The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has apprehended one Umar Muhammadu for allegedly mixed loading a Mitsubishi Canter with no fewer than 15 persons and 8 motorcycles concealed under its trampoline.

This was contained in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Osondu Ohaeri.

According to Ohaeri, FRSC personnel intercepted the vehicle, registration number GDD 815 ZP, after professional suspicion prompted a closer inspection of its sealed trampoline.

He said that marshals discovered 15 persons and eight motorcycles dangerously concealed among goods, beneath the covering in clear violation of road safety regulations and with grave implications for the safety of the occupants and other road users.

“The driver, who allegedly attempted to sway an FRSC Marshal with N500 and could not produce a valid driver’s licence, was arrested.

“The vehicle and its occupants were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba, for further investigation and prosecution, following the directive of the Sector Commander, RS7.1 FCT, CC Tijjani Iliyasu,”he said.

The CPEO also said that similarly, in Abia, a Mobile Court sitting and presided over by Magistrate C. E. Nwankpa, sentenced Azubuike Dominic to one month imprisonment at the Afara Correctional Centre after he was apprehended for driving without a valid driver’s license.

He said that Dominic was driving a Toyota Hiace commercial vehicle, registration number GWB 298 XY, without a valid driver’s licence and absconded while being escorted to court.

“The driver was re-apprehended several kilometres away following a coordinated pursuit involving FRSC personnel and the military.

“The development underscores the corps’ determination that enforcement actions will not be frustrated by attempts to evade lawful arrest or judicial proceedings,” the CPEO said.

According to him, the corps views the incidents as compelling evidence that its enforcement architecture is moving beyond routine interception to intelligence led, evidence based and technology conscious road safety enforcement.

He said that in the enforcement, professional observation and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures were deployed to uncover concealed violations and protect lives.

He also said that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, had consistently charged personnel to remain vigilant, professional and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities, while strengthening inter-agency synergy.

Ohaeri warned motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, against attempting to evade enforcement, concealing passengers or motorcycles, overloading vehicles or driving without valid licences.

According to him, any of these offences will attract appropriate sanctions.

“The corps will continue to combine intelligence, professional enforcement, mobile courts and strategic inter-agency collaboration to protect road users and make Nigeria’s roads safer,” he said.

He emphasised that there would be no hiding place for reckless and dangerous driving on the road to a safer Nigeria.

The Osun Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ekeng Kubiangha, has commended corps members deployed as ad hoc staff for Saturday’s governorship election for their discipline and commitment to duty during the exercise.

This was contained in a statement by the Spokesperson for the scheme, Catherine Otemuyiwa, on Sunday in Osogbo.

Otemuyiwa said that Kubiangha monitored some selected polling units across Ede South, Ede North, Olorunda, Osogbo and Egbedore Local Government Areas of the state where corps members were deployed.

She listed other polling units visited by the state coordinator to include Alajue 1 and Alajue 2, Akoda/Oloki, Isibo/Buhari-Isola wards and some parts of Osogbo, where he assessed the safety and welfare of the corps members.

Otemuyiwa quoted the state coordinator as expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the corps members.

He said that they adhered to instructions, operational guidelines and safety advisories issued during the sensitisation tour of the local government areas.

“I am glad that corps members also complied with directives from the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters and the South-West Area Office 1.

“Corps members were safe and discharged their responsibilities without fear, intimidation or undue interference,” he said.

Kubiangha commended the officers who manned the Situation Room as well as Zonal Inspectors and Local Government Inspectors for their effective coordination and monitoring of corps members throughout the exercise.

He also appreciated security agencies for their efforts in protecting corps members deployed for election duties across the state.

The state coordinator expressed appreciation to INEC officials for their prompt response to issues reported from the field.

He acknowledged the cooperation among the various stakeholders, particularly under the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), describing it as a significant factor in ensuring a peaceful and orderly election.

Kubiangha reiterated NYSC’s commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members, urging them to continue to uphold the ideals of the scheme, professionalism and national service in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and thunderstorms from Sunday to Tuesday across the country.

‎NiMet weather outlook released in Abuja envisaged sunny skies with patches of clouds over the northern region with chances of early morning thunderstorms.

It anticipated light rains over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Kaduna, Borno, Taraba and Adamawa States.

‎‎”Later during the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over most parts of the region.

”Sunny skies with patches of cloud are anticipated over the North central region with chances of early morning thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Kwara, Niger, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.

”By the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in most parts of the region,” it said.

The agency predicted cloudy skies over the southern region, with chances of light rains over parts of Oyo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States during the morning hours.

It forecast moderate rains over parts of Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, River, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States later in the day.

According to the agency, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected over the northern region on Monday with prospects of thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States during the morning hours.

“Later in the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and Adamawa States.

“Cloudy skies with spells of sunshine are expected over the North central region with prospects of thunderstorms ‎accompanied by moderate rains over parts of Niger, Kwara, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory during the morning hours.

‎”By the afternoon or evening hours, sunny skies with a few patches of clouds are expected over most parts of the region,” it said.

NiMet predicted a cloudy atmosphere over the southern region, with prospects of light rains over most parts of the

South-western region during the morning hours.

‎It forecast moderate rains over the South-southern and South-eastern parts of the country later in the day.

The agency anticipated sunny over northern skies on Tuesday with a few patches of clouds over the northern region during the morning hours.

According to the agency, thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected over parts of Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna and the North-eastern regions later in the day.

“Sunny skies with patches of clouds are anticipated over the North central region during the morning hours.

‎”By the afternoon /evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in most parts of the region.

‎”Cloudy atmosphere is anticipated over the southern region, with prospects of light rains over parts of Akwa-Ibom ‎and Cross-River states during the morning hours. “

By the afternoon and evening hours, moderate rains are expected over the region,” it said.

According to the agency, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

‎”Driving under heavy rain should be avoided.

“Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

‎”Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from,” it said.