Traders at the Bode Traditional Herbs and Other Products Market, popularly known as Iso Alagbo, in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, have been thrown into distress after a fire outbreak destroyed shops and goods in the early hours of Friday, 03/07/2026.
The inferno reportedly engulfed a section of the market, destroying traditional herbs, medicinal products, and other valuable items estimated to be worth millions of naira.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in one of the shops before spreading rapidly to nearby stalls, leaving extensive destruction in its wake. The exact cause of the incident has yet to be confirmed.
Affected traders were seen assessing the damage and lamenting their losses. While some believed a power surge may have triggered the fire, others said the cause remained unclear and called for a thorough investigation.
The total value of the destroyed property is yet to be officially determined.
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 11 students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho over an alleged cult-related plot, recovering firearms and other dangerous items during the operation.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State disclosed that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence indicating that members of rival cult groups were planning coordinated attacks within the university community and its surrounding areas.
According to the police, operatives from the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit swiftly launched a targeted operation, leading to the arrest of the suspects at different locations around the institution.
Items recovered during the operation include two locally made pistols, several live cartridges, suspected cult insignia, charms, and other incriminating materials believed to have been used in cult-related activities.
The Police Command stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly belonged to rival secret cult groups and were mobilising for violent confrontations before security operatives foiled the plan.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, armed violence, and other criminal activities across the state, warning individuals involved in unlawful associations to desist or face the full weight of the law.
He also assured parents, students, and residents that adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain peace within the university environment and across Oyo State.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. Meanwhile, the Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members connected to the alleged cult network.
The controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) has taken a fresh turn as Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to head the body, rejected allegations by the Presidency that the agency is fictitious, insisting he is being unfairly targeted.
The latest development follows a detailed statement by the Presidency defending the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and explaining the circumstances that led to criminal charges against Adeyemi over alleged forgery, impersonation and the operation of a non-existent government agency.
According to the Presidency, Gbajabiamila petitioned security agencies in October 2025 after discovering that forged appointment letters bearing his purported signature were being used to create the impression that Adeyemi had been appointed Director-General of the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), bodies the government maintains do not exist. Investigators also alleged that Adeyemi operated several bank accounts in the names of fictitious government agencies and held meetings with diplomats and other stakeholders while presenting himself as a government official.
However, Adeyemi has dismissed the allegations, describing the Presidency’s position as an attempt to silence him. He questioned how the PFIPC allegedly appeared in the 2026 Appropriation Act if the agency truly did not exist and called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the matter. He also denied wrongdoing and claimed his life was under threat.
The Federal Government has since confirmed that Adeyemi and two others are facing an eight-count charge before the Federal High Court over alleged conspiracy, forgery and impersonation. The case is expected to come up for hearing later this month.
With both sides standing firmly by their positions, the PFIPC controversy has continued to generate nationwide attention, raising questions over government procedures, public accountability and the authenticity of the disputed agency. The outcome of the ongoing court proceedings is expected to determine the veracity of the competing claims.
The Ekiti State Government has commenced the registration of commercial motorcycle operators across the state as part of renewed efforts to enhance security, improve regulation of the transport sector and strengthen intelligence gathering.
The exercise, according to the government, is aimed at creating a comprehensive database of commercial motorcyclists operating within the state to aid security agencies in identifying operators, tracking criminal activities and promoting public safety.
Officials said all commercial motorcycle riders, popularly known as okada operators, are expected to participate in the registration exercise, which will capture their personal details, operational locations and other relevant information.
The government explained that the initiative forms part of broader measures to address rising security concerns, curb criminal activities linked to the misuse of motorcycles and ensure that only properly identified and registered operators are allowed to conduct commercial transport services.
Authorities urged riders to cooperate with the exercise, stressing that it is not intended to punish law-abiding operators but to protect residents and improve security across the state.
The state also called on transport unions, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the registration process to ensure its success, noting that the database would assist law enforcement agencies in investigations and emergency response when necessary.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that additional security initiatives would be introduced to complement ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order throughout Ekiti State.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted fake NAFDAC-labelled medicines, illicit drugs and expired pharmaceutical products with a combined Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N53.39 billion at the Apapa Port, describing the seizures as a major breakthrough in its efforts to protect public health and national security.
Speaking during the handover of the seized narcotics and expired pharmaceuticals at the Apapa Area Command on Wednesday, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the nine seizures followed intelligence gathering, scanning analysis, physical examination and close collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to him, the seizures included over 6.7 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa (Canadian Loud) concealed in two 40-foot containers alongside imported vehicles and automobile spare parts, 339,800 bottles of Codeine syrup, several containers of expired pharmaceutical products, Piccan Teething Powder, and fake NAFDAC-labelled medicines.
Adeniyi disclosed that one of the consignments contained 1,100 packages of CHACOLD Chlorpheniramine Maleate Capsules bearing a fake NAFDAC registration number and a false expiry date.
“This particular seizure at first glance, the consignment appeared legitimate. However, a detailed verification of the NAFDAC certificate presented by the declarant established that the product is, in fact, not registered with NAFDAC,” he said.
“The use of a fake registration number and supporting documentation clearly indicates a deliberate attempt to smuggle unregistered pharmaceutical products into the Nigerian market, thereby posing a serious risk to public health.”
The Customs boss said the counterfeit medicines had been seized in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, and would be handed over to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for further investigation and regulatory action.
He stated that the total value of the nine seizures stood at N53,391,140,029, stressing that the significance of the interceptions went beyond their monetary worth.
These seizures represent far more than monetary value. They represent lives protected, families preserved, communities secured and countless young Nigerians shielded from the devastating consequences of drug abuse and unsafe medicines,” Adeniyi said.
He warned that the importation of expired medicines and controlled substances remained a direct threat to public health, noting that criminal networks were increasingly using sophisticated concealment methods to exploit legitimate trade channels.
These interceptions equally demonstrate that the Nigeria Customs Service possesses the intelligence capability, technological capacity and operational readiness to detect, intercept and dismantle these criminal enterprises,” he added.
Adeniyi announced that the seized narcotic drugs would be formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution, while the expired pharmaceutical products would be transferred to NAFDAC for regulatory action and safe disposal.
He explained that only the prohibited items were being handed over, while the vehicles, spare parts and other goods used to conceal them would remain in the custody of the Customs Service for seizure, forfeiture, condemnation, revenue recovery and other enforcement actions.
The comptroller-general commended officers of the Apapa Area Command for their professionalism and praised the collaboration between Customs, NDLEA, NAFDAC and other security agencies.
He also issued a strong warning to smugglers, saying, “To those who seek to use our ports to traffic illicit drugs, expired pharmaceuticals or other prohibited goods, let today’s operation send a clear and unmistakable message that Nigeria’s ports are no longer safe havens for smugglers or organised criminal networks.”
According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and partnerships to protect the country’s borders, safeguard public health and ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said a four-month intelligence-led operation involving the NDLEA, the NCS and international partners foiled the attempt by drug traffickers to smuggle 6,778.5 kilogrammes of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as Canadian Loud, into Nigeria through Apapa Port in Lagos.
Marwa who represented by Assistant Commander General Narcrotics (ACGN) Ibinabo Archie-Abia described the operation as a major milestone in the fight against transnational drug trafficking.
He said the seizures, made on June 15 and June 24, were the result of months of intelligence gathering by the NDLEA’s Special Investigation Unit and Marine Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Nigeria Customs Service.
“Today marks a landmark moment in the history of the synergy between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Customs Service. Together, we have taken 6,778.5 kilograms of Cannabis Indica, popularly known as ‘Canadian Loud,’ out of circulation,” he said.
“Through two major seizures recorded on 15th and 24th June 2026, we send a clear and unequivocal message: we are more determined than ever to dismantle organised criminal syndicates and drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond our borders.”
Marwa disclosed that actionable intelligence was painstakingly developed over four months, enabling operatives to monitor the movement of the containers from Canada until they arrived in Nigeria.
“Over four months, actionable intelligence was carefully developed, and our marine surveillance officers tracked the vessels and containers throughout their journey until both were successfully intercepted,” he said.
The on Friday overturned the judgment of the which had permitted Muslim female students of the to wear hijab as part of their school uniform.
In the lead judgment, the appellate court held that although the has recognised the right of Muslim students to wear hijab in public schools, the apex court has not made any pronouncement extending that right to private schools.
The court stated:
“In public schools, you can wear hijab on school uniforms based on the judgment of the Supreme Court, but the Supreme Court is yet to make any decision on the use of hijab in private schools.”
Based on that reasoning, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal filed by the authorities of the International School, University of Ibadan, and set aside the 2022 judgment of the Oyo State High Court.
However, Justice dissented, holding that the appeal lacked merit and ought to have been dismissed.
The legal dispute began in 2018 after some Muslim students challenged the school’s policy prohibiting the use of hijab as part of its approved uniform.
In 2022, the Oyo State High Court ruled in favour of the students, holding that the restriction violated their constitutional rights.
Dissatisfied with that decision, the management of the International School, University of Ibadan, appealed the judgment, culminating in Friday’s decision by the Court of Appeal, which overturned the High Court’s ruling.
The Federal Government has announced major reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), including plans to replace the traditional khaki uniform with Adire fabric and deploy corps members based on their areas of academic specialisation.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, disclosed that the iconic khaki uniform would give way to Adire as part of efforts to promote locally made products and support Nigeria’s economy.
“It’s Adire… Let’s put our money back into the country,” the minister said while explaining the rationale behind the proposed uniform change.
Olawande also revealed that, under the ongoing restructuring of the NYSC scheme, corps members would increasingly be posted to places of primary assignment that align with their courses of study and professional skills.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at making the NYSC more impactful by ensuring graduates contribute meaningfully in sectors where their expertise is needed, while also improving their career development and practical experience.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising the NYSC scheme, promoting indigenous industries, and ensuring the programme remains relevant to national development and youth empowerment.
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Sharafadeen Alli, on Thursday formally received his Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination form and officially unveiled Honourable Micheal Adesoji Adedeji as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.
The ceremony, held before party leaders, stakeholders and supporters, however, witnessed the noticeable absence of some prominent APC figures in the state, including Adebayo Adelabu, Teslim Folarin and Florence Ajimobi. Their absence immediately attracted attention and sparked political discussions among party members and observers, although no official explanation was provided.
Presenting the INEC nomination form on behalf of the party’s national leadership, APC Deputy National Auditor, Gbenga Olayemi, described Alli as the party’s standard-bearer and urged members to close ranks and work towards reclaiming Oyo State in the 2027 governorship election.
In his acceptance speech, Senator Alli described his emergence as the party’s candidate as a collective victory rather than a personal achievement. He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, the Oyo State leadership, security agencies, party members and all those who contributed to the success of the party’s primary election.
The APC candidate also extended an olive branch to fellow aspirants and their supporters, calling for reconciliation, unity and teamwork ahead of the election. According to him, only a united APC can successfully challenge the ruling party in the state.
Speaking on his vision for Oyo State, Alli pledged to run an inclusive and transparent administration that would prioritise agriculture, quality education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, environmental sustainability and economic growth. He assured residents that his government, if elected, would be accountable and accessible to all irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.
The newly unveiled deputy governorship candidate, Honourable Micheal Adesoji Adedeji, thanked the party leadership for the confidence reposed in him and pledged unwavering loyalty to the APC. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious at the 2027 governorship poll, promising to work closely with Senator Alli in delivering effective leadership for the state.
The event was attended by members of the APC State Working Committee, candidates for the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, as well as party leaders and stakeholders from across Oyo State. However, the absence of notable party chieftains such as Adelabu, Folarin and Florence Ajimobi remained one of the major talking points of the occasion.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Nigeria must never be plunged into another civil war, stressing that the country cannot afford to relive the devastating consequences of the 1967–1970 conflict.
Obasanjo made the remark while speaking at a public event, where he reflected on the lessons of the Nigerian Civil War and the need for leaders and citizens to safeguard the country’s unity. He said the painful memories of the war should remain a constant reminder of the importance of peace, dialogue and national cohesion.
“God forbid Nigeria sees another civil war,” the former president said, urging Nigerians to shun actions and statements capable of deepening ethnic, religious and political divisions.
He noted that the civil war left millions dead, displaced countless families and inflicted severe economic and social setbacks on the nation. According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should be harnessed as a strength rather than allowed to become a source of conflict.
Obasanjo called on political leaders to embrace inclusive governance, fairness and justice, insisting that addressing citizens’ grievances through dialogue and constitutional means remains the best path to lasting peace.
He also appealed to the younger generation to learn from the country’s history and resist attempts by individuals or groups seeking to promote violence or disunity.
The former president maintained that preserving Nigeria’s unity is a shared responsibility, urging all stakeholders to work together in building a peaceful, stable and prosperous nation where future generations can thrive.
Residents of several communities across Lagos State were left counting their losses after heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding that submerged homes, disrupted electricity supply and rendered major roads impassable.
The downpour, which lasted for several hours, inundated residential areas, forcing many families to evacuate their homes as floodwaters swept through streets and buildings. Vehicles were stranded on flooded roads, while commercial activities slowed as commuters struggled to reach their destinations.
Electricity supply was also affected in some parts of the state after power distribution facilities were impacted by the flooding. Residents reported prolonged outages, with concerns raised over the risk of electrocution in waterlogged neighbourhoods.
Many residents appealed to the Lagos State Government and emergency management agencies to improve drainage infrastructure and intensify flood-control measures, saying recurring floods continue to threaten lives and property whenever there is heavy rainfall.
Officials advised residents to avoid driving or walking through flooded areas and urged those living in flood-prone communities to relocate temporarily where necessary. Motorists were also encouraged to exercise caution, while emergency responders monitored affected locations and assisted vulnerable residents.
The incident has once again highlighted the challenges posed by poor drainage, blocked waterways and rapid urbanisation in Lagos, with stakeholders calling for sustained investment in drainage maintenance and environmental sanitation to reduce the impact of seasonal flooding.
