Sanwo-Olu Visits Great Nigeria Insurance House Fire Site, Confirms Partial Collapse And Demolition Plans

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has visited the site of the devastating fire that engulfed the 25-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House on Martins Street, Lagos Island, on Christmas Eve. The blaze, which reportedly began on the fourth and fifth floors, quickly spread across the building, now primarily used as a storage facility rather than offices. Addressing reporters, the governor pointed out longstanding safety concerns. “This building has experienced fire incidents in the past. Its conversion into warehousing on nearly every floor, with flammable materials, made firefighting extremely difficult,” Sanwo-Olu said. He explained that the fire escalated after initial responders, trained for ground-level emergencies, struggled to contain the flames on the higher floors. Sanwo-Olu commended the prompt and coordinated response of the Lagos Fire Service, Lagos Emergency Response Team, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Port Authority, and other agencies. “Thankfully, no casualties have been reported, although several people received treatment and were taken to hospital,” he added. Confirming partial structural collapses, the governor announced that the building is slated for demolition to prevent further hazards.

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Two Dead As Diesel Tanker Explodes On Badagry Expressway In Lagos

A fatal diesel tanker explosion claimed two lives in the early hours of Thursday along the Badagry Expressway in Lagos, according to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority. The crash occurred at the Oto-Ijanikin area near the Lagos State University of Education. Authorities said the tanker was involved in an overtaking manoeuvre when the driver lost control, leading to a collision that triggered a fire outbreak. Confirming the incident, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, explained that initial investigations pointed to excessive speed as the cause. “Preliminary findings from security investigations indicate that the unfortunate incident was precipitated by excessive speed, as the tanker driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle while attempting to overtake another road user,” he said. He added, “The vehicle subsequently crashed and erupted into a raging inferno, tragically trapping and claiming the lives of the driver and an adult female occupant.” LASTMA officials were said to have responded promptly, immediately securing the affected section of the road to prevent further accidents. Emergency agencies, including the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service (Ojo Unit), the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Ijanikin Police Division, were contacted for rescue and security operations. Officers at the scene also stopped members of the public from attempting to collect spilled diesel, warning that such actions could have resulted in additional explosions and loss of life. After the fire was successfully contained, the severely damaged tanker was evacuated to ease traffic congestion, while the remains of the victims were recovered by the FRSC. Reacting to the incident, LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki described the tragedy as “deeply painful and entirely avoidable,” while extending condolences to the families of the deceased. He urged drivers of tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles to strictly observe speed limits and traffic regulations, and cautioned the public against scooping petroleum products from accident scenes. “The Authority remains steadfast in its commitment to public safety and the sanctity of human life,” he said.

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Obinwanne Okeke, aka Invictus Obi, Released From US Prison Ahead Of Schedule

Nigerian entrepreneur Obinwanne Okeke, widely known as Invictus Obi, has been released from prison in the United States, nearly four years before the completion of his 10-year sentence for fraud. The US Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) website confirms that Okeke was no longer in custody as of Wednesday, December 23, 2025, with his status listed as “Not in BOP Custody as of: 12/23/2025.” Okeke was sentenced in February 2021 to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges linked to an $11 million internet fraud scheme. Under the original sentence, he was expected to remain in custody until September 3, 2028. It is unclear whether his early release involves supervised release or another form of reprieve. The entrepreneur was arrested by the FBI at Dulles International Airport in 2019 for his role in an email compromise scheme targeting Unatrac Holding Limited, the export sales office for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm equipment. In 2018, a Unatrac executive was tricked by a phishing email that allowed the conspirators to access login credentials, send fraudulent wire transfer requests, and attach fake invoices. Okeke, who was once listed among Forbes’ 100 Most Influential Young Africans, had gained prominence as a tech entrepreneur prior to his arrest and conviction.

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Netanyahu Raises Alarm Over Christian Persecution In Nigeria During Christmas Message

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised alarm over what he described as the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, calling for an immediate halt to violence and displacement affecting Christian communities. In a Christmas video message released on Wednesday, Netanyahu said attacks motivated by religion were unacceptable anywhere in the world and should not be tolerated under any circumstances. He pointed directly to Nigeria, saying militant assaults against Christians must stop without delay. “The persecution of Christians or members of any religion cannot and must not be tolerated. And the displacement and attacks against Christians in Nigeria, that too must end. And it must end now.” Netanyahu used the address to portray Israel as a safe haven for Christians, describing it as the only country in the Middle East where Christians are able to practise their faith freely and celebrate religious traditions without fear. He contrasted Israel’s position with what he described as widespread intimidation and persecution of Christians in other parts of the region. “Israel is the only country in the Middle East where Christians can practise their faith with full rights and in total freedom, where Christian pilgrims are embraced with open arms and are so deeply appreciated, where Christians can celebrate their traditions proudly and openly do so without any fear.” According to Netanyahu, Israel’s Christian population continues to grow, while Christian communities in several Middle Eastern countries have steadily declined due to discrimination and oppression. He cited Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and areas under the Palestinian Authority as examples, with particular emphasis on Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. “The birthplace of Jesus, Bethlehem, used to have an 80 per cent Christian population. That’s when we were there. When we left and gave it to the Palestinian Authority, it has since dwindled from 80 per cent to 20 per cent.” He also compared how Christian symbols are treated, noting that Jerusalem’s municipal authorities officially distribute Christmas trees every year, while a Christmas tree was recently set on fire in Jenin. “In Jerusalem, the city municipality every year officially distributes Christmas trees every year. It’s been doing so for two decades. By contrast, a few days ago, in the Palestinian town of Jenin, Palestinians burnt a Christmas tree in the Holy Redeemer Church.” “That’s the difference. Israel stands up for Christians across the region, wherever they face widespread intimidation and persecution.” Netanyahu concluded the message by extending Christmas greetings to Christians around the world. His comments come weeks after United States President Donald Trump accused the Nigerian government of failing to stop the killing of Christians. In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump warned that the US could suspend all aid to Nigeria and even consider military action if the attacks continued.

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Massive Fire Destroys Great Nigeria Insurance House In Lagos, Traders Trapped

A major fire broke out on Wednesday evening at the Great Nigeria Insurance House, a multi-storey plaza on Martins Street, Lagos Island, leaving traders trapped inside. The blaze, which reportedly started around 5pm, affected the building, largely used as a warehouse and sales centre for clothing materials. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), said the fire began in an office on the fourth floor before spreading to other parts of the structure. “Upon arrival of the Shark Response Team, the 22-storey Great Nigeria Insurance House was already engulfed in flames,” he said. “Initial investigations show the fire started from one of the fourth-floor offices and quickly spread. The number of casualties is not yet known as rescue and firefighting operations are ongoing.” Margaret Adeseye, Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, confirmed that no casualties had been reported so far. She added that the fire had affected up to the fifth floor, with firefighting efforts still underway. “The building is mainly used for storage and sale of clothing materials, alongside some corporate offices and shops. No casualties have been recorded at this time,” Adeseye said. Emergency officials have advised the public to keep away from the area to allow rescue teams to operate safely.

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Edo Governor Monday Okpebholo Demands ₦25 Billion From PDP Chairman Anthony Aziegbemi Over Alleged Defamation

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has called on PDP state chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi to pay ₦25 billion in damages over alleged defamation and libel. The governor is also demanding a public apology to be published in three national newspapers. The demands were made in a letter dated 22 December 2025, addressed to Aziegbemi and signed by Okpebholo’s lawyer, R.I.D. Okezie, Esq. The letter, titled “Demand for damages and apologies for defamation of the character of the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” accused the PDP chairman of making statements that undermined the governor’s reputation. Okpebholo has given Aziegbemi a seven-day ultimatum to pay the ₦25 billion and issue the retraction. The claims relate to a press release allegedly issued by Aziegbemi on 7 January 2025, in his role as factional chairman of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee. The release, reportedly circulated widely in print and online media, is said to have contained remarks that disparaged the governor and the office he holds. The letter further noted that the publication mocked the governor’s public image, which he has cultivated over the years, including during his tenure as a senator in the National Assembly.

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Kano State House Of Assembly Mourns As Two Lawmakers Die Within An Hour

The Kano State House of Assembly was gripped by shock and mourning on Wednesday after two of its members died within an hour of each other. The Assembly’s spokesperson, Kamaludden Shawai, confirmed the incidents to PREMIUM TIMES. Aminu Sa’adu, the lawmaker representing Ungoggo Local Government Area, reportedly passed away on Wednesday morning following a brief illness. Shortly after, Sarki Aliyu, the representative for Kano Municipal LGA, also died. Shawai explained that Aliyu collapsed at the Assembly complex upon hearing the news of Sa’adu’s death. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The two lawmakers were close friends, and their sudden deaths have left the Assembly and their constituents in Ungoggo and Kano Municipal in deep shock. Lawmakers described the event as an unprecedented tragedy for Kano State’s political leadership.

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IED Detonates At Gamboru Main Market Mosque In Maiduguri During Evening Prayers

An improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly detonated at a mosque in Gamboru Main Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday evening, just as worshippers were performing their Maghrib prayers around 6:00 pm. The mosque, which is usually frequented by traders and shoppers from the busy Gamboru market, was targeted in the attack. This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks, and residents of Maiduguri noted that the city had not witnessed a similar blast in recent times. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Keneth Daso, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

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