Metro
Man Returns After 45 Years in US, Murdered in Cold Blood, Lagos CP Orders Probe
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered an investigation into the death of a United States of America returnee, Mutiu Agbosasa, who was murdered in the Ikorodu area of the state on Sunday.
It was gathered that Agbosasa, who returned to the country early this year after spending 45 years in the US, was murdered by gunmen while returning from the Island Club.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the gunmen attacked the victim when his guard opened the gate for him to drive into the compound.
Our correspondent gathered that after the gunmen had shot Agbosasa, his body was mutilated and burnt with his car.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bala Elkana, said in a statement on Wednesday, that Odumosu had ordered an in-depth investigation into the incident, adding that the guard had been arrested for questioning.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, has ordered an in-depth investigation into the death of one Mutiu Agbosasa of the Ginti Estate, Ijede, Ikorodu.
“On December 15, 2019, around 2.30am, one Rohis Dana, a security man working with the said Mutiu Agbosasa reported at the Ijede Police Station that his boss sent him to call the police.
“A team of policemen led by the divisional police officer rushed to the scene and found the corpse of the victim in his vehicle burnt beyond recognition. The crime scene was cordoned off for forensic examination.
“Homicide detectives and forensic experts from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department were deployed in the scene for analysis and the corpse was evacuated to hospital for autopsy.
“The security guard, who was 44 days old in the job at the time of the incident, was placed in custody for questioning. In his statement, he stated that on December 14, 2019, around 10.30pm, he opened the gate for his boss to drive into the compound and while closing the gate, four unknown men entered the house through the pedestrian gate and that he heard his boss shouting that he should run and call the police.
“He said it did not occur to him to call the neighbouring security guards for help. An investigation is ongoing with a view to unravelling the circumstances surrounding his death and to identify those behind the gruesome murder. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the estate.”
The Punch
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
