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Police arrests 13-Year old ‘armed robber’ in Lagos

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At an age his mates still ‘suck’ from their mothers’ breast, a 13-year-old Opeyemi Johnson has graduated into full time gangsterism.

But his sojourn into crime world was cut short by men of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), when Johnson and some suspected members of the notorious Awawa cult group were arrested.

He was nabbed after he alongside members of his cult robbed a lady of over N58, 000 and other valuables.

Johnson, a Junior Secondary School (JSS) student, said he was raised by his mother and knew his father,  a Congolese

He was arrested around Fagba in Agege on Sunday morning after he, alongside 20 others dispossessed road users of their belongings.

It was learnt that the suspect and his gang members were returning from a street carnival before they started terrorising passerbys, snatching their bags, phones and other valuables.

RRS men on patrol were said to have caught Opeyemi who later led the police to arrest another suspect, Mohammed Korede, 19.

Confessing to the crime, the teenager said their leader, a certain ‘Ijaomode’ ordered them to rob anyone they saw on the road from the carnival.

“I followed my cult members to carnival at Power Line, Agbado Crossing. On our way home, our Capol, nicknamed ‘Ijaomode’ instructed us to start robbing anybody we meet on our way.

“We robbed not less than 10 people before we got to Fagba Junction. At this point, we saw a young girl, (Naisha Akiomon) and immediately surrounded and collected all her belongings including phones and jewelry. She later went to bring RRS men who chased us and arrested me while my colleagues managed to escape,” he said.

On how he joined the cult, Opeyemi said he was forced into the group by one Ola last year.

“I was initiated into the group about a year ago. It was one brother whom I only know as Ola that introduced and forced me to join the group.

“It was on a Sunday evening at Abattoir, Agege. Ola took me to one dark room and ordered me to kneel down. In that room, I met six other members already waiting for my arrival.

“The cult leader, ‘Ijaomode’ blindfolded me with black clothe and all the six members descended on me. They gave me a thorough beating.

“After a while, they stopped. They gave me alligator pepper to chew and also an alcoholic drink to gulp it down. One of them stood up and he drew tattoo on my forehead and below my eyes as sign of being a bonafide member of the group.

“Since that time, I have been going out with them for operations. I stopped going back home. I used to sleep in a shanty plank room at Abattoir.

“Initially, I did not know it would turn out to be this. Immediately I saw their way of life, I wanted to quit but they threatened to kill me if I dared,” said Opeyemi.

Reliving her ordeal, Akiomon said that she was on her way to Lagos Island around 4am when about 15 armed boys surrounded her and collected her N58,000, three ATM cards, Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), phones, among others.

“I had to run to the other side of the road to shout for help. Fortunately, I saw RRS operatives patrolling and I explained everything to them.

“They followed me to the crime scene but immediately the thieves saw us coming, they started running. The Police chased them and arrested one of them,” she stated.

When contacted, the state command’s spokesperson, Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP) confirmed the arrest, adding that the two suspects have been transferred to Gender Department of the police command for necessary actions.

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*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.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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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.

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MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

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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