New Post Africa

Category: Cityscope

  • Police arrest military impersonator, cultist, recover firearms

    Police arrest military impersonator, cultist, recover firearms

    ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its proactive policing operations with the arrest of two suspects in separate incidents involving unlawful possession of firearms, impersonation, and cultism.

    On 26 April 2026, at about 11:00 a.m., operatives attached to the Command’s Department of Operations, while on routine patrol at Naira Triangle along Abakaliki Road, Enugu, arrested Victory Chinecherem Chukwuebuka Anyegbulam (male, aged 20), also known as “Aye Sir Alhaji Seun Usman Danfodio.” A search led to the recovery of one cut‑to‑size gun, two live cartridges, and a substance suspected to be cannabis. The suspect confessed to being a member of the Neo Black (Aye) Confraternity.

    In a similar operation on 23 April 2026, at about 1:42 p.m., operatives arrested Uzondu Chiemezie Emmanuel (male, aged 34) along Unity Estate/Loma Linda Road, Enugu. A locally fabricated Beretta‑like pistol was recovered from him. The suspect initially claimed to be a serving member of the Nigerian Air Force but later admitted during interrogation that he had been dismissed from the Force.

    According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion.

    The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reiterated the Command’s determination to rid Enugu State of criminal elements. He urged residents to remain law‑abiding, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible information to the Police.

  • Lagos launches Africa’s first Flood Risk Insurance Scheme for vulnerable residents

    Lagos launches Africa’s first Flood Risk Insurance Scheme for vulnerable residents

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has launched what it described as Africa’s first Flood Risk Insurance Policy aimed at providing rapid financial assistance to vulnerable residents affected by flooding across the state.

    Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a major shift from reactive disaster response to proactive climate risk management, saying the programme was designed to protect lives, livelihoods and critical infrastructure in flood-prone communities.

    Speaking during the launch at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sanwo-Olu said the insurance policy would ensure support reaches flood victims swiftly and transparently whenever disasters occur.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor disclosed that the scheme would cover more than four million vulnerable residents across seven high-risk local government areas, including Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Kosofe, Ojo and Somolu.

    According to the state government, the programme provides potential payouts of up to $7.5 million for each flood event.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that beneficiaries would not pay premiums or complete complicated documentation processes, explaining that the initiative is fully funded by the state government using existing social registers, including the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency database.

    He also urged the Federal Government and other states to adopt similar models to strengthen climate resilience nationwide.

    Commissioner for Finance Abayomi Oluyomi described the initiative as a strategic fiscal protection mechanism capable of improving emergency response and post-disaster recovery.

    He warned that Lagos remains increasingly vulnerable to climate-related threats such as sea-level rise and extreme rainfall, with projections suggesting climate inaction could cost the state up to $40 billion by 2050.

    The commissioner disclosed that the German Government, through the InsuResilience Solutions Fund, would finance 90 percent of the insurance premium in the first year, while Lagos State covers the remaining 10 percent.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Oreoluwa Finnih, described the programme as a major milestone in promoting fiscal sustainability and climate resilience.

    Finnih said the scheme would deploy satellite technology for transparency while covering pluvial, fluvial and coastal flooding.

    The programme will also support direct household relief and restoration of damaged public infrastructure through integration with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

    Representatives of the United Nations Development Programme, the European Union, the German Government, the World Bank and the African Development Bank attended the launch event alongside private sector insurance partners.

    Officials said the initiative emerged from collaborations developed after engagements at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, as part of efforts to build a resilient and future-ready Lagos.

  • Lagos Police arrest woman in viral video attempting to stab teenage daughter

    Lagos Police arrest woman in viral video attempting to stab teenage daughter

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman seen in a viral video attempting to stab her teenage daughter at 32 Tashoro Street, Opeki, Ayobo.

    According to neighbours, the woman, described as “stubborn,” had a history of violence against her daughter and had allegedly stabbed her multiple times in the past. In the circulating video, she was restrained by neighbours after pinning the teenager to the ground, in what could have ended tragically.

    In a statement issued Wednesday, police confirmed the arrest of the woman, described as seemingly mentally unstable, and said she is currently in custody. “The affected children have been rescued and safely handed over to the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development for proper care, protection, and necessary welfare support,” the Command noted.

    Authorities assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway and that the suspect will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. Residents were urged to remain calm as the situation is under control.

    Observers have called for the woman’s mental state to be assessed, citing her erratic behaviour as a reflection of wider concerns about declining mental health among Nigerians amid economic pressures and rising living costs.

  • Rufai Oseni wins Media Personality of the Year at Independent Awards

    Rufai Oseni wins Media Personality of the Year at Independent Awards

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, has won the Media Personality of the Year award at the 2025 Independent Awards organised by Independent Newspapers Limited.

    The awards ceremony, held on Saturday in Lagos, honoured outstanding Nigerians across governance, business, media and other sectors.

    The event, which marked the 25th anniversary of the awards, took place at Eko Hotel and Suites and featured about 25 categories recognising excellence, leadership and impact.

    The awards, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading recognition platforms, celebrate individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in public service, enterprise and social development.

    Top contenders for the prestigious Man of the Year award included industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

    Several eminent Nigerians were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards, including Prince Samuel Adedoyin, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, Atedo Peterside, founder and former Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Bank, and Chief Kessington Adebutu, Chairman of Premier Lotto, for their contributions to national development.

    In the governance category, a number of state governors and federal ministers were recognised for their performance and policy impact. Notable nominees included Alex Otti of Abia State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Babagana Zulum of Borno State.

    Key figures in the financial sector were also spotlighted, with nominations featuring business leaders such as Tony Elumelu, while Adaora Umeoji and Segun Agbaje were recognised in the banking category.

    In the technology, media and creative industry categories, nominees included Kemisola Bolarinwa, Chimezie Emewulu, Funke Akindele, Mo Abudu and Chude Jideonwo.

    Organisers said winners were selected through a combination of public voting, editorial board assessment and jury review to ensure credibility and transparency.

    They added that the awards remain committed to encouraging excellence and inspiring higher standards of performance across all sectors of national life.

  • Police arrest man with fresh human head and palms in Ogun, nab others over stolen Lexus

    Police arrest man with fresh human head and palms in Ogun, nab others over stolen Lexus

    ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 43-year-old man, identified as Idowu Ashafa, for allegedly being in possession of a fresh human head and two severed palms concealed in a nylon bag in Igbesa area of the state.

    The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of 17 April 2026 by operatives of the Igbesa Division during a routine patrol supervised by the Area Commander, ACP Folashade Tanaruno. Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that the arrest followed a stop-and-search operation led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Solotan K. Owolabi.

    Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspect allegedly exhumed the human remains from a grave at Ido Itekun Village in Igbesa for suspected ritual purposes. Authorities said the implement used in carrying out the act has been recovered, while the scene of the incident has been visited and documented. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

    In a separate development, operatives of the Ibafo Division have arrested three suspects over the theft of a vehicle and successfully recovered the stolen car. The suspects—Obada Ezekiel, 27; Emmanuel Timothy, 25; and Yaya Yakubu, 27—were apprehended on 18 April 2026 following a credible tip-off that led police to their hideout within the Ibafo axis.

    Police investigations revealed that Obada Ezekiel, a private security guard attached to the vehicle, allegedly conspired with the two others to steal the ash-coloured Lexus RX 300 SUV from Lagos and move it to Ibafo for disposal. The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be transferred to the SCID in Abeokuta for further investigation and prosecution.

    The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their swift response and effective use of intelligence, which led to the arrests and recovery. He also appreciated members of the public for providing timely information and reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led policing.

    The police assured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official emergency channels.

  • FRSC debunks viral video, denies assault on motorist in Abuja

    FRSC debunks viral video, denies assault on motorist in Abuja

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a clarification over a viral video circulating on social media alleging that one of its officers assaulted a motorist in the Central Business District of Abuja.

    In a statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander, the Corps denied the claim, insisting that no officer attacked, threatened, or attempted to use force against the driver or any occupant of the vehicle. It also clarified that the individual seen in the video holding an iron rod is not an FRSC officer.

    According to the FRSC, the incident occurred during a routine traffic enforcement operation by its RS7.14 Central Business District Unit Command on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The vehicle in question was lawfully intercepted for traffic violations, including overloading and failure to comply with seatbelt regulations.

    The Corps said the situation escalated when the driver became non-compliant and deviated from lawful directives, creating a scene that attracted public attention and heightened tension in the area. As the situation unfolded, a crowd gathered, raising concerns about potential disorder.

    In the statement signed by Osondu Ohaeri, Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer, the FRSC maintained that its personnel exercised restraint throughout the encounter.

    “It is important to categorically state that at no time did any FRSC personnel assault, threaten, or attempt to use force against the driver or any occupant of the vehicle,” the statement said.

    The Corps further explained that the individual seen wielding a rod in the video was a passerby whose actions have been misconstrued, leading to a distorted narrative of the incident.

    Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the FRSC stated that its officers adhered to established procedures and demonstrated restraint and emotional intelligence in line with global best practices in enforcement and conflict management.

  • Okpebholo rebuilds Ekpoma POWA Market, disburses ₦200m to fire-affected traders

    Okpebholo rebuilds Ekpoma POWA Market, disburses ₦200m to fire-affected traders

    BENIN CITY, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday presented cheques of ₦8 million each, totalling ₦200 million, to traders affected by the recent fire that gutted the POWA Market in the Ekpoma axis of the state.

    The governor also announced that the market had been rebuilt, bringing relief to the affected traders and giving them a fresh start after the tragedy and losses they suffered in the inferno.

    Okpebholo said, “A few days ago, I made a promise to the traders affected by the POWA Market fire in Ekpoma. Today, I have fulfilled that promise.”

    “We have rebuilt the market, and I personally presented the cheques to each of the affected traders as we disbursed ₦200 million in support, with every shop owner receiving ₦8 million to help them restart their businesses.”

    The governor explained that the intervention was driven by his understanding of the pain and disruption the fire caused, stressing that his administration’s priority is restoring not just livelihoods, but hope and dignity. “This is what governance means to me: standing with our people and taking real action when it matters most,” he said.

    He reiterated his administration’s commitment to always stand by the people and ensure their welfare is met. “We will continue to do more to support our people and put smiles on the faces of Edo families. A New Edo has risen,” the statement concluded.

  • Nigeria Police arrest 50 suspects, seize heavy weapons in nationwide crackdown

    Nigeria Police arrest 50 suspects, seize heavy weapons in nationwide crackdown

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its campaign against organised crime, arresting 50 suspects and recovering high-grade weapons, including an anti-aircraft launcher, during nationwide operations.

    The disclosure was made at a press briefing on 13 April at the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) headquarters in Abuja.

    According to Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the intelligence-led raids targeted syndicates involved in terrorism, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

    Between January and April 2026, police operatives dismantled multiple criminal cells, recovering 17 rifles of various models, 1 anti-aircraft launcher, 111 rounds of live ammunition, 17 live cartridges, 5 walkie-talkie devices, 9 magazines, 3 mobile phones, and 1 Golf vehicle.

    Among the most notable successes was the dismantling of a 33-member gang linked to terrorism, cattle rustling, and the violent attack on the Christ Apostolic Church in Kwara State. Police also apprehended suspects responsible for the murder of three officers in Taraba State.

    Further arrests targeted groups operating in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states, including syndicates behind “one-chance” abductions, car burglaries, and fake police checkpoints. These operations led to the recovery of stolen property and the disruption of criminal networks.

    In Benue State, operatives arrested 25-year-old Nasiru Ibrahim with an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and eight rounds of ammunition. Investigations revealed his connection to a notorious bandit known as Janari, who allegedly supplied the weapon. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Janari and other members of the syndicate.

    Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to safeguarding citizens, stressing that several suspects are set for prosecution while others remain under investigation. He said the achievements reflect the Police’s reliance on both human and technical intelligence to stay ahead of criminal elements.

  • South West Nigeria charts unified path for urban development

    South West Nigeria charts unified path for urban development

    LAGOS, Nigeria — 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has hosted the inaugural meeting of South West Commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development, signalling a new era of regional cooperation in tackling urbanisation challenges.

    The one-day meeting, held at the Protea Select Hotel in Alausa, Ikeja, brought together Commissioners from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States, alongside representatives of the DAWN Commission, the South West Development Commission, senior government officials, urban planners and development experts.

    With the theme “Forging Regional Integration Through Coordinated Physical Planning, Urban Development, and Sustainable Land Governance”, the gathering aimed to strengthen interstate collaboration as a foundation for sustainable growth.

    Dr Oluyinka Olumide, Lagos Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, emphasised that the South West faces rapid urban expansion, infrastructure deficits and housing shortages. He stressed the need for coordinated planning across state borders, highlighting priorities such as shared waste management, regional transport networks and cross-border land use.

    Participants commended Lagos State and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for championing the initiative. Permanent Secretary Engr. Oluwole Sotire linked the meeting to resolutions from the maiden Lagos Physical Planning Summit and announced that the second edition will take place in June, with invitations extended to regional stakeholders.

    At the close of deliberations, delegates adopted key resolutions, including:

    • Pursuing regional integration as a central strategy for sustainable development.
    • Strengthening institutional frameworks to harmonise physical planning and land governance.
    • Developing a comprehensive Western Region Master Plan to align infrastructure projects across states.
    • Considering the establishment of a South West Regional Planning and Development Coordination Authority.
    • Prioritising strategic transport corridors, coastal roads and inter-state connectivity as drivers of growth.

    The meeting underscored a shared commitment to building a unified framework for urban development, positioning the South West as an interconnected physical and economic region prepared to meet the demands of the future.

  • Lassa fever: Lagos sounds alarm as deadly outbreak sweeps Nigeria

    Lassa fever: Lagos sounds alarm as deadly outbreak sweeps Nigeria

    LAGOS, Nigeria — 13 April 2026 (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has issued a stark public health warning over Lassa fever, launching a statewide awareness and prevention campaign as Nigeria battles one of its most severe outbreaks in recent years.

    With over 660 confirmed cases and 167 deaths between January and mid-March, the situation has escalated into a national emergency spanning 22 states and 93 local government areas.

    Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, described the outbreak as “a serious national health concern” requiring urgent, coordinated action. Particularly troubling is the infection of 38 healthcare workers, including three doctors who have died since January.

    Lassa fever, a highly contagious zoonotic viral disease transmitted from rodents and bushmeat to humans, spreads person-to-person and often presents as a haemorrhagic illness with fever and internal bleeding. While Lagos is not traditionally endemic, its dense population and commercial activity heighten the risk of rapid transmission.

    Evidence now suggests year-round transmission, driven by environmental changes and increased human interaction with rodent reservoirs. Abayomi warned that 70 per cent of infected individuals show mild or no symptoms yet remain infectious, fuelling silent spread in urban centres.

    He stressed that one in five symptomatic patients faces life-threatening complications if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Lassa fever, he noted, belongs to the same high-risk category as Ebola and Marburg virus disease — pathogens capable of overwhelming health systems.

    The Commissioner linked the rising incidence of such outbreaks to climate change, deforestation and ecological disruption, which are pushing rodents closer to human settlements.

    To counter the threat, Lagos has activated a 24-hour Emergency Operations Centre, strengthened surveillance, deployed digital health tools, and intensified biosecurity training for healthcare workers.

    Abayomi urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, assuring that Lagos is working closely with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Federal Ministry of Health, and partners such as Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital to bolster response systems and public awareness.