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The Committee for the burial of late labour and civil society leader and socialist fighter, Fidelista Abiodun Aremu, popularly known as Comrade Areemson who died on Oct. 13, 2025, has announced the dates for lying-in-state and interment of the activist’s remains.

According to the statement released on Monday by the committee and forwarded to PMNEWS in Lagos, the departed activist renowned for leading rallies and street protests, is to be buried on Thursday October 23, 2025, at his residence near Ijako Sugar bus stop, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ogun State.

The burial Committee said the funeral rites for the late Aremu would be in three parts- The first being an afternoon of tributes with the theme: Celebrating the Life of a Steadfast People’s Revolutionary, taking place from 12pm to 4pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at the NURSES HOUSE (National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Secretariat), 19, Amaraolu Street, near Pearlworth Hotel, close to the New African Shrine, by Hakeem Balogun, off Agidingbi Road, CBD I. This session will be chaired by Comrade Femi Falana, SAN, who also heads the burial Committee.

Representatives of mass organisations including labour, trade unions, pro-democracy groups, human rights bodies and the Cuban Embassy, among others, are expected to speak during the afternoon of tributes.

The second part is the candle lit procession and vigil later in the evening of October 22, where comrades and associates of Comrade Areemson will converge at the deceased’s residence.

The final part, according to the statement, will take place on Thursday October 23rd, when Comrade Areemson’s body will ‘lie in state at his residence from 7am to 10am following which there will be a two-hour session of funeral orations and family tributes. Thereafter his remains will be interred.’

The statement added that ‘Comrade Aremu was born in 1960 and died from injuries sustained in a hit-and-run incident in Ota area of Ogun State. His associates have called for investigations into the circumstances of his death.’

The departed comrade was a former students’ union leader at the Kwara Polytechnic; General Secretary of the Joint Action Front ((JAF), and a former secretary of the Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).

For more information about the outlined programmes, enquirers can reach Comrade Funmi Sessi, Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State on +234 806 491 0152 and Comrade Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Centre +234 802 318 6845.

The White House has dismissed reports suggesting that President Donald Trump is considering commuting the prison sentence of hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently serving a 50-month jail term for prostitution-related charges.

A report by TMZ had claimed that Trump was ‘vacillating’ on whether to follow up his recent commutation of former U.S. congressman George Santos with a similar gesture for Diddy, 55.

But in a sharp rebuttal, a White House spokesperson described the claims as ‘completely fraudulent.’

‘There is zero truth to the TMZ report, which we would’ve gladly explained had they reached out before running their fake news,’ Daily Mail reports.

‘The president, not anonymous sources, is the final decider on pardons and commutations.’

The former music executive, who was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges but convicted on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution, has served 13 months of his 50-month sentence at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Meanwhile, Diddy’s legal team has signaled plans to appeal the conviction, filing a two-page notice before the Federal District Court of New York. His attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, argued that the prostitution charges are relics of outdated laws under the Mann Act.

Trump, who has spoken openly about his acquaintance with Diddy, previously told Newsmax that he found the case ‘interesting,’ saying:

‘He was essentially, sort of, half innocent. I don’t know what they do that he’s still in jail.’

The president, however, added that he was ‘more likely a no’ on granting clemency, though he has been known to change his mind on high-profile cases.

Diddy’s conviction followed a highly publicised trial that reopened old wounds from his past, including his violent abuse of ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which was captured on video.

Judge Arun Subramanian, while sentencing the rapper earlier this month, condemned him for his ‘savage’ behaviour and the ‘irreparable harm’ caused to victims.

The energy was electric at the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos on Saturday, as Nigeria’s best freestyle footballers dazzled fans at the Predator Energy Freestyle Football Championship 2025, organised in partnership with the World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA).

After an intense evening of skill, rhythm, and creativity, Ezeakabudu ‘BlessedChild’ and Evelyn Okafor both successfully defended their national title in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.

A Spectacle of Skill and Energy

The event brought together 12 finalists – eight men and four women – from a pool of 128 nationwide entries.

The tournament had an international panel of judges, including Ashley Mkhize (South Africa), Soufiane Msalek (Morocco), and Larry Etuduwun (Nigeria), all respected figures in the global freestyle community.

In the women’s category, Evelyn Okafor took first place, followed by Miracle Ngozi in second and Augustina Unamba in third. In the men’s category, Ezeakabudu ‘BlessedChild’ claimed the top spot, with Lukman Muhammad finishing second and Pete Johnne taking third.

The men’s final delivered high drama when Muhammad sustained an injury mid-performance, leading to a 20-minute recess before the competition resumed.

Despite the setback, both athletes displayed remarkable sportsmanship, with BlessedChild retaining his crown to the cheers of an energetic crowd.

Cash prizes were awarded to the winners in both categories, with first-place champions receiving ?1 million, second-place finishers ?500,000, and third-place winners ?200,000.

In addition, Mr Valentine Ozigbo, the Chairman of Feet ‘N’ Tricks International and Board Member of the WFFA, announced an additional cash prize of N100,000 for all finalists.

‘At Feet’ N’ Tricks, our mission has always been to create opportunities that celebrate African talent and creativity. This championship demonstrates that with the proper support, our youth can compete at world-class levels,’ said Ozigbo, whose company supported the championship.

‘We are deeply proud of every freestyler who took the stage today – they didn’t just perform; they inspired a continent.’

A Celebration of Creativity and Youth Power

The 2025 championship reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a leading hub of freestyle football talent, combining world-class organisation, energetic performances, and powerful storytelling from the nation’s youth.

The event was broadcast live on News Central TV, Africa Magic Urban, and SuperSport Blitz, and streamed across the social media channels of Predator Energy, Feet’ N’ Tricks International, and the WFFA, reaching millions of viewers across Africa and beyond.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has denied reports claiming he has left the Labour Party (LP) to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rumours had spread on social media suggesting that the governor had defected to the APC.

However, in a statement, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the story as false and the work of political opponents who are unhappy with Otti’s achievements and popularity.

He said Governor Otti remains a proud member of the Labour Party, the party through which the people of Abia elected him.

The governor, he added, is focused on rebuilding the state, promoting accountability, and delivering good governance to every citizen.

Prince Kanu reminded the public that during the governor’s recent media program, ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,’ Otti clearly stated that he is not interested in political games or defections but in serving the people and transforming Abia State.

He explained that Otti’s leadership is guided by transparency, discipline, infrastructure renewal, economic growth, youth empowerment, and public trust all values that align with the Labour Party’s principles.

The Commissioner urged the public to ignore the false report, calling it cheap propaganda meant to distract from the progress being made in the state.

He concluded, ‘Governor Alex Otti remains committed to building a new Abia founded on truth, justice, and equity under the banner of the Labour Party.’

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has thrown its full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in office, urging him to contest in the 2027 presidential election.

The endorsement came on Tuesday during the APC Stakeholders’ Forum 2025 held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, where thousands of party leaders, members, and supporters gathered to review the administration’s performance and chart the way forward.

The event was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former governors Babatunde Fashola and Akinwunmi Ambode; Deputy Governor Dr Obafemi Hamzat; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mudashiru Obasa; ministers, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, council chairmen, and youth leaders.

The motion for Tinubu’s endorsement was moved by the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi, and seconded by Obasa, who both praised the President’s leadership and reform-driven agenda.

Oba Shotobi said, ‘We endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to go for the second time. So I move.’ In seconding the motion, Obasa declared, ‘In view of the submissions made by all stakeholders and our Royal Majesty, I second the motion on behalf of Lagos State APC and its people.’

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu had delivered significantly on his campaign promises, noting that Lagos APC was united in its call for his re-election.

‘Our president has performed excellently and deserves another term. Lagos stands solidly behind him. I believe this message will reach Aso Rock and every corner of Nigeria,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

Deputy Governor Hamzat described Tinubu’s administration as one built on ‘renewed hope and economic recovery,’ adding that continuity was essential to sustain ongoing reforms.

‘As loyal members of the APC family in Lagos, we endorse Asiwaju Tinubu for a second term. His courageous reforms and vision for national transformation have repositioned Nigeria for progress,’ he said.

Hamzat also highlighted Lagos State’s impressive transformation under Governor Sanwo-Olu through the THEMES+ Agenda, which has driven progress in transportation, health, education, the economy, and governance.

‘Lagos has become a model of excellence, studied by other states for its success in taxation, traffic management, healthcare, and urban planning,’ he added.

Former Governor Fashola, who delivered a keynote lecture titled ‘Voter Apathy and the Sanctity of Elections in Nigeria’s Budding Democracy,’ urged the party to mobilise Lagos residents, especially the youth, to vote massively in the 2027 elections.

‘Political participation thrives on enthusiasm. If people are inspired, they will vote. We are in a season of renewed hope – let’s turn that into renewed enthusiasm for our party,’ Fashola said.

Other speakers, including ministers and federal lawmakers, enumerated Tinubu’s achievements in infrastructure, the economy, and governance since assuming office on May 29, 2023, stressing that his re-election would consolidate Nigeria’s economic recovery and democratic progress.

With the resounding endorsement, Lagos APC leaders pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation, sensitisation, and voter education campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

A Lagos court has sentenced a 39-year-old train driver, Christopher Ofielu, to one year and six months in prison or a ?1.5 million fine for stealing ?6,995,944 belonging to HabariPay Limited.

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, gave the judgment on Monday after Ofielu pleaded guilty to the charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

According to the EFCC, Ofielu used a system error in October 2023 to transfer the money from HabariPay’s account into his own Access Bank account (No. 14864072356). Investigators later found that he had opened a HabariPay Squad account just to carry out the fraud.

The case began after HabariPay Limited petitioned the EFCC on September 26, 2023, saying the system glitch had allowed over ?900 million to be stolen. Ofielu’s share was almost ?7 million.

An EFCC witness, Adams Adze, said Ofielu first moved ?500, then transferred the full amount.

He also admitted that the train driver was part of a WhatsApp group involved in similar illegal transactions.

Prosecutor Abubakar Dambuwa said the crime violated the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Ofielu’s lawyer, Mercy Akhabue, pleaded for mercy, saying he was a first-time offender who regretted his action and had started paying back the money. She added that Access Bank had already blocked his accounts.

Justice Oshodi ruled that the prison term would start from October 20, 2025, but Ofielu could pay a ?1.5 million fine instead of going to jail.

The judge also ordered that the stolen ?6,995,944 must be refunded to HabariPay Limited within seven days from Ofielu’s Access Bank account, under EFCC supervision.

Finally, the judge directed that Ofielu’s biometric details be added to the Lagos State Offenders’ Database and that his Ecobank account be reopened after restitution.

The trial of the two Ansaru leaders; Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba on alleged terrorism charges was adjourned on Tuesday following the absence of counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), Mohammed Abubakar, in court.

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Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja adjourned the case following a letter by the DSS lawyer to the court.

The lawyer had, in the letter to the registrar of the court, apologised for his inability to be in court.

He also sought an adjournment to enable him be in court on the next adjourned date to conduct the trial.

Counsel to the defence did not oppose the application and Justice Nwite subsequently fixed Nov. 19 for the trial of the two defendants.

The the judge had, on Sept. 11, convicted and sentenced Usman, a.k.a Abu Bara’a/Abbas Mukhtar, to 15 years imprisonment for illegal mining.

The development was after Usman pleaded guilty to count 10 of the 32-count terrorism charge preferred against him and his deputy commander, Abba, a.k.a Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri.

Usman and Abba, in count 10, were alleged to have, sometimes between 2015 and 2025 committed the illegal mining offence.

They were accused to have mined precious minerals such as thunder and california stones without lawful authority.

The offence, according to the Federal Government, is contrary to and punishable under Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, LFN 2004, and punishable under the same Section of the Act.

Although Usman pleaded guilty to count 10, Abba, who is a deputy commander of the terrorist group, did not when the whole counts were read to them.

The two top leaders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda affiliated network, were recently arraigned before Justice Nwite.

Usman and Abba, popularly called Mallam Mamuda, were arraigned on 32-count charge bordering on terrorism and others.

While Usman is the 1st defendant, Abba is the 2nd defendant in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/464/2025.

The charge is dated and filed on Sept. 4 by Mr Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

In count, Usman who hails from Okene Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi and Abba from Daura LGA of Katsina State were alleged to have aided and abetted the acts of terrorism sometimes between 2013 and 2015.

They were accused of conspiring amongst themselves and agreeing to be part of the formation and top commanders of the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimeena Fii Bilaadis Sudan (a.k.a. JAMBS/Ansaru, a proscribed terrorist organisation in Nigeria.

In counts three and four, they were accused of receiving training in weapons handling and training on the fabrication of Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) from various terrorist camps.

In count five, they were accused of an act preparatory to acts of terrorism by receiving training on war tactics from Jama’atu Nusratil Islami Wal Muslimin, a.k.a. JNIM, a terrorist group in Mali.

in count seven, they were accused of contributing to the attack on Wawa Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in Kainji, New-Bussa, Borgu LGA of Niger sometimes in 2022 resulting in mass causalities, among the 32 counts.

Following their not guilty plea, the judge had ordered them to be remanded at the DSS facility in Abuja, pending the conclusion of the trial.

The Anambra Patriots for Soludo (APS), a political support group, has reaffirmed its commitment to securing a resounding re-election victory for Governor Chukwuma Soludo in the upcoming November 8 governorship election in Anambra State.

At a strategic meeting held in Nise, Awka South Local Government Area, the group’s Chairman, Chief Damian Ejiamatu, expressed confidence in Governor Soludo’s growing grassroots support. He praised the unanimous endorsement of Soludo by residents across the two wards in Nise and announced a N2 million donation to bolster local campaign activities. Ejiamatu also pledged an additional N2 million to deepen outreach efforts.

In a bold directive to members, Ejiamatu urged full consolidation of support for Soludo by dismantling structures of rival political parties within the community. ‘We are not ready to surrender a single vote to opposition candidates. Collapse every opposing structure within the next one week,’ he charged.

He also extended an olive branch to members of other political platforms under the Renewed Hope coalition, assuring them of full integration into the APS network.

Ejiamatu attributed the growing momentum behind Soludo’s candidacy to his credible leadership and achievements in office, which have reportedly won the admiration of voters and rival groups alike.

Other leaders at the meeting echoed similar sentiments. Chief Bonny Ebutu commended Ejiamatu’s generosity and loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), noting that his philanthropic leadership has inspired renewed political confidence in Nise.

The Anambra State APGA Chairman, Ifatu Obiokoye, described Ejiamatu as a ‘God-sent’ stakeholder for Awka South, expressing optimism that Nise would deliver 99.9% of its votes for Governor Soludo. He encouraged party members to align under the ‘Nise Agenda’ and maintain unity until victory is secured.

Also present, Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim praised Ejiamatu’s grassroots mobilization, describing his efforts as ‘instrumental in locking down Nise for Soludo.’

With the elections fast approaching, the APS movement appears to be galvanizing massive local support, reinforcing Soludo’s bid for another term as Anambra’s governor.

One Onyeagoziri Ndubueze who was identified as a Bishop was on Tuesday ordered to be remanded in Abakaliki Correctional Centre for alleged sexual abuse of a 22-year-old female member of his church.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Nike Chima ordered his remand after the magistrate rejected the bail application by the Defence Counsel, Mr Friday Agbom.

The magistrate told Agbom that the court could not grant Ndubueze bail because the court lacked the jurisdiction to handle the case

Chima subsequently ordered that the case file should be transferred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

The magistrate adjourned the case until Nov.4 for hearing.

Ndubueze, who was arraigned by the police, is facing a four-count charge bothering on threats to life, falsehood, fraudulent act and circulation of pornographic photos of the girl.

The Prosecutor, Catherine Ajibo alleged that the defendant, sometime in 2021 at Mile 50 Layout Abakaliki, did have unlawful carnal knowledge of the girl.

Ajibo alleged that the defendant obtained the consent of the girl by means of threats, falsehood and fraudulent means and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap 33, Vol.1, Law of Ebonyi State of Nigeria.

She said that the offence was also punishable under Section 20 (1) of Ebonyi State Violence Against Persons Prohibition law 2024 as amended.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve all ongoing disputes with university-based unions, warning that failure to do so will trigger a nationwide industrial action.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known during an interactive session with labour correspondents in Abuja following a meeting between the Congress and leaders of tertiary institution unions, The Punch reports.

According to Ajaero, the Federal Government must conclude all negotiations within four weeks, stressing that the crisis in the education sector goes beyond the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) alone.

‘We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. If after four weeks this is not done, the organs of the NEC will meet and take nationwide action. All workers and all unions in the country will be involved,’ Ajaero warned.

He also slammed the government’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy against ASUU members, describing it as an act of provocation and announcing a new stance: ‘no pay, no work.’

‘You can’t benefit from an action you instigated. We have discovered that 90% of strike actions in this country are caused by failure to obey agreements,’ he said.

The NLC leader accused the government of consistently violating signed agreements, adding that the era of intimidation and empty promises to unions was over.

The higher education system has been crippled by the ongoing ASUU strike, which has shut down public universities across the country.

ASUU National President, Professor Chris Piwuna, declared the strike on Sunday after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 28. The union cited unresolved issues such as poor welfare, unpaid salary arrears, and the failure to implement the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement.

Although Education Minister Tunji Alausa said the government had released ?50 billion for earned academic allowances and earmarked ?150 billion in the 2025 budget for university funding, ASUU dismissed the gesture as inadequate.

The union is demanding the release of withheld salaries, proper funding of universities, protection from victimisation, and payment of outstanding promotion arrears and union deductions.

The NLC reaffirmed its solidarity with ASUU and other tertiary institution unions, insisting that the government must honour all agreements or face a united labour front.

‘We demand respect for collective bargaining and the rights of workers. Our patience is wearing thin,’ Ajaero said.

The NLC’s emergency meeting, which continues this week, will determine the scale of mobilisation for what could become another massive nationwide strike.