Metro Files

As part of its rehabilitation efforts, the Nigerian Correctional Service has facilitated the participation of over 25 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Warri, Delta State, in the ongoing NECO examination. The two-week exam, which started on Wednesday, covers subjects such as English Language and Government. The Centre’s Officer-in-Charge, DCC Richard Egbede, expressed confidence in the inmates’ preparedness, highlighting the importance of education in their transformation. He noted that this initiative positions them for potential further education with the National Open University of Nigeria. Representatives from NECO and external invigilators praised the centre’s orderliness and serenity during the examination process. 285 Views

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an ex-international football player, Segun George Hunkarin, along with his businessman partner, Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu, over an attempt to smuggle a consignment of cocaine into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Chinedu, a frequent flyer known for conveying clothes from Turkey to Nigeria and foodstuffs from Nigeria to Turkey, was the first to be arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport on Tuesday, 24th June 2025. A search of his carry-on bag revealed 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grams were concealed therein. Investigation showed that the suspect was coming from Turkey on Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria. Further checks revealed that an accomplice, who turned out to be the former professional footballer, Segun Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport car park to collect the consignment from him. Hunkarin, who had spent years in Brazil playing for football clubs, was promptly tracked and arrested at the car park. In his statement, Hunkarin claimed that while playing professional football in the South American country, he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but had never brought any to Nigeria. 343 Views

Pastor Adefarasin, who reported to the Lagos State Police Command yesterday regarding a viral video in which he was seen holding a gun-like object against another road user, was interrogated and provided a cautionary statement to the police investigators. The gun-like object from the viral video, recovered from him, was found to be a stun gun, prohibited anti-riot equipment, rather than a lethal weapon or firearm. Pastor Adefarasin has been granted bail as the investigation into the matter continues. 432 Views

Following the emergence of a video online that appears to show PastorAdefarasin holding a gun-like object against another road user while driving an unregistered vehicle, the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that the pastor has turned himself in and is currently undergoing questioning by detectives at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja. The police have stated that the outcome of the investigation will be made public via their X page. 406 Views

The federal government has introduced a monthly stipend of N45,000 for students enrolled in technical colleges across the country. Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), disclosed this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. According to Bugaje, “This stipend will enhance the attractiveness of technical colleges, enabling young people to acquire skills qualifications and secure employment opportunities both locally and internationally. “This initiative marks a significant turning point for the sector, which has experienced decline since the 1980s. Historically, TVET was prominent during colonial days and early independence, with 129 technical colleges existing at that time, compared to the current number and 15,000 senior secondary schools nationwide. The N45,000 stipend is a grant and not a loan, meaning that recipients will not be required to repay it. The ultimate goal is to increase enrollment in technical education.” 414 Views

A Mexican social media influencer was fatally shot while livestreaming at a beauty salon in a region notorious for cartel violence; prosecutors indicate that she was the victim of a targeted attack by a hitman. Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old model and beauty influencer with more than 113,000 followers on TikTok, collapsed on camera after being shot in the head and chest by a masked gunman who fled the scene on a motorcycle with an accomplice, according to prosecutors. The murder is being investigated as femicide, a gender-based crime under Mexican law; Mexican President Claudia extended her condolences to the Márquez’s family and stated that Mexico’s security cabinet is working to solve the murder with the prosecutor’s office. (Source: Fox News) 442 Views

The State Criminal Investigation Department of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a guardian, for abduction and child stealing. A complaint was lodged at Ajah Division on May 5, 2025, by an individual who reported that his 16-year-old cousin, Miss Happiness, was impregnated by an unidentified person. An investigation revealed that due to financial constraints, the complainant’s mother entrusted Miss Happiness to one Nonye Osi for accommodation until she delivered. However, Nonye Osi conspired with others to relocate Miss Happiness to an unknown location. When she was eventually found, she was without her pregnancy and the baby. Following the transfer of the case to the SCID for discreet investigation, the police arrested the following suspects, Nonye Osi, Akintan Adedayo, Jimoh Bashiru, Elizabeth Bishop, and Bukola Oladapo who had conspired and sold the baby for Three Million Naira (₦3,000,000.00). Through painstaking efforts, detectives traced and successfully recovered the stolen two-week-old baby boy from Agemuwo, Badagry area. The child was found safe and sound. The Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit is currently handling the case and attending to the baby, who is in good health, pending his reunion with his biological mother 419 Views

In light of the recent demolition of a building allegedly used for illegal harvesting of human organs, among other illegal and criminal activities, an urgent call has been made to rethink how society responds to properties linked with such serious crimes. Speaking on behalf of NIDMECORP (the International Organisation for Nationals In Diaspora Mentoring Corp), Mentoring Cmdt Alistair called on government authorities at both state and federal levels to halt the practice of demolishing crime-linked buildings and instead, embrace a progressive approach that turns such structures into resources for healing, empowerment, and societal developmental growth. While no society can or should tolerate acts such as kidnapping, ritual killings, human trafficking, and proceeds of crimes, the destruction of valuable buildings—often worth tens or hundreds of millions of naira—represents a missed opportunity. These structures can serve as centres for trauma recovery, youth rehabilitation, health centres, law enforcement training, or NGOs focused on social justice and victim support. In recent years, several states in Nigeria have adopted demolition policies targeting properties associated with crime. Many states in the nation have demolished houses in local areas and other places allegedly used by kidnappers; sanctioned the demolition of buildings linked with crime syndicates and activities. Major cities around the country too have seen similar actions by authorities removing structures tied to criminal acts. While these actions are often celebrated as symbolic justice, they deny communities the chance to repurpose those assets for social upliftment. For example, a ₦50million building demolished becomes rubble, safety hazards and in need of the government to clear the challenge—but if converted, it could serve thousands through community programs, emergency shelters, or training initiatives. An Alternative Vision from NIDMECORP – Alistair added, 260 Views

Following an emergency abdominal surgery, reports indicate that Taiwo Awoniyi, Nigerian Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, is receiving intensive care in an induced coma after undergoing urgent surgery for a severe abdominal injury that posed a significant threat to his life. Awoniyi collided with a post during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester, receiving several minutes of treatment before resuming play, only to be substituted later. Nottingham Forest confirmed on Tuesday that Awoniyi underwent emergency surgery after the injury’s severity was confirmed on Monday, prompting his hospitalization. Initial indications suggest that the surgery has been successful, and doctors anticipate completing the complex medical procedure. The injury’s nature is such that, in certain cases, it can be fatal. Nottingham Forest reports that the striker is recovering well. 449 Views

In a major operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an 80-room hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, used as a front for illicit substance distribution. After a thorough search, operatives recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, weighing 417.3 kilograms and valued at ₦1,042,500,000. At least three suspects, Eze Ayitu, Ofuokwu Samuel, and Emmanuel Ameh, were arrested during the operation, which occurred between Friday, 25th and Saturday, 26th April 2025. Two other suspects, Noble Philip and Kenneth, are currently evading arrest. The recovered items, including vehicles and electronics, are believed to be proceeds of illicit drug trade. Items suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug trade recovered from the premises housing The Hook Hotel also known as Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim street, off Elsie Femi Pearse street, Victoria Island, Lagos, include: Toyota Prado Landcruiser Jeep (Lagos AKD 472 OZ); Toyota Sienna Vehicle (Lagos KJA 79 HJ); Volkswagen Delivery Van (Lagos AAA 525 JE); Kia Ceranto Car (Lagos BDG 860 GQ); Grand Caravan Dodge (Lagos APP 847 YF); 74 new TV sets; 10 used TV sets; and 13 refrigerators, among others. 365 Views

Ace film actor cum Producer Femi Adebayo has been awarded a sum of ₦25million in a lawsuit that involves his company and an unnamed YouTube content aggregator! In case you missed it, the said YouTube Channel was reported to have overlay promotional materials of Femi Adebayo\’s 2019 theatrical movie titled, “Survival of Jelili” to hoax audiences into believing they were watching the actual film. This deception boosted the views of another YouTube title that earned unaccounted revenue streams over a period of time. Reacting to the court judgement, Femi Adebayo wrote on his X page, \” The Nigerian film industry has experienced exponential growth over the years, but we haven\’t been able to maximise the true dividends of this business because of dare devil pirates who benefit where they didn\’t sow. This is a major reason why investors find it hard to commit their funds to filmmakers. However, through persistence and the use of the legal framework covering intellectual property, we can bring their activities to a gradual halt. Several times, I have been a victim of movie pirates and I never spare them. I recently concluded a legal battle with a notable media company that owns a big radio station and also engages in youtube content distribution. During the cinema run of \”Survival of Jelili\” in 2019, my movie was gathering good numbers at that time. They decided to use my movie poster and title to promote a movie on their platform, thereby deceiving fans and diverting revenue accrued to me. It took 3 years, but my trust in the legal and justice system remained unwavering. With the dedication of our legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, who are seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in handling such cases. They presented undeniable evidence, put up a strong argument, and took the case to trial. Their promptness, efficiency, and attention to detail played a huge part in the direction of the case. We won and were awarded a total of Twenty Five Million Naira. This isn\’t just my win as a filmmaker and content producer but a win for all of Nollywood. We need to be ready to fight IP theft and piracy at all levels. Every win brings us closer to protecting and getting the true economic value of our works\”. #saynotopiracy 641 Views