There was palpable tension for motorists along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following an explosion at the Otedola bridge axis of the expressway on Tuesday.

It was gathered through multiple footage shared on X that the explosion occurred around 7pm.

The videos showed thick flames emanating from the explosion.

While the cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained, some X users claimed it was caused by a petrol tanker.

An X user, Tonye Oliver wrote, “Ongoing tanker fire at Otedola bridge, this is a major disaster!!”

Confirming the outbreak in a terse WhatsApp message, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Nosa Okunbor, disclosed that emergency responders are at the scene of the explosion.

“Some sort of explosion. Awaiting Preliminary Report.

LASEMA’s Tiger Response Team at the location,” Okunbor said.

Details later…

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to direct Internet Service Providers (SPs) operating in the country to immediately block all websites that host obscene and pornographic contents.

The House also directed the NCC to apply the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against defaulting Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Block Internet Websites Hosting Pornographic Contents and Sanction Defaulting Internet Service Providers (ISPS)” moved by Rep. Dalhatu Tafoki during plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.

Moving the motion, Taofiki observed that the rise of explicit content on the internet was becoming a widespread issue, yet no significant measures have been implemented to address this concern in Nigeria.

According to him, Nigeria upholds strong religious values, with all major faiths in the country opposing indecent exposure and immoral content in any form.

The lawmaker further noted that several nations across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have established laws prohibiting the distribution and access to such materials within their jurisdictions.

He said : “Concerned deeply that some of the immediate effects of viewing pornographic contents include causing deception in marriage and which may later on, affect family life, promoting adultery, prostitution and many unreal expectations that can result in dangerous promiscuous behavior; leading to addiction, escalation, desensitization and acting out sexually by one person, change of attitude towards oneself and his family.

Taofiki acknowledged the warnings from respected experts in psychology and sociology regarding the negative effects such content may have on individuals’ mental and social well-being.

The House there for adopted the motion and mandate its Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure the implementation and report within four weeks for further legislative action.

….. Reassures of adequate Protection for rights

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reiterated the ban on the public parade of suspects by the operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

This commitment by the IGP aims to uphold the fundamental human rights of every citizen and adhere to global best practices in policing by reiterating the standing directive prohibiting the public parade of criminal suspects before formal charges are filed in a court of law.

This directive, previously communicated to all commands and zones within the Police Force, is a cornerstone of the Nigeria Police Force’s modernization efforts and reflects its dedication to respecting the fundamental rights of all individuals, including those suspected of criminal activity.

The IGP emphasized that this policy is aligned with international human rights standards, which prioritize the protection and preservation of the dignity and rights of individuals throughout the judicial process.

The Nigeria Police Force is committed to operating within the bounds of the law and promoting a culture of respect for human rights among its personnel.

The IGP seeks the understanding and cooperation of the public, particularly members of the media, in adhering to this directive.

Responsible reporting and adherence to ethical journalistic practices are vital in maintaining public trust and ensuring a fair and impartial justice system that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals.