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10,625 cubic metres of sand illegally dredged daily, Lagos laments

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The Lagos State Government has raised the alarm over the impact of illegal dredging and coastal erosion on its lagoon and waterfront communities, warning that over 10,000 cubic metres of sand are being dredged daily in the state.

The Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Alebiosu, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.

He said the disturbing trend underscored the need for urgent intervention to prevent environmental collapse.

On the scale of illegal activities, Alebiosu said, “About 10,625 cubic metres of sand are dredged daily in Lagos,” cautioning that such unregulated operations could destabilise the ecosystem, damage aquatic habitats, and endanger waterfront settlements.

He added that the Ministry was conducting a comprehensive bathymetric and hydrographic survey to identify over-dredged and under-dredged areas, noting that the Ibeshe area of Lagos was already heavily impacted.

The concerns come against the backdrop of earlier moves by the state government to clamp down on unlicensed dredgers.

The government in August sought the support of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria, insisting that unregistered operators halt their activities to protect the environment and communities.

The Commissioner also highlighted the severe threat of coastal erosion, stating that some Lagos coastal communities, including Idotun Village in Ibeju-Lekki, had been completely washed away. Families, he said, had lost their homes and sources of livelihood.

“Coastal erosion is a regional problem with global implications. Lagos must take urgent steps to safeguard its communities, infrastructure, and economy,” Alebiosu stated. He cited Keta Municipality in Ghana as another West African community facing similar devastation.

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To address the crisis, he announced that Lagos had commenced collaboration with the Netherlands, globally recognised for its expertise in coastal and water management, to develop lasting and innovative solutions.

He explained that the pressing realities form the basis for the Maiden Lagos State Waterfront Summit, scheduled for September 11, 2025, in Lagos.

With the theme “Pressure on the Lagoon: The Lagos Experience,” the summit aims to convene experts and professionals to chart practical solutions.

“The lagoon is not just a body of water; it is our heritage, our economy, and our future. This summit is a call to action for Lagosians, experts, and stakeholders to work together in protecting it before it is too late,” Alebiosu said.

The Lagos State Government has in recent years intensified efforts to curb illegal dredging, a practice linked to coastal erosion, flooding, and the destruction of aquatic habitats.

It was earlier reported that Lagos State launched initiatives to monitor and regulate dredging activities, urging operators to obtain licences and adhere strictly to environmental regulations.

Unlicensed dredgers, according to the government, contribute significantly to the degradation of waterfront areas, threatening both livelihoods and infrastructure.

These efforts form part of Lagos’ broader strategy to preserve its coastline, protect communities, and ensure sustainable urban development.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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September 26, 2026

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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September 26, 2026

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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6 hours ago

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September 26, 2026

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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