Metro
CP Jimoh Assumes Office at Lagos Command, Vows to Redouble Efforts in Combating Crime
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, on Tuesday, assumed duties at the Command’s headquarters in Ikeja during a colourful ceremony.
Jimoh replaced CP Lanre Ishola, who wC
Das sacked following roles played in the ongoing Lagos State House of Assembly crises.
In his inaugural speech, Jimoh, who was a former Force spokesperson, and presently the 41st CP of the state, reiterated his commitment to non-tolerance of crimes and criminalities, promising to redouble efforts towards ridding the state of any form of insecurity.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu among others for the belief they have in him.
Below is his full speech, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP).
“It’s pertinent to acknowledge that my predecessor and the senior officers have thoroughly briefed me on the crimes situation and all other issues of concern in Lagos State. They have done their best under the leadership of my predecessor to ensure peace, security and protection of all Lagosians in the State. Their achievements will definitely be improved upon and strengthened to further reduce all forms of crimes and criminalities throughout the length and breadth of Lagos State to barest level.
“Though crimes and criminalities in the State is not alarming and is surmountable, the Police under my leadership will redouble our efforts and work assiduously with the State Government and good People of the State to further reduce the fear of crime, the commission of crimes and all forms of criminalities in the State to minimum level to enable the law abiding people of the State and corporate entities both local, and multinationals to go about day to day businesses and their means of livelihood peacefully. The Police under my command will work very hard to ensure protection of the huge investments of all investors (Government Investments, and Local and Foreign Investments in the State).
“Before going to the details, permit me to express deep and sincere appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, the indefatigable 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, Federal Republic of Nigeria, IGP KAYODE ADEOLU EGBETOKUN, PhD, NPM for finding me worthy and entrusting me with the responsibility of serving as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
“I therefore wish to assure you all that Policing with International best practices and standards which is one of the key Policing visions and missions of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode ADEOLU EGBETOKUN PhD will be strictly adhered to and fully implemented for the benefit of all Lagosians and visitors to the State.
“The Lagos State Police Command as a lead internal security agency in the State has crucial roles in combating crimes and criminal activities in the State and make the State safer for all the people of the State. To achieve these objectives, the Command will work closely with Government of the State, prominent and eminent personalities, critical stakeholders, investors, public-spirited individuals, the traditional rulers, religious leaders, and all other stakeholders and groups that are committed to partnering with the Police to ensure security and safety in the State.
“The Lagos State Police under my leadership will prioritize effective synergy, partnership and cooperation with Sister security and safety agencies and services in the State. This is to sustain, further improve and strengthen the already established cordial relationship between the Police and the other security and safety agencies in the State. I, therefore, respectfully wish to assure these critical security stakeholders of the commitments of the Command in this regard. It’s imperative to emphasize that under my leadership, the Command will foster more closer collaboration with key security agencies complimenting the Police to implement a unified strategies to tackling crime in Lagos State. Our collective commitment and collaboration will definitely ensure a more secure and safer Centre of Excellence for all Lagosians
“New and varied Crime Prevention, Control and Management Strategies will be adopted and implemented to nip in the bud all forms of Crimes, most especially violence crimes and promptly detect those crimes that may occur. The Command will be more proactive in crime fighting and prevention to detect and, act and deal according to the Laws with early warning signals of crimes and other threats that can snowball into disturbances of public peace and public safety, or break down of law and order appropriately.
“Relying on the actionable intelligence and crime mapping tools of the Command, Crimes of violence and other sundry crimes will be fought and dealt with head on. The strategies, tactics, methods and techniques being implemented by the Command to fight crimes such as traffic robbery, robbery, cultism in all ramifications, curbing of violent crimes around identified black spots and other notorious crime scenes will be reinvigorated and improved upon to achieve results and get the criminals off the streets of Lagos. The full weight of the law will be applied on who will be criminals in the State. They are hereby strongly warned and advised to repent, abandon the crimes or leave Lagos State. The State will be too hot henceforth for the men of the under-world and it will be a no-go area for criminals and their cohorts.
“In curbing the menace of cultism in some parts of the State, the Lagos State Police Command will sustain its onslaught on cultism. More than fifty (50) suspected cultists arrested in the acts have been arraigned in court and currently under prosecution. We, therefore, call on parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to desist from cult-related activities or face the full wrath of the law as the Command will stop at nothing to rid the state of all acts of cultism.
“The Command will continue to uphold an open-door policy, ensuring a people-friendly and community-oriented approach to policing for all Lagosians. We will foster unhindered communication, deliberation and collaboration between the police and the public. The people of the State will have unhindered opportunity to interact with the police freely at all levels to strengthen the trust, accountability, and mutual respect on both sides.
“At this juncture, let me assure Lagosians that under my leadership, human rights abuses will not be tolerated no matter how minor it may be. Our approach to policing will be firmly rooted on the dictates of international best practices in Policing. While professionalism, respect for human rights and human dignity of every Lagosian will be religiously observed. Every action taken by Police personnel across the Command will reflect our commitment to rule of law, justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens rights at all times. All Police personnel throughout the Command are under strict instructions to be civil, polite but firm in carrying out their official duties, obligations and other responsibilities. The good people of the State are also implored to respect the Police officers on their duty posts and be law abiding.
“It is pertinent to underscore that the Command will uphold the zero-tolerance POLICY of the Inspector General of Police, IGP KAYODE ADEOLU EGBETOKUN PhD, NPM against corruption and all forms of unethical practices. We will ensure accountability, integrity, and professionalism in all our Police operations, law enforcement duties and other statutory responsibilities and obligations.
“The Command is not unmindful of the concerns and complaints of members of the Public about unsatisfactory conduct of few Police officers which is not condoned at any time and which some personnel have been punished for in line with police disciplinary processes in the past. However in case of act of any right violation, I urge Lagosians to promptly reach out to the Lagos State Police Command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU) by calling 09111111150 or via WhatsApp at 09111111151. Additionally, our official social media handles: @LagosPoliceNG (X), @policeng_lagos (instagram) and our website, www.lagos.npf.gov.ng, are always open for complaints for swift and effective responses.
“Your concerns will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, urgency and promptly redressed. You can also make a formal complaint at the nearest police station or report to me personally on 08032569029.
“In line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, PhD, we will place the people at the core of our mission, foster trust, collaboration, and accountability. This is to build stronger bridges of trust between the Police and the community in ensuring a more inclusive, people-centered approach to policing.
“I wish to significantly place on record, on behalf of the entire Officers and Men of the Lagos Police Command, our deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Executive Governor of Lagos State Mr Babajide O. Sanwo- olu for the time to time huge logistics provisions to the Lagos Police, the tremendous support and immense assistance he has continuously provided to the Lagos Police Command has made the general administration and operational activities of the Command much more easier. These logistics includes provision of patrol and operational vehicles, and utility trucks, Communication equipment, personnel protective equipment, and other infrastructural provisions throughout the State. Your Excellency, we are indeed very grateful and passionately appeal that you continue to assist and support us further in the these regards and other area of needs. Furthermore, we will collaborate closely with the Lagos State Government agencies complementing the Police in law enforcements, traffic management and general orderliness in the State.
“I will also like to appreciate the longstanding support of His Royal Majesty, Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, CFR, D.Sc. (Honoris causa) LL. B B.L.MNIM Mni f. Nig. Law Sch., and other noble, highly respected Royal highnesses and fathers along with other members of the Lagos State Council of Chiefs and Obas. Their immense support towards ensuring peace in their respective domains is very much recognized, appreciated and commendable.
“The training and retraining and capacity building development of all police personnel will be a top priority to ensure that they are well-equipped with optimal knowledge and modern know-how in the discharge and performance of their duties, and in their relationships with members of the general public and all Lagosians.
“The Command as I mentioned earlier will work in close collaboration with other intelligence and security agencies to enhance coordination and intelligence- sharing for overall public safety and security in the State.
“Also, my immeasurable gratitude and appreciation goes to the teeming community of captains of industries, local and foreign investors and the bankers’ forum for their continued backing for the Command.
“In the same vein, I must not fail to express my sincere appreciation to our highly respected and valued very senior Police officers in the state who have served and retired meritoriously at the highest levels of the Force. I will always rely on them for advice, guidance and other assistance.
“I cannot end my speech without expressing our profound gratitude and appreciation to highly esteemed media correspondents, practitioners, editors, managers and the entire media industry both traditional and new media for your unflinching partnership and continuous supports to the Lagos Police Command which has greatly improved the partnership and cordial relationship between the Police and general public in the State.
“Your sacrifice and selflessness will not be taken for granted. This very important friendship will be taken to higher level under my leadership.”
Following the fatal crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State involving world-renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua and his team, the Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) of the FRSC RS2 Lagos Zone, Assistant Corps Marshal, ACM Ann O. Oladayo, on Tuesday conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the accident scene, even as the incident has generated widespread public interest and conflicting reports, the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), can report
Speaking with pressmen during the assessment visit, ACM Oladayo said the inspection was necessary to establish the true facts, noting that some FRSC operatives were already present at the corridor when the crash occurred yesterday. “A lot of reports are out there, but we decided to come for an eyewitness account because some of our operatives were here when it happened. We needed to ascertain what actually occurred,” she said.
According to the FRSC, preliminary findings from eyewitnesses revealed that a trailer conveying soya beans was properly parked off the road, waiting to be offloaded, when a speeding vehicle conveying popular international boxing champion, Anthony Joshua and his friends ran into it. “From what we gathered, the truck was not on the road. It was waiting to be offloaded and was well off the carriageway when the vehicle ran into it,” Oladayo explained.
She dismissed claims that the FRSC failed to respond promptly, stressing that the Corps arrived at the scene within minutes. “Immediately we heard of the incident, we were here in under three minutes. Our priority was rescue. Unfortunately, we lost two lives, but the injured were rescued and taken for medical attention,” she said.
The Zonal Commander added that suspected over-speeding and possible wrongful overtaking were being investigated as likely causes of the crash, noting that the impact force which pulled out the trailer’s tyres suggested excessive speed. “On this highway, the speed limit is 100km/h. From the impact, it is likely that the vehicle exceeded that limit. Investigation is still ongoing,” she stated.
An eyewitness, Yusuf Ajala Oluwaseun, who was at the scene when the crash occurred, blamed persistent speeding along the highway. “We just heard a loud boom. At first, we thought it was a tyre burst. People overspeed a lot on this road. Just last week, an 18-seater bus speeding here hit a man and overturned. FRSC came and rescued the victims,” he said.
Another eyewitness, Sodiq Ayo, confirmed the swift arrival of emergency responders of FRSC and described the moments after the crash. “I heard a sound and came out. People were shouting that someone was still inside the Jeep. When we realised it was Anthony Joshua, everyone gathered, a lot of people were doing video of Anthony Joshua. But before people arrived fully, FRSC came and rescued them,” he recounted.
The FRSC Zonal Commander, Oladayo noted that the damaged trailer has been moved to its facility using a heavy-duty tow truck, while the SUV involved in the crash is currently in the custody of the Ogun State Police Command, as investigations continue. She used the opportunity to caution motorists to plan their journeys properly, avoid over-speeding and reckless overtaking, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before travelling.
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to rapid emergency response and road safety enforcement.
The operatives of Ondo State Security Network Agency aka Amotekun Corps, have arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following the “powerful and deadly” United States airstrikes targeting militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) group in North-western Nigeria.
The Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Tuesday in Akure while parading a total of 61 suspects apprehended across various parts of the State during the Yuletide period.
According to Adeleye, the 39 suspects claimed during interrogation that they escaped from Sokoto State and moved towards the South-West in the aftermath of the airstrikes.
“These 39 suspects themselves claimed they fled from the Sokoto area,” he told journalists.
He said the suspects, aged between 18 and 45 years, are currently undergoing profiling, adding that those found in possession of incriminating materials would be prosecuted according to the law.
Mr Adeleye further revealed that the Amotekun corps has intensified patrols and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly along border communities linking Ondo State with Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo, and Kwara states.
Giving a breakdown of the arrests, the Amotekun commander said that out of the 61 suspects paraded, 50 were arrested for various breaches of law and order, two for offences related to anti-open grazing laws, six for kidnapping-related crimes, while three were arrested for gender-based violence and rape.
He explained that the ember months patrol would officially end on Tuesday, but assured residents that security operations would not be relaxed, as Operation Le Jade Phase Two is scheduled to commence on January 1.
Adeleye added that the Amotekun Corps has also increased its 24-hour surveillance across the state, with the deployment of Amotekun Rangers to forest reserves.
He attributed the numerous arrests to sustained and coordinated efforts by officers and men of the Amotekun Corps to rid the state of criminal elements.
While commending Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for effective security operations, Adeleye said the state government has continued to support security agencies without hesitation.
He also lauded the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), vigilante groups, and members of the public for their cooperation.
Providing details of some arrests, Adeleye said two suspects – Mustafa (34) and Philip (45) – were apprehended for kidnapping around the Ofosio area of Odigbo Local Government Area.
“In the Isua-Akoko axis, three suspects identified as Idris (18), Ibrahim Abdullahi (20), and Lawal Idris (23) were also arrested for alleged criminal activities.
On rape and assault cases, he disclosed that Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33), and Bejide (41) were arrested in Isinkan for rape and for assaulting Amotekun officers.
“The corps also arrested suspected armed robbers identified as Ola Tunbosun (30), Ibrahim, and Shahidu in Akure North, Oba-Akoko, and Oba-Ile.
“The suspects were allegedly part of a robbery gang that recently stole a vehicle in Akure, with plans to transport it to Abuja for sale. The stolen vehicle, as well as a taxi reportedly used to rob unsuspecting passengers, were recovered and displayed during the parade,” he said.
Adeleye explained that the gang’s modus operandi involved operating in densely populated areas, picking up passengers, introducing another gang member as an extra passenger, and then using a firearm to dispossess victims of their belongings before pushing them out of the vehicle.
He advised members of the public to remain vigilant, particularly when boarding taxis without proper markings or readable registration numbers.
When the National Theatre Lagos first opened ahead of FESTAC ’77, an architectural marvel, a symbol of the cultural soul of a nation ready to introduce its artistic brilliance to the world. Modelled after the Varna Palace of Culture and Sports in Bulgaria and constructed between 1973 and 1976, the National Theatre was designed as an emblem of Nigeria’s ambition to be Africa’s cultural capital. Its 5,000-seat main hall, festival arena, exhibition spaces, and state-of-the-art acoustics made it one of the most sophisticated performance complexes on the continent.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Theatre became home to Nigeria’s most iconic productions, from Hubert Ogunde’s epic plays to international dance festivals, orchestral performances, film premieres, and global conferences. It was a beacon for African creativity, a place where culture, identity, music, and storytelling came alive. But by the early 2000s, the Theatre, though heavy with cultural memory, had fallen into disrepair. Years of inadequate maintenance, stalled concession agreements, and structural depreciation left the building struggling to meet modern technical and creative demands. The symbol of national pride had become a shadow of its past promise.
Recognising the scale of cultural loss and the opportunity embedded within it, the Bankers’ Committee, with Access Bank playing a pivotal role, initiated the largest cultural infrastructure revitalisation project in contemporary Nigeria. The decision was both strategic and patriotic: Nigeria’s creative industry, now contributing significantly to GDP through film, fashion, music, design, cultural tourism, and digital content, urgently needed a modern, centralised hub that could support global-standard production and creative entrepreneurship. Reviving the National Theatre would not only restore a national icon but also stimulate job creation, attract international collaborations, and reposition Lagos as a premier African creative economy hub.
The renewal of the National Theatre is therefore more than a restoration project; it is a necessary economic intervention, a cultural renaissance, and a visionary step toward building a more inclusive and future-ready Nigeria. And for Access Bank, supporting this transformation is a natural continuation of a long, deliberate commitment to art, culture, and creative empowerment.
Access Bank’s Legacy of Championing the Creative Economy
Well before Nigeria’s creative industry gained global recognition, Access Bank had positioned itself as a cultural investor and ecosystem builder. For over a decade, the Bank has supported transformational initiatives across music, visual arts, fashion, film, sustainability, and youth development.
Access Bank has helped spotlight emerging and established African artists on a global stage through partnerships and collaborations with platforms like ART X. The annual fair, now one of Africa’s most influential contemporary art events, has benefitted immensely from the Bank’s commitment to nurturing young talent, commissioning bold projects, and providing a meeting point for creators, collectors, and global art enthusiasts.
In film and entertainment, Access Bank has backed festivals, documentaries, youth-focused storytelling, and creative incubators, recognising that Nigeria’s cultural exports are among its most powerful global assets. Across literature, community theatre, design, and public art, the Access brand remains synonymous with innovation, creativity, and cultural elevation. The revival of the National Theatre is thus an extension of this commitment.
A Cultural Renaissance Rooted in National Development
The National Theatre project is designed as a two-phase undertaking. Phase One, already significantly advanced, focuses on restoring the original theatre structure. This includes upgrading the main stage, cinema halls, exhibition spaces, lighting systems, acoustics, seating, ventilation, and accessibility infrastructure. The goal is to return the iconic building to world-class functionality while preserving its historic architecture.
Phase Two introduces a modern Creative Industries Park, a multi-purpose development designed to house film production studios, music recording labs, fashion houses, IT and gaming centers, photography studios, coworking spaces, and training academies. This innovation hub is expected to host thousands of young creators annually, enabling them to produce, learn, collaborate, and scale ideas into globally competitive businesses.
With Access Bank’s involvement through the Bankers’ Committee, the project has attracted international partnerships, institutional investors, technical specialists, and creative collaborators. It is poised to become one of the most significant cultural and economic catalysts in West Africa.
In a world where creative exports have become a major source of national influence, from Nollywood films to Afrobeats, digital arts to global fashion, infrastructure is destiny. Nigeria’s young creators generate some of the world’s most consumed cultural content, yet the ecosystem has lacked the physical and institutional support systems needed to harness that potential fully.
The revitalised National Theatre is therefore a launchpad for Nigeria’s next creative era.
With Access Bank’s long-standing commitment to empowering Africa’s creative industries, the revival blends heritage with innovation, history with ambition, and art with economic development.
From art fairs to creative hubs, sustainability initiatives to youth empowerment, Access Bank continues to champion platforms that inspire, educate, and elevate communities across the country.
By supporting the transformation of the National Theatre, the Bank has once again placed itself at the heart of Nigeria’s cultural renewal, bridging past and future, preserving heritage, and building an ecosystem where creativity can thrive without limits.
