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IPOB kicks as military moves to break sit-at-home

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

IPOB kicks as military moves to break sit-at-home

The Indigeneous People of Biafra(IPOB) has condemned the statement credited to the Nigerian Army linking IPOB to the incessant and destructive sit-at-home orders and enforcement in the Southeast.

In a statement on Friday, the group, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said the Army Chief, Gen. Lagbaja Taoreed will not claim ignorance of all the previous press releases written by IPOB disassociating itself from Simon Ekpa and his criminal sit-at-home  enforcers.

“For the avoidance of doubt, IPOB is not responsible for Mondays nor failed 7-day and purported two-week sit-at-home orders and enforcement.”

He said that the reckless and abusive sit-at-home strategy was from the autopilot group led by Simon Ekpa.

“We have consistently made it known that Simon Ekpa and his autopilot group are not IPOB members and do not represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in their violent enforcement of sit-at-home orders.
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“Recently, IPOB members rallied in Lahti City in Finland to demonstrate to the world that Simon Ekpa is not an IPOB member that is why he couldn’t come out to identify with the protesters.

“Therefore, for the Nigeria Army to associate the reckless sit-at-home enforcement to IPOB is to show that the Nigerian government is using the promoters of violent enforcement of sit-at-home and criminalities in the East to blackmail IPOB and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“General Lagbaja and the government of Nigeria are aware of the man responsible for the violent enforcement of sit-at-home in the East. Why then are they shying away from accusing him? Instead, they prefer to unleash military mayhem on our people in the guise of going after sit-at-home enforcers?

“They know their camps, so why not visit them there and stop them and stop linking this peaceful IPOB agitation to their criminalities. If they are not behind Simon Ekpa, why haven’t they made any official complaints against him as a democratic government should?”

He said that IPOB opposes every military intervention in the East because they are usually of evil motives.

“We support  them if they arrest the criminals and enforcers of the forceful sit-at-home, but they must do so at their camps. We will not support the government’s plan to invade Igbo land because we will continue  to protect our innocent fathers, mothers, and youths.

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“The Nigeria Army uses every opportunity to extrajudicially murder Igbo people any time they are deployed to the East. That is why we object to their presence as much as we detest the malicious sit-at-home and violent enforcement from agent provocateurs. We oppose military interventions because it will be used to kill and destroy the livelihood of our people.”

A twitter user, Chigozirom Aliyu Emeakayi had yesterday posted about the presence of security operatives in different parts of Anambra State. He said:  “Nnewi/Ozubulu is locked up. Different Security Operatives everywhere! Uli,Azia,Ihiala,Okija,Amorka, all getting beefed up by the Nigerian Military. Soludo is not joking. Peter Obi should ask his boys to stay away from Anambra or face the music.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Friday, decried the losses recorded in the Southeast following disruptions of economic activities by the sit-at-home order.

He said that about N4 trillion has been lost to the problem in the last two years.

Hon. Kalu also lamented  that the situation observed every Monday in the region has crippled businesses and also stifled opportunities for economic growth. (The Nation)

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Osun Police Arrest Woman After Vigilante Member Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ile-Ife

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Osun Police Arrest Woman After Vigilante Member Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ile-Ife

Osun Police Arrest Woman After Vigilante Member Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ile-Ife

Authorities have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of a vigilante member in Ile-Ife who died shortly following a sexual encounter, as conflicting accounts emerge about what caused the tragedy.

The Osun State Police Command has arrested a woman in connection with the sudden death of a local vigilante member, identified as Sunday and popularly known as Apetu, who died shortly after a sexual encounter in Ile-Ife. The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. in the Ooni Ilare area, within the Odi-Olokun Division of Ile-Ife, and has generated considerable attention in the community due to conflicting explanations surrounding the man’s sudden death.

According to a situation report attributed to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) , Apetu was found in a state of severe physical distress after the encounter, gasping and screaming while pleading with the woman. A video recorded at the scene and circulated on social media shows the deceased in distress, heard pleading with the woman to give him urine. The woman involved in the incident was reportedly taken into custody at the Moore Police Division in Ile-Ife as authorities commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death.

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The cause of Apetu’s death has not been officially established, despite claims by some residents that he died from what they described as a “thunderbolt.” This belief centres on a traditional claim that a person affected by a supposed “thunderbolt” spell could harm another person through sexual contact. However, authorities have not confirmed the claim or established any link between the traditional belief and the man’s death, emphasizing that such claims remain matters of traditional belief and have not been established as a medical or scientific explanation for the death.

Following the incident, Apetu’s remains were deposited at the morgue of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. When contacted over reports circulating on social media, a senior police officer from the Osun State Police Command said he was aware of the rumours but cautioned members of the public against spreading unverified information. The command said no conclusion should be drawn from social media accounts until investigations establish what actually happened.

The NSCDC spokesperson, ASC I Kehinde Adeleke, also confirmed the incident when contacted. Authorities have urged residents and community leaders to remain calm and avoid sensational claims capable of causing panic while allowing the police and relevant medical authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. The arrest of the woman is not an indication that she caused Apetu’s death, as authorities are yet to publicly establish the cause of death or announce any criminal charge against her.

Osun Police Arrest Woman After Vigilante Member Dies During Sexual Encounter in Ile-Ife

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Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid

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Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid

Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid

The Lagos State Government has arraigned more than 100 suspects before the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court following a security operation that led to the arrest of about 130 people in parts of Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.

The suspects were brought before the court sitting in Bolade, Oshodi, on allegations bordering on breach of public peace, unlawful conversion of government property for personal use and conduct likely to cause a breakdown of law and order.

The arrests followed an early-morning enforcement operation conducted on Friday, September 4, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA).

The operation, which began between 2am and 4am, was reportedly carried out along the Victoria Island-Lekki-Ajah axis and parts of the Coastal Road.

According to the state government, the operation was launched as part of efforts to address alleged criminal activities and maintain public safety in the affected areas.

The LNSA General Manager, Dr Ifalade Oyekan, led the operation, which was supported by officials of Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and an armed detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.

The operation was also facilitated by the Chief Security Officer to the Lagos State Governor, Kunle Fagbemi.

Following the arrests, the suspects were screened and profiled as part of the process of determining those who would face prosecution.

The government had described those arrested as suspected hoodlums, but the allegations against individual defendants remain subject to determination by the court.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution was led by Oluwabusola Omotunde on behalf of the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

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The prosecution told the court that the defendants were arrested during the overnight operation and subsequently brought before the Mobile Court to answer the charges against them.

Some of the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges, while others pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate of the Mobile Court, F.J. Adefioye, stressed the importance of deterrence while ensuring that the proceedings complied with due process.

Defendants who pleaded guilty to Counts I and II were sentenced to one month and two months of community service or imprisonment, respectively. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively.

However, defendants who pleaded not guilty were granted bail with two sureties each, pending further proceedings in their respective cases.

The arrests and subsequent arraignment form part of the Lagos State Government’s broader efforts to tackle activities it considers capable of threatening public order and safety.

The LNSA said the operation was also intended to protect residents, motorists and legitimate businesses operating along some of the state’s busiest corridors.

The agency said it had received reports of criminal activities allegedly targeting motorists, particularly during periods of traffic congestion, prompting the enforcement action.

Oyekan said the agency would continue to work with residents and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and respond to security concerns across communities.

He also indicated that similar joint operations could be sustained at strategic locations across Lagos as part of efforts to deter criminal activities.

The LNSA management has also linked its community policing strategy to the state’s broader push for stronger grassroots security and improved response to security threats.

Meanwhile, the Coordinator of the Lagos State Special Offences Mobile Court, Olufemi Adekunle, said the court would continue to handle cases brought before it in accordance with the law.

Adekunle reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order while protecting residents, businesses and public spaces across Lagos.

He added that similar Mobile Court sittings would continue across the state to ensure that alleged offenders were promptly brought before the court.

The latest development comes amid renewed enforcement activities across Lagos aimed at curbing public disorder and other activities authorities consider a threat to safety.

For the defendants who pleaded not guilty, the allegations remain unproven until the court reaches a final determination.

Lagos arraigns over 100 suspects after 130 arrested in Lekki, Ajah raid

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NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

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NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has distanced itself from a 20,000-litre fuel tanker intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in a secret compartment in Ondo State, while threatening legal action against those behind the alleged unauthorised use of its corporate identity.

The company, in a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks revealed that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers. The logo displayed on the vehicle was also inconsistent with the company’s current official branding, and the truck was not listed in its asset database.

The operation took place on September 4, 2026, along the Akoko–Lokoja Expressway in Ondo State after NDLEA operatives reportedly pursued the tanker when its driver refused to stop for inspection. According to the agency, the driver later abandoned the vehicle at a church premises in Ugbe Akoko and fled into the bush. A search of the tanker uncovered 165 bags of cannabis weighing 2,145kg concealed in a false compartment alongside what the NDLEA described as a legitimate fuel cargo destined for Jos, Plateau State. The agency noted that the tanker had allegedly evaded arrest in previous operations.

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NNPC said it was engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of its old branding on the vehicle. The company vowed to take the matter seriously, warning that it would explore legal action against individuals or syndicates attempting to exploit its corporate identity as a cover for criminal operations. “NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity. The Company remains committed to protecting the integrity of its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers are not misused.” The national oil company said it would cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in investigating the incident, including determining the actual ownership and operation of the truck and how NNPC markings came to be displayed on it.

NNPC commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and professionalism in uncovering the illicit consignment. The company reiterated its support for the NDLEA’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and pledged to provide all necessary cooperation to ensure that the facts surrounding the incident were conclusively established. The company also urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC through appropriate official channels.

NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

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