The Lagos State Government has disclosed that nearly one-third of its employees who were granted study leave abroad have not returned to resume duty.

This revelation was made by the Commissioner for Establishments, Pensions and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, during a ministerial press briefing held on Wednesday.

The briefing was part of activities marking the second year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term in office.

According to Ayantayo, “30 per cent of the staff who were given the opportunity to further their education overseas failed to come back to the system.”

He also noted that a total of 23,420 public servants benefited from various training initiatives facilitated by the ministry between May 2022 and December 2024.

“We understand that training and capacity-building initiatives form the cornerstone of a vibrant and forward-looking Public Service, and this has remained our central priority,” Ayantayo stated.

“In this direction, the Ministry has consistently undertaken robust training programmes as a strategic tool to bridge skills gaps, enhance professional and adaptive competencies required in the State Public Service.”

Highlighting the ministry’s collaborative approach, he added: “In collaboration with leading training institutions, the Ministry has enhanced workforce productivity, ethical standards, and leadership capabilities at various levels of government.”

He reported that within the same period, more than 120 training programmes were conducted.

These included both in-plant and in-service training sessions, which catered to different cadres and skill levels across critical areas such as digital transformation, emotional intelligence, policy analysis, and project management.

Ayantayo emphasized that the ministry had also prioritized establishment matters, particularly in terms of policy development, workforce planning, service regulations, and career progression.

He concluded by affirming the ministry’s commitment to due process: “The ministry continues to ensure that appointments, promotions, discipline, and records management are guided by merit, fairness, and due process.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja has accepted into evidence the death certificate and medical report of late Ahmed Gulak, a former presidential aide, in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing terrorism-related charges.

Justice James Omotoso, who is presiding over the matter, admitted the documents following their presentation by the prosecution through a witness identified only as BBB.

The defence team, led by Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) and Aloy Ejimakor, raised no objection to the documents.

According to the prosecution team headed by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), the evidence includes a police report from Owerri, Imo State, suggesting that Gulak was killed by gunmen believed to be IPOB members.

Under cross-examination, Agabi challenged the reliability of a video statement taken from Kanu while in DSS custody. He pointed out that “only the defendant and his team were visible in the footage.”

Responding, the witness said, “That is the procedure,” insisting it was a complete recording.

When pressed, he admitted he could not remember whether he was masked during the interview.

Agabi further raised concerns about Kanu’s prolonged detention and alleged solitary confinement.

But the witness clarified his role, saying, “Solitary confinement is not a practice of the DSS. I am not his handler.”

The defence team also argued that Kanu’s continued detention amounted to inhuman treatment.

In response, the witness said he could not speak to Kanu’s psychological condition, as it was beyond his investigative duties.

When asked about the timeline and amendments of the charges, the witness said he was not involved in drafting the charges and couldn’t confirm the dates.

Agabi described the charges as speculative, but the witness maintained that his function was limited to investigation.

Further into the proceedings, the court heard that despite several years of trial and multiple charge amendments, the investigative team had never arranged for Kanu to meet his accusers.

The witness admitted that he only delivered a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and did not arrange any face-to-face confrontation.

Agabi argued that the AGF initiated the investigation after charges were already filed.

The witness replied that he was unaware of the exact filing dates and simply acted on the directive forwarded to him.

Agabi also informed the court that the defence had requested police records crucial to the case but had not yet received them.

Awomolo opposed any adjournment, citing an earlier court order for an expedited hearing.

However, Justice Omotoso granted a short adjournment.

“The matter has international and domestic interest,” the judge said.

“I am inclined to grant the adjournment today to ensure the defence is properly heard. Please use the opportunity well; we are here for justice.”

Before concluding the session, the judge asked for clarification regarding claims that DSS had denied Kanu’s legal team access to him.

While Agabi said he was not denied access, the court raised concerns about a conflicting social media post by Aloy Ejimakor.

Justice Omotoso warned Ejimakor to refrain from unprofessional behavior and urged all lawyers to verify information before posting online, particularly on social media platforms.

The court has adjourned the matter to May 21 at the request of the defence.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Mr. Nelson Adepoyigi, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 5, Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The abduction reportedly occurred on Monday evening at the entrance to his farm located along the Ifon-Owo Road.

Community sources revealed that the kidnappers have contacted the victim’s family and are demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for his release.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olusola Ayanlade, stated in a release on Tuesday from Akure, the state capital: “Upon receiving the report, the DPO (in) Ifon, in collaboration with hunters, local vigilance members, and Nigeria Army personnel, has launched a manhunt for the suspects.”

Ayanlade also appealed to members of the public to assist in the rescue mission.

“We urge anyone with useful information that could aid the operation to come forward and present such to the police,” he said.

He further encouraged residents to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activity in their areas to the appropriate authorities.

A heated argument over the right of way at a lounge in Ogidan, Sangotedo area of Lagos, turned fatal on May 6, 2025, when a man was punched in the chest and later died.

The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that a 46-year-old man, Philip Ogbuehi, has been arrested in connection with the incident.

According to reports, the altercation occurred around 8 pm and quickly escalated.

Ogbuehi allegedly struck the victim, causing him to lose consciousness.

The man was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later confirmed dead.

The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.

In a separate development, police arrested 39-year-old Best Orji on April 30, 2025, following allegations that he defiled his two daughters, aged 14 and 12.

The complaint was lodged by the children’s mother, and medical findings from a Sexual Assault Referral Center (SARC) corroborated the allegations. An investigation is ongoing.

Another troubling case surfaced on April 29, 2025, involving 48-year-old Peter Onehi, who was accused of persistently abusing his 16-year-old physically challenged daughter.

Police said the report was made around 9:30 pm and Onehi was caught in the act of indecent assault.

The survivor has since been taken to the General Hospital in Ajeromi for medical care while investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, authorities apprehended three men: Oluwafemi Oladapo (28), Idris Mustapha (28), and Sefianu Usman (29), on May 1, 2025, for allegedly stealing a KIA Cerato vehicle.

The suspects reportedly took the car from its parking spot in Alapere-Ketu and attempted to sell it in the Oke-Koto area of Agege before their arrest.

The vehicle has been recovered, and the trio remains in custody.

On May 3, 2025, police also arrested two men, Noah Olaniyi (30) and Ojo Samuel (25), for attempting to rob a passerby.

During the arrest, a live cartridge was recovered from the suspects. While some members of the group escaped, efforts are ongoing to track them down.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, stated, “Investigation is in progress to arrest other fleeing members of the group.”