metro
Gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan road as gas leakage causes panic
A gas pipeline exploded on Wednesday near the PUNCH head office in the Arepo-Magboro of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, causing panic among residents and motorists in the area.
As the gas continued to erupt with a huge sound heard many kilometres away, people scampered for safety, causing gridlock on the highway.
The Punch reported that the gas pipeline ruptured during construction work by men of Julius Berger company on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
People said the loud sound was heard around 9.30am, forcing many to rush out of their apartments.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps asked motorists to find alternatives routes.
It said, “An incident of gas leakage, through a damaged pipeline by Julius Berger, the construction company, working on the Berger-Interchange stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which has resulted in an explosion around Punch Newspaper, Magboro, has been reported with traffic gridlock on both inbound and outbound sections of the expressway.”
TRACE’s statement added, “Road users around the axis are implored not to be jittery as safety officials from TRACE, FRSC, police, and the fire service are on top of the situation.”
The FRSC Corridor Commander, Lagos-Ibadan-Egbeda Corridor, Kehinde Hamzat, also said, “We have a case of gas pipeline explosion around Punch Newspaper, Magboro. The pipeline got busted while men of Julius Berger, the construction company working on Lagos-Ibadan expressway were excavating a surface for worksite.
“This has led to a standstill traffic situation on both sections of the expressway.
“Motorists are advised not to panic as professionals are being contacted to take care of the situation.
“For people who have time-bound activities may explore alternative routes and for those who can postpone their trips, let us endeavour to do so while the situation gets controlled.”
metro
EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud
EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha), alongside three corporate entities, over an alleged ₦206 million fraud before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.
Babafemi — Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited — faces five counts of conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2018. The EFCC claims the offences involved large sums, including ₦37.6 million and ₦93 million transferred to third parties, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.
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When the charges were read, Babafemi pleaded not guilty. His defence lawyer, SAN Kunle Adegoke, filed a bail application, which the court granted, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon signing an affidavit of undertaking to appear in court. The trial is now scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.
The EFCC said Babafemi acted in concert with Mompha and other co-accused — Ridwan Momodu Allison (Osama) and Richard Ugbah, who are currently at large — to facilitate the alleged money laundering scheme. This latest prosecution comes as part of broader EFCC efforts to tackle financial crimes and fraud networks linked to high-profile figures in Nigeria.
EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud
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Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed
Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after initially denying the reports. The reversal comes as security agencies deploy tactical units to rescue the victims and secure the area.
Eyewitnesses and local sources say armed gunmen stormed multiple churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, during Sunday services, seizing dozens of worshippers. Community leaders report that over 170 people may have been abducted, with some survivors managing to escape.
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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other local bodies have condemned the attacks and called for an urgent and thorough rescue operation. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to locate and safely recover the victims, amid growing national concern over mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria.
The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State and other northern and central regions, where armed gangs and kidnappers frequently target vulnerable communities, often for ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for swift action as the rescue operations proceed.
Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed
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Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria
Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria
The Presidency of Nigeria has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of deliberately spreading false claims of a Christian genocide, saying the narrative is being amplified to mislead international opinion and influence foreign policy. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described the reports as propaganda lacking verification and stressed that they do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s security situation.
Bwala’s remarks follow widespread reports linking the so-called genocide narrative to statements from IPOB and affiliated actors, which have circulated on social media and attracted attention from international media and some foreign lawmakers. According to the Presidency, these claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than targeted religious persecution.
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The controversy has drawn U.S. congressional attention, with some lawmakers reportedly considering diplomatic responses. In response, the Nigerian Government has engaged U.S.-based lobbyists to highlight its efforts in protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and to correct misleading narratives surrounding violence in the country.
Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria remain divided. While some dismiss the genocide claims as exaggerated and potentially divisive, others acknowledge violence against Christians but caution that framing it as genocide misrepresents the broader security context. Analysts warn that the debate over religious persecution and misinformation has significant implications for national unity, international perception, and Nigeria’s foreign relations.
Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria
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