Metro

Lagos Issues Island Residents Ultimatum To Clean Up Environment

Published

1 year ago

December 6, 2024

The Lagos State Government, through its relevant agencies, on Friday, issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of Lagos Island to clean up their environment.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the move aims at addressing growing environmental concerns, including blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal, and illegal constructions.

The agencies are Lagos State Building Control Agency, office of drainage services and water resources and office of environment services, both from the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

Speaking at a sensitisation forum with the residents, the General Manager, LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki, said there would be strict enforcement on illegal and unauthorised building activities, particularly those encroaching on drainage channels.

Oki said, “The nonchalant attitude of some Lagos Island residents towards environmental issues is unacceptable. We are issuing a two-week ultimatum for immediate improvement.

“We have observed numerous instances of illegal constructions, such as shops built on top of drainage systems and shops spilling onto roads.

“Additionally, many residents use their cars as makeshift shops, causing traffic congestion and obstructing pedestrian walkways.

“The Lagos State Government will no longer tolerate such disregard for environmental regulations. We have issued a stern warning to all offenders and will take necessary enforcement actions.”

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Mr Mahmood Adegbite, urged residents of Lagos Island to have a change of attitude toward infrastructure, particularly regarding waste disposal.

He urged them to clear their drains and avoid dumping waste into them, adding that the government planned to expand roads and drainage channels.

Adegbite called on the community to work together with the government to improve the local environment and maintain the new infrastructure.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment Services, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, also urged the residents to cooperate and change their behaviours, particularly regarding waste disposal.

He told the people that the government would be implementing projects to mitigate flooding risks and enhance the overall environment.

He encouraged the residents to work with the government and ensure responsible waste disposal, using authorised disposal services, and avoid littering drainage systems.

Tajudeen emphasised the importance of these measures for public health and safety, saying that improper waste disposal could contribute to waterborne diseases and other health issues.

The Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr Folawiyo Muibi, appealed to residents to refrain from dumping refuse into the drainages and maintain a clean environment.

He urged them to also seek assistance from the council if they needed help with waste disposal or other related issues.

Muibi expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for the planned road infrastructure improvements on Lagos Island East LCDA.

He highlighted the significance of these projects for the community and emphasised the importance of community cooperation to ensure their successful implementation.

The Community Development Committee Chairman, Lagos Island, Chief Elemoro Martins, expressed support for the government’s initiative to improve the environment on Lagos Island.

He also recognised the importance of community engagement in achieving this goal and pledged to convey the message to residents.

NAN

Metro

Police Arrest Mother, Daughter Over Alleged N18m Romance Scam

Published

6 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, NPF-NCCC, have arrested a woman and her daughter over their alleged involvement in a romance scam that reportedly defrauded a Malta-based victim of more than N18 million.

The police disclosed that the arrests followed investigations into allegations bordering on computer-related fraud, identity theft, and money laundering after receiving intelligence from the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU.

In a statement issued by the Acting Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Uwana Imah, the suspects were identified as 39-year-old Urowhe Diana and her 22-year-old daughter, Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that a Lagos resident identified as Emmanuel Amanfo, who is currently at large, allegedly collaborated with Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru to open and operate multiple bank accounts used in carrying out fraudulent transactions.

“One of the victims was identified as a resident of Malta whose identity has been withheld,” the statement said.

The police further disclosed that proceeds from the alleged romance scam were transferred through money transfer operators and direct deposits into several Nigerian bank accounts belonging to Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

Investigators also alleged that the funds were later moved into an Ecobank account owned by Urowhe Diana, where the money was allegedly spent.

According to the statement, forensic analysis of the suspects’ digital activities allegedly linked both mother and daughter to the cybercrime operation, leading to their eventual arrest.

The police added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend Emmanuel Amanfo, who was described as the husband of Urowhe Diana and stepfather of Rokibat Oluwasheyi Imoru.

“Investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace and tackling cybercrime across the country.

The NPF-NCCC also urged members of the public to report suspicious cyber-related activities through its official online reporting portal and designated communication channels.

Metro

Edo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday said two suspected cultists were arrested in Ohonre community, off Adolor College Road, Benin.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, and made available to newsmen electrically.

Ikoedem said the arrest was possible due to operatives response to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough following the swift disruption of a suspected cultists’ gathering in Ohonre Community, off Adolor College Road, Benin City.

“On 21st May, 2026, at about 19:00hrs, operatives attached to Ugbowo Division who were on surveillance patrol responded to a distress report concerning the movement and gathering of some suspected cult members within the community.

“Acting promptly on the information, the police team mobilized to the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives immediately gave them a hot chase, leading to the arrest of two suspects identified as Victor Peter ‘M’, 21 years and Iyemoma Ogbewe ‘M’, 35 years.

“A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of one cut-to-size gun believed to have been in their possession for unlawful purposes.

“Upon investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite cult group. Efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other fleeing gang members.”

She said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any opportunity within Edo State.

He further urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police, assuring that all reports would receive prompt attention.

Metro

Troops Eliminate Two Terrorists, Foil Pipeline Attack

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Army says troops have, in the last 24 hours, eliminated two terrorists, rescued four kidnapped victims and foiled pipeline attacks in a series of coordinated military operations across Taraba, Kogi and Rivers.

This is contained in operational updates issued to reporters on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to the reports, troops of 93 Battalion deployed at Akate in the Donga Local Government Area of Taraba engaged suspected terrorists in a forested area, killing two of them.

According to the report, items recovered from the scene include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, magazines, mobile phones and other personal effects.

In Kogi, it said the troops of 21 Battalion, in collaboration with vigilantes, rescued four kidnapped passengers along the Anyigba–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area.

It added that the victims were reportedly abandoned by their captors while attempting to cross a seasonal stream due to sustained pressure from advancing troops.

According to the military, efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.

The report said that troops of 12 Brigade successfully repelled an ambush along Kabba–Okene road while withdrawing from an earlier operation, forcing the assailants to flee with gunshot wounds.

“Meanwhile, in Rivers, troops of 5 Battalion acting on credible intelligence, foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to detonate a crude oil pipeline in Ahoada West Local Government Area.

“The swift response of the troops disrupted the operation before it could be executed, with the suspects fleeing the scene,” it said.