metro

MURIC reiterates opposition to Oyedepo’s private airstrip

Published

2 years ago

December 5, 2024

MURIC backs FRSC bill to ban preaching, hawking in commercial buses

Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola

MURIC reiterates opposition to Oyedepo’s private airstrip

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights organization, has reaffirmed its objection to approving a private airstrip for Bishop David Oyedepo’s Living Faith Bible Church Worldwide.

The group’s founder and executive director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, responded to recent comments from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo.

The minister stated that private planes belonging to influential Nigerians, including Bishop Oyedepo, cannot leave the country directly from private airstrips without obtaining clearance from relevant authorities.

MURIC had previously opposed the airstrip’s approval. The House of Representatives also called for the revocation of airstrip licenses granted to individuals and private organizations, citing potential security concerns.

READ ALSO:

In a statement, MURIC argued that Nigeria’s existing structures are too weak to ensure effective control of such facilities. Professor Akintola stated, “Nigeria has weak structures but strong personalities.

We cannot trust this current system where ‘all animals are equal but some are more equal than others.’ We fear that Oyedepo will soon become the owner of the ‘authorities’ at his airstrip.”

He further criticized the minister for overlooking what he described as the “Nigerian factor,” where religious sentiment and ethnic biases influence decision-making.

Akintola remarked, “Privileged Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, are often revered, and Oyedepo is at the top of this list. Who will search Daddy G.O.’s jet? Who will stop any plane from taking off or landing at Daddy G.O.’s airstrip?”

MURIC reiterates opposition to Oyedepo’s private airstrip

Related Topics:MURIC Oyedepo private airstrip

Up Next

Court jails Lagos pastor, wife, shut church over N52m fraud

Don't Miss

61 aircraft will join NAF fleet next year – Air chief

metro

Vandalised Festac-Alakija Bridge Structurally Sound, Safe for Use — Sanwo-Olu Assures Lagosians

Published

53 minutes ago

August 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Vandalised Festac-Alakija Bridge Structurally Sound, Safe for Use — Sanwo-Olu Assures Lagosians

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has allayed fears over the safety of the newly constructed Festac-Alakija Bridge following a recent vandalism attempt, assuring residents and motorists that the structural integrity of the facility remains intact and it is safe for use .

The governor carried out an on-the-spot assessment of the affected bridge pillar at Vin-Niger along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway on Saturday . He was accompanied on the inspection by contractors handling the facility, members of the State Executive Council, and local government chairmen, who joined him in evaluating the extent of the damage to the bridge . The inspection followed viral videos showing the vandalised portion of the bridge, which had sparked widespread concern and condemnation on social media, with calls for the government to take immediate action to prevent further damage and ensure public safety . Addressing concerns raised by the incident, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated emphatically that preliminary assessments had confirmed the bridge remained fit for use. Officials from the Office of Infrastructure had inspected the damaged bridge and confirmed that its structural integrity remained intact despite the vandalism . Sanwo-Olu clarified that while the main structure of the bridge remained intact, vandals had excavated portions of the structure and removed fittings used to secure the facility . He said the bridge leads into Festac Town, while the land and abutment are under the control of the Federal Housing Authority . The governor also added that immediate remedial works would be carried out to protect the bridge’s columns and prevent further deterioration .

The governor condemned the vandalism as “barbaric, criminal and unacceptable”, warning that Lagos State would not tolerate attacks on critical public infrastructure . In a joint midnight enforcement operation, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) task force arrested 27 suspected hoodlums in connection with the vandalism . The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that investigations revealed the suspects had deliberately vandalised critical structural components of the bridge, removing iron rods, steel reinforcements, cables and other supporting materials essential to the integrity of the infrastructure . The commissioner said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws of Lagos State .

READ ALSO:

The governor vowed that the government would pursue those responsible for the vandalism, including individuals involved in receiving, buying or selling materials stolen from public facilities, regardless of their social status or background . He stressed that attacks on public infrastructure undermine government investments and pose risks to the safety and wellbeing of residents . The governor expressed concern over the persistent vandalism of public infrastructure in Festac Town, citing the destruction of drainage slabs and theft of iron rods along Second and Seventh Avenues .

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged residents to take greater responsibility for protecting public assets by reporting suspicious activities to security agencies and relevant authorities . He commended security personnel involved in securing the area, including the Lagos State Police Command, RRS, Lagos State Task Force, Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch, and KAI, for their prompt intervention .

The governor explained that the inspection formed part of his administration’s broader efforts to clean up the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor, restore order and protect critical public infrastructure . He noted that considerable progress had been recorded in clearing the corridor of illegal activities and obstructions, and that he would continue the inspection towards the Alaba Rago axis . Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting public assets, ensuring the safety of road users and maintaining law and order across the state, while continuing to collaborate with security agencies to safeguard Lagos and create an environment where law-abiding residents and businesses could thrive .

Vandalised Festac-Alakija Bridge Structurally Sound, Safe for Use — Sanwo-Olu Assures Lagosians

metro

Kano Woman Pleads Guilty to Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Marriage Dispute

Published

17 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Kano Woman Pleads Guilty to Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Marriage Dispute

A Kano Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand of 25-year-old Maimuna Idris in a correctional centre after she pleaded guilty to allegedly cutting off her boyfriend’s manhood with a knife. The prosecution told the court that the attack occurred after she discovered his intention to marry another woman .

The Kano State Police Command arrested Idris, a resident of Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following a report from the management of Durbar Hotel in Badawa Quarters, Kano, who alerted authorities to the shocking incident . The incident occurred on July 27, 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., when Idris allegedly attacked her boyfriend, Ashiru Sani, with a sharp knife after learning of his plan to marry another woman, a revelation that sparked a violent reaction with life-altering consequences . According to the prosecution, the attack was so severe that she completely severed Sani’s manhood during the altercation, leaving him with catastrophic injuries that required immediate emergency medical attention . The hotel management alerted security operatives at approximately 12:50 p.m., prompting the Badawa Divisional Police Officer to lead a team of detectives to the scene, where the suspect was arrested and the weapon—a sharp knife—was recovered as an exhibit that will be presented as evidence during the trial .

READ ALSO:

Idris was arraigned before Magistrate Sadiya Usman on a two-count charge of attempted culpable homicide and causing grievous hurt, offences that contravene Sections 229 and 248 of the Penal Code, which carry severe penalties upon conviction . In a dramatic development that surprised the courtroom, she pleaded guilty to both charges when they were read to her in court, potentially paving the way for a swift resolution of the case . Magistrate Usman ordered that Idris be remanded in a correctional centre and adjourned the case until September 9, 2026, for further mention, giving the prosecution time to prepare and present their case fully .

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has strongly condemned the attack, describing violence as an unacceptable response to personal disagreements and warning that such acts would not be tolerated in the state . The police assured residents that a diligent, transparent, and thorough investigation would be conducted, and that the suspect would be prosecuted following the completion of the probe to ensure that justice is served for the victim . The victim was rushed to Abubakar Imam Urology Hospital, Kano, where he is currently receiving medical treatment, with doctors working to address the extent of his injuries and provide the necessary care for his recovery . Police said the investigation is ongoing, and further details about the case are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings continue.

Kano Woman Pleads Guilty to Severing Boyfriend’s Manhood Over Marriage Dispute

metro

Edo Spiritualist Arrested for $1,100 Sextortion of Indian Woman – EFCC

Published

18 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Odigie Moses

Edo Spiritualist Arrested for $1,100 Sextortion of Indian Woman – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, Odigie Moses, in Ekpoma, Edo State, for allegedly tricking an Indian woman into taking a naked spiritual bath, recording the session without her consent, and then blackmailing her for $1,100 .

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a self-acclaimed spiritualist, Odigie Moses, over his alleged involvement in a $1,100 sextortion scheme targeting an Indian woman . The anti-graft agency disclosed in a statement on Friday, August 7, 2026, that the suspect was apprehended in Ekpoma, Edo State, following an investigation into the alleged crime. The arrest forms part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat the growing menace of cybercrime and online blackmail, which have become increasingly sophisticated and transnational in nature, exploiting victims across borders through digital platforms.

READ ALSO:

According to the EFCC, Moses allegedly misrepresented himself on the social media payment platform Zelle as possessing spiritual healing powers capable of solving life-threatening challenges, a claim designed to attract vulnerable individuals seeking quick solutions to personal problems. The victim, an Indian woman seeking spiritual intervention for personal problems, contacted him believing he could help her overcome the difficulties she was facing, unaware that she was being lured into a carefully orchestrated scheme. The suspect subsequently deceived her into taking a naked spiritual bath, a ritual he presented as necessary for the healing process, which he recorded live without her permission, betraying the trust she had placed in him. Following the recording, the suspect allegedly threatened to release the explicit video publicly unless the victim paid him money, using the threat of public humiliation to extort funds from her. Under duress and to prevent the circulation of her nude footage, the woman transferred **$1,100** to the suspect, hoping the payment would put an end to the ordeal. “Investigation by the EFCC revealed that the victim had to pay the sum of $1,100 to the suspect in order to prevail on him not to release her nudity to the public,” the anti-graft agency stated, confirming the extent of the blackmail.

The EFCC described the act as sextortion, a form of image-based abuse involving threats to share nude or sexual images to coerce victims into complying with financial demands, a crime that has become increasingly common in the digital age as perpetrators exploit the anonymity and reach of the internet. The commission confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Moses will be charged to court upon their conclusion, ensuring that the suspect faces the full weight of the law for his alleged crimes. The EFCC’s swift action in this case sends a strong message to cybercriminals that law enforcement agencies are committed to protecting victims and prosecuting offenders, regardless of where they operate from.