Business
Hoodlums take advantage of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway gridlock, attack motorists, cart-away valuables
Robbers have cashed in on the unending gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with many motorists and passengers being dispossessed of their valuables.
Motorists revealed that gunmen attacked them as the gridlock intensified due to the rehabilitation of the road by Julius Berger Plc.
Some victims said the robbers attacked Lagos-bound vehicles held up in the traffic and stole phones and money, among other valuables.
A motorist, Aborishade Osanyin, said the hoodlums operated at about 8pm on Sunday.
He said, “They targeted exotic cars in the traffic. They harassed the owners and collected their valuables.
“The robbers are suspected to be hoodlums hiding under the Kara Bridge. Some motorists managed to reach the police, but the robbers had a field day for about 20 minutes.”
A commuter, who did not identify himself, described how the robbers operated.
“Some of them wore masks and had guns. They took the side of the long bridge where Julius Berger is rehabilitating and attacked vehicles in the gridlock. They shot into the air as they moved from one vehicle to the other. It was scary; some people jumped out of their vehicles and ran away,” he said.
The commuter said when policemen, who had received information on the robbery, arrived at the scene, they started shooting into the air to scare off the robbers.
He said the hoodlums escaped into the surrounding bushes.
It was learnt that policemen attached to the Warewa Police Division, Ogun State, and the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, and the Isheri Police Division, Lagos State, responded to the situation.
A policeman in the team told PUNCH Metro that no arrest was made.
He said, “The hoodlums have hideouts in the area. When they sighted the police patrol vehicles, they took to their heels. The most important thing was to stop the robbery, which we did. We were able to assure the motorists driving into Lagos that the robbers had fled and that they were safe.”
Similarly on Tuesday, the robbers were said to have blocked the Multichoice end of the expressway attacking motorists in the resultant gridlock.
The Commander, RRS, ACP Olatunji Disu, said the police dislodged the robbers on Sunday.
He said, “The RRS patrol team and the Isheri division went after the robbers. We were able to dislodge them.”
Meanwhile, Julius Berger Plc, the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the Mowe Unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps have started work on alternative roads to decongest gridlock on the expressway.
One of the alternative routes, which had been made available for use, opened up from the Warewa end to the Kara end of the expressway.
The FRSC Mowe Unit Commander, Assistant Corps Commander Oludare Ogunjobi, said the alternative roads would be accessible to only cars while heavy-duty trucks would use the expressway.
One of our correspondents, who visited Warewa around 2pm on Monday, observed that motorists had been plying the alternative route to link the Berger area of Lagos.
A motorist, Joseph Adewale, while commending the initiative, called on the contractor to speed up work on the expressway.
He said, “For the past six weeks, the expressway has been a nightmare because of the gridlock. At about 9pm on Sunday when I was returning from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, there was traffic on the long bridge. I spent almost two hours there. With this alternative route, I hope the traffic will ease. The construction on the expressway should be completed on time.”
Another driver, Simeon Peter, appealed to the FRSC to be at the spot at all times to ensure order on the road.
“If there is no one to control the traffic, the aim of providing this alternative will be defeated,” he added.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the RCCG created two alternative routes at the Ibafo, Ogun State end of the expressway to ensure a free flow of vehicular movement.
One of the church’s engineers working on the road, Mr. Abioye Olujimi, said a barrier would be mounted at the entrance of the road to prevent trucks.
He said, “We are 95 per cent through with the routes. What remains now is to spread asphalt on it. Over 2,000 vehicles had used the roads today and I assure you that the expressway will soon be free. The alternative roads are strictly for small vehicles, while heavy-duty trucks will use the bridge.
“There is going to be a barrier across the roads to prevent trucks from coming in. We are through with the black spots at Car Park C and NASFAT. We are also working on the ones at Mountain Top and in front of Ara Hall in Ibafo. We want to evacuate about two-third of the vehicles on the expressway through these alternative routes.”
The FRSC, Mowe Unit Commander, Ogunjobi, urged motorists to avoid driving against traffic.
He said his men would always be on the ground to ensure smooth flow of traffic, adding that any motorist caught violating traffic law would be dealt with.
He said, “Small vehicles are advised to use the alternative roads. No motorist should drive against the traffic. Whoever is caught will be prosecuted. The violators will be made to undergo psychiatric tests because no normal person will drive against the traffic. FRSC officials will be on the ground to enforce compliance.”
Efforts to speak with Julius Berger were abortive as of the time of filing this report on Tuesday.
*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status
To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.
UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.
In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.
Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.
Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.
Thank you.
Business
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour
Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”
Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.
The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.
This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.
Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:
“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”
As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.
With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.
⸻
About Laffmattazz
Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.
About First Bank of Nigeria Limited
First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.
Business
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria
Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.
Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.
FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.
The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.
You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.
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