Category: Daily Trust

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has emphasized the need for journalists to ensure accurate information is published to Nigerians while covering the energy sector.

Speaking during a training workshop, the Executive Secretary of PTDF, Prof. Shuaibu Shehu Aliyu, said publishing more accurate, balanced, and insightful reporting helps to strengthen understanding of the sector.

He stated that as the nation’s foremost human capacity development agency for the oil and gas industry, it recognises that building capacity must extend beyond industry professionals to include those responsible for informing the public.

He stated that the training was organized due to the realization that the media is a strategic partner in shaping public discourse, promoting transparency, and driving national development.

He said, ‘In an industry as technical and constantly evolving as oil and gas, effective journalism requires not only timely reporting but also a sound understanding of the policies, technologies, and issues that shape the sector.

‘Our story is one of developing skilled manpower, advancing research and innovation, supporting local content, and contributing to Nigeria’s energy future. We believe these achievements deserve to be communicated with clarity, context, and credibility.’

He added that the training also reinforces the enduring partnership between PTDF and the media.

‘We deeply value your role in amplifying our initiatives and appreciate the professionalism with which you continue to engage the Fund. We remain committed to strengthening this relationship through continuous engagement, openness, and mutual respect.

The Association of Energy Correspondents Abuja FCT (AECAF) chairman, John Ofikhenua urged PTDF to sustain the symbiotic relationship with the media to deepen the understanding of the mandate of the fund.

Earlier, the Group Managing Director, BetterWays, Dr Victor Dare, said the oil and gas sector remains the cornerstone and key driver of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for about 65% of government revenue, over 85% of total export earnings, and roughly 90% of foreign exchange earnings, despite contributing less than 10% to the annual GDP.

New Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) signing, Johnmark Shirsha Atule, has declared his readiness to hit the ground running after receiving a rousing welcome from the club’s management, teammates and supporters.

The attacking midfielder joined the ‘Oluyole Warriors’ from Kwara United on a two-year deal, with the prospect of continental football providing an added incentive for the 22-year-old.

Atule, a former junior international, first caught the eye on the international stage when he represented Nigeria at the 2018 Africa Youth Games in Algeria.

His journey to the professional ranks, however, was far from straightforward.

After overcoming setbacks early in his career, the DreamFoot Football Academy Makurdi graduate eventually secured his first professional contract with Lobi Stars ahead of the 2023/2024 season.

He impressed in his debut campaign before moving to Kwara United in 2025, where he featured in the NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup.

The Oluyole Warriors’ qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup proved a major attraction for a player eager to test himself on the continental stage.

3SC finished third in the 2026 NPFL season to secure Nigeria’s ticket to next season’s second-tier CAF club competition.

Following his unveiling at the historic Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Atule took to Facebook to express his appreciation to the club for the warm reception.

The midfielder described his move to 3SC as an honour and promised to give his best as the club prepares for both domestic and continental challenges.

‘I am truly honoured and grateful to join 3SC. Thank you to the management, coaching staff, teammates, and the amazing fans for welcoming me into this great club.

‘It is a privilege to wear this badge, and I promise to give my all on and off the pitch. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and creating unforgettable moments together.

‘Thank you for this opportunity. Up Shooting Stars SC,’ he wrote.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, dismissed a suit filed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenging some provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act.

Specifically, the provision one of the main opposition parties is challenging borders on the qualification and disqualification of candidates for elective offices.

Justice Muhammed Umar, in his ruling on the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/635/2025, held that the action lacked merit.

Daily Trust reports that the NDC had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Clerk of the National Assembly and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was also joined in the suit seeking, among other reliefs, declarations that Sections 138 and 77(5) of the Electoral Act 2026 were unconstitutional.

The plaintiff also urged the court to hold that questions bordering on the qualification of candidates could still be raised after elections.

However, in his ruling, Justice Umar upheld preliminary objections challenging the competence of the suit, and held that the plaintiff was merely inviting the court to interpret constitutional and statutory provisions.

The judge also ruled that the disputed provisions of the Electoral Act complement, rather than conflict with, the 1999 Constitution.

‘The plaintiff is invoking the interpretative jurisdiction of this honourable court in respect of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 on the one hand and the 1999 Constitution on the other hand,’ the judge held.

He added that the mere attachment of INEC’s election timetable to the originating summons did not transform the case into a pre-election matter.

‘The fact that the defendant’s timetable is attached cannot make the case within the contemplation of Section 285… there is no deposition… that raises questions as to the timetable,’ the court held.

On the objection raised by the Clerk of the National Assembly, Justice Umar held that the plaintiff failed to comply with the statutory requirement of serving a pre-action notice before commencing proceedings.

He ruled that the implication of non-service of a pre-action notice on the 2nd defendant ‘makes this suit incompetent against the second defendant,’ before striking out the action against the Clerk.

On the substantive issue, the judge rejected the NDC’s argument that Section 138 of the Electoral Act was inconsistent with constitutional provisions governing qualification and disqualification for elective offices.

Justice Umar held that the Constitution prescribes the qualifications and disqualifications for elective offices, while the Electoral Act merely provides the procedure and timeline for ventilating disputes arising from party primaries.

‘Any aggrieved party who intends to challenge any candidate that emerged at the primary election of a political party on grounds of disqualification… must do so at the pre-election level,’ the Judge said.

He further held that, when read together with other provisions of the Electoral Act, Section 138 was not inconsistent with the Constitution.

‘The provision of Section 138 of the Electoral Act 2026 complements the provision of the Constitution, but is not in conflict with it. The contention of the plaintiff that Section 138 is inconsistent with the Constitution is of no merit,’ he ruled.

Justice Umar also declined to invalidate Section 77(5) of the Electoral Act, holding that the issue had already been determined by the Court of Appeal.

According to him, the appellate court had pronounced on the provision in an earlier decision, stressing that the implication was that ‘courts, generally, are binded by precedent.’

A presidential aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Bayero Lawal, has slammed a suit against the party for allegedly denying him expression of interest and nomination forms during the recently concluded presidential primaries.

Alhaji Lawal, a founding member of the party, also joined the Presidential Screening Committee of the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the suit before a Federal High Court Abuja and marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1020/2026.

Daily Trust reports that the ruling APC had in May waived the screening requirement for the President, Bola Tinubu ahead of its 2027 primaries, declaring him duly cleared in line with the party’s constitution and internal procedures. The decision, according to the spokesman of the party, Felix Morka, was taken by the National Working Committee at its 188th meeting held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

But on May 21, Lawal through his lawyer, Basil Kpenkpen, approached the Federal High Court, arguing that the party refused to allow him to obtain both the expression of interest and nomination forms to contest the primaries against the incumbent president in line with the democratic tenets.

In an originating summons, obtained by our correspondent, the plaintiff sought seven reliefs, among which is payment of N100m for both forms be declared illegal, arguing that such mandatory payment was not captured in the party’s constitution.

He maintained that the constitution of APC guarantees him, as a fully registered and financially up-to-date member of the 1st Defendant (party), has rights to contest for and be voted for in any elective position, including the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Residents of Mubi town in Adamawa State have expressed outrage after a businessman, Suleiman Abu, was allegedly shot by a soldier during a patrol in Mubi North Local Government Area.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:40pm on Sunday.

Residents said the victim was riding an electric motorcycle when he noticed soldiers on patrol.

Fearing arrest because of the existing restriction on motorcycle movement between 9pm and 6am, he reportedly made a U-turn and headed home before the curfew took effect.

Witnesses alleged that after Abu parked his motorcycle and attempted to lock the gate to his residence, a soldier who had followed him opened fire at close range.

The bullet reportedly grazed his shoulder before hitting his lower jaw, leaving him with severe injuries.

An eyewitness told Daily Trust that neighbours rushed out after hearing the gunshot and apprehended the soldier.

He was, however, later released following the intervention of his superiors and community elders.

The victim was initially taken to the Federal Medical Centre Mubi, before being referred to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola, where he is receiving treatment.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with residents insisting that security personnel are expected to protect civilians and adhere to the military’s rules of engagement.

A resident, Abubakar Sadeeq Lamorde, said that even if the businessman had violated the motorcycle restriction, he should have been arrested and processed in line with the law rather than being shot.

Another resident, Danladi Dechamba, described the incident as tragic, saying Mubi residents had endured years of insurgency and continued to cooperate with security agencies in the interest of peace.

He said the victim was neither an insurgent nor a criminal, adding that security personnel must exercise restraint while carrying out their duties.

‘A soldier who pursues an unarmed civilian into his home and shoots him undermines the trust between the military and the community. Those responsible must be held accountable,’ he said.

Efforts to speak with the Commander of Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai, Brigadier Gen. Amechi Agwu, was unsuccessful as he was said to be attending an official meeting.

The spokesman of the 23 Armoured Brigade Yola, Capt. Abidoyi, told Daily Trust on telephone that he was not in a position to comment on the incident, saying only the military headquarters in Abuja could respond.

Mubi is among the towns worst affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Meanwhile, residents of Mubi staged a peaceful protest over the alleged shooting, describing the incident as unprofessional and inhumane.

The protesters marched through major streets carrying placards and demanding justice for the victim. They later proceeded to the Emir’s Palace in Mubi to register their grievances.

Receiving the protesters on behalf of the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa Ahmadu, the Sadaukin Mubi, Alhaji Adamu Barkido, assured them that the emirate would pursue the matter with the relevant authorities until justice is served.

Also, a team of lawyers led by Barrister M.A. Luguja visited the victim at the hospital and pledged to provide free legal representation.

Luguja said the team would petition the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army Headquarters, the National Human Rights Commission, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and other relevant authorities.

He added that the lawyers would also file a fundamental rights enforcement suit, alleging violations of the victim’s rights to life, dignity, personal liberty and private and family life as guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.

Two prominent chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State have resigned from the party, further deepening the wave of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.

The party leaders, a former Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area and former PDP Chairman in the council, Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Yusuf, and the party’s Assistant Secretary in Gombe State, Hon. Mohammed Babani Bajoga, announced their resignation in separate letters.

Ibrahim Yusuf, in a letter dated August 2, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Bajoga West Ward, said he was withdrawing his membership from the party with immediate effect.

He said the decision followed ‘careful reflection and personal consideration,’ noting that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the party in various capacities, including as PDP chairman in Funakaye Local Government Area.

The former council chairman requested that his name be removed from the party’s membership register and other official records.

‘I appreciate the support and cooperation I received from members throughout my years of service and wish the Party and its leadership success in their future endeavours,’ he stated.

Similarly, Mohammed Babani Bajoga, in his resignation letter dated August 3, 2026, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Bajoga East Ward, announced his voluntary withdrawal from the party with immediate effect.

Babani, who served as the PDP Assistant Secretary in Gombe State, said his resignation followed careful personal consideration and should be regarded as final.

He thanked the party for the opportunity to serve in different capacities and expressed appreciation to members for their support and cooperation during his time in office.

Neither of the two former party officials disclosed the reasons behind their decision to quit the PDP or have they indicated their next political destination.

A legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Hamza Dantani, has called on security agencies across Nigeria to adopt the Department of State Services (DSS) policy of compensating innocent citizens who are wrongly arrested, unlawfully detained or harmed during security operations.

Dantani made the appeal while commending the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, for introducing compensation for victims of wrongful arrests and operational mistakes, describing the initiative as a landmark step toward strengthening accountability within the country’s security architecture.

In a statement titled, ‘DSS Compensation Initiative Sets Standard for Security Agencies,’ the lawyer said the move deserved national recognition because it demonstrated that security agencies could acknowledge errors without undermining their effectiveness.

According to him, agencies charged with protecting the nation also have a constitutional, legal and moral responsibility to provide redress when innocent citizens suffer violations of their rights.

‘This is a bold, commendable and unprecedented gesture that deserves national recognition,’ Dantani said.

‘It demonstrates that while security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to protect the nation, they also have a moral and legal obligation to acknowledge mistakes and provide remedies to innocent citizens whose rights have been violated.’

He stressed that efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality must always be carried out within the bounds of the law and with respect for fundamental human rights.

‘The fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality is a national priority. However, the pursuit of security must never come at the expense of justice. National security and respect for fundamental human rights are complementary principles that strengthen one another,’ he said.

Dantani noted that the DSS had demonstrated that public institutions could admit and correct operational errors while retaining public confidence.

According to him, accountability strengthens trust between security agencies and the citizens they are meant to protect.

The human rights advocate cited several publicly known beneficiaries of the DSS compensation policy, including Nura Idris, a Kaduna-based farmer and herder who reportedly received ?3 million after being wrongly linked to Boko Haram activities.

He also mentioned Chineze Ozoadibe, an Abuja businesswoman who was awarded ?10 million following her wrongful arrest over allegations of oil bunkering.

Dantani further referred to a Sokoto-based trader who reportedly received ?20 million and lifetime medical care after he was mistakenly shot during a security operation in Jos in 2016.

Other beneficiaries, he said, include Umar Ibrahim, Alhaji Bello Rabiu and Jaja Sarki Bamo, who shared a compensation package after being wrongfully arrested over allegations of banditry and kidnapping, as well as 11 artisans from Osun State who were exonerated of terrorism-related allegations and compensated.

He observed that wrongful arrests and unlawful detention often inflict severe financial losses, emotional trauma and reputational damage on victims.

While acknowledging that financial compensation cannot completely erase such suffering, he said it remains an important recognition that injustice had occurred and that the state was willing to accept responsibility.

Dantani urged the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other law enforcement bodies to institutionalise similar compensation mechanisms whenever innocent citizens are found to have been wrongfully arrested, detained or injured during official operations.

He also advocated reforms aimed at preventing wrongful arrests, including improved intelligence gathering, better identity verification, enhanced forensic investigations, stronger inter-agency collaboration, continuous human rights training for security personnel and independent review mechanisms to investigate complaints.

According to him, professionalism requires security agencies to exercise caution before depriving citizens of their liberty.

‘An arrest should never be treated as punishment, and detention should never become a substitute for proper investigation,’ he said.

Dantani concluded by commending the DSS Director-General for setting what he described as a positive example for other security institutions, expressing hope that the initiative would usher in a new era of accountability, respect for constitutional rights and justice for innocent Nigerians affected by operational errors.

He added that the true test of any justice system lies not only in its ability to punish offenders but also in its willingness to protect the innocent and correct its mistakes whenever they occur.

The United Kingdom has announced the opening of applications for the Chevening Scholarships to study in the UK from 4 August to 6 October 2026.

According to a statement from the UK High Commission in Abuja on Monday, the programme offers fully funded master’s degrees at UK universities to individuals ready to join a global network of future leaders, equipped with world-class knowledge, UK connections, and shared values to address global challenges and drive sustainable development in their communities and beyond.

The statement said Chevening has attracted hundreds of thousands of applications globally for more than 40 years.

Emma Hennessey, Head of the Scholarships Unit at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), said Chevening is looking for exceptional individuals who are ready to collaborate with the UK to help build a more resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future.

‘We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive cohort of global future leaders, so we are particularly interested in receiving applications from under-represented groups.

‘Our scholars and fellows are chosen not only for their achievements, but for their leadership potential, their ability to build meaningful connections, and their commitment to creating lasting impact in their communities and globally.

‘Through access to UK education, networks, and experiences, Chevening equips future leaders with the tools and connections needed to address shared international challenges together.

‘I encourage anyone considering applying to reflect carefully on Chevening’s vision and purpose, and on how their own experiences and ambitions align with the impact our global community is working to achieve,’ Hennessey said.

On his part, Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Nigeria, said Chevening is far more than a scholarship to study in the UK, stressing that it is an opportunity to join a global network of exceptional leaders committed to creating positive change in their communities and beyond.

‘Through a world-class education, exposure to UK values and culture, and lifelong connections with the UK and Chevening alumni, scholars gain the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to address today’s most pressing challenges and advance sustainable development.

‘If you have a clear vision for making a meaningful impact in areas of shared priority between Nigeria and the UK, I encourage you to apply and take the next step in your leadership journey,’ he said.

Before applying, candidates are strongly encouraged to review the resources available at chevening.org/vision and assess whether they are ready to present a competitive application.

Since the programme started in 1983, over 60,000 professionals have advanced their careers through Chevening, demonstrating the UK’s commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow.

A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Wuse, Abuja, on Monday discharged a convict, Ibrahim Salisu, on health grounds.

Salisu had pleaded guilty to charges of joint act and theft.

Chief Magistrate Ekpeyong Inyang said the court exercised leniency in view of the convict’s health condition.

‘Justice is not about punishing offenders alone. You are advised to be cautious and never commit such an offence again.

‘If you commit this offence again, you will be sent to prison,’ she said.

Earlier, the prosecution counsel, Catherine Okafor, told the court that Inspector Isa Yusuf and Mukaila Dayyabu of the Utako Police Division arrested Salisu on July 25. (NAN)

The 36 States and FCT Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP loyal to the Federal Capital Territory, Minister Nyesom Wike backed faction of the party has called on the security agencies to immediately investigate the faction of the party led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, accusing them of ‘malicious forgery and distortion of court judgments.’

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters in Abuja, on Monday, the Chairman of the Forum, Austin Nwachukwu, alleged that members of the Turaki-led faction have continued to parade themselves as a faction of the party despite their expulsion.

The chairmen urged law enforcement agencies to investigate what they described as the ‘criminal and malicious forgery and distortion of court judgments,’ warning that the actions of the group posed a threat to public order and the rule of law.

The chairmen insisted that the only recognised leadership of the PDP is the National Working Committee headed by National Chairman Abdulraham Mohammed and National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.

Nwachukwu, flanked by Babandi Ibrahim Gumel, Secretary of the forum lamented that for several weeks Nigerians ‘have been subjected to a deliberate campaign of falsehood, impersonation, and lawlessness by a group of individuals expelled from the PDP, led by Tanimu Turaki. These persons have chosen to operate as political impostors and we can no longer remain silent.

‘We call on all security and law enforcement agencies to investigate, with immediate effect, the criminal and malicious forgery and distortion of court judgments by these co-travellers.

‘Their utter disrespect for the rule of law, their breach of peace, and reckless utterances pose a clear and present danger to public order. Nigeria is a nation of laws, not of propaganda. No group of expelled and recalcitrant individuals should be allowed to substitute court pronouncements with press statements.’

According to the chairmen these individuals (Turaki-led faction) have continued to ‘falsely and continuously present themselves as a faction of the PDP, despite numerous competent court pronouncements to the contrary.’

Nwachukwu described the development as criminal deception, and adding that ‘there is only one PDP, recognized by INEC and by the courts, and it is the PDP led by the NWC under Abdulraham Mohammed.

‘We reject this identity theft and demand that relevant authorities compel them to desist.’

They also appealed to former President Goodluck Jonathan to publicly distance himself from the Turaki-led leadership.

‘Mr. President, your words still guide this nation: ‘My ambition is not worth the blood of a single Nigerian.’ We call on you, in view of the global image and moral authority you command, to address Nigerians directly and disassociate yourself from the continuous use of your name in this spectacle of macabre dance by expelled PDP members,’ the chairmen said.