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.”

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday posted a cryptic message on X which appears to be directed at Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi.

The EFCC is seeking to arraign Bello on 19 counts bordering on alleged money laundering, breach of trust and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.

On April 18, the anti-graft agency declared the former governor wanted over alleged financial crimes.

The EFCC asked anyone with useful information on Bello’s whereabouts to contact the commission or the nearest police station.

On March 14, the EFCC named the former Kogi governor in an amended charge filed against Alli Bello.

Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, the incumbent governor of the state, and one Daudu Suleiman are the two defendants in the 17-count amended charge.

The EFCC alleged that the suspects diverted about N100 billion belonging to the Kogi state government in September 2015 – about four months before Bello assumed office as governor.

On April 17, the anti-graft agency barricaded the Abuja residence of the former governor of Kogi to arrest him.

Some hours later, Ododo arrived at Bello’s residence and was said to have left with the former governor in his vehicle.

THE CRYPTIC MESSAGE

The EFCC in its “Eagle Series” posted on X, wrote that “once the eagle is on your case, you cannot hide—you can only run, adding that it will smoke you out in a matter of time.

“Reason: The Eagle will smoke you out. It’s just a matter of time,” the anti-graft agency added.

“The world may be very big and Wide Only a coward thinks he can run and Hide But the Eagle will locate where you Reside In due time, you will bring yourself Outside The option now is left for you to Decide.”

Earlier on Friday, Abdulwahab Mohammed, lead counsel for Yahaya Bello, former Kogi governor, asked a federal high court in Abuja to give him four weeks to search for his client.

Mohammed added that the ex-governor’s whereabouts remain unknown.

The court has also refused to vacate a warrant of arrest issued against Bello.

Emeka Nwite, the presiding judge, criticised Bello for filing applications despite his refusal to show up in court.

He described the actions of the former governor as an attempt to truncate the case preferred against him by the EFCC.