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SON Threatens Manufacturers, Sellers of Substandard Steel

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substandard Steel

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has issued a three-month ultimatum to steel manufacturers and distributors in the country to clear out substandard steel bars or face legal consequences.

This ultimatum was given by the Director-General of SON, Mr Farouk Salim, during an emergency meeting at the SON complex, Ogba, Lagos.

According to Mr Salim, the ultimatum and future enforcement are to ensure an improved quality of steel products.

He advised the steel manufacturers and marketers in the country to comply with the directive, stressing that failure to do so would result in prosecutions and serious jail time for offenders.

Mr Salim said the agency would commence full-scale enforcement and mopping of substandard steel in factories and market at the expiration of the three-month ultimatum.

He said that culpable persons would face immediate prosecutions in line with the law.

The director-general who condemned the recent spate of building collapse across the country said it was a huge dent on the nation and by extension on the construction industry, under which the steel sector belongs.

Mr Salim said the consequences of these disasters were deeply troubling and the onus was on SON to get to the root cause of the issue with a view to finding a lasting solution.

He said both manufacturers and distributors have been given two months to form associations for self-regulation and organise ways of articulating industry challenges to ensure strict compliance.

“The association is also charged with rooting out their members especially those engaging in such inimical acts.

“The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) which legally took effect from January 2021 means that our borders are open and any substandard product sold may be rejected thereby hindering economic growth.

“So, we have to do all we can to ensure that it does not play out that way and our products are trusted within and outside the shores of this country,” he said.

Mr Salim reiterated that SON’s mandate is to foster trade and economic growth and not to impede it and called on businesses to ensure that their product fit the approved standards.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Tinubu Tasks Acting IGP Disu to Restore Peace, Strengthen Security Nationwide

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Tunji Disu decorated IGP rank

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Tunji Disu, has been charged to do everything within his powers to restore peace and strengthen security across the nation.

This task was given to the new police chief by President Bola Tinubu after being decorated at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Disu was chosen to succeed Mr Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday. His appointment is expected to be approved by the Nigeria Police Council and confirmed by the Senate next week.

President Tinubu described Mr Disu’s appointment as coming at a critical moment, urging him to rebuild public confidence in the police’s capacity to do their job in collaboration with other security forces.

“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President said.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” he added.

Mr Tinubu urged him to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed confidence in the Acting IGP’s discipline, operational experience and leadership capacity.

“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President said, reaffirming his belief that Nigeria would prevail under a committed leadership.

The President also paid tribute to Mr Egbetokun, who was present with his spouse, saying, “We are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order.”

He urged Egbetokun to be ready to offer useful advice to his successor and wished him and his family peace, good health and success in future endeavours, noting,

“You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy.”

Mr Tinubu urged all security stakeholders to work collectively to safeguard lives and property during this critical period.

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Real Estate Sector Now Safe Haven for Fraudsters—EFCC

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has lamented how “people now defraud the government and individuals and invest in real estate.”

He raised this concern when he received the executives of the Association of Real Estate and Property Managers (AREAPM) in Edo State on Wednesday.

The EFCC chief, represented by the acting Zonal Director and Deputy Commander of the Commission, Mr Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, warned real estate managers against money laundering.

“We have noted with grave concern that fraudsters are laundering money and hiding proceeds of crime through real estate and property. People now defraud the government and individuals and invest in real estate,” he stated.

He noted that the agency would continue to discharge its statutory mandate of bringing those who seek to circumvent the system to book.

“As a commission, we recognise the role of Real Estate and Property Managers. Property Managers are designated non-financial businesses and professions.

“So, we expect them to be professionals and uphold the relevant rules and regulations in the discharge of their duties,” he stated, adding that, “The commission will apply the laws when there is a breach of relevant rules and regulations.”

He assured the AREAPM executives of the organisation’s willingness to collaborate with them in dealing with fraud and criminality in the sector.

“We have a unit, the Land and Property Fraud Section, which attends to issues in that regard. So, when you have challenges, you can report to us,” he stated.

In his remarks, the chairman of AREAPM in Edo State, Mr Akpesiri Michael Egbonoje, stated that the essence of the visit was to seek areas of collaboration with the commission and work out ways of combating real estate financial crimes and fraud in the state.

“Part of our strategy is to familiarise ourselves with law enforcement agencies in the state and seek for collaborative relationships. As a body, we cannot do it alone; we need help in the areas of financial crimes.

“We have tried to sanitise the space, but we realised that your agency is at the apex when it comes to dealing with financial crimes.

“We believe that structured collaboration between AREARM and the EFCC will promote financial transparency, investor confidence, and accountability within the real estate sector.”

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Coroner’s Court Fixes April 14 for Inquiry into Death of Chimamanda Adichie’s Son

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Coroner’s Court sitting at the Yaba Magistrate Court has announced April 14, 2026, for the commencement of an inquiry into the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Dr Ivara Esege.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji fixed the date on Wednesday when the matter came up before the court.

The twin child, Nkanu, died on January 7, 2026, after receiving care at Atlantis Hospital and undergoing medical procedures at Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos.

The child was initially admitted to Atlantis Hospital in Lagos for what was described as a worsening but initially mild illness.

The family had sought initial care as arrangements were being made to transfer him to Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. Atlantis referred him to Euracare for pre-flight diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and insertion of a central line.

However, the child passed away following the procedures.

His parents have alleged medical negligence and professional misconduct in connection with his death.

According to a leaked internal message sent privately to family members and close friends at the time, Ms Adichie blamed the staff of Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, located in Victoria Island, Lagos, for causing the demise of the lad.

“My son would be alive today if not for an incident at Euracare Hospital on January 6th,” she wrote in a broadcast message confirmed later on.

“We have now heard about two previous cases of this same anesthesiologist overdosing children. Why did Euracare allow him to keep working? This must never happen to another child,” she also wrote in the lengthy message.

The 48-year-old writer had her first child, a daughter, in 2016. In 2024, her twin boys were born using a surrogate.

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