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LASTMA Probes Officer’s Attack On Commercial Bus, Female Passenger’s Eye Injured
A Lagos-based wig maker, Udoh Rejoice, may undergo surgery after she was injured in the eye during an attack on a bus by an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
Our correspondent learnt that the official, identified as Kehinde Sonoiki, smashed the mirror of the bus, which Rejoice boarded on Wednesday, over a traffic offence.
Speaking with PUNCH Metro on Thursday, the 22-year-old said the incident, which occurred around 6pm, left her with a bleeding eye.
“I was on a commercial bus and there was traffic around the Jibowu area. The driver was caught speeding and the LASTMA officer became angry. We also shouted at the driver. But before we knew it, we saw splattered glass everywhere in the bus,” she added.
According to Rejoice, Sonoiki hit the driver’s mirror with a stick and the glass splattered into her left eye.
She said, “I was sitting at the back of the driver. Blood just started gushing out of my eyes.”
The female passenger told our correspondent that she was taken to a nearby clinic from where she was referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Surulere.
“I was rushed to a nearby hospital but they rejected me. They gave me pain reliever and referred me to LUTH. When we got to LUTH, the nurse on duty said she could not handle it until her boss was around. I was checked and told to thank God because it didn’t touch my cornea. I would have gone blind,” she added.
Rejoice disclosed that based on the report from the hospital, she might undergo surgery.
She said, “They washed the particles off and today (Thursday), I went there and they said I might have to undergo surgery. They said I should be on eye-drop until Monday when they would finally decide.”
Asked if she had informed the LASTMA authorities, Rejoice said she spoke to Sonoiki on Thursday, but he invited her to Jibowu, where the incident occurred.
“I called the LASTMA (officer). I told him about the bills and all. He asked when I would be coming to Yaba or Jibowu for me to meet him. I told him I am the victim here. I’m in pain. Out of anger, I had to cut the call because he was emphasising on me coming to Yaba,” she said.
Expressing her current predicament, the young lady said she was straining the injured eye for good sight.
PUNCH Metro reached out to Sonoiki on the telephone, but he hung up immediately our correspondent told him the purpose of the call.
The spokesperson for LASTMA, Olumide Filade, who confirmed the incident, said the bus driver broke a traffic law forbidding one-way driving.
He said, “The woman (Rejoice) was in the minibus. He (driver) took one way through Jibowu from Herbert Macaulay Way. The officer that was involved broke the side mirror inadvertently.”
Filade explained that while the bus driver evaded arrest, Rejoice alighted from the bus and was taken to a nearby hospital by the officer.
Asked if any disciplinary action would be taken against the officer, FIlade said the case was under investigation.
“I can’t say such and such disciplinary measures will be taken, but the provost is on the case,” he added.
On the lady’s medical care, the spokesman said another officer was speaking with her to know her condition.
He said, “The management will see that through.”
PUNCH
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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