Nigeria

Court awards widow N200m over police killing of truck driver

The Federal High Court in Abuja has awarded N200 million in damages to the widow of truck driver Kabiru Babai, who was unlawfully killed by a police sergeant in Osun State in 2021. Justice Peter Lifu ruled that Babai’s killing violated his fundamental right to life under Section 33(1) of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The court also ordered the Inspector-General of Police and the Osun State Commissioner of Police to immediately begin prosecution of Sergeant Moses Samuel, the officer accused of carrying out the fatal shooting. According to court documents, Babai was repairing a broken-down truck at Ota-Efun in Osogbo on December 3, 2021, when police officers approached the vehicle and confronted those present. During the incident, one officer allegedly shot the co-driver in the hand. Babai reportedly came out from beneath the truck to question the shooting, after which he was allegedly beaten with a shovel, struck with the butt of a rifle and shot in the chest by Sergeant Samuel. He died at the scene. Babai’s widow, Balkisu, filed the suit against the Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Sergeant Samuel and the Attorney-General of the Federation. She had sought a declaration that her husband’s killing was unlawful, an order for the officer’s prosecution and N2 billion in compensation. In his judgment, Justice Lifu held that the applicant successfully proved that Babai’s constitutional right to life had been unlawfully violated. The court awarded N200 million as compensatory and exemplary damages against the IGP, the Osun State Commissioner of Police and Sergeant Samuel for the unlawful killing and the trauma caused to the deceased’s family. However, the court declined the request to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate criminal proceedings against the police sergeant. The case followed claims that although police authorities had earlier indicted Sergeant Samuel, he had not been prosecuted before the suit was filed in August 2022. The report was first published by Punch Newspapers. Meta Description: Court awards widow N200m over police killing of truck driver Kabiru Babai in Osun, ordering prosecution of the officer involved in the fatal 2021 shooting. Tags: court ruling, police killing, Kabiru Babai, Osun police, widow compensation, human rights violation Alternative Headlines: 1. Abuja Court Orders N200m Compensation Over Truck Driver’s Killing 2. Widow Wins N200m Damages in Police Killing Case ALT TEXT: Court gavel symbolising Federal High Court judgment awarding N200 million damages to widow in police killing case.

Firefighters responding to a major fire outbreak at Bono Energy Terminal in Apapa, Lagos.

Fire erupts at Bono Energy Terminal in Lagos Apapa

A fire outbreak has engulfed the Bono Energy Terminal in the Coconut area of Apapa, Lagos, prompting an emergency response from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service. According to a report by Punch Newspapers, firefighters are currently battling the blaze at the fuel terminal located along the Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway near Coconut, Olodi Apapa. The spokesperson for the fire service, Shakiru Amodu, confirmed the incident in a brief statement on Friday, saying emergency responders are working to contain what was described as a fire explosion at the facility. Amodu said, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service is currently curbing a fire explosion at Bono Energy Terminal on Apapa-Oworonshoki Expressway, by Coconut, Olodi Apapa, Lagos. Update to follow.” The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and there is no official confirmation on casualties or the extent of damage as of the time of reporting. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as firefighting operations continue.

President Bola Tinubu speaking at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja while jokingly referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as ‘Iya Alakara’.

Tinubu jokes, calls First Lady ‘Iya Alakara’ at State House dinner

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday sparked laughter at the Presidential Press Corps Dinner in Abuja after playfully referring to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as “Iya Alakara” (Mama Akara Seller). According to Punch Newspapers, the remark came during the President’s speech at the State House as he acknowledged dignitaries in attendance. “Good evening, gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, my dear wife, the First Lady, Iya Alakara,” Tinubu said, drawing laughter and reactions from guests. The light-hearted comment appears to reference the recent controversy surrounding remarks made by the First Lady during the Renewed Hope Initiative empowerment programme. Earlier, Oluremi Tinubu had encouraged Nigerian women to consider small-scale businesses such as selling akara, roasted corn and kuli-kuli, noting that such ventures require little startup capital. Her comments triggered mixed reactions on social media, with critics arguing that the remarks appeared insensitive amid Nigeria’s economic hardship. In response to the backlash, the First Lady later clarified that the Federal Government’s empowerment initiative goes beyond akara sellers and includes support for traders dealing in tomatoes, pepper, vegetables, roasted plantain and other petty businesses. Speaking during the inauguration of the newly constructed Abubakar Maje Haruna Hall at the Emir of Hadejia’s Palace in Jigawa State, she disclosed that the Federal Government had donated N100 million to empower 2,000 petty traders in the state. She stressed that the programme is aimed at helping small traders grow sustainable businesses and improve their livelihoods. The playful exchange at the State House has since generated fresh reactions online, with many Nigerians viewing it as a humorous nod to the earlier debate.

Traditional worshippers gather at the Benin Palace during ancestral rites ordered by Oba Ewuare II against insecurity in Edo State.

Oba of Benin mobilises traditional worshippers, declares spiritual war on insecurity

The Oba Ewuare II has directed traditional worshippers in Edo State to perform ancestral rites and invoke curses against kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity. According to a report by Channels Television, the spiritual exercise took place in Benin City on Wednesday, following a directive from the Benin monarch. The ceremony began with a procession from the Oba’s Palace and ended at the palace’s main entrance, where traditional priests, priestesses and traditional physicians known as Ewaise performed libations, propitiatory rites and spiritual fortification rituals. Participants, dressed in ceremonial regalia and carrying sacred objects, invoked ancestral spirits to expose and punish those involved in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes, including their collaborators. Chief Osemwonta Iguezigbon, head of the Ewaise Palace group, said the monarch ordered the spiritual intervention in response to worsening insecurity in Edo and across Nigeria. He said the Oba believed urgent action was necessary to confront the growing wave of criminal activities threatening lives and property. Chief Clement Edegbe, Chief Priest of the Ayelala deity, expressed confidence that the traditional rites would help expose criminals and curb violent crimes. He noted that increasing cases of kidnapping and lawlessness had become a major concern in the state. The Oyeoba of Benin, Chief Isaac Oghafua Ogiemwense, said the ritual was aimed at spiritually strengthening the land against insecurity, while priestess Constance Eguavoen praised the monarch for reviving traditional methods to support efforts against crime. The Benin Palace stressed that the rites are not intended to replace conventional security operations but to complement efforts by government and security agencies to restore peace and safeguard lives and property in Edo State and across Nigeria.