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Lekki auto dealers defend Lagos govt amid public outrage over demolitions

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The Lekki Automobile Dealers Union has expressed strong support for the Lagos State Government over the recent demolition of car showrooms along the Lekki-Ajah Expressway, describing the exercise as lawful, necessary, and in the public interest.

The demolition, which drew widespread attention on social media, followed the circulation of viral videos showing excavators pulling down luxury car display lots, including one reportedly associated with auto influencer Ola of Lagos.

However, findings later revealed that the affected property was owned by Skyewise Group, a registered automotive firm. The company clarified that Ola of Lagos had only leased a section of the facility for car displays and promotional activities.

According to the union, the government’s action was part of a coordinated effort to restore order and enhance safety along the Lekki–Ajah corridor. It maintained that all affected dealers were duly notified in advance and offered relocation assistance, countering claims that the exercise was abrupt.

Dealers also cited safety and environmental factors, including blocked drainage channels, flood risks, and illegal structures erected under high-tension power lines, as justification for the state’s intervention.

The union commended Commissioner for the Environment, Tokunbo Wahab, and Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, for their “transparent communication and professional handling” of the operation.

In its own statement, Skyewise Group expressed disappointment but noted that the government’s action was connected to planned infrastructure expansion, particularly access routes for upcoming waterway development projects in the Lekki axis. The company pledged to rebuild a larger, fully compliant facility and to publish official documentation proving that it had obtained all necessary approvals.

Meanwhile, Ola of Lagos confirmed that his car showrooms were affected by the demolition but assured that his business, OOL Autos, remains operational. He promised fans that a new, improved showroom was already being developed, saying it would be “bigger and better.”

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EFCC evicts Malami from Abuja home amid forfeiture dispute

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Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami says Economic and Financial Crimes Commission operatives forcefully evicted him and his family from their Abuja residence despite ongoing court proceedings over the property’s forfeiture.
He described the action as unlawful and vowed to challenge it in court.

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Fuel price hike: Gov Makinde announces N10,000 transport support for workers

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The governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance as a palliative for the state workforce to cushion the effects of the increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Martins, in a statement released on Monday, March 23, disclosed that the governor has granted the request of the union on the issue of transportation allowance.

The statement read

“Following the intervention and formal request made by the State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) earlier this morning, the state government has approved a N10,000 transportation allowance for all workers in the state.

The newly approved allowance is set to take effect from April 2026, providing much-needed relief to workers grappling with rising transportation costs amid current economic challenges.

This development comes as a direct response to sustained advocacy by the state NLC, aimed at cushioning the impact of increased living expenses on the workforce.

Further details on implementation are expected to be communicated by the relevant government authorities in due course.”

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Former Acting Accountant-General of the Federation bags 72years imprisonment for diverting N868.46 million security funds

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Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, March 23, convicted and sentenced Chukwunyere Nwabuoku, former acting Accountant-General of the Federation (AGoF), to a 72-year jail term without an option of fine.

DailyTrust reports that in the judgment delivered, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to prove the nine-count money laundering charge beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the judge, the defendant is hereby convicted as charged.

Justice Omotosho convicted Nwabuoku in all the nine counts and sentenced him to eight years imprisonment in each of the counts, making 72 years.

The judge, however, ordered that the counts shall run concurrently.

Justice Omotosho, who described Nwabuoku’s act of diverting funds meant for security and defence while he served as Director of Finance and Account in the Ministry of Defence as “appalling,” commended the EFCC for being detailed in its prosecution.

The judge observed that the evidence of the 9th prosecution witness that Nwabuoku voluntarily refunded part of the siphoned money of over N200 million during investigation was not controverted by the defence.

Nwabuoku served as the Director of Finance and Accounts in the Ministry of Defence between 2019 and 2021. He became acting Accountant General of the Federation in May 2022.

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