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‘We’ve started her extradition process’ — EFCC lauds Diezani’s arraignment in UK court

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has commenced extradition proceedings against Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum resources.

In August, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said they suspected Alison-Madueke had accepted bribes in return for awarding multi-million-pound oil and gas contracts.

Earlier in the day, the former minister was arraigned at the Westminster Magistrates Court in the United Kingdom (UK) over the alleged £100,000 bribe.

Michael Snow, the district judge, granted Alison-Madueke bail in the sum of £70,000 but imposed other conditions after considering her “a flight risk”.

Reacting to the development, the EFCC said it welcomed the arraignment of the former petroleum minister in the UK.

The ex-minister is also being investigated over allegations of bribery and money laundering in Nigeria.

She relocated to the UK shortly before ex-President Goodluck Jonathan handed over to former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

The EFCC had alleged that Alison-Madueke stole $2.5 billion from Nigeria’s coffers when she was a minister but she has denied all allegations levelled against her.

In a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, the commission noted that “criminality is criminality” irrespective of jurisdiction.

“Although the charges preferred against her at the London court are diametrically different from the 13-count charges bordering on money laundering the EFCC has raised against her, it is instructive to note that criminality is criminality, irrespective of jurisdictional differences. No crime can go unpunished,” the statement reads.

“The money laundering charges for which Madueke is answerable to the EFCC, cover jurisdictions in Dubai, United Kingdom, United States of America and Nigeria.

“To bring the former Minister to trial in Nigeria, an arrest warrant has been obtained and extradition proceedings have been initiated. The Commission is on course on her trial. She will soon have her day in our courts.”

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Driver escapes death as 40ft container falls on car in Lagos

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A yet-to-be-identified driver luckily escaped death on Monday morning when a 40-foot-laden container fell onto a Toyota Camry, with registration number LSR 293 HJ, at Mile 2, en route to Apapa Ports, Lagos.

The accident, according to an eyewitness, happened at about 8 a.m.

Fortunately, the driver of the car was rescued by the prompt intervention and coordinated response of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).

The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team.

Security during the operation was effectively maintained by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured a secure and orderly environment for the emergency responders.

Following the rescue, the Toyota Camry was successfully removed from beneath the container.

As of 9.30 am, efforts to evacuate the fallen container were in full swing, while LASTMA officers managed the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the critical importance of proper container securing by truck drivers and owners.

He stressed that negligence in this regard endangers lives and property, urging strict compliance with road safety protocols to avert such catastrophic occurrences.

“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways and continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to uphold traffic laws and enhance public safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.

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Lagos state government removes illegal shop extensions blocking drainage channels in Lagos Island

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The Lagos State government has cleared illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and a government-provided water tap in Lagos Island.

The exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), led by its General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs at LASBCA, via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.

The enforcement operation focused on Idi-Oluwo Street, where shop extensions had blocked critical drainage channels and access to potable water, leaving the community without essential resources.

Arc. Gbolahan Oki highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents, noting that several shop owners had constructed extensions over public drains and a government-provided water tap, causing significant disruptions to the area.

“In a proactive effort to ensure public safety, orderliness, and the smooth flow of traffic, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has taken decisive action by removing illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and community water supplies along Idi-Oluwo Street, Lagos Island.

“Leading the LASBCA Enforcement Team, the General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents. He noted that several shop owners had built extensions over public drains and water tap, causing significant disruptions,” the statement read in part.

The statement revealed that one of the removed extensions had blocked access to a government-provided water tap, cutting off the entire community’s supply of potable water. The swift removal of these illegal structures restored water access to the affected area.

Arc. Gbolahan Oki emphasized the need for residents to respect public infrastructure and take collective responsibility for preserving community resources.

Furthermore, the statement noted that Arc. Gbolahan Oki issued a one-week ultimatum to traders at Idi-Oluwo, directing them to address the identified violations or face stringent legal consequences.

At Mankanra Market, the LASBCA team uncovered several environmental infractions, including shanties obstructing walkways, which compromised the market’s functionality and safety.

Additionally, the statement highlighted that Hon. Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised LASBCA’s proactive efforts.

She urged market leaders to ensure their members adhere to state regulations on sanitation and structural integrity, warning that defaulters would face penalties as prescribed by law.

The LASBCA team also visited Bombata Market, where Arc. Oki advised market leaders to prioritize cleanliness and foster an orderly trading environment.

He assured them of a follow-up inspection within three months to confirm compliance with required standards and maintain the improvements.

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Lagos state government shuts establishments in Gbagada, Ogudu, others over noise pollution, environmental violations

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The Lagos State government has shut down several establishments located in Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu, and Agidingbi for violating noise pollution and environmental laws.

The enforcement operation was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

This development was announced on Sunday in a post by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The exercise led to the closure of establishments including Divine Perfection Ministry, Eagle Paints Nig Limited, Daveoris Global Ventures Limited, and Ene Global, which were found to have disregarded environmental regulations despite receiving prior warnings.

“In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental infractions, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed several establishments across Lagos, including Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu and Agidingbi.

“This action is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

“The establishments sealed include: Divine Perfection Ministry, Eagle Paints Nig Limited, Daveoris Global Ventures Limited, and Ene Global.

“These establishments were shut down for failing to adhere to environmental standards despite prior notices,” Wahab’s tweet read.

The sealings aim to promote a healthier environment, addressing the harmful effects of noise pollution and other infractions on public health and quality of life.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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