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Nigeria News (Standard)

Rivers Police Sack Oyigbo DPO over Alleged ₦500,000 Extortion

Commissioner of Police orders probe as public outrage grows over reported misconduct in Oyigbo Division

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Commissioner of Police orders probe as public outrage grows over reported misconduct in Oyigbo Division

The Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Oyigbo Division following allegations that he extorted ₦500,000 from a resident. The announcement was made on Sunday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, who confirmed that the officer has been relieved of his duties while a comprehensive investigation is underway.

According to police authorities, the decision came after activists raised concerns online, accusing the DPO of collecting ₦500,000 from a man under questionable circumstances. The allegations quickly attracted widespread attention across Rivers State and beyond, prompting calls for greater accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.

Public reaction has been swift, with many residents and civil society groups demanding transparency in how the case is handled. The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, responded by ordering an immediate investigation and directing that the officer be removed from office to guarantee a fair and impartial process. “The Command is committed to ensuring professionalism and accountability in all its dealings,” Kaborlo said in a written statement released to journalists in Port Harcourt.

The incident has reignited debates around police conduct and extortion across the South-South region. Stakeholders have urged authorities not to shield any officers found culpable. Meanwhile, police leadership stressed that any personnel found guilty would face disciplinary action according to established regulations.

As at press time, investigations were ongoing, and the Command assured members of the public that updates would be provided as new findings emerge. The development is being watched closely by both local communities and rights advocates seeking reforms within the security sector.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/rivers-police-remove-oyigbo-dpo-over-alleged-misconduct/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos State Inaugurates Transport Union Task Force to Tackle Waste Dumping at Bus Parks

Commissioner Osiyemi warns NURTW, RTEAN members must clean up own garages before policing others

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Commissioner Osiyemi warns NURTW, RTEAN members must clean up own garages before policing others

Lagos State Government on Saturday inaugurated a Special Task Force empowering transport union members to enforce sanitation at bus stops, garages, and major roads across the city. The move, announced at a ceremony in Alausa, Ikeja, sees members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) drafted as street-level ‘waste police’ to monitor indiscriminate dumping in transport corridors.

Commissioner for Transportation Oluwaseun Osiyemi said the initiative aims to curb a surge in refuse dumping along roadsides and inside parks, with Lagos generating an estimated 13,000 tonnes of waste daily. “We cannot fold our arms while people carry waste from their homes and dump it on roads, medians, and public spaces,” Osiyemi stated at the inauguration. He told union leaders that enforcement must begin within their own premises: “Before you can enforce discipline outside, your own garages and bus stops must be in order.”

The task force was launched amid criticism that many transport union parks themselves are hotspots for poor sanitation, shanties, and indiscriminate trading. Stakeholders have questioned whether unions previously accused of tolerating dirty garages can effectively police littering by commuters and traders. The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), represented by Managing Director Muyiwa Gbadegesin, backed the plan but noted that the real challenge remains large-scale collection gaps and illegal dumping by private sector operators.

Despite clearing over 418,000 tonnes of waste in May and addressing 173 identified black spots, LAWMA continues to face complaints from residents about uncollected household waste and blocked drains. Critics argue that while union-led patrols could deter petty littering around bus stops through spot fines and visible enforcement, they do not address systemic failures in contracted waste evacuation or alleged illegal dumping by licensed operators.

The Lagos government maintains that the task force will focus on changing behaviour at high-traffic sites such as bus parks and lay-bys. However, observers say real progress requires LAWMA to improve oversight of private contractors responsible for residential waste collection. As at now, there is no announced plan to expand union involvement beyond street-level monitoring.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/lagos-transport-unions-waste-task-force-2026062215180852665

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Flood and Windstorm Destroy Farms, Shops in Ebonyi State Communities

Residents count losses as severe weather damages livelihoods across multiple LGAs; local authorities yet to respond

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Residents count losses as severe weather damages livelihoods across multiple LGAs; local authorities yet to respond

Severe flood and windstorm have wreaked havoc on farms and shops in several communities across Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria, causing significant destruction to livelihoods. The incidents, which occurred recently, left many residents counting their losses as agricultural produce and commercial properties were swept away or damaged.

According to affected residents, the heavy downpour led to widespread flooding, while strong winds toppled structures and uprooted crops in parts of the state. Farmers reported that their farmlands, stocked with crops at various stages of maturity, were submerged, resulting in substantial financial setbacks. Shop owners also lamented that goods worth millions of naira were destroyed as roofs were blown off and water inundated business premises.

The disaster comes at a time when many in Ebonyi rely heavily on agriculture and petty trading for survival. With the destruction of farmlands and shops, concerns are mounting over food security and economic hardship in the affected areas. Residents say such natural disasters have become more frequent during the rainy season, intensifying pressure on already vulnerable households.

As at press time, local government authorities had not issued an official statement or announced relief measures for those impacted by the flood and windstorm. Many residents appealed for urgent intervention from both state government and relevant agencies to mitigate their losses and prevent further hardship. “We need support to rebuild our farms and restart our businesses,” one affected farmer said.

The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but community leaders are urging prompt action to avert a deeper humanitarian crisis. Stakeholders have called on government at all levels to implement long-term solutions, including improved drainage systems and disaster preparedness programmes, to protect lives and property from recurring extreme weather events.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889819-flood-windstorm-destroy-farms-shops-in-ebonyi-communities.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

NUJ Honours SSS DG Yusuf Bichi with ‘Man of the Year’ Award in Abuja

Recognition highlights SSS Director-General’s leadership; journalists commend agency’s efforts on national security

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Recognition highlights SSS Director-General’s leadership; journalists commend agency’s efforts on national security

The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured Yusuf Bichi, Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), with its ‘Man of the Year’ award during a ceremony held on Monday in Abuja. The award recognises Bichi’s role at the helm of the SSS and his contributions to national security.

The NUJ presented the accolade as part of its annual awards programme, acknowledging outstanding public officials and institutions. The event, which brought together journalists and stakeholders from across Nigeria, featured remarks commending Bichi’s stewardship and the SSS’s collaboration with the media.

According to NUJ officials, Bichi was selected for his demonstrated commitment to strengthening internal security operations and fostering a relationship between the SSS and Nigerian media practitioners. The union noted that such engagement remains critical in addressing misinformation and supporting national stability.

While receiving the honour, Bichi expressed appreciation for the recognition, stating that it would motivate the agency to continue prioritising professionalism and intelligence-led operations. The NUJ leadership also called on other security agencies to emulate efforts aimed at building public trust through openness and regular engagement with journalists.

The NUJ is expected to continue its annual tradition of recognising individuals who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development. Observers say this year’s award reflects growing attention on security sector accountability and media-government relations.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889821-nuj-honours-sss-dg-with-man-of-the-year-award.html

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