Metro
CSOs Unite to Combat Synthetic Drug Menace
A coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations (CSOs) has joined forces to launch a comprehensive campaign aimed at curbing the alarming rise of synthetic drug abuse among young people. Led by Amb Chris Ibe, the initiative seeks to mitigate the devastating impact of synthetic drugs through a multi-faceted approach encompassing advocacy, awareness, community-based interventions, research, and data collection.
The coalition, comprising five independent CSOs, namely: African Youths Initiative on Crime Prevention; International Centre for Leadership Development, Nigeria; Unified Initiative Against Drug; Impact Her World Foundation; and Institute for Public Safety and Prevention of Sociopathic Behavior; was formed in response to the escalating synthetic drug crisis in Nigeria, which has resulted in a significant increase in addiction rates, overdose cases, and drug-related crimes.
The situation has reached unprecedented levels, posing a substantial threat to the health, security, and well-being of the nation’s youth.
The campaign will focus on advocating for effective policies and legislation to prevent the production, distribution, and use of synthetic drugs. Additionally, the coalition will embark on a nationwide awareness campaign to educate young people, parents, and communities about the dangers of synthetic drugs and promote healthy lifestyles.
The coalition at its inaugural meeting held in Lagos also commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for the Child Right Act and expressed appreciation for the support of international partners, such as INL, US, in mitigating synthetic drug abuse in Nigeria and globally, while appealing to the Nigerian government to drop the idea of capital punishment for offenders
The launch of this campaign marks a significant milestone in the fight against synthetic drug abuse in Nigeria. With the collective efforts of INL, US and the CSOs, going forward, the coalition is determined to make a lasting impact and protect the future of the nation’s youth.
Elizabeth Austin reports from Lagos
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of police mobile force (PMF) personnel from private individuals nationwide.
The IGP, according to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, gave the directive during a meeting with PMF squadron commanders at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Tuesday.
He decried the assignment of PMF operatives to escort and guard duties for VIPs and private individuals across the country.
He also announced a series of reforms, including quarterly ethics and professionalism training, and the mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units.
In the statement, Adejobi said the move is part of the reorganisation of the Police Mobile Force (PMF).
“He expressed concern over the diversion of PMF personnel to non-core roles, including escort and guard duties for private individuals and VIPs, a trend which has undermined the unit’s effectiveness,” the statement read.
“To address this, the IGP has announced a series of measures including the immediate withdrawal of PMF personnel from unauthorized deployments, regular quarterly training focused on ethics and professionalism, and mandatory standby of fully equipped, combat-ready units across all Squadrons for rapid tactical support.”
According to the IGP, all PMF Commanders will be held accountable for the conduct of their personnel.
Egbetokun, however, urged them to lead proactively through regular training, inspections, and mentorship aimed at upholding discipline, respect for human rights, and operational excellence.
The police in Bauchi State have arrested a 40-year-old woman for allegedly raping a 12-year-old boy in Azare, headquarters of Katagum Local Government Area.
The State Police Command in a statement by the PPRO, CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, said: “On March 1, 2025, at about 14:00 hours, a concerned citizen from Katagum Local Government Area reported a serious incident to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Azare.
“The report implicated Fatimah Ibrahim, a 40-year-old resident of Tashan Jama’are, in a troubling case involving a 12-year-old boy (names withheld), who had been employed to assist in her business.”
The victim, an Arabic pupil, was reportedly housed at the defendant’s residence, where he was subjected to inappropriate conduct over two months.
During an interview, Wakil said the victim described how the defendant, who he trusted as a maternal figure, engaged him in acts of a sexual nature, especially when her other visitors were not present.
He recounted being given a mixture of lemon juice, which he believed may have been tampered with before these incidents occurred, and indicated that he had been subjected to such behavior on multiple occasions.
Wakil said during the subsequent interrogation, the defendant admitted to her actions. He added that investigation is ongoing, adding that the suspect will undergo profiling before charged to court for the appropriate offence.
A prominent Lagos hotelier, Otunba Kunle Akinyele, tragically passed away on Saturday after collapsing during a church thanksgiving service held in honour of his wife’s 60th birthday.
The incident occurred at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Iyanu, Odemuyiwa District Headquarters, Egbeda, Lagos State, leaving family, friends, and well-wishers in deep shock.
In a now-viral video shared on Facebook by Ayoade Ojeniyi on Sunday, the late businessman appeared visibly distressed, gesturing frantically—apparently requesting water or an inhaler—moments before slumping while delivering his testimony.
The thanksgiving service had been organised to celebrate his wife, Deaconess Catherine Adejoke Akinyele, with a grand reception scheduled to follow immediately after at Noble Castle Events Centre, Igando.
However, those plans were abruptly halted when news broke that Akinyele had collapsed in church. Despite frantic efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
One of the event vendors, who shared their experience via Facebook, said they had arrived at the reception venue as early as 10 am for the party, which was set to commence by 2pm.
The vendor wrote: “The celebrant, her husband, their children, and guests had all gone to church for the thanksgiving, intending to proceed to the reception afterwards. Varieties of foods were ready, decoration set, cocktails, emu oguro, and more. The live band had already mounted about 25 speakers. This is how people die? I can’t even think of asking for my balance for the job.”
