Yesterday, a XeJet Airlines plane veered off the runway at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) in Lagos.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday.

The bureau said the aircraft, which departed Abuja, skidded off runway 18L on landing in Lagos — making a halt on “the grass verge.”

According to the agency, about 52 passengers were on board the ill-fated aircraft, with the call sign 5NBZZ.

“NSIB confirms that an aircraft belonging to Xejet airlines skidded off the runway at the domestic wing of Murtala Muhammed Airport this morning. A go team has been deployed to the site of the incident,” the statement reads.

“Fire and Rescue on ground to help in evacuation of the passengers.”

The bureau said the runway has been closed to traffic at the moment.

The Lagos state government has continued the demolition of illegal extensions in Idumota market.

In March, fire destroyed shops and warehouses at the intersection of Nnamdi Azikiwe and Docemo in the Idumota area.

A month later, 15 buildings were affected in another fire outbreak in the same area.

Following the incident, some distressed buildings were pulled down by operatives of the Lagos Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

During an inspection of the affected areas, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of the state, condemned the conversion of residential buildings to storage facilities for inflammable materials.

He ordered indefinite closure of the market over incessant fire outbreaks, promising to hold those who flout building and safety standards accountable.

Providing an update on the subject on Saturday, Jubril Gawat, senior special assistant on new media to the governor, said a combined team from enforcement agencies carried out the demolition.

He said the operation is part of the recommendations of the Docemo fire incident committee chaired by Gbenga Oyerinde, commissioner of special duties.

“Lagos state government continues the removal of illegal extensions in markets in Lagos Island to ensure safety, orderliness and opening up of the free flow of traffic. The illegal extensions removed before were rebuilt by the defaulters,” Gawat wrote on X.

“A combined team of the Special Duties, Physical Planning, Environment, Urban Development, LASTMA, LASBCA, LNSC, KAI, CBD, LASURA, Lagos Fire Service, NPF.”

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says the arrest of Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), followed due process.

Ojukwu went missing on May 1 and could not be reached by family and friends for three days.

The journalist’s arrest and detention sparked outrage, amid calls for his release on social media platforms.

On May 9, activists and a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) protested Ojukwu’s incarceration at the police headquarters in Abuja.

On May 10, the police released Ojukwu after he had spent nine days in custody.

In a statement, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police force public relations officer, said Ojukwu’s release had nothing to do with the protest by CSOs.

Adejobi reiterated that Ojukwu was arrested based on alleged violations of provisions of the cybercrime act.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses recent developments regarding the arrest and investigation of Mr. Daniel Ojukwu, reiterating that contrary to speculative reports, Mr. Ojukwu’s investigation is in strict compliance with legal protocols and procedures,” the statement reads.

“Mr. Ojukwu was lawfully apprehended and detained pursuant to a valid remand warrant issued by a competent court of justice on May 2nd 2024.

“His initial detention in Lagos and subsequent transfer to Abuja by the FCID-National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) aligns with standard investigative procedures undertaken by police.

“The detention of Mr. Ojukwu is linked to allegations of violating provisions of the Cybercrime Act, and other extant laws pertaining to cyber related crimes.

“These allegations stem from a report concerning financial transactions and contract execution upon which he was petitioned to the Nigeria Police for investigations.

“With our preliminary forensic investigation, and recovery of some contents generated by the suspect, Mr. Ojukwu has a case to answer and as such will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.”

The police added that Ojukwu was released after bail conditions were met.

“In the same vein, the Police did not deny Mr. Ojukwu bail, as it was predicated on him meeting the conditions set for the bail,” the statement adds.

“He has however been released upon providing a reliable surety today Friday 10th May, 2024, pending the commencement of prosecution at the Federal High Court which has jurisdiction over cyber related crimes.

“It is instructive to note that his release has no correlation with the unwarranted protest held at the Police Headquarters on 9th May, 2024, but strictly due to him meeting the bail requirements and the policy of the Force on being rule of law compliant.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its duty to maintain law and order, uphold justice, and safeguard the rights of all citizens.

“We urge the public and media outlets to refrain from speculations and undue media trial in order to avoid jeopardizing the legal procedures in the case.”