Lagos govt shuts Mandilas market, gives traders two days to remove illegal structures - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Lagos govt shuts Mandilas market, gives traders two days to remove illegal structures

Published

on

Lagos govt shuts Mandilas market, gives traders two days to remove illegal structures

 

Lagos State Government has ordered immediate closure of Mandilas Market in the Lagos Island.

Traders operating in the market were given two days to remove all illegal structures in and around the market, including road setbacks.

The closure notice was issued on Saturday during a joint inspection and enforcement exercise carried out by Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) in conjunction with law enforcement agencies and other relevant government agencies.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Olusegun Olaoye of LASBCA.

It stated that the enforcement exercise followed the expiration of a 14-day self-removal notice earlier given by the state government to the traders to remove their wares and shops from the roads especially around Mandilas on Lagos Island.

Special Adviser eGIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde, his colleague in charge of Central Business District, Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, Permanent Secretary at the Office of Urban Development, Engr. Nurudeen Sodehinde, and General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, led the enforcement gang of the state during the monitoring exercise.

Speaking on the rationale behind the extension, Dr Babatunde said the extension of the initial ultimatum was meant to further give room for the affected shop owners to salvage their belongings by voluntarily removing all structures erected on the walkways.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the lackadaisical attitude of the affected traders and warned that the state government would move in to enforce compliance and removal upon the expiration of the new ultimatum.

On her part, the Special Adviser on CBD said that the clean-up exercise being embarked upon by the state government throughout the entire Lagos Island was for the safety of the residents.

Olumegbon-Lawal lamented the high level of safety infractions being perpetrated within the Mandilas market including the erection of high capacity generating set on makeshift extensions on the first and second floors. Olumegbon-Lawal stressed that the state government was desirous of achieving a well organised and clean city devoid of all forms of environmental nuisance.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary Office of Urban Development, Sodehinde said that the state government was sending strong message to Lagosians to be law abiding.

He added that if the state government was forced to carry out the removal of the extensions and illegal structures, the affected persons would be compelled to pay for such exercise.

He said, “Lagos is an urban state and this implies that there should be organisation and proper coordination in the way and manner we carry out our businesses and all our engagements.”

He assured Lagosians that the monitoring and enforcement of compliance of the ongoing cleanup would be sustained until total sanity is restored to Lagos Island.

Loading

metro

Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

Published

on

Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack
Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu

Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

The Benue State Police Command has expressed regret over the killing of 13 people during a deadly attack on Efeyi Ugboju Community in Otukpo Local Government Area, saying two suspected bandits were neutralised during a follow-up security operation.

The attack reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when armed attackers invaded the community and allegedly targeted cattle belonging to a resident, Mr Peter Ambulus.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondona, the command said police operatives were deployed to the area after receiving a distress call.

According to preliminary police findings, the attackers rustled 20 cattle and opened fire on farmers they encountered while fleeing from the community.

The attack claimed 13 lives, according to the police. The incident caused fear and tension in Efeyi Ugboju and nearby communities, with residents expressing concerns over renewed attacks in parts of Otukpo Local Government Area.

Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, visited the affected community to assess the security situation and coordinate the response.

READ ALSO:

The police commissioner subsequently led tactical teams on a coordinated clearance operation aimed at tracking down the attackers, recovering the stolen cattle and preventing further violence.

During the operation, the police team reportedly came under an ambush from suspected members of the cattle-rustling syndicate, resulting in a gun battle.

The command said two suspected bandits were neutralised during the exchange, while security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition.

Police said tactical teams were continuing to comb nearby forests and surrounding communities in search of fleeing suspects. The operation is also focused on recovering the stolen cattle and ensuring that everyone connected to the attack is identified and brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police condemned the killings and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He directed tactical and operational commanders to sustain the security operation until all members of the criminal group were apprehended.

The police command reassured residents that efforts were being intensified to restore normalcy and strengthen security in Efeyi Ugboju and surrounding communities.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the fleeing suspects and supporting ongoing investigations.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Benue State, particularly in communities where residents have continued to report attacks and threats to lives, livelihoods and agricultural activities.

Police said the clearance operation would continue as investigations progressed, while security agencies work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.

Benue killings: Police neutralise two suspected bandits after 13 die in Otukpo attack

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam

Published

on

"God Revealed You're My Wife": Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam
Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng

“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspected romance scammer, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, for allegedly defrauding several women through false marriage promises and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, marking the latest in a series of high-profile cybercrime arrests in the country. The 35-year-old suspect was arraigned alongside his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images, with Kwarteng facing a further charge of non-consensual sharing of intimate images which the prosecution said would be tried separately at the High Court .

Preliminary investigations indicate that Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram, where he targeted vulnerable women and claimed that God had revealed they were his future wives, a tactic designed to exploit the faith and trust of his victims. To gain their trust, he allegedly went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings to reinforce his claims of marriage, creating elaborate illusions of genuine romantic intent . Reports also suggest the suspect may have targeted victims in both Ghana and Nigeria, with allegations involving more than ten women, indicating a cross-border dimension to the fraudulent scheme .

READ ALSO:

The suspect is also accused of obtaining intimate images from some victims and using them to blackmail them for money, leveraging their vulnerability and fear of exposure to extract financial payments . Additionally, he allegedly introduced some victims to a fake car tyre business, collecting thousands of dollars from them under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, after which he became unreachable, leaving his victims financially devastated . Investigations further revealed that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims, demonstrating a coordinated effort to exploit the women .

Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police, with investigations indicating that the alleged offences date back to 2021, suggesting the suspect operated undetected for several years . The prosecution told the court that the complainants include an ambassador and businesswomen, with reported losses including US$33,000, US$4,000, GHS25,000, GHS22,000, and other foreign currencies, highlighting the significant financial harm caused by the scheme . Police believe there could be more victims who have not yet come forward and have appealed to anyone who may have experienced similar incidents involving the suspect to report to the nearest Police station .

The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026, while Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail of GHS100,000 with two sureties and ordered to report to investigators every Monday and Friday, conditions designed to ensure her availability for ongoing investigations . The prosecution also informed the court that Kwarteng is wanted by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in connection with separate investigations, suggesting the suspect may have been involved in other criminal activities beyond the romance fraud allegations . A video also surfaced on social media showing Kwarteng on a date with one of his alleged victims, discussing engagement ring sizes, further corroborating the allegations against him and providing visual evidence of his deceptive tactics .

The Ghana Police Service continues to receive complaints from other possible victims and has urged the public to exercise caution when engaging with individuals on social media who make extraordinary claims or solicit money for business ventures, particularly where relationships are built primarily through online interactions . Police have also advised the public to verify the identities and backgrounds of individuals they meet online, especially those who request financial assistance or intimate images .

“God Revealed You’re My Wife”: Ghana Police Arrest Fake Pastor Over Romance Scam

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

NDC Demands Suspension, Resignation of Lagos CP Over City Boy Movement Event Attendance

Published

on

NDC Demands Suspension, Resignation of Lagos CP Over City Boy Movement Event Attendance

NDC Demands Suspension, Resignation of Lagos CP Over City Boy Movement Event Attendance

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for the immediate suspension and sanction of Tijani Fatai, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, over his attendance at what the opposition party described as a partisan political event promoting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections. The controversy erupted after viral videos circulated on social media showing Fatai arriving at the inauguration of the Lagos State Executive Committee of the City Boy Movement, which was held on Tuesday at Marcellina’s Place in Ikeja GRA, drawing significant attention from political observers and members of the public who questioned the propriety of a senior police officer attending such a gathering. The event, which drew political leaders, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, youth leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), marked the formal launch of the movement’s Lagos chapter, signalling the group’s intent to expand its influence in the state ahead of the 2027 elections. The group, founded as a campaign platform during the 2023 presidential election, has since grown into a nationwide youth-focused political advocacy organisation promoting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda while mobilising grassroots support for his anticipated 2027 re-election campaign, making it a clearly partisan entity in the eyes of the opposition.

Speaking at the event, Lagos State Coordinator of the City Boy Movement and Chairman of Kosofe Local Government, Moyosore Ogunlewe, said the initiative was designed to mobilise and empower young Nigerians to become more actively involved in governance and national development, emphasising the importance of youth participation in shaping the country’s political future. National Director-General Tosin Shoga described the inauguration as another milestone in expanding youth participation in politics and supporting the Tinubu administration’s policies at the grassroots, while South-West Coordinator Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala charged members to serve as worthy ambassadors, citing a regional vote target of “eight million votes” for Tinubu in 2027. Other dignitaries at the event included Amir Kashim Shettima Jnr., Moremi Ojudu (Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement), and Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakassai (SSA North-West), alongside veteran singer 9ice, who performed his hit song “Street Credibility” to entertain guests, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the political gathering.

READ ALSO:

Reacting in a post on X, the NDC condemned Fatai’s presence at the gathering, describing it as inappropriate and partisan, and expressing alarm that a senior police officer would associate himself so openly with a political movement. “We condemn in the strongest terms the appearance of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani, at a partisan event promoting a particular candidate in the upcoming general election,” the opposition party wrote, signalling their displeasure with the commissioner’s conduct. “We understand that the rudderless APC-led administrations have no iota of respect for our institutions, but seeing a Commissioner of Police at a partisan event can only point to one thing: He will be biased in the discharge of his duties during the elections.” The NDC further urged the Police High Command to take disciplinary action against the commissioner, stating, “We therefore demand that the Nigeria Police authorities immediately suspend and sanction the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani.” The party also called on the police to publicly commit to neutrality during the elections and ensure equal protection for supporters of all political parties, regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation, emphasising the importance of maintaining public trust in the security apparatus. “Finally, we demand that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police tender his resignation immediately for denigrating the institution of the Police,” the party added, taking the strongest possible stance against what they view as a breach of professional conduct. As of the time of filing this report, neither the Lagos State Police Command nor the Force Headquarters had issued an official response to the allegations, leaving the matter unresolved amid growing public scrutiny.

 

NDC Demands Suspension, Resignation of Lagos CP Over City Boy Movement Event Attendance

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending