Category: PM News

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has officially opened an investigation into the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was murdered during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, described the crime as a ‘cruel and senseless act’ and assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

A statement issued Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that intelligence and operational assets have been deployed to track down the killers.

‘The Commissioner of Police has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,’ the statement read. ‘He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.’

The police urged Abuja residents to support the probe by providing timely and useful information, stressing that community vigilance was key to forestalling similar tragedies.

This renewed investigation follows a disturbing trend of journalists and media workers falling victim to violent crimes in the FCT.

Two principals of Ilugun High School in Elega, Abeokuta, Ogun State identified as Mrs Olukoga Alaba and Mrs. Olabisi Ladipo have been suspended by the state government indefinitely following death of a student linked to the school.

The Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Abeokuta.

Arigbabu spoke while reacting to a viral video, where students were seen vandalising school properties.

The Commissioner explained that the principals representing the junior and senior schools respectively were suspended due to their involvement in the incident.

According to him, the principal of the junior school was reportedly involved in the collection of illegal fees, which led to a protest by the students.

‘In the ensuing protest, security agents were invited to calm nerves, which subsequently led to a melee.

‘We have all become aware of the unfortunate incident that took place at Ilugun High School (Junior), Elega. I stand before you this evening to confirm that, sadly, the incident did happen in the school.

‘First, let me on behalf of the state government express our deepest condolences to the parents and family of the deceased. We feel their pain and our prayers are with them at this difficult time.

‘However, our preliminary investigations have revealed a very disturbing twist; the young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a bona fide student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names, Babalola Ayomide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.

‘Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment,’ he said.

According to the commissioner, an investigation confirmed that the principal of Ilugun Junior High school was involved in collecting illegal fees from students.

In response to the findings, the government has decided to suspend both the junior and senior principals of Ilugun High School.

He added that a thorough investigation would be conducted to get the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident.

He disclosed that to stay informed about school activities, the government, through the Teaching Service Commission, has established a Whistleblower scheme to report illegalities, wrongdoings, and other misconduct.

He assured that the state government remains dedicated to ensuring free education for all school-age children, regardless of their location, gender, economic status, religion, or political affiliation.

The Lagos State Government has announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan ahead of the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship, Africa’s first-ever E1 Series event, scheduled to take place on the Lagos Inland Waterways, Victoria Island Lagoon, from Saturday, 4th to Sunday, 5th October 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the diversions were necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow and the successful hosting of the international event.

‘There will be a total road closure at 1st Lekki Junction inward Ozumba Mbadiwe. In view of this, motorists are advised to make use of alternative routes that have been carefully mapped out to minimise disruptions,’ Osiyemi explained.

According to the government’s plan, motorists from Ajah heading towards Lekki are expected to make a U-turn at the Lekki 1st Junction by the pedestrian bridge, before linking Yesufu Abiodun Street to Maroko Police Station, City of David, Ligali Ayorinde, Ajose Adeogun, Eko Hotel Roundabout, and onward to Ahmadu Bello Way.

Other alternatives include using Ogonbo Road through Abraham Adesanya to connect Okun Ajah and the Coastal Road, while motorists from Lekki heading to Ikoyi or the Mainland can use Admiralty Way to access the Lekki Link Bridge. Those going towards CMS can connect Yesufu Abiodun, Oniru Road, Aboyade Cole, and Ligali Ayorinde.

Osiyemi assured Lagosians that ample parking has been provided at Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and the Law School premises on Victoria Island.

‘We have also deployed LASTMA officials strategically along all routes to manage traffic and guide motorists. The coastal road will remain open to traffic throughout the two-day event,’ he added.

The Commissioner appealed for patience, describing the diversion as part of the traffic management strategy for the historic championship.

‘We urge motorists to cooperate fully with traffic officials. This event places Lagos on the global stage, and together we can ensure its success,’ he said.

The E1 Electric Powerboat Racing Championship is expected to attract participants, tourists, and international spectators, marking a milestone for Lagos as Africa’s first host city for the groundbreaking sporting event.

In a bid to prevent diseases among the children in Lagos State, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized the importance of immunization, urging parents to vaccinate their children and wards for a healthier future and a disease-free society.

The Deputy Governor, who made this charge today at an ‘Inaugural meeting of the Lagos State Taskforce on Immunization and Primary Health Care Services’, held at the Conference Room, Office of the Deputy Governor, Roundhouse, Alausa, Ikeja, said vaccination remains one of the most effective means of protecting the children in the community.

According to Hamzat, ‘Vaccination remains one of the most effective and reliable means to protect children from life-threatening illnesses, ensuring their growth and development in good health.’

He added that immunization is a collective responsibility that will not only secure the well-being of individual families but also contribute to building a healthier future and a disease-free society for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

The Deputy Governor also charged religious leaders and traditional rulers to collaborate with the state government in sensitizing the people on the importance of vaccination and nutrition for their own children, noting that religious houses are always welcome to visit the government for clarification and enlightenment on the different policies put in place.

He noted thus: ‘Our royal fathers must also help us in the community to spread the good news that we have been able to sustain our health conditions because of vaccination.’ Using COVID-19 as an example, Hamzat said contagious diseases have been eradicated in society because of the immunization process carried out, and such can be extended to other illnesses.

While emphasizing the importance of the inaugural meeting, Hamzat pointed out that it was crucial to include all stakeholders, such as the State Executives, members of the Primary Health Care Board, Traditional Rulers, Local Government Chairmen, Religious leaders, and others, because of the need for everybody to have an understanding of the severity of the challenge.

Similarly, in his address, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Lawal Aina, charged the Local Government Chairmen in the state to encourage the people in their constituencies to ensure their children and wards embrace the immunization programme to ensure a disease-free environment.

‘I want to admonish us to intensify our efforts to do our best in encouraging our people to bring their children out for vaccination, as health education is a key responsibility of the chairmen in ensuring the good and well-being of the people,’ said Lawal.

In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that the primary objective of primary healthcare is to increase the coverage for immunization within the state.

Prof. Abayomi added that human beings are living longer now because the world has advanced technologically to produce effective vaccines that eliminate both infections that cause immediate sickness and diseases that can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis with hepatitis, cervical cancer with HPV, and malaria, which can cause significant depletion.

He noted that to improve the immunization uptake in Lagos, it is important that the state government work on the aspects that make access to the primary healthcare more attractive to citizens, urging traditional rulers, Local Government chairmen, and stakeholders to collaborate with the government to further boost the capacity of the primary healthcare.

‘So, we are working diligently on renovating our primary healthcare platform. We know that many of you want to provide infrastructure to the state, and at the moment, we are doing 47 PHCs. So, I will be appealing to you to tag into this medical infrastructure transformation,’ the Commissioner concluded

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary HealthCare Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustapha, explained that the establishment of the Taskforce reflects the second ‘H’ in the THEMES + agenda of the State Government.

He said that it is a strong commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) governance, driving accountability, and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines and essential health services, adding that the Taskforce has been constituted to provide a high-level platform for coordination, oversight, and problem-solving in the delivery of immunization and other PHC services.

Victor Osimhen proved decisive for Galatasaray in a tense European night clash against Liverpool, opening the scoring from the penalty spot before enduring a frustrating evening marked by injury concerns and missed opportunities.

The Nigerian striker calmly converted in the 16th minute, sending Alisson Becker the wrong way after Dominik Szoboszlai’s rash challenge gifted Galatasaray a penalty. His confident finish lifted the Istanbul side and gave them a dream start against the six-time European champions.

Osimhen, however, soon faced difficulties. He went down injured in the 27th minute and required treatment, sparking worry among the home fans. Though he returned to action, he was clearly struggling, often limping and fighting through visible discomfort.

Despite his physical setback, Osimhen nearly doubled Galatasaray’s lead in the 54th minute, weaving past two Liverpool defenders before unleashing a fierce low drive, only for Alisson to deny him with a sharp save.

The game’s drama continued into the closing stages when Liverpool thought they had a lifeline. In the 88th minute, Wilfried Singo’s heavy challenge saw referee Clement Turpin award a penalty.

Galatasaray players furiously surrounded the official, and after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, sparking wild celebrations inside the stadium.

Osimhen’s early strike ultimately stood as the match’s defining moment, showcasing his resilience and clinical touch despite his injury struggles.