Popular Nigerian Photographer Kola Onifoto Dies After Lone Motorcycle Crash In Lagos

Nigerian photographer and biker Orowole Kolapoz, popularly known as Kola Onifoto, has died after being involved in a lone motorcycle accident in Lagos. The 32-year-old creative, admired for his passion for travel and vibrant presence as a brand influencer, was said to have crashed on Sunday while embarking on what he described as his first solo biking trip outside Lagos. He had announced plans to travel to Akure, expressing excitement about joining the league of experienced riders who have explored different parts of Nigeria and beyond. In a post shared hours before the accident, he celebrated seasoned bikers with the words: “Big shout out to those who have ridden their bikes to every state in this country, to Africa, and across the world, especially women. My eye see wheeen,” he wrote. Following the crash, he was reportedly rushed to a Federal Road Safety Corps emergency facility in Ojota. He was later moved to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where friends and supporters held onto hope as prayers poured in for his recovery. However, he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Monday, March 2. News of his passing has since sparked an emotional response across social media, with many describing him as bold, inspiring and deeply committed to both photography and biking. The exact circumstances that led to the accident remain unclear. Just weeks earlier, in January, Kolapoz had celebrated fulfilling a long-time dream of fully embracing the biking lifestyle, sharing photos of himself and his motorcycle. Attempts to reach the Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps for official confirmation were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to its spokesperson were not returned as of the time of this report.

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Okemesi Laid To Rest In Lagos Three Days After His Death

Friends, family, and fans of actor Bamidele Saint, famously known as Okemesi, gathered in Lagos on Friday to lay the beloved comic actor to rest, three days after his death. Okemesi died on Tuesday at a hospital in Lagos after slipping into a coma reportedly caused by complications from medication he was receiving. He was pronounced dead at 11:50 a.m. that morning. At the burial service at Ayobo Cemetery, the actor’s sister was visibly distraught, calling for accountability over his death. In a video from the graveside that has circulated widely, she said, “If it is someone that did this to my brother, may the person pay. I am the last born. If it is someone that did this, in one month time let the person pay.” Okemesi was celebrated for his work in Yoruba films and comedy skits, earning recognition for his humour and his use of the Ekiti dialect, which made him a favourite among cinema-goers and online audiences alike.

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Lagos Transfers Mirabel’s Sexual Assault Case to Ogun State Authorities

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has confirmed that the sexual assault case involving TikTok user Mirabel (@mirab351) has been handed over to authorities in Ogun State. Mirabel had claimed she was raped in her apartment by a stranger. In a statement on Wednesday, the agency said it had successfully contacted a close friend of the survivor, who confirmed she had been discharged from the hospital. The case drew widespread attention online, trending under the hashtag #StopRapingWomen on X (formerly Twitter), with thousands calling for swift action against sexual assault and stronger protections for survivors. “Following our earlier statement and the overwhelming public response, we established contact with a close friend of the survivor who confirmed she has been discharged from the hospital. We appreciate members of the public who shared helpful information via direct messages and tagged the Agency to ensure prompt intervention,” the DSVA said. The alleged assault reportedly occurred on Sunday, February 15, with Mirabel sharing the incident publicly the following day. The agency clarified that the event happened in Ogun State, placing it outside the Lagos State DSVA’s jurisdiction. “All relevant information has been forwarded to the appropriate authorities in Ogun State to ensure proper handling in the spirit of interagency collaboration and survivor protection,” the statement read. The DSVA expressed confidence that the Ogun State Police Command is investigating the matter and that Mirabel will cooperate fully to allow a thorough probe. “We trust that the survivor will fully engage with the authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation and due process,” the agency added, reaffirming its commitment to supporting survivors and maintaining accessible channels for reporting sexual violence.

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Two Nollywood Crew Members Found Dead Inside Car As SCID Investigates

The Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, has launched a probe into the sudden deaths of two Nollywood crew members discovered inside a parked vehicle at a film set in Lekki Phase 1. The deceased have been identified as Godstime Imeh, a lighting director and CEO of GeeTee Light, and Walter Odediran, a creative video director known as Director Carrinqton. Their bodies were found on the evening of Saturday, February 7, 2026, inside Imeh’s car. The film being shot at the location was reportedly directed by former Big Brother Naija housemate, Boma. Sources said the two men arrived early to install lighting equipment and, after completing their setup mid-morning, took a break inside Imeh’s tinted Nissan while awaiting further instructions. Around 11 a.m., a crew member brought them breakfast consisting of yam and omelette. The men were last seen reclining in the car with the air-conditioning running. Concern arose when calls to their phones went unanswered by noon. Later that evening, colleagues discovered them unresponsive inside the vehicle. Kola Odediran, elder brother of Walter, told Vanguard: “Walter and I were like twin brothers. He was 36 and the last-born of our family. He was very close to Godstime Imeh. They worked hand-in-hand on movie productions.” He recounted their last known movements: “On Saturday, February 7, they were set to shoot a medical scene at Evercare Hospital. Around 10 a.m., they decided to rest in GeeTee’s car. Food was delivered to them; that was the last time anyone saw them alive. Around 7 or 8 p.m., after filming wrapped, they were found in the car. My brother was seated upright with foam at his mouth, while GeeTee was slumped, bleeding from his nose, eyes, and mouth. It seemed whatever happened occurred suddenly.” Odediran criticized the initial response by police, saying the case was first reported at Maroko Police Station but was not treated urgently. “We had to escalate it to SCID, Yaba, where it was recorded as an unnatural death requiring investigation and autopsy. Everyone involved—the producer, Boma, and the person who served the food—was invited,” he said. Authorities confirmed that the film producer, food vendor, staff member who delivered the meal, and hospital management have all been questioned. The food vendor remains in custody. Investigators are exploring environmental factors, potential ingestion, or mechanical causes, including the use of heavy-duty industrial generators above the parking area. Forensic procedures, including autopsies, toxicology tests, mechanical inspection of the vehicle, and CCTV review, are ongoing. Police stated that all possibilities remain open pending lab results. “It has been very difficult for our family. My mother is devastated. He was the last-born. We were just two male children. This has been extremely painful for us,” Kola Odediran added.

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Lagos Police Warn Against Fake Bomb Scares After Ikeja Schools Threat Messages

The Lagos State Police Command has issued a strong warning to residents over the spread of false security alerts after anonymous messages sparked panic at two private secondary schools in Ikeja. The caution was given by the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, through a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Abimbola Adebisi, following reports of an alleged bomb threat sent to the schools. According to the police, the Human Resources Manager and the Chief Security Officer of the affected institutions separately reported the incident at the Ikeja Divisional Police Headquarters after receiving threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number at about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday. “The reports were made about 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday after they received threatening WhatsApp messages from the same unidentified phone number. “Upon receiving the reports, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, immediately mobilised a high-powered security team and personally led operatives to the schools for an on-the-spot assessment. “The team comprised personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and other tactical units of the command,” Adebisi said. She disclosed that EOD-CBRN experts carried out a detailed and methodical sweep of the school premises to rule out any danger. “The operation covered classrooms, administrative offices, halls, playgrounds, and surrounding areas to rule out the presence of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) or other dangerous materials. “No explosive or hazardous items were found, and the schools were subsequently declared safe for continued academic and administrative activities,” she said. Adebisi added that the police commissioner expressed displeasure over the circulation of false information and directed that investigations be intensified to track down those behind the threat messages and bring them to justice. She also revealed that joint teams of police operatives have now been permanently deployed to the schools to provide 24-hour security for students, staff and facilities. Reassuring parents, guardians and school authorities, the police spokesperson affirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State. She urged members of the public to remain calm, stay alert and report any suspicious activities to nearby police stations or through the command’s emergency lines. It was gathered that immediately after the threats were received, the two schools located in Ikeja GRA sent their students home as a precaution. Parents were contacted and advised to keep their children at home over the alleged bomb scare until security agencies confirmed that the situation was under control.

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FG Rejects North’s Allegation Over Gold Refinery In Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has rejected claims by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) that the Federal Government established a gold refinery in Lagos in violation of the federal character principle. In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, Mr Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, described the allegations as false and misleading. “There was no mention in the Minister’s announcement that the Federal Government owns or has established a gold refinery in Lagos or anywhere else,” Tomori said. He added that Dr Alake had clearly stated that the upcoming refinery inauguration is part of broader plans, with other gold refineries being developed across the country, all of which are privately owned by different companies.

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Lagos State Orders Investigation Into Death Of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

The Lagos State Government has ordered an urgent investigation into the reported medical negligence that allegedly led to the death of Nkanu, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a private hospital in Lagos. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the directive through the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) following public concern over the incident, which occurred on January 6, 2026, the statement was said. In a press release signed by Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, the government expressed deep condolences to the grieving family, describing the loss as “a profound tragedy,” the statement was said. “On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, we commiserate sincerely with Ms. Chimamanda Adichie and her family over this painful and irreparable loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely difficult time,” the statement was said. The government reiterated its zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating in Lagos State, the statement was said. “Lagos State Government places the highest value on human life and maintains zero tolerance for medical negligence or unprofessional conduct in any health facility operating within the State,” the statement was said. Dr. Ogunyemi added that HEFAMAA has already begun a thorough investigation and visited the facility involved, she was said. “The Governor has directed HEFAMAA to immediately commence a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with a view to uncovering both immediate and remote causes of the death,” she was said. The investigation will include a detailed review of clinical protocols, professional conduct, patient safety standards, and the responsibilities of all parties involved, she was said. HEFAMAA will also work closely with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other regulatory bodies to ensure the process is credible and professional, she was said. “Findings of the investigation will be made public as soon as the process is concluded, in the interest of transparency and public accountability,” she was said. She further warned that any health facility or professional found culpable of negligence or regulatory violations would face the full weight of the law, she was said. The government urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and rights of all residents, the statement was said. “Lagos State remains committed to continuously strengthening oversight of medical practice to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents,” she was said, extending condolences to Ms. Adichie and her family and assuring that justice and due process would not be compromised.

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Sanwo-Olu Orders Demolition Of Fire-Damaged GNI Building In Central Lagos

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the controlled dismantling of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building in the heart of Lagos after a fire left the structure severely compromised. The decision was taken on Friday during the governor’s inspection of the building on Martins Street. Sanwo-Olu said assessments carried out by a team of engineers and safety experts revealed that the fire caused extensive damage to the building’s structural framework, making it unsafe for continued existence. He noted that public safety remains the government’s top priority, adding that the demolition would be executed in stages and under strict safety protocols to prevent harm to nearby buildings, traders, and pedestrians. Following the directive, the state government ordered the immediate closure of shops along Martins Street, advising traders to evacuate their wares and relocate temporarily to safer areas. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has also set up a support desk at the site to assist families seeking information about persons who may have been inside the building when the fire occurred. Although a specific timeline for the demolition was not disclosed, the governor assured residents that emergency services and safety personnel would stay on ground throughout the operation, while the area is cordoned off to protect surrounding structures in the busy commercial district.

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