NSCDC Orders Probe Following Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger State Custody

By: Manoah Kikekon 

The leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the sudden deaths of multiple suspected illegal miners who were detained following an enforcement sweep in Niger State.

The individuals were taken into custody between September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of a coordinated inter-agency operation clamping down on illicit mining sites along the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto corridors of the state.

According to initial operational reports from the Niger State Command, dozens of the detainees unfortunately passed away during the early hours of September 17. Early indications suggested a potential medical emergency or disease outbreak inside the facility, though authorities have urged the public to withhold premature conclusions.

Bodies of the deceased have since been moved to the General Hospital in Minna to undergo professional autopsies and medical evaluations to uncover the precise clinical cause of death. Meanwhile, grieving relatives and local observers have voiced grave concerns, with family members estimating that over thirty detainees lost their lives while locked up.

Responding to the gravity of the situation, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, authorized a rigorous, high-powered probe panel via an official statement released by the Corps' National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi.

The investigative committee is being led directly by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation. The panel’s mandate includes evaluating: The physical and health condition of the suspects at the exact time of arrest. The length of time spent in detention and the adequacy of holding facilities. The promptness and quality of medical attention rendered during custody. All surrounding operational protocols that may have influenced the outcome.

In tandem with the internal inquiry, the civil defense authority is collaborating closely with public health officials and sister security agencies to enforce rigorous sanitation and medical safeguards. Direct orders have also been issued to elevate healthcare standards for remaining detainees and ensure maximum safety for security personnel who interacted with the affected individuals.

While extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Commandant General assured the public that transparency will guide every step of the findings. The agency has urged citizens to maintain peace and avoid speculation while medical experts and investigators wrap up their comprehensive review.

Gbeyon Ayomide Sewenu Formally Withdraws from NYCN Coordinatorship Bid

By: Manoah Kikekon 

NYCN and Gbeyon Ayomide 

The political and youth leadership landscape in Badagry has experienced a major shift as Comrade Gbeyon Ayomide Sewenu officially announced his withdrawal from the race for the position of Coordinator of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Badagry Local Branch.

In an official statement released on Friday, September 18, 2026, and made available to News Peddlers, the youth leader noted that the choice was reached after extensive reflection, wide consultations, and a commitment to the collective progress of the youth constituency.

Expressing heartfelt appreciation to his supporters, Comrade Gbeyon acknowledged the immense goodwill, prayers, and physical backing he received throughout his campaign journey from youth organizations, colleagues, and community stakeholders.

“This decision was not made lightly. It follows thoughtful reflection, consultations, and a sincere consideration of the broader interests of our youth community, as well as the values and virtues that have guided my journey in leadership and service,” Gbeyon stated.

He used the opportunity to congratulate his fellow contender, Comrade Yahaya Adeyanju Ajape, while offering prayers for a smooth transition process as the incoming NYCN Coordinator emerges.

The youth leader also extended special appreciation to several prominent political and community figures in Badagry for their guidance and support, including Hon. Adeniran Olusegun Onilude, Incoming Member of the House of Representatives for Badagry Federal Constituency; Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government; Hon. Olawale Yahaya Lateef (WAY), Commissioner II, Lagos State Civil Service Commission; and Hon. Meyon Gafar, APC Chairman for Badagry Local Government.

Other key figures thanked include Hon. Musiliu Todeji, Supervisor for Youth in Badagry Local Government; Comr. Gboweh Gabriel, Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman on Youth Organisations; Comr. Yewhenu Peter, Senior Special Adviser on Youth Matters; Comr. Ikudoro and the broader NYCN leadership; Comr. Wande Desmond, Electoral Committee Chairman; as well as the NABAS national leadership and community.

Addressing concerns from his followers, Comrade Gbeyon emphasized that stepping down from the electoral contest does not mean an exit from youth advocacy or community service. He urged young people in Badagry to remain peaceful, united, and focused on collective development.

“Our withdrawal from this contest should not, in any way, be interpreted as a withdrawal from youth leadership, community development, or the service of humanity. Leadership transitions and contests should strengthen our institutions, relationships, and shared sense of purpose rather than create division among us,” he added.

Exclusive Investigation: Extortion, Backdating, and Forgery Rife at Badagry NPC Centre

By: Manoah Kikekon

Residents of the Badagry Local Government Area have raised grave concerns over widespread extortion and forgery allegedly masterminded by Mrs. Hope Omono Enenmoh, the Controller of the National Population Commission (NPC) in Badagry, Lagos State.

Mrs. Enenmoh oversees the seven officially recognised birth and death registration centres across the local government namely Ilado Primary Health Centre (PHC), Ilogbo PHC, Mowo PHC, Apa PHC, Ogologbo PHC, Ajara PHC, and the Badagry head office. Investigations reveal that an unauthorised, illegal registration point has also been established within the local council secretariat.

Official Guidelines Versus Field Realities

In July 2026, the National Population Commission launched a digital platform to streamline civil registration services nationwide, allowing citizens to register births and deaths, apply for birth attestations, correct records, and verify certificates online.

According to official Commission guidelines, birth registration for children under five years remains entirely free at all designated NPC centres, while online self-service applications for children over five incur a regulated N5,000 fee. However, reality on the ground in Badagry paints a starkly different picture.

Undercover Investigation Uncovers Cash Extortion

To verify residents' complaints, journalist Manoah Kikekon visited the NPC office situated inside the Badagry Local Government Council in disguise. Met by Mrs. Enenmoh, the reporter requested birth certificates for two children, aged three and six, noting that they needed the documents for upcoming National Identification Number (NIN) registration.

“With the new directives, it is either you bring the kids or you snap their pictures and send them to me on WhatsApp,” Mrs. Enenmoh instructed.

When asked about the cost, she reviewed an unapproved price list and stated, “For the one that is six years old, it is 10,000 Naira; for the one that is three years old, it is N4,500.”

When the reporter queried whether a 23-year-old would face similar charges, Mrs. Enenmoh explained the adult process:

“The person will first go and swear an affidavit in a high court stating they want to get a birth certificate. Ideally, you are supposed to get it when you are younger, but when you miss that, you have to get the affidavit, then bring it here with your NIN. It will cost N40,000, and if the person wants the old format, we can backdate it, which is more expensive.”

When reminded that child registrations are legally free, she brushed off the concern, asking only for the children's names for a future visit.

Forgery, Backdating

Further investigation revealed that Mrs. Enenmoh's malpractice extends beyond financial extortion into document falsification.

A resident, Mr. Ezerem Kenneth, recounted paying N14,000 in cash for his 13-year-old daughter's birth certificate after being told cash payment was mandatory. Scrutiny of the certificate issued in August 2026 showed it had been backdated to June 2026. Furthermore, while the document claimed the registration took place at the Oglogbo PHC, it was actually issued in Badagry.

Another resident, Mr. Olayemi David, reported an identical experience, confirming that these certificates are vulnerable to counterfeit verification checks.

When the journalist visited the Oglogbo PHC at the Seme border to verify the document, Mr. Daniel Akinlabi, the resident NPC officer, stated:

“I had not resumed office at Oglogbo as at the date the birth certificate issued to Ezerem was backdated to. I cannot tell the reason why Madam Enenmoh chose to write Ogologbo instead of Badagry, but since she is our overall boss, I believe she knows better.”

Ad-Hoc Staff Confirm Illegal Pricing Structure

Conversations with Ayomide Deji, an ad-hoc staff member working under Mrs. Enenmoh, corroborated the arbitrary pricing scheme via WhatsApp chats: “Now we only do the digital registration; we don't write with hand anymore. The cost for age 2 is N3,100, age 3 is N4,500, age 7 is N8,000, and age 15 is N14,000.”

charts with Ayomide 

While death certificate collection is officially free of charge, an undercover visit to the NPC head office at Topo-Garage, Badagry, revealed a similar extortion racket. Ayomide contacted Mrs. Enenmoh by phone before quoting a total of N25,000 comprising N5,000 for a court affidavit and N20,000 for the death certificate.

When asked to provide an official government account for payment, Ayomide said, “You cannot pay to an official account because it's only my boss who has access to it. You will pay into my Moniepoint POS account with the account number 5038592380.”

Financial checks on the Point of Sale (POS) terminal used for the transaction revealed it is registered directly under the name “Hope Omono Enenmoh,” confirming her personal involvement in routing extortion proceeds.

Other locals, such as Mr. Jimor Ahisu from Iragbo, reported waiting weeks for delayed certificates after paying unauthorized fees of N1,500 for their grandchildren.

Badagry Local Council Dissociates Itself

Reacting to the allegations, Mr. Kriko Augustine, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, distanced the council administration from the fraudulent operations taking place within its secretariat.

“The Local Government Chairman, in his magnanimity, made the office available to the NPC within the council premises in addition to the existing office occupied by the agency at the council area office to ease the stress associated with birth certificate registration for Badagry residents,” Mr. Kriko explained.

“The scope of the agency's operations and how it uses the facility are matters within its own administrative responsibility. The local government does not have jurisdiction over the agency's activities or operational decisions within the facility. As we speak, the Chairman is not aware of any fraudulent activities taking place there. However, should any such activity be brought to his attention, I am confident that he will take the necessary and decisive action,” Kriko added.

A Barrier to Education

Civil society observers note that Mrs. Enenmoh's systemic extortion acts as a severe deterrent for parents trying to obtain statutory documentation for their children. Compulsory birth certificate requirements for primary and secondary school enrollment mean these illegal fees are directly contributing to the rising number of out-of-school children across Badagry.

Residents are urgently calling on the leadership of the National Population Commission and anti-corruption agencies to launch a thorough investigation into the Badagry centre.

Exclusive: NPC Centre in Badagry Council Where Extortion and Forgery Are the Order of the Day

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

 

Residents of Badagry Local Government have raised concerns over the high level of extortion allegedly taking place during the collection of birth and death certificates, as well as widespread forgery, allegedly perpetrated by Mrs Hope Omono Enenmoh, Controller of the National Population Commission (NPC), Badagry Local Government, Lagos State.

Mrs Enenmoh oversees the seven officially recognised birth certificate registration centres in Badagry Local Government: Ilado PHC, Ilogbo PHC, Mowo PHC, Apa PHC, Oglogbo PHC, Ajara PHC and the Badagry Head Office.

An unauthorised registration point has now been added at the Local Council Secretariat, where various irregular activities are alleged to be taking place.

Digital Registration and Official Fees

The National Population Commission launched a digital platform in July 2026 as part of efforts to digitise civil registration services across the country. The platform allows Nigerians to register births and deaths, apply for birth attestations, correct civil registration records, and verify certificates online.

According to the Commission, birth registration for children under five remains free at all NPC registration centres. However, online self-service registration for a child above the age of five attracts a fee of N5,000.

Undercover Investigation

While investigating residents' concerns, I, Manoah Kikekon, visited the NPC office at Badagry Local Government Council in disguise, where I met Mrs Enenmoh. On arrival, I told her I wished to register birth certificates for my two children, aged three and six.

"Where are your kids?" she asked. I explained they were at home, that I lived far from Badagry town, and that I needed the certificates for their NIN registration.

She replied: "With the new directives, it is either you bring the kids, or you snap their pictures and send them to me on WhatsApp."

I then asked how much it would cost. She said: "Let me check the price list to confirm. For the one that is six years old, it's N10,000. For the one that is three years old, it's N4,500."

When I asked whether I could collect the certificates that same day upon payment, she said: "You should have gotten it today, but you don't have the children's pictures now. Send the pictures to me, and you can come and collect the certificates tomorrow."

I told her I had assumed all that was needed was my National Identification Number (NIN). She responded: "They have changed the whole thing. If you know the old certificate, this is the new one the old one was handwritten, while this new one is an online registration, and they have stopped issuing the old certificate."

I went on to ask whether an older person, aged 23, would pay the same N14,000. She explained: "The person will first need to swear an affidavit at the High Court, stating that they want to obtain a birth certificate. Ideally, you should get it while you're younger, but if you don't, you need the affidavit, and then you bring it here with your NIN."

I asked how much this would cost. She replied: "It will cost N40,000, and if the person wants the old version, we can backdate it, which is more expensive."

I told her I had believed birth certificates for children were free, and that I could not afford the amount she had quoted. She said: "Let me just have the names of your children. When you are ready, you can come."

Allegations of Forgery

Further investigation revealed that Mrs Enenmoh has allegedly not only extorted Badagry residents but has also committed various acts of forgery. Mr Ezerem Kenneth said: "I paid the sum of N14,000 to get the birth certificate for my daughter, who is 13 years old." When asked whether he had proof of payment, he said: "The madam insisted we pay in cash."

Issued birth certificate 

A closer examination of the birth certificate Mrs Enenmoh issued to Mr Ezerem in August 2026 revealed that it had been backdated to June 2026 and appeared to contain forged details. In the space for "Registration Centre," Mrs Enenmoh had written "Oglogbo PHC" as the place of issue, even though the certificate was actually issued at Badagry. Her reasons for doing so could not be independently verified.

Mr Olayemi David, another Badagry resident, reported an identical experience to Mr Ezerem's. Investigation revealed that both certificates were vulnerable to counterfeiting.

To verify the authenticity of the certificate issued to Mr Ezerem, I visited Oglogbo PHC at Seme Border, where I spoke with Mr Daniel Akinlabi, the NPC officer at that centre. He said: "I had not yet resumed duty at Oglogbo as at the date the certificate issued to Ezerem was backdated to, and I cannot say why Madam Enenmoh chose to write Oglogbo instead of Badagry. But since she is our overall boss, I believe she knows better."

To further substantiate the extortion allegations, Ayomide Deji, an ad hoc staff member working under Mrs Enenmoh, said in a WhatsApp conversation: "Now we only do digital registration; we don't write by hand anymore. The cost for age two is N3,100; age three is N4,500; age seven is N8,000; and age fifteen is N14,000."

Chat with Ayomide Deji 

Death Certificate Extortion Allegations

According to the NPC, death certificates are issued free of charge. However, Mrs Enenmoh has also allegedly been extorting Badagry residents seeking to obtain them. To confirm this, I visited the NPC Head Office at Topo Garage, Badagry, to request a death certificate, where I again met Ayomide, who did not realise I was the same person she had previously chatted with online.

Ayomide called Mrs Enenmoh to confirm the cost. After the call, she said: "You are paying N5,000 for a court affidavit and N20,000 for the death certificate, making a total of N25,000. We now do online registration, not the previous handwritten version, so you won't be able to get it today it will be ready tomorrow morning."

When I asked whether payment could be made into an official account, Ayomide replied: "You cannot pay into the official account because only my boss has access to it. You will pay into my Moniepoint POS, account number 5038592380."

Payment receipt for death certificate 

After making the payment, which included an additional N300 in transaction charges, further investigation revealed that the POS terminal was registered under the name "Hope Omono Enenmoh" confirming that Mrs Enenmoh had obtained the POS device for the purpose of collecting unauthorised payments from Badagry residents.

 Further Testimonies

Mr Jimoh Ahisu, from Iragbo, said: "When I visited the Iragbo/Iragon PHC for my grandson's birth certificate, I was told to pay N1,500, which I did. It took weeks before I could get it. Every time I went to check, they told me it wasn't ready, until I finally received it."

Kriko Augustine, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, distanced the council from any fraudulent operations allegedly taking place at the NPC office within the council secretariat.

"The Local Government Chairman, in his magnanimity, made the office available to the NPC within the council premises, in addition to the existing office occupied by the agency at the Council Area Office, to ease the stress associated with birth certificate registration for Badagry residents," Kriko said.

"The scope of the agency's operations, and how it uses the facility, are matters within its own administrative responsibility. The Local Government does not have jurisdiction over the agency's activities or operational decisions within the facility."

"As we speak, the Chairman is not aware of any fraudulent activities taking place there. However, should any such activity be brought to his attention, I am confident he will take the necessary and decisive action," Kriko added.

Several Badagry residents have reportedly fallen victim to Mrs Enenmoh's alleged extortion, which has been identified as one of the major challenges discouraging parents from obtaining proper documentation for their children. This, in turn, is said to be contributing significantly to the number of out-of-school children in Badagry, since a birth certificate is compulsory for enrolment in both public primary and secondary schools.

LASU VC Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello Unveils Books by Professor Yunus Dauda

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello and Yunus Dauda 

As part of her farewell program, Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the former Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), recently presented two newly authored books to the academic community. Written by Professor Yunus Dauda, the publications explore the complexities of higher education administration and global economic challenges.

The book presentation took place on Wednesday during a special send-forth event hosted on the main campus in Ojo by Momentus Men and Women of the Learning Association (MOWLAS and MOMLAS).

The newly unveiled texts are titled "University Governance and Academic Staff Militancy" and "Global Poverty and Human Development." The author, Professor Yunus Dauda, serves as a specialist in Employment Relations and Human Resource Management and currently holds office as the Director of the Lagos State University School of Basic and Advanced Studies (LASUSBAS) in Badagry.

During the event, Professor Olatunji-Bello recommended the publications to academic staff, student representatives, and university union leaders. She noted that the text on governance challenges the conventional narrative surrounding recurring campus strikes in Nigeria, arguing that systemic crises cannot be reduced solely to union aggression.

Reflecting on her departure, the former Vice-Chancellor encouraged university personnel to uphold high standards of integrity, maintain focus, exercise self-discipline, and cultivate self-belief in their career journeys.

Discussing the inspiration behind his work, Professor Dauda explained that the texts examine the prolonged friction between academic staff unions, notably ASUU, and successive federal administrations. He noted that the publication aims to foster a stronger institutional framework capable of nurturing future leaders and driving national development in an increasingly complex world.

Dauda also praised the former Vice-Chancellor for her transformative leadership over the past five years, noting that she successfully transitioned LASU from a volatile institution into a peaceful and globally recognized citadel of learning.

Reviewing the publications, Professor Waidi Akingbade from the Department of Business Administration highlighted that the author successfully contextualizes union activism as a legitimate reaction to infrastructural neglect and administrative strain, drawing heavily from his practical background as a trade unionist and researcher.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of honorary awards to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor by association members from various tertiary institutions across Lagos State.

Progressive Hope Alliance Congratulates Hon. Adebanji Atewogboye for new Appointment

 By: Manoah Kikekon

Alaketu Suleiman and Adeoye Adebanji Atewogboye 

The Progressive Hope Alliance (PHA) has officially congratulated Hon. Adeoye Adebanji Atewogboye, Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, following his key appointment to the Contact and Mobilization Sub-Committee on Sport for the All Progressives Congress (APC) PBAT-KOH 2027 Lagos State Campaign Council.

In an official press statement released on Thursday, the National Coordinator and President of the alliance, Mr. Alaketu Suleiman Abiodun Olamide, described the appointment as a strategic victory for youth mobilization and sports development across the state.

"This appointment is a well-deserved recognition of your dedication to grassroots sports development, youth empowerment, community mobilisation, and progressive leadership," Alaketu stated.

Highlighting Atewogboye’s deep roots within the State, Alaketu expressed strong confidence in the Senior Special Assistant’s capability to deliver on the campaign’s objectives as the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections.

"We are confident that your experience, energy, and strong connection with the grassroots will contribute immensely to the success of the committee and the overall objectives of the APC PBAT-KOH 2027 Lagos State Campaign Council," he added.

The Progressive Hope Alliance reaffirmed its unwavering support for Hon. Atewogboye, wishing him continued success in his new role driving youth engagement and progressive governance in Lagos State.

"We celebrate this remarkable milestone and wish you greater accomplishments in service to our party, Lagos State, and the nation. Congratulations, Honourable "Skibanj" as he is widely called, more victories for a Greater Lagos!" The national coordinator concluded.

Spanish Embassy Backs Cultural Heritage Workshop for Badagry Tourism Sector

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Tourism professionals and cultural custodians in Badagry have completed a three-day capacity-building program focused on sustainable tourism and heritage interpretation, funded by the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria.

Held at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) from September 14 to 16, 2026, the workshop operated under the theme, “Heritage as a Tool for Integration for the Tourism Sector in Badagry.”

The Black Cultural Heritage and Advocacy Foundation (BCHAF), directed by Peter Olaide-Mesewaku, spearheaded the initiative alongside Eve Barta Martins from the Spanish Embassy. A multinational team delivered the training, featuring Dr. Jordi Tresserras of Spain, Raimi Ayike Fausiat of Benin Republic, and Olaide-Mesewaku.

The diverse group of attendees included local government tourism officers, museum officials from the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Lagos State ministry representatives, traditional leaders, site managers, and tour guides.

During the sessions, participants explored modern methods for presenting historical sites and fostering meaningful connections between visitors and local narratives. Organizers highlighted that Badagry’s profound historical footprint which includes transatlantic slave trade landmarks, early Christian monuments, and indigenous festivals requires a well-trained workforce. 

They noted that physical infrastructure upgrades must be matched with continuous investment in the communication and management skills of local guides and operators.

The curriculum also heavily emphasized the need for active collaboration across government tiers, private businesses, and community organizations.

The program concluded with participants presenting group projects designed to address real-world tourism challenges in Badagry, followed by a certificate ceremony. In closing, the BCHAF expressed gratitude to the Spanish Embassy, reinforcing that ongoing professional development is essential to safeguarding Badagry’s rich history while elevating the overall visitor experience.