Dr. Hamzat’s political journey is neither accidental nor sudden. It is the product of years of service, preparation, loyalty, and consistent engagement with the Lagos governance architecture. Long before he became Deputy Governor, he had established himself as a technocrat and public servant of considerable substance. His tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology and later Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure under the administration of Babatunde Fashola demonstrated a capacity for innovation, strategic planning, and execution.

Perhaps one of Hamzat’s greatest strengths is that he understands Lagos from the inside. He has been part of the system that transformed the state from a sprawling megacity struggling with infrastructure deficits into a globally recognised model of urban governance in Africa. He has witnessed firsthand the evolution of policies, institutions, and development initiatives that have made Lagos the envy of many states.

His emergence also speaks to another important factor in governance: loyalty. In an era when political ambition often breeds unnecessary conflict and division, Hamzat has remained remarkably loyal to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and to the broader progressive movement that has shaped Lagos politics since 1999. As Deputy Governor, he has served with dignity, discipline, and a notable absence of political drama. Rather than seeking the limelight, he has focused on supporting the administration and ensuring the successful implementation of government policies.

If leadership is ultimately about preparation meeting opportunity, then Dr. Obafemi Hamzat appears ready for the moment. And if the people of Lagos entrust him with the governorship, history may well record that, once again, Lagos got it right.

Such loyalty should not be mistaken for passivity. Rather, it reflects an understanding that effective leadership often requires teamwork, patience, and a commitment to collective goals. Hamzat’s conduct in office has reinforced his reputation as a dependable and mature leader whose primary focus remains service rather than self-promotion.

Beyond loyalty lies competence. Lagos is not a state that can afford governance experiments. With a population larger than that of many African countries and an economy that contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, the state requires leaders who possess institutional memory and administrative experience. Hamzat checks both boxes.

The expectation among many Lagosians is that, if elected governor, he will provide continuity while also bringing his own ideas and innovations to governance. Continuity should never be confused with stagnation. Rather, it means preserving what works while improving what can work better. The best leaders understand that progress is cumulative.

Hamzat would be inheriting a rich legacy of governance built over nearly three decades by successive administrations. From the visionary political architecture laid by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the infrastructural revolution of Babatunde Fashola, the pragmatic governance style of Akinwunmi Ambode, and the people-centred developmental initiatives of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has benefited from a tradition of leadership that values planning, institution-building, and long-term thinking.

Each administration has left its unique footprint on the sands of Lagos history. Tinubu built the foundations. Fashola expanded the infrastructure. Ambode accelerated urban renewal. Sanwo-Olu deepened transportation reforms, expanded social interventions, and continued the transformation agenda. Hamzat, having participated in several phases of this journey, is uniquely positioned to consolidate these gains and write his own chapter.

What makes his candidacy particularly compelling is the fact that he is not coming into government as an outsider. He understands the challenges of transportation, housing, healthcare, education, technology, and security because he has helped shape policies in those sectors. He understands the expectations of Lagosians because he has spent years engaging with the realities of governance.

No leader is perfect, and no administration is without challenges. Lagos remains confronted by issues such as traffic congestion, urban migration, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure demands arising from rapid population growth. Yet these are challenges that require experienced hands, strategic thinking, and an appreciation of the state’s developmental trajectory.

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat represents a blend of experience, intellect, loyalty, and continuity. His academic background, administrative competence, and long immersion in the Lagos governance ecosystem provide strong credentials for higher office. More importantly, he carries the promise of building upon the achievements of his predecessors while pursuing new opportunities for growth and development.

As Lagos prepares for another chapter in its remarkable political story, many observers see in Hamzat a steady hand capable of preserving the state’s progressive tradition. If leadership is ultimately about preparation meeting opportunity, then Dr. Obafemi Hamzat appears ready for the moment. And if the people of Lagos entrust him with the governorship, history may well record that, once again, Lagos got it right.

*Azuh Arinze, FNGE, is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books like The CEO’s Bible 1 and 2, Anything and Everything Journalism, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Conversations with Showbiz Stars, My Story of Many Colours, etc.

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This was sequel to an earlier invitation by NAMPA to APRA to co-host the 2026 Effective Communicators Conference, ECC, scheduled to take place from 14th – 17th July 2026 at The Dome, in Namibia’s adventure capital and coastal resort city of Swakopmund.

Focusing on “Communication Reconsidered: A Driving Force for Constant Progress”, the ECC is co-organised by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, MICT, of Namibia under the leadership of the minister, Emma Theofelus.

The minister had earlier in Windhoek, performed public unveiling of the events leading to the conference after the signing of the MoU between NAMPA and APRA.

The ECC rallies Africa’s liveliest and informed minds, as well as global partners in public relations, marketing, government communications, journalism and digital media, to rethink how the region tells her stories to shape the future and the prosperity of the continent.

This aligns with APRA’s vision to shape the upturns and uptakes of the central role of communication as a premium driver of development, while encouraging the gathering of public relations and communication management scholars, professionals and policy makers for meaning making, knowledge production and immersion in requisite skills.

The forum also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to share rational and empirical thoughts necessary to navigate the challenges of contemporary communication.

APRA president, Mr. Arik Karani, who was represented at the signing of the MoU by the Secretary General of APRA, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, appreciated African governments, institutions and stakeholders’ increasing commitment to placing communication at the heart of governance.

Karani stated that the commitment to collaboration by APRA and MICT through NAMPA, constituted a milestone in the collective vision for good standards, education and re-establishing communication as the foundational pillar and driving force for progress.

“We are committed to telling the African story with shared intentions, cooperative, evidence-based, safe, ethical and responsible communication, to enhance understanding, trust, stability and prosperity of the continent,” Karani stated.

Built around six high-level strategic forums, ECC 2026 will bring together leaders, practitioners, and decision-makers in purpose-designed spaces to shape the future of communication.

While discussions will draw significantly from Southern African perspectives and priorities, the outcomes and insights are expected to resonate across the continent.

A key foreground of ECC 2026 is the Heads of States and Diplomatic Forum – a high-level gathering of presidents, vice presidents, ministers, and diplomatic representatives to align with regional communication priorities and Africa’s narrative on the world stage.

Other discourses include Captains of Industry Forum, planned to explore the role of businesses in shaping regional progress; Editors and Journalists Forum – an exclusive forum for editors, senior journalists and communication practitioners where press freedom, information integrity, and the future of African journalism will be discussed; Government Communicators Forum – practitioners-led space for government information officers, ministry spokespersons, and public sector communicators to share frameworks and align messaging; Strategic Communications and Public Relations Forum to feature public relations consultants, agency leaders and in-house communication strategists with a focus on covering crisis communications, reputation management, and integrated campaigns; and Digital Storytelling Forum, where participants will discuss emerging digital tools, social technology platforms, AI in content creation, and the rise of creator-led storytelling across the African continent.

The foregoing places the Namibian conference as a rare assemblage of Africa’s key actors in communication governance and the increasing role communication is positioned to play in the Continent’s march towards a new frontier of growth, development and prosperity.

Over 1000 people are expected at the forum, where APRA will host its 2026 annual general meeting, ahead of its 37th annual conference, scheduled to take place in Abuja in November 2026 during the World Public Relations Forum.

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The prestigious intellectual event, which will take place at the university’s auditorium by 11 a.m., will feature one of Nigeria’s foremost scholars in Clinical Chemistry and Toxicology, Professor Augustine Anayochukwu Onyeaghala, who is also Dean of the College of Basic Medical Sciences, as the Inaugural Lecturer.

The lecture is titled “When Science Serves Society: Aligning Natural Products, Clinical Evidence and Quality System.”

The theme reflects a growing global conversation on how scientific research can bridge the gap between traditional remedies, modern medicine, and quality healthcare systems to improve human well-being.

The lecture also underscores the increasing importance of evidence-based approaches in validating natural products and integrating them into contemporary health practice.

Speaking on behalf of the Senate, staff and students of Chrisland University, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oyedunni Sola Arulogun, has extended invitations to members of the academic community, policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, students and the general public to participate in what promises to be an intellectually enriching discourse.

Prof Augustine Onyeaghala is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading authorities in Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Research, Phytomedicine, Laboratory Quality Management Systems and Health Systems Strengthening.

With over three decades of professional and academic experience, his career has been marked by groundbreaking contributions to healthcare delivery, laboratory science and translational research across Nigeria and Africa.

Born on July 27, 1967, in Ejemekwuru, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, Prof Onyeaghala’s educational and professional journey has been defined by excellence and an unwavering commitment to scientific advancement.

His academic credentials include advanced degrees in Chemical Pathology, Immunology and Clinical Research, complemented by specialized certifications from renowned international institutions in Canada, Switzerland and beyond.

His doctoral research on novel natural-product-derived compounds for the treatment of cervical cancer earned international recognition, research grants and multiple scientific publications.

Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Prof Onyeaghala has played critical roles in some of Nigeria’s most important health interventions and policy initiatives.

He has served as Technical Team Lead for the World Health Organization-supported National Antimicrobial Resistance Survey, Consultant on Diagnostic Network Optimization projects for the Federal Ministry of Health, Technical Advisor to major HIV/AIDS surveys, and Co-Principal Investigator in several national COVID-19 and HIV research programmes.

His contributions have helped shape policies on laboratory integration, disease diagnosis, specimen referral systems and healthcare quality assurance in Nigeria.

Research Impact and Academic Legacy

Professor Onyeaghala’s scholarly footprint is equally impressive.

With more than 60 publications in reputable international journals and numerous contributions to national health policies and technical documents, his work has significantly advanced knowledge in clinical chemistry, herbal medicine research, diagnostic systems and public health.

As a mentor, he has supervised and trained generations of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Clinical Chemists, many of whom now occupy leadership positions in academia, healthcare and research institutions across the world.

For Chrisland University, the inaugural lecture series is more than a ceremonial academic tradition.

It represents a platform for scholars to share the outcomes of years of research, stimulate intellectual engagement and contribute practical solutions to societal challenges.

Given the growing interest in natural products and alternative therapies globally, Prof Onyeaghala’s lecture is expected to provide fresh insights into how rigorous scientific evidence, quality systems and innovation can be harnessed to improve healthcare outcomes while safeguarding public trust.

As scholars, healthcare professionals, government officials and members of the public converge on the university campus on June 18, the event is expected to spotlight Chrisland University’s expanding reputation as a centre for research, innovation and impactful scholarship.

The 4th Inaugural Lecture promises to be a compelling conversation on how science can truly serve society by transforming knowledge into solutions that improve lives and strengthen healthcare systems for future generations.

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The increase marked a significant milestone in the facility’s operational expansion and further cementing its position as world’s largest single train petroleum refinery.

The increase sees the refinery surpass its nameplate capacity of 650,000 bpd, underlining the facility’s engineering capability and operational efficiency.

The achievement demonstrates the refinery’s ability to process additional feedstock while optimizing performance across its production units.

Vice-President for oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, explained that the ramp-up is part of a broader, ambitious strategy to more than double capacity to 1.4 million bpd within 30 months, positioning the facility as potentially the largest refinery globally.

According to him, the expansion is expected to boost Nigeria’s energy self-sufficiency, eliminate the country’s dependence on imported refined products and strengthen its position as a regional export hub pointing out that the Refinery’s growth trajectory reflects a deliberate move toward continental and global refining dominance, not just domestic supply sufficiency.

Owned by Nigerian industrialist and philanthropist, Aliko Dangote, the refinery commenced fuel production in 2024 and has steadily increased output of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and other refined petroleum products.

The facility has rapidly established itself as a major supplier to both domestic and international markets, exporting refined petroleum products to several African countries and key European destinations, including the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands, among others.

It has supplied gasoline to the American market and jet fuel to Saudi Arabia among others.

Dangote Refinery has strengthened its role as a stabilizer in the oil and gas industry given the on-going disruptions caused by the Middle-East tension as a result of which many African countries are now patronizing the Refinery for energy security.

In a further demonstration of its growing global significance, Dangote Petroleum Refinery became the world’s largest exporter of jet fuel in April, according to S&P Global Commodities.

The refinery has played a pivotal role in stabilizing fuel supplies in Nigeria, helping to eliminate dependence on imported petroleum products and easing pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

Its expansion also aligns with broader national objectives to enhance local refining capacity and maximize value from Nigeria’s abundant crude oil resources.

Growing production volumes have also attracted increased interest from global crude suppliers and commodity trading firms, with the refinery sourcing feedstock from both domestic and international producers to sustain its rising output.

Looking ahead, Aliko Dangote has outlined ambitious plans to transform the facility into the world’s largest refinery by 2028, targeting a processing capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day.

Such expansion is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, including job creation, increased industrial activity and improved trade balances.

The refinery is also expected to strengthen downstream manufacturing by ensuring a reliable supply of LPG and other key industrial feedstocks, including polypropylene which are widely used in the production of packaging materials and other consumer goods as well as the future plan for the supply of Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB) used in the production of detergents.

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The community declared that terrorists did not represent Islamic values and could not speak for Muslims.

The leadership of the community made the declaration on Friday following recent criminal acts where kidnappers attempted to justify their actions using religious rhetoric.

The community clarified that Islam strictly forbids kidnapping, terrorism, and the extortion of innocent citizens.

The group emphasized that legitimate Sharia advocates for justice, peace, and the protection of human life, which directly contradicts the violent actions of criminals.

Furthermore, the Muslim Community of Oyo State reiterated its full support for law enforcement agencies and urged authorities to track down the perpetrators swiftly.

The muslim community stated that, In The Holy Qur’an, Chapter 3 verse 32, Almighty Allah says: “Therefore, We have ordained that, he who slays a soul for spreading mischief on earth shall be as if he had slain all mankind and he who saves a life shall be as if he had given life to all mankind. And indeed, again and again, did our messengers come to them with clear directives, yet many of them continue to commit excesses on earth.”

The leadership called on all Muslims and residents of Oyo State to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and reject any attempts to distort the peaceful teachings of Islam.

Meanwhile, under the aegis of the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-Imam Abdul-Ganiyy Abubakar Agbotomokekere, the Muslim Community of Oyo State is organising a special prayer for the speedy and safe return of abductees from schools in Oriire local government area of Oyo State.

The prayer, to be led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Chief Imam of Oyo State, Sheikh Al-imam Abdul-Ganiyu Abubakar Agbotomokekere, will hold, in shaa Llaah, as follows:

Date : Sunday, June 7, 2026

Venue : Yidi Agodi Praying Ground, Ibadan

Time : 10.30 am

“We implore all Muslims in Oyo State to join us at the prayer session.

“We appreciate the intervention of Oyo State Government, the Federal Goverment of Nigeria and pray to Almighty Allah, to help them in their onerous intervention.  We also pray for our Security Agencies for the help and guidance of Allah, in their rescue efforts, so that there will not be any collateral casualty, as they conquer the criminals and bring back home safely, the abductees, amongst whom are toddlers as young as 2-year olds, exposed to very cruel treatment in the forests, in such a harsh condition. Our hearts bleed.

“May Almighty Allah hearken to our fervent prayers,” the community said.

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This contradiction demands honest reflection.

The issue is not religion itself. Religion remains a source of moral guidance, charity, community support and personal transformation for millions of Nigerians. The more difficult question is whether we have adequately distinguished between religious freedom and religious accountability.

A democratic society must protect the right of every citizen to worship freely. Freedom of conscience and religion are fundamental constitutional guarantees. However, no liberty exists in complete isolation from public responsibility. Every freedom carries obligations designed to protect the rights, safety and welfare of others.

History provides sobering lessons.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Mohammed Marwa, popularly known as Maitatsine, emerged as a charismatic preacher whose influence spread rapidly among disaffected populations in Northern Nigeria. What initially appeared to be an eccentric religious movement eventually exploded into one of the deadliest episodes of sectarian violence in post-independence Nigeria. Thousands lost their lives and entire communities were destabilized before the state responded decisively.

Years later, another preacher, Mohammed Yusuf, established what many initially perceived as a religious and educational movement in Borno State. The movement attracted followers frustrated by poverty, corruption, unemployment and social exclusion. Before long, it evolved into Boko Haram, an insurgency that has consumed countless lives, displaced millions and inflicted immeasurable suffering upon the nation.

Neither Maitatsine nor Boko Haram emerged overnight. Every insurgency begins as an idea before it becomes an army. Every extremist movement begins with words before it reaches for weapons. Long before the gunshot comes the sermon; long before the bomb comes the doctrine. Nations that fail to understand this progression often discover the danger only after the pulpit has given way to the gun.

The lesson is neither anti-Islamic nor anti-Christian. It is a warning that extremism rarely arrives fully formed. It often grows quietly through unchecked narratives, charismatic authority, social grievances and institutional neglect.

The challenge extends beyond violent extremism. Across Nigeria today, religious activity occupies a vast public space with varying degrees of accountability. Thousands of worship centres emerge annually. New pastors, prophets, evangelists and imams appear regularly. Many provide genuine spiritual guidance and social services. Others exploit ignorance, manipulate emotions, spread conspiracy theories and enrich themselves through the vulnerabilities of their followers.

This reality raises legitimate questions about oversight, accountability and public responsibility.

Religious schools present another dimension of the debate. Faith-based education has historically contributed significantly to literacy, moral formation and nation-building. Yet concerns remain regarding standards, child welfare, curriculum quality and the potential misuse of educational spaces for ideological indoctrination. The objective should not be to suppress religious education but to ensure that institutions entrusted with children meet minimum standards consistent with constitutional values and public safety.

Another issue that deserves mature discussion is noise pollution. Across many Nigerian communities, tensions continue to rise over excessive amplification from places of worship. The right to worship is fundamental. So too is the right of citizens to rest, study, sleep and enjoy their environment. A civilized society must be capable of balancing both rights without descending into hostility or intolerance.

Equally troubling is the growing prevalence of inflammatory preaching. Throughout history, violence has often been preceded by rhetoric. Sermons that demonize other faiths, ridicule opposing beliefs or encourage hostility weaken national cohesion and create fertile ground for conflict. Freedom of expression should never become a shield for incitement.

Then there is the question of politics. Religion and politics have become deeply intertwined in Nigeria. Politicians routinely seek religious endorsements, while some clerics increasingly function as political actors. In certain instances, legitimate scrutiny of public conduct is portrayed as an attack on faith itself. This convergence weakens both democratic accountability and religious integrity.

The challenge before Nigeria is therefore not how to regulate religion. Government has no business determining doctrine, interpreting scripture or licensing salvation. A secular democracy cannot regulate belief.

What government can and must regulate are the public consequences of conduct where they intersect with security, education, child welfare, environmental standards, financial crimes and incitement to violence. Religious freedom must remain inviolable, but it cannot become a sanctuary for impunity.

Nigeria’s future stability may depend upon recognizing this distinction.

The shadows of Maitatsine and Boko Haram continue to remind us that difficult conversations postponed often return as national crises. Faith remains one of Nigeria’s greatest assets. Yet like every powerful social force, it must operate within a framework of responsibility, accountability and respect for the common good.

The debate is no longer whether religious freedom should be protected. It must be.

The more urgent question is whether religious freedom can continue to flourish sustainably without corresponding accountability.

That is a conversation Nigeria can no longer postpone.

*Ogundipe, public affairs analyst, former President Nigeria and Africa Union of Journalists writes from Abuja.

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The first phase was a morning clean-up conducted by staff of the Bank on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, along Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The exercise mobilised employees to clear waste, sensitise residents on proper disposal practices, and reinforce the Bank’s culture of community service and environmental stewardship.

The second phase, on Thursday, 4 June 2026, featured a waterways clean-up at the Falomo Waterways, Ikoyi, Lagos, executed in collaboration with the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, and the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA.

The joint effort focused on removing marine debris, promoting cleaner waterways, and supporting the State’s broader climate-resilience agenda.

Speaking on the initiative, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, said: “At Zenith Bank, sustainability is integral to how we operate. Clearing our streets and our waterways is a practical reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility – and one we are proud to take up alongside LAWMA and LASWA. Through these exercises, we are taking deliberate action to preserve our communities, support climate action, and inspire others to act. Our operations will continue to align with global environmental standards as we build a more sustainable future for Nigeria and Africa.”

Zenith Bank remains committed to embedding Environmental, Social and Governance, ESG, principles across its operations, investing in green initiatives, energy efficiency, and community-focused programmes.

These efforts advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Sustainability remains an operational imperative across the Bank’s Nigerian base and its broader African, UK and European footprints.

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The investigating magistrate, Mrs Temitope Oladele, also issued a separate order to the Director of the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre to forward to the court within 21 days, the Deoxyribonucleic Acid, DNA, test result for the same body for which DNA samples collected by LASUTH from the body and Mr. Onifade’s parents were forwarded to it.

The Coroner issued the orders at the resumed hearing in the inquest into the death of Mr. Onifade, who was reportedly arrested by policemen attached to a Lagos State task force while he was covering the #EndSARS protests in 2020, and later found dead at the Ikorodu General Hospital mortuary, where his body was deposited.

The inquest was convened on the orders of a Federal High Court in Lagos following a wrongful death suit brought against the Police and the Lagos State Government by Media Rights Agenda, MRA, demanding, among other things, an investigation into the late journalist’s death and the prosecution of those responsible for his death.

In his judgment in the suit delivered on July 19, 2024, Justice Ayokunle Olayinka Faji directed the Attorney-General to ensure an investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Onifade’s death and to conduct a coroner’s inquest to ascertain the cause of death as well as identify and prosecute those responsible for his death.

At the resumed hearing in the inquest, Mr. Alimi Adamu, leading Mr. Monday Arunsi and Mr. Somto Afulukwe, on behalf of the family of the deceased journalist and MRA, urged the Coroner to direct LASUTH to produce the report of the autopsy, which the hospital said it conducted on the body.

The lawyer also asked the Coroner to order the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre to produce the DNA test result on the samples collected in 2020 from the body and sample reference collected from family members who lost their loved ones during the EndSARS protests.

Mr. Adamu recalled that during the previous sitting of the Court, it had ordered the Chief Medical Director of “Yaba General Hospital, Yaba, Lagos” to produce a detailed report on the whereabouts and status of the body within 14 days of service of the order.

He said upon reviewing the court’s order and comparing it with the contents of the report which LASUTH submitted to the Court, it became evident that the report did not reference Yaba General Hospital.

Rather, he said, the report stated that the body bearing Tag No. 1385 had been transferred to the Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, Yaba Mortuary for storage purposes.

Mr. Adamu pointed out that from the LASUTH’s report, it was clear that it was the Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, in Yaba, and not Yaba General Hospital, that was identified in the official records as currently having custody of the body in question.

But he argued that the LASUTH report confirmed that an autopsy had already been conducted on the body and that DNA samples collected during the process had been forwarded to the DNA and Forensic Centre for DNA identification and analysis, adding that the report further indicated that the authorities at LASUTH were awaiting the outcome of the DNA analysis.

Consequently, Mr. Adamu urged the court to order the Director of the DNA and Forensic Centre to produce the DNA analysis and report relating to the body; and also order the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH to produce the report of the autopsy conducted on the body.

The Coroner initially expressed concerns regarding the operational status of the DNA and Forensic Centre, given earlier reports that it was burnt down during the #EndSARS protests.

But Mr. Adamu insisted that the Centre was still functioning and was currently operating from its office located at 48 Broad Street, Lagos.

Ruling on Mr. Adamu’s applications, Mrs. Oladele said sequel to the report issued by the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine of LASUTH on March 24, 2026, autopsies were conducted on the six bodies which were brought to LASUTH on November 3, 2020, including a body with Tag. No. 1385, the Chief Medical Examiner of the department should, within 21 days, forward the autopsy report of the body with Tag No. 1385 to the court.

She also ruled that in the light of the LASUTH report of March 24, 2026 that DNA samples were collected from the bodies, including the one with Tag No. 1385, and that the samples and reference samples collected from families who lost their loved ones during the EndSARS event were sent to the DNA and Forensic Centre for identification, the Centre Director should forward to the court within 21 days the DNA test result of the body with Tag No. 1385 for which samples were forwarded to it by LASUTH.

The Coroner then adjourned the matter to June 23, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.

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The command Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement in Abuja.

She said operatives of the command, attached to its Anti-Kidnapping Unit foiled the kidnap attempt following an intelligence report.

Adeh said the operatives had on Thursday, at about 12:34 a.m. received intelligence reports that suspected kidnappers were around the Redeemed Church area of Byazhin.

She said the operatives swiftly mobilised to the location in a coordinated response led by the Officer Commanding, OC, Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

“Upon arrival, the operatives discovered that the armed suspects were attempting to forcefully gain entry into a house with the intention of abducting the occupants.

“Sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire, prompting a decisive response from the police team.

“A fierce gun battle ensued for over 30 minutes, during which the police operatives successfully repelled the attackers and foiled the kidnapping attempt,” she said.

Adeh said the suspects fled into the surrounding bushes with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

She said one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and seven rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.

According to her, the intended victim, identified as Mr Samson and his wife, were rescued unharmed and evacuated to safety.

Adeh said the suspects were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Gwarinpa, where they received medical attention for trauma-related stress before being placed under protective custody.

She said the Commissioner of Police, CP, in charge of the FCT, Mr Ahmed Sanusi, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation.

Sanusi pledged the commitment of the command to safeguarding lives and property across the FCT.

The CP ordered enhanced surveillance patrols within the area to forestall any further criminal activities.

He enjoined residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to aid security agencies in anti-crime operations.

Source: NAN

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DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the command, made this known in a statement on Friday in Akure.

Jimoh explained that the incident was reported at about 2:30 a.m on Friday by Mr Olaosebikan Isaac and Mr Joel Owalekan, both residents of Ugbosi Quarters, Idogun.

“According to their reports, at approximately 1:30 a.m. on the same day, a group of armed men invaded the community, firing gunshots sporadically and causing panic among residents.

“During the attack, the assailants reportedly forced their way into the residence of Mr Olaosebikan Isaac.

“In a desperate attempt to save his life, he (Isaac) escaped into the surrounding bush, leaving behind his nine-year-old son, Master Olaosebikan Victor, who was subsequently abducted by the armed men.

“Mr Joel Owalekan also reported that the same group of assailants unlawfully damaged his residence while attempting to gain entry. He (Owalekan) similarly escaped the attack by fleeing to safety, thereby avoiding possible harm,” he stated.

Jimoh said that upon receipt of the distress report, the Divisional Police Officer and his men, in collaboration with the Amotekun Corps, immediately mobilised to the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

According to him, security operatives are combing the surrounding forests and likely escape routes in a bid to rescue the abducted child and apprehend the perpetrators.

He said that investigations had commenced while relevant exhibits had been recovered and documented to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and track down those responsible.

Jimoh said that the command was working closely with other security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure that the criminals were brought to justice.

He assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted child.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing investigations.

“Anyone with credible and actionable information relating to the abducted child or the suspects is encouraged to report promptly to the nearest police station or other security agency,” he said.

Source: NAN

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The post Nine-year-old boy abducted in Ondo, Police launch manhunt appeared first on Frontpageng.