Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Government Shuts Oshodi Market After Traders Clash With KAI Officials
Commissioner Wahab orders indefinite closure as authorities investigate vandalism; residents advised to use alternative markets
Commissioner Wahab orders indefinite closure as authorities investigate vandalism; residents advised to use alternative markets
The Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Oshodi Resettlement Market following a violent incident between traders and officials of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), commonly known as KAI, on Sunday. The decision was announced after several government vehicles were damaged during an enforcement operation in Oshodi, a key commercial area in Lagos Mainland LGA.
According to Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the confrontation began during a routine exercise aimed at removing environmental offenders and suspected hoodlums from the Oshodi axis. The operation reportedly escalated when some traders obstructed KAI officers from making arrests. The altercation turned violent, resulting in attacks on government personnel and vandalism of agency vehicles.
Oshodi Resettlement Market is one of Lagos’ busiest trading hubs, attracting thousands of shoppers daily seeking affordable clothing, footwear, household items and more. The closure has left hundreds of traders unable to conduct business and disrupted shopping plans for many residents who depend on the market’s competitive prices. “Lagos maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards assaults on enforcement officers,” Wahab said in a written statement. He added that investigations are ongoing to identify all those involved in the attack, and warned that such incidents would not be tolerated.
As at Monday evening, no date has been given for the market’s reopening. Traders and shoppers are urged to await further announcements while security agencies continue their investigation. In the interim, Lagosians are advised to patronise other major markets offering similar goods. These include Tejuosho Market in Yaba (noted for fashion items and accessories), Balogun Market on Lagos Island (renowned for wholesale and retail products), Arena Market within Oshodi axis (for general merchandise), Idumota Market (popular with bulk buyers), and Aswani Market (known for affordable clothing).
With state authorities vowing to restore order before any reopening, stakeholders in the market community have called for calm and urged all parties to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-closes-oshodi-market-alternatives-2026062317490691405
Nigeria News (Standard)
International Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Alleged Intimidation of SERAP in Ongoing Legal Disputes
Global watchdogs call on Nigerian authorities to safeguard civil society space as SERAP faces mounting legal pressure
Global watchdogs call on Nigerian authorities to safeguard civil society space as SERAP faces mounting legal pressure
Several international human rights organisations have voiced serious concerns over alleged attempts to intimidate the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) amid ongoing lawsuits in Nigeria. The development has drawn attention to Lagos, where SERAP is currently entangled in multiple legal cases as at Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
According to statements issued by the global rights groups, there are growing fears that the legal challenges facing SERAP may be part of a broader effort to suppress advocacy and civil society activity in Nigeria. The organisations did not specify which suits are involved but highlighted patterns of intimidation that could undermine SERAP’s work on government transparency and anti-corruption reforms.
SERAP has long played a prominent role in promoting accountability and transparency in Nigeria, especially through litigation against federal and state institutions. Observers note that any perceived clampdown on the group could have significant implications for the civic space and access to justice for ordinary Nigerians.
The international bodies urged Nigerian authorities to guarantee SERAP’s right to operate without harassment or interference. “Civil society must be protected from all forms of intimidation,” one group said in its statement, calling for immediate safeguards. There was no immediate response from government agencies regarding the allegations, and efforts to reach relevant officials were unsuccessful as at press time.
Rights advocates warn that continued legal pressure on advocacy groups like SERAP risks eroding public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. The situation is expected to draw further scrutiny from both local and international stakeholders if the current trend continues.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Obi, SERAP, #EndBadGovernance Group Condemn Sowore’s Detention, Allege Political Persecution
Activists and rights groups demand immediate release of AAC chieftain, call trial a threat to democracy in Abuja
Activists and rights groups demand immediate release of AAC chieftain, call trial a threat to democracy in Abuja
Prominent Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore’s ongoing detention has drawn strong condemnation from the #EndBadGovernance movement, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), who allege his trial is politically motivated. The reactions followed Sowore’s continued incarceration by authorities in Abuja as at Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
According to statements issued by the #EndBadGovernance coalition and SERAP, Sowore—publisher of Sahara Reporters and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate—remains in custody despite repeated calls for his release. The groups argue that the charges against him amount to a political trial designed to silence opposition voices ahead of key national elections.
Sowore’s detention has become a rallying point for civil society actors who see the move as part of a wider clampdown on dissent. Activists warn that prosecuting high-profile critics could set a dangerous precedent for the protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria. “This is not just about one individual; it’s about safeguarding democracy and freedom of expression,” the #EndBadGovernance movement said in a written statement.
Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, joined calls for Sowore’s unconditional release. In his reaction, Obi described the situation as ‘unacceptable’ and urged government to respect constitutional rights. SERAP echoed these concerns, warning that persistent repression could undermine Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights treaties.
With public scrutiny mounting, observers say government now faces increasing pressure to demonstrate respect for rule of law and due process. Rights advocates have vowed to sustain advocacy until Sowore regains his freedom. At press time, there was no official comment from relevant security agencies on why Sowore remained in custody despite widespread appeals.
Nigeria News (Standard)
DIG Fayoade Pledges Improved Security in Lagos, Endorses Technology-Driven Policing
Police say 28 armed robbery attempts foiled, 71 suspects arrested in four months as LSSTF urges more innovation
Police say 28 armed robbery attempts foiled, 71 suspects arrested in four months as LSSTF urges more innovation
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of South-West, Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, has assured residents of Lagos State and the wider South-West region of enhanced security measures, following a strategic visit to the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja on Monday. The visit, part of his working tour across the six states in the zone, provided an opportunity for police leadership and security stakeholders to discuss new approaches to tackling criminal activities.
During the engagement, Fayoade commended ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Police Command and highlighted recent successes in crime prevention. According to police figures, officers foiled 28 armed robbery incidents and apprehended 71 suspects between February and June 2026. The Deputy Inspector-General stressed that sustained collaboration with the LSSTF and other partners is vital to consolidating these gains.
The meeting focused on leveraging technology and innovative strategies to address evolving security threats. Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan, urged security agencies to embrace modern policing tools and deepen partnerships with private sector players. He noted that Lagos remains a critical economic hub whose safety has far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s prosperity.
Commissioner of Police for Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Zone 2), Moshood Jimoh, were also present at the session. They reiterated their commitment to proactive policing and intelligence-led operations. “We are deploying more surveillance equipment and enhancing rapid response capabilities,” Tijani said during the briefing.
Security experts at the event advocated for more investment in digital infrastructure and community-based initiatives to complement police efforts. The LSSTF reaffirmed its readiness to support capacity-building programmes and provide technical resources where needed. Fayoade concluded by calling on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as strategies are rolled out across local government areas.
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