The Lagos State Government has cautioned celebrities, social media influencers, and residents against giving money to street miscreants, warning that such actions worsen insecurity and environmental issues.

Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for environment and water resources, issued the warning in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.

“Celebrities, influencers, and even well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants. Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply, and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness,” Wahab wrote.

He added that what many regard as an act of kindness complicates enforcement and creates broader security challenges.

His remarks followed a complaint by a resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja, who reported harassment along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Ajenifuja urged the state to deploy the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to curb extortion, assault, and intimidation by homeless boys and teenagers in the area.

The warning also came after a viral video showed touts and luxury car content creators chasing a convoy believed to be carrying Afrobeats star Burna Boy, attempting to solicit money while recording content. The singer’s security team prevented them from reaching his car.

Wahab said the state government is committed to tackling the menace but urged residents to support the efforts by refusing to encourage the miscreants.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cultists linked to the proscribed Ku Klux Klan confraternity after they allegedly attacked a student and were found in possession of a fresh human skull.

Victim Ambushed

According to Police PRO DSP Timfon John, the arrests followed a report on August 25, 2025, when a student of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, was ambushed by the gang after renouncing his membership of the cult.

• The victim was beaten unconscious.
• His Redmi 13C phone and ₦41,000 cash were stolen.

Items Recovered

Police said a raid on the suspects’ hideout led to the recovery of:

1. One locally made short gun
2. Seven live cartridges
3. A fresh human skull
4. A bottle of suspected black oil
5. A bottle of Guyanese oil, believed to be used for rituals.

Suspects Identified

The seven arrested suspects were named as:

1. Douglas Ambe Esikhene
2. Stephen Asukwo Effiong
3. Saviour Dany Akpan
4. Emmanuel Friday Umoh
5. Augustine Uduak Okon
6. Mary Ating Asukwo
7. Itohowo Christopher Uko

Ongoing Investigation

John confirmed that investigations have begun, with efforts underway to arrest other members of the gang and recover more items.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and other prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have said the party’s forthcoming national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, can only hold peacefully if leadership positions remain open, inclusive, and competitive.

The resolution was reached at a closed-door meeting in Abuja, which began late Monday night and ended Tuesday morning.

Ortom Reads Communiqué

Former Benue governor Samuel Ortom read the group’s communiqué, warning that any attempt to exclude legitimate members or ignore court rulings could invalidate the convention.

> “A credible National Convention must be anchored on transparency, fairness, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law,” Ortom said.
“Failure to comply shall render any purported convention invalid, as legitimate members would be disenfranchised.”

Demands by the Stakeholders

The group, calling themselves Eminent Leaders and Concerned Stakeholders of the PDP, issued several demands:

• Fresh congresses in Ebonyi and Anambra states, in line with court judgments.
• A new South-East zonal congress.
• Recognition of the South-South congress held in Calabar, which has court backing.
• Immediate congresses in Ekiti local governments, in obedience to court rulings.
• No micro-zoning of positions, with the National Chairman retained in the North-Central, per the 2021 zoning formula.

Call for Unity

The leaders said the PDP stood at a “defining crossroads” and urged inclusivity, fairness, and reconciliation to preserve the party’s relevance as Nigeria’s main opposition.

“Only then can the PDP speak with one voice, act with one heart, and march with renewed strength toward victory,” the communiqué added.

Attendees

Those present included Sam Anyanwu (National Secretary), Dan Orbih (South-South Vice Chairman), former governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and Ayodele Fayose, as well as ex-senator George Sekibo, Rivers Speaker, Sen. Philip Aduda, Hon. Micah Jiba, some BoT members, and state chairmen.