metro
Ignore research centre’s thunderstorm alert, NiMet tells Nigerians
NiMet, research centre clash over weather forecast
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has accused the Nigerian Lightning Safety and Research Center (NLSRC) of usurping the agency’s authority by issuing a thunderstorm alert without its permission.
It therefore asked Nigerian to disregard the weather forecast given by the research centre on April 15.
The NLSRC, a non-governmental organisation registered in the USA, on April 15 issued a warning that 2.9 million lightening strikes are expected in Nigeria in May.
The centre named states with high risk of the lightening as Taraba, Ebonyi, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Abia, among others, urging Nigerians to stay indoors should they hear any thunder.
But NiMet in a statement issued by its General Manager in charge of Public Relations, Muntari Ibrahim, on Sunday discredited the forecast, adding “that at no time did it authorise NLSRC to issue any such weather forecast to the public, as this is the statutory function of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.”
NLSRC is liable
It also stated, “NiMet is statutorily mandated under Sections 7 (1) (a) and (i) of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency Establishment Act, 2022 (NiMet Act), to advise the Federal Government on ALL aspects of meteorology and to collect, process and disseminate all meteorological data and information within and outside Nigeria.
“NiMet is also the sole authority to prescribe and issue the meteorological data and information required for all sectoral activities in Nigeria (Section 7(2)).
“Further to the above-stated provisions, any person who collects, uses or disseminates weather forecast or any other meteorological information obtained from any other source outside the approval, licence or authority of the agency for commercial or public purpose, commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine or a term of imprisonment or both (Section 30 (2) of the NiMet Act).”
The agency said the public should disregard the information issued by the NLSRC.
No competition with NiMet – NLSRC
In response, the centre told NiMet that it had no intention of competing with the agency on its statutory functions.
It said the alert information was solely for the education and awareness of Nigerians.
It stated, “We acknowledge that NLSRC may not have received the necessary approval or authorisation from NiMet before issuing the weather forecast to the Nigerian public.
“However, we would like to assure you that our intention is to raise awareness about lightning safety and protection of lives, properties, and public infrastructures in Nigeria.
“We do not intend to compete with NiMet or any other government agency responsible for weather forecasting and dissemination of meteorological data and information.”
Ignore research centre’s thunderstorm alert, NiMet tells Nigerians
![]()
metro
Lagos Club Robbery: Police Arrest Suspect After N5m Bounty
Lagos Club Robbery: Police Arrest Suspect After N5m Bounty
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of the gang that allegedly robbed clubgoers outside Ghost and Spirits Lounge on Ekoro Road, Abule Egba, Lagos.
The suspect was reportedly identified from video footage of the incident, which showed several people being attacked outside the entertainment venue in the early hours of the morning.
The Lagos club robbery reportedly occurred at about 4am on Saturday after some customers had left the lounge and gathered around their vehicles.
Footage from the scene showed several clubgoers sitting around a vehicle when the suspected robbers approached.
READ ALSO:
- Five Arrested Near US-Used RAF Fairford in UK Terror Probe
- Kano Upgrades Five PHCs to General Hospitals, Begins Assessment
- Iran Claims Capture of Second US Underwater Drone in Strait of Hormuz
One of the suspects, reportedly dressed in a green shirt and cap, appeared to move among the people before allegedly targeting one of the victims.
Another member of the group was reportedly seen in an SUV parked across the road before a gunshot was fired, causing some of the people at the scene to run for safety.
The suspect in the green shirt was then allegedly seen taking a wristwatch from one of the victims, while other members of the group reportedly collected valuables before escaping in their vehicle.
Following the incident, the management of the lounge announced a N5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The reward and subsequent investigation helped the police identify and track one of the suspects, who was eventually arrested.
A police source said the suspect was in custody and being interrogated, with investigators seeking information that could lead to the arrest of the other alleged members of the gang.
The Lagos Police Command has also intensified efforts to locate the remaining suspects, who are reportedly still at large.
The incident has raised concerns among residents and nightlife customers in Abule Egba, particularly over the security of people leaving entertainment venues during the early hours.
Police authorities have urged residents with useful information about the suspects or the robbery to assist the investigation.
The arrested suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court, while investigations continue into the alleged robbery and the identities and whereabouts of the other suspects.
Lagos Club Robbery: Police Arrest Suspect After N5m Bounty
![]()
metro
Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Bus In Lagos
Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Bus In Lagos
A passenger has died after jumping from a moving commercial bus at Ogunlana Junction, inward Ojuelegba, in the Surulere area of Lagos.
The incident involved a Volkswagen commercial bus with registration number LND 130 XR, which reportedly crashed into a median pole around the Fallout area of Surulere.
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said preliminary security reports indicated that the driver was allegedly under the influence of alcohol and had been driving recklessly shortly before the crash.
According to the agency, motorists approaching the bus from behind had to exercise caution to avoid colliding with the vehicle as it reportedly moved erratically.
Amid the incident, a male passenger reportedly jumped from the moving bus, apparently attempting to escape from the uncontrolled vehicle. He sustained serious injuries after hitting the ground and later died from his injuries.
LASTMA officials conducting routine traffic surveillance along the Ojuelegba axis responded to the scene after noticing the crash. They secured the area, managed traffic and removed the damaged bus and the deceased passenger from the carriageway to reduce the risk of a secondary collision.
READ ALSO:
- Five Arrested Near US-Used RAF Fairford in UK Terror Probe
- Kano Upgrades Five PHCs to General Hospitals, Begins Assessment
- Iran Claims Capture of Second US Underwater Drone in Strait of Hormuz
Police officers from the Area C Police Division, Ojuelegba, provided security at the scene, while officials of the State Emergency Management Agency evacuated the remains of the deceased.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as a reminder of the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and operating vehicles that may not be mechanically fit for the road.
Bakare-Oki urged commercial and private motorists to conduct comprehensive checks on their vehicles before every journey, with particular attention to the braking system, tyres, steering mechanism and other critical safety components.
He also commiserated with the family of the deceased and reaffirmed LASTMA‘s commitment to responding promptly to road crashes, managing traffic and clearing accident scenes.
The agency urged motorists and other road users to report accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other traffic obstructions through its toll-free short code, 3367.
Passenger Dies After Jumping From Moving Bus In Lagos
![]()
metro
Kubwa Explosion: Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Outlet, Damages Nine Shops
Kubwa Explosion: Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Outlet, Damages Nine Shops
Panic broke out in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday morning after a gas explosion rocked the Liberty Junction area, following a vehicle crash into a roadside gas retail outlet.
The incident occurred at about 6:15 a.m., sending a powerful blast through the area and causing nearby buildings to shake, while thick smoke and flames rose from the affected facility.
The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and crashed into the gas outlet, triggering the explosion and subsequent fire.
The impact affected several businesses around the junction, with reports indicating that nine shops were damaged or destroyed by the ensuing fire.
A nearby police traffic post was also reportedly uprooted by the force of the explosion, while other structures and sections of the surrounding area were damaged.
The vehicle involved in the crash was badly burnt in the incident. Emergency responders, however, reportedly rescued the driver and a child from the wreckage.
The injured driver was taken to a medical facility for treatment, while emergency personnel worked to prevent the fire from spreading to other shops and properties in the densely populated area.
READ ALSO:
- Newlywed Arrested After Allegedly Excreting 72 Cocaine Wraps at Enugu Airport
- Bauchi Police Arrest Four Over Alleged Gun-Making, Rape
- Tinubu to Nigerians: We Are Correcting Past Mistakes, Give Us More Time
The explosion triggered panic among residents and commuters, with people reportedly rushing away from the scene as the fire continued to burn.
Emergency response agencies, including the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force, were deployed to the scene.
Firefighters battled the flames for hours before the situation was brought under control.
The incident also caused significant traffic disruption around Liberty Junction and the Kubwa axis, as motorists slowed down and emergency responders worked at the scene.
Security personnel subsequently moved people away from the immediate area and helped manage traffic while the damaged vehicle and other debris were cleared.
Initial reports did not indicate a confirmed death from the explosion, although the driver was reported to have sustained injuries.
Authorities had yet to provide a detailed official account explaining why the vehicle veered off the road or confirming the full extent of the damage and injuries as of the time of reporting.
The incident has again drawn attention to safety concerns surrounding gas outlets located close to busy roads, shops and residential areas, particularly in densely populated parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Further assessment by relevant authorities is expected to establish the precise circumstances of the crash, the extent of the property damage and whether any safety breaches contributed to the incident.
Kubwa Explosion: Vehicle Crashes Into Gas Outlet, Damages Nine Shops
![]()
-
News2 days agoAnambra Releases ₦473m Salary Arrears Document as Obi’s Debt Claim Sparks Fresh Dispute
-
News2 days agoKeyamo: ₦70,000 Minimum Wage No Longer Enough as Cost of Living Soars
-
metro2 days agoEFCC Chairman Raises Alarm Over Alleged Theft of Nigeria’s Public Funds
-
Sports2 days agoAFCON 2027 Qualifier: Nigeria Fight Back to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Otti Explains Why He Supports Tinubu Despite Remaining in Labour Party
-
metro2 days agoViral Anti-Obi Video: Lagos Police Move Against Inspector Osumah Frank
-
metro2 days agoUmahi Announces First Niger Bridge Reopening Next Week, Orders Tinubu Pictures
-
metro2 days agoAnambra Police Arrest 25-Year-Old Suspect Linked to 2023 Kidnap, Murder
