The Baale of Ijagemo in Lagos, High Chief Olateju Jimoh-Balogun, has denied any involvement in the death of Charles Chimezie Nwachukwu, who reportedly died after a dispute with suspected hoodlums.

Mr Jimoh-Balogun said he only became aware of the incident after it had already occurred, stressing that the matter is now under police investigation.

“There is no truth to the rumours,” he said, adding that he was informed after the situation had escalated.

‘I was called to mediate’

The community leader explained that he was approached to help mediate following reports of a fight in the area.

“I am not aware of what happened until I was informed to intervene, but it has been reported that the man has died,” he said.

He emphasised that the case had been formally reported to the police and that he has no knowledge of what led to the altercation.

Police take over investigation

Mr Jimoh-Balogun said law enforcement authorities are now handling the matter and will determine the cause of death.

He expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to link him to the incident, describing such claims as false.

According to him, the incident occurred at a beer parlour located far from his palace.

Call for calm and lawful action

While condoling with the family of the deceased, the Baale urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.

He warned that anyone found inciting violence would be handed over to security agencies.

“Those aggrieved should channel their complaints through the appropriate authorities,” he said.

‘Community remains peaceful’

Mr Jimoh-Balogun also sought to reassure residents about the safety of the Ijagemo community.

He highlighted what he described as long-standing harmony among different ethnic groups, including Igbo residents.

According to him, the area’s peace and development are rooted in mutual understanding and tolerance.

What’s next

Police are expected to continue investigations into the circumstances surrounding Mr Nwachukwu’s death.

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.

Residents have been encouraged to go about their daily activities while security agencies handle the case.

Why it matters

Incidents like this highlight ongoing concerns about community safety and the role of local leadership in crisis situations.

They also underscore the importance of relying on lawful processes to resolve disputes and prevent escalation.

A traffic officer with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and two other people have died in a road crash involving a truck owned by the Dangote Group in Lagos.

The accident happened on Monday, 23 February 2026, at Badagry Roundabout inward Seme, according to officials.

Authorities say the fully loaded SHACMAN truck reportedly suffered brake failure while travelling at high speed.

The driver allegedly lost control, striking the LASTMA officer who was on duty and a pedestrian at the roundabout.

The truck continued moving, killing another person before finally coming to a stop about 200 metres from the first point of impact.

The driver fled the scene but was later apprehended by other LASTMA officials and handed over to police.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Emergency responders, including officers from LASTMA, the Badagry Police Division, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, arrived shortly after the crash.

The victims were taken to General Hospital, Badagry, where they were pronounced dead.

The accident vehicle has been impounded and handed over to the police for forensic investigation.

‘A Dedicated Public Servant’

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the incident as devastating.

“This is a heartbreaking incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“The LASTMA officer who lost his life was a dedicated public servant who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Lagos. We honour his courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to his duty.”

He also called on transport operators to prioritise vehicle safety.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of mechanical failures,” he stated.

“We implore all haulage operators and logistics companies to implement rigorous and regular maintenance checks, especially on braking systems to prevent such avoidable accidents.”

Why It Matters

Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial hub, with thousands of heavy-duty trucks moving goods daily through its corridors, including the Badagry-Seme route linking Nigeria to neighbouring countries.

Brake failure remains one of the leading causes of fatal truck accidents in Nigeria, according to road safety officials.

For residents and commuters, incidents like this raise concerns about vehicle maintenance standards and enforcement.

Public and Industry Reactions

Some commuters at the scene described the crash as “terrifying,” saying it highlights the risks faced by traffic officers who regulate movement on busy highways.

The Lagos State Government says it will reinforce monitoring frameworks, improve emergency response systems and intensify public awareness campaigns.

What Happens Next?

Police in Badagry are conducting a forensic investigation into the crash.

Authorities say they will work with relevant agencies to ensure accountability and strengthen safety enforcement across Lagos corridors.

For families of the victims, however, the focus remains on mourning and justice.

Nigeria has pledged to deepen cooperation with global partners in the fight against illicit drugs and transnational organised crime.

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mohamed Buba Marwa, gave the assurance at the graduation of Nigerian officers from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

The ceremony took place on Friday, 13 February 2026.

Why it matters

Drug trafficking networks increasingly operate across borders, using digital tools, complex logistics chains, and financial systems to evade law enforcement.

Nigeria is both a transit and destination country for narcotics, making international partnerships critical to disrupting supply chains.

Speaking at the graduation, Marwa said the evolving sophistication of criminal networks requires stronger global coordination.

“Different nations, shared duty, one fight,” he said, referencing the course motto and describing it as a reflection of the collective resolve of partner nations against transnational organised crime.

He stressed that criminal networks do not respect borders and therefore demand “a unified, coordinated, and intelligence-driven global response.”

Tribute to fallen officers

Marwa described the ceremony as particularly significant because the course was dedicated to Special Investigation Unit (SIU) members who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He paid tribute to the fallen officers.

They are “heroes whose courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to justice continue to inspire law enforcement personnel across nations,” he said.

The intensive programme brought together elite officers from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.

Officials say participants received advanced instruction in investigative techniques, intelligence operations, and counter-narcotics strategy.

Strengthening Nigeria–US cooperation

Marwa expressed appreciation to the US Department of Justice and DEA leadership for what he described as sustained partnership and mentorship.

He said the graduation marked “not the end of training but the beginning of renewed responsibility.”

The NDLEA boss charged officers to apply their new skills with “integrity, professionalism, courage, and a strong sense of responsibility.”

What’s next?

Marwa said he is optimistic that collaboration between the NDLEA and the DEA will continue to grow.

The expectation, officials say, is that improved capacity will help disrupt trafficking networks and dismantle organised criminal groups operating across West Africa.

For Nigerians, the impact could include stronger border enforcement, safer communities, and better protection for vulnerable populations affected by drug abuse.