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CCTV Footage Exposes Policemen Who Raided Lagos Night Club, Robbed Customers, Beat Them With Axe; Stole Club Drinks And Money

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The management of Lakers County, a popular night club in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, is seeking redress over an attack by men of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, who allegedly invaded its premises on Sunday and seized from its customers and workers valuables worth several millions of naira.

Closed-circuit television footage provided to PUNCH Metro by the club’s management revealed how the officers perpetuated the act that sent shivers down the spines of the customers and workers on duty at the club at that time.

Some of the customers and workers have yet to recover their belongings, which were seized by the officers during the raid.

A customer of the club, Hassan Adebowale, said he had gone to Lakers County to buy shawarma, when the policemen, who shot into the air, invaded the premises.

The University of Lagos undergraduate said, “My friend and I came to the club to buy shawarma; we were at the bar waiting for it to be ready when we suddenly heard gunshots. The policemen rushed upstairs, ordered everyone to lie down. We initially thought they were robbers, because not all of them were in police uniform; it was when we saw some of them in uniform that we realised that they were policemen.

“While we were on the floor, we were told to submit our phones; as we did that, they also collected chains, car keys, and went to the bar to pack drinks and money. Thereafter, they told us to stand up and tied our clothes together and marched us into the bus they brought for the operation. The police officers in uniform were about 20, while the ones without uniform were about 10, with three female officers leading the squad.”

Another customer, Nifemi Solipo, said one of the officers, who allegedly collected her phone during the assault had refused to release it when she visited the Anti-Cultism Unit in the Gbagada area of Lagos despite acknowledging that he collected it.

The make-up artist said, “The officer searched my purse and brought out my phone and kept it in his pocket. I bought that phone for around N350,000. I have been sleeping at the club for two days now because the phone means everything to me. I use the phone to work and to advertise my business, and I will not let go of it.

“I saw the officer at their station in Gbagada and he confirmed that he collected my phone, but could not provide it when they were told to release what they collected from customers. I know that phone is there but they don’t want to release it, and I won’t give up on it.”

The Lakers County’s barman, Samuel Edeh, who was on duty during the police invasion, said the sales proceeds were taken by one of the police officers who was in mufti.

The 22-year-old stated, “We had a lot of customers that day. But when the officers entered the premises and started shooting, I hid under the counter of the bar and hoped that none of the officers would find me, but when one of the officers came into the bar, I was very scared.

“I saw him packing drinks, phones and other valuables; he also collected the sales proceeds for the day. The CCTV captured everything.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Lakers County, Oladimeji Ogunfolaju, who said the raid had cast a dent on the image of the club, stated that he initially thought that the attack was carried out by armed robbers and he informed the officer in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Ikorodu and the Divisional Police Officer, Ipakodo Police Station, who mobilised to engage the invaders before their identities were revealed.

He added that the inspector in charge of the case at the Anti-Cultism Unit in Gbagada was dumfounded when he presented footage of the assault that disrupted the activities of the club for the day and has also drastically affected activities there ever since.

Ogunfolaju said, “I was on the Island when I received a call that my club was being robbed and what I did immediately was to put a call through to the OC SARS, Mr Geoffrey, and the DPO, Ipakodo Police Station, Mr Salami, who both swung into action. They were prepared to have a gun battle with the invaders before signals were sent to them that they were men of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Lagos State Police Command.

“But before the police officers from the Ipakodo Police Station got there, the supposed men from the Anti-Cultism Unit had assaulted and arrested my workers and customers, and marched them into four commercial buses that they brought for the operation. I have 40 CCTV cameras that record everything happening here, and it was through the recorded footage that I saw the whole drama that the officers acted out.

“It showed the way they assaulted my workers and customers; how one of them broke into my bar to steal almost N1m in sales proceeds; how they took my drinks and drank them while they were operating; how they broke my tables and collected customers’ valuables like chains and mobile phones; everything was recorded.

“I can’t imagine police officers using axes to beat customers, including pregnant women; I learnt that one of the pregnant women, who was there during the operation, lost her pregnancy.”

Ogunfolaju, who said a press briefing on Monday had prevented him for presenting the CCTV footage to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, urged the police to apologise to him and the people assaulted during the invasion.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Chike Oti, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit of the command were at the club to arrest a cultist.

Oti said, “There was information that a male cultist and his group were at the club at that particular time. The cultist was known for his violent activities in Ikorodu and its environs, and this prompted operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit to go there for his arrest.

“However, while making attempts to arrest the cultist, the operatives were violently resisted by his gang members, and to avoid casualties, the policemen retreated.”

BIG STORY

Dapo Opayinka: UK-Based Bilingual Nollywood Actor Bridging Cultures Through Stage And Screen

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Dapo Opayinka stands as a shining example of a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor whose personal brand is grounded in versatility, cultural authenticity, and a deep commitment to storytelling.

Trained at the renowned London Drama School, Dapo’s career began on the theatre stage where he honed his craft under the spotlight of British-Nigerian productions.

He brought charisma and depth to his performances as Mallam Gaskiya in Ola Rotimi’s satire ‘Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again’ and as Gbonka in the Yoruba tragedy ‘The Gods Are Not to Blame’.

His role as Etieno, a Kenyan freedom fighter in Lydia Ollets’ ‘Darkest Hour to Victory’, showcased his range and ability to embody characters with historical and emotional gravity.

As a UK-based actor with deep Nigerian roots, Dapo has successfully crossed over into the dynamic world of Nollywood.

His on-screen credits include critically acclaimed titles like ‘Basira in London’ with Eniola Badmus, TY Moore’s ‘Captivated’, and popular streaming releases such as ‘My London Slaves’ and ‘Sista Sista’.

He also starred in the TV series ‘Apostle Do Good’, produced by Toyin Moore and aired on the UK’s first Black entertainment channel, Ben TV on Sky, where he played a lead supporting role that endeared him to a diverse audience.

Known for his impeccable command of both English and Yoruba, Dapo is also a charismatic Master of Ceremonies, making him the go-to host for diasporic cultural and entertainment events across Europe.

Beyond acting, Dapo is a storyteller in the truest sense; an emerging filmmaker who has produced four independent films: ‘The Actor’, ‘The Passport’, ‘Amuwa’, and ‘Apeje’.

Each of these projects reflects his vision of creating socially relevant, culturally rooted stories for global consumption. His current pre-production work on ‘The Telepath’ promises to push creative boundaries even further.

Dapo’s latest screen appearance in the forthcoming film ‘Ireke Movie’, which had a private viewing at the Cannes Film Festival, is poised to take his brand global ahead of its 25 July 2025 worldwide release.

He is not just acting in films; he is helping shape the very identity of UK-based Nollywood.

His growing reputation as a respected creative voice within the diaspora positions him as a key figure in the next generation of African cinematic storytellers abroad.

Dapo’s experience, bilingual fluency, stage presence, and production portfolio make his brand distinct and indispensable.

“As a performer and filmmaker, I believe our stories deserve the world stage. My aim is to connect the African experience with universal emotions through characters that feel real, relevant, and respected,” says Dapo Opayinka.

With a growing body of work and an unrelenting drive to elevate African voices, Dapo Opayinka is not only a UK-based bilingual Nollywood actor. He is a cultural bridge-builder, creative entrepreneur, and bold voice in the future of global African storytelling.

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BIG STORY

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa Endorses Laffmattazz, Says Ondo State Is Safe For Tourism And Entertainment [PHOTOS]

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The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Aiyedatiwa has endorsed Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends.

Governor Aiyedatiwa who received Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Nigeria (GCON) on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, expressed his endorsement of the show and said the state is happy to host Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends at the FMT Events Center, Ala Quarters, Akure on Thursday, June 12.

Governor Aiyedatiwa while pulling his weight behind the comedy event, disclosed that Ondo State is a safe haven for tourism and entertainment, thereby promising to work with the organisers to reel out a successful show.

The ‘Sho Le’ crooner, Sean Tizzle will lead the repertoire of musical performances including Oyomesi, Abbey Awesome, Lekzido, Ruby, Miko Fridan and JP3PLE2.

Talented comedians on the bill are; Omobaba, Bash, Erekere, Baba Alariya, Kojah Kage, ATM, Chi Young, General Olak, Dr Spencer, Dr Arotele, MC Stylo, Taichi, Prince Phelar, Jingle, Wisdom the Mimic Guy, Honda Stevo, Odogwu, Iparipate, Emzuma and Ofak.

According to Gbenga Adeyinka, Red Carpet starts by 3 PM while the main show commences by 4 PM. “Tickets are available online at (https://www.funzweb.com/events/laff-mattazz-about-time-akure-158) and https://shorturl.at/FfVZP. Physical tickets can be purchased at Madigrazz Lounge, (Akure Mall),

Iya Saheed Alamala, Isolo Street, Akure, Madison Restaurant, Akure-Owo Road, Alagbaka and Vintage Royale, Off Airport Road, Oba Ile,” he said.

The show themed ‘About Time Tour’ is powered by FIRS, ODIRS, Omni Blu Aviation and supported by Ondo State and Eleganza Industries.

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BIG STORY

UPDATE: Portable Remanded In Kwara Prison Over Inability To Meet Stringent Bail Conditions

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Controversial singer, Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, has been remanded in the Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, over his inability to meet stringent bail conditions imposed by an Upper Area Court in the state.

This follows the singer’s appearance in court on Monday on the charges of defamation of character levelled against him by veteran Fuji musician, Okunola Saheed, aka Saheed Osupa.

The ‘zazoo-zeh’ crooner, however, received bail of N1 million and other stringent bail conditions, including providing two sureties in like sum.

According to the court’s directive, one of the sureties must be either the Chairman or Secretary of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, while the other must be a property owner within a Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

Report says the case was documented under First Information Report (FIR) 117(1) CPC, and filed by the State Intelligence Department of the police following a petition dated March 21, 2025, by Osupa.

The petition said Portable made a live broadcast on Instagram, where he allegedly defamed Osupa, claiming the complainant was envious of his success and attempting to destroy his reputation.

In the video, Portable was quoted as saying, “This man dey try bring down my shine! He be like person wey dey chop snail with shell—him no get sense. Osupa carry tortoise for stomach. When Apple Music and Spotify want to drop money for me, na him remove my song from the platform, make I no see money (sic).”

Osupa maintained that Portable’s remarks were not only defamatory and damaging but also intended to incite public hatred and disturb the peace.

It was submitted to the Kwara State Police Command, and its men arrested the street-pop singer who confessed to the allegations while being interrogated.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the petition accused Portable of several serious offences, including criminal defamation, threats to life, incitement, character assassination, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, as well as the use of abusive and offensive language.

“In view of the weight of these allegations and the supporting evidence presented, the command secured a valid arrest warrant from a Magistrate Court sitting in Ilorin.

“Acting on this warrant, operatives from the command proceeded to Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday, 13th April 2025, where the suspect was apprehended at about 19:25hrs. He was immediately brought to Ilorin for further investigations.

“Upon his arrival, the suspect’s statement was taken in the presence of legal representatives from both parties,” the statement read.

However, the Investigating Police Officer, ASP Adeniyi James, confirmed that Portable was charged based on a directive from the police authorities.

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