LASTMA Nabs One-Chance Syndicate Operating With Commercial Bus

  LAGOS – In the ongoing crackdown on criminal operations targeting commuters, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) apprehended a notorious One-Chance syndicate that employed a painted commercial bus (KSF 56 XL) to rob unsuspecting passengers of their valuables. The arrest transpired near a Conoil filling station along Funsho Williams Avenue in Surulere, Lagos, following an incident involving a female passenger, Miss Bibian Emelifonwu, who fell victim to the syndicate’s treachery while en route to work this morning. Recounting her ordeal, Miss Emelifonwu disclosed that she boarded the bus and sat beside a male passenger holding a nylon bag in the front seat next to the driver. Under the pretext of opening the front door beside her, the man surreptitiously leaned on her and deftly removed her phone from her bag. Having successfully executed the theft, the criminals heartlessly ejected her from the moving vehicle onto the highway. Fortunately, a vigilant team of LASTMA officers overseeing traffic in the area witnessed the incident. They swiftly pursued the fleeing bus, ultimately apprehending the driver, identified as Mr. Toyib Ogunjobi, while his accomplices—the conductor and another passenger—managed to escape. During interrogation, Ogunjobi admitted to leading a three-man syndicate, which included the owner of the bus. He revealed that their modus operandi involved enticing passengers with low fares on the Costain-Ojota route, stealing their belongings, and forcibly ejecting them from the vehicle while in motion. Ogunjobi further confessed that the syndicate generated between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 daily by selling stolen phones and valuables. He also disclosed that similar One-Chance operations are proliferating across Lagos State, illustrating the pervasive nature of this criminal enterprise. Seven stolen phones, comprising models such as Techno Pop, Samsung AZZ, Intel A623, Techno Spark, Techno Pounoir, and Samsung devices, were recovered from Ogunjobi during his arrest. He also admitted that the vehicle’s owner was actively involved in the operation. •GALAXY TV

Trump Signs Executive Order To Terminate Birthright Citizenship.

  United States President, Donald Trump, has signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship — a right guaranteed by the US Constitution and affirmed by the Supreme Court more than 125 years ago. On Monday, Trump issued a blitz of executive actions to start reshaping federal immigration and border policy, many of which are expected to face significant legal challenges. “As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is what I’m going to do,” Trump said in his inaugural address. CBS News reports that the US government has long interpreted the US Constitution to mean that those born on American soil are citizens at birth, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution says, “All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” But Trump directed federal agencies to stop issuing passports, citizenship certificates, and other documents to children born in the US to mothers who are in the country illegally and fathers who are not citizens or legal permanent residents, or to mothers who are temporary visa holders (and fathers who are not citizens or legal permanent residents). Trump said his edict, which would not apply retroactively, should be enforced in 30 days. But just hours after it was issued, the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit challenging the action in federal court. He also cited extraordinary presidential powers to effectively suspend US asylum law, accusing migrants of staging an “invasion” at the southern border and endangering public health. He authorised officials to “repel, repatriate, or remove” migrants, suspending their “physical entry” into the US through his constitutional powers. The far-reaching order essentially allows the U.S. government to stop adhering to American asylum law until Mr. Trump issues a “finding that the invasion at the southern border has ceased.”

Trump Returns As 47th U.S. President, Rejects Transgender Rights, Illegal Immigration.

  Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, during a historic ceremony held inside the Capitol Rotunda due to adverse weather conditions. In his inaugural address, Trump outlined a bold agenda for his administration, touching on issues of gender, race, border control, economic reforms, and energy policies. Trump asserted that his administration would recognise only two genders—male and female—effectively dismissing identities such as transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer. “This week, I will end the government policy of engineering race and gender into every aspect of public and private life. Henceforth, it will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female,” Trump declared. Trump unveiled plans to overhaul the trade system, introducing an “External Revenue Service” to collect tariffs from foreign countries, promising to shift the economic burden away from U.S. taxpayers. “I will immediately begin the overhaul of our trade system to protect American workers and families. Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump stated. The president vowed to make America a “manufacturing nation” again by leveraging the country’s vast oil and gas reserves. “America will be a manufacturing nation once again. We will use our liquid gold—oil and gas—to bring prices down, fill our reserves, and export energy worldwide. We will end the Green New Deal and revoke the electric vehicle mandate, saving our auto industry,” he said. On border control, Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border and announced measures to combat illegal immigration. “All illegal entry will be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions of criminal aliens. The Remain in Mexico policy will be reinstated, and catch-and-release practices will end. Troops will secure our borders to repel this invasion,” he announced. Trump also pledged to designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to combat criminal networks. The president announced the formation of a Department of Government Efficiency and outlined measures to tackle inflation and high costs. He also promised an aggressive crackdown on crime, leveraging federal and state resources to eliminate gang activity. “As commander-in-chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions,” Trump said. Trump referred to an assassination attempt during his campaign, framing his survival as a divine sign of his purpose to “make America great again.” He also criticized the nation’s healthcare and education systems, promising significant reforms to address inadequacies exposed by recent natural disasters. The event, attended by lawmakers, distinguished guests, and family members, marked the beginning of Trump’s second term. Vice President JD Vance was also sworn in, taking the oath of office in a ceremony presided over by Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Earlier in the day, Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump met with outgoing President Joe Biden and former First Lady Jill Biden, continuing the tradition of a handover meeting between administrations. At a pre-inauguration rally, Trump addressed supporters, promising to pardon January 6 defendants and issuing executive orders on his first day in office. Despite freezing temperatures, the ceremony proceeded with Trump expressing confidence in his administration’s vision and America’s future.

Niger Petrol Tanker Explosion’s Death Toll Rises To 98

  Death toll from Saturday’s petrol tanker explosion has risen to 98 with 69 injured and 20 shops burnt to the ground. The figure as of Sunday was 86 with 55 injured even as there was concern that many of the injured victims may not survive, given the grave nature of their injury. The Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, made the latest figure available to PUNCH Online in a statement on Monday. He said, “More deaths have been recorded from the fire incident. The latest figure is now 98 deaths, 69 injured and 20 shops burnt down.” Meanwhile, PUNCH Online learnt that so far, out of the 43 injured victims that were admitted at the General Hospital Suleja, seven of them have died due to the gravity of their injuries while three of the injured patients out of the 23 admitted at the General Hospital, Sabon-Wuse have also died. Ten of the patients admitted at the General Hospital Suleja were referred for specialist care in Abuja while three of them were satisfactorily treated and discharged to recuperate at home. The state government has assured all that it would defray the cost of treatment of the injured victims while the Federal Government has also said it would cater for the cost of treatment for all the injured victims referred to the FCT for more intensive treatment. The fire incident occurred on Saturday morning when a speeding tanker loaded with fuel crashed and spilt all the fuel on the road. Indigent residents of the state rushed to scoop the fuel on the road when the tanker caught fire and burnt most of them. The dead have already been buried in a mass grave. Condolences have been pouring in from across the country over the tragedy while the Federal Government has set up a committee to probe the cause of the tragedy. Punch  

Installation As Aare Akinrogun Of Igbo-Elerinland, Hon. Olayinka Segelu Appreciates Olubadan, Baales, Others

  An ICT guru and Germany-based entrepreneur, Hon. Olayinka Oladimeji Segelu has expressed his deep appreciation to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Ige Olakulehin I, for the approval of his installation and coronation as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2027 governorship aspirant also extended his greetings to the Olubadan-in-Council for their consent. Hon. Segelu, in his appreciation message on Sunday, praised the Igbo Elerin Baale Council of Baales for deemed him fit for the exalted position of Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. “I am deeply grateful to Almighty God and thank our highly esteemed and revered father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Ige Olakulehin I, and his Council for their consent and approval for my coronation and installation as Aare Akinrogun of Igbo-Elerinland. “To the family and friends, I sincerely appreciate your unconditional love and unwavering support. Yesterday’s chieftaincy coronation would not have been possible without each of you. Although I am currently out of the country, your presence at the installation made a significant impact. “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Igbo Elerin Council of Baales, especially Oniogunbode of Ogunbode (Baale Akin Babalola), Alapatere of Apatere (Baale Sunday Alamu), Onigbaro of Igbaro (Baale Olulere Adesumbo), Onidagbolu of Dagbolu (Baale Ogunsakin Moses Olujinmi), and all other Baales of Igbo-Elerinland. “I am sincerely thankful to the elders of the Taiwo Ariyibi Dynasty and my dear brothers, The Segelu kings. Special thanks to my elder brother Wale Segelu, my younger brothers, Yomi Segelu, and Baale Tosin Segelu (Baale Eleruko) for exemplifying true leadership and fulfilling your roles admirably. “To Brother Tunde, Brother Banjo, Brother Akin, Dare Eleruko, and the immediate past Ward 2 Councillor, Hon. Olaniyi Idowu Oluseyi, along with Brother Segun Onigbinde and the supporting staff—Mrs. Olatunde, LadyKiki, Mayowa Oloyede, and others—my heartfelt thanks for your contributions. “While I cannot mention everyone individually, please know that I am truly grateful to all. “E se modupe. Mo mo lore ooo.” Hon. Segelu promised to continue to promote the progress, peace and tranquility of Igbo Elerinland, Ibadan and Oyo State in general. Igbo Elerinland consists of over 300 villages, and it is under Lagelu Local Government area of Oyo State.

Fuel Tanker Explosion: Niger Death Toll Hits 86, 55 Injured

  The death toll from the petrol tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Niger State, on Saturday has risen to 86, while 55 people were injured and taken to hospital. As of Saturday, the death toll was reported as 70, with 50 injured. However, more corpses have since been recovered, and all have been given a mass burial in Dikko, Niger State. The Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday. He stated that the agency, alongside Gurara Local Government Area and brave, kind-hearted volunteers, conducted the mass burial between 5 pm and midnight. “A total of 86 persons have been confirmed dead, with their corpses recovered and buried. “Eighty of them were buried in a mass grave at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre premises, while five were taken by their relatives for burial in the town, and one died at Dikko Primary Healthcare Centre. “The mass burial was carried out by NSEMA in collaboration with Gurara LGA and courageous volunteers between the hours of 5pm and midnight. “The number of injured now stands at 55, with one death recorded at Dikko PHC,” Baba-Arah stated. A speeding fuel tanker crashed on Saturday morning at Dikko Junction, located between Niger and Kaduna states. While some residents attempted to scoop fuel spilling onto the tarred road from the tanker, it exploded in a massive blaze. The explosion killed both those collecting fuel and others attempting to rescue them. Meanwhile, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago visited the scene of the tragic explosion on Saturday and has issued a ban on vehicles coming from the Maje axis from passing over the Dikko Bridge. The governor gave the directive while inspecting the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. Bago, decrying the recklessness of some drivers, stated that it was unacceptable for vehicles coming from Maje to use the bridge, directing them instead to follow the underpass and take the appropriate U-turn. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed the directive in a statement on Sunday. “Niger State Government has directed that no vehicle coming from the Maje axis should be allowed to pass over the Dikko Bridge. “Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago issued this directive during his visit to the scene of the tanker explosion at Dikko Junction, Gurara LGA. “The governor, who criticised the recklessness of certain drivers, said vehicles from Maje must use the underpass and make the U-turn correctly. “He also urged the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the directive and called on all relevant transport unions to cooperate with the Road Safety Corps,” Ibrahim stated. The governor expressed his gratitude to NSEMA, the Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Union of Road Transport Workers, among others, for their roles in evacuating the victims. He also announced that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving care at Suleja General Hospital. Punch  

Several Feared Dead In Niger Fuel Tanker Blast.

  Many residents are feared dead in Niger State while trying to scoop fuel after a petrol tanker spilt its contents on the tarred road. Many others sustained various degrees of injury. The incident happened on Saturday morning in Dikko junction along the expressway between Niger and Kaduna states. It was gathered that shortly after the speeding tanker fell and spilt its content, onlookers rushed to the scene to scoop the liquid content. It was while they were scooping the fuel that the tanker exploded and burnt many of the residents who were scooping the fuel, while those who were not so close to the tanker escaped with injuries. Bologi Ibrahim, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mohammed Bago, who was on the governor’s entourage to Suleja and Tafa Local Government Areas to inspect the government’s projects, confirmed the incident to our correspondent. Ibrahim stated that the governor called for caution from road users. He said the governor expressed shock at the incident and called on security agents to ensure there was adequate security while other humanitarian agents were working to restore normalcy in the area. “Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, expresses shock over a tanker explosion that claimed several lives in Dikko junction, around the Abuja-Kaduna expressway. “The governor describes the explosion as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate. He specifically sympathises with the families of the victims of the explosion and prays that Allah will repose the souls of the departed and heal the injured. The governor, however, cautioned the people to always be responsible and give priority to their safety. “He directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to do what is necessary while urging security agents to ensure security in the area. “A Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol tanker, was said to have exploded at Dikko junction this morning, after which some residents of the area went to scoop its content. “Scores were said to have been burnt to death, while several others sustained various degrees of burnt,” he stated. Punch  

Oyo Gov’t Includes Four Roads In Ongoing Rehabilitation Exercise

Oyo Gov’t Includes Four Roads In Ongoing Rehabilitation Exercise

  The Oyo State Government has commenced a major road rehabilitation project in key areas of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, to improve transportation infrastructure and enhance mobility. The projects cover roads, including Bashorun Oluwo-nla, Agbowo road, Eleyele-Water road, and Zion plaza-Olusoji Road. They are expected to be completed in less than 8 weeks. This is according to a statement signed by the Chairman, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency, OYSROMA, Hon. Busoye Ogunlade on Friday, in Ibadan. He said the ongoing rehabilitation is based on fund availability and the economic viability of those roads. Ogunlade said the move was in line with the commitment of the Seyi Makinde-led administration to make the state more attractive to both local and foreign investors. “Governor Seyi Makinde has given us the mandate to rehabilitate roads across the State, and we have mobilized our men to these sites,” he said. He noted that to make the exercise have the desired impact on the people, the governor mandated stakeholders to submit critical roads that required immediate attention in their domain. Hon. Ogunlade said rehabilitation works have commenced on some of the roads, while contractors will move to the remaining ones soon. “Work has commenced on some of these roads, as we speak. However, repair on other roads will be commenced soon.” He therefore advised commuters to follow temporary traffic diversions and cooperate with the ongoing construction efforts.

Gunmen Kidnap Ex-AIG Odumosu’s Wife In Ogun

  The wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has been abducted from her residence in the Arepo area of Ogun State. The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction in a statement released to PUNCH Online on Friday. The victim was reportedly abducted by four masked men who attacked her, pulled her out of her Lexus Jeep, and drove away with her late Thursday night. The spokesperson for the command, Omolola Odutola, said “Information was received regarding the kidnapping of Mrs Odumosu, resident of Aminu Street, Arepo. Reports indicate that she was about to enter her home when four masked men attacked her, dragged her from her jeep and took her through the swamp to an unknown location. “The divisional police officer has led a team of policemen to the scene where they are currently searching for the swampy bush area. “The CP, Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD, has been briefed, and all covert operations have been deployed to assist with digital intelligence to ensure she is rescued unhurt.” Odutola added that the local chiefs of Warewa and Maaba had been approached to deploy local security outfits to assist in the search effort. Odutola added that the local chiefs of Warewa and Maaba had been approached to deploy local security outfits to assist in the search effort. Punch

Nigerians Deserve What They Are Experiencing – Apostle Suleman

  The Senior Pastor of Omega Fire Ministries, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has attributed current economic hardship to poor decisions made during the 2023 elections. Suleman made this assertion during Tuesday and Wednesday’s two-day “Recovery Conference 2025” in Bauchi State, the Daily Post reports Thursday. Ahead of the event, he paid a courtesy visit to the Government House, where he met with Governor Bala Mohammed. While commending Mohammed for his leadership and hospitality, Suleman described him as “a man of honour” and pledged his continued prayers for the state’s progress. Senior pastors, including Dr. Kingsley Aigbe, accompanied him. However, speaking with journalists at the Government House, Suleman didn’t mince words about the nation’s state, blaming Nigerians for their electoral choices. “What Nigerians are going through is partly what they deserve. Before the election, we cried out, we screamed, we yelled. The man (President Bola Tinubu) who came into leadership had no manifesto—just a sense of entitlement with his ‘it’s my turn’ mantra,” Suleman declared. He criticised Tinubu’s administration for poor policy decisions and the mismanagement of the country’s oil sector. “The oil sector has been plundered. In the next 10 to 15 years, I don’t think Nigerians will recover from the damage. Now, all we can do is pray,” he lamented. Suleman urged Nigerians to reflect on their voting decisions ahead of the 2027 elections, cautioning, “If they’ve suffered enough by then, perhaps they’ll make better decisions.” Echoing Suleman’s concerns, Mohammed, also took a swipe at Tinubu’s policies, warning of their potential to harm the nation irreparably. “Tinubu’s policies don’t have a clear vision and are taking us to the road to perdition and destruction. That is why when I talk about tax reforms, it is not because I don’t want reform, but because I want reform that will have a national impact. I don’t have anything against the president but respect,” Mohammed said. The governor vowed to continue criticising Federal Government policies as long as they “shortchange Nigerians.” “Nigerians deserve better, and I will not shy away from pointing out these shortcomings,” the governor maintained.