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Governor Sanwo-Olu Slammed N11bn Suit Over Lagos School Demolition

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A Lagos-based school owner, Paulin Eboagwu, and her husband, Daniel Eboagwu, have filed an N11bn suit against the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and six others before the Lagos State High Court over the alleged demolition of their school’s landed property in the Ilasan Lekki area of the state.

In the suit No LD/15612LMW/2024 dated July 16, 2024, and filed through their lawyer, Babatunde Ademoyo, the educationalist claimed that the land was delineated on Survey Plan No.KCO/902/006B (613/2018/LA) with the governor’s consent.

Other defendants in the suit are the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, a vested oil company, Sterling Oil and its affiliate Chronodexia Investment Nigeria Ltd, Milind Dettatraya Kukarani and persons unknown.

In the court processes, the claimants said they bought the land from the Elegushi Property and Investment Company Limited, but the Indians attempted to appropriate a portion of it because it formed part of the land sold to them by Shell Cooperative Multipurpose Society.

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“The claimants averred that the 5th (Chronodexia Investment Nigeria Ltd) and 6th (Milind Dettatraya Kukarani ), defendants, in a bid to frustrate the building plan approval and other regulatory permits, caused the 3rd and 4th defendants to place a Notice of Contravention on the fence of the land, alleging non-ownership of the land by our clients and non-approval of regulatory permits.”

Ademoyo said, “Upon the intervention of Oba Shaheed Elegushi and a letter written by the lawyer of Elegushi Mrs Bandele Omotayo, who also doubled as the solicitor to the claimants, all the title documents, drawings, and soil tests were provided to the 3rd and 4th defendants under their compliance with regulatory and building approvals.

“The 3rd defendant, upon receipt of the building approval documents and evidence of initial payment of statutory fees, issued a covering notice titled ‘construction under supervision’ with serial No. LASBCA/LIL/000/58 to enable our clients to continue their work on-site.

“The claimants averred that despite compliance with all the demands of the 3rd and 4th defendants, the officers of the 3rd and 4th defendants, along with other unknown persons and armed thugs numbering 300, descended on the property with extreme violence and demolished it.

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“The claimants averred that the property in question is a three-story school complex with a rectangular footprint measuring 1,580 square meters,”.

The claimants are asking the court for a declaration that they are the owners of the parcel of land measuring 1,580.565 square metres and a declaration that the act of forceful entry and demolition of their property by the defendants, jointly and severally, is unlawful.

They also prayed the court for the sum of N1bn only as general damages against the defendants, jointly and severally, for the emotional distress caused by the unlawful demolition of the property.

The claimants further asked for the sum of N10bn as special and general damages against the defendants, jointly and severally, for losses incurred by the claimants as a result of the illegal trespass and demolition carried out by the defendants.

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“An order of the court compelling the defendants, jointly and severally, to publish a notice of apology for the emotional distress caused to the claimants and the Elegushi Chieftaincy family for the invasion of the Elegushi Royal family land by mobs and thugs, causing a total breakdown of law and order and physical assault on Chief Segun Elegushi, the Opemoluwa of Ikate, Lekki, Lagos.

“A perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies, and whosoever acting on their behalf, from further trespass, in any manner whatsoever, or interfering with the claimants’ right to peaceful use and enjoyment of the property.”

Meanwhile, when the media contacted the Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, to confirm the case, he said he was not aware of any case.

He said, “I am not aware of any suit against the governor.”

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BREAKING ! Supreme Court orders INEC to reinstate Ezeokemwa as APGA national chairman

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld an appeal by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), recognising Sly Ezeokenwa as its National Chairman.

This ends litany of cases on the leadership of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and further clears way for second term of Prof. Charles Chukuma Soludo in Anambra State.

Details shortly…

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Over 21 Vehicles stolen in Canada shipped to Nigeria recovered, returned to Canadian authorities

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The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has officially handed over 21 imported stolen vehicles to Canadian authorities in Lagos, as part of an ongoing crackdown on international vehicle trafficking syndicates.

In a separate operation, Adeniyi also showcased arms and ammunition intercepted from a luxurious bus traveling from Aba, Abia to Lagos.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Adeniyi highlighted the alarming rise of West Africa as a central hub for the global stolen vehicle trade. He explained that the illicit network spans from Europe and North America to regions as distant as South America and Australia. The Customs CG emphasized that recent efforts have significantly intensified to dismantle vehicle trafficking rings operating within Nigeria’s borders.

“The growing trend of stolen vehicles entering our region is a major concern,” Adeniyi said. “Not only does it harm the local automotive market, but it also puts immense pressure on our security infrastructure.”

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Referring to recent reports from INTERPOL, Adeniyi underscored the gravity of the situation. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, between 2013 and 2015, only 54% of stolen vehicles were recovered, pointing to the sophistication and scale of these criminal enterprises.

“The continued influx of stolen vehicles into West Africa is a direct threat to our economy,” Adeniyi added. “It undermines our international reputation, causes significant revenue losses, and drives up security-related expenses.”

The Customs CG also praised international law enforcement for their collaborative efforts, revealing that intelligence sharing has been crucial in identifying stolen vehicles making their way into the region. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with global partners to combat this rising threat.

“The economic implications of this criminal enterprise are far-reaching and deeply concerning. Beyond damaging our legitimate automotive trade sector and international business relationships, it undermines President Tinubu’s economic reform agenda that aims to position Nigeria as a trusted hub for international commerce.

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“The Service is forced to divert substantial resources towards enhanced border management and rigorous verification processes – resources that should ideally be channelled towards trade facilitation initiatives and economic growth programmes. This criminal activity not only strains our operational capacity but also threatens the government’s efforts to attract foreign investment and establish Nigeria as a reliable partner in global trade.

“In response to these challenges, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated Operation Hot Wheels, a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at disrupting the flow of stolen vehicles into Nigeria through our ports and borders. Launched as a collaborative effort between the Nigeria Customs Service, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Canadian authorities, the operation focused on intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance, and strategic interdiction.

“The operation’s primary objectives included identifying and intercepting stolen vehicles, dismantling trafficking networks, and strengthening international cooperation in combating transnational vehicle theft. This multi-agency approach was designed to leverage the unique capabilities and jurisdictional advantages of each participating organisation.

“Through enhanced intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of resources, our officers at various commands have successfully intensified surveillance operations while ensuring minimal disruption to legitimate trade flows.

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“Through collaboration with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA) and Interpol, two of these vehicles were confirmed stolen from Canada.

“Simultaneously, the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ demonstrated exceptional vigilance with strategic interdictions at various locations in Lagos, including: One Mercedes-Benz G550 with Range Rover Sport, valued at N506.8 million, intercepted along Trinity Axis; One Mercedes-AMG GT with Lamborghini Huracan, valued at N630.8 million; One Rolls Royce intercepted at Victoria Island, valued at N231.8 million; One Lamborghini 2019 Model recovered at Victoria Island, valued at N239.1 million; Two Range Rovers (2023 & 2018 Models) intercepted along Lekki, valued at N267.1 million.

“At Tincan Island Command Operations Additional luxury vehicles were intercepted through intelligence-led operations including three (3) Toyota, Highlander 2021 Models.

“These recoveries highlight both the sophistication of transnational vehicle theft syndicates and their evolving concealment methods. The criminals now employ various tactics, including false declarations and use of containerised shipments, attempting to circumvent our detection systems. Notably, the operation exposed how stolen vehicles are being smuggled through our ports using legitimate cargo as cover.

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“The success of these operations stems from our enhanced risk management system and strengthened collaboration with international partners. Working closely with Operation Screen West Africa (OSWA), Interpol, and other international agencies, we have significantly improved our capacity to identify and intercept stolen vehicles. The interface between our systems and international databases has proven crucial in establishing the status of suspicious vehicles and enabling swift intervention.

“Operation Hot Wheels adds to our growing portfolio of collaborative successes in 2024, a year we have strategically dedicated to strengthening partnerships within the global Customs community. The operation’s success
stems from a seamless collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, the EFCC, and Canadian authorities, is evident that international cooperation is crucial in dismantling sophisticated criminal networks.

“This approach aligns with our commitment to adopting international best practices and leveraging shared intelligence to enhance our operational capabilities, serving as a template for future collaborations and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a committed partner in the global fight against transnational crime.”

House of Reps want local languages as medium of teaching in Primary, Secondary Schools
House of Reps want local languages as medium of teaching in Primary, Secondary Schools.

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SAD! Five Confirmed Fatalities In Delta Boat Mishap

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No fewer than five people have lost their lives following a boat accident on the Bennett Island River in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. The tragic event occurred on Monday night, leaving the local community in shock.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Tuesday in Asaba, the state capital.

According to Edafe, one individual is still missing, while several others were injured in the accident.

“There was a boat accident along Bennett Island River in Warri South,” he said. “Five persons were found dead, six persons injured and still receiving treatment. Nineteen persons were rescued from the scene, while one is still missing.”

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The injured victims are reportedly receiving medical care at nearby facilities, while search and rescue efforts continue for the missing individual.

The cause of the accident has not yet been determined, but authorities are investigating the circumstances that led to the tragic event. Incidents like these have raised concerns about the safety of water transportation in the area, especially as it remains a vital mode of transport for many residents in Delta State.

Local leaders and stakeholders have called for enhanced safety measures and stricter regulations to prevent such occurrences in the future. Efforts are also being made to provide support to the families of the victims and survivors of this heartbreaking incident.

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