News
Gas explosion claims 1 life, injures 6 in Onitsha
The Police Command in Anambra State, has confirmed a gas explosion at the Onitsha Head Bridge market that claimed one life leaving six others injured.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday in Onitsha.
Ikenga explained that the explosion happened at a plumbing market, along Uga Street, on Friday.
According to him, preliminary information revealed that the welding gas cylinder exploded as the welder was working on a metal due to exposure to excess heat.
“The Police Operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on May 16 complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion.
“The incident took place at a plumbing market, along Uga Street, which regrettably recorded one death.
“The six rescued victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in a morgue”, he said.
He noted that the police operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.
Ikenga said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, was concerned about the unfortunate incident, and emphasised on the need for a regular inspection and maintenance of the gas cylinder equipment.
The commissioner stressed the need for gas cylinders to be stored securely and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines to forestall future occurrences.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has submitted an official petition to both the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, calling for veteran Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, to be investigated and prosecuted over an incident involving a ValueJet plane.
On Tuesday, KWAM 1 attempted to block the aircraft from taxiing after being removed from the flight for reportedly carrying a flask of alcohol.
His behaviour has been widely described as a breach of standard operational procedures and a disregard for aviation safety protocols.
In a statement released on Thursday, the NCAA urged the Attorney-General and the IGP to “launch a thorough investigation into the incident.”
They also called on both offices to initiate “appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.”
In addition, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, recommending that K1 De Ultimate be placed on a No-Fly List until all investigations are concluded.
Human rights activist and public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has said that corruption in Nigeria is no longer just a crime as it is now protected by powerful individuals, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and politicians.
Speaking during a recent appearance on an AIT programme, Mahdi argued that the real problem with Nigeria’s fight against corruption is not the absence of laws, but the lack of willpower to enforce them.
“The problem in Nigeria is not the law, not the act, not the constitutional provisions. The problem is in the implementation, in the conception, in the conceptualisation.”
He explained that although whistleblowing policies exist including rewards of up to 2.5% for successful reports, the issue goes far deeper.
“What is the point of making a legal framework on corruption. When you see corruption walking with legs, with eyes, with ears visible like human beings?”
Mahdi gave two examples to back his claims.
Business
Confusion over Ikeja DisCo, Egbin Power takeover, as CPPE seeks Nigerian Govt’s intervention
There is confusion over the alleged takeover of ownership at Ikeja Electric, Egbin Power (KEPCO Energy Resources), and Independent Power Limited by Nigerian banks and other parties over debt.
There are reports that a Lagos High Court presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko handed a receivership ruling on August 5, 2025, to the power firms based on their debt agreement in 2013 in suits Nos., FHC/L/CS/1242, FHC/L/CS/1244, and FHC/L/CS/1245.
However, in a statement by Ikeja Electric chief legal and regulatory officer, Babatunde Osadare, he dismissed the report that the companies slid into receivership.
According to him, the court ruling rather restrained the lenders and their purported receiver/manager from taking any adverse actions.
“We state unequivocally and for the record that Egbin Power Plc, First Independent Power Limited, and Ikeja Electric Plc are not in receivership, and their assets, businesses, or undertakings are not under the management of any external receiver/manager whatsoever,” he said.
Meanwhile, as the confusion lingers, the development worsens Nigeria’s power sector crisis since the 2013 privatisation processes.
INEC: 151 associations seek registration as political parties
NCAA petitions IGP to arrest K1 De Ultimate
2027 election: Ex-presidential aspirant Hashim backs Jonathan, Atiku, Obi for PDP ticket
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