Soldiers, police take over strategic areas as #EndSARS protesters stay away - Newstrends
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Soldiers, police take over strategic areas as #EndSARS protesters stay away

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The plans by youths to hold another round of protests on Monday failed as military and police personnel took over strategic locations in some states.

President Muhammadu Buhari had threatened to deal with any act of hooliganism under the guise of peaceful protests just as the police warned that any form of demonstration would be crushed.

Organisers of the protests, who had raised awareness on the social media, had planned to mass on the streets to demand the release of all protesters detained during the first protest and unfreezing all accounts of their colleagues suspended by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a result of the earlier protest.

Based on the fallout of the October protests while was hijacked by hoodlums resulting in orgy of killings, massive looting and destruction of property, the police on Sunday warned the organisers of the fresh protests to desist from going ahead with the plans as the country was yet to fully recover from the last incident.

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command and soldiers from 81 Division Nigerian Army were on Monday deployed in strategic areas of the state to enforce the ban emplaced on the second wave of #EndSARS protests.

The security operatives were seen at black spots and known volatile areas.

The deployment of the military and police personnel was a follow-up to the warning issued on Sunday by the state command Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu.

Ogun State Police Command also banned protest in the state, warning prospective protesters to desist from such action or face the full wrath of the law.

A statement by the command spokesperson, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said while the command recognised that it was the right of citizens to protest to express their grievances over issues of governance, “there is, however, nothing at present that calls for such a protest in the gateway state, except for those who see troublemaking as a lucrative business.”

The army said the deployment of soldiers was nothing out of the ordinary but in continuation of their normal routine patrols.

The acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, Major Olaniyi Osoba, denied claims that soldiers were deployed in Lekki tollgate to abort the proposed protest.

He said, “We have soldiers in that axis on their routine patrol but they are not at Lekki tollgate. Besides, the soldiers you saw were drawn from Operation MESA.”

He, however, noted that the army would show up if they were called upon like they did during the first wave of the protest.

The police also debunked allegations that a protest was held at Lekki tollgate despite the ban.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said the viral but fake video of the purported protest was circulated to create tension and destabilise the security network put in place.

He said, “The command wishes to debunk the fake video that has been circulated to create tension and destabilise security network in the state.

“The video was one of the viral videos released during the recent violent EndSARS protest before the Lekki Tollgate plaza was set ablaze by the violent protesters on October 21, 2020.

“The command, therefore, urges the general public to regard the video as baseless and mischievous.”

However, protesters marched on Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to demand good governance.

The protesters, under the auspices of Face of #EndSARS Movement, converged on Ogo-Oluwa area of the state and marched on the state House of Assembly where they demanded an audience with the leadership of the house.

The protesters, led by a man identified as Mr Emmanuel Adebisi, carried different placards with inscriptions such as: “We are not fighting for any political party; #End Bad Judiciary in Nigeria; #End fake judicial panel of Inquiry in Osun; Unfreeze all the frozen accounts; We are Nigerian youths.”

The protesters called for the release of all detainees arrested during the demonstrations in October and asked the CBN to unfreeze the accounts of protesters.

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Kano Woman Arrested for Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Plan to Marry Another

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Kano Woman Arrested for Severing Boyfriend's Manhood Over Plan to Marry Another
Kano State Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori

Kano Woman Arrested for Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Plan to Marry Another

The Kano State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old woman, Maimunatu Idris, for allegedly attacking her boyfriend with a knife and severing his genitals at Durbar Hotel in the Badawa area of Kano. The suspect, who hails from Maigatari Local Government Area in Jigawa State, reportedly carried out the attack after discovering her boyfriend’s plan to marry another woman.

Kano Woman Arrested for Severing Boyfriend's Manhood Over Plan to Marry Another

Maimunatu Idris

The incident occurred on Monday, July 27, 2026, at about 12:50 p.m., when hotel management alerted the police to the violent attack. Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the Divisional Police Officer of Badawa Division promptly led a team of detectives to the scene, where the suspect was arrested and the knife allegedly used in the attack was recovered as an exhibit.

The police spokesperson stated that preliminary investigations indicate the suspect attacked her boyfriend with a sharp knife after learning of his intention to marry another woman. “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer led a team of detectives to the scene. The suspect was arrested and the weapon recovered as exhibit. The victim was rushed to Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital where he is currently receiving medical care. Investigation is ongoing,” Kiyawa said.

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Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, strongly condemned the attack, describing violence as an unacceptable response to personal disagreements. He warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands under any guise, assuring residents that the Command would conduct a diligent, transparent and thorough investigation, and that anyone found culpable would be arraigned in court in accordance with the law. “The Nigeria Police Force is constitutionally empowered to investigate, arrest and prosecute offenders through due process. Members of the public should desist from taking the law into their own hands under any guise,” the police commissioner said.

An eyewitness who works as a security personnel near the hotel told Daily Trust that the suspect lured her boyfriend to lodge at the hotel after learning of his plan to end the relationship. “She asked him to lodge at the hotel so they could stay together. It was there she used the opportunity to cut his manhood,” the eyewitness said. He added that the suspect was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police, while the victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The victim’s identity has not been disclosed by the police, and he is currently receiving medical care at Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital. Police said the suspect is in custody as investigations continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The Kano incident is among two separate violent cases recorded in the state, with the police also arresting three suspects over the alleged mob killing of a 30-year-old man, Abubakar Auwal, in the Sheka area of Kano following accusations that he had been involved in a relationship with a married woman.

Kano Woman Arrested for Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Plan to Marry Another

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Senate Defends Bus Preaching Bill Amid Public Outcry

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Senate Defends Bus Preaching Bill Amid Public Outcry

Senate Defends Bus Preaching Bill Amid Public Outcry

The Senate has moved to calm public anger over the proposed N50,000 fine for preaching, hawking and trading inside commercial vehicles, clarifying that the provision is not a new ban on religious activities but a long-standing regulation that has been part of Nigerian law since 2007.

The clarification comes amid widespread outrage following the passage of the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes stiffer penalties for various traffic offences. The legislation sparked criticism from Christian bodies, opposition parties, civil society groups and members of the public, many of whom argued that criminalising bus preaching and hawking was insensitive amid rising unemployment and worsening economic hardship.

In a statement issued on Monday, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified that the contentious provision had been widely misrepresented, insisting that the amendment neither introduced a fresh offence nor sought to prohibit preaching in public places. He explained that pursuant to Section 10(4) of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007 and Regulation 220 of the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR) 2012, preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle are already offences that have been part of the Act before the current amendment. “The Senate has duly noticed public concerns on the purported proscription of preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle under the ongoing amendment to the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, No. 22, 2007,” Bamidele said. “Entrenched as Item 36 in the Second Schedule of the Act, preaching and hawking in a commercial vehicle are not new provisions in our legal system. The provisions have been part of the Act as far back as 2007. However, it is now listed as Item 49, Second Schedule of the Act.”

The Senate stressed that the legislation was strictly targeted at promoting road safety and protecting commuters from distractions that could endanger lives. “The bill, therefore, does not outlaw preaching on the streets as some interests have claimed in different fora. It is about the safety of commuters and other road users and not intended to undermine any religious activity in the public space,” Bamidele added. The upper chamber maintained that the provision has existed since the FRSC Establishment Act was enacted in 2007 and was not newly introduced by the current National Assembly. The Senate noted that the objective of the legislation is to prevent distractions capable of endangering passengers, drivers and other road users, and has nothing to do with restricting constitutionally guaranteed freedom of worship or freedom of expression.

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The Senate also dismissed reports linking the amendment to Bamidele, saying the legislation originated from the House of Representatives and was transmitted to the Senate for concurrence in line with constitutional requirements. “The bill is not an initiative of the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele. Rather, it is a concurrence bill first amended by the House of Representatives,” the statement read. The Senate noted that the amendment process is still ongoing and encouraged stakeholders with concerns to engage the appropriate legislative channels before the process is finalised. “In the spirit of democracy, stakeholders can channel their concerns to the appropriate institutions before the completion of the process,” Bamidele stated.

The clarification comes days after the Senate passed the Federal Road Safety Corps (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen road safety enforcement through stiffer penalties for traffic-related offences. The revised schedule of offences contains 52 traffic violations and their corresponding penalties, with lawmakers saying the amendments are intended to improve compliance with traffic regulations, strengthen the FRSC’s enforcement powers and enhance road safety nationwide. Apart from prescribing a N50,000 fine for anyone convicted of hawking, trading or preaching inside commercial vehicles, the bill proposes a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment or both for motorists who refuse to cooperate with FRSC officials conducting roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion. It also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating drugs from N5,000 to N100,000, with offenders facing up to two years’ imprisonment or both. Similarly, the proposed legislation increases the penalty for disobeying traffic lights, road signs, pavement markings and other traffic control devices to N100,000, while speed limit violations and reckless driving would also attract stiffer sanctions, including fines of N100,000 and, in some cases, custodial sentences.

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South-West region, has rejected the proposed ban on preaching inside commercial vehicles, warning that the provision could restrict citizens’ constitutional rights. In a statement issued by the South-West Chairman of CAN, Bishop Barnabas Akinsanya, the Christian body said the proposed legislation required careful review to ensure it did not infringe on citizens’ fundamental freedoms. “We acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road safety and reducing avoidable road crashes across Nigeria. We support every genuine effort aimed at protecting lives and promoting responsible road use,” the statement read. “However, we respectfully express serious concerns regarding aspects of the proposed Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, particularly the provision prescribing sanctions for preaching in commercial buses and the outright prohibition of hawking in such vehicles.” CAN said prohibiting religious preaching without evidence that it poses a direct threat to public safety could create the impression of an unnecessary restriction on religious freedom and lead to avoidable public tension. The body also argued that many Nigerians depend on legitimate informal trading for their daily survival, and rather than adopting measures that may further worsen economic hardship, government should prioritise policies that create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, improve public transportation, strengthen security, and enhance the welfare of citizens. “We therefore respectfully appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to withhold assent to the Bill in its present form and encourage further consultation with relevant stakeholders, including religious bodies, civil society organisations, legal experts, transport unions, and road safety professionals,” CAN stated.

In a contrasting position, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has defended the bill, identifying CAN as the sponsor of those who preach inside commercial buses. The Islamic human rights organization said CAN’s rejection of the bill is an admission of guilt and urged the Senate to forge ahead with the legislation. MURIC argued that one person’s rights should not rank over and above the rights of all other passengers, including the driver who must be allowed to concentrate. “We support the FRSC bill for two main reasons. Bus preaching distracts drivers thereby leading to accidents with the attendant deaths and injuries. Secondly, bus preaching constitutes conduct likely to cause breach of public peace,” MURIC Executive Director Professor Ishaq Akintola said. “Our lawmakers need to urgently attend to the FRSC bill in view of the high proliferation of road crashes in the country.”

Before Monday’s clarification, opposition parties had condemned the proposed penalties, arguing that criminalising hawking and preaching inside commercial vehicles was misplaced at a time many Nigerians were grappling with soaring inflation, unemployment and declining purchasing power. Party officials described the proposal as insensitive, urging the National Assembly to prioritise legislation that addresses the country’s economic challenges rather than imposing harsher penalties on struggling citizens. The bill is currently awaiting presidential assent, and the Senate has encouraged stakeholders with concerns to engage the appropriate legislative channels before the process is finalised.

Senate Defends Bus Preaching Bill Amid Public Outcry

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PFIPC scandal: How Accountant-General exposed Adeniyi Adeyemi’s fake presidential agency

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PFIPC scandal: How Accountant-General exposed Adeniyi Adeyemi's fake presidential agency
Prince Adeniyi Mathew Adeyemi

PFIPC scandal: How Accountant-General exposed Adeniyi Adeyemi’s fake presidential agency

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has told a House of Representatives committee that a forged State House letter was used to secure official recognition for the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), with the document allegedly intercepted by the agency’s director-general, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, to prevent early detection of the fraud.

Testifying before the House Ad Hoc Committee investigating the PFIPC controversy and the ₦1.3 billion allocated to the council in the 2026 Appropriation Act, Ogunjimi revealed that his office processed what appeared to be a legitimate State House correspondence in November 2024, only for investigations to later confirm the letter never originated from the Presidency.

The Accountant-General explained that his office received a letter dated November 7, 2024, bearing a State House reference number and requesting the creation of an administrative code for the Presidential Economic Advisory Council to enable budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. Believing the request to be genuine because it appeared on official State House letterhead, the Treasury processed the application and sent its response to the State House on November 29, 2024, while copying the Budget Office of the Federation. However, Ogunjimi told lawmakers that the response never reached its intended destination because it was allegedly intercepted by Adeniyi Adeyemi. He was quoted as saying, “The letter that was written to the treasury for us to give an administrative code was responded to. Unfortunately, as events unfolded, it was discovered that that letter did not get to the State House. It was hijacked, precisely by the same man who claimed to be the director-general.” According to Ogunjimi, if the State House had received the response, officials would have immediately noticed that the original request for the administrative code was never issued by the Presidency, exposing the forgery much earlier.

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In a startling disclosure, the Accountant-General told the committee that every document submitted by the council’s promoters was fabricated, including a purported Act of the National Assembly creating the council and a fake letter of appointment allegedly signed by the Chief of Staff to the President. He declared that everything presented to the Treasury leadership was fake. Investigators have since confirmed that the appointment letter claiming President Bola Tinubu had appointed Adeyemi as Director-General carried the forged signature of Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff.

Ogunjimi also clarified how government staff became attached to the fake agency, revealing that two officers from the Office of the Accountant-General had originally been deployed to the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President in 2010 and 2013. He stated, “We never knew. We believed, based on the records available to the Treasury, that those officers were still with the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President. It was when all this matter came to light that we got to know that two of our staff were actually working or had been absorbed by the fake agency.” The Treasury was never formally informed that the officers had been attached to another entity. According to Ogunjimi, as far as he was concerned, they were dealing with a new agency, not the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser. When the council later requested the deployment of five additional personnel, only three were approved because officials considered the organisation too small for the number requested.

Despite processing some administrative requests, Ogunjimi stressed that no government funds were ever released to the PFIPC. The council had requested an establishment grant of ₦27.4 billion, but this was rejected because there was no budgetary provision. He added that while two domiciliary accounts in US dollars and British pounds were opened by the Central Bank of Nigeria for inflow purposes, they never became operational because the council failed to meet regulatory conditions.

Adeyemi was arrested by operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team in Osun State on July 14 and is currently being held at the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja. He faces charges including forgery, impersonation, and related offences, with a maximum prison sentence of 21 years without the option of a fine on each charge. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has also interrogated him while in detention. Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, voluntarily appeared before investigators on July 20, 2026, to provide a statement.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the ICPC to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. The investigation will examine forged appointment letters and official government documents, the opening of multiple bank accounts using forged documents, the role of any public officer who may have facilitated the scheme, and the institutional weaknesses that were exploited.

PFIPC scandal: How Accountant-General exposed Adeniyi Adeyemi’s fake presidential agency

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