Dispute between two hustlers ends in fatal stabbing, police dismiss ethnic tension claims

By Femi Oyewale

On an ordinary Wednesday in Lagos Island’s Balogun Market, a commission of ₦8,000 was meant to reward two young hustlers for bringing a customer to a shop. Instead, it sparked a violent clash that left one dead, another in police custody, and an entire marketplace momentarily shaken.

A Routine Hustle Gone Wrong

The victim, Sodiq Ibrahim, and his colleague, Ebuka Adindu, were members of a group known as Oso Ahia — street hustlers who earn tips by guiding shoppers through the sprawling market.

Trouble began when a shop owner handed both men ₦8,000 to share. What should have been a simple split turned into an argument that escalated within minutes. Eyewitnesses said Ibrahim struck first with a bottle before running. Adindu pursued him with a knife, stabbing him fatally. In the chaos, Adindu also stabbed himself in the shoulder and collapsed.

“He probably didn’t mean to kill him, but sadly, the boy bled to death,” recalled trader Funmi Arewa, still shaken by the incident.

Panic and Closure

For a few hours, the usually teeming Mandillas section of the market fell silent. Stalls closed, shutters rolled down, and traders whispered about what had happened. Rumours of ethnic tension spread quickly online, stoking fears that the clash was more than a quarrel over money.

By Thursday, however, shops had reopened, and the market returned to its usual bustle. Traders insisted the tragedy was rooted in greed, not tribe.

Police Response

The Lagos State Police Command swiftly dismissed suggestions of ethnic violence. Spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin clarified that the fight was between two colleagues over commission, not a tribal rivalry.

“During the fight, one Ebuka Adindu from Abia State stabbed one Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State to death. The said Adindu in turn stabbed himself and is currently under arrest in hospital,” he said, assuring that prosecution would follow once he recovers.

Market Traders Speak

For many in Balogun, the lesson was grim but clear. “It was the money that caused the fight, nothing else,” said Moshood, another trader. “There’s no tribal issue here. Some traders have even decided that the Oso Ahia boys should no longer be allowed to operate in this market.”

Abiola Shittu, who also witnessed the events, noted that Thursday’s temporary closure of shops was actually for the routine sanitation exercise, not linked to the violence. “Everything is back to normal now, but it was the Yoruba boy who died from the wound,” he added quietly.

A Market Scarred

Though business resumed, the scar of Wednesday’s violence remains. Balogun traders say such bloodshed is rare in their community, making Ibrahim’s death a painful reminder of how fragile life can be in the scramble for daily survival.

In the end, a young man’s life was lost over ₦8,000 — the price of a day’s hustle, and the cost of a tragedy that shook one of Lagos’s busiest markets.

Nafisa’s Triumph: How a 17-Year-Old Nigerian Girl Became the World’s Best in English

By Femi Oyewale

When 17-year-old Nafisa Abdullah Aminu walked onto the stage at the TeenEagle Global Finals in London, few could have imagined the weight of pride she carried on her shoulders. By the end of the competition, she had not only conquered the English Language Skills category but also lifted Nigeria’s name onto the global stage.

This week, in Abuja, the Federal Government celebrated her historic win with applause, cash recognition, and heartfelt words. Yet, beyond the ceremonies and speeches, Nafisa’s story speaks to something bigger: the resilience of Nigerian youth and the possibilities still hidden within the country’s classrooms.

A Celebration in Abuja

The reception was as symbolic as it was ceremonial. At the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters, Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa presented Nafisa with a cheque of ₦200,000, calling her victory “a reflection of the brilliance and resilience of Nigerian students.”

Senior government officials, including Prof. Suiwaba Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, and Prof. Abba Adam, Yobe State Commissioner for Basic Education, turned up to honour the teenager. It wasn’t just about Nafisa; five other category winners from the London contest were also recognised, showing that Nigeria’s talent pool is wide and rising.

More Than a Trophy

For Dr. Alausa, the medal and certificate Nafisa brought home represented more than personal glory. They highlighted the pressing need to keep investing in education — scholarships, mentorships, and improved resources.

“Her achievement underscores what our young people can accomplish when given the right support,” he said. “We must ensure that every child, from Maiduguri to Makurdi, has the opportunity to compete on the global stage.”

Prof. Abba Adam added an emotional layer, hailing Nafisa and her peers as “Amazons.” He reminded the audience that Yobe, once battered by conflict, is now producing global champions. From 171 newly qualified doctors trained in India to the upgrading of state colleges, he framed Nafisa’s victory as part of a broader comeback story.

The Girl Behind the Medal

When Nafisa finally spoke, her voice was steady but filled with gratitude. She thanked her parents, teachers, and the government, but she also shared a vision: to inspire other Nigerian students to believe in themselves.

“I want young people to know that with perseverance and confidence, we can compete with the best in the world,” she said.

She then unveiled her project, English Language for Peace and Development — an initiative she hopes will promote literacy, dialogue, and social cohesion among young Nigerians. For a girl her age, it was more than ambition; it was a declaration of purpose.

A Larger Symbol

Nafisa’s victory has already ignited conversations across the country. Some see her as proof that Nigeria’s youth can excel internationally despite systemic challenges. Others see in her story a call to action: if one girl from Yobe can rise this high, what might be possible if the system gave every child the tools to thrive?

As the applause in Abuja fades, one truth lingers — Nafisa’s achievement is not just hers. It is Nigeria’s reminder that in the faces of its young people lies the brilliance, resilience, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Passport Drama: Nigerians Kick as FG Defends Hike to ₦100,000, ₦200,000

By Femi Oyewale

The Federal Government’s decision to raise the cost of Nigerian international passports has sparked outrage across the country, with many citizens describing the move as insensitive at a time of economic hardship.

Beginning September 1, the price of the standard 32-page passport will rise to ₦100,000, while the 64-page booklet with a ten-year validity will now cost ₦200,000. This represents a doubling of fees within just over a year, intensifying debates about affordability, fairness, and government priorities.

Government’s Defence

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo defended the hike, insisting it was necessary to modernize the passport system and stamp out corruption in the issuance process. He explained that a new centralized personalization centre will ensure passports are ready within 24 hours, curbing delays and eliminating opportunities for middlemen to exploit applicants.

According to him, the review is not merely about revenue but about restoring dignity to Nigeria’s travel documents, which have suffered from abuse and credibility issues. Officials argue that by setting a higher, uniform fee and tightening the system, the days of backdoor payments and extortion—which often saw desperate applicants spend as much as ₦200,000 unofficially—would be over.

Public Outcry

Yet the explanation has done little to calm tempers. From academics to civil society groups, voices of dissent are rising. Many argue that the sharp increase effectively makes passports a luxury reserved for the wealthy. For young graduates, teachers, and mid-level professionals already struggling with stagnant incomes and soaring inflation, the new fee is simply out of reach.

Some see the move as elitist, deepening inequality by dividing citizens into those who can afford international mobility and those who cannot. Others warn that the hike reflects a troubling pattern of government relying on citizens for revenue generation without providing proportional relief or opportunities.

A Divided Debate

While critics condemn the policy as harsh, supporters point out that the cost of producing and securing passports has increased, and argue that genuine travellers will pay regardless of the price. To them, the promise of speed, transparency, and an end to extortion justifies the hike.

Still, the broader question remains: should access to a passport—a document central to mobility, education, and opportunity—be determined by financial muscle alone?

As Nigerians adjust to the reality of ₦100,000 and ₦200,000 passports, the clash between government justification and public frustration underscores a larger national tension: the struggle between reforms aimed at efficiency and the harsh economic realities faced by ordinary people.