Trending
Residents worry as scavengers’ presence multiplies in Abuja, suburbs
Scavengers are increasingly clustering in the neighborhoods of Mararaba, Nyanya, Karu, Lugbe, and Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory, raising concerns about their links to crimes.
Residents have expressed concerns about the activities of these scavengers, who rummage for recyclable materials like plastic and scrap metal, and have been accused of engaging in robbery and other criminal acts.
They appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to double its enforcement, limit their activities, and avail other means of disposing domestic waste.
Ekwutosblog gathered that the scavengers, also known as ‘Baba Boola’, loiter around neighbourhoods at odd hours and pose a lot of security risk.
In FCT, a legal case is underway involving scavengers and beggars suing the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, over alleged rights violations.
The suit was filed by a lawyer, Abba Hikima, on behalf of vulnerable residents, including scavengers and beggars and are seeking N500 million in damages, claiming their fundamental rights were breached by the Minister and the Inspector-General of Police.
Wike, in his defense, said that the scavengers and beggars are causing a security threat to the FCT, citing their presence in unauthorized areas, public urination and defecation, and potential links to criminal activities.
The minister, in a counter-affidavit filed in opposition to the case instituted on behalf of some vulnerable FCT residents, told Justice James Omotosho to dismiss the N500 million suit in its entirety, adding that begging is not a trade known to law.
According to him, many of the purported scavengers have been arrested in the various acts of vandalising private and public property and, in most cases, serving as spies to kidnappers, criminals and terrorist organisations.
“The said homeless people who reside and sleep on public roads and under the bridges without any proper form of toilet system rely heavily on open urination and defecation, which litter the streets of Abuja and threaten the environment and health of fellow citizens within the FCT,” he said.
The case, which is before the Federal High Court in Abuja, and its judgment is expected on July 10, raises questions about the rights of vulnerable citizens, the responsibilities of the government to protect its citizens, and the balance between development and the needs of marginalized populations.
The lawyer representing the scavengers and beggars argued that homelessness and petty trading are not crimes and that the actions of the FCT administration are infringing on their rights.
Speaking to Ekwutosblog, a concerned teacher in Mararaba, Ngozi Ezike, said that Abuja is fast becoming a hotspot for kidnappers and other criminal elements due to its porous boundaries and security set up.
Ezike said two major incidents of burglary were reportedly carried out by scavengers, and nothing has been done to permanently end the menace.
“Abuja, especially this Mararaba axis is becoming something else. We cannot go to bed with two eyes closed because of fear of the unknown.
“Nothing has been done about the latest incident where scavengers broke into one’s house and carted away valuable things,” she said.
Another resident in Nyanya, Mariam Musa, regretted the absence of an organised management to collect domestic waste, adding that the flawed system empowers criminals.
“Previously, the Abuja environmental board was more organised. As long as there is no means of disposing of domestic waste, the scavengers will keep increasing in numbers. The evil these scavengers are capable of is limitless,” she said.
On his part, Deji Ayo, a resident of the Karu area of the FCT, blamed the rising insecurity in the nation’s capital for the situation, stressing that Karu used to experience peace before the increased number of scavengers and beggars in the area.
Another resident, Mike Divine, who stays in Lugbe, said the menace of scavengers in Abuja had exposed residents to pilfering, burglary, illegal surveillance, knife attacks, and hooliganism.
Divine said during odd hours, the scavengers inflict violence on innocent individuals and vandalise government properties, advising the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, to implement the ban on indiscriminate disposal of refuse, and scavenging.
“The authorities should implement the ban, which should include moving these young people to skills acquisition centres or other sources of livelihood, while the waste management system in the city needs to be effective, thereby making their (scavengers’) access to bins difficult,” he said.
In an interview with some scavengers, Ibrahim Dantata, he said he embarked on the job to make ends meet.
“There is no job. I have no education and I have no skill. Not every scavenger is a thief.
“I know people are ruining our reputation but we are all not bad. I am into this business because it helps me feed my four wives and nine children in Zamfara,” he said.
Another scavenger, Kabiru M’uazu, who carries out his business in Nyanya, said any scavenger caught stealing should be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He said: “We don’t tolerate stealing among ourselves. Anybody who is caught stealing faces disciplinary actions by us. We either collect their truck or we go physical on them.”
Trending
Gov Adeleke’s Wife Sends ‘Unexpected’ Message To Remi Tinubu Amid Viral Clash With Husband
The wife of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Titilola Adeleke, has sparked reactions online after sending a public message to Senator Oluremi “Remi” Tinubu following a viral incident involving her husband.
The drama unfolded during the 10th coronation anniversary of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, where Remi Tinubu was invested with the chieftaincy title of Yeye-Asiwaju of Ile Oodua.
Videos circulating on social media showed a brief confrontation between the Osun State Governor and the country’s First Lady.
During the event, Governor Adeleke went up to the podium to deliver a speech and started singing, as is his usual style.
First Lady Remi Tinubu reportedly intervened, she said:
“I’ll give you five minutes to finish your speech. The music is enough.”
When Adeleke continued, she threatened to switch off the microphone.
The clip quickly went viral, drawing widespread reactions online.
Hours after the incident, Titi Adeleke took to social media with an open message to Remi Tinubu.
Despite the viral clash, she congratulated Senator Tinubu on her new title, calling it a recognition of her “positive impact and dedication to the people.”
She referred to Remi Tinubu respectfully as “Mummy” and wrote:
“I profoundly rejoice with the Mother of the Nation, Distinguished Senator (Dr) Oluremi Tinubu (CON), on her historic installation as the Yeye Oodua of Yoruba Land. This is another testament to your exemplary impact, virtues, and excellent dedication to serving humanity, uplifting lives, and communities across our country. Congratulations, Mummy!”
In her post, Titi Adeleke also commended the Ooni of Ife for his leadership.
“To our referred Monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Ooni of Ife, your reign on throne has brought monumental developments to Ife, Osun State and Nigeria most especially the Yoruba race. I pray long May you reign Kabiyesi, We pray the years ahead brings more successes.
Happy 10th year coronation anniversary.
Long Live Kabiyesi Ooni of Ife,” she added.
See below;

Trending
Again, EFCC Re-arrests Abubakar Malami
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has once again taken Nigeria’s former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), into custody, just days after his initial questioning by the anti-graft agency.
Sources confirmed to SaharaReporters that Malami was arrested late Monday night and was reportedly struggling to meet the stringent bail conditions set by the EFCC that same night.
Investigations revealed that Malami was actively searching for two serving permanent secretaries to stand as sureties, a critical requirement to fulfill the bail conditions for his release.
“EFCC arrested Abubakar Malami again; he was looking for two Permanent Secretaries for bail conditions on Monday night,” a source privy to the probe disclosed.
This marks Malami’s second detention in quick succession. He had initially honored an EFCC invitation on Friday, November 28, to clarify certain issues and was granted bail but was almost forced to spend the night in custody due to the conditions.
Malami later confirmed his release from the first detention, stating on his official X handle, “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continue to unfold.”
The re-arrest comes amid Malami’s strong public dismissal of the core allegations leveled against him by the EFCC, which center on the recovery process of the $310 million (later $322.5 million with interest) Sani Abacha loot.
Malami dismissed the EFCC’s claims that he “duplicated” a recovery process allegedly completed by Swiss lawyer Enrico Monfrini before Malami assumed office in 2015.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Mohammed Doka, Malami described the EFCC’s claims as “baseless, illogical, and devoid of substance.”
Monfrini himself applied in December 2016 to be re-engaged for the same recovery, which Malami argued contradicts the notion that the process was already concluded.
Malami insisted he saved the Nigerian state between 15% (76.8 billion at an average ₦1,600/ rate) and 35% ($179.2 billion) of the recovered sum by rejecting Monfrini’s demand for a 20-40% success fee and a $5 million upfront deposit, opting instead for a local law firm on a transparent 5% success fee basis.
Malami concluded that “any claim or investigation suggesting abuse of office or money laundering in relation to the $322.5million is not rooted in any reasonable ground for suspicion.”
Trending
NANS Southwest PRO, Pregnant Wife Escape Death As Armed Thugs Invade Lagos Home (Video)
The Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, Comrade Kuku Isaiah Eromidayo, has called for justice after a violent attack at his home in Igando, Lagos State, left him injured and his pregnant wife traumatized.
Eromidayo, in a statement released on Tuesday and obtained by SaharaReporters, alleged that a group of armed men, led by a known ex-convict, invaded his home on Saturday, October 4, 2025, around 2:00 p.m., in what he described as an “unprovoked and life-threatening attack.”
“On Saturday, 4th October 2025, at about 2:00 p.m., some miscreants violently invaded my residence located at No. 47, Jamaica Street, Agric Road, Igando, Lagos State,” Eromidayo stated.
“During the unprovoked attack, I was physically assaulted and injured with a cutlass, while my pregnant wife was also terrified and traumatized by the incident.”
He alleged that the principal assailant was one Adeola Asela, whom he identified as “an ex-convict with a known criminal record”.
“The principal aggressor in this attack was one Adeola Asela, an ex-convict with a known criminal record who was previously involved in a robbery case at Iba in 2021, where I resided before relocating to my current address,” the student leader said.
“Adeola is being harbored and aided by one Mr. Taiye, popularly known as ‘Stubborn’, who is notorious in our community for harboring criminal elements and drug traffickers in his father’s house on the same street.”
According to the NANS spokesman, the attack did not end there. Later that same night, the alleged assailants returned, accompanied by armed hoodlums, and vandalized his property.
“Later that same night, the same Adeola, in company with armed hoodlums, including one Lekan in our street, and Mr. Taiye (Stubborn) returned to my house and vandalized my property, further endangering my family’s safety,” Eromidayo said.
“This malicious act has left us in a state of fear and insecurity, as we continue to receive threats and harassment from these individuals and their associates.”
In one of the photos obtained by SaharaReporters, Eromidayo identified Asela as the individual wielding a cutlass.
The student leader appealed to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the AIG Zone 2, Onikan, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene urgently and ensure that justice is served.
“In view of the above, I earnestly appeal for your urgent intervention and a thorough investigation into this matter,” he pleaded.
“I trust that your esteemed office will take appropriate measures to ensure that justice prevails, the perpetrators are brought to book, and the safety of my family is guaranteed.”
The letter was officially copied to the Lagos State Police Command, AIG Zone 2, and the DSS.
https://share.google/pxBLgwLDaRwbEVFyQ
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education1 year ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI
