News
NURTW Crisis: Soldiers, Policemen Storm Agbado As MC Oluomo, Istijabah Boys Draw Battle Line

Scores of policemen and soldiers stormed the Ijaiye Bus Stop in the Agbado area of the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on Monday to forestall a clash between road transport unionists loyal to two factional leaders in the state: Musiliu Akinsanya popularly called MC Oluomo; and Azeez Abiola, aka Istijabah.
Our correspondent, who was at the bus stop, spotted about five patrol vans of security personnel who were on a joint mission in the area on Monday.
The fully armed policemen came in four patrol vans, while fierce-looking, gun-wielding soldiers stormed the bus stop in a van and remained there from morning till about 4pm when they left.
Our correspondent also observed as over 100 area boys and foot soldiers of both MC Oluomo and Istijabah seethed with rage as they stood just opposite the security agents.
A tricycle operator, who simply identified himself as David, told The PUNCH that the security agents got intelligence that MC Oluomo boys planned to violently take over the park controlled by Istijabah and his lieutenants.
“About 40 policemen and 12 soldiers came very this morning to prevent a clash between Istijabah and MC Oluomo boys.
“There would have been a violent clash if not for the presence of the security personnel who came in five vehicles,” he said.
The situation caused panic as traders shut their stalls over the fear of a possible clash between the two factions.
“We were terrified since morning and had to shut our shops and go back home. We just open now after the area boys and the soldiers left,” a Garri seller told our correspondent.
Efforts to reach MC Oluomo and Istijabah proved abortive as of press time.
When contacted, the spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, promised to revert but he was yet to do so as of press time.
It was earlier reported that MC Oluomo and Istijabah boys clashed last week in the Fagba, Ogba and Agege areas of Lagos over the control of parks and ticket sales.
READ ALSO: MC Oluomo Reacts As NURTW Sacks Him, Dissolves Council’s Exco
MC Oluomo, formerly the chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, and now the chairman of the Lagos State Parks Committee, has been embroiled in a protracted conflict with Istijabah, the state chairman of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association of Nigeria, an affiliate union of NURTW.
MC Oluomo had rejected Istijabah as TOOAN chairman in the state and the national body of NURTW in Abuja had suspended him (MC Oluomo) which led to his withdrawal from the union and the suspension of NURTW by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu government.
The governor subsequently appointed MC Oluomo as the parks management committee chairman despite public outrage and warnings of fresh violence.
According to a 2021 report by the International Centre for Investigative Report, the Lagos chapter of NURTW generates about N123.08bn annually, which could service the annual budget of Nasarawa, Niger, and Yobe states put together.
PUNCH.
News
YULETIDE: Edo Sports Commission Boss Preaches Unity, Peace

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has extended warm Christmas greetings to athletes, coaches, sports administrators, journalists, and the people of Edo State, urging them to uphold the enduring values of love, peace, and unity that define the festive season.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Hon. Enabulele described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to collective progress and shared responsibility.
“I sincerely appreciate all stakeholders in the sports sector for their cooperation, resilience, and unwavering support throughout the year. Your contributions have been instrumental to the growth and success of sports in Edo State,” he said.
READ ALSO:Edo SWAN Distances Self From Online Publication Against Enabulele
He further commended Edo athletes for their dedication and discipline, noting that their consistent performances have continued to bring pride and recognition to the state at both national and international levels.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to athletes’ welfare, grassroots sports development, and the creation of opportunities that will enable talents to flourish.
Enabulele also called on residents of the state to celebrate responsibly and show compassion to one another, particularly the less privileged, emphasizing that unity and peaceful coexistence are vital for sustainable development.
READ ALSO:How Enabulele Is Driving Okpebholo’s Agenda In Edo Sports Commission
He reaffirmed the Edo State Sports Commission’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with partners and stakeholders in the coming year, with increased focus on excellence, transparency, and inclusive sports development.
The Sports Commission boss concluded by wishing everyone a joyous Christmas celebration and a prosperous New Year filled with hope, good health, and greater achievements.
News
MOWAA: Okpehbolo Receives Edo Assembly Resolution Indicting Obaseki

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, received report and resolutions of the Edo State House of Assembly which indicted former Governor Godwin Obaseki on the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and the Radisson Hotel projects.
Recall that the Edo Assembly raised a five-man committee to investigate funding and ownership of both projects following a request by Governor Okpebholo.
Okpebholo, who spoke after receiving the report said its findings and recommendations would be fully implemented.
Okpebholo said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) would be invited to further examine issues raised in the recommendations.
READ ALSO:MOWAA: Why I Will Not Appear Before Edo Assembly Panel — Obaseki
According to him, the Edo State Government has significant stakes in the MOWAA and Radisson Blu hotel having invested ₦3.8bn respectively in both projects.
He said changes in the structure and nomenclature of the MOWAA project made the investigation unavoidable.
Okpebholo said it was unacceptable to suggest Edo State has only 10 per cent stake in the Radisson Blu hotem despite investing over ₦28bn.
“Edo State has spent over ₦3.8 billion on this project, yet some people are saying the state has no stake in it. That is totally unacceptable. I will work with your recommendations and forward them to the relevant authorities to investigate what truly happened. We will also involve the EFCC.
READ ALSO:MOWAA Controversy: Edo Assembly Threatens Arrest Warrant On Obaseki, Others
“Our investment in this project is over ₦28 billion. We must invite the EFCC to step in and determine if this is how businesses are conducted in Nigeria,” he said.
In its recommendations passed by the Assembly, the five-man committee headed by Hon Addeh Isibor, urged the Edo State Government to take possession of both projects.
It asked Governor Okpebholo to contract competent hands to complete renovation of the Hotel and take all steps to put the Hotel to use.
The recommendations urged the Edo State Government to revoke “the fraudulent Certificate of Occupancy to the property issued in the name of Hospitality Investment and Management Company Limited and revert same to the Edo State Government that purchased the property.
READ ALSO:Edo Assembly Charges Contractor Handling Ekekhuan Road To Accelerate Work
“That the Edo State Government initiate legal action and work with relevant Anti-graft Agencies to retrieve both the complete statement of account and the balance of the Seventeen Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N17,500,000,000.00) Bond proceeds still in the possession of the Escrow Agents. Meristen Trustees Limited and Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.
“The title to the MOWAA Property having never been revoked, same remains the property of the Central Hospital, Benin City
“That the Edo State Government immediately takes all necessary step to put the property to good use in the best and overriding public interest of the people of Edo State.”
Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, said the facts about MOWAA and Radisson Blu Hotel were now clearly documented in resolutions and outcomes.
News
Sheikh Gummi Sues Two Over Alleged False Facebook Publication

Prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gummi, has approached the Chief Magistrate Court in Kaduna, seeking the issuance of a criminal direct complainant summons against two Facebook users over alleged criminal conspiracy, attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation.
The application, filed at the Chief Magistrate Court sitting on Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna, listed the defendants as George Udom and Bello Isiaka.
According to him, the defendants allegedly published a “Breaking News” statement on their respective Facebook pages on December 23, 2025, between 7:00 am and 10:00 am, attributed to him, threatening that the family of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, would be eliminated if military operations against bandits were not stopped.
Gummi alleged that the publication was falsely attributed to him, as his photograph was allegedly used alongside the statement, giving the impression that he issued the threat against the Defence Minister.
READ ALSO:Nigeria Army Alone Cannot Defeat Bandits — Sheikh Gumi
The Islamic scholar stated that following the publication, he received numerous phone calls from concerned members of the public who believed he authored the statement and was attempting to intimidate the Minister of Defence in the discharge of his official duties.
He further maintained that the publication portrayed him as a troublemaker and a threat to public peace, despite his long-standing reputation as a cleric known for preaching peace and harmony within and outside Nigeria.
The complainant argued that the alleged publication was capable of inciting public disorder in Kaduna State, particularly Southern Kaduna, and could expose him to danger by presenting him as a prime suspect in the event of any attack on the Defence Minister’s family.
READ ALSO:Insecurity: What Sheikh Gumi Told Me After Visiting Bandits Hideouts — Obasanjo
He also contended that the actions of the defendants amounted to an attempt to cause public disturbance and criminal defamation of his character.
Dr Gummi told the court that the alleged acts contravened Sections 59, 57, 372, 116 and 117 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017.
The application, dated December 24, 2025, was filed by a team of lawyers led by Suleiman Danlami Lere, with the complainant urging the court to summon the defendants to answer to the allegations.
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