Author: Tech & Tools Desk

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a senior member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Samsideen Oladiti, popularly known as ‘Shamelon’, over alleged involvement in a murder and the brutal assault of a dispatch rider. According to police, Oladiti, 55, was linked to two violent incidents on Lagos Island. One involved the fatal assault of a man during a dispute in August, while the other, on September 17, left a dispatch rider hospitalised with serious injuries. Following news of the death, angry residents staged a protest at the suspect’s office in Sandgrouse Market, setting two motorcycles ablaze. The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, led officers to the scene to restore order and confirmed the suspect was in custody. Police say Oladiti has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation. NURTW State Chairman, Mustapha Adekunle (a.k.a. Sego), has distanced the union from Oladiti’s actions, stating the union “does not condone violence” and promising internal disciplinary action if he is found guilty. The police assured the public that justice will be served and urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.

Contractors responsible for cleaning Abuja have threatened to suspend services from September 25 over the non-payment of nine months’ outstanding wages. The contractors, under the aegis of the Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors (AFSOWAC), issued the warning in a letter addressed to the Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council. According to the letter, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, the group said it could no longer guarantee uninterrupted services in the Federal Capital City without urgent payment. AFSOWAC, which represents contractors managing sanitation across 44 lots in Abuja, noted that its members clear more than 1,000 tonnes of waste daily using over 100 refuse trucks and 60 tippers. The work, it added, engages more than 3,000 staff who rely on the job for survival. The association explained that contractors had sustained operations by borrowing from formal and informal sources, but said those resources had now been exhausted. “Despite our loyalty and sustained service delivery, we have not received payments since January 2025,” the group stated. It added that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), which oversees the contracts, had continued to issue daily directives without addressing their financial concerns. It also warned that the delay was already leading to noticeable waste build-up in the city. AFSOWAC further lamented the poor condition of the Gosa dumpsite, describing it as “deplorable,” and called for urgent intervention to improve access and provide functional equipment. The group also urged the FCT Administration to fast-track the procurement process it initiated in October 2024, stressing that current payments were based on outdated rates that no longer reflect economic realities such as subsidy removal and naira devaluation. “We have reached a point where passion and commitment alone cannot sustain this essential service. Without payment, we cannot continue,” the association warned. AFSOWAC appealed for immediate government action to prevent a disruption of sanitation services, cautioning that any breakdown could endanger public health and safety.

ABUJA — Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the suspension and recent reinstatement of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly, describing the move as unconstitutional and unlawful. In a statement posted Thursday on his official X platform, Atiku insisted there was nothing to celebrate in the lifting of the suspension, arguing that the action itself had no legal foundation.“Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about. The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and remains illegal today,” he wrote. He further stressed that President Tinubu lacked the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected governor and lawmakers, warning that the episode was a dangerous signal of creeping dictatorship. “President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration,” the former Vice President added. Atiku’s remarks came barely 24 hours after President Tinubu lifted the state of emergency in Rivers State and directed Governor Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, and members of the House of Assembly to resume office on Thursday, September 18.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said that the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, is qualified to contest for any political office in Nigeria, including the governorship of Lagos State. Speaking in an interview on The Clarity Zone podcast uploaded on YouTube on Wednesday, Bwala dismissed claims that Seyi’s political involvement is solely tied to his father’s influence. He maintained that Seyi has built a reputation as a bridge-builder among young people. “If Seyi Tinubu’s father is the president, what stops him from running for Lagos State governor? Seyi Tinubu can even challenge his father in the next election,” Bwala said. He described Seyi as humble and unassuming despite his privileged background, noting that he has maintained strong relationships and assisted many young Nigerians in securing opportunities in government, even across party lines. “At a point, he was even criticised for the people he brought into government, who were mostly Obidients. That tells you he doesn’t have biases,” Bwala explained. The presidential aide also recalled occasions where he openly criticised the Tinubu administration without it straining his relationship with Seyi, adding that the younger Tinubu has shown maturity in separating personal relationships from politics. He further pointed out that, unlike many children of past Nigerian leaders, Seyi has not been linked to scandals or public controversies. “You will never see him attacking people on social media, even though his father is one of the most vilified in recent memory. He has built relationships even with critics of this government,” Bwala added. According to him, Nigerians should judge Seyi based on personal encounters rather than assumptions or inherited perceptions. “Until you experience somebody, don’t have an opinion of them. Too many people inherit other people’s problems without any personal encounter,” he said.

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Osun Chapter, has declared a three-day warning strike over unpaid entitlements. The entitlements in question include prolonged non-payment of imprest, outstanding 2015 statutory allowances, unaddressed promotions, and staff benefits for 2024 and 2025. This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Osogbo by the Osun JUSUN Chairman, Mr. Idirs Adeniran. The union called on the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) to restore industrial harmony, boost productivity, and safeguard the integrity of the Osun State Judiciary. “Resuming the suspended strike may encourage meaningful dialogue since the state government has yet to implement the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed,” the statement read. The union appealed to stakeholders in the judiciary to support its demands for urgent action, stressing that the judiciary cannot effectively serve as the last hope of the common man without motivated personnel and adequate resources. JUSUN urged the JSC to promptly address pending promotions, restore allowance payments, sponsor staff training, and provide official and utility vehicles for improved service delivery. The union had earlier suspended a strike and directed its members to resume work on June 4, following extensive deliberations and meetings with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and other stakeholders. Its demands also include the implementation of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage with arrears, a 25/35 per cent salary increase, and settlement of a five-month wage award and arrears, among others.

Mental health specialists have expressed concern over the increasing number of children and teenagers turning to artificial intelligence tools and social media for emotional support, rather than seeking help from their parents. They explained that while AI may provide quick responses and a sense of companionship, it cannot replace the guidance, reassurance, and emotional safety that family relationships offer. Experts warned that depending on technology to cope with stress or emotional struggles could leave young people more vulnerable to depression, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts. They urged parents to strengthen trust and communication with their children, particularly in today’s digital age. Their comments followed reports of a California couple suing OpenAI after alleging that ChatGPT encouraged their 16-year-old son, Adam Raine, to take his own life. Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Dr. Tinuola Gunwa-Ajayi, cautioned that relying on AI tools and social media for comfort poses serious risks to mental health. Speaking with PUNCH Healthwise on the occasion of the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, she explained that social media and technology have changed how teenagers interact, sometimes increasing the risk of depression and suicidal tendencies. According to her, the influence of social media can create unrealistic comparisons that make young users feel inadequate, while also fostering a false sense of connection that may lead to deeper isolation. She added that although technology has benefits, its negative effects outweigh the positives when not carefully monitored. Gunwa-Ajayi also pointed out that AI can be addictive and expose vulnerable children to misinformation. She explained that young people searching for help online may encounter harmful content, which could reinforce suicidal thoughts rather than promote recovery. She warned that over-reliance on technology risks making parents less relevant in their children’s lives. She stressed that no digital tool can replace the value of quality family time and that caregivers must prioritise trust, open communication, and real-world interaction. “Parents should consciously limit screen time and encourage more human interaction,” she advised, adding that without such efforts, children may become increasingly exposed to the harmful effects of social media and AI. Another expert, Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, described technology and social media as a “double-edged sword.” While they allow for connection and self-expression, he said they also fuel harmful comparisons, cyberbullying, and unrealistic expectations, which can contribute to suicidal thoughts. He noted that many people with suicidal tendencies do not truly want to die but instead want relief from emotional pain. He stressed that suicide is preventable, urging communities to be proactive in offering support.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested an Indian businessman, Gupta Ravi Kumar, along with three Nigerian associates, over a ₦3.9 billion Tramadol shipment intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The Nigerians—Ogunlana Olanrewaju, Olushola Kayode, and Bakare Muheeb—were linked to 2,248,000 pills of Tramadol 200mg/225mg imported from Delhi, India. According to NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the consignment was disguised as multivitamins in 114 cartons and arrived on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on September 8. Babafemi explained that operatives had placed the shipment under surveillance and, on September 11, moved in on a clearing agent and two drivers attempting to convey the drugs in trucks. A follow-up operation led to Kumar’s arrest as he tried to take delivery of the consignment. At the airport’s terminal two, operatives also intercepted a passenger, Onyeganochi Stanley Ifeanyi, on his way to Doha with 900 grams of skunk hidden in crayfish. His confession led to the arrest of his accomplice, Ohadiegwu Anthony Uchenna, in whose hotel room another 200 grams was found. At the Tincan Port in Lagos, officers recovered 161 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 81.7kg and 1.2kg of hashish oil from a container of spare parts imported from Montreal. Two suspects, John Ochigbo, 53, and Okeke Kingsley, 26, were arrested. Another 65kg of Loud was seized on Third Mainland Bridge after operatives intercepted a Toyota Sienna, arresting the driver, Abubakar Ibrahim, 42. In separate operations, methamphetamine concealed in a picture frame bound for Gabon and 1.1kg of Loud hidden in decoders destined for the UAE were intercepted at courier firms in Lagos. In Ikorodu, a factory producing “skuchies”—a mixture of cannabis and blackcurrant—was raided, yielding 6,029 bottles of the drink and 4,232kg of cannabis. Factory manager, Joy Awosika, was arrested, while Akeem Oriola was caught with 26kg of skunk in Mushin. In Abuja, a dispatch rider, Godsplan Vincent, 29, was arrested at Utako with 50.7 grams of cocaine and 66 grams of Loud. In Oyo State, three women—Faidat Azeez, 25; Alanu Fatimoh, 40; and Mojeed Taiwo, 25—were caught with 17kg of skunk. In Kano State, Musa Shuaibu, 38, was found with 100,000 Tramadol pills, while other suspects were arrested with 196 litres of akuskura, 34.1kg of skunk, 493 tubes of rubber solution, and 25 litres of “suck and die.” In Anambra, a couple, Nzube and Ebele Onyedika, were arrested with 13.9kg of methamphetamine and 5.3kg of skunk, while another suspect, Nnamchi Tochukwu, was caught with meth, tramadol, swinol, heroin, and skunk. In Yobe State, Mohammed Auwal was arrested with 22.1kg of cannabis, while in Ogun, three cross-border traffickers—Kunyadi Ogbungbun, 24; Olalekan Adewale, 20; and Sanya Joshua, 22—were arrested with 394kg of skunk at Imeko during a joint NDLEA-police operation. In Edo State, operatives destroyed over 16,966kg of cannabis on a 6.7-hectare plantation in Ugbogyi forest, Ovia South West Local Government Area. Another 1,176kg was recovered, with four suspects taken into custody. NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), commended the officers and urged them to remain vigilant, stressing that the arrests and seizures demonstrate the agency’s balanced strategy in tackling the drug problem across the country.

Primary and secondary schools across several states in Nigeria are reopening today for the first term of the 2025/2026 academic session, with state governments assuring parents and pupils of a smooth resumption and improved learning conditions. As classrooms welcome pupils back, experiences are expected to vary from school to school. Some children will resume in newly renovated buildings with fresh desks and better facilities, while others will return to dilapidated classrooms, overgrown compounds, and scattered furniture. While lessons and revisions will kick off immediately in many schools, others will dedicate the first day to cleaning and preparations before full academic activities begin. In Ondo State, Commissioner for Education Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun confirmed that all schools were ready for resumption, noting that pre-resumption meetings had been held with teachers and administrators. Meanwhile, Senator Jide Ipinsagba (Ondo North) supported education in Akoko South-East and South-West by donating school bags containing textbooks, mathematical sets, exercise books, and pens to 100 students. In Ekiti State, Commissioner for Education Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye announced that public and private schools would reopen today, with the first-term calendar scheduled to run from September 15 to December 12, 2025. She stressed the state government’s commitment to improving teaching, learning, and students’ performance in examinations. In Ogun State, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu reminded school administrators that the government’s free education policy remains in force. He cautioned against imposing fees or sending students away for non-payment, while noting that voluntary contributions from parents or alumni are welcome. He added that extensive pre-resumption meetings with stakeholders—including school owners, unions, parents, alumni groups, and security agencies—had been held to ensure a smooth start. Officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Education dismissed rumours of a postponement, confirming that schools would reopen today as scheduled in the state’s official calendar. In Lagos State, the harmonised school calendar indicated that the first half of the term will run from September 15 to October 31, while the second half will hold from November 10 to December 19. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, in a goodwill message, encouraged pupils to approach the new academic year with enthusiasm. “We urge students to embrace learning with dedication and a thirst for knowledge. May this session bring opportunities for growth, discovery, and excellence,” he said.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to begin repair work on a section of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, from the Bonny Camp junction, starting Monday, September 15, 2025. A statement from the Ministry of Transportation, signed by Commissioner Oluwaseun Osiyemi on Sunday, revealed that the rehabilitation will last one week, concluding on Sunday, September 21. To minimize daytime traffic disruption, the repairs will be carried out nightly between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Commissioner Osiyemi explained that scheduling the work overnight was a strategic choice to reduce inconvenience for motorists and businesses that depend on the route. “Ozumba Mbadiwe Road is a vital link connecting Victoria Island to other parts of Lagos,” he said. “This maintenance forms part of our ongoing commitment to preserving the state’s road infrastructure. We ask motorists to cooperate with traffic officers and be patient during this brief period,” Osiyemi added. The Ministry advised commuters to plan their journeys ahead, acknowledging that minor delays might occur despite the night-time scheduling. Road users are encouraged to observe all traffic signs, remain patient, and follow instructions from traffic enforcement officials stationed along the route. Ozumba Mbadiwe Road is a key artery for commuters traveling from Lekki to Victoria Island and Ikoyi and frequently experiences heavy traffic during peak periods, making timely repairs critical to improving traffic flow.

A three-storey building under construction collapsed on Friday night at 333 Borno Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, leaving several people trapped under the rubble. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released on Saturday. The collapse occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. Eyewitness accounts differed, with some reporting that five people were trapped and others saying six. Emergency responders have so far rescued four adult males alive. The victims were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Search and rescue efforts are being led by a joint team from NEMA, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other emergency units. “The exact number of those still trapped is yet to be determined. Operations are ongoing, and no effort will be spared to save lives,” NEMA said. The site has been cordoned off to ensure safety and allow for unhindered rescue work. Building collapses are a recurring issue in Lagos and other Nigerian cities, often linked to substandard materials, poor construction practices, and inadequate regulatory oversight. Civil society groups and government data indicate that dozens of such incidents are recorded annually, leading to fatalities, injuries, and widespread displacement. Lagos authorities have frequently warned property developers against unsafe construction methods, with several buildings sealed in recent years for failing to comply with safety regulations. As of the time of this report, rescue operations at the Yaba site are ongoing.