Lagos market engulfed by morning fire
Photo Credit: P.M NEWS
A fire broke out at the Ebute Ero Market in Lagos in the early hours of Saturday but the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service says it has been successfully contained.
A statement by the Director of the Service, Margaret Adeseye says, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully contained the fire that broke out at Ebute Ero Market, near the Police Station adjacent to Carter Bridge, Lagos Island, in the early hours of today, Saturday, November 30, 2024.
“The fire, which raged overnight, was prevented from spreading beyond its point of origin as a result of the swift response of Lagos firefighters from the Ebute Elefun, Dolphin, Sari-Iganmu, and Alausa stations. Their effective management of the situation minimized further damage.
“While the fire has been extinguished, it resulted in the loss of several lock-up shops within the bungalow structures that trade in various tools and kitchenware.
“As the operation winds down with mop-up exercise, an enumeration is ongoing to determine the number of shops affected and the estimated value of the losses incurred. The investigation to uncover the exact cause of the fire is also being carried out.
“Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from the incident."
Man kills self in Ogun apartment
Photo Credit: Punch
A man identified as Fatai Hamzat has been found dead in his apartment on Oremeji Street, Ijeun Tuntun, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The Ogun State Police Command informed PUNCH Online on Saturday that Hamzat’s body was discovered around 7am on Friday.
“I had just returned from church when I noticed Azeez’s motorcycle parked in the compound. I went to check on him, but his door was locked from the inside,” one neighbour reportedly told the police, as revealed in a wireless message obtained by PUNCH Online on Saturday.
After repeated knocking with no response from Hamzat, our correspondent learnt that neighbours, including one Ogunsola, forced open a window.
Inside the apartment, they allegedly found Hamzat’s body hanging from a rope tied to the ceiling fan.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed that the body was taken to a nearby hospital morgue for an autopsy.
Simon Ekpa May Spend Christmas, New Year Break In Detention As Finland Denies Bail
Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters
Simon Ekpa, self-acclaimed Biafran agitator facing allegations of terrorism-related activities, in Finland may spend the Christmas and New Year breaks in detention, the authorities in the country have disclosed.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at the Finland's National Bureau of Investigation, noted this, adding that the country’s legal system does not permit bail.
In an email to an inquiry by PUNCH where he was asked if Ekpa’s charges were bailable or if the prosecution was disposed to releasing him on bail, Laaksonen said, “Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail procedure.
“Our procedure is based on, depending on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable.”
A court in Finland had set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to bring charges against Simon Ekpa.
SaharaReporters had reported that Ekpa, self-styled "Prime Minister" of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested two weeks ago alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related offences, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
Finnish authorities had alleged that Ekpa utilised the social media to incite violence in Nigeria's South-East region, targeting civilians and government officials.
Nigerian Government Confirms Mounting 'Diplomatic Presure' On Finland To Arrest Simon Ekpa Over South-East Violence.
Former Aviation Minister Chidoka resigns from PDP
Photo Credit: Daily Post
Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Chidoka disclosed that he submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Anambra.
He stated that his decision to leave PDP is motivated by his intention to concentrate on his non-profit organization, Athena Centre.
Chidoka expressed his commitment to collaborating with like-minded Nigerians to reform the country’s political system and advocate for evidence-based governance.
He said: “Earlier today, I sent a letter to my ward in Anambra State resigning officially from the PDP. I am leaving the PDP, I am leaving politics for some time, I am focusing on the Athena Centre.”
Chidoka served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
Photo Credit: Google