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2025 Lagos Council Elections: APC Confirms Polls in All 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially confirmed that the upcoming 2025 local government elections will be conducted in both the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across the state. This clarification came from the APC Lagos State Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, who addressed circulating reports claiming the elections would be limited to only the 20 LGAs. In a statement issued on Sunday, Ojelabi emphasized the necessity of putting an end to what he called “unnecessary and distracting speculations.” He stated: “We want to make it clear that the 2025 local government elections will be held in all 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs across Lagos State. The LCDAs have proven to be instrumental in driving grassroots development and fostering infrastructural growth in the state.” He highlighted various contributions made by the LCDAs, such as the construction of roads, markets, drainage systems, housing, schools, and primary healthcare facilities. He also noted their involvement in essential collaborative efforts with the state government, including waste disposal, security, and drain clearing. Ojelabi reiterated the APC’s stance on the relevance of the LCDAs, affirming their role in the socio-economic and political development of Lagos. He urged Lagosians to remain peaceful and united, focusing on maintaining the state’s leadership position in the country. Meanwhile, during a separate event, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed the APC assembly in Surulere. While he mentioned that elections would take place in only 20 LGAs, Gbajabiamila hinted at a new arrangement for the LCDAs, to be unveiled by the APC leadership. He also announced the party’s decision to unify all APC members under one leadership structure, banning factional regroupings such as the Mandate and Justice Forum groups. This, he explained, was part of the efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to strengthen party unity and alleviate public hardship. With the APC’s confirmation, it is now evident that Lagos State will hold comprehensive council elections across both LGAs and LCDAs in 2025, furthering the state’s grassroots development agenda. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Customs to Sell Seized Petrol at ₦400/Litre to Ease Festive Transportation Challenges

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to auction 15,325 litres of seized Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, at ₦400 per litre. This initiative aims to address transportation challenges during the festive season. Hussein Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of the NCS’s Operation Whirlwind, disclosed the development during a press briefing at the Customs Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday. Details of the Auction The seized petrol, valued at ₦27.5 million, was confiscated during anti-smuggling operations across Lagos and Ogun states. According to Ejibunu, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi approved the auction, with pricing set at ₦10,000 per 25-litre container. Ejibunu emphasized that all legal and procedural requirements have been met, including obtaining a court condemnation order through the office of the legal adviser. This ensures a transparent and lawful auction process. Operation’s Impact and Objectives “This operation, which commenced on May 27, 2024, has yielded significant results,” Ejibunu remarked. He further noted that the Comptroller-General has directed the operatives to maintain the momentum until economic sabotage activities are fully eliminated. In line with this directive, the auction aims to make fuel more accessible to the public during the festive season, helping to alleviate potential transportation difficulties. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Manchester City Ends Away Game Woes with Leicester Victory

Manchester City secures a 2-0 win against Leicester, ending their eight-match away winless streak. Goals from Savinho and Haaland bring relief to Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City finally ended their away-game struggles with a much-needed 2-0 win against Leicester City on Sunday. Goals from Savinho and Erling Haaland on either side of halftime helped Pep Guardiola’s team claim only their second win in 14 matches. This result marked a vital turning point for the reigning champions, halting an eight-game winless streak on the road. While the performance wasn’t up to their usual high standards that have secured four consecutive Premier League titles, the victory was a crucial morale booster. Haaland’s header in the 74th minute, which ended his four-game goal drought, sparked passionate celebrations, reflecting how important the three points were for City. Despite the win, they remain fifth in the standings, 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool, who still have two games in hand. For Leicester, the defeat extended their losing streak to four games, leaving them entrenched in the relegation zone. Match Overview:Guardiola made just one adjustment to the lineup that drew 1-1 against Everton, with Kevin De Bruyne replacing Jeremy Doku. De Bruyne’s return was a significant boost for City, as his absence due to injuries had contributed to their recent struggles. Early on, De Bruyne showed his value, linking up with Rico Lewis to set up Haaland, whose shot was saved by Leicester’s goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. Leicester created opportunities to trouble City but failed to capitalize. Jamie Vardy narrowly missed a penalty chance due to an offside call, while James Justin’s header hit the post during a chaotic scramble in the box. City broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Stolarczyk failed to handle Phil Foden’s long-range shot, allowing Savinho to slot in the rebound for his first goal in a City shirt. Leicester continued to threaten after the break, with Justin and Vardy both squandering chances to equalize. City, however, sealed the win with a clinical second goal. Savinho turned provider, delivering a pinpoint cross for Haaland to powerfully head in his 19th goal of the season. The win alleviates some pressure on Guardiola and keeps City’s hopes alive, though significant work remains to bridge the gap to the top of the table. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Nigerian Army Dismantles 20 Illegal Refining Sites, Arrests Oil Theft Suspects

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has achieved a significant milestone in the fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Between December 23 and 29, 2024, troops of the 6 Division dismantled 20 illegal crude oil refining sites, arrested eight suspected oil thieves, and recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. Key Operations and Discoveries 1. Buguma General Area (Asari-Toru LGA): 2. Krakrama Community (Degema LGA): 3. Gbede, Omoku: 4. Odagwa-Imo Riverside (Etche LGA): 5. Imo River Fringes: 6. Biseni Forest, Bayelsa State (Yenagoa LGA): 7. Akwa Ibom State: 8. Delta State: Military’s Commitment to Regional Security The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, praised the troops for their vigilance and dedication. He urged them to sustain these efforts to ensure a secure environment for oil exploration and economic activities in the Niger Delta. Additionally, he called on the public to provide actionable intelligence to support the fight against economic sabotage. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

NAFDAC Intensifies Crackdown: Destroys ₦120 Billion in Substandard Food and Medicines

Discover how NAFDAC destroyed ₦120 billion worth of fake food and medicine in a nationwide crackdown. Learn about their renewed efforts to safeguard public health. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reinforced its commitment to safeguarding public health by destroying substandard food and medicines worth over ₦120 billion across Nigeria. This operation, which took place between October and December 2024, spanned the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), targeting counterfeit and expired products. A Nationwide Enforcement Operation NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that offenders exploiting Nigerians’ trust by compromising the quality of food and medicines would face severe consequences in 2025. During the festive season, NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement (I&E), Pharmacovigilance (PV), and Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) Directorates actively combated falsified products. Their efforts included removing counterfeit medicines, fake alcoholic beverages, and substandard food from markets in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba, Ibadan, Kaduna, and Abuja, among others. Highlights of Recent Raids Protecting Nigerians This Festive Season Prof. Adeyeye called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and prioritize purchasing goods from verified outlets. She advised against buying products without NAFDAC registration numbers, as overly cheap items are often substandard. The Director General reiterated that NAFDAC’s intensified operations aim to protect citizens from unwholesome products during the festive season and beyond. She warned merchants of counterfeit goods that the coming year would bring heightened enforcement to ensure public safety. Public Health at the Forefront NAFDAC’s efforts are a critical step toward eliminating counterfeit and substandard goods from Nigerian markets. The agency remains resolute in its mission to safeguard public health and ensure only safe, high-quality food and medicines reach consumers. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Cryptocurrency Boom in 2024: 10,300 Tokens Near All-Time High

Discover how cryptocurrencies surged in 2024, reaching 10,300 tokens, fueled by regulatory clarity, Bitcoin’s $100K milestone, and new crypto projects. Explore the latest trends and data. 2024: A Stellar Year for Cryptocurrencies Cryptocurrencies have turned 2024 into one of their best years yet, bouncing back from a mixed performance earlier. Thanks to regulatory clarity in key markets like the United States and Europe, Ripple’s legal victories, and Bitcoin ETF approvals, investor confidence has soared. This has led to increased institutional and retail adoption, pushing the market to new heights. Key Milestones in 2024’s Crypto Surge Bitcoin’s price broke the $100,000 mark, solidifying its position as a market leader. Trading volumes doubled to over $13 trillion, while the number of cryptocurrencies edged close to an all-time high. According to AltIndex.com, December 2024 recorded over 10,300 cryptocurrencies, just 100 shy of the record set in February 2022. 1,500 New Cryptos Added in 2024 The market saw the addition of nearly 1,500 new cryptocurrencies this year. This growth highlights the consistent launch of new tokens during bullish phases. While the 2022 “crypto winter” wiped out thousands of coins, the market rebounded in 2023 and continued its upward trend in 2024. However, despite the increasing number of tokens, the majority hold little to no value. Data from AltIndex reveals that 96% of all cryptocurrencies trade below $1, with 85% priced under a cent. In contrast, the top five cryptocurrencies account for 88% of the total market value. Dominance of Leading Cryptocurrencies Bitcoin remains the dominant force, contributing 56% of the total market value with a market cap of $2 trillion. Ethereum follows with a 13% market share, while Tether, XRP, and Solana account for 4%, 3.9%, and 3.1%, respectively. Other notable coins, including BNB, Dogecoin, USDC, and Cardano, collectively make up around 7% of the market. Crypto ATM Market Rebounds The surge in crypto prices and new projects has also revitalized the crypto ATM market. After a decline of around 7,000 machines in 2023 due to market volatility and regulatory concerns, installations have rebounded in 2024. CoinATMRadar reports that nearly 3,000 new ATMs were added this year, bringing the global total to 38,876—the fourth-largest number on record. The U.S. leads the pack, hosting 81.5% of all crypto ATMs, far ahead of Europe’s 4.3% and Asia’s 0.9%. Conclusion The crypto market in 2024 demonstrates resilience and growth, driven by regulatory progress, key legal victories, and groundbreaking milestones like Bitcoin’s $100,000 price. As the number of cryptocurrencies edges closer to an all-time high and the crypto ATM market expands, the industry’s future looks brighter than ever. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Tragedy in South Korea: Plane Crash Claims 122 Lives

Learn about the tragic Jeju Air plane crash at Musan International Airport that claimed 122 lives. Explore rescue efforts, the cause of the accident, and ongoing investigations. A Devastating Crash at Musan International Airport A tragic plane crash at South Korea’s Musan International Airport on Sunday has claimed the lives of at least 122 individuals, according to Yonhap News Agency. The Jeju Air flight, carrying 181 people—175 passengers and six crew members—encountered catastrophic landing gear issues during its descent at 9:07 a.m. local time. The airport is located in Muan County, about 288 kilometers (179 miles) southwest of Seoul. Timeline of Events The twin-engine aircraft, returning from Bangkok, veered off the runway, crashing into a fence before colliding with a wall. The crash resulted in a fiery explosion, engulfing the plane in flames. Dramatic footage captured by local media showed the aircraft skidding down the runway, leaving a trail of fire and debris. Casualties and Rescue Efforts Among the passengers were mostly South Koreans, along with two Thai nationals. Amid the wreckage, rescue teams found two survivors—a passenger and a crew member—in the tail section of the aircraft. However, officials warn that the death toll may continue to rise as rescue operations proceed. Authorities are focusing on retrieving those trapped in the debris. South Korea’s acting President, Choi Sung-mok, has ordered an “all-out rescue effort” and convened an emergency meeting to oversee the response. Investigation Underway The initial fire has been extinguished, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident. Jeju Air stated that it is actively reviewing reports of the incident. This tragic event marks one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent years, highlighting the critical importance of air travel safety. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Federal Government Allocates N1.4 Billion for Terrorism Rehabilitation and Trials

The Federal Government of Nigeria has invested around N1.4 billion over the past 18 months to rehabilitate repentant terrorists and set up specialized terrorism trial centres. This initiative followed the signing of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Bill by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 12, 2022, leading to the establishment of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC). Key Developments: Financial Breakdown: Recent Outcomes: The NCTC reported 325 convictions during terrorism trials held at the Kainji Detention Facility (Phase 5 and Phase 6). Sentences ranged from life imprisonment to the death penalty, depending on the severity of the crimes. Controversies: Despite these developments, there has been criticism over the secrecy surrounding these trials. Security experts and civil society organizations have called for greater transparency, emphasizing the need to build public trust while balancing national security concerns. The government has yet to provide a detailed justification for conducting these trials behind closed doors. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Lagos State Tightens Noise Pollution Regulations for Nightclubs and Worship Centres

Lagos State mandates permits for amplified sound in nightclubs, bars, and worship centres, enforcing strict noise pollution laws to protect residents’ health and well-being. Lagos Introduces Stricter Noise Pollution Laws for Amplified Sound Events The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to address noise pollution by mandating that nightclubs, lounges, bars, and worship centres secure permits for events involving amplified sound. This policy is part of broader measures aimed at protecting the health and well-being of residents, particularly during the festive season and beyond. Enforcement Details Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, announced the new regulations via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. He emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy on noise pollution, stating that all events involving amplified sound must be conducted in soundproof, enclosed spaces to mitigate noise-related disturbances. The government has established a Special Task Force on Noise Pollution under the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) to ensure compliance. Collaborating with the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LSNSC) and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), this task force will monitor adherence to the new regulations, arrest offenders, and prosecute violators. Public Awareness Campaign Starting January 2025, the Lagos State Government will launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the public on acceptable noise levels and the benefits of maintaining a quieter environment. This initiative aims to promote responsible celebrations and a healthier lifestyle for all Lagosians. What You Need to Know In recent months, the Lagos State Government has sanctioned several establishments, including churches, hotels, and entertainment venues in areas like Shomolu, Victoria Island, Lekki, Surulere, and Ikoyi, for breaching noise pollution laws. These violations are in contravention of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Act of 2007, which sets permissible noise levels across the country. Here’s a breakdown of the NESREA Act noise limits: For entertainment venues, the permissible noise levels are aligned with these limits to minimize disruptions in residential and commercial areas. Conclusion As Lagos State tightens its noise pollution regulations, residents and establishments are urged to comply with these directives to foster a healthier, more sustainable environment. Responsible noise management during celebrations will contribute significantly to the well-being of all Lagosians. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

Enyimba FC Parts Ways with Head Coach Yemi Olanrewaju Amid Poor Run

Enyimba FC, a powerhouse in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), has officially terminated the contract of its head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju. The announcement came via the club’s social media channels on Saturday, where they expressed gratitude to the 32-year-old for his contributions and extended best wishes for his future endeavors. “Enyimba FC can confirm that it has parted ways with head coach Yemi Olanrewaju. The club thanks Coach Olanrewaju for his services and wishes him the best in his future endeavors,” read the official statement. Olanrewaju’s departure marks the end of a seven-month stint that began following the exit of former coach Finidi George. His tenure, however, has been marred by challenges, including a nine-game winless streak across all competitions and six consecutive draws in the NPFL. The club’s struggles extend to the CAF Confederations Cup, where Enyimba sits at the bottom of Group D with only one point from three matches. The decision to relieve Olanrewaju of his duties was made just two days after a frustrating draw against Plateau United in the NPFL. Currently, Enyimba stands in 11th position on the league table, with 23 points accumulated from 15 matches. Despite managing 26 games during his tenure and achieving nine wins, Olanrewaju’s efforts fell short of the expectations set by Nigeria’s most successful football club. The coach’s past experience, which included assistant managerial roles at Magate FC, MFM, and Vandrezzer, could not translate into the desired results for Enyimba during his leadership. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

GTBank’s Legal Actions Against Bloggers: A Case of Systematic Oppression

Unveiling the Suppression of Civic Voices In a distressing case of corporate overreach, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has been implicated in using legal mechanisms to oppress bloggers, highlighting a troubling trend where powerful elites manipulate the judicial system to silence dissent. This situation underscores a broader pattern of systemic abuse aimed at disempowering the voices of ordinary citizens and independent journalists. The Case of Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi This story revolves around Precious Eze and Olawale Olurotimi, bloggers accused of cyberbullying and extortion by GTBank. The case began when Country Hill, a law firm representing GTBank and its CEO, Segun Agbaje, submitted a petition alleging these bloggers engaged in actions likely to disturb public peace. However, the petition failed to specify any monetary extortion attempts. Upon notification, the accused promptly removed the contested content from their blogs. Despite their compliance, the police swiftly arrested Eze and Olurotimi. They have been in pre-trial custody for over 91 days—more than double the maximum detention period allowed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (42 days). Such prolonged detention exemplifies the misuse of legal processes to suppress dissent. A History of Judicial Manipulation This case is reminiscent of the 2019 ordeal of Steven Kefas, a vocal critic of human rights violations in Southern Kaduna. Former governor Nasir el-Rufai orchestrated Kefas’ abduction from Rivers State, detaining him on fabricated charges of defamation. Judicial figures like Magistrate Peter Mallong perpetuated this injustice by denying Kefas bail and issuing controversial rulings that contradicted legal precedents. Similar tactics were employed against Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a legal expert and activist, who faced spurious charges for countering el-Rufai’s claims about violence in Kajuru. These cases expose a judicial system that often prioritizes the interests of the powerful over the rights of ordinary citizens. GTBank’s High-Powered Prosecution To prosecute the bloggers, GTBank secured the “fiat” of the Inspector General of Police and assembled a team of ten lawyers, including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs). This disproportionate legal muscle highlights the bank’s intent to make an example of the bloggers, a move critics describe as an attempt to “capture the criminal process for destructive purposes.” Citizens’ Dual Role as Customers and Advocates As both citizens and customers, Nigerians possess the collective power to challenge such oppressive actions. GTBank’s pursuit of this case not only jeopardizes its reputation but also threatens the fabric of civic responsibility. It is imperative for the bank to reconsider its stance and embrace practices that foster transparency and dialogue rather than intimidation. A Call for Justice The ongoing prosecution of bloggers like Eze and Olurotimi represents a troubling escalation of corporate and political efforts to stifle free speech. Such actions undermine Nigeria’s democracy and erode public trust in the judiciary. It is high time for all stakeholders to demand accountability and resist attempts to criminalize civic expression. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.

DSS Neutralizes Bandits in Niger Ambush, Bolstering National Security Efforts

Three notorious bandits were neutralized in a strategic ambush by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Dogon Dawa, Mairiga Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. The operation, executed on Friday night, also saw several other bandits fleeing into the surrounding bushes with gunshot wounds. The DSS recovered three AK-47 rifles and three motorcycles left behind by the fleeing criminals. Security sources revealed that the successful ambush followed weeks of intensive intelligence gathering, which included monitoring and analyzing the bandits’ communications. This operation is one of many the DSS has recently undertaken across the Northwest and Northeast regions, resulting in the neutralization or apprehension of numerous criminals threatening peace in these areas. Additionally, the DSS has contributed significantly to combating the activities of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East. According to sources, the intelligence provided by the DSS has been pivotal in assisting the military and other security agencies in apprehending or neutralizing various terrorist threats nationwide. Since the appointment of Mr. Tosin Ajayi as DSS Director-General by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the agency has intensified its intelligence-gathering activities and shared critical insights with sister security agencies. These efforts have reduced ambush incidents against military personnel and contributed to the successful dismantling of IPOB operations in the South-East. A military officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, commended the DSS for its covert yet impactful operations under the leadership of the new Director-General. “The DSS has provided invaluable support to the military, and their contributions are essential in our fight against insecurity. The agency’s return to its covert operational style is proving highly effective,” the officer remarked. In line with his commitment to improving national security, President Tinubu has promised to support the DSS in leveraging artificial intelligence to combat insecurity. The President reiterated this commitment during the recent investiture ceremony for the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS) Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC) 17 graduates in Abuja. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.