Author: Dodo Elias Denen

The Ogun State Police Command has deepened its engagement with the media community as the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D, received members of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ogun State Chapter, on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The delegation was led by the Chairman of the association, Mr. Olalekan Shoyinka, who described the visit as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the police and independent broadcasters in the state.

During the meeting, Shoyinka formally introduced the newly elected executives of the Ogun State Chapter of FIBAN to the Commissioner of Police, marking a new phase in the association’s leadership.

He assured the Command of the association’s unwavering commitment to professionalism and the responsible dissemination of verified and accurate security-related information to the public.

The FIBAN Chairman noted that credible broadcasting remains critical to public trust, especially at a time when misinformation and unverified reports pose increasing security risks.

In his response, CP Ogunlowo commended the association for its cooperation with the Command and acknowledged the strategic role of broadcasters in shaping public perception and supporting security operations.

The Commissioner urged members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, balance speed with accuracy, and prioritise public interest in their reportage.

He also reaffirmed the Command’s openness to constructive criticism, stressing that feedback from credible media practitioners remains essential to improving policing outcomes.

As part of efforts to enhance citizen participation in security, CP Ogunlowo introduced the Ogun State Police Command’s digital security platform, Gateway Shield, designed to enable prompt reporting and response.

The platform is accessible via the toll-free line 0800009111, the website www.thegatewayshield.com, and a mobile application available for download on both the App Store and Play Store, reinforcing the Command’s push for technology-driven policing.

The visit, according to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, underscored the shared resolve of the police and broadcasters to work together in safeguarding lives and property across Ogun State.

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has approved a total of 102 films for distribution and exhibition for the month of January 2026, in line with its statutory mandate to regulate and classify film and video content. This reflects an increase of 161.5% increase compared to 39 films classified in December, 2025.

The development was disclosed in an official press release signed by Ogbonna Onwumere, Director of Corporate Affairs at the National Film and Video Censors Board.
A Breakdown by Language shows as follows: English: 86, Igbo: 8, Yoruba: 3, Hausa: 3, Hindi: 2
This distribution reflects the continued dominance of English-language productions in the Nigerian film market, while also highlighting contributions from indigenous Nigerian languages and foreign content.

A further perusal by ratings reveals the following categories,
G (General Viewing): 3, PG (Parental Guidance): 4, 12A: 4, 15: 64, 18: 27
The classification outcome indicates a significant number of films falling within the 15 and 18 rating categories, underscoring the Board’s commitment to ensuring age-appropriate content and safeguarding young audiences from potentially harmful material.

While the Board appreciates the cooperation of stakeholders across the film value chain and reiterates its dedication to transparency and professionalism in the discharge of its regulatory functions, the Board restates its resolve to ensure compliance with classification of all films and video works produced to be distributed online especially on YouTube. “We shall commence the issuance of take down order on films not classified by the board. The implication of the demand notice is that all films not classified on the channel will also be taken down”.

Calm shattered the early hours of Tuesday in Calabar South as security operatives uncovered the body of a young man believed to have been a suspected thief, raising fresh concerns over the growing menace of mob justice.

According to the press release by
ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Cross River State Police Command, the incident was recorded on February 10, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m., during an early morning surveillance patrol by officers attached to the Atakpa Police Division.

Acting on intelligence from an undisclosed informant, the patrol team was led to Mayne Avenue, off Nyong Edem Street, a boundary area between the Marine and Efut Police Divisions.

At the location, officers found the remains of an unidentified male, estimated to be about 22 years old, believed to have been killed by a mob under circumstances still being investigated.

Preliminary information suggests that the deceased allegedly took part in an attempted vandalisation of an electricity transformer with two other persons at an undisclosed location.

According to sources, the suspect was allegedly apprehended by members of the public after his accomplices escaped, following which he was subjected to mob action.

The body was reportedly moved from the initial scene and later abandoned at the boundary axis where it was discovered by the police patrol.

A police assessment of the area where the body was found revealed no weapons, signs of struggle, or materials linking the scene to the killing.

Necessary photographs were taken, and the body was evacuated for further examination as part of ongoing investigations.

The police have condemned the act, reiterating that jungle justice is unlawful, while assuring the public that efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing.

The immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has been honoured with the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” Award, as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted key safety, revenue, and regulatory reforms achieved under his leadership.

The award, organised by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria, was presented in Abuja on Tuesday in recognition of Oyebamiji’s transparency, accessibility, and partnership with the media, as well as his wider contributions to the development of Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Speaking at the investiture ceremony, Oyetola who was represented by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media described Oyebamiji as a consummate public servant whose tenure repositioned NIWA within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy through innovation, institutional strengthening, and stakeholder engagement.

He also commended the Coalition of Maritime Journalists for promoting accountability and professionalism in the maritime sector, stressing that specialised maritime journalism remains vital in shaping public understanding, strengthening governance, and encouraging stakeholder participation.

“By recognising leaders who uphold openness and constructive engagement with the media, you reinforce values that enhance transparency and institutional credibility,” the Minister said.

Reviewing NIWA’s achievements under Oyebamiji, Oyetola noted significant revenue growth, improved operational efficiency, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and stronger regulatory oversight, which collectively strengthened the Authority’s financial sustainability and service delivery across Nigeria’s inland waterways.

A major milestone highlighted was the development and implementation of the first Inland Waterways Safety Code in 35 years, which established operational standards, compliance frameworks, and safety protocols to enhance navigation safety nationwide.

“One of the most enduring legacies of Asiwaju Oyebamiji’s tenure was the Inland Waterways Safety Code, a landmark achievement that modernised regulation and improved safety across the nation’s waterways,” Oyetola said.

He added that NIWA also reinforced enforcement mechanisms, improved monitoring of waterway operations, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies—initiatives that have contributed to safer operations and increased public confidence in inland water transport.

Oyetola further acknowledged Oyebamiji’s leadership as Chairman of the Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria, where he coordinated national efforts to reduce accidents through evidence-based policies, stakeholder sensitisation, and enforcement-driven strategies.

According to the Minister, Oyebamiji’s leadership style—marked by humility, firmness, inclusiveness, and accountability—made him accessible to both industry players and journalists, qualities that earned him the recognition as the Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO.

“As he now represents the All Progressives Congress as the governorship candidate for Osun State in the August 8, 2026 election, many who have witnessed his track record remain confident in his ability to deliver purposeful and transformational leadership,” Oyetola added.

In a goodwill message, Acting Managing Director of NIWA, Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei, praised Oyebamiji for transforming the Authority’s work culture and aligning its programmes with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Girei said NIWA under AMBO implemented value-driven programmes, strengthened staff commitment, and would also receive the **New Telegraph Maritime Agency of the Year 2025 Award**, further testament to the strides made during his tenure.

“Beyond policies and infrastructure, the human lives rescued, businesses stabilised, and families positively impacted are legacies we are proud to uphold,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, explained that the award celebrates maritime leaders who value transparency, media partnership, and information-sharing in building sustainable institutions.

Meke noted that Oyebamiji’s accessibility, responsiveness, support for journalists’ welfare, and encouragement of first-hand reporting across NIWA operations distinguished him as a deserving recipient.

“Leaders like Asiwaju Oyebamiji see the media not as adversaries but as partners in development, providing support, fostering a conducive work environment, and encouraging field reporting to ensure accurate coverage,” Meke said.

In his acceptance speech, Oyebamiji thanked the maritime journalists for the recognition, describing the award as the result of collective effort during his tenure.

He also paid tribute to Oyetola, whom he described as mentor and leader, acknowledging his support from their early days at Osun State Investment Company through his roles as Commissioner for Finance, aide at the Federal Ministry, and ultimately NIWA boss.

Oyebamiji lauded journalists for reporting from high-risk waterways, noting that such engagement raised safety awareness and strengthened public understanding of inland waterway operations.

He thanked NIWA staff, particularly Acting MD Girei, for sustaining the Authority’s vision and teamwork, expressing confidence that the foundation laid would continue to benefit Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The ceremony drew top government officials, maritime stakeholders, and industry players, celebrating Oyebamiji’s leadership legacy and collaborative engagement with the media in advancing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy agenda.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has underscored the critical role of system integrity in public institutions, describing it as the bedrock of effective leadership, ethical governance and sustainable revenue growth, while warning that no institution can deliver its mandate or attract public trust without transparent, accountable and resilient systems in place.

According to a statement issued by Anastasia Ogbonna of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the development underscores the Ministry’s continued commitment to strategic oversight, stakeholder engagement and policy-driven interventions within the nation’s marine and blue economy sector.

The Minister who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, made this known today at a retreat, themed: “The Art and Practice of System Integrity in Public Institutions” organized by  National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) in collaboration with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC)

In his keynote address, Oyetola stressed that system integrity is crucial for NIWA’s success, enabling the authority to fulfill its mandate and contribute to Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda.

The Minister further outlined key areas for improvement, including: revenue generation, transparency, and accountability, urging NIWA to leverage technology and public-private partnerships to enhance efficiency and financial sustainability.

“System integrity is not a moral luxury; it is an economic necessity,” Oyetola stated, calling on NIWA’s Board and Management to prioritize financial sustainability and drive innovation in revenue generation.

Futhermore, the Minister observed that the partnership with ICPC aligns with the Federal Government’s preventive approach to combating corruption, adding that ethical leadership and transparent revenue systems are critical to harnessing the full economic potential of Nigeria’s inland waterways.

Earlier, the Acting Managing,  NIWA, Umar Girei, said the retreat aims to strengthen NIWA’s systems and processes, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and performance-driven leadership.

The Managing Director, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to institutional reforms, effective revenue generation, and zero tolerance for corrupt practices.

Also speaking, the Chairman, ICPC, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN) reaffirmed its orgaization’s readiness to support public institutions through preventive mechanisms, capacity building, and integrity-driven initiatives.

The Ogun State Police Command has thrown its weight behind the fight against cancer, as the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, Ph.D, received members of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Ogun State Chapter, on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta.

The delegation was led by the Secretary of the Society, Dr. Bolaji Lateef Salako, who described the visit as part of a broader advocacy drive to deepen cancer awareness across critical institutions in the state.

During the engagement, the NCS team sensitised the Commissioner of Police and members of the Command’s Management Team on the growing burden of cancer and the urgent need for sustained public enlightenment.

Particular emphasis was placed on prevention strategies, lifestyle choices, and the life-saving importance of early detection in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The visitors underscored the strategic role of the police as community leaders whose influence could help drive behavioural change and promote health consciousness among the populace.

CP Ogunlowo welcomed the delegation warmly, describing the visit as timely and impactful, especially in an era where non-communicable diseases pose increasing threats to public wellbeing.

He expressed appreciation for what he termed the “hand of fellowship” extended to the Command, noting that such partnerships go beyond security to touch directly on human lives.

According to the Commissioner, a healthy police force is fundamental to effective policing, stressing that preventive healthcare must be embraced by officers at all levels.

He assured the delegation that the Command would encourage officers to take personal health seriously and support initiatives that promote early medical checks.

The visit ended on a note of shared commitment, with both parties agreeing that sustained collaboration and awareness remain critical weapons in the fight against cancer in Ogun State.

Abuja will, on Tuesday, play host to a high-profile convergence of maritime stakeholders as the immediate past Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, is set to receive the “Most Media Friendly Maritime CEO” Award.

The ceremony, aptly themed “The Making of Oyebamiji,” is designed to recognise Oyebamiji’s exceptional rapport with the maritime media and his deliberate commitment to transparency, access and accountable leadership during his tenure at NIWA.

In a statement signed by the Coalition Spokesman, Mr. Joshua Yousouph, ANIPR, the organisers disclosed that the event will attract top government officials, regulators, industry leaders and senior members of the maritime press.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, is expected to headline the gathering, alongside the Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Alhaji Mukhtari Shehu Shagari, CFR, and other senior government functionaries.

Also expected in appreciable numbers are members of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, whose engagement with NIWA was significantly strengthened under Oyebamiji’s leadership.

Throughout his time in office, Oyebamiji earned a reputation as a reform-driven administrator who viewed the media not as adversaries, but as strategic partners in advancing sectoral growth and public accountability.

His tenure was marked by openness and accessibility, with structured information channels that allowed journalists timely access to data, officials and operational environments within the inland waterways system.

Beyond routine briefings, Oyebamiji actively supported media tours to NIWA operational areas, exposing reporters to water transport infrastructure, safety operations and regulatory activities, thereby improving the quality and depth of maritime reporting.

Chairman of the Coalition of Maritime Journalists, Mr. Frank Meke, described Oyebamiji as a leader who “rebuilt confidence between regulators and reporters,” noting that professionalism and mutual respect defined NIWA–media relations under his watch.

The Abuja event is being widely described as an A-list industry gathering and the first major maritime stakeholders’ forum since the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

As anticipation builds, the award is seen not merely as a personal honour for Oyebamiji, but as a strong signal that transparent leadership and constructive media engagement remain central to the future of Nigeria’s inland waterways and marine economy.

The Federal Government has lauded the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his decisive role in Nigeria’s successful election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2026–2027 biennium.

The commendation, conveyed in a letter dated January 28, 2026, and signed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, described the victory in London as a product of deliberate strategy, disciplined coordination, and sustained diplomatic engagement.

Oyetola noted that Mobereola’s behind-the-scenes outreach to IMO member states and his firm grip on campaign management proved pivotal, tipping the scales in Nigeria’s favour at a keenly contested global maritime election.

The Minister stressed that the outcome reaffirmed Nigeria’s renewed seriousness in maritime governance and underscored the credibility of reforms being driven under the present administration.

A statement by NIMASA’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, FNIPR, portrayed Mobereola as a technocrat with over three decades of experience in transport and infrastructure development, bringing depth and clarity to Nigeria’s maritime ambitions.

Since his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in March 2024, Mobereola has steered NIMASA towards efficiency, regulatory compliance, and a results-driven posture aligned with international maritime standards.

Under his leadership, the Agency has tightened its regulatory framework, improved safety and security benchmarks, and repositioned Nigeria as a more credible player in the global maritime ecosystem.

His track record at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), where he midwifed an integrated urban transport system and reshaped mobility in Lagos, continues to define his reputation as a reform-oriented administrator.

Reacting to the commendation, Mobereola expressed appreciation to the Minister and attributed the IMO Council victory to the collective effort of NIMASA staff and the consistent support of sector stakeholders.

Nigeria’s return to the IMO Council, observers say, is more than a diplomatic win; it is a strategic signal of intent, reinforcing the country’s resolve to play a stronger, more responsible role in global maritime safety, security, and marine environmental protection.

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged conspiracy and kidnapping in Yahe community, Yala Local Government Area, in a case that has sent shockwaves across the area.

According to a situation report from the Yala Divisional Police Headquarters dated February 7, 2026, the incident was brought to police attention at about 6:00 p.m. by the Officer-in-Charge of Yahe Police Post, Supol Umar Kabiru.

The report disclosed that in the early hours of February 6, 2026, around 4:00 a.m., members of the Yahe community vigilante group apprehended four suspects and brought them to the police station.

The suspects were identified as Adedeji Goodluck (21), Sylvester Akpa (20), Chinonso Nwibo Emmanuel (25), and Richard Innocent (22), all reportedly of no fixed address.

Preliminary police findings revealed that Chinonso Emmanuel and Adedeji Goodluck allegedly met online in August 2025 and maintained contact over time.

Police further alleged that on February 5, 2026, Chinonso Emmanuel lured Goodluck from Abuja to Yahe community after allegedly sending him transport fare.

Upon arrival in Yahe, the victim was reportedly taken to the residence of Sylvester Akpa, where Richard Innocent later joined them, and a meeting was allegedly held.

Investigators alleged that the suspects subsequently kidnapped Goodluck, held him captive, and contacted his parents in Abuja, demanding a ransom of ₦7 million.

The suspects were also accused of issuing threats to harm the victim if the ransom demand was not met, heightening tension within the community.

The alleged plot was foiled after a good Samaritan alerted the local vigilante group, leading to the swift arrest of the suspects and their handover to the police.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Sunday Eitokpah Akata said the suspects had been taken into custody, the victim rescued unhurt and placed under protective care, adding that investigations were ongoing and further details would be made available as the case unfolds.