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LASTMA impounds 40 vehicles in Oyingbo, ijora, idumota axis

The  Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded another 25 commercial and 15 private vehicles operating illegal garages and causing serious road obstructions around Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota areas of  Lagos.

Mr Taofiq Adebayo, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, said this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Adebayo said impounding the vehicles at these areas was a decisive move by LASTMA to restore order and ensure the free flow of traffic.

He said the operation was led by LASTMA Head of Enforcement, Mr Kayode Odunuga, under the directives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa.

Adebayo that they were specifically directed to target illegal garages that had been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for residents and commuters.

He said the impoundment, which began in recent weeks, was part of a broader initiative by the  Lagos State Government to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation network.

He quoted Giwa as emphasising that government is committed to maintaining law and order on the roads, ensuring that all traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

“illegal garages have been a significant challenge in our quest to maintain a seamless traffic flow in Lagos.

“These impoundments send a strong message to all offenders that the state will not tolerate activities that disrupt public order and endanger the lives of our citizens.

“Our goal is to create a safe and orderly environment for all road users and this action is a crucial step in that direction,” Giwa said.

He noted that the targeted areas, Oyingbo, Ijora, and Idumota, are known hotspots for traffic congestion due to unauthorised parking and the establishment of makeshift garages.

He said that these activities not only obstruct the free movement of vehicles but also pose safety risks to pedestrians.

“LASTMA’s intervention aims to clear these bottlenecks and enhance the overall traffic situation in these critical areas.

“Residents and business owners have expressed their support for the government’s action, noting the positive impact it will have on their daily activities.

“LASTMA has also assured the public that the operation will be sustained and extended to other parts of the city where illegal garages and related activities are prevalent,” he quoted Giwa as saying.

He urged all vehicle owners and operators to adhere to the state’s traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid sanctions.

He reiterated that the government’s primary objective was to create a better and more livable Lagos for everyone.

He also urged motorists to take ownership of the roads and to promptly inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers or trucks via the Agency’s hotlines: 0810056586008129928503.

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Policeman remanded for allegedly raping teenager inside Lagos office

An Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos State, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of 56-year-old policeman Owolabi Akinlolu at the Maximum Correctional Centre Kirikiri for allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in his office.

Owolabi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Ogudu Police Station in Lagos, allegedly raped the survivor in his office after promising to help recover her phone, which was stolen by one-chance robbers while she was returning from Ikeja with her grandmother and siblings.

Akinlolu reportedly summoned the teenager to his office on June 29, claiming they had apprehended the suspect who had stolen her phone two weeks earlier.Upon arriving at the police station, the senior police officer allegedly locked his office door behind him and raped the teenager.

In July 2024, the survivor’s mother, Mrs Aramide Olupona, accused the police of attempting to cover up the case, revealing that the suspect’s wife and family had pleaded with her to drop the charges, as Akinlolu was set to retire in December 2024.

At the Magistrate Court 11 on Tuesday, the prosecution counsel, backed by a seven-paragraph affidavit, urged the court to remand the defendant, stating that the offence of defilement violates Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.In response to the prosecution’s request, Magistrate O.O. Fagboun ordered the defendant’s remand at the Maximum Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until March 11, 2025, for trial and further proceedings. Punch

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Saudi Arabia releases new 2025 Hajj rules, bans children, updated visa policies

Saudi Arabia has announced new changes to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, including a new restriction barring children from participating.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the move aimed to protect children from potential dangers posed by heavy crowds during the pilgrimage.

The decision is part of broader efforts to ensure a safer and more seamless Hajj experience.

According to the ministry, the large crowds during Hajj pose serious risks to children, making this precautionary measure necessary.

Additionally, priority for the 2025 Hajj will be given to first-time pilgrims to allow more Muslims the opportunity to undertake this religious obligation at least once in their lives.

● Changes in visa regulations

Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will issue only single-entry visas for pilgrims from 14 countries, including India, to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.

Authorities noted that unauthorized pilgrimages had contributed to overcrowding at key sites, making crowd management and safety more challenging.

The updated visa policy aims to improve the overall Hajj experience by controlling the number of attendees.

Saudi authorities continue to refine Hajj regulations to make the pilgrimage safer and more organized.

Pilgrims are encouraged to register through official channels and follow the new guidelines to avoid complications.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had also introduced significant changes to its visa policy, effective February 1, 2025, limiting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas.

This move aims to address concerns over unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.

● Affected Countries

The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of the policy shift, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits from these countries.

●¡Hajj registration and new payment options

Saudi citizens and residents can register for the 2025 Hajj season via the Nusuk app or the official website. Applicants are required to verify their personal details and register their travel companions.

A new instalment-based payment plan has also been introduced for domestic pilgrims. Payments can be made in three stages: a 20% deposit within 72 hours of booking, followed by two 40% instalments due by Ramadan 20 and Shawwal 20. The ministry clarified that reservations will only be confirmed once the final payment is received.

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Troops rescue three kidnap victims in Plateau

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have successfully rescued three kidnapped victims along the Barkin Ladi-Mangu road in Mairana village, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Intelligence sources said the rescue operation was carried out on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, following intelligence on the abduction.

The sources said that the victims were kidnapped at approximately 7:45 a.m. on February 11, 2025.

In response, troops from Sector 8 of Operation Golden Peace swiftly mobilized to the scene, where they discovered a red Ford Space Bus parked along the roadside.

Troops immediately conducted a search operation in the surrounding bushes, leading to the successful rescue of the three victims unharmed.

The kidnappers had abandoned them and fled upon sighting the advancing security personnel.

The victims were reunited with their vehicle and continued their journey safely. Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals.

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