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‘Lagos gyms turning to hook up spots’

Published

1 year ago

April 5, 2025

‘Lagos gyms turning to hook up spots’

The fitness culture has taken Nigeria by storm, and while fitness centres provide a space for enthusiasts to improve their physical health and well-being, concerns are, however, being raised about these centres becoming hotspots for romantic encounters.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos, some gym-goers said that the fitness culture had evolved into something more complex than just a space for physical exercise.

Folarin Adekoya, a gym-goer in Ikeja area of the state, said that some enthusiasts seem more focused on socialising and taking photographs for social media than engaging in actual workouts.

“Some women are seen wearing revealing and provocative gym outfits, which leads to question the motivations behind their choice of clothing.

“But it’s not just the clothing that’s causing a stir. Some gym-goers use these spaces to hook up with romantic partners.

“I’ve seen women wearing gym outfits that are quite revealing, it can be distracting, especially when you’re trying to focus on your workout,” Mr Adekoya said.

Also, Jason Onwuka, a regular gym-goer in Festac area of the state, shared his perspectives on the evolving balance between staying fit, distractions, and the growing influence of social media.

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“I prefer going to the gym to work out because I’m more motivated there, but I have seen people meeting up at the gym, and it’s clear that they’re not there to work out.

“They’ll spend hours talking and laughing together, and it’s just not what the gym is meant for.

“As society becomes increasingly individualised, people are looking for new ways to connect with others.

“The gym has become a space where people can meet new friends, find romantic partners, and feel a sense of community,” he said.

Mr Onwuka noted that while the gym had become increasingly popular, with more social interactions, it was up to individuals to remain focused on their goals.

“Whatever it is you do, there will always be distractions. If you go to the gym with a clear goal to train and focus on your workout, it’s up to you whether you allow distractions to affect you.”

He also observed that the professional women who come to the gym were more focused on their workouts and do not dress provocatively.

“They wear comfortable leggings or tights that are easy to work out in,” he said.

Recently, a former Big Brother Naija star, Teddy A, weighed in on the issue of indecent dressing at the gym.

In a video posted on his social media page, Teddy A expressed displeasure over the trend, stressing the importance of covering sensitive body parts during workouts.

“I’m not trying to be insensitive, but we don’t want them to start banning girls from the gym because of indecent dressing,” he said.

Teddy A’s comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with some arguing that gyms should enforce stricter dress codes, while others saw it as an overreaction.

A manager at a popular fitness centre in Ajah area of the state, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that they have had to implement rules about appropriate clothing and behaviour in the gym.

“We want to create a welcoming and respectful environment for all our members.

“But despite the efforts of the management, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

“People are using the gym as a way to meet new people and have fun, and as long as they’re not disrupting someone else’s workout, I don’t see the harm,” he said.

‘Lagos gyms turning to hook up spots’

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Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

Published

42 minutes ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

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Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

A two-storey building under construction on Sultan Road in Kano State collapsed on Friday morning, July 10, 2026, resulting in one fatality and four injuries. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state, trapping five people beneath the debris. Emergency responders, neighbours, and passersby quickly mobilised to rescue victims trapped beneath the rubble, with the community’s swift response playing a crucial role in saving lives.

According to the Executive Secretary of the Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) , Isyaku Abdullahi Kubaraci, one of the rescued victims died from injuries sustained in the collapse. “Fortunately, four people survived, and only had one casualty. We have handed over the body of the deceased to his family members. I have to commend the neighbours and passersby who assisted in the rescue operation, and we send our condolences to the family of the deceased,” he stated. The four survivors sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Sir Muhammadu Sanusi Hospital in Kano for medical treatment, where they are currently receiving care.

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Construction workers at the site noticed warning signs of structural failure while work was ongoing on the upper floor. One worker, Aliyu Ibrahim Baba, recounted the harrowing events: “I had just arrived and was eating my breakfast before I began work. I heard a noise and went upstairs to check. I saw the caretaker wetting the part of the building we worked on yesterday, so I left and continued eating.” He continued: “Suddenly, sand particles started raining down on me and entered my eyes. One of my co-workers went to check on the caretaker upstairs. There were three people at the door when the building suddenly gave way. We barely managed to run out, but five people were trapped under the rubble. They have all been rescued and taken to the hospital.” Another construction worker, Shuaibu Yaro, confirmed that those trapped included a security guard and a commercial tricycle rider, both of whom were among the rescued survivors.

Baba credited the swift response of residents for saving lives: “People rushed to help us even before the fire service arrived, and that made a huge difference in getting the victims out alive.” Authorities are yet to determine the official cause of the building collapse, though investigations are expected to commence. The incident has once again raised concerns about construction safety standards and regulatory enforcement in Kano State, with many calling for stricter oversight of building projects to prevent future tragedies. Rescue operations at the site have since concluded, with all victims accounted for, as the community mourns the loss of one life while expressing relief that four others survived.

Kano Building Collapse: One Dead, Four Injured as Rescue Teams Respond

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Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

Published

46 minutes ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

An Imo State High Court has sentenced Samuel Ehirim, a 42-year-old pastor, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a minor who lived under his care. The judgment was delivered by Justice C.O. Chukwumaeze, who held that the prosecution proved its case “beyond reasonable doubt” and established the defendant’s guilt through credible and consistent evidence. The case has been hailed as a landmark ruling in the enforcement of child protection laws in Imo State, demonstrating the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society.

Ehirim was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on sexual assault, assault with intent to commit an unnatural offence, indecent treatment of a girl under the age of 13, and assault, contrary to the provisions of the Imo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law No. 8 of 2021 and the Criminal Code. In her judgment, Justice Chukwumaeze said the evidence before the court “overwhelmingly” showed that Ehirim committed the offences. The judge held that the defence failed to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses or create any reasonable doubt during the trial, noting that the testimonies of the victim and other witnesses were consistent and credible.

Samuel Ehirim

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The court further found that the victim, who had been living with the convict, was subjected to repeated sexual abuse over a period of time. The judge noted that the pastor had abused his position of trust and authority, preying on a vulnerable child who had been placed under his care. Although defence counsel S.E. Ibechem, who held the brief of D.O. Agbo, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, the judge convicted Ehirim on all five counts and handed down a life sentence, stating that the severity of the offences demanded the maximum penalty permitted by law.

Speaking after the judgment, Ikenna Obi, counsel to the Imo State Ministry of Justice, described the conviction as a significant milestone in the enforcement of the state’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law. Obi said the ruling demonstrated the state’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual and gender-based violence, and should serve as a strong warning to perpetrators of such crimes. The prosecutor also commended the court for its firm stance, expressing confidence that the decision would strengthen ongoing efforts to combat gender-based violence in the state, while also encouraging more victims to come forward and report abuse without fear of stigma or retaliation. The case reinforces the state’s resolve that no one, regardless of position or title, is above the law when it comes to the protection of children.

Imo Pastor Gets Life Imprisonment for Raping Minor Living With Him

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MURIC Demands Release of El-Rufai’s Personal Physician, Condemns ICPC Arrest

Published

2 hours ago

July 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Appeal Court Hijab Verdict 'Travesty of Justice', MURIC Vows to Fight On

MURIC Demands Release of El-Rufai’s Personal Physician, Condemns ICPC Arrest

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately and unconditionally release Professor Bello Abubakar, the personal physician to former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, describing his arrest as arbitrary and inconsistent with democratic principles.

The Islamic human rights organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Friday by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, following reports that the ICPC arrested the medical doctor over alleged false statements.

MURIC expressed concern over the arrest, arguing that medical professionals occupy a protected position globally because of the ethical responsibilities attached to their profession.

According to the group, the detention of a physician raises fears that he could be pressured to disclose confidential information about his patient, contrary to the ethics of medical practice.

“We condemn this arrest. It is arbitrary, alien to global best practices and absolutely uncalled for. This arrest stands in contradistinction to democratic principles. We therefore demand the unconditional release of the doctor with immediate effect,” the statement read.

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The organisation further noted that even in conflict zones, medical personnel are generally accorded special protection because of their humanitarian role in providing care to the sick and injured.

MURIC argued that subjecting a physician to detention could undermine patient-doctor confidentiality, warning that such a development may set a dangerous precedent.

The group also questioned the basis for the arrest, insisting that the explanations provided so far by the anti-graft agency were insufficient to justify the action.

“We are not convinced that the doctor had committed any offence and the explanations given by ICPC can hardly scratch the surface. Nigerians need more to be convinced,” Akintola stated.

The ICPC had reportedly arrested Professor Abubakar on Wednesday in connection with allegations of making false statements. However, the commission has yet to issue a detailed public response to MURIC’s demand for his release.