50 Reps write Tinubu, plead for Nnamdi Kanu’s release
Fifty members of the House of Representatives from various political parties and regions in Nigeria have written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to release Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The lawmakers request that the President invoke Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to facilitate Kanu's release.
They believe this move will help address insecurity in the South-East and promote peace and inclusivity in national discussions. The appeal follows Kanu's recent expression of willingness to settle treason charges out of court and his denunciation of violence in the region.
Christ Embassy guts fire
The main auditorium of Christ Embassy Church Headquarters in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos caught fire. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (LSFRS) managed to extinguish the blaze. LSFRS Director, Margaret Adeseye, stated that the fire spread because the church's fire service initially tried to handle it without calling the LSFRS. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, the church's founder, expressed optimism about rebuilding a better edifice.
Cholera outbreak: 22 states get kits as Lagos cases hit 500
Nigeria is facing a significant cholera outbreak, with over 1,528 suspected cases reported in 31 states. Lagos State has recorded 500 suspected cases. The outbreak has been linked to contaminated water and inadequate sanitation, worsened by the rainy season. The Federal Government has provided test kits and other materials to 22 states to combat the outbreak. Despite this, no cholera vaccines have been received due to their limited availability and short immunity period. Efforts are focused on prevention, quick treatment, and improving sanitation. The Federal Government plans to operationalize an Emergency Operation Centre for Cholera to manage the outbreak.
NDLEA raids drug-filled shrine guarded by snake in Edo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided a shrine in Igor community, Benin City, Edo State, used to store illicit drugs, guarded by a large black snake. They discovered a hidden storage containing various drugs and arrested two women, Sonia Chinonso Ezumezu and Risikatu Tijani. Additionally, two men, Obi Ferguson and Ernest Abanum, were arrested in Usen forest, Edo State, with 209kg of cannabis.
In Lagos, NDLEA intercepted 8.2kg of methamphetamine concealed in chocolate packs and loudspeakers, arresting Michael Odiomume. In Abuja, they seized 340.8kg of cannabis from a vehicle and arrested a 76-year-old man, Francis Omofa, linked to the consignment. NDLEA Chairman Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa commended the efforts and urged continued action against drug cartels.