News
EDO STATE: Gov Okpebholo suspends Market Unions, Associations
■Orders Police, security agents to arrest defaulters
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has suspended all Market Unions and Associations in Edo State with immediate effect.
The Governor has also ordered the Police and other security agencies in the State to arrest defaulting leaders of the various suspended Unions and Associations without any delay.
The decision of the Governor was contained in a communication notice issued by the Secretary to State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, and dated 19th November 2024.
The Governor said the decision was informed by the disturbing activities of market Unions in the State.
He said reports abound that the Executives of the Unions and Associations either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of staple food at the detriment of the low income earners in the State.
The statement read: “The attention of the State Government has been drawn to the disturbing activities of market Unions in the State.
Reports abound that the Executives of these Unions either out rightly prevent farmers from disposing off their wares directly to consumers at the markets or arbitrarily fix prices of these staple food at the detriment of the low income earners and generally, the citizens of the State.
“Their actions have ultimately led to an astronomical rise in the prices of staple food in the State, thereby making life unbearable for the common Edo man.
“Edo State Government views this action with serious concern and considers it extortionist in nature which should not be allowed to thrive.
“While Edo State Government appreciates the role of market traders and their contribution to the economy of our dear State, it will not however serve as justification to allow a few individuals under the guise of Market Unions Executives and for their selfish reasons, continue to hold the entire State to ransom through their selfish and extortionist activities.
“Following from the foregoing, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the suspension of the activities of all Market Unions in Edo State with immediate effect.
“Security Agents have been put on alert, and any person or group who decides to flout this directive would be held accountable.
News
Lagos increases BRT fares by 13%
In a statement by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the revised fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
The Lagos State Government has approved a 13 percent increase in fares across all services under the Bus Reform Initiative, which includes the Bus Rapid Transit system and standard bus routes throughout the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu granted the approval after receiving a passionate appeal from regulated public transport operators.
He highlighted the mounting challenges facing the long-term viability of their operations in Nigeria’s current economic climate.
In a statement by LAMATA’s Head of Corporate Communication, Kolawole Ojelabi, the revised fare structure will take effect from Monday, March 2, 2026.
“The adjustment is designed to help offset the severe impact of ongoing economic pressures on public transport providers.
It also aligns with the state’s previously established annual fare review mechanism. The urgency of the measure is driven by persistent inflationary trends.
The statement added that bus operating companies have been contending with sharply rising expenses in several key areas, including vehicle maintenance and repairs, imported spare parts, and staff salaries, particularly following the rollout of the new national minimum wage.“
In addition, operators are committing significant resources to fleet renewal, procuring newer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient buses to boost passenger comfort, maintain high service standards, and advance environmental sustainability goals in Lagos.
It also aligns with the state’s previously established annual fare review mechanism. The urgency of the measure is driven by persistent inflationary trends.
News
Fire Engulfs MMIA Terminal One, but no casualties
Eyewitnesses said that the blaze started on one of the affected floors before spreading to adjoining sections of the terminal.
Photo credit: Lagos State Fire Service
A fire has broken out on parts of the fourth and fifth floors of Terminal One at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, triggering an emergency response and temporary disruption of flight operations.
Eyewitnesses said that the blaze started on one of the affected floors before spreading to adjoining sections of the terminal.
The impacted areas have since been evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Air Traffic Controllers stationed in the control tower were alerted to the incident and are reported to be safe, though closely monitoring the situation as emergency teams work to bring the fire under control.
As a result of the development, inbound flights to Lagos from other airports have been instructed to delay departure until the situation stabilises.
Aircraft already approaching Lagos may be required to remain airborne until clearance is given to land.
Fire and rescue officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are currently battling the blaze and intensifying efforts to contain it.
FAAN has confirmed that no casualties have been recorded at this time. Authorities say further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
News
El-Rufai takes ICPC to court, demands N1bn compensation over ‘unlawful invasion of residence’
El-Rufai urged the court to declare that the search warrant was “null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search in violation of Section 37 of the Constitution.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has filed a N1 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal High Court Abuja , against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Enforcement Commissions (ICPC) over alleged unlawful invasion of his Abuja residence.
El-Rufai, through his team of lawyers led by Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, prayed the court to declare that the search warrant issued on February 4 by the Chief Magistrate, Magistrate’s Court of the FCT (2nd respondent), authorising the search and seizure at his residence was invalid, null and void.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former governor had, in the originating motion on notice marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/345/2026, sued ICPC as 1st respondent
.El-Rufai named the Chief Magistrate, Magistrate’s Court of the FCT, Abuja Magisterial District; I-G and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as the 2nd to 4th respondents respectively
El-Rufai urged the court to declare that the search warrant was “null and void for lack of particularity, material drafting errors, ambiguity in execution parameters, overbreadth, and absence of probable cause, thereby constituting an unlawful and unreasonable search in violation of Section 37 of the Constitution.”
He urged the court to declare that “any evidence obtained pursuant to the aforesaid invalid warrant and unlawful search is inadmissible in any proceedings against the applicant, as it was procured in breach of constitutional safeguards.
El-Rufai, therefore, sought an order of injunction restraining the respondents and their agents from further relying on, using, or tendering any evidence or items seized during the unlawful search in any investigation, prosecution, or proceedings involving him.“
An order directing the Ist and 3rd respondents (ICPC and I-G) to forthwith return all items seized from the applicant’s premises during the unlawful search, together with a detailed inventory thereof.
“An order awarding the sum of N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) as general, exemplary, and aggravated damages against the respondents jointly and severally for the violations of the applicant’s fundamental rights, including trespass, unlawful seizure, and the resultant psychological trauma, humiliation, distress, infringement of privacy, and reputational harm.”
-
Crime23 hours agoSecret Service Kills Armed Intruder at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Residence
-
News23 hours agoNigeria Secures Major Victory in $6.2 Million Arbitration Against European Tech Firm
-
Politics23 hours agoFCT Elections Outcome, Impressive – Wike Reacts
-
Crime1 day agoNDLEA Busts Woman with Fake Pregnancy Concealing Tramadol (Photos)
-
Crime1 day agoDelta APC Congress: Ibori’s Daughter Escapes Assassination Bid as Thugs Invade Ethiope West Venue
-
Crime8 hours agoAt Least 10 Killed in Coordinated Night Attacks on Two Communities in Plateau State’s Riyom LGA (Photos)
-
Crime23 hours agoEFCC Nabs 20 in Vote-Buying Crackdown During FCT Council Polls
-
Business2 hours agoBudget Office DG Defends Presidential Assent of Executive Order 9
