions could endanger passengers and other road users.
Motorists were also advised to exercise caution when their vehicles develop mechanical faults, particularly in locations where stopping could trigger secondary accidents.
The agency encouraged Lagos residents who require urgent assistance to contact its emergency hotlines on 767 or 112.
The incidents highlight the importance of vehicle maintenance, prompt emergency response and strict adherence to road and railway safety measures to prevent avoidable injuries and loss of life.
Third Mainland Bridge Crash: 10 Injured as LASEMA Averts Train Collision in Lagos
metro
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged chief imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations across Nigeria to intensify public awareness of Ebola virus disease (EVD) following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The council called on religious leaders to use Friday sermons, mosque gatherings and community engagements to educate worshippers about the disease, its symptoms, preventive measures and the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.
The advisory, dated Wednesday, October 21, 2026, was signed by the NSCIA Secretary-General, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, on behalf of the council, which is led by its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III.
The council said religious institutions had an important role to play in preventing the spread of the infection by providing accurate information, encouraging early reporting of suspected cases and discouraging practices that could expose people to the virus.
It also urged state councils for Islamic affairs and Muslim organisations to mobilise their networks to ensure that public health information reaches communities across the country.
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The NSCIA warned that the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, has no approved vaccine or specific curative treatment. However, it noted that early detection, prompt medical care and strict preventive measures could improve survival and help prevent further transmission.
The council advised Muslims who develop symptoms suggestive of Ebola to avoid congregational prayers and other public gatherings until they have received medical assessment.
It also cautioned against attempting to treat suspected cases at home or transporting potentially infected people without guidance from health authorities.
On burial practices, the NSCIA warned family members and ordinary burial attendants against washing or handling the bodies of suspected or confirmed Ebola victims. It said safe and dignified burials should be conducted by authorised health personnel in consultation with relevant Islamic authorities.
The council further encouraged regular handwashing, environmental cleanliness and avoidance of direct contact with the blood and other body fluids of people who may be infected.
It urged Nigerians to cooperate with contact-tracing teams and comply with official public health directives, while warning against rumours, unverified remedies and the stigmatisation of affected people and their families.
The NSCIA stressed that protecting human life and seeking medical care were consistent with Islamic teachings, urging religious leaders to communicate preventive advice responsibly without creating unnecessary panic.
The advisory followed the Federal Government’s confirmation on Tuesday, October 20, of an Ebola case in Abuja involving a woman who recently travelled to Nigeria after visiting Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said the patient was receiving medical care in isolation at a private hospital in the FCT.
Health authorities have identified 44 close contacts and commenced contact tracing to determine who may have been exposed to the infection. The contacts include healthcare workers, patients, caregivers and people linked to the patient’s travels.
The government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies, has intensified surveillance and infection-prevention measures to contain the disease.
The NSCIA urged Nigerians to remain calm, vigilant and guided by verified information as health authorities continue their response.
The council called on imams, Islamic scholars and Muslim organisations to circulate its advisory widely and work with public health officials to protect communities from further transmission.
Ebola Scare: NSCIA Directs Imams to Intensify Awareness in Friday Sermons
metro
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
A former jail worker in New Orleans, Sterling Williams, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his role in a daring jailbreak that saw ten inmates escape through a hole behind a toilet.
The shocking incident, which occurred in May 2025, left authorities red-faced after the fleeing inmates left behind a mocking note that simply read: “Too Easy.”
According to reports, Williams, who was entrusted with supervising the facility, compromised security protocols to facilitate the escape. Investigators revealed that the inmates managed to breach the wall behind a toilet fixture, crawling to freedom through the opening.
The jailbreak sparked a massive manhunt across the city, though all ten inmates were eventually recaptured. Williams’ sentencing brings a close to a case that exposed significant security lapses within the Orleans Parish facility.
Prosecutors argued that Williams abused his position of trust, endangering public safety. The court agreed, handing down the 30-month sentence this week.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has since stated that stricter security measures and structural inspections have been implemented to prevent future breaches.
Jailbreak Saga: Guard Bagged 2.5 Years for Helping 10 Inmates Escape Through Toilet Hole
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