Metro

Weeds, Faeces Take Over Abandoned 400- seater Lagos Theatre

Published

2 years ago

August 24, 2023

Editor

Weeds and faeces have taken over the 400-seater Lagos State Theatre located in the Oregun area of the state, which was destroyed by protesters during the EndSARS agitation.

It was gathered that all installations in the theatre that were meant to promote tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and the arts together with sports had been looted, with the facilities being overrun by faeces.

The theatre which was unveiled on April 24, 2019, by former President Muhammadu Buhari has remained fallow for three years since the destruction.

The PUNCH correspondent who visited the theatre, which was built by the administration of former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, observed that the entire premises, including the security building before the entrance into the theatre, had become a dumpsite.

It was also observed that the foyer between the three-apartment restroom and the staircase that led to the theatre itself was littered with faeces with stench oozing from the area.

When The PUNCH correspondent strolled into the main theatre, it was observed that a part of the roofing along the passage was dangling and nearing collapse, while the entire place was bushy.

A resident of the area identified simply as Azeez, who frequents the premises, claimed that the lootings were perpetrated by some miscreants during the protest after the place had been abandoned by the government.

“These two big slabs were where the generators used to be located. They removed all the engines and left the shed. The government only came here to take away empty soundproofing. There is nothing anyone can do to stop them. A lot of things happened.

“The soldiers and the policemen even came here at a point. Most of the installations were stolen during the protest. Some people from the ministry would come and take pictures and go. But nothing has happened since the building was burnt,” Azeez told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday.

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Wunmi Seriki, dismissed the claim that the theatre had been abandoned, stating that the contract for the renovation of the building had been awarded.

“The theatre has not been abandoned. We are about to take action on the place. It is about to be renovated. It has been contracted out already. Work will soon start there.

“Although I cannot confirm the exact date, I can assure you that work will soon commence. I will let you know at a later date. We are aware that some of the installations and facilities have been vandalised since the time of the EndSARS,” she said.

However, the spokesperson for the State Ministry of Works, Mr. Odunuga, was not available to confirm this as of the time this report was filed.

Meanwhile, corroborating Seriki on the renovation of the theatre, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr Gboyega Akosile, said the reconstruction of the theatre would begin in earnest.

“It is still on the table. I cannot give you a timeline, but something will be done about the theatre soon. Don’t forget that it was not the only place that was vandalised at the time. They burnt a lot of the BRT buses,” Akosile said.
PUNCH

Metro

Court Jails Football Coach For Sodomising Minor Player

Published

6 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

A Kano State High Court has sentenced a football coach, Hayatu Muhammad, to eight years in prison for sodomising one of his underage players.

The presiding judge, Justice Musa Dahuru Muhammad, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, sentencing Hayatu without the option of a fine.

According to the prosecution, the coach, who lives in Sanka area of Kano metropolis, committed the offence twice in different locations. He initially pleaded not guilty to the charges.

To prove the case beyond reasonable doubt, the state counsel, Barrister Ibrahim Arif Garba, presented five witnesses who testified against the defendant.

In his defense, Hayatu took the witness stand alone.

The prosecution stated that his action violated Section 284 of the Penal Code Law, which criminalises sodomy.

After reviewing all the evidence and witness statements, Justice Dahuru ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved the case.

He sentenced Hayatu to four years in prison on each of the two counts, to run concurrently — meaning he will serve a total of eight years starting from the day of the judgment.

Metro

Lagos Fire Service Rescues Woman From 60-foot Well In Ikorodu

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has saved a 32-year-old woman who accidentally fell into an uncovered well approximately 60 feet deep at No. 14 Mustapha Bolatiwa Street, off Agric Bus Stop, in the Ikorodu area of the state.

The incident, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, was described by residents as “nothing short of a miracle.”

Eyewitnesses said the woman, whose identity had not been immediately confirmed, reportedly wandered from a nearby compound and was seated on the edge of the well before losing balance and falling in.

Following a distress call, operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service arrived swiftly and launched a well-coordinated rescue operation.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the agency, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, said the woman was pulled out alive after a tense and delicate rescue effort.

“She was immediately stabilised and transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care,” Adeseye said.

She cautioned residents to ensure all open wells and similar structures are securely covered to prevent avoidable accidents.

Adeseye also praised the professionalism and prompt response of her team, reaffirming the agency’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across Lagos State.

Metro

DSS Arrests Two Dismissed Officers Over Impersonation, Fraud

Published

7 hours ago

October 16, 2025

Editor

The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested two dismissed officers, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accused of impersonating the Service to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.

The DSS, in a statement issued on Wednesday, confirmed that both individuals, earlier declared wanted in separate public warnings, have been arrested and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Department of State Services recently issued disclaimers on two dismissed personnel of the Service, Barry Donald and Victor Onyedikachi Godwin. These individuals were alleged to be cloaking under the Service to engage in fraudulent activities.

“The public is hereby notified that these culprits have been apprehended and will face prosecution in accordance with the law,” the Service said.

This comes after a series of alerts by the DSS warning Nigerians against dealing with the former officers dismissed for misconduct but still parading themselves as active operatives.

Recall that the secret police had raised the alarm over the activities of Victor Onyedikachi Godwin, accusing him of using the DSS name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

In the same vein, on October 8, a separate statement was issued concerning Barry Donald, another dismissed officer alleged to be impersonating the agency for fraudulent purposes.

The DSS said it remains committed to protecting Nigerians from impostors and maintaining public trust in the Service. It also revealed plans to publish the names of other previously dismissed personnel to prevent citizens from falling victim to similar schemes.

The DSS urged members of the public to verify all official engagements through its verified communication channels and to report any suspicious activities involving persons claiming to represent the Service.