Category: PM News

Three suspected members of a kidnapping gang accused of attacking St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Inoyi-Affa, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, have been arrested in a joint security operation.

The suspects were captured by operatives of the Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, Police, Enugu State Forest Guard and other security agencies following the August 2 incident.

One other suspected kidnapper was killed during a gun battle with the security forces, while four AK-47 rifles and ammunition were recovered.

The arrests were disclosed on Monday night when Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, visited the state DSS headquarters to inspect the suspects.

The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, who represented the governor, said two of the three people abducted during the attack, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, had been freed.

According to Onyia, the two victims subsequently identified the arrested suspects as their abductors.

‘There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them. Usually, criminal elements will not want to be apprehended easily without a fight, but our people were ready, and we have one fatality, while the others are here now as you can see; and they will face the full wrath of the law,’ he declared.

The SSG said the government had strengthened its security network across the state to frustrate criminal activities and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

‘We made it very clear that if criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business; that we will pursue you, we will make sure we bring you to justice, and that was why we put the robust security architecture across the state, working in collaboration with the security forces to ensure that Enugu is uncomfortable for anybody that plans criminality, and you’re seeing that very clearly.

‘We are intentional in investing in and organising our security architecture to prevent crime. But if there is a breach, you can run, but cannot hide for long. We must get you. You can’t commit these crimes in Enugu State and get away with it. No way,’ he said.

Onyia also warned anyone providing assistance or information to criminal groups that they would be treated as accomplices and prosecuted.

‘We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate.

‘Wherever you are, know that investigation is ongoing and that this government will track you down, and you will pay for your crimes in planning havoc on our citizens. So wherever you are, we are still coming for you,’ he stressed.

He praised the security agencies for their role in the operation, singling out the DSS, Nigerian Army, Police and Enugu State Forest Guard for their efforts.

‘We also want to very highly commend all the security agencies: the DSS, Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, the Enugu State Forest Guard, the military services, others for being very instrumental in some of the work that was done, and continue to do in Enugu State,’ the SSG declared.

A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, CSOs on Monday asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to append his signature to the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment Bill 2025) if the document ever finds its way to his table.

The CSOs made up of over 100 civil society groups, health advocates, and public-interest organisations under the aegis of National Tobacco Control Alliance made the appeal at a press conference addressed by Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

In his opening remarks at the press conference, Oluwafemi described the amendments to the National Tobacco Control Act as attempts to roll back what Nigeria has gained over the years in terms of law for regulation of the production, marketing, and distribution of tobacco products.

He also alleged that the amendment bill was a product of ‘scam’ as it was vastly different from the original presented by two members of House of Representatives and discussed at public hearings held by National Assembly by stakeholders.

‘We are still dealing with the case of a fake agency. Now, we are beginning to see the case of a fake law that they want to present to our president to sign, and we are saying a resounding ‘no’ to that, because it will cause a lot of embarrassment for our country.

In the joint statement of the National Tobacco Alliance, he subsequently read, Oluwafemi said a joint review of the amendments proposed to the National Tobacco Control Act of 2015 by members of the Alliance revealed that they created loopholes for marketing and consumption of vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches in the country.

‘The Bill amends section 1 of the Principal Act by introducing a new paragraph (n), which inserts ‘tobacco harm reduction objectives’ among the purposes of the Act. At first hearing, this may sound progressive.

‘However, the phrase ‘harm reduction’ has become an industry decoy for promoting new products and justifying lighter regulations for them. Marketing vapes and pouches as less harmful than traditional cigarettes does not make them safe.

‘Across the world, public health professionals are already recording health complications associated with these products.

‘True harm reduction means breaking addiction, not enabling multinational corporations to recruit a new generation of youth.

The Alliance also faulted Clause 16 of the new bill which altered section 45 of the Principal Act by defining heated tobacco products as noncombustible products and subsequently excluded them from the legal definition and regulations for tobacco products. Such reclassification, they argued, not only poses danger to public health, but will set a dangerous precedent across Africa while also undermining Nigeria’s standing in the global public health community

‘This is a massive deception. Heated tobacco products contain real tobacco. Heating it instead of burning it does not remove its toxicity or addictiveness. In fact, the World Health Organization is clear that heated tobacco products are tobacco products and must be regulated as such.

They also faulted Clause 7 of the Bill which amended section 12 of the original Act with introduction of subsection (6) that permitted advertising of so-called non-combustible products in ‘adult publications,’ point-of-sale materials and online platforms, as well as sponsorship of cultural, social and recreational events.

The CSOs faulted the definition of ‘adult publication’ in the amendment bill as one whose readership is only 50 per cent or more adults.

‘This means that a publication could qualify as adult-oriented even if nearly half-or, at the minimum threshold, exactly half-of its readers are children. Tobacco and nicotine advertisements could therefore be placed in publications with substantial underage audiences while being presented as restricted to adults.

‘The provision also raises a serious enforcement question: who will determine the age profile of readers, using what evidence, and how often will that information be verified?

‘In Nigeria, where young people form a large share of the population (60 percent) and publications circulate widely through websites and social media, such a weak definition offers little protection. It creates a convenient legal route for tobacco advertising to reach children.

‘Furthermore, proposed section 12(6)(i)(b) permits point-of-sale promotional materials. When combined with Clause 6, which allows indoor vaping for product sampling, this provision would effectively turn retail counters into promotional hubs where consumers can see, sample and be encouraged to purchase these products’

‘The Bill also permits tobacco and nicotine companies to sponsor cultural, social and recreational events supposedly directed at adults. But in today’s hyper-digital environment, simply describing a concert or festival as ‘adults only’ does not protect young people.

‘Images, videos and branded content from such events can be shared by influencers, amplified by algorithms and circulated widely across social-media platforms, where they will inevitably reach children,’ the CSOs said.

They also noted that while Section 15(4) of the Principal Act strictly prohibited the sale or distribution of tobacco products through the internet, mail or other online channels,

Clause 9 of the amendment removed the protection for noncombustible products. The Alliance noted that new subsections under the clause authorised online sales, remote orders, mail, shipping and courier delivery with the only safeguard being ‘age-verification’ of the customer. This, the Alliance said, is open to abuse and will create distribution channels that are out of control.

‘But we do know from research that such measures can be easily circumvented. Adults can order for minors, identification documents can be borrowed, and someone other than the buyer can receive the delivery. Worse still, Nigeria also lacks the capacity to monitor every website, social-media vendor, courier company and delivery rider. The Bill therefore opens distribution channels that regulators will struggle to control.’

They also noted that Clause 9 of the amendment lowered the cost barrier to experimentation among young people by allowing all -combustible products to be displayed behind retail counters in shops that are not restricted to adults.

‘It also amends section 15(5) to permit cigars to be sold in small packs of five rather than intact packages of at least 20, Clause 10 deletes section 16(1) and key penalty clauses in section 16(2)(b), which explicitly enforce punishments for selling to minors, violating packaging rules, and non-compliant distribution. Removing these specific penalties leaves enforcement dependent on vague general provisions, creating legal confusion that directly benefits violators,’ the Alliance noted.

The Alliance also noted that while conventional tobacco packaging requires 60 percent graphic health warnings, Clause 12 of the amendment bill reduces warning requirements for novel products: ‘Vape liquids require text only warnings covering no more than 30 percent of the front, setting a maximum limit rather than a minimum requirement.

Section 20(7)(vi) explicitly exempts e-cigarette and heating devices from carrying any health warning at all. Nicotine pouches are limited to text warnings covering no more than 10 percent of the front packaging.’

Members of the Alliance also faulted that Third Schedule of the amendment bill which mandated manufacturers to be in charge of generating, holding, and internally approving their own safety dossiers under Paragraph 18, while mandating that the Minister of Health to protect their information under Paragraph 18(7).

‘Public health cannot rely on self-generated, hidden evidence from tobacco manufacturers. Additionally, Paragraph 21 grants the Minister unchecked power to exempt any noncombustible product from any provision of the Bill under undefined public interest grounds, inviting intense lobbying and regulatory capture’ they said while pointing out the dangers of the amendment.

‘When HB 47 and HB 1151, now consolidated into a single Bill, were presented at a public hearing on 22 November 2024, they contained none of these worrying concessions. Who introduced these provisions, and which public-health institutions reviewed them? The public has been completely excluded from the process that produced these dangerous alterations,’ the National Tobacco Control Alliance said.

The Alliance therefore demanded immediate recall of the consolidated Bill for transparent, public health led review by the National Assembly as well as publication of all committee reports, voting records, and stakeholder submissions, which led to the passage of the bill.

They also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to clarify its position and demand the recall of the Bill if it was not properly consulted in the process of amendment to the original Act.

More importantly, the Alliance urged President Bola Tinubu not to sign the new bill into law if it was passed to him for assent.

‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must withhold assent should this compromised draft reach his desk. Nigeria needs one strong and product-neutral framework for every tobacco and nicotine product. Advertising, sponsorship, sampling, retail display and remote sales must remain prohibited.

‘We urge all Nigerians, public-health professionals, civil society organisations, young people, parents, the media and other stakeholders to rise and defend public health. We must not remain silent while commercial interests weaken safeguards designed to save lives and shield future generations from addiction and preventable diseases,’

A former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15, 2026 Governorship Election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Oyebamiji, has revealed what Osun residents in 21 local governments he claimed to have visited told him about Governor Ademola Adeleke and their desire to have a change.

Oyebamiji said this at the Arise TV 2026 Osun Governorship Town hall held at Aurio Events, Osogbo on Tuesday where candidates of different political parties fielded questions from panelists and the audience on their manifestoes.

Oyebamiji, who was the fourth to mount the stage said residents in 21 local government areas he visited for not less than three times in the course of his electioneering campaign expressed disgust with the incumbent Adeleke administration in the state and readiness to dislodge the dancing governor.

The former Managing Director of National Inland Waterways was responding to a question regarding insinuations from some quarters that he was relying on ‘federal might’ to win the election.

He said: ‘I have visited twenty plus one local government areas of Osun three times. Nobody has ever done that. And the response has been overwhelming. Everybody said that they were ready to dislodge this government that is doing nothing and ready to enthrone good governance. I have to go round again. We appointed twenty canvassers from each unit. I had to go round the local governments to inaugurate the canvassers. They were charged. They were motivated and they were encouraged. You can see that our people are ready to take government from the dancing governor.

‘After that, I consulted with the kabiyesis, the community leaders, the artisans, the iyalojas, the babalojas and even the civil servants. I became convinced beyond reasonable doubt that our people in Osun are ready for a change. By the special grace of God, I am coming in as the governor of Osun, come 15th of August 2026. It’s not by any national power, not by federal might. It is by the people. In the last two weeks, I have been endorsed by almost 42 sectors and groups. The private enterprises and even the civil servants have endorsed me. Just yesterday, I was with the NURTW, the Ajegunle Spare parts Market people and so many others. The women, men, youths and all other groups of people endorsed Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji to take over the government of Osun State.’

The APC candidate said core areas of his manifesto were food security, education and health, adding that the health sector in Osun State is in shambles.

Other parties and candidates who featured in the programme include Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord; Mr Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress (AAC), and Dr Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Anchor of the programme was Dr Ruben Abati. Panelists were the renowned public commentator and journalist, Dr Lasisi Olagunju; Dr Festus Adebayo; Mrs Titilope Ajiboye, and Fasuba.

The Town hall centered around the subjects of economy, job creation, infrastructure, agriculture, security and governance.

The Northern Youth Groups (NYG) has commended Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), for ensuring transparency and accountability in the discharge of his duties.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim, the National President of NYG, and Comrade Abutu Ainoko, the National Secretary, the group said the N7.13 trillion recorded as energy security expenditure in NNPCL’s audited financial statements should be properly understood within the context of the company’s obligations to maintain energy stability.

The group also said the removal of the petrol subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, had created opportunities for government to redirect resources towards critical infrastructure, job creation and other areas capable of strengthening the economy.

NYG said the NNPCL audit report provided explanations on the energy security expenditure, including costs associated with the company’s role as an energy supplier of last resort and the effect of exchange-rate differentials on petroleum supply.

‘We commend the leadership of NNPCL under Bayo Ojulari for demonstrating transparency and accountability in the discharge of his duties. The publication of the audited financial statements provides Nigerians and stakeholders with the opportunity to understand the circumstances surrounding the energy security expenditure and to subject the figures to proper scrutiny,’ the statement said.

The organisation said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) provides a framework for NNPCL to incur costs as an energy supplier of last resort for energy security reasons, with such costs to be borne by the federation.

According to the group, the report’s explanation that the energy security expense arose partly from the difference between the exchange rate used in determining the PMS ex-coastal price and the prevailing rate at the point of import settlement offered important context to the expenditure.

‘Every expenditure involving public resources must be open to scrutiny. However, such scrutiny must be based on the complete facts and the applicable legal framework. The audit report provides explanations on under-recovery, exchange-rate differentials and other costs incurred by NNPCL in the course of maintaining energy security,’ NYG said.

The group said the debate over energy security expenditure should also take into account the financial burden previously associated with petrol subsidy payments and the government’s decision to remove the subsidy.

NYG argued that the removal of the subsidy had reduced the pressure of financing petrol consumption from public funds and created additional resources that could be deployed to productive sectors.

‘The removal of the fuel subsidy has not been without hardship. However, it is equally important to acknowledge the economic opportunities created by the reform. Resources that were previously committed to subsidising petroleum consumption can now be channelled into critical infrastructure, job creation and other investments that can expand economic activity,’ the group said.

According to NYG, the growth of these sectors could generate employment, strengthen local businesses and reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum products.

‘The long-term success of subsidy removal will ultimately depend on how responsibly the resulting revenues and savings are utilised. Nigerians must be able to see the benefits through better roads, healthcare, education, security, energy infrastructure and other projects that improve living standards and stimulate economic growth,’ the statement said.

The group urged the federal government to maintain transparency in the management and deployment of resources generated from the petroleum-sector reforms.

It also called for continued scrutiny of NNPCL’s financial activities through appropriate regulatory and accountability mechanisms, saying legitimate questions about public expenditure should be answered with facts and documentation.

NYG said Ojulari and the NNPCL management should be encouraged to sustain the culture of transparency while ensuring that the company’s operations support Nigeria’s broader economic and energy-security objectives.

The United States has revoked more than 175,000 visas issued to foreign nationals since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, as his administration intensifies its immigration enforcement efforts.

The US Department of State disclosed the figure on Monday, saying the cancellations followed a continuous review of visa holders to ensure they continued to comply with the conditions attached to their visas.

According to the department, most of the revocations followed encounters with law enforcement over alleged criminal activity.

The affected visa holders included people accused or convicted of offences ranging from assault, driving under the influence, theft and drug-related offences to more serious crimes, including rape, kidnapping, human trafficking and sexual offences involving children.

The department also said visas had been revoked in cases involving immigration fraud, violations of visa conditions and conduct officials considered a threat to US national security.

Some cancellations were linked to social media activity. The administration has taken action against foreign nationals whose online posts were deemed to encourage violence against Americans, including people accused of celebrating the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

In another category, a US embassy in North Africa revoked more than 100 visas in cases the State Department described as involving so-called birth tourism, where individuals travelled to the United States to give birth with the aim of obtaining US citizenship for their children.

The latest figure represents a significant increase from January, when the State Department announced that more than 100,000 visas had been revoked since Trump took office, describing that figure at the time as a record.

The administration has defended the policy as necessary to protect public safety and uphold the integrity of the US immigration system.

The State Department said visa holders do not have an automatic right to remain in the United States and warned that it would continue to revoke visas where holders violate US law or immigration requirements.

The latest action forms part of Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which has included tougher screening of visa applicants and increased scrutiny of foreign nationals already in the country.

The much advertised Arise TV News Osun 2026 Governorship Townhall started at exactly 11:15 am on Tuesday at the Aurora Events Center in Osogbo with Governor Ademola Adeleke being the first to feature.

Four candidates from the major political parties in the state were expected at the event. They are the ruling Accord Party Candidate Ademola Adeleke; the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate Bola Oyebamiji; the ADC Candidate Najeem Salaam, and the African Action Congress (AAC).

Governor Adeleke started by tracing the history of his ascendance to the number one seat in the state and stated that the promises he made following the goodwill of overwhelming support he received from the electorate in 2022 have been kept.

He pointed to his achievements in infrastructure such as construction of roads and bridges. He boasted of achievements in human development and healthcare, saying Osun was growing in all indices.

For this, he said the Osun electorate would return him to the office for a second term in the August 15 election.

Anchor of the programme is Dr Ruben Abati and other panelists include Adesua Dr Lasisi Olagunju, Mrs Titilope Ajiboye and Dr Festus Adedayo.

The townhall centers around economy, job creation, infrastructure, agriculture, security and governance.

The Ogun State Police Command has detained 23 foreign nationals following a raid on a residential property in the Onipanu-Ota area over alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme, visa fraud and other immigration-related offences.

The suspects were arrested at about 11am last Tuesday after operatives attached to the Atan-Ota Division stormed a gated building inside an estate off Iyana Iyesi, Onipanu-Ota.

The operation was carried out following intelligence received by the police about suspected fraudulent activities at the premises.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi, the officers secured the building before taking the suspects into custody for questioning.

‘One Malian international passport bearing the name Diakite Alfousseini was also recovered during the operation,’ the police disclosed.

The command said, ‘the suspects were arrested in connection with an alleged Ponzi scheme/visa scam and other immigration-related offences.’

Following preliminary investigations, 21 of the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service on August 5 for further investigation and appropriate action.

However, the police retained two others for possible prosecution over alleged obtaining by false pretence and related offences.

The command said investigations were continuing to determine how the alleged scheme operated and establish whether other individuals were involved.

It added that the arrest followed credible intelligence provided to the police about the activities taking place at the location.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured air travellers that ongoing industrial action by aviation unions will not disrupt flight operations across the nation’s airports.

The management of FAAN gave the assurance in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos.

FAAN said it is working with aviation agencies, airlines, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that airport operations are not disrupted.

It added that airport operations nationwide remain safe, secure and functional as it was closely monitoring developments arising from the industrial action and working with relevant stakeholders to minimise its impact on passengers and flight operations.

FAAN said that it recognised the legitimate role of organised labour, while supporting the efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN) and other stakeholders in resolving the industrial action.

The authority also disclosed that earlier operational challenges affecting the movement of some flights within the airside environment had been addressed through ongoing inter-agency coordination.

It said that measures were being sustained to support the orderly continuation of flight operations.

‘FAAN remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s airports remain safe, secure, functional and accessible to passengers and other airport users,’ it said.

The authority advised passengers to remain calm and maintain contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates on their flights.

FAAN expressed appreciation to the travelling public for their understanding and patience.

It also expressed confidence that the ongoing engagements under the leadership of the aviation minister would result in a speedy and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.

FAAN’s reassurance comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations in the aviation sector.

The industrial action by aviation unions has disrupted activities at some airports across the country.

Airlines and passengers were affected by picketing and other measures adopted by the unions to press home their demands.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has expressed grief over the killing of 10 police officers during a gun battle with suspected bandits in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police officer were killed in an encounter which occurred at about 9:25 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, along the Rafin Makuku axis, when the operatives intercepted a heavily armed group of suspected bandits reportedly moving between Zamfara and Kebbi states.

Iniedu also confirmed that at least 17 suspected bandits were neutralised during the confrontation, while four motorcycles belonging to the attackers were destroyed.

He, however, said the police also suffered significant casualties, with 10 personnel killed in the line of duty and two others sustaining injuries.

Two civilians were also killed during the encounter

In reaction, IGP Disu mourned the loss of the officers while extending his condolences to their families and loved ones.

Iniedu quoted Disu as describing the deaths as painful loss to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation while stressing that the officers paid the ultimate price while protecting the people they swore to serve.

The IGP also assured the families of the fallen personnel that their sacrifices would not be forgotten and would continue to be honoured by the Force.

The Force Public Relations Officer added that the remains of the deceased officers had been evacuated to Birnin Kebbi, while the affected area had been brought under control.

He also added that additional security personnel had been deployed to reinforce the area and sustain operations aimed at pursuing fleeing members of the criminal group.

‘The Force also assured the bereaved families and the injured personnel of continued support, while pledging to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

‘The police reiterated its commitment to sustaining operations against banditry and other criminal activities in the affected areas.

Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has predicted a difficult battle for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke in Saturday’s governorship election, saying it would take a ‘miracle’ for him to overcome what he described as the influence of federal might.

Oseni, speaking on Tuesday while analysing the August 15 election, argued that the power of the Federal Government would be a major factor in determining the outcome of the contest.

‘Coming back to Osun elections, like I’ve been saying, the number one factor in this election is the power of federal might, and federal might has been used very well,’ he said.

‘That’s why I predicted it’s going to be a miracle if Adeleke passes this test because of federal might.’

Oseni urged residents of the state to turn out and demonstrate their political preferences at the ballot box.

He also raised concerns about violence surrounding the election, claiming that some people had already been injured in incidents ahead of the poll.

‘Like I said before, this election will be very bloody. People were also hurt this morning,’ he said.

‘A few days to election, people were also hurt. So it’s going to be a bloody election. Pure and simple, because there are a lot of moving parts.’

The broadcaster further argued that the emergence of a strong third candidate could complicate Adeleke’s chances.

According to Oseni, previous election patterns suggest that a combination of what he called ‘federal might’ and a formidable third candidate could work against the governor.

‘And when you check election history, any time you have a cocktail of federal might and you have a big third candidate, it doesn’t favour Adeleke,’ he said.

Osun voters are expected to head to the polls on Saturday, August 15, in a governorship contest that has witnessed heightened political activity in the closing days of campaigning.