₦airaland Forum

Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has issued a strong warning to truck drivers and transport operators against the unauthorized use of its logo on vehicles not affiliated with the company. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

According to the management, despite repeated warnings in the past, some independent truckers still brand their vehicles with the Dangote logo without approval. The company noted that this unlawful practice not only causes reputational damage but also misleads the public, especially when such trucks are involved in accidents or criminal activities mistakenly linked to Dangote.

In a recent statement, the company said:

“We have repeatedly cautioned truckers to refrain from using our logo on unauthorized vehicles. Moving forward, we will increase vigilance and take decisive legal action against misuse of our brand identity, particularly concerning vehicles unaffiliated with the Dangote Group.”

Crackdown on Fake Dangote Trucks

Dangote further revealed that it will intensify monitoring in partnership with law enforcement agencies to curb the trend. Offenders risk facing legal prosecution for brand identity misuse and misrepresentation.

The company also urged members of the public and the media to verify facts before circulating reports linking road incidents to Dangote trucks, as many of the vehicles involved are not part of its official fleet.
Dangote’s Trucking Operations in Nigeria

Dangote Group operates one of the largest commercial fleets in Africa, with over 12,000 trucks in Nigeria. This includes more than 3,000 vehicles managed by third-party contractors. On a daily basis, over 6,000 trucks are deployed to support the company’s logistics network, which directly and indirectly sustains over 36,000 jobs nationwide.

This renewed warning sends a clear signal that Dangote Industries is determined to protect its brand image and will no longer tolerate unauthorized use of its identity.

Veteran Nollywood actress Joke Silva has been thrown into mourning following the passing of her elder brother, John Olabiyi Silva, at the age of 73.

The award-winning actress, who is married to iconic actor Olu Jacobs, shared the sad news with fans on her Instagram page. Her heartfelt post immediately drew an outpouring of condolences from colleagues in the movie industry and admirers across Nigeria and beyond. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Many Nollywood stars took to social media to comfort Silva, praising her strength while sending prayers to the grieving family. Fans also expressed their support, noting the actress’s long-standing impact on the Nigerian film industry.

Joke Silva, widely respected as one of Nollywood’s most influential figures, continues to inspire generations of entertainers with her dedication and resilience both on and off screen.

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of Odera Gregory Mbadiwe, brother of reality TV stars Ocee and Ozee Mbadiwe, who was declared missing on Wednesday, September 3. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

According to the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, the case was first reported on September 1, when Odera left his Victoria Island residence in his father’s Nissan 350Z Convertible and failed to return.

A statement released by the Command partly read:

“A discreet and diligent investigation was promptly ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, into the disappearance of the missing person. Acting on actionable intelligence and with the support of public-spirited individuals, he was traced to the Mile 2 area of Lagos State, where he was found hale and hearty, though in a distressed state. He has since been reunited with his family and is receiving medical attention and proper care. In the course of the investigation, the vehicle was also recovered.”

DSP Oluseyi further noted that CP Olohundare Jimoh applauded both the swift response of officers and the cooperation of Lagos residents, whose valuable information aided in locating Odera.

The Commissioner reassured the public that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to promptly report similar incidents for immediate intervention.

X User Who Queried Phyna’s Alleged ₦1 Billion Demand Loses Brother in Dangote Truck Accident

Tragedy has befallen an X user known as Enugu of Lagos, who recently made headlines for questioning Phyna’s alleged ₦1 billion demand from the Dangote Group, following a separate truck-related incident. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

On September 3, 2025, Enugu announced via his X (formerly Twitter) handle that his brother had died in a crash involving a Dangote truck. According to him, the accident claimed three lives.

Sharing a photo from the scene, he wrote:
“Another accident happened this afternoon just beside that Four Corner and claimed the lives of four persons including my brother 😭😭😭😭😭”

This tragic news surfaced shortly after his earlier tweet questioning the compensation demand made by Phyna, whose sister Ruth was struck by a Dangote truck on August 13, 2025, just days after graduating from Auchi Polytechnic. Ruth later passed away on August 31, 2025.

Dangote Truck Rams Into Vehicle, Crushes Entire Family, Others In Enugu

A Dangote truck has crushed a family and three other individuals at Four Corner along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as horrific, with a video showing a vehicle completely crushed by the trailer.

"A family were said to have been in the vehicle, with eyewitnesses disclosing that none of them came out alive," a witness stated.

This tragedy comes just a week after a Dangote truck allegedly caused the death of Ruth Otabor, the younger sister of Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, Phyna, after crushing her legs over the weekend.

Previously, SaharaReporters reported that the Dangote Group has expressed sorrow over the passing of Ruth Otabor, who was critically injured in a road accident involving one of the company’s trucks in Auchi, Edo State.

Ruth was the sister of Josephine Otabor, Big Brother Naija Season 7 winner, popularly known as Phyna.

In a statement released on Sunday, August 31, 2025, the company said it had made arrangements to fly Ruth to India for advanced medical treatment, pending clearance from her doctors.

The group said that since the accident, its officials and insurance partners had been providing full medical and financial support to Ruth and assisting her family.

“On behalf of the entire Dangote Group, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time,” the company’s statement said.

“Since the accident, our officials and insurance partners have been by her side, covering all financial and medical costs and supporting her family.

“Arrangements had been made for her to be flown to India for advanced treatment, pending medical clearance from her doctors. Sadly, despite these efforts and Ruth's brave fight to live, we lost her today.”

The Dangote Group emphasised that safety, accountability, and compassion remain central to its operations and reiterated its commitment to strengthening safety systems and supporting those affected in times of tragedy.

“May God grant her mercy and eternal rest,” the statement concluded.

WATCH: Confusion As Dangote Truck Rams Into Vehicle, Crushes Entire Family, Others In Enugu

WATCH: Confusion As Dangote Truck Rams Into Vehicle, Crushes Entire Family, Others In Enugu pic.twitter.com/Y4BeRLnH7g

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) September 3, 2025

I’m bringing this to the general public as a disclaimer against my personality.
First of all let me say I am not affiliated with any cult or fraternity and I don’t have a problem with anyone who is, because they are who they are and I’m who I am… I’m an army of God and chosen one of Christ. God is my fortress. Psalm 91 vs 2 🙏

But as you can see in this screenshot, I am being threatened and this is not the first time, it’s now becoming too often.

I don’t know what game he is taking about but I have seen these kinds of things play out many times both in the real world and movies. My life is under threats and if anything happens to me, y’all know who to hold responsible. The only reason I’m doing this is to protect myself.

The late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s granddaughter, Halima Amira Junaid, is preparing to walk down the aisle with Walid Shehu Mauzu in a grand wedding ceremony scheduled to take place in Kaduna State. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Halima is the daughter of Nana Hadiza, one of Buhari’s daughters from a previous marriage, who is now married to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN). Hadiza, currently the third wife of the ex-AGF, was previously married to Captain Junaid Abdullahi, with whom she has six children, including Halima.

The wedding fatiha is set for August 30, 2025, and will be accompanied by a series of elegant pre-wedding activities such as a bridal soiree, Kamu ceremony, and a grand dinner.

However, it was observed that several members of the former first family were notably absent from the celebrations, raising speculations among close watchers of the Buhari family.

As the date draws closer, the wedding is expected to attract dignitaries, political figures, and well-wishers from across Nigeria.

Popular Nollywood actress, Nkechi Blessing, narrowly escaped a potential disaster after the POP ceiling in her Lekki residence suddenly collapsed. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The actress shared the shocking incident on her Instagram page, posting a video that showed the wreckage dangerously close to her car. The footage quickly went viral, sparking reactions from fans who expressed relief over her safety while questioning the cause of the structural failure.

Although the damage appeared extensive, Nkechi Blessing confirmed that she was unharmed and expressed gratitude for escaping what could have been a tragic accident.

As of the time of this report, the actress has not disclosed the exact cause of the collapse, but many have urged homeowners to conduct regular maintenance checks to prevent such incidents.

Nollywood’s rising star Priscilla Ojo and her Tanzanian singer husband, Juma Jux, have officially become parents for the first time. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The celebrity couple, who first shared the exciting news of their pregnancy in a heartwarming joint Instagram announcement on July 4, 2025, are now overjoyed to welcome their newborn into the world.

Fans and well-wishers across Nigeria and Tanzania have flooded their social media pages with congratulatory messages, celebrating this new chapter in their love story.

This marks a major milestone in their relationship, drawing attention from both Nollywood and the East African entertainment scene.

Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has reaffirmed that his main focus is a better Nigeria, not a desperate pursuit of the presidency. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Speaking on Saturday in Lagos during an affirmation ceremony where key figures from the PDP and Labour Party officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku – represented by Prof. Ola Olateju of Achievers University, Owo – said the coalition was more of a national movement than a traditional political party.

“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria. So, it’s not about him being the president. It’s about having a government that will deliver for Nigerians,” Olateju stated.

The former PDP leader recently resigned from the party alongside other opposition figures to join the ADC. He stressed that the new movement is aimed at repositioning the country amid economic hardship, subsidy removal, and inflation.

Atiku also assured that ADC’s 2027 presidential candidate would emerge through a free and fair process, adding:

“The point is a better Nigeria, not Atiku for president at all costs, not Obi for president at all costs. Whoever picks the ticket shall represent the collective voice and aspiration of Nigerians.”

He urged Nigerians to support the coalition, expressing confidence that with collective effort and divine guidance, the ADC could deliver competent, compassionate leadership to move Nigeria towards prosperity.

Etinosa Idemudia Flaunts Results After Liposuction Surgery, Shares Recovery Journey

Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has openly documented her transformation journey after undergoing liposuction surgery with a fat transfer, sharing her experience from pre-surgery anxiety to post-surgery delight. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In a video posted on her Instagram, the actress humorously bid farewell to her “old body” before going under the knife. She revealed that the procedure was part of her journey to manage polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) while regaining confidence in her body.
The Procedure & Recovery

Etinosa underwent liposuction combined with a fat transfer, though she chose not to reveal the exact area where the fat was transferred. To enhance her healing process, she also completed ten hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions—five before the surgery and five after. These sessions, she explained, helped reduce inflammation, speed up recovery, and improve her overall post-surgical results.

Just days after the operation, the actress appeared in compression garments, proudly showing off her new figure. Her cheerful demeanor and visible transformation left fans impressed as she credited her medical team for a smooth experience.
Gratitude & Confidence Restored

Sharing her journey, Etinosa captioned her post:

“Another win against PCOS ✅ Celebrating my successful mummy makeover @officialheritagemedandspa 🥰”

The actress praised the clinic’s professionalism and encouraged women dealing with similar health challenges to explore safe and professional medical options.
Fans React

The post has sparked mixed reactions from fans—while some applauded her transparency and courage, others engaged in debates about cosmetic surgery in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Nigerian celebrity chef and restaurateur, Hilda Baci, is gearing up for another historic culinary feat—this time, by attempting to cook the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice ever made. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The announcement was made via her Instagram and TikTok accounts, sparking excitement among fans across West Africa.

This record-breaking attempt comes just two years after Baci captured global attention with her longest cooking marathon in 2023—a Guinness World Record that was later surpassed by another chef.

The Dream Pot of Jollof

Standing beside a 6 by 6-meter pot, Hilda expressed her passion for the challenge:

“Some dreams keep us awake until we make them reality. In 2023, it was the Hilda Baci cook-a-thon that took the world by storm. This year, it’s jollof—the heartbeat of West Africa. A taste that tells our story. It’s more than cooking; it’s a celebration of our food, our culture, music, and us.”

She revealed that this event, in partnership with Gino, will hold on September 12, 2025, at Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“Two years ago, I imagined the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice the world has ever seen. Today, with Gino—a brand we all grew up with—my dream is becoming a reality. On 12th September 2025, I will be making the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice with you, because what is my jollof rice without you to enjoy it?”

Social Media Reactions

The news has since gone viral, with fans reacting in their usual witty and humorous style:

peculiar: “My problem is where are you going to stand to turn the jollof rice 😏😩.”

Nyarkoa: “This has already happened in Ghana before.”

1PROMPT (1PM) CUISINE: “She was standing in the pot 😭😭😭.”

pelumib37: “Imagine accidentally falling inside the pot while the Jollof stew is boiling 😩😩.”

Nana: “The amount of Maggie cube will be astonishing.”

Kwansema Quansah: “It’s a WIN for all of us WEST AFRICANS. Proud of you Queen. Love from Ghana 🇬🇭.”

When and Where

Date: 12th September 2025

Location: Okunola Park, Victoria Island, Lagos

Goal: To set a new Guinness World Record for the largest pot of Nigerian jollof rice

It’s a season of celebration for Nollywood actress Mercy Ebosele and her husband as the couple joyfully welcomes a set of twins into their family. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The actress took to her Instagram page to share the heartwarming news, posting radiant family photos and a heartfelt message of gratitude to God.

“I am the woman whom the Lord has shown great mercy,” she wrote, reflecting on the magnitude of the blessing.

Her announcement was met with an outpouring of love and congratulatory messages from colleagues, fans, and well-wishers across the entertainment industry.

Actress Mosun Filani rejoiced in the comments, writing:

“Yes indeed. Double for your trouble. Congratulations, Ajoke! I am a proud godmother of twins.”

Fellow actress Temitope Aruga added:

“Congratulations, sis. God is good.”

Veteran actor Muyiwa Ademola also joined in the celebration with a simple but heartfelt:

“Oluwaseun.” (Thank You, Lord)

Mercy Ebosele, known for her roles in Yoruba-language films, has long been admired for her talent and grace on and off the screen. The arrival of her twins marks a new chapter of joy and fulfillment in her life.

Lagos Government Responds to Peller’s ₦36m Tax Complaint: “All Income Earners Must Pay”

The Lagos State Government has officially responded to the viral outcry of popular TikTok creator, Habeeb Hamzat, aka Peller, who claimed he was slammed with a ₦36 million tax bill by the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS). Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Peller, a 20-year-old content creator who gained widespread attention in 2024, sparked public debate after revealing during a livestream with singer Peruzzi that the state demanded an amount he described as outrageous.

“They said I should pay ₦36m tax. I swear to Almighty Allah, I don’t have that kind of money. I only started making a name for myself last year. Why should I pay ₦36m? The government has never given me anything, not even TikTok support,” Peller lamented.

Reacting to the controversy on Tuesday, Abdulkabir Ogungbo, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tax and Revenue, stated that taxation is a civic duty for anyone earning income within the state, whether through physical or online channels.

“Anybody who earns legitimately is required by Section 24 of the Nigerian Constitution to declare their income honestly and pay tax. While we still need to investigate the details of this specific case, the principle is clear: if you earn, you must remit taxes,” Ogungbo said.

He further explained that new tax reforms in Lagos now cover digital creators, online influencers, and virtual transactions.

“Whether you earn physically or virtually, as long as you reside in Lagos and enjoy the state’s infrastructure, you are expected to pay your tax here—unless you can prove you are paying in another jurisdiction,” he added.

Ogungbo noted that the LIRS operates independently, assessing and issuing tax notices on behalf of the government. He, however, promised to engage with the agency to clarify Peller’s case before issuing an official position.

As of now, the LIRS has not released a formal statement on the matter, and attempts to reach its Head of Corporate Communications, Monsurat Amasa, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.

“I Am Warning You, Leave Me Alone” – Yinka Theisen Accuses May Yul-Edochie of Cyberbullying

Yinka Theisen, the ex-lover of Nollywood actor Linc Edochie, has once again taken to social media to call out May Yul-Edochie, estranged wife of actor Yul Edochie, over alleged online harassment.

In a fiery statement, Yinka accused May of leading an online group known as “May Nation”, which she claims has been orchestrating cyberattacks against her. According to Yinka, members of the group recently petitioned her employers, accusing her of “bullying a suicidal woman” in an attempt to have her fired. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

She described the move as “absurd”, insisting that May was not suicidal and that the allegations were part of a calculated campaign to tarnish her reputation.

“May Yul Edochie is the leader of May Nation & they are doing her bidding. A bunch of women wrote a petition to my employers… just to get me fired,” Yinka alleged.

Yinka further claimed that the group had previously attacked her children, leaked her personal phone number, and continued to harass her online even after her breakup with Linc Edochie became public.

She also suggested that Linc’s public announcement of their split was made to appease May’s supporters.

“I am not a coward & the silly cyberbullying still continues… May Yul Edochie, I am warning you publicly for the last time, leave me alone!!!!” she declared.

As of the time of this report, May Yul-Edochie has not responded to the allegations. The feud between the two women has been a recurring topic of discussion among Nollywood fans on social media.

Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has openly opposed calls by some Muslim groups for female students in Christian mission schools to be allowed to wear the hijab.

Speaking during a church service, the renowned cleric described the demand as “overstepping boundaries,” likening it to “a tenant decreeing for the landlord.” He insisted that mission schools must maintain their founding principles and advised those pushing for hijab use to establish their own schools where such dress codes can be freely implemented. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

“Leave the schools for the owners. Go to your school; men and women can wear hijab there. Stop putting your finger in the eyes of others when they are not blind,” Oyedepo said.

The bishop warned against what he termed “harassment of the church in Nigeria,” stressing that “God is a consuming fire” and cautioning that such actions could attract divine judgment.

In his address, Oyedepo also prayed against societal vices such as ritual killings, kidnapping, and farmland destruction, asking for God’s judgment on those behind such crimes.

The hijab debate has been a recurring point of tension in states like Kwara, where Muslim groups have clashed with church authorities over dress codes in mission schools that predate state takeovers.

Oyedepo urged Christians to remain steadfast in defending their faith and to stand firm against policies or demands that undermine church values.

DEAR @ALIKO_DANGOTEGCON @DANGOTEGROUP FROM ALL THAT HAS HAPPEN YOU DECIDED TO RATHER TELL THE NIGERIAN POLICE TO REMOVE THE PLATE NUMBER ON THE TRUCK THAT CRUSH MY SISTER, AND ALSO ONE OF YOUR MANAGERS IS GOING TO THE STATION TOMORROW. WHAT HAPPENED TO SEEING MY SISTER FIRST? IF THAT TRUCK AND YOUR DRIVER SHOULD LEAVE THAT STATION!!! I WILL BE RIGHT BACK ATTENDING TO MY SISTER FIRST NA MONEY YOU GET YOU NO BE GOD. BUT MY GOD IS BIGGER. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH UNA DON TOO CHO PEOLE BUT YOU SEE THIS AHHHH

Afrobeats star Omah Lay has allegedly accused fellow artist Rema of stealing his album concept, as screenshots of their past conversations make rounds on social media. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

In a resurfaced interview, Omah Lay hinted that a colleague had taken his ideas after he shared them privately, later releasing an album with similar concepts. He claimed he had to return to the studio to recreate his project from scratch.

Alleged 2023 Chat Surfaces

Now, alleged screenshots from Omah Lay’s burner account have gone viral, appearing to show a 2023 chat exchangebetween him and Rema.

In the conversation, the pair reportedly discussed collaborating and experimenting with a new sound, exchanging creative ideas and making promises to work together.

Multiple entertainment blogs suggest that the leak confirms Omah Lay’s earlier claims, though neither artist has issued an official public statement about the chat at the time of writing.

Social Media Reaction

Fans of both singers have taken to X and Instagram to debate the authenticity of the screenshots, with some defending Rema and others calling for him to address the allegations directly.

The incident has once again fueled conversations about intellectual property and originality in the Nigerian music industry.

Lagos State achieved a remarkable milestone in 2024, salvaging properties worth ₦117.12 billion and rescuing 450 people from deadly fire incidents, thanks to improved firefighting capacity and public awareness. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

The feat represents a 20% reduction in fire emergencies compared to 2023, according to the 2024 Fire Report presented at the second Lagos International Fire Safety Conference (LIFSC), held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

Investment in Technology, Stations, and Training

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attributed the success to continuous investments in modern fire stations, high-tech equipment, and community engagement.

Over the last six years, Lagos has built 25 new fire stations with four more set for completion. In the last two years alone, the State has deployed over 60 standard fire trucks and modern firefighting gear.

Smart innovations such as drones for detecting fire sources in high-rise buildings and an upgraded Command and Control Centre are also helping to cut emergency response time from 15 minutes to between 5 and 7 minutes.

“Our advocacy, communication, and engagement efforts are paying off. Lagosians are now more conscious of hazards that could escalate into disasters,” Sanwo-Olu said.

2024 Fire Report: Key Statistics

Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margret Adeseye, revealed that the agency handled 1,952 emergency calls in 2024, including 1,607 fire incidents, a sharp drop from over 2,500 calls in 2023.

Other highlights include:

7,870 facility inspections for fire risk assessment

7,039 fire certificates issued to businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, hotels, restaurants, and other institutions

91 fatalities recorded from fire outbreaks

₦19.5 billion in property losses despite rescue efforts

Fire Safety as a Shared Responsibility

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr. Gbenga Oyerinde, emphasized that fire safety is a collective responsibility, requiring cooperation from residents, communities, and the private sector.

With increased public awareness and rapid response systems, Lagos aims to further reduce casualties and property losses in the coming years.

Former Anambra State Governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, has made a startling revelation about a bizarre and intimidating experience he endured just before becoming governor in 2003. According to Ngige, he was forcibly taken to the notorious Okija shrine to swear an oath of loyalty days before the election that brought him into power. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Ngige recounted that the incident happened at midnight. He said he was taken away without being told the destination and only realized where he was when they arrived at the shrine — a location long associated with fear, intimidation, and occult activities in Anambra State.

“They said I must swear an oath of loyalty,” Ngige narrated. “I know those shrines and small deities don’t work — God Almighty is above all. So I went with my Bible and holy water. When I saw what they were doing, one of them offered to swear for me, and I allowed him to do so.”

Refusal to Bow to the Shrine’s Demands
Ngige, who is also a trained medical doctor, said he refused to personally participate in the rituals because of his Christian faith. Instead, he allowed one of the shrine’s members to carry out the act on his behalf, armed with the belief that such practices held no real power over him.

Shortly after assuming office as governor, Ngige claimed he received a security report that exposed widespread criminal activities at the Okija shrine. The report, according to him, detailed how the shrine was being used for swindling, intimidation, and manipulation under the guise of traditional authority.

Demolition of the Infamous Shrine
Ngige said he quickly informed then-President Olusegun Obasanjo about the disturbing revelations. The president, he recounted, did not hesitate to order decisive action.

“The President instructed my Commissioner of Police, through the IGP, to level the shrine. We went there, and it was destroyed,” he revealed.

The demolition marked a significant step in weakening the shrine’s influence in the state. While Ngige confirmed that the original structure no longer exists, he acknowledged that smaller shrines still operate in the community — though their influence has greatly diminished over time.

Changing Mindsets in Anambra
According to Ngige, the once-feared Okija shrine has lost much of its power as more people in the community have embraced modern thinking and abandoned superstitious practices.

“Many people have realised that the shrine was run by a swindling gang,” he said. “Those days are mostly over, and the people have moved on.”

The Okija shrine gained national notoriety in the early 2000s when law enforcement uncovered disturbing scenes, including decomposing bodies and items used for rituals. Ngige’s account adds another layer to the shrine’s dark history, revealing how political figures were also caught up in its web of fear and manipulation.

His story serves as a reminder of how traditional practices, when abused, can be weaponised for political control, and how strong leadership can dismantle such strongholds.

In a sweeping disciplinary move, the Federal Government has dismissed 15 personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) for what has been described as serious misconduct and flagrant violation of service regulations.

The development was confirmed in a statement released in Abuja by the NCoS spokesperson, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Abubakar Umar, on Thursday. He noted that the action is part of a broader effort to uphold discipline and professional integrity within Nigeria’s correctional system. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

231 Disciplinary Cases Reviewed

According to DCC Umar, the decision to dismiss the 15 officers followed a thorough review of 231 disciplinary cases submitted to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). These cases were presented through the Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC).

“A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the service for serious misconduct and violation of service regulations,” Umar stated.

More Than Dismissals – Other Disciplinary Actions

Beyond dismissals, the board also took a number of other disciplinary actions:

59 officers had their ranks reduced after being found guilty of violating professional standards.

42 personnel received written warnings as corrective measures.

8 officers were compulsorily retired, and

1 officer had their rank reversed, with a directive to refund all earnings made while holding the improper rank.

Some Cleared, Others Still Under Investigation

In a show of balance and due process, DCC Umar revealed that 16 officers were exonerated after investigations proved them innocent of all allegations. However, 7 others remain on suspension as investigations into their alleged misconduct continue.

One officer’s case was deemed severe enough to be forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution, marking a serious escalation in accountability measures.
Reinforcing Ethics and Accountability in Public Service

The spokesman emphasized that the disciplinary measures are a reflection of the zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct championed by the Ministry of Interior under Dr. Olubunmi Tunde-Ojo, who currently chairs the CDCFIB.

“The Board reiterates its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards across all cadres,” Umar noted.

This crackdown aligns with ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reform Nigeria’s correctional system, ensuring it operates within globally accepted best practices.
Why This Matters

The Nigerian Correctional Service has often faced criticism over poor conduct by personnel, including issues relating to corruption, abuse of inmates, and lax enforcement of rules. This move signals a more aggressive approach toward accountability and transparency within the institution.

Big Brother Naija star, Hermes Iyele, has revealed a deeply personal story about his upbringing, shedding light on how his family was torn apart by financial hardship.

Speaking in a heartfelt interview on the popular podcast #WithChude, the reality TV personality and performance artist shared how his mother abandoned their family after his father lost his job, leaving him and his siblings to be raised solely by their dad.

According to Hermes, his father was once a UNICEF employee and lived a relatively stable life, frequently traveling for work. However, everything changed when he lost his job. Unable to secure new employment, the elder Iyele had to resort to driving a commercial bus to make ends meet. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

“When things got bad, we moved into an uncompleted building. My mum didn’t want to come with us, so she left that night and didn’t return for seven years,” Hermes revealed.

Growing Up Without a Mother

The decision of his mother to leave the family at such a crucial moment had a lasting impact on Hermes. He admitted that her absence during his formative years affected him emotionally. Despite this, he harbors no bitterness.

“My dad raised us with love, and that’s why I still have love for my mum today. Their marriage wasn’t happy, and maybe she just did what she had to do,” he said.

This emotional maturity has drawn praise from fans, many of whom admire Hermes for choosing empathy over resentment. He explained that although the reason behind his father’s financial downfall remains uncertain, he suspects poor financial decisions may have played a role. Still, he prefers not to dwell on the past.

A Tribute to a Lost Parent

Hermes also confirmed during the interview that his mother passed away in November 2024, bringing an emotional end to a chapter marked by pain, separation, and eventual healing. While their relationship never returned to what it could have been, Hermes seems to have made peace with his past.

His story paints a picture of resilience and forgiveness, values that have helped him rise from humble beginnings to become a recognized name in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Known for his unique fashion sense, bold personality, and expressive art, Hermes has continually used his platform to speak on mental health, family, and societal issues.
Inspiring Others Through Vulnerability

This recent revelation has sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians relating to his story of family struggles and single-parent upbringing. Hermes’s honesty reminds many young people navigating similar hardships that they are not alone—and that healing is possible.