Connect with us

society

Crisis Rocks BBA Again: Thugs Backed By Heavily Armed Police Detachment Invades Market By Ifeoma Ikem

Published

on

Crisis Rocks BBA Again: Thugs Backed By Heavily Armed Police Detachment Invades Market

By Ifeoma Ikem

Crisis rocked the popular Multi Billion Naira Balogun Business Association,BBA, International Market, located at the Trade Fair International Complex Lagos State, as thugs allegedly loyal to a faction but accompanied by heavily armed police officers, Invaded the Market by 3am in the morning, to enforce a questionable court Judgement forcefully foisting Chief Oscar Odogwu, as new President of the market.
Our Correspondent learnt that the Traders are protesting, even as Market Caretaker Committee Leadership Vows To throw out the Illegal Government.
Some of the Traders at the crisis ridden Balogun Business Association International Market, BBA, said that Lagos State have condemned the wee hours invasion, property destruction, colossal damages to sections of the market and wounding of market security officers by armed thugs, who were said to have been backed by heavily armed police team .
Saharaweekly reporter who visited the market around 11 am yesterday, reported that the visibly angry, obviously shaken and traumatized traders,vowed to resist the new but unpopular Chief Oscar Odogwu’s led  leadership, which they said was unlawful foisted on them by the invaders on Wednesday, November 22nd , 2023.
They however commended the rare high level of maturity,civilization,Safety consciousness and law abiding attitude exhibited by the legitimate Care taker committee of BBA, led by Hon. Chief Anselem Duru,during the Wednesday 3am unlawful invasion and forceful take of the market leadership and Secretariat by Oscar Odogwu and Alex Obi – Odunukwe’s Thugs and police,who allegedly invaded the market to foist an illegal market leadership.
Speaking, one of the visibly Angry traders, Chief Polycarp Nwankwo, “the refusal by Hon. Duru Led ICC to resort to self help and confrontation with thugs, but resigned  to rule of law, was the saving grace that avoided Imminent Bloodbath,Possible Breakdown Of Law And Order, As Heavily Armed thugs backed by Police Officers Besiege BBA Lagos Market Complex to Enforce Controversial court Order”
Our investigation revealed that thousands of angry Traders at the Multi billion Naira BBA International market, located at the Trade Fair Complex, Ojo, along the Lagos/Badagry Expressway, Lagos, were vexed over the forceful foisting of what they described as a new unwarranted and unwanted leadership on them .
They also condemned the alleged manhandling of the legitimate Chief Security Officer, CSO of the market,Chief Chinaedu Ezebuadi and his security colleagues, who were said to have been brutally beaten by the invaders,who stormed the market by 3am,  early Wednesday morning using hired thugs , accompanied by a detachment of heavily armed Police officers, suspected to be from  the State Command, whose mission they said was to Unlawfully foist a new leadership in the crisis ridden market.
According to our Correspondent ,there are palpable fears, with tension running high,as some breakaway members of the Association led by one Chief Oscar Odogwu, allegedly backed by over 300 armed police officers ,  “on a mission to enforce a dubious and questionable court order , in a very dangerous attempt to foist an unknown and unrecognized members of the Association on the teeming traders in the market, in contravention of subsisting orders and decisions of the Federal High Court”.
The traders are envisaging a total breakdown of  Law and Order, if due process and rule of law that has been truncated, is not restored immediately,which they fear may lead to bloodbath, as it had once happened in the same market years ago.
They therefore called on the Inspector General of the Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and call the Lagos State Police Command to order.
Speaking, the legally recognized Caretaker Committee CTC, led by Honourable Anselm Dunu and the Secretary, Chief Leonard Ogbonnia, had Stated in an interview that  the new phase of the  crisis that had been rocking the market association started after Chief Okey Ezeibe allegedly took some of his loyalists to an obscure area  outside the market and  Conducted  an illegal election in which unpopular and unrecognized persons, including Chief Oscar Odogwu,were purportedly elected as leaders of the association to the chagrin of other members who felt the reign  of Chief Ezeibe as President and Board of Trustee,  BOT Chairman,  had lapsed and therefore, conducting an election outside the market runs contrary to their Constitution.
“It was this kangaroo and unlawful election in a hotel outside our market,that Oscar Odogwu and his co- travellers , used in initiating a court proceedings against individuals. For record purposes and emphasis, Odogwu’s court case was not with our organization called BBA , not with the caretaker committee.
The deceived the court, the police,collected illegal Judgement with which they came to our market by 3am in the morning , broke into the security office, destroying things, manhandling our security personnel and Unlawfully took over leadership of the market .How can police Officers invade a market at the wee hours of the day, when market had long closed to enforce a questionable court Order . IGP Kayode Egbetokun, The Judiciary,Federal and State governments, should urgently intervene, so as to restore the democratic Hope of common man and our genuine traders”, The oldest Member, BBA Board Of Trustees, BOT, Chief Nick Okeke, lamented.
Meanwhile, Chief leonard Ogbonnia, frowned at what he described as Odogwu’s group deception and love for illegalities, “considering that just on Monday all parties in several Federal High Court cases, including this invaders, were in court for peaceful settlement and resolutions of cases and issues in the market “
According to a press release signed by Hon. Dunu and Chief Ogbonnia, despatched to our Correspondent, titled: “THE EVENTS AT BBA/ICC TODAY, WEDNESDAY, 22ND NOVEMBER,
2023″, it reads:
“Greetings beloved and greet fellow members of BBA/ICC.
The Caretaker Committee of BBA uses this opportunity to address you on the
regrettable and ridiculous events of today, Wednesday, 22nd of November,
2023 when the duo of Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and Mr. Oscar Odogwu broke
into the hallowed grounds of our Shopping Complex under the flag and color of
enforcing an alleged order or judgment of court.”
“It is imperative that you, resourceful and glorious members of Balogun Business
Association, hold very closely to your noble hearts the very vital information
that the purported judgment under which cover Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and
Mr. Oscar Odogwu invaded the sacred grounds of our complex is one they
fraudulently contrived and invoked in a stale and illegitimate lawsuit in which
neither our dear Association, Balogun Business Association, nor members of this
Caretaker Committee are parties.”
“In other words, Balogun Business Association, either in its plain name or in its
capacity as a body corporate and registered Association, is not a party to the
suit.
And neither this incumbent Caretaker Committee No any of its members are
parties to this abusive and contemptuous lawsuit.”
Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and Mr. Oscar Odogwu, consumed and propelled by a
combustible mix of inordinate ambition and desperation have done the
unthinkable by brazenly deceiving, misinforming and manipulating both the
Court and the Nigeria Police Force to levy execution of a purported judgment
against Balogun Business Association, the Caretaker Committee of the
Association and members of the Caretaker Committee of the Association who
are not parties to their contemptuous lawsuit!”
“And to make matters worse for these two desperado and their confederates
who claim to have been “elected” as members of a phantom “executive council”
of their own imagination at an hotel in Mile 2, Lagos, their illegitimate lawsuit
was wangled by them and unleashed on the Court AFTER the Federal High Court
had specifically in Suit No.”
 FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021(Incorporated Trustees of Balogun Business Association & Others versus Inspector General of Police &
Others) and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021(Incorporated Trustees of Balogun
Business Association & Others versus Corporate Affairs Commission & Others)
made orders, decisions and pronouncements which effectively invalidated and
nullified the comedy of errors that masqueraded as “elections” at Villa Park
Hotel!The above two suits and the orders, decisions and pronouncements made by
the Federal High Court predated the now infamous and contemptuous lawsuit
of Mr. Oscar Odogwu, Mr. Alex Obi-Odunukwe and their confederates, and the
orders, decisions and pronouncements of the Federal High Court in the above
two cases(Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021)
are still subsisting!”
“In fact the two suits came up before the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday,
20th of November, 2023 and have been further adjourned by the Court to the
19th of December, 2023!
In the circumstances, we hereby advise our beloved members, stakeholders,
affiliates and esteemed customers to remain calm and law-abiding while this
Caretaker Committee, in exercise of its lawful management and administration
of the Association and the ICC, attends to the toxic and noxious shenanigans of
these fifth columnists who by all indications are mere scouts for some ambitious
predators that have in recent times set their sights on the ICC and the Association under various covers, including false environmental and sanitation concerns.”
“The Association and this incumbent Caretaker Committee is backed and
sustained not only by the subsisting orders, decisions of the Federal High Court
in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/579/2021 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2021, but by
subsisting judgments of the Federal High.
Crisis Rocks BBA Again: Thugs Backed By Heavily Armed Police Detachment Invades Market

By Ifeoma Ikem

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

Published

on

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

Continue Reading

society

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Published

on

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

Continue Reading

society

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

Published

on

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending