Abba Bichi, son of former Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, has refuted claims making the rounds that he’s taken to his heels after stealing $2 from his father.

The social media and gossip mill have been awash with reports claiming that Abba fled the country with the alleged stolen money.

The former DSS boss’ son is known to be a professional footballer, who’s currently unattached as the summer transfer window shuts in major European leagues.

However, he’s currently exploring opportunities in Germany as he’s allowed to sign for a new club due to his status as a free agent.

Reacting to the rumours at home in a podcast recorded inside a stadium in Germany, Abba was seen in a video online having a conversation with his father after his team had lost a match.

The father offered some words of encouragement to the footballer, urging him to keep his head up and never let the defeat dampen his determination for success.

“In life, you win some and lose some,” Yusu told Abba.

The exchange also involved the footballer’s coach identified as Thomas. The footballer gaffer could also be heard saying their next match would be against Bayer Leverkusen.

The father expressed optimism about the upcoming game, showing his continuous support for his son’s career.

Abba has been under the spotlight since his father was replaced as DG of the DSS with several allegations ranging from bullying, theft and harassment being levelled against him.

The Lagos State Government has sealed Maverick Estate in Gbagada for encroaching on a designated wetland.

This action reinforces the government’s commitment to stopping illegal developments in sensitive ecological zones.

The closure followed an inspection led by Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, who reiterated the state’s determination to tackle wetland encroachment during a press briefing, as contained in a statement on his X account.

“Lagos State Government over the weekend called on developers and builders to desist from wetlands encroachment as a private estate being developed on a wetland in Gbagada was sealed up,” the statement read in part. 

It added, “Wahab directed the immediate sealing up of a proposed private estate site named Maverick Estate which is still at the inception stage, ordering all construction workers to leave the site immediately.” 

The statement added that the commissioner ordered an immediate halt to all construction activities on the estate.  

He also directed the removal of fences and instructed workers to vacate the site until the developers secure the required land, environmental, and drainage approvals. 

The statement also revealed that during an inspection of the TREM drainage channel at Anthony Oke along the Oshodi Expressway by the Commissioner of Environment, alongside the Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, and other key ministry officials, it was observed that the development of Maverick Estate had significantly impacted the drainage system.

The inspection showed that sections of the drainage had been blocked, exacerbating the flood risk in the area.

Further insights from the statement noted that the Commissioner emphasized that Maverick Estate is just one of several sites in Lagos where wetlands, critical natural habitats vital for the state’s environmental sustainability, have been illegally converted for estate development.

He cited areas such as Iju, Ejigbo, Badagry, Ikorodu, and Itoikin, calling for urgent government intervention, and stressed the importance of preserving these ecosystems to ensure Lagos’ environmental sustainability.

The team also visited the ongoing System 1 drainage project, which is designed to mitigate flooding in critical areas such as Odo Iya Alaro, Ojota, Ogudu, and Maryland.

Mr. Wahab noted that the project, initiated two years ago, is focused on establishing a clear Right of Way to address flooding issues on Lagos’ mainland.

He urged residents to cooperate with the government in restoring drainage channels and protecting wetlands, highlighting the pressing need for collective action to combat global warming and mitigate its impact on Lagos and beyond.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has donated ₦100 million to the Borno State government for victims of the Alau Dam flood disaster.

Atiku announced the donation on Sunday during a sympathy visit to Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno in Maiduguri.

Atiku prayed for the souls of those who lost their lives and speedy recovery for the injured as well as those who lost their properties.

The former vice president also urged for more support from organisations and philanthropists to the government and people of Borno to facilitate the recovery process.

He also urged for an investigation of the cause of the incident for adequate measures to prevent future occurrences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Yobe and Gombe state delegations who visited also announced ₦100m donations each.