Crime
CSOs laud Lagos Govt’s push for special status, legislation of 37 LCDAs
No fewer than 70 Civil Society Organisations have hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state for pushing for a ‘special status’ for the state and resolving to reintroduce the issue of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the ongoing constitution review.
Convener, Campaign for Dignity in Governance & Coalition of 70 Civil Society Organizations, Razaq Olokoba made the commendations in a statement made available to newsmen Monday in Abuja.
Olokoba noted that the Lagos State Government expressed determination to push for a special status and resolved to explore all avenues to bring back the issue of the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the ongoing Constitutional Review process is refreshing and a sign of the government unrelenting effort to continue developing the state.
He lauded the state government’s plans to legislate the Council Development Areas.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu has continued to show that he is a visionary leader and will stop at nothing to develop the state.
“So we are throwing our full weight behind Lagos government, ably led by Governor Sanwo-Olu on this one. He means well for the state and we will get better for it. We must rally around the state government in this noble quest,” Olokoba stated.
It will be recalled that the Lagos state government’s plan to seek a special status was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 18th edition of the Executive/Legislative parley organized by the Office of Political, Legislative, and Civic Engagement, with the theme, “Engaging All for an Inclusive Governance: Hands On for a Greater Lagos Rising”.
The communique stated the need for collaboration between the Executive, National Assembly members representing the State, and members of the State Legislature in advocating for a “Special Status” for Lagos in the ongoing Constitution Review.
The participants at the two-day parley held at Eko Hotel and Suites agreed to enhance the existing harmonious relationship between all arms of government through recognition and mutual respect for their constitutional roles.
The Government, in the communiqué signed by the Special Adviser, Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, stressed the need to create awareness and educate the citizenry on the importance and roles of each arm of government.
“There is a need for the political office holders to prioritize citizens’ welfare above personal interest and ambition in the discharge of their constitutional roles and responsibilities. Due consideration should be accorded to the Party, its philosophy and manifesto in governance, and the tripartite relationship among the Executive, Legislature, and the people as it is the only platform for elective office.
“Participants suggested the possibility of suspension of some taxes, levies, charges, and rates for a few months, as well as the introduction of rebates where necessary for the most vulnerable to alleviate the pains of the current economic challenges. A proposal was also made that there should be regular meetings of Mr. Governor, members of the National Assembly representing Lagos State, and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to foster robust relationships.’’
Other recommendations highlighted in the communique include;
The need for the State Government to reactivate the school feeding program for primary schools in the State, need for the State Government and other stakeholders to work in a harmonious relationship by meeting with Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through Senatorial Districts’ Town Hall meetings for empowerment;
and that the State Government should continue to enhance the Public Works Corporation (PWC) to adequately address the issue of bad/inner roads to reduce gridlocks.
The participants urged the State Government to expedite action on the proposed establishment of a Lagos Airline to enhance the economic prosperity of Lagos.
According to them, “There is a need to engage with all the Lagos State owned Tertiary Institutions to support various sectors of the State Government; the State Government policies, reforms be properly propagated to all arms of Government.’’
The participants also urged the State Government to put in place methods that would help to track out-of-school students before their initiation into social vices for reintegration.
They urged the State Government to develop a more permanent solution to boost food security in the state and encourage urban farming in individual homes.
The Cross River Police Command has arrested three Egyptian nationals for allegedly assaulting a female security officer at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
The suspects Mohammed Ayan, 24; Mohammed Mohammed, 40; and Ahmed Mohammed, 20 were said to have entered the hospital premises around 12 noon on Monday to hawk household items, an act prohibited within the facility.
Zagazola confirmed from sources that a security officer, Christiana Ada Ewa, 34, attached to the hospital’s surveillance unit, attempted to stop the men from hawking when one of them, Ayan, allegedly assaulted her.
Her colleague, Ethan Ita Ansa, 24, intervened, resulting in a physical altercation between the parties. During the scuffle, Ansa’s uniform was torn and he sustained a finger injury, while Ayan also suffered bruises on his right eyebrow and knees.
Police detectives promptly visited the scene and arrested the suspects. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.
A Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Samson Haruna, has died after sustaining severe burns when his wife allegedly set him ablaze during a domestic dispute at Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa, Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the tragic incident occurred on Sept. 22, 2025.
The source said the officer, who was also a medical doctor attached to the 6 Battalion Regimental Medical Officer (RMO), had a heated argument with his wife, Mrs. Samson Haruna, which resulted in her dousing him with petrol (PMS) and setting him on fire.
“The officer sustained severe burns and was immediately stabilised at the Military Reference Section (MRS) in the barracks before being evacuated to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital for further management,” the source said.
The officer, however, succumbed to his injuries despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life.
It was further gathered that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in custody while an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally-made pistol and several stolen items in Gwagwalada Area Council.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the arrest followed a complaint lodged by one Kabiru Ahmed of Kasuwan Dare, Gwagwalada, who reported that two men swapped his Moniepoint POS machine on Oct. 1, 2025, at about 2:55 p.m.
Detectives from the Gwagwalada Division swiftly acted on the report and apprehended one Abdul Abdullahi of Kano State, who confessed to being part of a syndicate notorious for POS swapping and robbery within the area.
The suspect named his accomplices as Yusuf Abdul, Mustapha Abba, Faruk, and Abu Chibola, and later led police operatives to their hideout in Angwan Dodo, Gwagwalada.
However, the other suspects escaped through the ceiling and roof of the building towards a nearby river upon sighting the operatives. One female suspect, Rahama Michael was arrested at the scene.
Items recovered include one fabricated locally-made pistol, six POS machines, seven ATM cards, 37 SIM cards, six wristwatches, and one axe.
The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced a full investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the syndicate.
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