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Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller
Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State, attached to the tactical “Octopus Strike Force,” have been accused of extorting ₦150,000 from a Lagos-based traveller, raising fresh concerns over police misconduct and illegal stop-and-search operations.
The victim, Henry Deekor, a content creator, singer and vocal coach from Lagos, said the incident occurred while he was travelling to Port Harcourt for a burial ceremony in Bdere community.
According to his account, he encountered a police checkpoint in a bushy area where officers stopped him and subsequently took him away from the roadside into a more secluded location. Despite searching his belongings and finding nothing incriminating, the officers allegedly accused him of internet fraud based on profiling.

E-receipt of money sent to Bariduura Friday Penu, the POS operator who assisted the police
Deekor said the officers claimed they had received training from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and insisted on taking him to their office. He was then reportedly detained inside a vehicle and pressured to either “settle” them or face detention.
Fearing the consequences, he said he was forced to transfer ₦152,000 (including charges) to a Point of Sale operator, Bariduura Friday Penu, who handed over ₦150,000 cash to the officers.
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“They initially demanded ₦250,000 before settling for ₦150,000. I had no choice but to pay to secure my release,” he said.
He further noted that the officers involved could not be identified as they were not wearing name tags, complicating efforts to hold them accountable.
Reacting to the allegation, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that details of the incident had been requested and would be forwarded to the commander of the Octopus Strike Force for investigation.
The incident has reignited public concern over extortion by police officers, particularly during roadside checks, with calls for stricter enforcement of accountability measures and disciplinary action against erring personnel.
The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly maintained a zero-tolerance stance on corruption, urging Nigerians to report cases of abuse through official channels.
Observers say the outcome of the investigation will be critical in addressing issues of police brutality, extortion, and abuse of power, and in restoring public trust in law enforcement.
Rivers Police ‘Octopus Strike Force’ Accused of Extorting ₦150,000 From Lagos Traveller
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Eko Bridge carriageway shuts Sunday as FG begins emergency repairs
Eko Bridge carriageway shuts Sunday as FG begins emergency repairs
The Federal Government has ordered the closure of one entire carriageway of the Eko Bridge in Lagos beginning from midnight on Sunday, May 9, to allow for emergency repair works on the ageing structure.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the closure on Wednesday during the handover of the Carter Bridge rehabilitation project to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation in Lagos.
Umahi said the affected carriageway would be completely shut to traffic while vehicles would be diverted to the remaining section of the bridge.
“By the midnight of this coming Sunday, that full carriageway must be closed. The other carriageway will be working,” he said.
The minister directed officials of the Federal Ministry of Works to collaborate with the Lagos State Government on traffic management and public awareness campaigns to reduce the impact of the closure on commuters.
“I am directing the director of bridges and the controller of works in Lagos to liaise with Lagos State Government and mount campaign of awareness and see if we can get an alternative route.
“We will not allow people to endanger their lives. We are a responsible administration,” Umahi added.
He explained that the emergency work would involve lifting an entire span of the damaged section of the bridge to address structural defects discovered beneath the surface.
According to him, engineers will expose the pier and pier cap before carrying out piling works, strengthening the pier cap and replacing damaged piles supporting the bridge.
“The best solution is that we are going to be lifting a whole span of the affected section,” he said.
Umahi disclosed that the government had also engaged Buildwell Construction and divers to conduct a detailed investigation of the damaged components to guide the final repair design.
He directed that the assessment should be completed within 10 days.
The minister apologised to Lagos residents over the inconvenience the closure would cause, saying the current administration inherited many of the structural problems affecting the bridge infrastructure.
“When we came on board, some sections of Eko Bridge were totally burned down because people were staying under the bridge selling chemicals and all sorts of wares,” he said.
He added that rehabilitation efforts previously stalled due to funding challenges but received renewed support under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Umahi also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would soon commence major reinforcement work on the Third Mainland Bridge following multiple structural investigations.
According to him, an external expert has been invited to review previous assessments and design strengthening measures for deteriorating piers and other damaged sections of the bridge.
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VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy
VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy
Popular herbal vendor and social media personality Eniola Sisialagbo has reportedly secured a new endorsement deal just days after she trended online over a viral private bedroom video controversy that sparked widespread reactions across social media. The development follows days of intense online discussions after a clip surfaced showing a private moment involving Sisialagbo, her husband Eniola Fagbemi (Akeem Adesola), and another woman. In the footage, Sisialagbo was seen recording the encounter, which quickly spread across social platforms and generated significant public attention.
The viral video triggered heavy backlash online, with many users questioning her personal conduct and public image as a herbal wellness brand promoter. Following the circulation of the clip, Sisialagbo issued an emotional public apology to her mother, family members, fellow herb sellers, and Nigerians at large, expressing regret over the incident and asking for forgiveness. She also reportedly said the situation affected her emotionally, as she struggled with the pressure and attention that followed the controversy.
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Her husband also reacted publicly to the incident, taking responsibility for the situation and describing it as regrettable and embarrassing. His response added further attention to the already trending topic, which continued to dominate conversations across social media platforms for several days.
In a new development on May 6, 2026, a video circulating online reportedly showed Sisialagbo securing a new endorsement deal with a company identified as NWC Education, a firm said to specialise in visa processing and study-abroad support services. The clip has since attracted renewed online attention, with users debating the timing of the endorsement in relation to the recent controversy.
Although the endorsement has not been independently verified by all parties involved, reports suggest the deal is centred on promoting education and international study opportunities for prospective applicants. The development has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some users describing it as a sign of resilience, while others argue it raises questions about public perception and brand association.
Despite the controversy, Sisialagbo has remained active on social media, continuing to engage with followers and share content as discussions around her personal life and professional brand continue to trend.
Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy
Mr Nonchalant | Aisha Yesufu | #DavidoDay | Musiala | Hantavirus | Team Binance | Nyesom Wike pic.twitter.com/3BI0hyAH4f
— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) May 7, 2026
VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy
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Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash
Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash
The Osun State Government, in partnership with consulting firm Electronic Collections Group (ECG), has rewarded 31 outstanding students from the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination with scholarships and cash prizes at the maiden Imole SSCE Scholarship Award Ceremony. The event, held on Wednesday at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall, Osun State University, Osogbo, was organised by ECG in collaboration with the Osun State Ministry of Education. It also featured recognition for teachers and schools whose students performed exceptionally well, with educational materials and cash gifts distributed as part of the award package.
Each of the best students from Osun’s 30 local government areas received ₦100,000, while the overall best student was awarded ₦1 million. Teachers who taught the students across the nine WAEC subjects were also recognised, with each receiving ₦50,000, while their respective schools benefited from educational support packages aimed at improving learning facilities and academic performance. Officials said the initiative was designed to promote academic excellence, reward hard work, and strengthen competition among students in public secondary schools across the state.
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Governor Ademola Adeleke, who addressed students, teachers, school administrators, and local government chairmen at the ceremony, said the programme was aimed at raising a generation that would be guided by knowledge and purpose. “To our awardees, you are that light. But your light must shine beyond this stage, into your future,” the governor said. He commended teachers, education officials, and administrators for their role in shaping students’ character and academic success, noting that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence from the grassroots to higher levels.
Adeleke also stated that Osun’s education performance had improved since he assumed office, claiming that the state moved from lower rankings to 7th position nationally in education performance within his first year. He said, “The education policy of the governor is working despite the challenges,” adding that his administration will continue to prioritise education development across all levels.
The governor also used the occasion to caution residents against vote buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. He alleged that some political actors were attempting to influence voters with money and urged citizens to reject inducements. “Osun is at an unusual time ahead of the August 15 election. Those who hijacked and diverted over ₦300 billion Osun local government funds are desperate,” he said. He added, “I charge Osun people to reject Greek gifts, to shun proceeds of crime and use their votes to sustain continuity.”
Coordinator of ECG, Akinmade Akintoye, said the scholarship initiative would become an annual programme aimed at encouraging academic excellence among students and teachers across Osun State. He urged schools to remain committed to nurturing future leaders despite societal distractions. “We implore schools not to relent. This is just their stepping stone; the sky is going to be their limit,” he said. Organisers also confirmed that the list of award recipients was obtained directly from the WAEC headquarters, ensuring transparency and credibility in the selection process.
Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash
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