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There was confusion around the Apo Bridge axis of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday night after an explosion occurred near Shafa Filling Station, close to Rita Lori Hotel in the Garki axis of Abuja.

The explosion, which was said to have occurred at about nightfall, sent motorists, traders and residents scampering for safety amid fears that it could be a bomb explosion.

An eyewitness, Jason Akande, said he heard several loud bangs in quick succession, describing the incident as frightening.

“It suddenly exploded. At first, I thought it was a bomb blast because I counted about seven explosions,” he said.

Following the incident, emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service arrived at the scene and immediately commenced efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby structures.

As of the time of filing this report, authorities had yet to determine the cause of the explosion, while there was no official confirmation of any casualty or the extent of damage.

Security operatives and emergency officials remained at the scene, with residents advised to keep away from the affected area to allow rescue and firefighting operations to continue.

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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has submitted an interim report to President Bola Tinubu on its findings into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), recommending the prosecution of its alleged Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

ICPC’s Chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Thursday after meeting President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, exactly 30 days after Tinubu directed the anti-corruption agency to conduct a thorough investigation into the PFIPC.

According to Aliyu, preliminary findings revealed that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the purported appointment letter, gazette and other documents used to establish the agency were forged.

The case centres on an alleged corruption and forgery scandal involving the disputed government entity, PFIPC.

Speaking at the State House, Aliyu said the commission’s investigation established that Adeyemi was never appointed by the Federal Government and that the documents used to legitimise the agency were forged.

The ICPC boss said the investigation also revealed significant weaknesses in government verification and oversight processes, which were exploited to create the impression that the PFIPC was a legitimate government agency.

“Our interim report found that there are weaknesses in verification, inter-agency oversight and government processes. We discovered that those weaknesses were exploited by Adeniyi, with some level of negligence.

“Our investigation found that no Federal Government funds were approved or disbursed to the fake PFIPC/PEAC,” the ICPC chairman stated.

According to him, investigators also uncovered two additional agencies allegedly created by Adeyemi, the FCT Investment Promotion Agency (FIFA) and the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency and Public Private Partnership (PIPA-PPP).

Aliyu said the disputed DG “used forged legislative instruments styled as enabling acts, and used them to support opening of bank accounts.”

Recommendations
The ICPC chairman said the commission recommended Adeyemi’s prosecution, administrative sanctions against public officers whose negligence enabled the operation of the fake agency, and institutional reforms to strengthen internal controls across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“Our recommendation is that Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi should be prosecuted. Administrative sanctions should also be imposed on public officers whose acts of omission and negligence facilitated the illegal operation of PFIPC/PEAC.

“There is also a need for institutional reforms so that the internal controls of MDAs can be strengthened to prevent this kind of illegal activity,” he stated.

Aliyu noted that the report submitted to the President is only an interim one, adding that investigations are continuing to identify other collaborators and build a stronger criminal case.

“We have continued with the investigation of the activities of Mr Adeniyi Adeyemi and his collaborators so that we can unravel more facts and file criminal charges that can stand the test of time before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he said.

The PFIPC scandal came to the fore after the Presidency disowned the council, describing it as a non-existent government agency despite its appearance in the 2026 Appropriation Act with a ₦1.3 billion budget allocation.

The Federal Government has since filed criminal charges against Adeyemi over allegations including forgery, impersonation and fraudulent misrepresentation, while separate investigations by the House of Representatives and the ICPC continue into how the fake agency operated within government institutions.

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As the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week comes to a close on Friday, health experts are reminding mothers and families that misinformation about breastfeeding continues to prevent many babies from getting the best possible start in life.

This year’s theme: “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” highlights the need to expand proven support systems such as skilled breastfeeding counselling, family support and workplace policies that enable mothers to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months and continue breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.

Experts at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja during an antenatal section, say many long-held beliefs about breastfeeding are simply myths with no scientific basis. They urge mothers to rely on evidence-based information rather than cultural misconceptions that may interfere with optimal infant feeding.

Here are some of the most common myths—and the facts every family should know.

Myth: Mothers who deliver through Caesarean section cannot breastfeed immediately

Fact: Mothers who have a Caesarean section can begin breastfeeding as soon as they are medically stable after surgery.

According to experts, early initiation of breastfeeding is possible after a C-section with adequate support from healthcare workers and family members.

Myth: Breastmilk alone is not enough for newborns

Fact: Breastmilk provides all the nutrients a healthy baby needs during the first six months of life.

Experts explain that crying after breastfeeding does not automatically mean a baby is still hungry. Babies may cry because of wet diapers, abdominal colic, reflux, discomfort or the need for comfort. As long as the baby is feeding well, properly attached to the breast and gaining weight, mothers should be reassured that their milk is sufficient.

Myth: Women with small breasts produce less milk

Fact: Breast size has nothing to do with milk production.

The amount of milk produced depends largely on how often the baby breastfeeds and how effectively the baby empties the breast—not the size or shape of the breasts.

Myth: Exclusively breastfed babies struggle to accept complementary foods

Fact: Babies can successfully transition to complementary feeding after six months.

Health experts advise introducing a variety of nutritious complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding. They note that patience and persistence are key, as babies may take time to accept new tastes and textures.

Myth: Some mothers’ breastmilk is unsuitable for their babies

Fact: Every mother’s breastmilk is specially designed for her baby.

Unless there is a clear medical reason, mothers should continue breastfeeding. Experts add that even when breastmilk appears brownish—a harmless condition known as “rusty pipe syndrome”—it is still safe for the baby.

Myth: Mothers must wash their breasts before every feeding

Fact: Routine washing before breastfeeding is unnecessary.

Experts say frequent washing may actually dry or irritate the nipples. Normal daily bathing is sufficient, as the nipples naturally contain beneficial bacteria and protective oils.

Myth: Mothers with fever should stop breastfeeding

Fact: Mothers should continue breastfeeding even when they are ill.

In most common illnesses, breastfeeding should continue because breastmilk contains antibodies that help protect babies from infections. Only a healthcare professional should advise stopping breastfeeding in rare medical situations.

Myth: Breastmilk becomes sour if breastfeeding stops for a few days

Fact: Breastmilk inside the breast does not become sour.

Experts say mothers can resume breastfeeding whenever possible. Although milk supply may reduce after a prolonged break, it can often be rebuilt with frequent feeding and proper support.

Myth: Babies should stop breastfeeding once they turn one or begin walking

Fact: Walking is not a sign that breastfeeding should end.

Following recommendations by the World Health Organization and UNICEF, babies should receive exclusive breastfeeding for six months, begin complementary foods thereafter and continue breastfeeding until at least two years of age or beyond.

Myth: Mothers should immediately stop breastfeeding once they become pregnant

Fact: Pregnancy does not automatically require stopping breastfeeding.

Experts advise mothers not to panic if pregnancy occurs while still nursing. Depending on the mother’s health and nutritional status, breastfeeding may continue, while gradual weaning over several months may be considered where necessary.

Myth: Breastmilk can treat eye infections

Fact: Breastmilk should never be used as eye medicine.

Although breastmilk has infection-fighting properties when consumed by babies, it is not a treatment for conjunctivitis or any eye infection. Babies with eye discharge should be examined by qualified healthcare professionals.

Myth: Drinking more milk or palm wine increases breastmilk production

Fact: There is no evidence that milk or palm wine boosts milk supply.

Experts say good nutrition, adequate hydration, enough rest, proper positioning and frequent breastfeeding are the real factors that promote successful lactation.

Myth: Babies with diarrhoea should not breastfeed

Fact: Breastfeeding should actually be increased during diarrhoea.

Breastmilk helps prevent dehydration, provides nutrition and supports recovery. Experts stress that breastfeeding reduces the overall risk of diarrhoeal diseases and should continue alongside appropriate medical care.

Myth: Mothers must stop breastfeeding for 24 hours after vaccination

Fact: Vaccination is not a reason to interrupt breastfeeding.

Experts say mothers can safely continue breastfeeding after receiving vaccines. Vaccination does not contaminate breastmilk or make it unsafe for healthy babies.