262 arrested as Lagos state govt raid major roads of street urchins aka Omotaku who extort residents of the state…
The Lagos State Government has arrested 281 suspected street urchins and criminal elements, popularly known as Omotaku, during a week-long operation across major roads in the state. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this on January 17 via his X handle. The raids covered areas including Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ajah, Surulere, Yaba, Ojuelegba, Egbeda, Lagos Island and other hotspots on the Island and Mainland. Wahab said the suspects, accused of terrorising motorists and extorting money, have all been arraigned in court.
#fintternews

The Lagos State Government has arrested 281 suspected street urchins……..

popularly known as Omotaku, for allegedly terrorising motorists and extorting residents across major roads in the state. The arrests followed a week-long operation carried out by the Lagos State Taskforce in areas including Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Yaba, Surulere, Egbeda, Lagos Island, and other parts of the mainland and island. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed the development on Friday, January 17, via his X handle. He confirmed that all the suspects have since been arraigned in court.#Fintter

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition of GNI Building and Nearby Houses After Deadly Lagos Island Fire Kills Eight, Triggers Safety Concerns

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building and some surrounding structures following the devastating fire outbreak that occurred on December 24 in the Balogun area of Lagos Island. The inferno claimed the lives of eight people—five of whom have been identified—while three victims remain unidentified, and at least thirteen people have been rescued so far.

Speaking during an on-site assessment, the governor declared the area unsafe, directing that all commercial and unauthorized activities around the GNI building must cease immediately. He explained that emergency responders are still carefully combing through the rubble to ensure no one remains trapped, particularly at the rear section of the collapsed structure.

Sanwo-Olu said a comprehensive structural assessment showed that the building was no longer stable, making demolition unavoidable, with some neighbouring buildings also marked for removal in the interest of public safety. He stressed that while the decision is difficult, protecting lives remains the government’s top priority.

The governor assured affected residents and business owners that the Lagos State Government would manage the recovery process responsibly and provide necessary support to families impacted by the tragedy. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire—which engulfed several floors of the 22-storey commercial building used largely for warehousing—are ongoing, as public concern continues over safety standards in densely populated commercial districts of Lagos Island.

Lagos Government Confirms Casualties as Rescue Operations Continue After Christmas Eve Inferno at 25-Storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island

The Lagos State Government has confirmed casualties following the Christmas Eve fire outbreak at the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House (GNI) on Martins Street, Lagos Island, while rescue and recovery operations remain ongoing. In an official statement titled “RE: GNI House Fire” and signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government said emergency response teams were deployed immediately after the fire alarm was received.

According to the statement, first responders—including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS), security agencies, and other safety units—have remained on site, conducting systematic search, rescue, and forensic operations in line with international emergency response standards. The government said operations will continue until full recovery is completed.

Providing an update on casualties as of Thursday morning, the state government disclosed that eight males, including a firefighter, were rescued with varying degrees of injuries and taken to hospital. Three males and two females with minor injuries were treated at the scene and discharged. The government also confirmed that one adult female was recovered dead from the rubble, two adult males were extricated alive, while three other persons were burnt in the inferno.

The Lagos State Government expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and appealed to the public to remain calm, patient, and sensitive, urging residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could heighten public anxiety or disrupt ongoing rescue efforts.

The clarification followed reports by SaharaReporters that several bodies were recovered from the collapsed section of the building as the fire continued to smoulder days after the incident, sparking fears that more victims could still be trapped beneath the debris. Eyewitness accounts described panic in the busy commercial area, with residents expressing concern over the prolonged fire and structural collapse that shook nearby buildings.

One More Body Recovered From GNI Building Fire in Lagos, Many Injured as Recovery Operations Continue

The Lagos State Government confirmed that another body has been recovered from the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House fire on Martins Street, Lagos Island. The tragic incident, which began on December 24, 2025, caused part of the 25-storey building to collapse, leaving several people trapped and some burnt beyond recognition.

Authorities reported eight injured individuals, including a fireman, who have been hospitalized, while minor injuries were treated on-site. Emergency teams continue recovery operations amid fears that more victims remain under the rubble. Families of the missing have reported multiple deaths, with some remains unidentifiable. Factors such as poor storage practices, combustible materials, and structural design issues contributed to the severity of the disaster.

Heartbreaking Last Words of Businessman Trapped in Lagos Great Nigeria Building Fire Emerge as Victim Dies Under Rubble

Tragedy struck Lagos Island’s Balogun Market after a devastating fire engulfed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House plaza, leading to a partial collapse that trapped several traders inside. One of the victims, Nze Obum, a China-based cloth merchant, was later confirmed dead after being buried under the rubble.

Audio recordings of Obum’s final phone calls have since surfaced online, revealing his desperate pleas for rescue as he lay trapped beneath the debris. According to reports, Obum had returned to Nigeria for the Christmas holidays to support his wife, who had just given birth, and to sell goods at the market. He was reportedly retrieving remaining stock from his shop when the building collapsed.

A fellow trader, Zacheaus Afolayan, confirmed Obum’s death, stating that his body was recovered by emergency responders and released to his family for burial in Anambra State. In one of the calls made around 2 a.m., Obum begged not to be abandoned, referencing his young children. A second, weaker call reportedly followed later the same day.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and grief on social media, with many Nigerians questioning emergency response times and lamenting the state of safety infrastructure in the country. Netizens described the audio as deeply traumatic, urging authorities to place greater value on human life and improve disaster response systems to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“We Buried Ashes”: Family Alleges Lagos Govt Cover-Up After Three Relatives Died In Collapsed 25-Storey GNI Building Fire At Balogun Market

A Nigerian family has accused the Lagos State Government and emergency agencies of downplaying casualties following the devastating fire and partial collapse of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building at Balogun Market, Lagos Island. The blaze, which started on December 24, spread rapidly through several floors and caused part of the structure to collapse, trapping traders inside.

According to a relative, Mr. Emmanuel Anumba, three siblings from the Omatu family were killed, but their bodies were burnt beyond recognition, forcing the family to bury ashes recovered from the debris. He alleged that rescue efforts lacked urgency, adequate equipment, and proper evacuation, despite repeated pleas to authorities. Traders and eyewitnesses also claimed that firefighting efforts were delayed and that many victims remain unaccounted for, with unofficial estimates suggesting dozens may have died.

While the Lagos State Government maintains that no casualty was officially recorded, it has ordered the immediate evacuation of buildings within a 100-metre radius of the site after experts warned of structural dangers. The incident has intensified public concern over safety standards, emergency response failures, and alleged attempts to suppress the true human toll of the tragedy.

Several Bodies Recovered as Fire Rages for Seventh Day After Partial Collapse of Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building on Lagos Island

Several bodies have been recovered from the rubble of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, as a fire continues to burn seven days after part of the high-rise building collapsed. Emergency responders were seen in a video obtained by SaharaReporters retrieving bodies trapped inside the wreckage amid thick smoke and debris, heightening fears that more victims may still be buried beneath the ruins.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described prolonged panic in the busy commercial district, noting that the fire has been smouldering for days and that the collapse shook nearby buildings. The structure, widely used for warehousing clothing materials, had caught fire on December 24, 2025, disrupting commercial activities in the area. Although the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service initially reported no casualties when the fire broke out, the ongoing recovery of bodies contradicts earlier assurances and underscores the severity of the incident. Rescue and firefighting operations remain ongoing as authorities battle the persistent blaze and assess the full scale of the tragedy.

Fire Guts Popular Army Arena Market in Oshodi, Lagos, as Traders Panic and Emergency Responders Battle Inferno

A fire outbreak has gutted sections of the popular Army Arena Market along Agege Motor Road in Oshodi, Lagos, throwing traders into panic on Tuesday evening, December 30, 2025. The incident was confirmed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), which stated that emergency responders were swiftly deployed to the scene to contain the inferno. Although the cause of the fire and the extent of damage were yet to be officially disclosed, the incident disrupted commercial activities in the busy area. The outbreak comes days after a similar fire incident at the Great Nigeria Insurance House on Lagos Island, where emergency agencies battled a major blaze that affected a high-rise building used for storing clothing materials. Authorities have continued to urge market operators and building occupants to observe strict fire safety measures to prevent future disasters.

Three Casualties After Lagos High-Rise Fire

Three bodies have been recovered three days after the fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance building on Martin Street, Lagos Island.

According to a casualty report released by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, the deceased include one adult female and two males, who were recovered from the collapsed structure.

Eight males, including a firefighter, sustained varying degrees of injuries. They were released after treatment at the hospital.

Additionally, three males and two females with minor injuries who received first aid at the scene of the fire incident were subsequently released.

Search and Rescue efforts involving LASEMA Response Teams, NEMA, Red Cross and LASG Fire and Rescue Service are still ongoing, to locate other reportedly trapped victims in the affected building.

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition Of 25-Storey GNI House After Massive Fire Outbreak On Lagos Island

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered the demolition of the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) House located on Martins Street, Lagos Island, following a devastating inferno that engulfed the building on Wednesday night. The directive was issued on Thursday during the governor’s on-the-spot assessment of the incident scene as firefighters continued efforts to fully extinguish the blaze.

According to Governor Sanwo-Olu, preliminary findings revealed that the high-rise building, originally constructed for office use, had been illegally converted into a warehouse where highly inflammable materials were stored across several floors. He explained that the misuse of the structure significantly worsened the fire, making firefighting operations extremely challenging despite the early arrival of emergency responders and deployment of aerial ladder equipment.

The fire reportedly started from the fourth and fifth floors before rapidly spreading to upper levels around 8:00 p.m., intensified by the combustible contents inside the building. Sanwo-Olu disclosed that a committee led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, has been set up to determine the safest and fastest method to demolish the weakened structure within days, noting that parts of the building had already suffered partial collapse.

The governor confirmed that no fatalities were recorded, although between seven and ten people sustained injuries and were taken to hospitals by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). He also warned residents and businesses against storing flammable materials in residential and office buildings, especially in crowded market areas, stressing that enforcement and fire safety advocacy would be intensified during the dry harmattan season.

Meanwhile, officials of the Federal Fire Service stated that firefighting efforts were complicated by the close proximity of surrounding buildings and uncertainty over the contents of the affected structure. Over ten nearby buildings were impacted by the fire, with at least two severely damaged. Emergency agencies including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, LASEMA, Nigeria Police Force, FRSC, Federal Fire Service and LASTMA remain on ground managing the situation.

Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Condoles Victims Of Great Nigeria House Fire, Visits Balogun As Emergency Agencies Battle Inferno

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire outbreak at the Great Nigeria House located in the Balogun area of Lagos Island, describing the incident as painful and distressing for victims and business owners affected by the disaster. The governor conveyed his condolences in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, December 25, 2025.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that he personally visited the Balogun axis to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused by the inferno, stressing that the magnitude of loss suffered by traders and occupants could not be fully conveyed through written reports alone. According to him, witnessing the aftermath firsthand provided a clearer understanding of the pain, destruction, and economic setback faced by those impacted.

The governor commended firefighters, emergency responders, and relevant agencies for their swift and coordinated response, noting that their courage and dedication helped contain the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings. He acknowledged that their timely intervention saved lives and reduced what could have been an even more catastrophic incident in the densely populated commercial hub.

Sanwo-Olu assured affected individuals that the Lagos State Government would continue to assess the situation and provide necessary support to victims as recovery efforts progress. Reaffirming the resilience of Lagos residents, he stated that the state has always demonstrated strength in moments of adversity and expressed confidence that the affected community would recover.

The fire outbreak, which reportedly started on the upper floors of the multi-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House, disrupted commercial activities around Martins Street and raised concerns over the safety of goods stored in the building, which is widely used for warehousing clothing materials. Officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that several floors were affected, though no casualties had been recorded as of the latest update.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, as emergency teams remain on ground to ensure safety and prevent further incidents. Business owners and workers in the area continue to await a clearer assessment of losses amid fears of significant material damage.

Fire Engulfs Great Nigeria Insurance House On Lagos Island
The fire reportedly started from an apartment on the fourth floor and quickly spread to other parts of the floor, later reaching the sixth floor with rapid upward momentum.

Asake Honoured With Prestigious “Olu Omo Eyo Oniko” Title Ahead of Eyo Festival

Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has been conferred with the cultural title “Olu Omo Eyo Oniko” in recognition of his contributions to music and loyalty to his roots. Returning home from international tours, Asake participated in Lagos Island’s cultural activities ahead of the Eyo Festival, performing in full Eyo regalia and dancing alongside traditional worshippers. The viral video of his performance captured the blend of modern stardom and Yoruba heritage. His visits to Obafemi Awolowo University and the Ooni of Ife further emphasized his connection to his hometown and heritage. Social media users praised his balance of global success with local authenticity, highlighting his influence as both a cultural ambassador and a musician.

#Asake #EyoFestival #OluOmoEyoOniko #NigerianMusic #Afrobeats #CulturalHeritage #LagosIsland #CelebrityNews

Police Officer, Scavenger Killed as Speeding Driver Loses Control in Lagos Island Crash




A police officer and a scavenger were killed on Wednesday in Ilubirin, inward Simpson on Lagos Island, after a speeding Toyota Camry driver lost control and rammed into both victims. LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq said the officer was on a motorcycle when the vehicle veered off its lane, hitting him and the scavenger, killing them instantly. LASTMA personnel secured the scene and arrested the fleeing driver, who was handed over to the Adeniji Adele Police Division. The agency evacuated the vehicle and restored traffic flow. LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki visited the scene, condemning reckless driving and urging motorists to adhere to speed limits to prevent avoidable deaths.

TCN announces fresh three-day outage in Lagos.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced a fresh three-day electricity disruption in parts of Lagos.

The agency said the electricity disruption is due to its planned maintenance of the Ala/Alagbon 330 kV transmission line from November 26th to 29th November 2025.

TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, disclosed this in a notice on Friday.

The schedule will affect electricity distribution to Eko Electricity Distribution Company coverage in Lagos South and part of Ogun State, including Ojo, Festac, Ijora, Mushin (also Orile areas), Apapa, Lekki (also Ibeju areas), Lagos Island (also Ajele areas) and Agbara.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) wishes to inform the public that scheduled maintenance will be carried out on the Aja/Alagbon 330 kV transmission line from November 26 to 29, 2025, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.

“The exercise is to enable the TCN contractor to install wave traps on the 330kV line bays at the Aja and Alagbon Transmission Substations in Lagos State. During this period, supply from the Alagbon Substation will be diverted to the Ijora 132kV line, while supplies to the Akoka and Oworo Transmission Substations will be diverted to the Ikeja West 132kV line.

“TCN explains that there will be a brief load disruption due to the diversion on the affected lines, but the areas will continue to receive a normal power supply during the maintenance window.

“TCN regrets any inconvenience this may cause electricity consumers within the Eko Disco franchise and appeals for understanding, noting that the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve the reliability and efficiency of transmission infrastructure in Lagos State,” TCN stated.

In July and October this year, parts of Lagos were thrown into darkness over TCN’s maintenance exercises.

Lagos announces 15-day closure of Marine Bridge for maintenance.

Lagos State Government has announced the temporary closure of the Marine Bridge in Ijora, Apapa Local Government Area, to allow for urgent maintenance work by the Federal Ministry of Works.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the bridge will be closed for 15 days, beginning Saturday, October 11, and will reopen on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Osiyemi explained that the maintenance exercise will be carried out in two phases to reduce the impact on traffic and ensure a smooth diversion of vehicles throughout the period.

According to him, Phase I will take place between October 11 and 18, affecting the section from the foot of the Marine Bridge at Lawani Oguntayo Road (by UBA, inbound Apapa/Costain).

During this period, motorists from Ijora Olopa heading to Apapa will be diverted through the Ijora Causeway Access Ramp by Omni Retail Company, connecting to Ijora 7up, and then turning left to Lilypond Access Ramp to continue their journey.

Phase II, scheduled for October 19 to 25, will cover the stretch between Ijora Badia and Lilypond Access Ramp (inbound Apapa).

For this phase, motorists from Ijora Olopa heading towards Apapa and Costain will be diverted about 50 metres before the work zone into a contraflow lane with Costain-bound traffic for roughly 500 metres before rejoining the main carriageway.

Also, vehicles travelling from Apapa towards Costain, Lagos Island, or Ijora Olopa will continue to enjoy through traffic, but will briefly share a contraflow segment of about 500 metres around the construction zone.

Police Arraign NURTW Leader, Shamsideen Oladiti for Murder at Ebute Metta Court.

Police Arraign NURTW Leader, Shamsideen Oladiti for Murder at Ebute Metta Court
…Case Adjourned to October 28 as Angry Protesters Storm Court Premises

A 55-year-old transport union leader, Shamsideen Oladiti, popularly known as Shamelon, was on Tuesday arraigned before an Ebute Metta Magistrate Court by the Lagos State Police Command over allegations of assault and murder.

Oladiti, a well-known National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) figure on Lagos Island, was brought to court amid tight security after being transferred from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, where detectives had been conducting investigations into the matter.

He was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. Akinde of Court 2, Ebute Metta, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, grievous harm, and murder. His plea was not taken.

The case, prosecuted by Superintendent of Police (SP) Anthony Iyeye, was adjourned to October 28, 2025, while the magistrate ordered that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice within 30 days. Oladiti was remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further directives.

According to the charge sheet, Count One alleges that on August 27, 2025, at about 10:00 a.m. on Lewis Street, Lagos Island, the defendant unlawfully assaulted one Imam Ramon, who later died at the Lagos Island General Hospital on September 17, 2025. The offence contravenes Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Count Two accuses Oladiti and others still at large of conspiring to commit grievous harm, an offence under Section 411 of the same law, while Count Three alleges that they unlawfully beat one Omale Samuel, causing him grievous bodily harm, contrary to Section 245.

The atmosphere at the court was tense as scores of angry protesters, believed to be residents of Epetedo community on Lagos Island, thronged the premises with placards demanding justice for the slain Imam Ramon. The protesters chanted slogans and decried what they described as “delayed justice.” It took the swift intervention of armed police operatives to restore order.

“You owe Lagosians an apology. You go tell us wetin happen for that road” – Media personality Mr. Jollof tells Lagos Commissioner for Transport after spending over 5 hours in Lagos Island traffic.

NURTW official to face trial over alleged murder, assault in Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Command yesterday said it would arraign a 55-year-old official of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Samsideen Oladiti, popularly known as Shamelon, over his alleged involvement in two violent crimes on Lagos Island.

The offences, according to the police, involve a case of murder and another of assault causing harm. Oladiti is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, for discreet investigation.

On September 17, 2025, at about 3:00 p.m., the suspect allegedly attacked a dispatch rider on Lagos Island, using a helmet and his fists to inflict serious injuries. The victim was rushed to the hospital, placed on oxygen, and is still receiving medical treatment.

The following day, at about 11:00 a.m., police said another complaint was lodged against Oladiti in connection with an incident on August 28, 2025. During the altercation, the suspect allegedly used a metallic ring to repeatedly strike a man on the head and face, leaving him with severe wounds. Despite medical intervention, the victim was confirmed dead by a doctor on September 17. His body has since been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, who led officers to the scene of the incident, assured residents that the suspect is in custody and would face justice after investigations are concluded.Police spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, also confirmed that the suspect would be arraigned once the investigation is completed.