Truck crushes LASTMA officer, two motorcyclists to death

Tragedy struck at the busy Badagry Roundabout in Lagos on Monday as a cement-laden truck rammed into a Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officer and two commercial motorcyclists, killing them on the spot. PUNCH Metro learnt that the crash occurred at about 9 am on Monday. An eyewitness who spoke to our correspondent but did not want his name in print said the truck was approaching the junction at top speed when it suddenly lost control, swerved off its lane and crushed the victims in the process. “The LASTMA officer was controlling the traffic when he lost control and was suddenly crushed on the spot. The two motorcyclists were also affected while they were waiting to pick up passengers,” the eyewitness said. A police source who also spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, as he was not permitted to speak to the press, said the incident resulted in gridlock in the area. “Other LASTMA officials were mobilised to the scene of the incident due to their affected colleague. Our men were also on the ground, as well as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps, to manage the situation,” he added. The officer, however, confirmed that the driver was immediately apprehended and taken into custody. He added that the remains of the victims had been evacuated to a hospital mortuary, while the truck was impounded for further investigation. According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday, the unit commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Yusuf Sanni, confirmed the incident, stating that the driver had been arrested. “The driver has been taken to Badagry Police Station,” Sanni said, attributing the crash to a loss of control and urging motorists to avoid the area. He added that the victims’ remains had been deposited at the hospital mortuary, while the truck involved was impounded at the police station. CSP Folajimi Agosile, Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, also confirmed the driver’s detention pending prosecution. “He will be arraigned at the Chief Magistrates’ Court once investigations are concluded,” Agosile said. When contacted, the spokesperson for LASTMA, Adebayo Taofiq, promised to provide an update but had yet to respond as of the time this report was filed. The incident occurred just three days after LASTMA reported the death of one person and the rescue of four others following a road accident at Ekoro Junction, inward Abule-Egba, Lagos State, on Friday evening.

2026 Hajj: NAHCON orders states to refund unregistered pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has directed State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to immediately refund intending pilgrims who could not be registered for the 2026 Hajj, as Saudi Arabia’s visa deadline approaches. The directive was issued during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting held at the Commission’s headquarters, Hajj House, Abuja, where NAHCON reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism and strict regulatory oversight in the conduct of the 2026 pilgrimage. The meeting was attended by commissioners, board members, executive secretaries and chairmen of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, members of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, the Medical Mission team and management staff. In a statement issued on Monday, NAHCON said the newly appointed Chairman, Ismail Yusuf, clarified that the reduction in Nigeria’s Hajj quota for 2026 was part of a global adjustment affecting several participating countries and not a decision targeted at Nigeria. He explained that the cut was due to logistical capacity considerations and evolving regulatory measures introduced by Saudi authorities. “Nigeria was not singled out. Nigeria’s allocation for the 2026 Hajj stands at 40,250 pilgrims, excluding tour operators. However, uploaded data from states reportedly exceeded the approved figure,” he said, urging state officials to correct public misconceptions surrounding the quota reduction. Yusuf directed states to urgently reconcile their data and withdraw excess entries to prevent operational bottlenecks. He further disclosed that Saudi authorities have fixed a firm visa deadline of 1st Shawwal, with no indication of an extension, warning that failure to meet the deadline could result in qualified pilgrims missing the pilgrimage. “To beat the timeline, state boards must conclude medical screenings, documentation and data uploads within the prescribed operational window to facilitate timely visa issuance,” he said. NAHCON also cautioned against the substitution of names on flight manifests, noting that airline bookings are now digitally integrated with accommodation systems, making last-minute changes problematic. On health requirements, Board Member representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Said Dumbulwa, briefed stakeholders on strengthened certification measures. He stated that medical screenings must be conducted only at government-recognised hospitals, with mandatory inclusion of Medical and Dental Council registration numbers. Certificates must also be digitally uploaded for verification, while identified disqualifying medical conditions must be strictly observed. He reiterated that private hospitals are not permitted to conduct Hajj certification. In a relief to intending pilgrims, NAHCON announced a reduction in the Yellow Card fee from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000 for the 2026 exercise, following engagements with relevant health authorities. The Commission added that Port Health Services would directly supervise the issuance and authentication of vaccination certificates, as Saudi Arabia introduces stricter verification protocols, including biometric checks. NAHCON also disclosed that it would strictly monitor airline performance during the Hajj operations, warning that underperforming carriers could have pilgrims reassigned to better-performing airlines. Importantly, Yusuf “directed states to promptly refund pilgrims who would not be travelling in order to prevent financial disputes and sustain public confidence in the process.” The Commission further announced plans to deploy monitoring teams to Saudi Arabia to assess feeding, accommodation, sanitation and overall service delivery. It noted that best-performing states may receive national recognition, while non-compliance could attract sanctions. Yusuf reaffirmed that State Pilgrims Welfare Boards remain the primary custodians of intending pilgrims, while NAHCON’s role is regulatory, emphasising unity, professionalism and collective responsibility in ensuring a smooth and successful 2026 Hajj operation. Deborah Musa

Nigeria’s music streaming grew by 163.5% in five years — Spotify

Five years after its launch in Nigeria, Spotify says music streaming in the country has grown at an average rate of 163.5 per cent, underscoring the speed at which Nigeria has emerged as a global streaming force.

In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Lagos, the company reported triple-digit year-on-year growth in its early years and sustained momentum through 2025.

The platform, which entered the Nigerian market in February 2021, described the journey as one marked by rapid cultural acceleration.

Spotify said at the heart of that growth was Afrobeats, which recorded a 5,022 per cent increase in streams locally between 2021 and 2025.

It added that other genres also witnessed remarkable expansion. According to the platform, Amapiano surged by 10,330 per cent; Gospel and Praise grew by 5,499 per cent; Hip-hop and Rap rose by 3,020 per cent; while R&B climbed by 2,602 per cent.

Spotify further said language had become another growth engine, with indigenous-language listening increasing by 554 per cent in 2024 and 87 per cent in 2025 within Nigeria.

Globally, indigenous-language streams rose by 141 per cent in 2024 and 41 per cent in 2025, reflecting what the company described as a growing appetite for local-language storytelling and sound.

According to Spotify, listening habits reflected global curiosity from day one. The first track streamed in Nigeria at launch was “到此為止” by Shiga Lin, reinforcing the platform’s view that Nigerian users are eclectic and open to discovery.

Over the five-year period, the most-streamed artistes in Nigeria include Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Wizkid and Seyi Vibez.

Among the most replayed songs are ‘Remember’ and ‘Lonely At The Top’ by Asake; ‘Kese (Dance)’ by Wizkid; ‘Doha’ by Seyi Vibez; and ‘With You’ by Davido featuring Omah Lay.

The platform said the number of Nigerian artistes on Spotify has grown by 158 per cent since launch, while users have created more than 25 million playlists within the period.

According to the company, in 2025 alone, Nigeria recorded over 1.4 million play hours on the platform.

Spotify also noted that podcast consumption is expanding, with more than 59 billion total podcast hours streamed since its launch.

The platform added that user behaviour reflects a young and adventurous market, with the average listener aged 26. In recent months, Nigerians streamed an average of 150 different artistes, which Spotify described as evidence of a discovery-driven audience.

🚨🚨🚨JUST IN : AKWA IBOM COURT SENTENCE FATHER TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPING HIS TWO DAUGTHERS 📌

The Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo has sentenced a 51-year-old man, Okon Jimmy Ama, to 14 years imprisonment for sexually abusing his two biological daughters.

The convict, a commercial driver and mechanic from Ikot Ekop in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, was found guilty on charges bordering on rape, incest, and assault occasioning harm.

According to court findings, the offences were committed in 2015 when the victims were minors. The prosecution presented evidence that convinced the court beyond reasonable doubt that the accused engaged in unlawful sexual acts with the children and also subjected one of them to physical assault

In her judgment, the trial judge sentenced him to seven years for incest, three years for assault occasioning harm, and 14 years for rape. The sentences are to run concurrently, meaning he will serve 14 years, which is the highest term handed down.

The prosecuting counsel described the verdict as a victory for justice and a clear warning that crimes against children will not be tolerated.

Authorities have reiterated the need for parents, guardians, and community members to speak up and report cases of abuse, emphasizing that protecting minors remains a top priority under the law.

🚨🚨🚨BREAKING : 48 HOURS TO WORLD🌍 WAR 3, TRUMP'S' MONDAY STRIKE ' PLAN ON IRAN REVEALED 🚨🚨🚨

The world is on a 48-hour countdown to a potential global conflict as reports of a Trump Monday strike on Iran send shockwaves through international capitals. Former CIA officer John Kiriakou has ignited a World War 3 alert by claiming that a final decision to attack Tehran has been reached within the White House, with military action scheduled for Monday or Tuesday.

Formar cia claims 

Speaking on the Julian Dorey Podcast, Kiriakou said, “I have a friend, a former CIA officer, who was at the White House this morning talking to his friends, and he says that a decision has been made to attack Iran on Monday or Tuesday.”

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However, there has been no official confirmation from the White House, the Pentagon, or the Trump administration, and the claim remains unverified.

US Military substantial buildup around Iran

Kiriakou’s assertion comes amid reports of significant US military repositioning across the Middle East. As of February 2026, a substantial American buildup is visible around Iran. Two carrier strike groups, led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, now anchor a naval formation of nine destroyers in the Arabian Sea. More than 250 combat aircraft, including stealth F-22 fighters and nuclear-capable B-52 bombers, are stationed across bases in Jordan and Qatar, positioning US forces for a potential rapid strike.

Russia signals support for Iran amid Trump strike tensions

Russia has indicated firm military and technical backing for Iran, describing any possible US strike as “dangerous.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow supports Tehran and noted that the two countries are holding joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman this week. Reports also suggest Russia has positioned S-400 air defence systems to help shield Iranian sites. However, Moscow has clarified that it does not plan to enter direct combat and would instead focus on sharing real-time intelligence to help Iran track US naval activity.

Iran signals retaliation capability

Tehran, meanwhile, has signalled it is preparing for the worst. Iranian officials have reportedly warned that the country would directly target the United States if attacked, including the possible use of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) such as the “Mazio,” which is said to have a 10,000-km range capable of reaching Washington, DC, and New York.

In anticipation of a possible conflict, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has delegated significant authority to National Security Chief Ali Larijani, underscoring the seriousness with which Tehran is treating the situation. Khamenei has also ordered extensive contingency planning, including multiple layers of leadership succession if senior figures, including himself, are killed.

Iran has already placed its military on high alert, repositioned missile systems to strategic locations, conducted military drills, and readied domestic security forces to contain potential wartime unrest, signalling that both sides are preparing for a period of heightened tension.

Heartfelt Gratitude To Our Amazing Partners And Regulatory Body, THE GOOD HANDS INITIATIVE, Canada🌟🚨⛑️

Our school, College of Basic Medical Health Sciences Consult, Suleja, a nongovernmental institute of Allied health, in collaboration with The Good Hands Initiative, Canada, recently organized a wonderful outreach program for the elderly in the Suleja community, Niger State.

A huge thanks to our incredible sponsor and School Oversight Organization, THE GOOD HANDS INITIATIVE, Canada, for their unwavering support in training Caregivers and support for the elderly in our community. Your dedication to bringing care, comfort, and love to those who need it most is truly inspiring!

We're grateful for your partnership and Oversight, and we look forward to continuing this impactful work together! 🙏 #College.bmhsc #cbmhsnigerian.blogspot.com #cbmhs nigeria #TheGoodHandsInitiative #ElderlyCare #CommunitySupport Become a heart that Cares💝 Become Our Student Trainee📗📝

Why people go back to sin after Ramadan – Al-Hikmah Chief Imam, Lafiagi

Islamic scholar and Chief Imam of Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State, Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, tells AYOOLA OLASUPO about the importance and blessings of the Islamic month of Ramadan and why many struggle to sustain post-Ramadan holiness Ramadan is often described as a month of mercy and transformation. What makes this period spiritually different from the rest of the year? Bismillahi al-Rahman Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful), the month of Ramadan is very special in so many ways because it is a month of spiritual rejuvenation and a month of character formation. One of the things that make Ramadan very different and unique is the fact that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said whenever the month of Ramadan commences, all the gates to Jannah (paradise) are opened, all the gates to hellfire are closed, and the devils are put in chains. What this implies is that it is easier for the believer to attain Jannah in Ramadan than in any other month because the gates are opened in this month. It is more difficult for the believer to commit sins that will take him to hellfire in this month because all the gates to hellfire are shut, and the devils, who instigate and inspire people to commit sins against Allah, are in chains. This is why their influence is usually weakened in the month of Ramadan. So, as a result of this, Ramadan is very special for Muslims because it takes us closer to Allah’s mercy, farther away from His punishment, and also weakens the influence of the devils. Beyond abstinence from food and drink, what is the deeper purpose of Ramadan in a Muslim’s life? Abstinence from eating and drinking during certain hours of the day is just to prepare Muslims for the greater purpose of Ramadan, which includes self-discipline. Muslims not only abstains from eating and drinking, but also from making false statements, from acting upon falsehood, and from committing sins. Another one is effective time management. You have to wake up for Suhoor (the meal eaten before dawn during Ramadan), you have to break your fast at certain times, and then you will realise that people are even more cognisant of Solat (prayer) in this month than in any other month. Then people want to recite the Quran because Ramadan is the month of the Quran. So everybody tends to manage their time effectively. Nobody wants to waste their time surfing the internet, going on social media, or doing frivolous things that have no spiritual or moral value. Self-restraint is another thing. In the month of Ramadan, the Prophet (S.A.W.) said if any of you is fasting and someone insults or attacks him, let him not retaliate but let him respond by saying, ‘I am fasting.’ This teaches self-restraint and that a Muslim should prioritise forgiveness over retaliation, even when he is under pressure or when he is provoked. Another lesson we have learnt in Ramadan is charity. Abdullah bn Abbas said Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) was the most charitable of people, and he usually gave charity more in the month of Ramadan. But why do some people find it difficult to continue with some of these good deeds after Ramadan? As I said earlier, the Prophet said that when the month of Ramadan commences, all the gates to Jannah are opened, all the gates to hellfire are closed and the devils are put in chains. Simply, what this implies is that with the passage of the month of Ramadan, things go back to their normal meaning that the gates of Jannah will be closed. It is more difficult at that time to attain Jannah because you have to put in extra effort. The gates of hellfire are opened. It is easier to commit these evil deeds. Then the devils are released, so once the devils are released, what else do we expect other than inspiring and inciting and seducing people to go back to their evil ways? This is why after Ramadan it is even more difficult for most people to maintain this consistent level of obedience and of worship of Allah, and of abstinence from evil deeds. From your experience, have you seen lives genuinely transformed during Ramadan? Absolutely! There are people who in the month of Ramadan were reformed, rejuvenated, and able to maintain that consistent level at least for a longer period of time beyond the month of Ramadan. We have seen people who abandoned gambling for the sake of Ramadan, and they didn’t return to it because they listened to admonitions that stated clearly that these things are forbidden and these are the punishments for people who do not abandon drinking alcohol, smoking, and so on. I have seen examples here around me in Ilorin. I can’t really collect names, but really there are people who were truly transformed by Ramadan, and after Ramadan they were able to maintain a constant level. Is it a sign of weak faith if someone returns to old sins after Ramadan, or is it just part of human nature? Absolutely! The human mind is weak, and it takes serious admonition and divine intervention to keep the human mind away from committing sins. Let me start by saying that sinning is natural. Nobody is infallible. Every one of us commits one sin or the other. The difference is maybe in the rate, the gravity, and the nature of the sin, but nobody is sinless. Secondly, committing a sin itself is a sign of the weakness of the heart. The heart is weak; that is why it commits sins, and most importantly, that someone returns to his sinning ways after Ramadan clearly indicates that such a person has only passed through Ramadan but has not allowed Ramadan to pass through him or her. It means that Ramadan has had no real impact on that person’s soul because if Ramadan has a real impact as a preparatory ground for how to live our lives after Ramadan, one should take a cue from his life during Ramadan and just abandon sin generally, in such a way that even if he is going to commit sins, it should not be major sins. How does Ramadan help address social issues such as greed, injustice, or lack of compassion in society? The month of Ramadan goes beyond just fasting. It’s also a month during which many Muslim scholars deliver lectures in terms of Tafsir-ul-Quran. In terms of morning, evening, and even night lectures, and there are many of us who are also invited to give lectures at different fora. So, when people come for these lectures, because it is Ramadan, everyone creates time to attend them. When people come for these lectures in the month of Ramadan, it has addressed many moral crises that we find in society. There are people who are giving testimony of the power because of the consistency in these lectures. After Ramadan it’s possibly maybe just once a week, but during Ramadan it is like an everyday thing. The more the heart listens to admonition consistently, the more it is likely to take one or two lessons. People may not be completely reformed to leave their vices, but to a very large extent some people take these lessons for as long as six months after Ramadan or thereabouts. For instance, society tends to be safer in Ramadan than outside Ramadan. That’s why you see that people are able to attend lectures at night and even return sometimes at 12 am or 1 am during Ramadan. But in any other month, nobody dares do that. That’s why you see that people wake up during the middle of the night and will be beating drums to wake others up for Suhoor in Ramadan. But in any other month they dare not do that because they would be scared of the darkness of the night So, it seems that Ramadan has a barakah (divine blessings) that makes society safe and gives us peace and tranquility. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it’s very rare in Ramadan to hear some of those criminal cases that we hear daily because the heart seems to be softened towards obedience. Do factors such as the environment, friends, social media, or workplace play any role in pulling people back into old patterns of living after Ramadan? It is true that the kind of friends we keep, the kind of environment we live in, and the kind of things we expose ourselves to have significant impacts on our character, and this is what the Prophet said: ‘Every one of you will be on the religion and character of his friend.’ So, be aware of whom you keep as friends, and then the scholars will also say that before you pick a place to live, check the neighbours, check the kind of people living in that environment because in one way or the other the company you keep, the environment you live in, and what you expose yourself to — the social media, the television and the like — have significant impact on how you think, behave, talk, and so on. Are there important moments Muslims are expected to take advantage of during Ramadan? In the month of Ramadan, there are certain key moments a Muslim must take advantage of. First of all, it is the nights of the month of Ramadan, especially the last 10 nights. The last 10 nights are the best of nights because one of these nights is called the Laylatul Qadr (night of majesty), the night of power, and it is a night during which Allah predetermines and predestines what will happen to all His creatures. It is on that night that whatever will happen to you in your life for the next one year is decreed by Allah. Worshipping Allah on this night alone is more significant and rewarding than an act of worship performed in 1,000 months. One thousand months is around 83 years and four months or thereabouts, and when you look at the average lifespan, according to the Prophet, the average lifespan is between 60 and 70. Only a few people will go beyond 70. So if an act of worship performed on this singular night is not equal but more rewarding than what is performed in a thousand nights, then this is a key moment that a Muslim must ensure he does not miss in terms of waking up for Salat in those 10 nights, giving charity and reciting the Quran. Another key moment is the last three days of the month of Ramadan, especially the Eid, which is the first of Shawwal. This is when Muslims are entitled to give Zakat ul-Fitr (the charity of breaking the fast). But one can start from the last three nights of the month of Ramadan. Giving Zakat ul-Fitr serves two purposes. The Prophet said Zakat ul-Fitr is food for the needy and it is also a purifier for the fasting Muslim because in the course of fasting we may have committed one infraction or the other, so giving Zakat ul-Fitr purifies all those infractions and also serves as food for the needy within the Muslim community. Most importantly, the last third of every night of Ramadan, just like any other night, is a period that the Prophet said Almighty Allah would descend to the lowest heaven and will start calling out His servants: who needs X? Who needs Y? Call on Me and ask Me, I will deliver it to you. This is a time that most people find more convenient to sleep. So most importantly in the month of Ramadan we must ensure that in the last third of every night we make judicious use of that time to submit to Allah. Is there any category of people who are exempted from fasting? Basically every Muslim, whether male or female, old or young, who has attained the age of puberty is obligated to fast in the month of Ramadan. However, some people are exempted from fasting, and these people are also of two categories. There is a category that is exempted from fasting and is expected to repay the fast after the completion of the month of Ramadan. Another category is required to feed a needy Muslim one square meal at the least in the month of Ramadan. So let’s start with the first one. If someone is ill — and when we say ill it doesn’t mean it has to be serious — as long as one is sick and cannot observe the fast, such a person is exempted but is required to repay the fast after Ramadan. However, if it is a terminal ailment such as diabetes or cancer or chronic ulcer, or ailments that are serious — kidney, heart, or liver problems — whatever it is that is considered to be chronic and medical experts have confirmed that this person needs to be on constant medication, he cannot fast. Such a person is only required to feed one person a square meal per day in lieu of the days of Ramadan that he has missed. The second category is menstruating women. When a woman is menstruating, she is exempted from fasting and observing Salat. But such a person will only repay her fast after the conclusion of her menstrual cycle. She will not repeat the Salat, so she has to repay the fast. Also, when a woman is pregnant or nursing a child, she is not automatically exempted from fasting unless fasting will affect her pregnancy or the breastfeeding of her child. If fasting becomes difficult for her, this is when it becomes necessary for her to abandon fasting. If the exempted person does not have the capacity to feed another person in lieu of the fasting days he or she missed, what will such a person do? It is nearly possible that one could not fast due to these reasons and does not have the means to feed anyone because he is also poor and needy. For such a person, Allah has not placed any burden on him. Allah will forgive him. Allah does not place a burden on a soul beyond what it can bear. So if such a person has people who can give him Sadaqa or Zakat (alms giving), then they can do it for him. But if he has no one to even help him with anything and he has nothing to do, he should just keep praying to Allah. That is all and there is no burden on him. What is the true measure of a successful Ramadan? Is it the intensity during the month or the consistency afterward? Both are important. When you look at the enormous rewards that Ramadan brings, one will agree that intensifying efforts in Ramadan is a key indicator of a successful Ramadan. However, when one considers the significance of consistent efforts to attain the Ultimate (Jannah), one will conclude that it is more important to remain consistent after Ramadan. Ayoola Olasupo

Passengers recount shocking experiences on Abuja–Kaduna train, lament overcrowding

Some passengers aboard the Abuja–Kaduna rail line have narrated unpleasant and shocking experiences along the corridor, ranging from alleged ticket racketeering and overbooking to operational and mechanical failures. The passengers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said they were left standing for more than three and a half hours on a journey designed to last no more than two hours. More alarming were claims that attendants on the train were forced to pour buckets of water on an overheating power car mid-journey, each time plunging the coaches into darkness as the cooling systems and lights tripped off. They expressed disappointment that the service, meant to be a safer alternative to the insecurity reported on the Abuja–Kaduna highway, had turned into a gruelling ordeal. 0:00 / 0:00 A passenger, Mr Solomon Abiona, told NAN that his ordeal began four days before his planned journey from Abuja to Kaduna. Abiona said he made repeated attempts to purchase tickets on the Nigerian Railway Corporation booking platform but was informed that all seats were fully booked. He explained that he needed five tickets for companions travelling with him to Kaduna for a ceremony, but was unable to secure even a single seat online. With his guests unwilling to travel by road due to fears of kidnapping and attacks along the Abuja–Kaduna highway, Abiona said he sought alternatives. “A regular passenger on the service told me that purchasing tickets online is a big challenge because the site is down most of the time, and when you are lucky enough to log in, the tickets are already fully booked. “He sent me the number of one of the racketeers, an NRC official, who assured me of tickets upon payment of N6,000 per ticket instead of the official fare of N3,600. “Eventually, the six of us were issued tickets that were not in our names,” he said. He added that on the day of departure, an official was already on standby at the Kubwa station to facilitate their entry and escort them to the coach. Abiona narrated that the return journey from Kaduna to Abuja was even worse, as they were issued tickets without seat numbers and instructed to board and occupy any available seat. “When the passengers whose names were on the seats we occupied eventually located their seats, we had no choice but to join others standing in the aisle for over three hours,” he said. Fabunmi added that he feared the slow speed could expose passengers to security risks. “This was my first experience on the service, and I have vowed not to use the train again until there are improvements,” he said. Mr Wusi Lawrence lamented that the Abuja–Kaduna standard gauge railway was not significantly different from the narrow-gauge rail services of the 1980s. He noted that the service pales in comparison with rail systems in developed countries and even in some African nations such as South Africa and Kenya. “It is unfortunate that while many countries are talking about high-speed trains moving at 360 kilometres per hour with top-class comfort and hospitality services, we are still this far behind. “I really do not know what we will get right in this country,” he said. For many commuters, the Abuja–Kaduna rail line was expected to represent progress — a safer and more efficient transportation alternative. Instead, their testimonies reveal a service struggling with overcrowding, alleged corruption, mechanical challenges, and deep public dissatisfaction. Responding, Mr Abubakar Bunma, Personal Assistant on Media to the NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said there was no provision in the corporation’s operations for issuing tickets without seat numbers. He explained that tickets are booked and paid for online, with an automatically generated number capturing the passenger’s name, National Identification Number and phone number. “If your name and NIN do not match, you cannot even get a ticket,” he said. Bunma acknowledged that there could be instances of failed bookings where passengers were debited. In such cases, he said, affected passengers who show up at the station may have their trips rescheduled. “Those who insist on travelling could be given the option to stand, but only if no seats are available,” he said. Clarifying reports about overheating, he said it was not the locomotive engine being cooled with water but the power car that supplies electricity for onboard services. “If the engine is off, the train will not move. The power car, which powers the air conditioning, lights, and toilets, has a generator inside the coach. “There was a time we had issues; it overheated. They turned it off, poured water on it, and then turned it back on,” he said. He also stressed that the NRC does not permit passengers to stand for long-distance journeys. “We do not allow passengers to stand. If anyone is standing, it is either a staff member, security personnel, a cleaner, or a medical official,” he said. Bunma insisted the train could not be overbooked, as tickets are sold strictly according to capacity. On the extended travel time, he explained that following the accident recorded on August 16, 2025, the journey duration was increased from two and a half hours to three hours for safety reasons. He added that management had concluded plans to increase daily trips along the corridor from one to three or four to accommodate passengers. While the NRC has refuted claims of overbooking and clarified reports about overheating, commuters’ experiences reveal deep frustration and eroding public confidence. As demand along the corridor continues to grow, stakeholders say the focus must shift from damage control to tangible reforms, including improved ticketing systems, increased daily trips, stricter staff oversight, and enhanced maintenance protocols. Until visible improvements are made, the Abuja–Kaduna rail line risks losing the public trust it was meant to restore. NAN

TikTok star Peller escapes fire in Lagos mansion

By Samuel Omotere

Nigerian TikTok sensation and streamer, Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has escaped a fire incident involving his generator.

The social media influencer disclosed the incident in a post shared on his Instagram page on Saturday, where he uploaded a video capturing the early morning blaze.

In the footage, flames were seen engulfing the generator as Peller, who was visibly distressed, repeatedly called for help to assist in putting out the fire.

The fire, however, was eventually contained after what appeared to be prolonged efforts using buckets of water 

The generator was destroyed, while the house and occupants were spared.

The accident scene…Photo Credit: IG/ Peller089

Fans and followers flooded the comment section with messages of relief, attributing the outcome to quick intervention and luck.

The video also circulated across other social platforms, drawing safety concerns from viewers.

As of the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire could not be independently verified.

The fire scene…Photo Credit: IG/ Peller089

The incident comes months after Peller survived a separate scare on the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

During that episode, which unfolded in a widely shared livestream, the influencer was seen driving his Mercedes-Benz while visibly emotional.

The broadcast, titled “RIP Peller,” triggered concern after he made a series of distressing remarks.

In the video, Peller appeared agitated during a phone conversation believed to involve his girlfriend, amid speculation about their relationship.

At several moments, he expressed fear and made statements that alarmed viewers before crashing the vehicle into a roadside object.

Samuel ometere 

Mirabel’s lawyer urges patience as police probe TikToker’s rape allegations

By Samuel Omotere

Legal counsel to Mirabel, the TikTok user at the centre of a widely debated sexual assault allegation, has called on the public to remain calm and allow the police investigation to run its course.

The lawyer identified as Taofeek Akinbo made the call in a series of posts on X on Friday, where he formally confirmed his role in the matter and appealed for restraint amid growing online commentary.

Based on social media interactions, the lawyer appears to have a connection with the Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi.

Mirabel (@mirab351 on TikTok). Photo credit: Mirabel

In his posts, he tagged the PPRO and social media commentator VeryDarkMan, to whom the TikToker reportedly confessed that aspects of her initial story were false

”I am pleased to formally announce that I serve as legal counsel to Mirabel.

“Please be assured that this matter is being handled with the utmost diligence, professionalism, and respect for due process,” Akinbo wrote.

He further urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities conclude their findings.

“We kindly urge the public to exercise patience as we await the outcome of the ongoing investigation by the Nigeria Police Force, specifically the Gender and Rape Allied Matters Unit, Zone 2 Area Command, Abeokuta, Ogun State,” he added.

Akinbo also acknowledged the actions taken by the police so far, commending the process.

“We acknowledge and commend the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in conducting a thorough and orderly investigation. Further updates will be communicated as appropriate upon the conclusion of the investigative process. Thank you for your understanding,” he stated.

The lawyer’s intervention comes amid sustained public interest in the case, which has generated intense debate across social media platforms.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Ogun State Police Command said Mirabel had been discharged from hospital but remained with the police for further investigation.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Babaseyi, disclosed this in an interview with News Central Television, where she outlined the circumstances surrounding Mirabel’s interaction with officers.

According to Babaseyi, Mirabel voluntarily presented herself at the Ibafo Police Division but was initially unable to provide a coherent account when debriefed, prompting immediate medical attention.

“And the DPO was trying to debrief her to get facts of the case, but we found out that she wasn’t that coherent at that point in time, so he had to promptly take her to the hospital, a state hospital, for attention,” Babaseyi said.

She explained that the police acted based on the seriousness of the allegations contained in Mirabel’s viral TikTok posts.

“As you know, already, she is somebody, a victim of sexual assault as we presumed, as it was allegedly stated from her post on TikTok and the posts that were going viral on X. We acted in good faith.

“The DPO did everything professionally within his power to make her get medical attention. She was admitted into the ICU,” she added.

Babaseyi stressed that Mirabel was not arrested at any time, noting that her welfare remained paramount.

“She has been happily discharged from the hospital and as we speak now, she’s with us for us to further the investigation and to get to the logical conclusions of whether those allegations were true or not,” the police spokesperson stated.

The controversy began after Mirabel, known on TikTok as @mirab351, shared a distressing video alleging that she had been sexually assaulted in her apartment.

The claim triggered widespread outrage and calls for justice.

Initial reactions had linked the alleged incident to Lagos State. However, preliminary checks later indicated that the event occurred in Ogijo, Ogun State, shifting jurisdiction to the Ogun State Police Command.

Amid conflicting narratives online, the police dismissed rumours that Mirabel had been arrested, reiterating that she had voluntarily reported the matter and was receiving appropriate care while investigations continue.

Samuel Omotere