They include 11 drug kingpins who bagged 254 years imprisonment in the first quarter of 2026 as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, ramped up the arrest, prosecution and forfeiture of the assets of drug traffickers and their collaborators across the country.

The spokesman of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, made this known on Friday in a statement he issued.

He said of the 974 drug traffickers convicted between January and March, 899 of them were male and 75 females, while a further breakdown of the conviction figure showed that 265 were secured in January, 316 in February and 393 in March.

Top on the list of the 11 drug kingpins who were successfully prosecuted and convicted within the period include a notorious Italy-based 42-year-old businessman, Adegbite Solomon (a.k.a Obama) who was arraigned on 15-count charge before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court Lagos in suit number: FHC/L/851C/2025.

Delivering his ruling on the matter on 18th March, Justice Kakaki convicted the repeat offender on all 15 counts and sentenced him to a total of 130 years in prison.

Specifically, Justice Kakaki sentenced Adegbite to 15 years’ imprisonment on count 1; 15 years on count 2; 15 years on count 3; 15 years on count 4; 15 years on count 5; 15 years on count 6; 10 years on count 7; four years on count 8; four years on count 9; four years on count 10; four years on count 11; four years on count 12; and 10 years on count 15.

While the prison sentence is to run concurrently, the trial judge also ordered the revocation of the convict’s pharmacy license and the forfeiture of two branches of his pharmacy store as well as the forfeiture of funds in his three bank accounts to the Federal Government, among others.

Another top drug kingpin sentenced to long years in prison in the first quarter of the year is 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun who was arraigned by NDLEA before Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo State in charge number: FHC/IB/97C/2025. In her judgment delivered on 26th February 2026, Justice Maha convicted and sentenced Animashaun to 25 calendar years for drug trafficking.

The convict was first convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment for a similar offence on 15th July 2022 by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court following his arrest by NDLEA along Lagos/Ibadan expressway on 27th March 2022.

Two other convicts who bagged long years imprisonment are: Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, who were convicted and sentenced to 17 years in jail each by Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi of the Federal High Court Abeokuta, Ogun State on 28th January 2026 after NDLEA arrested and charged them to court for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of skunk in suit number: FHC/AB/160C/2025.

Another set of two convicts got 15 years imprisonment each.

They are: 54-year-old Jonathan Nuhu (a.k.a Doctor) who was convicted by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano, Kano state on 17th March 2026 following his arraignment by NDLEA in charge: FHC/KN/CR/96/2023, and 40-year-old Idris Yusuf who was sentenced on 31st March 2026 by Justice Fatima Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, Yobe in suit number FHC/CR/6/21, in addition to another eight years sentence for a similar case brought against Yusuf by NDLEA in charge number FHC/CR/DM/16/24.

Other convicts who got seven years imprisonment each for drug trafficking offences in parts of the country include: Godday Obizuo in FHC/AK/64C/2024; Asabe Abubakar in FHC/BAU/CR/16/2026; Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian and Olabode Sunday in FHC/AD/CR/66/2024.

In his reaction to the conviction of the drug offenders, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the sentencing of the 11 drug kingpins to a combined 254 years in prison as a watershed moment in the country’s war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He noted that the conviction of 974 offenders between January and March 2026 sent an unambiguous message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for those who trade in human lives and derive pleasure in destroying the lives of the nation’s youth.

According to him, “Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless spirit of our officers and the thinning patience of the Nigerian state toward drug merchants. To the 11 kingpins who thought they were untouchable, their 254-year collective residency in correctional centres is a firm reminder that the long arm of the law has finally caught up with their greed.”

Marwa commended the Judiciary for the accelerated hearing of the cases, noting that swift justice was the most potent deterrent.

To officers, men and women of the agency, he said, “Your bravery in the face of danger is yielding fruit. We will continue to prioritize your welfare and provide the tools needed to stay ahead of these criminal syndicates.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, adding that “these victories belong to the citizens who provide the intelligence that fuels our operations.”

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The experts spoke under the aegis of the Advocats Sans Frontiéres, ASF, France, at a two-day training for journalists in Lagos, tagged: “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation”, SLAPP.

ASF, an e-rights initiative, is established to safeguard the rights of journalists.

It is positioned to entrench the freedom of speech in Nigeria, while calling for collaboration from relevant stakeholders, to guide against victimisation..

The training is aimed at helping journalists and media practitioners to understand, identify, and effectively respond to SLAPP cases, which are intended to intimidate or silence critical reportage and public interest journalism.

In her opening remarks, Country Director of ASF, Mrs Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said that the programme was part of ASF’s effort to promote press freedom in Nigeria, under the EU-funded e-Rights project.

She described journalists as being endangered species, who are often confronted with civil suits like defamation, libel, false news, among others.

According to her, these factors are primarily aimed at silencing and intimidating journalists to refrain from interrogating real issues that could expose ills.

She added that the end result was to ensure that criticisms which offended some individuals, did not see the light of day.

“It directly affects press freedom and silences the voices of journalists.

“So, for us, we cannot tolerate a scenario where we are having the legal system being manipulated to target and intimidate journalists because of the importance of journalism and the press in a democracy,” she said.

She said that the training is to help participants understand the lawsuits and most importantly, what to do when faced with such litigations.

She joined other speakers at the event to harp on the need for collaboration and networking, towards ensuring that no journalist suffers alone.

Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, represented by the Assistant Secretary, Mr Laide Awosanya, lauded the initiative.

“As practitioners committed to informing the public and holding people accountable, we must be equipped not only with journalistic skills but also with the knowledge to recognise when the law is being weaponised to stifle public interest journalism,” he said.

Ajayi described the training as being timely to address the plight of journalists in carrying out their legitimate constitutional duties, as fourth estate of the realm.

He commended ASF France for its unwavering commitment to the promotion of press freedom in Nigeria.

On his part, Chairman, of the Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Adeniyi Quadri, explained that activists, journalists, lawyers, and human rights advocates all tended to get into trouble when they held critical opinion.

He said that litigations were used to gag the media, such as where criminal defamation was instituted against journalists, forcing them to take down online media reports.

“We have seen instances where injunctions have been got against journalists and activists.

“So, that is what we are here to talk about and to also propose that Nigeria needs anti-SLAPP legislation that will prevent all these abnormalities,” he said.

Meanwhile, resource persons at the training explained these infractions, and how to identify SLAPP.

Dr. Abiodun Odusote and Dr Folashade Adegbite, both Associate Professors in the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, UNILAG, also decried the spate of harassment of journalists in society.

They both spoke on the need for journalists to carry out due diligence in their reportage, by taking notes copiously, saving audio/visual files, screen grabbing electronic materials as well as documents that could be relied on in cases of trouble.

Besides, they urged journalists to desist from walking alone but cooperate with colleagues to ensure that they speak with one voice in times of intimidation.

The event had in attendance members of the NUJ from both the Lagos and Imo state councils, as well as journalists from various media houses.

Source: NAN

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The event, which is the third quarter graduation ceremony, was held on Friday.

Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Lt. Samson Ayomide Akindutire, in a statement made available to FrontPage, said the graduation was in line with the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, to “Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

He said NASST commandant, Major General Adebayo Olatunde Adegbite, in his welcome address, disclosed that a total of six courses – Fire and Safety Officers, Fire and Safety Intermediate, Driver Intermediate, Driver Basic, Supply/Storeman Intermediate, and Catering Basic Courses, completed their training in the Third Quarter.

He noted that the courses’ curricula incorporated critical areas such as Information and Communications Technology, NA Social Media Policy, Leadership and Management, and the Nigerian Army Doctrine 2022.

Major General Adegbite appreciated the unwavering support of the COAS and the Commander Corps of Supply and Transport, and commended the dedication of the school’s training staff led by the Deputy Commandant, Brigadier General K. E. Inyang.

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He also appreciated NASST’s institutional and corporate partners, including the University of Benin, Edo State Fire Service, and several hospitality and corporate organisations, for their contributions to the success of the courses.

The Special Guest of Honour and Director of Communication Satellite, Department of Space Administration, Abuja, Major General Ebun Mustapha, lauded the achievements of the graduating officers and soldiers, stressing that the training had not only enhanced their professional capacity but also prepared them to play vital roles in sustaining Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency across formations.

He charged the graduands to apply their newly acquired knowledge in addressing contemporary security challenges, particularly in areas of logistics, supply chain management, catering, and fire safety, which are critical to the Nigerian Army’s operational success.

Major General Mustapha further praised the NASST staff for their resilience and commitment to excellence, noting that the ongoing infrastructural improvements at the school portrayed the Nigerian Army leadership’s determination to sustain world-class training standards.

Other highlights of the graduation ceremony were the presentation of the Course Highlights by the Deputy Commandant/ Director of Studies Brigadier General K. E. Inyang, presentation of certificates and awards to students, and presentation of souvenirs.

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The announcement was made in a statement on Monday in Abuja by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC.

Ani said the CPs were elevated to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, DCPs to CP, SPs to Chief Superintendents, CSP, and DSPs to SP.

The newly promoted CPs to AIGs include Fasuba Olabode, Musibau Ajani, Aliyu Musa, Patrick Atayero, Gyogon Grimah, Olaiya Mobolaji, and Chukwudi Ariekpere.

Others are Abubakar Aliyu, Olalolu Adegbite, Godwin Eze, Disu Olatunji, Alausa Tolani, Kareem Musa, Mohammed Dalijan, and Dan-Mamman Shawulu.

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Also promoted were Clement Robert, Musa Mohammed, Thomas Nabhoni, Abel Miri Zwalchir, and Ifeanyi Uka.

The DCPs promoted to CP include Usman Tahir, Sunday Okoebor, Ayodeji Faniyan, Saka Ajao, Omole Ola, Hope Okafor, and Ajo Ordue.

Others are Olufunke Adeayo, Stephen Ogedengbe, Iyabode Agbaminoja, Adebowale Lawal, Ojo Adekimi, and Yemi Oyeniyi.

Additional names are Obasi Okereke, Moses Ottah, Felix Nnebue, Gazali Abdul-Salaam, Fidelis Ogarabe, and Olubode Ojajuni.

Ani said all promoted officers, including the 13 SPs and 14 DSPs, appeared before the commission and underwent examination and an interactive interview.

Mr Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the Commission, presided over the promotion exercise with the support of other commission members.

Source: NAN

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This is just as the state WaterAid team lead gave a projection that by 2028, the organisation would reach 10 million residents directly and another 17 million indirectly through interventions with basic Water Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, access.

Speaking during a media round table in collaboration with WaterAid and the state government over the weekend, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu said work had started on some of the toilets including identifying the locations for them.

He stated that the state government would adopt the three – way approach in tackling the issue of open defecation, which is to put infrastructure in place, engage in massive advocacy and lastly undertake enforcement drive in order to ensure that everyone embraces the use of public toilets.

The Special Adviser expressed appreciation to WaterAid for collaborating with the state government in its effort to ensure that Lagosians have access to clean water, decent toilets and proper hygiene practices on a continuous basis.

He said the government was aware that the provision of more public toilets would help reduce government and individual expenditure on treatment of diseases thereby making more money available for other economic uses,  stressing that the little delay being experienced was to put in place alternative water supply instead of drilling of borehole.

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He said the government ordinarily did not support the drilling of borehole at homes, organisations, religious homes for so many reasons and was working on providing the right alternative, which was the provision of potable water through the Lagos Water Corporation.

“Borehole drilling is not something we are proud of and it is something we are eager to run away from. Thankfully, wee have gone on a working visit with Mr. Governor and the media team to Adiyan Water works where the state will soon start generating a combined capacity of not less than 100 million gallons of pipe borne water daily;

The people can testify to the meaningful efforts of the state, to see that water becomes something that is available to everyone in Lagos State,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, noted that it had been observed that most homes / organisations were using the water provided by Lagos State Water Corporation without paying for it, saying that had resulted to the government bailing out water corporation facilities over the years but the state would find a way to sustainably engage them.

According to him, “We have the biggest corporation to supply water. That is why we have various regulatory agencies that will address the issue of tariff setting.  Infact, there have been a lot of applications for people to come in, but the regulatory commission is working on it. I will like to say that provision of potable water by the government has never been for profit making.”

He mentioned that residents must know that provision of pipe borne water was never going to be free going forward, adding that government did not expect private organisations / individuals to invest in water supply and  residents get it for free hence conversations were still going on as regards the tariff setting.

“It is a major project that we have invited partners to also invest in; you can imagine our partners investing  around 800 million Naira,  you must know that the state is also spending billions of Naira,” he said

He stated that regarding access issues that there had been a lot of unaccounted water, saying that was one of the issues Water Corporation encounters because people deliberately found it comfortable tapping potable water, a situation which had negative effect on the corporation.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, said government was working to provide water for the entire state and not just a particular region.

He added that that was the reason massive rehabilitation was ongoing in all the major water works, mini water works as well as the micro water works in the state.

Earlier, in his presentation, the State Programme Lead, WaterAid Lagos Office,  Dr.  Adebayo Alao, said WaterAid had contributed towards developing models and strengthening institutional capacities for enhanced sector governance and performance while working with other key sectors to integrate water, sanitation and hygiene into their development plans and priorities.

He mentioned that Kimberly Clark donated 1 million USD from July 2021 to March 2025 to target 45,000 lactating women, adolescent girls and other persons with the aim of improving hygiene behaviours among vulnerable populations.

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This announcement was made in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu explained that the redeployment was a strategic move to enhance operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency of the Army.

He said the affected officers included Corps Commanders; Principal Officers; General Officers Commanding, GOC; Commanders; Commandants of Army Training institutions; Brigade Commanders and other key positions.

According to him, the redeployment underscores the army’s commitment to ensuring robust and dynamic leadership structure capable of addressing emerging security challenges.

Nwachukwu said that some of the senior officers appointed as PSOs at the Army Headquarters include Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Fejokwu, from National Defence College to Department of Army Administration, who is appointed Chief of Administration (Army).

He said Maj.-Gen. G.U. Chibuisi had been redeployed from Nigerian Army Resource Centre, NARC, to Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil Military Affairs.

Also redeployed is Maj.-Gen. A.S. Ndalolo, from NARC to Department of Army Training, as Chief of Training (Army).

Others include Maj.-Gen. Olusegun Abai, redeployed from Department of Army Training to Department of Army Transformation and Innovation, appointed Chief of Transformation and Innovation.

Maj.-Gen. J.H. Abdussalam from Headquarters 6 Division becomes the Chief of Special Services and Programmes.

“Maj.-Gen. E.I. Okoro has been redeployed from the Department of Army Logistics to the Department of Military Secretary and appointed Military Secretary (Army).

“Senior officers appointed as General Officers Commanding (GOCs) include Maj.-Gen. O.T. Olatoye to 82 Division/Joint Task Force (JTF) South East Operation UDO KA and Maj.-Gen. E.F. Oyinlola to Headquarters 3 Division as GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH),” he said.

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The army spokesman further said that the acting appointments of Maj.-Gen. A.G.L. Haruna as GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 JTF North East Operation HADIN KAI has been confirmed.

Also confirmed as substantive, he said, was the acting appointment of  Maj.-Gen. I.A. Ajose as GOC 8 Division/Commander Sector 2 JTF North West Operation FANSAN YANMA among others.

Maj.-Gen. G.O. Adeshina has been redeployed from Headquarters, Nigerian Army Signals to Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, NAHFC, as Director General.

Similarly, Maj.-Gen. G.M. Mutkut has been redeployed to Headquarters Multi National Joint Task Force Njamena as the Force Commander.

“The redeployment also featured Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery to Defence Headquarters as the Director Media Operations,” he said.

Nwachukwu also disclosed that Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa moved to Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps as its Commander.

Similarly, Maj.-Gen. Henry Wesley moves from the Department of Special Services and Programmes to Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps, as Commander.

He said Maj.-Gen. T.T. Numbere moves to Headquarters Nigerian Army Engineers as Commander, while Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo moves from Department of Civil Military Affairs to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals as Commander.

According to Nwachukwu, Maj.-Gen. Zakari Abubakar moves to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery as Commander and Maj.-Gen. A.P. Oguntola becomes the Commander of the Nigerian Army Education Corps.

He added that Maj.-Gen. J.O. Sokoya, has been appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army Training Centre, while Maj.-Gen. U.M. Alkali is now Commandant of Army War College Nigeria (AWCN).

“Also, Maj.-Gen. F.S. Etim moves to Nigerian Army School of Infantry as Commandant, while Maj.-Gen. A.B. Mohammed has been redeployed to the Depot Nigerian Army as commandant.

“Other newly appointed senior officers are Maj.-Gen. I.E. Ekpenyong now Commandant Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering and Maj.-Gen. A.O. Adegbite as Commandant of Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport.

“Brig.-Gen. AM Umar is redeployed from Army War College Nigeria to Warrant Officers Academy and appointed Commandant, among others,” he further said.

The army spokesman said the army chief had also directed all the newly appointed senior officers to bring renewed vigour, dedication and commitment to their duties.

He noted that that was particularly to ensure the sustenance of the ongoing onslaught against terrorism, insurgency and other threats to national security.

“He equally charged them to ensure that the welfare of troops remain paramount as they assume their new appointments,” Nwachukwu said.

Source: NAN

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Addressing the media during a briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said Lagosians needed to be alerted on the commencement of release of water to maintain the sanctity of the dam and its socio-economic implications for Lagos State.

He said it was crucial to understand that the dam’s annual operations were informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, and flood outlooks from the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency, NIHSA, saying the sources guided the water release decisions to ensure both flood control and the integrity of the dam.

He said the state government and the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, OORBDA, acknowledge the concerns raised regarding the release of water from the dam and its impact on surrounding communities, particularly those along the Ogun River water channels extending into Lagos State.

He said from its released guidelines, OORBDA operates the Dam in strict compliance with safety protocols to prevent structural damage  and mitigate flood risks.

He added that a detailed operational report by OORBDA states that the total water released from the dam in the year, as of 12th October 2024, stood at 1,484.2 million cubic meters (mcm), which remained below the average synthesized annual flow volume of 1,770 mcm.

He stressed that although rainfalls across the Oyan River catchment area had been significant, with a cumulative 984.1 mm recorded this year, saying it remained lower than last year’s 1,540.8 mm and was within safe operational levels.

He explained that the dam was equipped with four radial gates capable of releasing up to 2,271 cubic meters per second (m³/s) during peak periods and the current releases were measured at 208 m³/s, with only two gates opened at 12% capacity each, ensuring controlled and steady discharge.

Wahab added that 62.1% of the dam’s flood control capacity remained intact with the Dam not under any imminent threat of releasing excess water beyond safe limits saying that had been made possible through the collaboration of the state with OORBDA.

He said the state government fully recognized the challenge faced by residents in affected communities which include Kara, Mile 12, Agiliti, Ikosi Ketu, Owode, Ajegunle, and Odo-Ogun as reported.

“However, I want to emphasize that while the flooding experienced in these areas has often been attributed solely to water released from the Oyan Dam, this is not entirely the case; in reality, the downstream section of the Ogun River is influenced by a complex network of over 52 tributaries, all of which converge and contribute to rising water levels in the affected areas,” he said.

He said the tributaries, combined with rain-induced runoff, significantly exacerbated the flood situation adding that that was a critical point to consider when addressing flood management strategies for the region.

He stated that in an effort to reduce the flood risks and ensure the free flow of water within the Ogun River system, Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, OORBDA, recently flagged off the dredging of the Ogun River downstream from the Ikorodu to Isheri axis (Ajelogo, Owode-Elede, Ajegunle, and under deck-on-pile of Itowolo Bridge) for the water released on Friday, 13th September 2024.

He stressed that some right-of-ways along the catchment areas were protected and restored, saying that the dredging project was a proactive measure to deepen the river channel and increase its capacity to convey water, thereby reducing the likelihood of flooding during periods of high inflow.

The commissioner said to effectively contain flooding the government is determined to maintain the long-established synergy and partnership with Ogun-Oshun River Basin Development Authority which has ensured control and monitoring of the steady and systematic release of water from Oyan Dam to prevent flooding of the downstream communities.

He said the state government would continue to monitor the situation closely and collaborate with relevant agencies and affected communities, to address humanitarian concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

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Wahab also informed that the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang under Drainage Maintenance Department of the Ministry had been consistently de-silting and working on secondary collectors and conduits, to enable them discharge efficiently and act as retention basins as part of statewide measures to prevent flooding.

He appealed to Lagosians to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse in unauthorized places, throwing pet bottles on the roads, clogging of drains with silt or construction materials, erecting building structures within and around drainage Right of Ways/setbacks, stop discharging human waste into drains/canals which encourages high siltation and vegetal growth that easily clogs the canals as these act impedes the free flow of water.

He urged Lagosians to report cases of drainage blockages, dumping of waste into canals and other unauthorized places to Resident Engineers offices statewide saying Drainage Engineers with their telephone numbers would be made available in all our 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas to attend to all your needs.

His words: “I wish to appeal once again to our people to support our efforts by complementing the state government through regular clearing of drains in their frontages to ensure free-flow of storm water as well as to desist from dumping of refuse into drainage channels and roads.”

Present at the media briefing was the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, as well as directors in the ministry.

The post Oyan Dam: Lagos alerts residents of river banks of water release appeared first on Frontpageng.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this call after an inspection tour to some enforcement sites and some on going project sites.

He stated that the state was determined to put a stop to the growing challenge of wetland encroachment.

He said wetlands were natural habitations whose value could not be replaced by money as such it was essential to do more to preserve nature and protect the wetlands from further encroachment as it was recently being experienced in most parts of the state.

Accompanied by the Special Adviser on Environment Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, Permanent Secretaries, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji and Drainage Services, Engr Mahamood Adegbite, and directors in  the ministry, the team visited TREM drainage channel located at Anthony Oke, Oshodi Expressway  observing that the wetland in the areas had been encroached upon and the major portion of the  drainage channel had been blocked with a major private estate being developed on the location.

Wahab directed the immediate sealing up of a proposed private estate site named Maverick Estate which is still at the inception stage, ordering all construction workers to leave the site immediately.

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He ordered that the fences of the proposed Estate on the wetland be pulled down urging the developer of Maverick Estate to come forward with appropriate land approval, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, ESIA, and drainage approval amongst other documents.

Wahab emphasized that several of the wetlands  across the state such as places like  Iju, Ejigbo, Badagry, Ikorodu, Itoikin and many more which had been encroached upon for estate development “without due consideration for environmental guidelines would be reclaimed by the government as time goes on.”

The team also visited System 1 drainage channel which is the most critical because it defloods Odo Iya Alaro; Ojota; Ogudu; Maryland amongst others to check the extent of the ongoing project awarded by the state two years ago in order to establish the Right of Way and address major flooding issues on the mainland.

The commissioner reiterated that global warming was real as exemplified by the flooding incidents being experienced in the North East and West especially in Borno State in the last few days.

He urged residents to collaborate with the government to sustain restoration of drainage Right of Way and wetlands in the state.

According to him, the world has changed and everyone must put  in place various measures to mitigate the adverse effects of global warming and other environmental issues confronting human existence.

The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu implored all residents of the state to desist from the acts of using refuse to reclaim wetlands or dumping of waste in drainage channels adding that the joint efforts of the people with the government would curb the incidents of flooding to barest minimum in the state.

He added that the government would continue to scale up its awareness for communities within proximity of wetlands and all residents on the importance of wetlands to humanity.

The team visited System 1 (Sheraton-Ojota link bridge section); Peace Estate, Ifako (System 1 mainstream) and TREM drainage channel (discharges into Anthony Oke Channel) Oshodi Expressway.

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The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, reiterated the commitment when he, alongside top government officials, visited Isheri/ Aiyetoro / Ologe Primary Channel at Anuoluwapo / Oke – Odan Street Ishashi, Ojo Town; Alaba Rago Primary Channel (System 40B);  Alaba International Market Primary channel (System 40), Ojo Local Government Area, saying the government was determined to rescue the environment from all sorts of infractions that had altered the landscape.

The commissioner, accompanied by  the Special Adviser Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, heads of agencies  and some directors noted that the  government had awarded contract on restoration project in the axis in order to accomplish  the task of making Lagos flood free.

“The governor has awarded contract for the restoration of some critical projects on this axis around Ishashi Oke-Odan, where we have witnessed people purposely  building on the channel and they have been served notices so we have to start enforcement along with the contractor who is ready to move to  site,” he said.

Wahab explained that all concerned had been served contravention notices which had elapsed and as such enforcement of separation of contravention would be served today (Thursday).

He said the Law would take its full course as it was observed that some people along the System 40 drainage Channel in Ojo local government area had built on the canal path and narrowed the primary channel which had resulted in flooding incidents in the axis.

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He said government would not back down on the enforcement and would ensure that seven metres drainage setback on all drainage channels were restored, stressing that 15 metres drainage setback was the standard right of way to be restored at Alaba International Market outfall.

He added that the House of Assembly member representing the area, Hon. Olusegun Ege, who was also present on the tour advocated less than 10 metres to be observed.

“This is just to let people know we are not dropping the ball and the weather has been very favorable, so we have no excuse than to just move to site, clean up the drains and restore the right of way and then take ownership of the public infrastructure; the development of any city is a deliberate plan; it is not magical, things will not happen unless the plan is enforced,” he said.

He maintained that the ministry had engaged in series of sensitization and advocacy but that it would not stop enforcement processes where necessary, adding that where there is a law in place, there is always provision for enforcement.

Wahab advised developers and home owners in other part of Lagos to ensure that they did not encroach on public infrastructure such as drainage collector or channel be it primary or secondary and think that government would not come for them some day.

The Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, said it was regrettable that the unwholesome practices of some business owners/developers who were in the habit of converting the right of way into land and fully building on it had exposed other property owners to dangers of loss of properties.

He charged all residents to support the government efforts in making Lagos a safe, clean, flood free and sustainable one.

In his response, the President General Alaba International Market, Chief Nnamdi Amajioyi, said the executive of the market had shown state officials the challenged areas, adding that they would cooperate to find lasting solutions.

“We have challenges whenever it rained. I believe that if we go by what the ministry said, the problem of flood will be a thing of the past,” he said.

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Justice Rahman Oshodi also sentenced the embattled bishop of “I Reign Christian Ministry” to three years imprisonment for sexually  assaulting a member of his church, aged 19 years.

Oshodi delivered the 324 pages of judgment in two hours.

Oshodi held that prosecution had established the ingredients of rape and sexual assault (count one and three) against the convict, beyond reasonable doubt.

He held that the cleric should spend the rest of his life at the Kirikiri custodial facility, Lagos.

According to him, the evidence of the first prosecution witness was corroborated with that of the third witness.

He, however, discharged and acquitted him of  rape (count two) of another survivor (name withheld) on the ground that there was an element of consent.

The judge also discharged and acquitted him of attempted rape (count four) on another member of his  church, aged 19-year-old girl, (name withheld).

According to him, the convict who did not have regard for truth,  committed the offences  by using his dominant character and position as a clergyman.

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He said: “Oluwafeyiropo Daniels, I have convicted you of sexually violating two women who were members of your church.

“The first one, you raped ferociously and caused her so much pain.

“The second, you sexually assaulted using your dominant character and position as a clergy.

“These offences are grievous as rape attracts life imprisonment while sexual assault is punishable with three years imprisonment.”

The judge said though the defence counsel, Mr Adebayo Adegbite, urged the court to use its discretion in sentencing, the Lagos State law, however, have mandatory sentence for rape.

“Due to the seriousness  and the ferocity of the attack on his victims, accordingly, I sentence you as follows;

“On count one, I sentence you to life imprisonment.

“On count three, I sentence you to three years imprisonment and you shall also serve your term in the maximum security custodial centre where you are currently being held,” he said.

Oshodi said that the sentencing should run concurrently and the name of the convict be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.

Earlier, the convict stayed silent when the court asked him if he had anything to say, following his conviction.

The defence counsel, in his  allocutus, (plea for mercy) had prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.

Adegbite told the court that the convict was a first time offender with no previous charges.

He said the convict was a bread winner of his family and urged the judge to use his direction in sentencing.

The state prosecution team, led by Mr Babajide Boye, however, urged the court to convict the bishop as charged.

The prosecution had called five witnesses while defence also called five witnesses during trial through whom various documents were tendered in evidence.

Boye submitted that the convict raped his assistant pastor in her home in Ikota Villa Estate,  sometimes in June 2020.

He also said that the convict sexually assaulted one of his church members by forcefully sucking and touching her breasts without her consent, sometimes in April 2021 at the church office in Ikeja.

Daniels faced an amended four-count charge bordering on rape, attempted rape and sexual assault which he pleaded not guilty to on April 17 and May 9, 2023, following his arraignment and re-arraignment, respectively.

The offences contravened Section 260 (2) and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Source: NAN

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