IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) marked its 37th anniversary on Tuesday, highlighting key advancements in road safety enforcement. Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed outlined the agency’s growth, expansion, and technological innovations, including the introduction of body cameras for patrol officers and a mobile app to enhance emergency response.

The FRSC also launched a Health Maintenance Organisation initiative for personnel and pushed for the establishment of an armed squad to improve officer security. Mohammed reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to digital transformation, ranking harmonisation, and stronger collaborations to enhance road safety across Nigeria. 

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have strongly condemned Monday’s invasion of the assembly complex by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police, describing it as an attack on democracy and a national disgrace.

During a plenary session attended by 36 lawmakers, the legislators demanded an explanation from the Lagos State Director of DSS regarding the presence of security operatives at the legislative complex. They also urged National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to investigate the incident and provide a public report on the findings.

The assembly further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately to prevent any escalation.

Expressing their outrage, the lawmakers denounced the invasion as an abuse of legislative procedures and a threat to democracy.

“This is not a government ruled by force. What happened today is an embarrassment and an act of harassment,” said Abiodun Tobun, reaffirming the legislators' loyalty to the Speaker.

Another lawmaker, Gbolahan Yishawu, criticized the security agencies’ actions as “an unacceptable overreach,” emphasizing that the legislature must function independently without intimidation.

The lawmakers suggested that powerful individuals or groups might be behind the incident and called for a thorough investigation to uncover those responsible.

As of now, the DSS and the Nigeria Police have not officially responded to the assembly’s condemnation and demands for an explanation. 

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Edward R. Martin, Jr. as the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia.

In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump praised Martin’s credentials, highlighting his experience with the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, his role as a judicial clerk for a U.S. Court of Appeals judge, and his work as a private attorney.

Trump noted that Martin has been serving as interim U.S. attorney since Inauguration Day, commending his efforts in restoring law and order in the nation's capital.

“It is my honor to nominate Edward R. Martin, Jr. for the full and permanent term as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Since Inauguration Day, Ed has been doing a great job, fighting tirelessly to make our nation’s capital safe and beautiful again,” Trump stated.

The U.S. attorney plays a crucial role in overseeing federal legal matters in Washington, D.C. 

Police operatives from the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters in Onitsha have rescued 18 malnourished children suspected to be victims of trafficking at two separate locations in the city.

According to the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, ten children were found in an apartment in Inland Town, Onitsha, while the remaining eight were discovered in another residence within the area.

The operation, based on intelligence-led investigations, led to the arrest of three suspects: Odinakachukwu Okorie, Ifunanya Ogbonna, and Daniel Ikebuilo, a fake medical doctor.

Police began monitoring Okorie following a report of a missing six-year-old boy in July 2024. Further evidence emerged after another child, a five-year-old girl, was reported missing on February 13, 2025. Investigations linked Okorie to the crime, leading to the arrest of Ogbonna and Ikebuilo.

Ogbonna reportedly planned to transport the five-year-old to Abuja but was apprehended before executing the plan. She later confessed to selling the child for ₦1 million to Ikebuilo.

The rescued children are currently receiving care at the Divine Mercy Orphanage in Umuopku, Awka, while the police work with the Anambra State Government to ensure their welfare and recovery.

CP Orutugu urged members of the public with missing children to visit the Anambra State Police Command for possible identification and reunification. 

The Department of State Services (DSS) has provided clarification regarding its actions at the Lagos State House of Assembly after reports of a joint operation with the Nigerian Police Force that led to the sealing of several offices, including those of the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, and Clerk of the House.

DSS officials have stated that they did not forcefully enter the Assembly complex but were invited to provide additional security. In an official statement released on Monday, the DSS explained that the request for extra protection was made through a letter from the Lagos State House of Assembly, dated February 14, 2025.

The letter raised concerns about the possible return of the impeached Speaker, Midashiru Obasa, to office on February 18, 2025. The Assembly expressed fears that his return could lead to security risks and disrupt the safety of both the Assembly and its members.

Signed by the Acting Clerk of the Assembly, Mr. A.T.B. Ottun, the letter urged the DSS to increase security around the Assembly from February 16, 2025, and implement strict access control measures until further notice. The full message, as quoted by the DSS, reads: 

“The impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly plans to resume office on the 18th of February, 2025, posing a potential security threat to the Assembly and its members. In light of this situation, we kindly request that you take necessary measures to fortify the security of the Assembly premises with effect from Sunday, 16th February 2025, by increasing the presence of your men and observing strict access control within and outside the Assembly premises till further notice.” 

The Anambra State government has declared that women seen in public without bras or pants under their clothing will face arrest.

This directive was communicated by a representative of the state's security agency, who was recorded making the announcement in a video now circulating on social media. The official, speaking in Igbo, conveyed that the order came directly from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The video, which has sparked varied reactions online, shows the security personnel using a loudspeaker from a vehicle while making the announcement.