New Post Africa

Category: Cityscope

  • Governor Radda condoles Bindawa Community over passing of Dan Yusufan Katsina 

    Governor Radda condoles Bindawa Community over passing of Dan Yusufan Katsina 

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — Dikko Umaru Radda, Governor of Katsina State in Nigeria’s northwest, has condoled with the family, the people of Bindawa, the Katsina Emirate, and the entire traditional institution in the state over the passing of Alhaji Muhammad Bello, Dan Yusufan Katsina and District Head of Bindawa, who died last night.

    The governor described the late traditional ruler as a respected leader who served his people with dedication, promoting unity, peace, and development in Bindawa District and across the Katsina Emirate. He noted that his passing during the blessed month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, is a reminder of the mercy and wisdom of Almighty Allah.

    Governor Radda prayed that Almighty Allah forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.

    A part of the statement issued by the governor on March 16, 2026, reads: “He was a respected traditional leader who served his people with dedication, promoting unity, peace, and development in Bindawa District and across the Katsina Emirate. His passing during the blessed month of Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, reminds us of the mercy and wisdom of Almighty Allah. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Bindawa, the Katsina Emirate, and the entire traditional institution in the state. May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”

  • Oyo Police foil cattle rustling, arrest four suspects in Iserin Area

    Oyo Police foil cattle rustling, arrest four suspects in Iserin Area

    IBADAN, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 16, 2026 — The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a cattle rustling attempt in the Iserin area via Ado-Awaye, recovering stolen cows and arresting four suspects.

    According to a statement by DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, March 13, 2026, at about 2:00 a.m. Armed hoodlums invaded a camp in the area, tied up two herders — Ibrahim Musa and Ibrahim Umaru — and attempted to steal their cattle.

    Police, working with local vigilantes, intercepted the criminals as they loaded two cows into a white Mazda bus (registration number KMA 178 ZY). On sighting security agents, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into the bush. Intensive bush combing led to the arrest of Sekooni Wale (30), the driver, and Jimoh Toheeb (25), the motor boy.

    Further investigation extended to Maya Town in Lanlate, where the principal suspect, Moshood Abdullahi (38), identified as a notorious cattle rustler from Badagry, was apprehended. His arrest led to the capture of another accomplice, Macho Sindi (29). During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime, and both the stolen cattle and the vehicle were recovered.

    The police command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to security agencies, stressing that community collaboration is vital in combating crime.

  • Two suspected logistics suppliers to kidnappers arrested by Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Ondo

    Two suspected logistics suppliers to kidnappers arrested by Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Ondo

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 16, 2026 — The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two suspected logistics suppliers linked to a kidnapping syndicate terrorising the Ilu-Abo community and its surrounding areas.

    The suspects, Alhassan Muhammad (20) and Faruq Muhammad Sanni (25), both residents of Sabon-Sango, Akure, were apprehended on March 15, 2026, following credible intelligence provided by a vigilant member of the Ilu-Abo community.

    According to a statement issued by DSP Abayomi Jimoh, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), one of the suspects posed as a commercial motorcyclist while secretly working with kidnappers, delivering supplies to their hideouts.

    Upon the arrest by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, other members of the criminal syndicate fled the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had been playing supportive roles in sustaining the kidnappers’ operations within the forested areas around Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities.

    The suspects are currently in custody and have provided useful information that will aid further investigations. The police have intensified efforts to track down the remaining suspects and dismantle the entire kidnapping network. The arrested individuals will be charged in court upon completion of the investigations.

    The statement read in part: “The Ondo State Police Command commends the vigilance, courage, and cooperation of members of the Ilu-Abo community whose timely, credible, and actionable information greatly contributed to the success of the operation.”

    The Command emphasised that community support remains a critical component in the fight against crime and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies. It assured the public that all information received will be treated with strict confidentiality.

    “The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to deploy strategic operations aimed at ridding the state of kidnapping and other criminal activities.”

  • Nwifuru hails maiden matriculation at Ebonyi State University of ICT

    Nwifuru hails maiden matriculation at Ebonyi State University of ICT

    ABAKALIKI, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — The Ebonyi State University of ICT, Offerekpe, on Saturday, March 15, 2026, held its maiden matriculation ceremony. Conceived by the administration of Governor Ogbonna Nwifuru, the institution is designed to become a hub for technological excellence and innovation in the state.

    Governor Nwifuru, while congratulating the students, described the matriculation as a historic milestone in Ebonyi’s educational advancement and the beginning of a bold vision to build a citadel of learning dedicated to innovation, technology, and knowledge. He emphasised that the university will prepare young people to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and job creators rather than job seekers.

    According to a statement by Leo Ekene Oketa, Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media), the university is “dedicated to nurturing a generation of highly skilled ICT professionals, innovators, and solution-driven thinkers who will shape the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

    A total of 187 pioneering students were matriculated into the academic community, including 133 indigenes of Ebonyi State who are beneficiaries of government scholarships under the state’s human capital development initiative.

    The programmes offered at the new university include Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Information and Communication Technology, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Software Engineering, Architecture, Building, Quantity Surveying, Information Technology, Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Mass Communication, Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and Health Information Management.

    While construction continues at the permanent site in Offerekpe-Agbaja, students will receive lectures at the Vocational College buildings within the Ministry of Tertiary Education in Centenary City, Abakaliki.

    The governor has received widespread praise from indigenes of the state for establishing the institution, as the new university is expected to further lift Ebonyi from the ranks of the least educated states in Nigeria’s southeast region. Many residents see it as a bold step toward reshaping the state’s academic profile and creating new opportunities for its youth.

    Analysts, however, have urged the governor to ensure the school is fully equipped with modern learning tools and facilities, stressing the need for a clear departure from the shortcomings of many higher institutions across the country that are often criticized as “glorified secondary schools.” They argue that only by investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, digital resources, and quality faculty can the university truly fulfill its mission of becoming a hub for innovation and technological excellence.

  • NDLEA arrests UK-bound 74-year-old grandfather with 11kg of cocaine

    NDLEA arrests UK-bound 74-year-old grandfather with 11kg of cocaine

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old grandfather, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after discovering a large consignment of cocaine concealed in foil papers and balloons inside his luggage.

    According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters, the septuagenarian claimed he was travelling to London for vacation and was attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow on Saturday, March 14, 2026. “During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” Babafemi said.

    In a separate operation, the agency, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Mrs Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites, Etim Inyang Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, in the early hours of Monday, March 9. She was caught attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis. At the time of her arrest, she was with her three children, including an infant. She confessed that the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was later taken into custody the same day, while she was released immediately.

    Ibrahim admitted ownership of the illicit substances in his statement. Further investigation revealed that he had previously been arrested, convicted, and sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment for a similar offence in 2015.

  • Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    Kenya county commissioner issues two-week ultimatum to illegal firearm holders

    NAIROBI— (KNA-Peter Gitonga) March 15 — The Kenyan Government has issued a two-week ultimatum to persons in illegal possession of firearms to surrender them.

    Speaking on Friday during the 5th Edition of the Kenya Public–Private Sector MSMEs Dialogue (MSMEs Connect) in Lodwar, County commissioner Julius Kavita said after the two weeks the security agencies will conduct a forceful disarmament.

    “We are appealing to those in possession of firearms illegally to take them to the chiefs, who will hand them over to the police; failure to do so, and we shall come for them. The culprits will not be spared either,” warned Kavita.

    The warning comes at a time when the government is conducting an operation in Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu, among other banditry-prone areas.

    Kavita said the government is committed to creating a conducive environment for traders, transporters and passengers.

    The County has enjoyed relative calm since the operation commenced, with zero incidents of cattle rustling and highway robbery being reported in the last two weeks.

    Kavita attributed this to the operation, saying the government will not relent in dealing with criminal elements sabotaging peace efforts.

    Insecurity had threatened economic activities in the region, including the proposed mega irrigation project along the Turkana-West Pokot border that seeks to boost food security.

    Additionally, oil exploration and development are facing Insecurity challenges if residents’ concerns during the public participation exercise are anything to go by.

    Some residents warned that Oil production would not take place until insecurity was addressed.

    When he visited the county last month, Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen said the government would deal firmly with bandits.

  • EXCLUSIVE: Shock in Ikorodu as two female corpses wash ashore within a week

    EXCLUSIVE: Shock in Ikorodu as two female corpses wash ashore within a week

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — Residents of Owode-Ibeshe community in Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State have been left in shock after the body of a young woman was discovered washed out of the lagoon, barely a week after another female corpse was found in the same location.

    The bodies were recovered behind the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal (ILT), an NPA-approved facility, adjacent to the popular Ajose Bus Stop after Rabaka, often referred to locally as the “Dangote Container Yard” due to the heavy presence of Dangote trucks and cargo operations in the facility.

    An eyewitness, a staff member of ILT who requested anonymity, told our correspondent that both corpses were washed ashore at the same spot, just a week apart. 

    Residents expressed concern that the victims were not known members of the community and may have been carried downstream by strong currents from other parts of Lagos, as the lagoon stretches across the state. 

    The latest victim was described as a young woman in her twenties, dressed in tight-fitting clothing.

    According to the eyewitness, who expressed his worry, the earlier corpse was evacuated by Lagos State authorities after the terminal contacted officials, who arrived with a boat. 

    Residents are now calling on the state government and security agencies to investigate the unsettling coincidence, which has sparked panic in the area, and to determine what may have happened to the two women whose bodies were washed out of the lagoon, and locate their families.

  • Sanwo-Olu flags off return of monthly sanitation exercise in Q2 2026

    Sanwo-Olu flags off return of monthly sanitation exercise in Q2 2026

    LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) MARCH 14 — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday joined officials of the Ministry of Environment at the Mushin–Agege Motor Road axis to flag off the return of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

    The governor announced that the exercise will officially resume on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and will thereafter be held on the last Saturday of every month between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. “This morning, I was at Mushin–Agege Motor Road with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment to flag off the return of our monthly environmental sanitation exercise,” Sanwo-Olu said. “I’m glad to share that the exercise will resume on Saturday, 25 April 2026, and will now hold on the last Saturday of every month from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.”

    He encouraged Lagosians to take the two hours seriously by cleaning their surroundings, clearing drains, and disposing of waste properly. “The Lagos we all want will not appear overnight. It will come from the small actions we take together, street by street, from LGA to LGA,” he added.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier Lagos, stressing that the measures will be enforced to improve the environment for all residents.

    The decision follows growing calls from residents for the reintroduction of the monthly sanitation exercise amid worsening waste management challenges. Critics on social media have repeatedly urged the government to act, citing deteriorating cleanliness across the city.

    Lagos continues to grapple with domestic waste littering major roads and streets, worsened by unregulated disposal practices and illegal dump sites. Authorities say the renewed sanitation exercise is part of broader efforts to restore discipline in waste management and safeguard public health.

  • Enugu Air adjusts flight hours over runway maintenance at Akanu Ibiam International Airport

    Enugu Air adjusts flight hours over runway maintenance at Akanu Ibiam International Airport

    ENUGU, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 13, 2026 — Enugu Air, the flag bearer of Southeastern Nigeria, has announced an adjustment to its flight operational hours from March 13 to March 27, 2026, due to scheduled maintenance on the runway shoulder and turn pad at its hub, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

    The airline explained that the temporary changes are necessary to ensure safety and efficiency, while apologising for any inconvenience the adjustments may cause passengers. 

    Customers are advised to contact the airline’s service lines or email channels for clarification on updated flight schedules.

    In a statement issued Friday, the airline noted: “As part of our commitment to providing you with the safest flying experience, we would like to notify you of the necessary maintenance that will be taking place on the runway shoulder and turn pad at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. Consequently, we will be adjusting our flight operational hours from today, March 13th, to March 27th, 2026. During this time, some of our flight times will be modified.”

  • Royal Family hosts Nigerian diaspora ahead of Tinubu’s UK visit

    Royal Family hosts Nigerian diaspora ahead of Tinubu’s UK visit

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 12, 2026 — The English Royal Family on Wednesday hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian Diaspora in the United Kingdom, ahead of the forthcoming State Visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, scheduled for March 18–19, 2026, at the invitation of King Charles III.

    In a post on its official X handle, the Royal Family wrote: “Last night, The King hosted a reception with members of the Nigerian Diaspora in the UK, ahead of the incoming State Visit of the President of Nigeria.”

    The post added: “With jollof rice and music by Dele Sosimi and the Afrobeats Orchestra — it was a wonderful evening. Thank you to everyone who joined us!”

    During the visit, Tinubu will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.

    The visit marks the first inward State Visit by a Nigerian President in 37 years, underscoring Nigeria’s growing diplomatic influence and strengthening ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.