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Tears as demolition of shops in Onitsha main market begins
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Tears and lamentations filled the air on Sunday following the demolition of shops in the Onitsha Main market by officials of the Onitsha North Local Government Council.
The Nation gathered that as at 12.30 am, security operatives, including the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Agunechemba security outfit, had barricaded the roads leading to the market.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, Hon. Anthony Nwora, the council reminded owners and occupants of illegal structures located at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3 of Main Market, Onitsha, that the grace period granted to them had expired.
The notice, titled “Final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures at Main Market, Onitsha,” stated that an initial 14-day notice had been given to the affected occupants, which expired on February 14, 2026.
According to the council, the deadline was further extended by another 14 days at the request of the occupants, with the new expiration date fixed for February 28, 2026.
While some shop owners began voluntary removals ahead of the demolition notice deadline, others were said to be awaiting last-minute government intervention before enforcement commenced.
Scavengers reportedly had a field day as they made brisk business with iron features and other wares, which they sold at giveaway prices.
A trader at the market, Okeke Jude, whose shop was affected, said he collapsed on sighting his shop razed to rubble.
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of security operatives, Okeke said, “When I heard that they had started demolishing the Main market, I rushed to evacuate my wares around 2 am.
“On approaching the entrance to the market, a security man said I must ‘settle’ him before passing, and I gave him N500.
“But when I got close to my shop, it was already demolished with the wares, and I collapsed. On regaining consciousness, I left without a pin from my shop.”
Another victim, who simply identified himself as Udoka, alleged that an iron structure from his shop was sold by a security operative despite his appeal.
“He asked me why I did not comply with the order that we should remove our wares within 14 days,” the man sobbed.
Traders at the market might likely not gain entrance on Monday as the market had been barricaded by security operatives who took over the market over the weekend.
The government had insisted that structures erected outside approved building plans, including extensions blocking access routes and drainage channels, would be removed to restore order, safety, and sanitation within the market.
According to officials, the exercise is aimed at restoring order rather than disrupting legitimate businesses.
A woman was rescued on Tuesday after she reportedly jumped into the Lagos Lagoon from the Idumota section of the Carter Bridge in what was believed to be an attempt to take her own life.
The incident, which happened on the afternoon of August 4, attracted the attention of commuters, pedestrians and boat operators in the area, who quickly responded to rescue her.
Eyewitnesses said the woman plunged into the lagoon before nearby boat operators moved towards her and successfully brought her out of the water alive.
A video circulating online captured the moment the woman, appearing distressed and confused, was seated inside a rescue boat shortly after she was pulled from the lagoon.
During the rescue operation, a crowd gathered on the bridge, with some bystanders appealing to the boat operator not to immediately hand the woman over to the police.
Some members of the public were also heard expressing concern about her emotional condition while questioning the circumstances that may have led to the incident.
The development has renewed discussions on the importance of mental health awareness, emotional support systems and the need for early intervention for individuals experiencing psychological distress.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and details about the woman’s identity and current condition remain unknown.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has detained a TikToker popularly known as Namadina Tudunwada over allegations that he promoted premarital sex in a viral video shared on social media.
The board said the suspect was arrested by its Tudunwada Command after officials reviewed a video in which he allegedly presented illicit sexual relationships as a cheaper alternative to marriage, a message authorities believe could negatively influence young people.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Deputy Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Dr. Mujahid Aminuddeen, said the content was considered capable of encouraging immoral behaviour and undermining the moral and religious values the board is mandated to protect.
According to him, investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the publication of the video and other related materials before determining the next legal steps.
He said the suspect would be charged in court if the outcome of the investigation substantiates the allegations against him.
The incident comes amid growing public debate over the rising cost of marriage in northern Nigeria. While the TikToker has recently used his social media platforms to advocate for lower marriage expenses, the Hisbah Board maintained that the specific video under investigation crossed acceptable boundaries by allegedly portraying fornication as a preferable alternative to marriage.
Dr. Aminuddeen also cautioned social media influencers and other digital content creators to exercise greater responsibility in the content they publish online.
He warned that posts capable of eroding public morality or misleading young audiences could attract legal consequences.
The deputy commander-general reaffirmed the board’s commitment to monitoring digital platforms for content considered contrary to the moral and religious values upheld in Kano State. He also urged social media users to be mindful of the messages they disseminate.
A 21-year-old Nigerian basketball player, Daniel Tobiloba Adegboyega, has been arrested in the United States and charged with first-degree rape.
According to court records, the Jacksonville State University men’s basketball player is being held at the Calhoun County Jail pending a bond hearing. Jail records also show that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed a hold on him.
The charge stems from an incident said to have occurred on July 29, 2026. An arrest warrant alleges that Adegboyega engaged in s+xual intercourse with the complainant “by forcible compulsion,” in violation of Alabama law.
Adegboyega joined Jacksonville State in May after spending last season at the University of California, Riverside, having previously played for the University of South Florida. He had also signed with Kennesaw State in 2022 but never featured for the team.
Following his arrest, Jacksonville State suspended him from its men’s basketball team and removed his profile from the university’s athletics website.
In a statement, the university said: “We are aware of the arrest. In response, the individual has been suspended from the men’s basketball team.”
It added that the alleged incident did not occur on campus and remains under investigation by the Jacksonville Police Department. Under Alabama law, a conviction for first-degree rape carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
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