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Ondo: Akure Anglican Diocese Invites Anti Graft Agency To investigate Church Accounts

By
Ayodele Oni
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EFCC Operatives



By Ayodele Oni 

 

Retiring Archbishop of Akure Diocese Anglican Communion, the Most Rev’d Simeon Oluwole Borokini, is in an alleged financial scandal for expending the sum of N200 million Church fund on a personal building.

 

A petition from the congregation is accusing the Archbishop and his wife, Princess Christianah Adetunbi Borokini, of administrative failure, financial misconduct, and abuse of office.

 

The petition, dated March 28, 2026, was addressed to the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and reportedly submitted by representatives of 19 Archdeaconries and the Cathedral. 

 

Copies were also sent to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Commissioner of Police.

 

The petitioners accused Archbishop Borokini of failing to effectively manage Diocesan affairs, while alleging that his wife  assumed undue control over both administrative and spiritual matters within the Diocese.

 

*Alleged Administrative Takeover by Bishop’s Wife*

 

‘Central to the allegations is Mrs. Borokini’s appointment as Principal of St. Mathias Secondary School in 2021. 

 

“The petition described the appointment as irregular and claimed it enabled her to dominate the administration and finances of both St. Mathias Secondary School and Bishop Falope Nursery and Primary School.

 

“According to the petition, student enrolment at St. Mathias reportedly fell from 602 in 2021 to 62 by 2025. The petitioners also alleged that established financial procedures were bypassed, citing the unilateral appointment of new signatories to school accounts.

 

*Claims of Financial Impropriety*

 

The petition further alleged that both the Diocese and school funds were diverted into personal accounts and that Mrs. Borokini operated as sole signatory on several accounts, contrary to laid-down regulations.

 

“Specific allegations included the mishandling of funds meant for WAEC fees, chapel renovation, entrepreneurship projects, and school programmes. 

 

“The petition also cited an instance where parents allegedly paid ₦8,500 for inter-house sports that was later cancelled without refunds.

 

“Additionally, the petition claimed that Mrs. Borokini’s daughter, Oluwatosin Borokini-Ojo, had improper access to school funds and continued to receive salary payments despite being a civil servant.

 

*Unaccounted Revenues and Donations*

 

Petitioners further alleged that revenues from oil palm operations, timber sales, school facilities, retreat centres, and major donations were not properly accounted for. 

 

“Among the figures mentioned were ₦50 million allegedly received from the NDDC for widows and ₦20 million reportedly donated by St. David’s Cathedral, Akure, and St. Michael’s Church, Ilara-Mokin.

 

“Concerns were also raised over what the petition described as ‘multiple suspicious accounts’ allegedly opened and operated outside official diocesan structures.

 

*Alleged Unauthorized Sale of Assets*

 

The petition accused Mrs. Borokini of involvement in the unauthorized sale of Diocesan land and assets, including plots belonging to St. Mathias Secondary School. It claimed that Diocesan legal officers had found her liable but that no disciplinary action was taken.

 

“Other assets allegedly sold without approval include four plots of land behind Fiwasaye Grammar School and several vehicles, including a water truck, a bus, and a Hilux.

 

*Retirement and Governance Controversies*

 

Archbishop Borokini was also accused of financial recklessness in relation to his retirement plans. The petition alleged that over ₦200 million of diocesan funds were spent on a personal residence in Alagbaka without proper approval, and that the retirement home of his predecessor, Rt. Rev. Ipinmoye, remains incomplete.

 

“The petition further accused the Archbishop of disregarding the Primate’s directive for peace following a 2025 crisis over the attempted removal of the Cathedral Dean, alleging that several officials were later removed from office for supporting the Dean.

 

*Calls for Investigation and Accountability*

 

Among the demands listed are the suspension of the Archbishop’s retirement activities, a halt to construction of his retirement home, and the immediate relief of Mrs. Borokini from all administrative and financial responsibilities.

 

The petitioners also called for a full forensic audit of Diocesan finances since 2014, recovery of allegedly misappropriated assets, and the establishment of an independent investigative panel involving ICAN and the Nigerian Bar Association.

 

“Public office is a responsibility, not a privilege shrouded in secrecy. The time to speak is now. Silence is no longer acceptable”,  the petition stated.

DSS Re-arrests El-Rufai, As Court Adjourns Ruling on Bail Application

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, was, on Wednesday, April 1, 2023, re-arrested by  suspected operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS.

 

El-Rufai was reportedly intercepted within the premises of the Federal High Court, Kaduna, immediately after his bail application was adjourned to April 14, 2026 for a ruling.

 

The Source reports that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain who is facing inter-agency investigations and prosecutions over multiple charges bordering on alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds and security related Offences was, on Tuesday March 24, arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, before Justice Rilwan Aikawa of a Kaduna Federal High Court on alleged money laundering and inflation of Severance package to the tune of over N579 billion.

 

Similarly, his arraignment, alongside a co-defendant, Ahmadu Sule, at a Kaduna State High Court, on a separate 10-count charge bordering on alleged corruption practices abuse of office, money laundering and misappropriation of about N11 billion meant for the execution of a light rail project ,was adjourned to April 10, 2026.

 

At an interactive session with the Media after Wednesday’s proceedings, El-Rufai’s counsel  Oluwole Iyamu, SAN, informed that the Court, after hearing arguments for and against, reserved ruling on the bail application for April 14, 2026.

 

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court ,and this is a court of justice . We await the decision of the court”, he stated.

 

According to reports, the DSS, before El-Rufai’s re-arrest, had been maintaining a huge  presence in court.

 

The Service is billed to arraign the former Kaduna state Governor at an Abuja Federal High Court on April 23, 2026, on a two-count charge bordering on security related Offences.

 

Specifically, the DSS will be prosecuting him on charges relating  to alleged wire-tapping of the telephone lines of the National Security Adviser NSA.

 

With the latest arrest, El-Rufai may be facing a prolonged spell in custody .

El-Rufai’s Bail Application Adjourned To April 14 For Ruling

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Mallam Nair El-Rufai
Nasir El-Rufai



By Ayodele Oni 

 

Ruling On the bail application of former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai’s in the ongoing alleged corruption trial against him  has been fixed for April 14.

 

A Federal High Court in Kaduna on Wednesday fixed the date following arguments by both the defence and prosecution teams.

 

The lead defence counsel, Adewole Iyamu, said the team is “hopeful of a favourable decision,” noting that all arguments have been fully placed before the court.

 

According to Iyamu, SAN, “The bail application was argued and responded to, and the ruling has been fixed for April 14.

 

“We look forward to that day. We are hopeful. We have put our arguments before the court, and this is a court of justice. We await the decision of the court,” he added.

 

El-Rufai is facing a 10-count corruption charge by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

 

He had been in ICPC custody from February 19 until his temporary release on March 28 following the death of his mother in Cairo, Egypt.

 

According to Iyamu, the former governor is also expected to appear at the Federal High Court in Abuja on April 10 in a separate matter filed by the Department of State Services (DSS), with all necessary legal papers already filed.

 

“That is a separate matter. As lawyers, we are ready. We have filed all necessary processes and will be in court. That is the DSS matter,” he said.

 

The bail application was formally moved in Court and duly responded to by the prosecution, Iyamu told Journalists.

 

He added that the defence team is fully prepared for the upcoming April 10 hearing in Abuja.

 

Security around the Kaduna Court complex has been intensified, with operatives deployed to maintain order amid heightened public attention.

 

Journalists were barred from entering Courtrooms during earlier sessions, and traffic restrictions along nearby roads caused congestion for commuters.

 

Stern looking operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), later whisked away El-Rufai from the court premises.

52-Year Old Female Drug Dealer Suspect Dies Inside Court Room, Family Blames NDLEA

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
NDLEA officers



By Adesina Soyooye 

 

Confusion reigned at the Federal High Court, Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday when a 52-year old woman died inside the Court during her prosecution.

 

Before her death in the Court room, she was being prosecuted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

 

Identified as Titilayo Akindele, her family holds the NDLEA responsible over, according to them, alleged negligence by the Agency which they claim, refused to grant her bail to enable the family attend to her health issues.

 

Akindele, a source said, was arrested in the third week of January 2026 by the Edo State Command of the NDLEA  over an alleged possession of Loud, a prohibited type of hard drug.

 

Family members said that while in custody, she complained of ill-health and also emphasised on that during Court arraignments. 

 

According to them, she  repeatedly requested  medical attention but a deaf ear was turned to her. 

 

They alleged that NDLEA continued to oppose the granting of bail to her. Her death, her collapse, and subsequent death in Court, the family insist, refused to is due to the negligence she suffered in detention and the repeated court appearances without consideration to her health condition.

 

According to her son, Adeshola, the NDLEA was allegedly hard on her  and refused every plea to release her on bail for medical attention.

 

He said: “Several times we drew the attention of the prison authority to give us the go-ahead to treat my mum but all to no avail as they kept on telling us that NDLEA declined such until she finally collapsed and died in the court room”

 

In panic, her body was momentarily abandoned in the Court room but was later removed by personnel of the Edo State Police Command, NDLEA officers, in an ambulance from Edo Central Hospital.

Middle East War: Dangote Gets More Crude Cargoes From NNPC

By
James Orji
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0
Dangote Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has increased crude oil supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, allocating seven cargoes for May loading in a move aimed at boosting domestic fuel production.

Two trader sources told Reuters on Tuesday that the latest allocation marks an increase from the five cargoes the refinery had been receiving in previous months. However, this means the refinery will continue to receive five cargoes in April.

The development comes amid mounting pressure on fuel supply and rising petrol prices across Nigeria, as the refinery struggles to secure sufficient crude locally.

The report read, “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company is allocating seven crude cargoes for May loading to Nigeria’s Dangote refinery, up from the five it received in previous months, two trade sources told Reuters.

“Fuel prices in Nigeria have reached record highs, and Dangote has previously said the company could source only about five crude cargoes a month locally, far short of the 13–15 it requires, forcing it to import the rest at prices dictated by the impact of war in the Middle East.”

Officials of the national oil company and the refinery did not respond to requests for comments as of the time of filing this report.

The development aligns with earlier reports by The PUNCH that the Federal Government, through the NNPC, was working to increase crude supply to the Dangote refinery under ongoing arrangements aimed at strengthening local refining capacity.

Multiple industry sources and officials from both NNPC and the Dangote refinery told our correspondent exclusively in early March that the national oil company is leveraging its global crude trading network to source third-party supply for the Dangote refinery at competitive international market rates.

“Leveraging our global crude trading network, we are sourcing third-party crude for the refinery at prices that are competitive with prevailing international market rates,” a senior official at NNPC, who spoke in confidence due to a lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, said.

The official further explained, “As the national oil company entrusted with safeguarding Nigeria’s energy security, NNPC Limited remains fully committed to supporting domestic refining, including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Within the framework of our existing agreements, we continue to facilitate crude supply to DRP in the face of temporary availability constraints.”

Despite the increase, the 650,000-barrels-per-day refinery still faces a significant shortfall in crude supply. The facility requires between 13 and 15 cargoes monthly to operate at optimal capacity, but has continued to receive far less from domestic sources.

This has forced the refinery to rely on imported crude, exposing it to volatile global prices driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly conflicts in the Middle East. The refinery had earlier warned that limited domestic supply was constraining its operations and increasing costs.

Nigeria’s fuel prices have climbed to record levels in recent months, driven by supply constraints and high import costs. Although the Dangote refinery has ramped up petrol supply to the domestic market, it is currently meeting just over two-thirds of the country’s estimated daily demand of 60 million litres.

In response to rising costs, the refinery recently increased petrol depot prices by about 13 per cent, further adding to price pressures in the downstream sector.

The decision by NNPC to increase crude allocations to the refinery could have implications for Nigeria’s crude export volumes. With global supply already tight due to disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East, any diversion of crude to domestic refining may reduce volumes available for export.

This could force international buyers to seek alternative sources, potentially affecting Nigeria’s position in the global crude market.

THE PUNCH

Saraki: Presidency Must Remain In South

By
James Orji
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0
Bukola Saraki

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bukola Saraki has insisted that presidency should remain in the south. As such, the former Senate President said he has decided not to run for the nation’s highest office in 2027, urge other aspirants from the Northern part of the country to shelve such plan.

Saraki is from Kwara state, North Central Nigeria.

The former governor made the remark on Wednesday, saying any presidential candidate from the north is not likely to get the support of the south in next year’s presidential election.

Checks by the magazine indicate that some politicians from the region are already gearing up to challenge incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the election, one of them, Atiku Abubakar Atiku of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. Other political parties in the country have also indicate their intention to field presidential candidates form the north, to challenge the current office holder, Tinubu.

Abubakar, a former vice president contested against President Tinubu in 2023 and lost. Sources say he’s among those favoured to secure the ADC presidential ticket for next year’s election.

Supporters of the former vice president have argued that candidates from any part of the country should be allowed to contest the presidential election, no matter where what part of the country they come from.

For instance, Dele Momodu, a prominent journalist and close associate of the former number two man in the country, said what mattered to the ADC now is who among the candidates can defeat President Tinubu, saying where such candidate comes from is unnecessary.  He insists that Abubakar has what it takes to end President Tinubu second run in office as the nation’s Commander-in-chief.

But those opposing this view said such action  will negate the unwritten power sharing arrangement between the North and south.

According to the former Senate President, who had earlier been touted as one of the potential presidential aspirants, he has made up his mind not to run for the Presidency, saying this is in line with his belief that the south should be allowed to run two terms in the Presidency, based on the gentleman zoing arrangement between the North and South.

Saraki: “I’m not contesting in 2027 because I believe that it’s only fair that the South came in 2023 and let them finish in 2027.

“So when it comes to 2031, God sparing our lives and giving us good health, it’s North as opposed to anything that gives anybody an excuse that in 2031 those from the North want to contest, those from the South want to contest.

“In 2027, I’m not going to contest because we will not get the sympathy of those in the South; they have four years and there’s another four, let them finish and go.”

Meanwhile, his party, PDP says it will field a candidate for the upcoming presidential election, without saying which part of the country will be favoured.

The National Leader of the party and FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike made the remark on Sunday while speaking during the National Convention of the party in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“I Will Never Serve In Tinubu’s Cabinet” – Senator Babafemi Ojudu

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Babafemi Ojudu and Bola Tinubu



By Adesina Soyooye 

 

Senator Babafemi Ojodu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, in the office of the Vice President, has taken a strong exception to the allegation that he desires, in anyway, to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet. 

 

“I am not ready  to serve in Tinubu’s administration”, he fired back.

 

Ojudu, a Journalist-turned politician was one of the founders of TheNews Magazine, a publication which, with others, fought alongside then Senator Tinubu, against the late General Sani Abacha’s Regime, and for which he became a Senator of the Federal Republic from Ekiti State.

 

Now  a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ojudu, in a statement insisted, “I remain consistent in my convictions and have no intention of participating in the present government.”

 

The full text of his statement reads:

 

“My attention has been drawn to a misleading video compilation circulated by some propagandists, suggesting that I am seeking a role in the current government. This is entirely false.

 

“I did not grant any interview in March 2026. The last interview I granted to Mr Obilo was last year, in connection with the publication of my book, “Adventures of a Guerrilla Journalist”. 

 

“My comments in that interview were strictly related to the book and nothing more.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, I remain consistent in my convictions and have no intention of participating in the present government. My political position remains unchanged.” 

 

During the Presidential Primary in 2023, Senator Ojudu backed the aspiration of then Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo and,  on a number of occasions said he would never back a Tinubu Presidency.

PDP Angry Over Bauchi Gov Planned Defection To ADC

By
James Orji
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0
Bala Mohammed - Governor of Bauchi State
Governor Bala Mohammad

The Nyesome Wike backed PDP has expressed indignation over the planned defection of Governor Bala Muhammed of Bauchi state to the African Democratic Congress, ADC.
Governor Mohammed has promsied to announced his defection to the ADC on Thursday when a chieftain of the opposition party, Babachir Lawal visited him in his office on Tuesday saying the party has extended a hand of friendship to him.
According to the governor, his earlier plan to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC was frustrated.

“As of now, the ADC appears to be a very welcoming and acceptable platform. However, we have not concluded discussions. We are engaging stakeholders to ensure we do not make mistakes,” the governor said..

The Wike-backed faction under the leadership of Abdulrahman Mohammed said on Wednesday that the governor should have taken advantage of the opportunity for reconciliation, to resolve the protracted leadership crisis in the party instead of trying to defect to another party.
The magazine reports that the other faction led by Tanimu Turaki, with the backing of .two PDP governors, Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyi Makinde of Oyo states has rejected the National Convention held by the Wike faction on Sunday, saying the action shut the door on the plan by some leaders of the party to resolve the leadership crisis.
Speaking, Jungudo Mohammed, spokesman of the Wike-backed faction said the party wishes the governor well in his planned defection, adding that the governor decided to leave the PDP because the party rejected to accede to his ‘unrealistic” demands.
The spokesperson accused the governor of being party to the crisis that has rocked the PDP, describing his planned exit as good riddance to bad rubbish.
He said: “If he chooses to go in this direction, we wish him well. It is unfortunate that he may not have fully taken advantage of the opportunities available to him.

“Leadership is not always about leading; there are times when one must also follow.

“Perhaps the proposals he presented to the party’s national leader and other stakeholders were difficult to accommodate, as he may have made demands that were too extensive.

“From my perspective as a party leader, I believe that some of these demands, including requests related to produce National Publicity Secretary, other NWC positions and control within the party structure in Bauchi, may not be feasible.

“That said, it is important to note that he should be respected in his position, and any decisions taken should be properly guided by party processes.

“He has played a role in the current challenges within the PDP. His personal interests, to some extent, have also influenced the party’s internal dynamics.

“We advise that he should have resigned from his position as chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum earlier, before subsequent developments, including his expulsion from the party,” he said.

With the way things have turned out, analysts insist that the former ruling party in the country may have crossed the Rubicon, as reconciliation may now prove harder to achieve.

$6 Billion Loan Approval: “You Are A Rubber Stamp”,  Atiku Blasts Senate

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Atiku Abubakar



By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

 

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned what he described as the Senate’s growing tendency to abdicate its responsibility of acting as a check on executive excesses, with a view to ensuring accountability in the management of the country’s finances.

 

Atiku’s position is coming against the backdrop of the Senate’s hasty approval of President Bola Tinubu’s fresh $6 billion external loan request on Tuesday.

 

In a statement from his spokesperson, Phrank Shuaibu, Atiku, while condemning the lightening speed with which the Senate approved the loan request, described the action as reckless and dangerous.

 

He expressed serious concern that the red chamber of the National Assembly approved the loan request within less than four hours, without subjecting such a serious matter to the required scrutiny.

 

According to the former Vice President, a decision of such magnitude with implications for unborn generations of the country ought to have been subjected to a thorough analysis and examination before approval.

 

The National Assembly, Atiku noted, is constitutionally mandated to scrutinize executive requests as a veritable means of protecting public interest.

 

He, however, expressed serious regret that the Senate has not only abandoned its role, but has become an embarrassing rubber stamp entity.

 

He described the development as not only disturbing, but dangerous going by  the implications of the loan on the country’s economy.

 

“What Nigerians have witnessed is not legislative diligence, but a disturbing erosion of oversight responsibility.

 

“The Senate which ought to serve as a constitutional safeguard has, instead, reduced itself to a conveyor belt-processing requests of grave national consequence without due diligence”, Atiku stated.

 

He questioned the approval of such a sensitive and far-reaching matter without an intense debate and scrutiny, noting that the development equally raises serious concern about due process and legislative responsibility.

 

While admitting the necessity of borrowing at some points in both individuals and nations’ life, the former Vice President, however, noted that such should be done after careful considerations,and in  utmost respect for due processes.

 

He warned against over reliance on borrowing to fund even routine items and obligations, insisting that it is counterproductive to borrow afresh to service old debts.

 

“Resorting to fresh borrowing to service existing debts, plug budget gaps, and meet routine obligations is not a strategy. It is a dangerous cycle.

 

“Borrowing is not inherently wrong. But reckless borrowing enabled by legislative complacency is dangerous.

 

“Nigeria is not a private enterprise to be leveraged at will. The future of our nation cannot be signed away in a matter of hours”, Atiku added.

Lagos: IG Bans Akerele Taskforce from Traffic Enforcement

By
James Orji
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0

The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) from traffic control and enforcement duties across the state.
The directive, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, follows mounting complaints from residents over alleged extortion, harassment, and human rights violations by operatives of the Taskforce led by CSP Akerele.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said the move is part of ongoing efforts to ensure professionalism, accountability, and improved traffic management operations in the state.
The decision, according to sources, was influenced by multiple petitions submitted by motorists and concerned citizens to the state government and the Inspector-General of Police.
It was further gathered that the Taskforce Chairman, CSP Akerele, was recently invited to Abuja for questioning by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, over the allegations against him and his team.
A source familiar with the development said the allegations were considered too serious to ignore, prompting the intervention of the police high command.
“CSP Akerele was summoned to the Force Headquarters to meet the IGP. The allegations against him are too weighty for the police authorities to overlook. Following his interrogation by a panel, a decision was taken to remove his men from traffic enforcement duties,” the source disclosed.
Following the development, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police to immediately relieve the Taskforce of all traffic-related responsibilities pending the outcome of further investigations.
One of the petitions believed to have triggered the action was reportedly submitted by a media platform, ObjectvMedia, which accused Taskforce operatives of widespread extortion and abuse of motorists.
Adebisi clarified that the withdrawal applies strictly to traffic enforcement, noting that the Taskforce will continue to carry out its other statutory responsibilities.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate and complete withdrawal of the Taskforce from traffic control and traffic contravention enforcement across the state,” the statement read.
“This directive is part of ongoing efforts to streamline traffic management operations and ensure professionalism, accountability, and clarity in the discharge of duties. While the unit has been withdrawn from traffic-related responsibilities, all other operational mandates remain in force.”
If you want, I can also tighten it further into a punchier headline version, add background context on Lagos Taskforce controversies, or format it for a newspaper front page or online SEO publication.

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