Author: Tech & Tools Desk

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects, including the manager of a fuel station, for alleged involvement in armed robbery operations within the state. According to a police source, the suspects identified as Noble Saint Neokoro (44), Batomie Samson (48), Abubakar Ali (47), and Bitrus Ibrahim (42) were apprehended in the Ejigbo area following a tip-off and subsequent investigation. “The manager of the filling station is among those arrested, while the owner of the station is reportedly unaware of the alleged criminal activities,” the source stated, adding that the suspects have confessed to being part of a robbery gang. Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Lagos Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the arrest was carried out by the Tactical Squad Hawk. He also acknowledged the involvement of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in facilitating the arrest of the manager. Hundeyin explained that the operation followed the earlier arrest of a notorious gang involved in hijacking fuel and goods trucks across the state. On June 28, the command confirmed the arrest of seven individuals and the recovery of a fuel tanker loaded with stolen Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The tanker had been hijacked, with the driver reporting the incident at the Surulere Police Division. “Swift police response led to the recovery of the empty tanker at Orile and the arrest of suspects at a filling station in Ejigbo, where the stolen fuel was being offloaded,” Hundeyin said. The arrested individuals, identified as Izuchukwu Nwanoruo, Kayode Falodun, Ojo Ayodele, Ayomide Thompson, Ahmed Saliu, Igbalaye Kareem, and Babatunde Ahmed, are currently assisting the police with further investigations. A tanker used in transporting the stolen fuel was also recovered as evidence. The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, commended the officers involved for their efforts and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety. He urged residents to continue providing timely information to support police operations. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Lagos State University has dismissed two members of staff for gross misconduct, including sexual harassment, financial impropriety, and dereliction of duty. The decision was approved during the university’s 143rd Statutory Meeting of the Governing Council, held on Thursday, July 3, 2025. In a statement issued by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Emmanuel Fanu, the affected staff members were found guilty of various offences, including inhumane treatment of students, sexual harassment, and financial mismanagement. One of those dismissed is Dr. Olatunji Abanikanda, who served as the Dean of the Epe Campus, School of Agriculture, prior to his dismissal. Abanikanda was accused of subjecting students to degrading conditions during their practical coursework on the university farm. According to the statement, Abanikanda’s actions included keeping 400-level students on the farm from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. without breaks, food, or water, even during periods of heavy rainfall. The incident, which was captured in a video circulated on social media, raised significant concerns about student welfare. In addition to this, Abanikanda faced allegations of sexual harassment of female students, as well as the use of threats, derogatory language, and profane utterances toward staff and students. He was also found guilty of the unauthorised collection of money from staff and students, contrary to university regulations. The second staff member, Dr. Khadeejah Kareem-Ibraheem, former Coordinator of the Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Epe Campus, was dismissed for dereliction of duty and financial misconduct. She was accused of failing to adhere to the university’s approved procedures, guidelines, and curriculum, as well as withholding proceeds from the sale of farm produce. The statement revealed that over ₦10.6 million generated from farm produce sales was kept in her personal bank account, in violation of university financial regulations. Fanu stated that these actions constitute “Serious Misconduct” and are in breach of the university’s Conditions of Service for Senior Staff (2017, as amended). The University Management reiterated its commitment to upholding high standards of academic and administrative conduct within the institution.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has overturned the suspension of Kogi State Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and directed the Senate to reinstate her without delay. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Binta Fatima Nyako ruled that the senator’s six-month suspension was unconstitutional and a violation of the rights of her constituents to adequate representation in the National Assembly. The court declared the Senate’s action as “unlawful and contrary to the provisions of the Constitution,” ordering that Akpoti-Uduaghan be allowed to resume her legislative duties as the duly elected senator for Kogi State. Akpoti-Uduaghan had taken legal action against the Senate, challenging her suspension, which she argued breached her constitutional rights and undermined democratic representation. The Senate had upheld her suspension during an executive session on March 12, accusing her of violating its Standing Rules. The suspension, which was set to last six months, came shortly after Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of sexual harassment. The court’s decision marks a significant victory for the embattled senator and raises further questions about the Senate’s handling of internal disciplinary matters. With the court order now in place, the Senate is expected to comply by recalling Akpoti-Uduaghan to resume her legislative responsibilities.

The Oyo State Government has directed over 200 teachers who were not absorbed into the Post-Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) to immediately return to their respective Local Government Universal Basic Education Authorities (LGUBEAs) or risk losing their salaries. Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Nureni Adeniran, issued the directive on Friday during a meeting with Education Secretaries from the state’s 33 local government areas, held in Ibadan. It will be recalled that in October 2022, the state government officially integrated around 2,000 primary school teachers originally deployed to TESCOM by the previous administration into the post-primary school system. However, approximately 202 teachers who were not part of the integration process have failed to return to their original duty posts at LGUBEAs or report to OYOSUBEB, even though they continue to receive their salaries. Adeniran described the situation as unacceptable, warning that the salaries of the affected teachers could be withheld if they do not comply. He explained that while some of these teachers did not meet the necessary criteria for TESCOM transfer, others could not be accommodated due to a lack of available positions. “The refusal of these teachers to report to their LGUBEAs means their appointments remain irregular,” Adeniran stated. “All non-integrated teachers must return to their LGUBEAs without further delay.” He expressed concern that salaries were being paid to individuals who were not reflected in the board’s official teacher records, describing the situation as an abuse of government resources. Adeniran also reminded the teachers that Governor Seyi Makinde had, as far back as 2022, made it clear that those not absorbed into TESCOM should return to their original postings under OYOSUBEB. “Defying the governor’s directive amounts to gross misconduct,” he warned. The chairman subsequently ordered an immediate compilation of the names and details of all 202 affected teachers across the LGUBEAs. In a related development, Adeniran announced the launch of the School-Based Management Committee-School Improvement Programme (SBMC-SIP) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC). The SBMC-SIP aims to enhance community involvement in school development by providing direct funding to School-Based Management Committees for infrastructure upgrades, procurement of learning materials, and provision of essential equipment. “The goal is to expand access to quality education and promote equity in basic education delivery across Nigeria,” Adeniran added. He called on Education Secretaries to ensure proper oversight of the ongoing projects within their local government areas.

Former Anambra State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has admitted that embracing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for the next general elections was a tough but unavoidable choice for those determined to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape. Obi explained that the decision came after careful consideration of the country’s worsening socio-economic conditions and the pressing need for credible, solution-driven leadership. “Yesterday, members of our coalition officially adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as our platform for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections,” Obi announced via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. “Distinguished Senator David Mark will serve as National Chairman, while His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been named National Secretary.” The former governor emphasised that the decision was not made on a whim but was the result of deep reflection on Nigeria’s current realities and the urgent steps required to chart a new course. The coalition, which includes political heavyweights such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, unveiled their collective decision to adopt the ADC during an event in Abuja on Tuesday. Obi reaffirmed the group’s dedication to working together towards the 2027 elections, stressing the need for capable and compassionate leadership that would prioritise the wellbeing of all Nigerians. “Our shared resolve is to make sacrifices and collaborate in the lead-up to the 2027 elections, ensuring that Nigeria gets the kind of leadership that focuses on competence, character, and compassion,” he stated. The 63-year-old presidential aspirant, who has pledged to serve only a single term if elected, underscored the importance of unity, noting that no single person or group can achieve the level of change the country desperately needs. “To break down the systems that perpetuate poverty and insecurity, we must build connections and foster unity—even when forging those connections isn’t easy,” Obi added.

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has officially withdrawn his membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing persistent internal divisions and unresolved leadership crises within the party. In a resignation letter dated June 27 and addressed to the PDP Chairman of his Otukpo Ward in Benue State, which was obtained by The PUNCH on Wednesday, Mark lamented that the party has been plagued by unending internal strife, leaving it a mere shadow of its former self and vulnerable to public ridicule. Titled “Notice of Resignation from the PDP,” the letter reads in part: “I extend my warm regards to you and all members of the PDP in Otukpo Ward 1, and by extension, the entire Benue State and Nigeria. I wish to formally notify you of my immediate resignation from the party. “You will recall that over the years, I have remained steadfast and loyal to the core ideals of the PDP. Even when the party suffered major setbacks after our defeat in the 2015 presidential election, I stood my ground and vowed to be the last man standing.” Mark stated that his commitment to rebuilding, reconciling, and repositioning the party contributed significantly to its regaining national relevance. However, he noted that the party has recently deteriorated beyond recognition. He continued, “Sadly, recent developments—marked by worsening divisions, ongoing leadership tussles, and irreconcilable differences—have weakened the party to an alarming degree, exposing it to public embarrassment. “Following extensive consultations with my family, close associates, and political allies, I have decided to join the National Coalition of Political Opposition Movement in Nigeria. This is in pursuit of a shared vision to rescue our nation and safeguard our democracy.” Reports on Tuesday revealed that both David Mark and former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, have been appointed as interim National Chairman and National Secretary, respectively, of the yet-to-be-launched ADC coalition platform.

Troops of Operation Fasan Yamma have killed a notorious terrorist leader, Yellow Danbokklo, following a weeklong military operation in the North West. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the development in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja. According to Kangye, the operation was carried out in collaboration with Hybrid Forces, air support, and other security agencies, following credible intelligence on the movement of fleeing bandits and terrorists. “During the operation, Yellow Danbokklo, a notorious terror kingpin responsible for years of violence in Eastern Sokoto, sustained severe gunshot wounds during an intense exchange of fire with our troops,” Kangye said. The terror leader later succumbed to his injuries on Monday. Danbokklo, believed to be even more feared than notorious bandit Bello Turji, was reportedly behind the December 2021 attack in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where travellers were set ablaze in a gruesome incident. Kangye revealed that the slain kingpin was known to rely heavily on pentazocine injections to fuel his reign of terror and violent activities. He further disclosed that troops have intensified efforts to track down Bello Turji, who remains in hiding. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to restoring peace and security across the country and urges Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies in this mission,” he added.

Two primary school teachers in Japan have been arrested for taking and sharing indecent images of young girls in an online chat group with other educators. The suspects a 42-year-old teacher from a public school in Nagoya and a 37-year-old teacher from a public school in Yokohama admitted to taking photos and videos of girls under the age of 13, according to police statements reported by the BBC. Authorities say the images included so-called upskirt photographs, which were shared in a group chat involving 10 teachers from primary and junior high schools. One of the arrested individuals is believed to have managed the chat group. Japan only recently introduced legislation banning upskirting and the covert filming of sexual acts as part of a broader overhaul of its sexual offense laws. The existence of the teachers’ chat group came to light following the arrest of one of the group members for depositing bodily fluids on a 15-year-old girl’s backpack, according to reports by Japan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper. A forensic examination of the suspect’s mobile phone led investigators to the group chat, which was hosted on an undisclosed social media platform. Police say the group shared not only upskirt images but also videos of girls changing clothes and suspected deepfake content created from girls’ headshots. Some of the material appeared to have been recorded on school premises, though it remains unclear whether the footage was taken at schools where the teachers themselves worked. In May 2023, Japan introduced wide-ranging legal reforms to modernize its century-old sex crime laws. The changes followed public outrage after a series of rape acquittals in 2019. The updated laws criminalize filming minors “in a sexual manner without a justifiable reason,” with penalties including up to three years in prison or fines of up to 3 million yen (approximately £15,160 or $20,800). The reforms also expanded the legal definition of rape and increased the age of sexual consent from 13 to 16.

The Lagos State Government has distanced itself from the controversial demolition of a property reportedly belonging to the brother of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government dismissed Obi’s allegations as unfounded and misleading. “The Lagos State Government is compelled to respond to recent claims made by Mr. Peter Obi concerning the demolition of his brother’s property,” the statement read. “We wish to make it clear that the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) or any other state agency was not involved in the demolition,” Omotoso stated. The commissioner further cited confirmation from Dr. Olajide Abiodun Babatunde, Special Adviser on eGIS & Urban Development, who oversees LASBCA, that the agency had no connection to the incident. Describing Obi’s remarks as politically motivated, especially with local government elections approaching, the government expressed concern over what it called a rushed and baseless accusation. “It is disappointing that Mr. Obi would make such claims without first verifying the facts,” Omotoso said. He assured the public that the Lagos State Government remains committed to the rule of law and will ensure that anyone found guilty of illegal actions faces appropriate consequences. To shed more light on the matter, the state government has ordered a full investigation to be conducted by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Arc. Gbolahun Owodunni Oki (FNIA), through LASBCA. “The investigation will help determine the facts and ensure necessary steps are taken,” Omotoso added. The statement concluded with a reassurance of the government’s commitment to inclusivity, public safety, and transparency, promising all residents—regardless of political affiliation—their right to live and work peacefully in Lagos State.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the ongoing strike by public primary school teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has kept thousands of pupils out of school for over three months. In a statement shared via X on Thursday, Obi described education as the most vital and invaluable pillar of human development, stressing that a nation’s advancement is directly linked to the education of its people. “It is well established and supported by evidence that nations with higher levels of education tend to experience greater development. Therefore, the most significant investment any nation can make is educating its citizens, especially the younger generation, to safeguard the future,” Obi stated. He highlighted that Nigeria is not only committed to global development goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which prioritise education, but also has legal provisions like the Universal Basic Education Act to ensure every child has access to quality education. Obi expressed disappointment that despite these national and international frameworks, primary school pupils in Abuja, the nation’s capital, have been unable to return to the classroom due to the prolonged industrial action. “When the strike started, many assumed that given it’s Abuja, it would be resolved in a day or two. But here we are, over three months later, our children remain at home, while the focus is still on renovating buildings,” he said. According to Obi, focusing on physical infrastructure at the expense of education reflects misplaced national priorities. “True societal development begins with an educated population, not just with roads and buildings. Real progress is about building people it’s about educating our children,” he emphasised. Obi warned that neglecting education only fuels poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment. He urged the government to channel greater efforts toward human capital development. “We must place human capital investment at the centre of our national agenda starting with basic education, healthcare, and poverty reduction. That is the path to real national growth. That is how we can achieve the New Nigeria we all desire,” Obi concluded.