BREAKING: Panic at MMIA as Fire Breaks Out at Old Terminal

A fire outbreak on Monday rocked the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, triggering panic among passengers and airport workers.

The incident, which occurred during peak operational hours, saw thick smoke billowing from a section of the terminal building, forcing travellers and staff to evacuate parts of the facility.

Eyewitnesses said the situation created confusion as passengers hurriedly moved away from the affected area while airport officials directed them to safer locations within the premises.

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that emergency response teams, including the airport fire service unit, were immediately deployed to the scene.

READ ALSO:

• U.S. Court Orders ICE to Release Nigerian Detained Since 2012
• Anambra Govt Shuts NASPA Market Over Sit‑At‑Home Defiance
• 2027: Bashir Ahmad Rules Out Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s Running Mate

According to sources at the airport, firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to other sections of the terminal. There were no immediate reports of casualties as of press time.

Although the exact cause of the fire had not been officially disclosed, preliminary information suggested it may have originated from one of the service or administrative sections of the old terminal.

The incident reportedly caused temporary disruption to passenger processing and flight operations, with some activities briefly suspended as safety checks were carried out.

FAAN assured passengers and members of the public that the situation had been brought under control and that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage.

Further updates are expected from airport authorities as operations gradually return to normal.

BREAKING: Panic at MMIA as Fire Breaks Out at Old Terminal

Anambra Govt Shuts NASPA Market Over Sit‑At‑Home Defiance

The Anambra State Government has closed the New Auto Spare Parts Association (NASPA) Market at Nkwo Nnewi after traders failed to comply with a directive by Chukwuma Soludo to end the Monday sit‑at‑home order that had disrupted business activities in the state.

The closure, which took effect from midnight Monday, will last until Monday, March 2, with a warning from authorities that further sanctions may follow if compliance remains low when the market reopens.

According to Dr. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, the shutdown followed low adherence to Gov. Soludo’s earlier directive requiring markets, schools, and businesses to operate normally on Mondays. The closure order was issued on behalf of the governor by the Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.

READ ALSO:

• 2027: Bashir Ahmad Rules Out Kwankwaso as Peter Obi’s Running Mate
• EFCC Nabs 20, Seizes ₦17m Over Vote Buying in FCT Elections
• El-Rufai Sues ICPC for ₦1bn Over Alleged Illegal Raid on Abuja Residence

“Traders and customers are advised to avoid NASPA Market until next Monday to prevent any issues with law enforcement agents,” Mefor said, stressing the importance of restoring economic normalcy in Anambra.

While most markets in the state resumed regular operations on Monday following the governor’s late January order, some traders at NASPA Market opted to remain closed, citing pressure from groups supporting the sit‑at‑home practice.

Market leaders explained that many traders initially feared unrest and potential backlash, but state authorities have increased security presence and engaged with local stakeholders to ensure a safe environment for business.

Analysts note that the government’s action reflects its commitment to economic recovery, safeguarding livelihoods, and reinforcing compliance with state directives in key commercial hubs like Nnewi and Awka, known for their vibrant trading activities.

The state government reiterated that its firm stance is aimed at protecting jobs, boosting business confidence, and ensuring uninterrupted trade across Anambra State.

Anambra Govt Shuts NASPA Market Over Sit‑At‑Home Defiance

EFCC Nabs 20, Seizes ₦17m Over Vote Buying in FCT Elections

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 20 suspects over alleged vote buying and other electoral offences during Saturday’s Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, the anti-graft agency disclosed that its operatives recovered more than ₦17 million in cash from some of the suspects during coordinated enforcement operations across the territory.

According to the EFCC, arrests were recorded in Kwali, Abaji, Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils, with offences ranging from vote buying and vote selling to the unlawful possession of large sums of cash near polling units.

The commission revealed that one suspect was intercepted with ₦13.5 million inside a vehicle parked close to a polling unit in Kwali Area Council, raising strong suspicion that the money was intended for voter inducement. Other suspects were arrested with varying amounts of cash allegedly meant to influence voters during the election.

READ ALSO:

• El-Rufai Sues ICPC for ₦1bn Over Alleged Illegal Raid on Abuja Residence
• Relief for Dispatch Riders as FCTA Suspends Permit Levy Enforcement
• No Scrapping of JAMB: FG Dismisses Viral Rumours

The EFCC said the operation was part of its pre-election and election-day deployment aimed at curbing the influence of money in the electoral process and strengthening electoral integrity in the nation’s capital.

“All suspects arrested will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the commission stated, reiterating that vote buying and selling are criminal offences under Nigeria’s laws.

The FCT Area Council elections recorded low voter turnout, while allegations of electoral malpractice emerged from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), whose candidates lost in several councils.

Despite the controversy, the All Progressives Congress (APC) dominated the polls, winning five of the six chairmanship seats, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured victory in Gwagwalada Area Council.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair and credible elections, warning politicians, party agents and voters that the commission would continue to deploy operatives to monitor elections and prosecute offenders.

EFCC Nabs 20, Seizes ₦17m Over Vote Buying in FCT Elections