In this report, MUHAMMED LAWAL delves into the daily struggles of residents in a Lagos-Benin Republic border community, where years of power outages have left them without basic necessities

The journey along the dusty roads leading to Kweme Community, located near the Nigeria-Benin border, was an arduous one.

As dusk settled over the community, many individuals turned to various alternatives they had devised to cope with the harsh reality of living without electricity for years.

Our correspondent, who had set out on the journey, struggled to understand how many youths in the area managed to charge their mobile phones to stay connected with the rest of the country and the world.

 “Is it true that Nigerians travel to Benin Republic just to charge their phones and fetch water?” the reporter asked a Beninese trader in the area.

The trader, who introduced himself as Misi, explained through a interpreter, “As I speak to you, we have stable power supply, and most Nigerians come here to charge their phones, fetch water, and take care of other needs.

“They patronise us because they do not have electricity, and Nigerian vendors who sell frozen foods cannot preserve their goods,” he added.

As our correspondent arrived in the Kweme community, the quiet, sun-drenched village came into view, with residents fanning themselves outside their houses.

Kweme is an ancient town in the western part of the Badagry Local Government Area in Lagos State.

It is situated along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border at Seme and has political and administrative influence over several villages, including Akoko, Asipa, Irosu, Gedu, Pengo, Topa, Asgbe (Owode), Farasinme, Shito, Gbethrome, Yekeme and Pashi.

Sunday TheNigerian learnt that most of these communities have seen little to no significant development in the past decade.

Since 2017, Kweme residents have lived without electricity, leaving thousands of homes in darkness and forcing them to navigate an existence that feels increasingly detached from the modern world.

Aside from Kweme, other border communities such as Farasinme, Asheri, Pashi, Ganme, Alobaten, Gedu and Irosu have also been plunged into total darkness, pushing many residents to find alternative ways to cope with the crisis.

This prolonged blackout has not only negatively impacted residents’ quality of life but has also crippled local businesses.

‘We charge our phones in Benin Republic’

As our correspondent went through Kweme community, it was observed that although the houses lining the streets were inhabited, an unsettling stillness hung in the air.

It was gathered that many Beninese subtly mock their Nigerian neighbours over their prolonged struggle with electricity—humour that underscores the stark energy disparity between the two countries.

“Your government cannot do anything about power supply in your country, yet you call yourselves the ‘Giant of Africa,’” a businesswoman in the community told our correspondent in a sarcastic tone.

Sitting quietly beneath a gazebo was a woman who introduced herself as Hawawu Raji. She explained to our correspondent how the daily hardships caused by the persistent lack of electricity had taken a toll on residents.

“I pay N200 to charge my phone there, and sometimes I take a motorcycle or beg motorists to help me get to the country,” Raji said in a sorrowful tone.

“Benin Republic has an uninterrupted power supply, and whenever they plan to disrupt it, they send a notification to everyone and restore it without delay.”

Hawawu noted that residents in the border community felt like outsiders in their own country.

“There are no companies here for our husbands to work in. We want to start working to support them so that we do not become burdens to them,” she added.

She further disclosed that her business had shut down because it relied entirely on electricity, adding that even her fridge had been damaged after being without power for seven years.

“Women in the community have been forced into businesses they shouldn’t have been involved in, just to feed their families,” she said.

An ironic twist

An investigation by Sunday TheNigerian revealed that while Nigeria struggles with power outages, it remains a key supplier of electricity to Benin Republic.

Benin, classified under international bilateral electricity customers, receives a constant power supply from Nigeria.

These bilateral electricity customers refer to companies or entities from neighbouring countries that purchase electricity directly from a power grid in another country through a bilateral agreement—essentially buying electricity on a one-on-one basis between the two nations involved.

Last year, the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Sule Abdulaziz, disclosed that Nigeria supplies 24-hour electricity to neighbouring countries Benin and Togo, even as the country faced widespread discussions following a recent power grid collapse.

“We supply Benin, Togo, and Niger. They get power from Nigeria on a 24-hour basis, and they are paying for it,” Abdulaziz stated.

That same year, the Federal Government revealed that Benin and Togo owe Nigeria $14 million for electricity.

While Benin enjoys stable power supply, many parts of Nigeria, including Kweme, continue to experience chronic power outages.

This power disparity has fuelled frustration among Nigerian citizens, who, despite belonging to a power-producing nation, remain deprived of the basic services they desperately need.

Crumbling businesses

The local business community, particularly those selling frozen food, has been devastated by the constant lack of power.

A frozen food vendor in Kweme, Abdullahi Roimot, spoke about the endless difficulties she faced.

“I can barely afford 20 litres of fuel a week just to keep my fridge running and preserve fish,” she noted.

The high cost of fuel is crippling, and often, her goods spoil before she can sell them.

“I have never made a profit,” Roimot admitted, her voice tinged with a mixture of pain and resignation.

Her story is not an isolated one, as the lack of electricity has forced countless business owners into debt while they struggle to keep their businesses afloat.

Without power, there are no sales, no income, and no hope for improvement. Many, like Roimot, have found themselves at a breaking point.

“The debt I incurred means I can no longer afford to buy frozen foods. Imagine that the foreign exchange rate is unfavorable, and yet one still loses money,” she said tearfully.

She also shared her recurring medical condition with this reporter.

“I have a health issue that affects me from time to time. The one I experienced recently could have taken my life. There is no power. I was sweating profusely in discomfort, feeling like I was suffocating.”

Roimot’s condition, which often leaves her weak and overheated, becomes a serious threat when there is no electricity, depriving her of the cooling relief of a fan.

“I got up from the bed and lay on the floor, hoping for some relief. But it was still unbearable. The heat just wouldn’t go away,” she said.

According to Roimot, the absence of power makes an already difficult situation even worse.

“If there was electricity, I might not have had to go through all of this. There was no light to power the fan, and without it, everything became much harder to bear.”

Roimot added, “We are only waiting for God to help us out of this situation. There’s nothing more we can do.”

No clean water

According to one of the residents, “The most heartbreaking part of this ordeal is that we are forced to drink from wells due to the lack of pipe-borne water.”

She added that the lack of electricity affects more than just phone charging—it extends to the basic necessity of clean water.

Explaining the extreme measures they take to make their water drinkable, Bashir Abdullahi said, “We drink water from the well, either boiling it or adding alum to purify it.”

Many mornings, they wake up at 3 a.m. to fetch water before the well dries up.

“We also fetch water from Benin Republic because the water here is not drinkable. We have no choice but to boil well water or add alum before drinking it,” he stated.

Similarly, a teacher at one of the public primary schools in the area, Abdullahi Semando, described how the school was equipped with computers meant to enhance learning, but without electricity, the resources remained entirely useless.

He lamented that the children, once hopeful for a brighter future, were left without the tools to succeed.

“Due to the lack of power, we have not been able to use the computers to teach the children, and this is affecting their education. The computers are just sitting in the place where we put them,” Semando said, despair evident in his voice.

Semando further stated that they often travel to Benin Republic to take care of almost everything because of the reliable electricity supply there.

“We charge our phones over there too. We are going through a lot. The government is not focusing on us, as if we are not Nigerians,” he added, his tone filled with hopelessness.

Another resident, Owolara Saheed, described the situation as nothing short of heartbreaking.

“This electricity situation is baffling,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration.

“We have more than 1,000 houses, and they have not had power for eight years. The impact of this ongoing power outage is felt in every aspect of daily life, and the toll it takes on the people is impossible to ignore.

“For many, the only option to survive is to rely on petrol-powered generators. But with the high cost of fuel, even this temporary solution is out of reach for most.”

“We cannot afford to run a generator overnight, considering the minimum wage,” Saheed noted, the weight of his words sinking in.

‘We need govt help’

Lending his voice to the matter, the General Secretary of the Kweme Elders Forum, Awesu Oluwafemi, confirmed to our correspondent that the communities had been without power since August 2017.

The general secretary mentioned that residents travel to Benin Republic to charge their phones and take care of other basic needs.

Oluwafemi added that they rely on well water, as the borehole constructed by the government for the community is no longer functional.

He said, “We do not even have enough social amenities. I do not turn on my television regularly; it is only when my child, who works at a filling station, gives me fuel to power my generator that I turn it on—and that happens only once every two weeks.

“Our king has also spoken on our behalf, but till now, we have not seen any of the promises fulfilled. We have to travel as far as Cotonou or Lagos to buy things like frozen food, and they come at expensive prices. Life is not easy at all. Our roads are also in terrible condition.”

Corroborating the elder’s point, the Youth President of Kweme Kingdom, Raji Uthman, expressed dissatisfaction over the sight of Nigerians forming long queues just to charge their phones in a neighbouring country.

The youth president bemoaned the persistent lack of power in the communities.

He said, “If we had power, there would be no need for us to go to this neighboring country. We have been without electricity in Badagry West for years. As I speak, many youths have relocated from these areas because the power outage has severely impacted their businesses and daily lives.

“Imagine that I have not been able to use the electric appliances in my house for years. Buying fuel is now extremely expensive. Whenever someone manages to afford fuel, the entire community gathers there.

“People are poor and cannot afford to run their generators, which is why they seek alternatives everywhere. Business owners have been severely affected by the lack of power—many have shut down completely and are now struggling to survive.

“The government should come to our aid, as some communities in the state have electricity while we remain in darkness. It feels as though we are not even considered part of Nigeria. Power is crucial for the growth and development of every community.”

Criminals run rampant

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Lagos West, Davis Sunday, stated that the entire Badagry West had been in darkness for years.

He added that several efforts had been made to restore electricity, but all had been unsuccessful.

Sunday said, “Some of the communities close to Benin Republic go there to charge their phones and take care of other basic needs. This is a fact. Although stakeholders have made efforts to restore power, the Lagos State House Committee on Energy also visited the site of the electricity issue and inspected areas around Igbaji Bridge, where vandals had cut cables.

“We’ve been promised that something would be done soon, but till now, we haven’t seen any action. The darkness is really affecting us. We don’t have good roads or electricity. There’s no government intervention, except for what the local government provides.”

Sharing his displeasure, another youth leader, Agbomenu Sejiro, lamented the worsening situation.

“The lack of electricity has made it easy for criminals to steal cables,” he stated.

A social advocate in Badagry community, Manoah Kikekon, noted that since the power was disconnected, vandals had been targeting communities, stealing transformer cables and other electrical components.

He said, “An example is Wayingbeme, a community just after Suntan Beach. The power lines before the community have been removed, and the community’s transformer is now practically empty, as all valuables have been stolen.

“Over time, concerned residents have raised the alarm, but nothing has been done because it is believed that the area will not generate the required revenue. That’s why there has been no response to our requests.”

Cause of prolonged power outage

Explaining the cause of the years-long power outage, Semando said that the cable supplying electricity to the community had been repeatedly destroyed by some individuals.

He noted that the cable was located near the Igbaji-Seme Bridge and had been vandalised and repaired twice.

Semando explained, “There was a time when the state government repaired it, but it was stolen again. They mentioned that they do not want to lay the cable underground anymore; instead, they plan to use a mast to carry the cable.

“At one point, some representatives from the Lagos State Ministry of Works and the House of Assembly visited and agreed that the cables should be passed through a mast, as it would be more difficult for people to destroy them. Since then, however, no action has been taken.

“We do not even have an office for the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, and this is really affecting us.”

Reps weigh in

Reacting to the matter, the Lagos State House of Assembly Member representing Badagry Constituency 1, Hon. Solomon Bonu, confirmed that the Kweme and the whole of Badagry West Local Council Development Area had been without power for years.

He said, “The issue was raised on the floor of the house. The Committee of Energy was charged with visiting Badagry West along with the Ministry of Energy.

“Maybe I sent you to the committee chairman on Energy so you can have more information.”

Also, efforts to reach the House of Representatives member, representing Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Sesi Whingan, and Chairman, Badagry West LCDA, Gbenu Henugbe, proved abortive.

They did not pick up our correspondent’s call and were yet to reply to the text messages sent to their line as of the time of filing this report.

Power crucial to development— Expert

Lending his voice, a United States-based energy expert, Abayomi Oladapo, said it was troubling that in 2025, many communities in Nigeria still lack access to such a basic resource, particularly when the country continues to supply electricity to neighbouring Benin Republic.

The energy expert highlighted that the situation reflects poor governance and a misalignment of priorities within the country’s energy sector.

He said, “The impact of this prolonged power shortage is far-reaching. Electricity is the cornerstone of modern economic and social development, and without it, local businesses in the Kweme community struggle to survive.

“Entrepreneurs—barbers, welders, tailors, and shop owners—are forced to rely on expensive and inefficient generators, increasing operational costs and reducing profitability. This results in lost income, job stagnation, and an overall decline in economic activity. When businesses fail, entire communities suffer, and poverty deepens.”

Oladapo expressed dissatisfaction with the impact of the power crisis on education in the Kweme community, emphasising that it would leave students at a severe disadvantage. He also noted that the healthcare sector was equally affected by the ongoing power issues.

“Reliable electricity is crucial for medical facilities, enabling the refrigeration of vaccines, the operation of life-saving equipment, and the delivery of critical care. Without stable power, these services become unreliable, endangering lives and exacerbating health disparities,” he said.

“Security is another growing concern. Prolonged darkness fosters an environment where crime thrives, making residents more vulnerable to theft, violence, and other threats. The lack of power for security infrastructure undermines public safety, heightening the community’s vulnerability and eroding stability.”

The energy expert further stated that it was shameful for Nigerians to travel to the Benin Republic in search of electricity.

He said, “The fact that Nigerian residents in this community must cross into the Benin Republic to charge their phones or run their businesses underscores the Nigerian government and the Ministry of Power’s failure to provide basic infrastructure. Nigeria’s continued export of electricity to Benin, while its own communities remain in darkness, is a glaring contradiction.

“While international power agreements may have economic benefits, no responsible government should prioritise external obligations over the needs of its own citizens. This is a clear failure of energy policy that must be addressed immediately.

“To resolve this crisis, the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Power, Lagos State authorities, and private energy companies must focus more on meeting the country’s domestic energy needs. Power export agreements should be renegotiated to ensure that underserved communities like Kweme are given priority.”

Oladapo urged the state government to take immediate action in resolving the power crisis in the region.

He noted, “Regulatory agencies must also enforce accountability within the power sector. Privatising electricity distribution was intended to improve efficiency, yet millions of Nigerians still lack reliable power. Distribution companies like EKEDC and IKEDC must be held accountable for service failures, and penalties should be imposed for negligence.

“The people of the Kweme community deserve better. Access to electricity is not a luxury; it is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare, and security. The government’s failure to address this issue reflects broader inefficiencies within Nigeria’s energy sector.”

Vandalism to blame for problem— Eko Disco source

An official of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, who requested anonymity, told our correspondent that the main challenge behind the power outage in the region was the frequent vandalism of cables passing through the Seme Bridge, which connect Badagry West.

The source said, “These cables are repeatedly cut and stolen, and they are very expensive. Efforts have been made to restore electricity, but the power problem in Badagry West is beyond the Badagry office’s control. The major solution can only come from the Lagos headquarters. The project is a significant one.”

Efforts to reach the Eko Disco spokesperson, Babatunde Lasaki, were unsuccessful. He did not answer our correspondent’s calls and had not responded to messages as of the time of filing this report.

In an additional attempt, our correspondent called the Eko Disco customer care line, but the representative was unfamiliar with the issue.

She asked, “Do you have a bill number? When was the last bill issued? Can you find any bill with an account number so I can use it to file a complaint?”

Our correspondent also sent an email to the customer care address, but as of the time of filing this report, no response had been received.

Osun State chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Dr Tosin Odeyemi, has advised the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, to wake up from his dream of his party taking over Kano state.

Reacting to a recent statement credited to Ganduje in which he described the NNPP as a dying party in Kano State, Odeyemi, while speaking with LEADERSHIP in Osogbo on Thursday, said the masses in Kano state are with Governor Abba Yusuf, who is doing everything humanly possible to make life better for them.

He noted that Ganduje was either being deceived by some of his aides or deceiving himself, having detached himself from Kano residents.

According to him, realities in Kano State presently go beyond what the former governor can rubbish with the usual empty promises he is known for in the state.
His words: “I laughed when I saw that statement. Though age is not on Baba Ganduje’s side, he’s gradually slipping into amnesia, so I won’t blame him much just to let him know that Kano state has evolved.

“Otherwise, how could somebody who is living far from his state be boasting that many of NNPP bigwigs are set to dump the Kano ruling party for the APC just because he supervised the distribution of 63 vehicles and 1,137 motorcycles to APC local government and ward chairmen in the state?

“The Masses in Kano state are with our performing Governor Abba Yusuf, who is doing everything humanly possible to make life better for them in all ramifications.

“Let Ganduje organise a street rally in Kano state and see who will follow him. Our party has transformed the state; we’ve shown them how to serve people and not feed on their collective wealth.

“Ganduje should stop listening to parlour feedback from his aides who are deceiving him that his party can still take over Kano state”, Odeyemi said.

 

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially suspended the implementation of the controversial four per cent Free-on-Board (FOB) charge on imports, a decision announced on Tuesday.

This suspension comes after significant pressure from business stakeholders and industry groups who raised concerns about the sudden introduction of the levy without adequate consultation.

Initially set to enhance customs operations and revenue generation, the four per cent charge was met with backlash from organisations like the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

They argued that the abrupt enforcement could disrupt trade, increase operational costs, and ultimately hinder economic growth in Nigeria.

LCCI’s director general, Chinyere Almona, had highlighted that the lack of prior notice or stakeholder engagement contradicted international best practices and could lead to significant delays in shipments at ports.

Also, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), with Nigeria’s annual imports estimated at N71 trillion, the newly introduced levy will impose an additional N2.84 trillion in costs on importers and businesses.

In response to these concerns, the NCS stated that it would engage in further consultations with stakeholders to address their grievances.

The service said the suspension was to continue consultation with the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, Olawale Edun.

 

According to the National public relations officer, Abdulahi Maiwada, the suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework.

 

“The NCS hereby announces the suspension of the implementation of 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports as provided in Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCSA) 2023. This is sequel to ongoing consultations with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun and other Stakeholders.

 

“This suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework. The timing of this

 

suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS). This presents an opportunity to review our revenue framework holistically.

 

“Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023, separating the 1% CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in customs modernisation efforts. The new Act addresses these challenges by consolidating “not less than 4% of the Free-on-Board value of imports,” designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives. This transition period will allow the Service to optimise the management of these frameworks to serve our stakeholders and the nation’s interests better,” Maiwada stated.

 

Maiwada stated that the suspension of the Levy would allow the Service to further engage with stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives.

 

“The Act further empowers the Service to modernise its operations through various technological innovations. Specifically, Section 28 of the NCSA 2023 authorises developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange between the Service, Other Government Agencies, and traders.

 

The Service is already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed B’Odogwu clearance system, which stakeholders are benefiting from through faster clearance times and improved transparency. Other innovative solutions authorised by the Act include; Single Window implementation (Section 33), Risk management systems (Section 32), Non-intrusive inspection equipment (Section 59) and Electronic data exchange facilities (Section 33(3)).

 

“The suspension period will allow the Service to further engage with stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives. The NCS remains committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a manner that best serves our stakeholders while fulfilling our revenue generation and trade facilitation mandate. We will communicate the revised implementation timeline following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations,” he stated.

 

The agency had previously justified the charge as a necessary measure under the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, aimed at improving operational efficiency. However, many in the business community viewed it as an additional financial burden amidst already high inflation and operating costs.

 

The suspension of the FOB charge is seen as a positive step towards fostering a more conducive business environment in Nigeria, allowing for continued dialogue between customs authorities and trade stakeholders to promote sustainable economic growth.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the suspension of the implementation of 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) value on imports as provided in section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

The suspension was a response to the public outcry over the 4% charge on imported goods, a move stakeholders say would further lead to increase in Nigeria’s inflation rate.

Customs said it is now having consultations with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun, and other stakeholders over the policy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NCS said the suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework.

“The timing of this suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS). This presents an opportunity to review our revenue framework holistically,” Customs spokesman Abdullahi Maiwada stated.

Under the previous funding arrangement repealed by the NCSA 2023, separating the 1% CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in Customs modernisation efforts.

The new Act addresses those challenges by consolidating “not less than 4% of the Free-on-Board value of imports,” designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernisation initiatives.

Maiwada said the transition period will allow the Service to optimise the management of the frameworks to serve stakeholders and the nation’s interests better.

The Act further empowers the Customs Service to modernise its operations through various technological innovations.

Specifically, Section 28 of the NCSA 2023 authorises developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange between the service, other government agencies, and traders.

The Service is already implementing several digital solutions, including the recently deployed B’Odogwu clearance system, which stakeholders are benefiting from through faster clearance times and improved transparency.

Other innovative solutions authoriser by the Act include; single window implementation (Section 33), risk management systems (Section 32), non-intrusive inspection equipment (Section 59) and electronic data exchange facilities (Section 33(3)).

He said the suspension period will allow the service to further engage with stakeholders while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for sustainable funding of these modernisation initiatives.

“The NCS remains committed to implementing the provisions of the Act in a manner that best serves our stakeholders while fulfilling our revenue generation and trade facilitation mandate. We will communicate the revised implementation
timeline following the conclusion of stakeholder consultations,” Customs stated.

The Ogun State Police Command, on Tuesday, arraigned the suspended Olorile of Orile Ifo, Semiu Adewale Ogunjobi, for assaulting a 73-year-old chief, Abraham Areola.

Ogunjobi was arraigned on three counts bordering on conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

The Nigeria Police Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

He said, “The Kabiyesi Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, who assaulted one elderly man in a viral video, in Ifo Ogun State, has been charged to court today February 4, 2025, on a three-count of conspiracy, assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

“He was granted bail while the case was adjourned to 06/03/2025.”

The FPRO vowed that justice would be served on the matter.

“The police will continue to uphold the rule of law and the core values of the noble profession,” Adejobi said.

Details later…

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A former Delta North Senator, Peter Nwaoboshi, has accused the Inspector General of Police of defying a court order, which restrained law enforcement agencies from arresting or detaining him.

The Federal High Court in Abuja issued the order on July 17, 2024, in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2916/2024 and Motion No: M/9638/2024.

The court order specifically prohibited the IGP, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other respondents from arresting or detaining Nwaoboshi until the final determination of the case before the court. Despite this ruling, Nwaoboshi claimed the police have failed to comply, prompting his legal team to initiate contempt proceedings against the IGP.

Nwaoboshi’s legal team argued that Section 72 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act empowers them to seek contempt proceedings for disobeying the court’s directive.

Describing the IGP’s actions as “an affront to the judicial system and the principles of the rule of law,” the former lawmaker vowed that the rule of law must be upheld, warning that the integrity of the judiciary was at stake if court rulings continue to be ignored.

“An order of court, whether right or wrong, must be obeyed unless set aside by the same court or overturned on appeal,” Nwaoboshi’s legal team asserted. “Refusing to comply with a judgment or restraining order constitutes contempt of court.”

Justice Kekemeke, in his order, stated: “The Respondents, either by themselves or through their officers, agents, whosoever of whatsoever designation, are hereby restrained from further arrest or detention of the Applicant until the final determination of the Motion on Notice.”

The court has set October 28, 2025, for the hearing of the substantive motion, providing Nwaoboshi with temporary legal protection against any further law enforcement actions.

With tNwaoboshi’s legal team preparing to challenge the police’s alleged defiance of the court order, the case is expected to draw significant attention due to its political and legal implications.

QNET, a global leader in lifestyle and wellness-focused direct selling, is making bold strides to address the global education gap on UNESCO’s International Day of Education 2025.

With its cutting-edge e-learning platform, QLearn, the company is empowering individuals of all ages to thrive in an AI-driven future.

This year’s theme, “AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in an Automated World,” underscores the urgency of preparing people for a workforce transformed by artificial intelligence.

According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, AI and sustainability advancements are expected to create 78 million new jobs globally by 2030. However, this growth highlights a critical skills gap that must be addressed through innovative education reform and reskilling initiatives.

QNET’s QLearn platform is answering the call by delivering accessible, high-quality education across a spectrum of needs, from professional development to K-12 learning. The platform equips individuals with the tools to stay competitive in a world where adaptability and lifelong learning are key to success.

QNET’s regional general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Biram Fall, in a press statement, said, “In an era where technology is redefining industries, education must evolve to keep pace. Through QLearn, we are committed to providing learners with the skills they need to shape their futures and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing world.”

QNET’s commitment to education goes beyond e-learning. Its financial literacy initiative, FinGreen, empowers individuals with essential money management skills, while its partnership with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI) in Nigeria ensures underserved students receive nutritious meals through the EDUFOOD program. This collaboration has reached over 1,000 students, reducing absenteeism and boosting academic performance.

By harnessing the transformative potential of AI and digital tools, QNET is at the forefront of global efforts to make education equitable, sustainable, and inclusive. As the world celebrates the International Day of Education, QNET’s initiatives stand as a testament to how education can shape brighter futures for communities worldwide.

Oyo State government has instituted a fresh suit against former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Silekunola; the proprietor of an Ibadan-based radio station, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Mr. Abdulahi Fasasi over the stampede that led to the death of 35 children in December 2024.

The fresh suit has 18-count suit with charge number I/05C/2025 between the state government versus Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde was filed at the State High Court on Friday, 10th January 2025.

Ibadan Stampede: Court Denies Naomi, Oriyomi Hamzat, School Principal Bail

The 18-count charge borders on alleged conspiracy to commit a felony, namely murder; manslaughter; conspiracy to commit an offence and criminal negligence, which are said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 324 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II Law of Oyo State, 2000.

In the charge sheet, the prosecution revealed the names and details of 14 of the reported 35 victims of the incident to include Musiliu Sofiyah, ‘f’, 8 years; Lekan Salami, ‘m’, 7 years; Feyikemi Salam, ‘f’, 1 and a half years; Olaniyan Joshua, ‘m’, 1 and a half years; and Laeef Muisi, ‘m’, 8 years.

Others are Opeyemi Ayomide, ‘f’, 4 years; Adebayo Fatimah, ‘f’, 4 years; Adebayo Abibat, ‘f’, 5 years; Adeyanju Taiwo, ‘f’, 8 years; Salaudeen Khalid, ‘m’, minor; Anjorin Faridat, ‘f’, 10 years; Nahaam Muisi, ‘m’, 13 years; and Babatunde Toheeb, ‘m’, 18 years.

The charge also alleges that the suspects, “did conspire together to commit a felony, namely criminal negligence, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Law of Oyo State, 2000.

“Did negligently omit to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities to prevent a stampede at a children’s funfair programme organised by you, and your negligent omission resulted in the death of one Musiliu Sofiat, ‘f’, aged 8 years, and 34 other children, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 308 and punishable under section 344 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.”

Two different courts in Ibadan will on Monday be hearing matters relating to the stampede involving the three defendants.

Just as an Oyo State High Court will be ruling on the bail application of the trio before it, a Chief Magistrate’s Court will be hearing the case after it adjourned last year and ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre.

Justice K. B Olawoyin, presiding over Court 8, Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, also fixed Monday, 13th January 2025 to deliver his ruling on the bail application filed by the trio.

Olori Naomi is the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife and runs a non-governmental organisation, WINGS Foundation through which the funfair was organised.

For his part, Hamzat is the proprietor of a popular Ibadan-based radio station, Agidigbo FM, while Fasasi is the Principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, the venue of the stampede.

Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi, presiding over Chief Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan, had on 24th December 2025, ordered the trio to be remanded at the Agodi Correctional facility pending advice from the Department of Public Prosecution of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

Silekunola, Oriyomi, and Fasasi are facing trial on a four-count charge relating to conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities before the Chief Magistrate’s Court.

The case with charge number C/2024 has the Commissioner of Police versus Naomi Silekunola, ‘f’, 31 years; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, 51 years; and Fasasi Abdullahi Babatunde, ‘m’, 56 years as defendants.
But as of the time of filing this report, it could not be confirmed if the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP’s) advice had been approved and issued to the police for onward transmission to the Chief Magistrate.

It was however gathered that the new 18-count criminal charge filed against the trio by the state government may have derived from the DPP’s advice.