Category: PM News

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will on Tuesday know their opponents for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when the Confederation of African Football conducts the draw in Cairo, Egypt.

The draw will take place at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The 2027 edition, tagged AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, and will be the first time the competition will be hosted by three countries.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, won the tournament in 1980, 1994 and 2013. The Super Eagles also finished as runners-up at the 2023 edition and placed third in 2025.

CAF said 48 countries, including the three co-hosts, will take part in the qualifying series.

The teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying automatically for the finals.

However, since Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have already qualified as hosts, only one additional team will qualify from any group containing any of the co-hosts.

The qualifiers will be played across three FIFA international windows between September 2026 and March 2027.

Matchdays one and two are scheduled for September 21 to October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four will be played from November 9 to 17, 2026.

The final round of qualification matches will take place from March 22 to 30, 2027.

CAF said the tournament represents a major opportunity for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to boost infrastructure, tourism and investment, while showcasing East Africa’s passion for football to the rest of the continent.

The commissioner said the figures reflected the growing capacity of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service and other emergency response agencies to contain fire disasters and minimise economic losses across the state.

According to him, the estimated property saved during the period under review exceeded the total losses by more than six times, resulting in a net asset protection value of approximately N98.60 billion.

He added that March also witnessed the highest monthly fire-related losses at N2.10 billion, whereas August recorded the lowest losses at N1.13 billion.

The commissioner disclosed that Lagos recorded 1,972 emergency calls related to fire and rescue operations between January and December 2025, excluding false calls.

He said fire calls accounted for 1,685 incidents, representing the overwhelming majority of emergencies handled by firefighters during the year.

Oyerinde further revealed that the state recorded 139 rescue calls, 129 salvage operations, 13 collapsed building incidents, three partial building collapse incidents and three explosion cases within the period.

According to him, March and April witnessed the highest emergency activities with 210 and 197 incidents respectively, largely due to dry season conditions and increased ignition risks.

He noted that emergency incidents dropped significantly in August with 113 calls, before rising again in December with 189 calls owing to festive season activities, increased traffic movement and heightened commercial operations.

On the human impact of fire and related emergencies, Oyerinde said 473 victims were rescued alive during rescue operations conducted across the state in 2025, while 133 victims were recovered dead.

The commissioner stressed that the government had intensified fire prevention measures to reduce incidents and improve compliance with safety regulations.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service inspected 8,791 facilities across the state in 2025 and issued 7,997 fire safety certificates to compliant organisations and establishments.

According to him, 90 fire safety reports were also issued to members of the public for insurance claims and related purposes.

Oyerinde said the facilities inspected included 2,672 companies, 2,241 hotels and restaurants, 1,025 schools and vocational centres, 724 filling stations, 596 hospitals, 590 shopping malls and 141 banks.

Others, he said, included event centres, churches, supermarkets, bakeries, high-rise buildings, lounges, bars, plank markets, tank farms and embassies.

The commissioner attributed the improved emergency response capacity to sustained investments by the Sanwo-Olu administration in firefighting infrastructure, personnel welfare and modern emergency management systems.

He said the state government had procured 62 firefighting and utility vehicles and completed strategic fire service projects, including the Ebute-Elefun Fire Station in Lagos Island and the Ijegun-Egba Fire Station in Amuwo-Odofin.

Oyerinde added that ongoing fire station projects in Oworonshoki, Yaba and Ikotun would further improve response time and strengthen emergency coverage in densely populated areas of the state.

Michael Oyedokun, one of the teachers abducted from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, has been killed by the terrorists responsible for the school abduction.

According to a video seen by PM News, the terrorists, identified locally as members of the MetroBandits, beheaded Oyedokun.

The video, said to have been released on Sunday, May 17, 2026, has circulated widely on social media, intensifying calls for urgent action to secure the release of the remaining victims.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, also confirmed the killing of the teacher in a statement issued on Monday.

Makinde extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured residents that the government would continue to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to secure the release of those still in captivity.

The governor disclosed that about six suspects linked to the kidnapping had been arrested.

He also sympathised with the families of members of the tactical military team, Amotekun Corps personnel, and local vigilantes who lost their lives during rescue operations.

According to the governor, the operatives died after encountering Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the abductors.

Makinde added that injured security personnel were responding positively to treatment and assured that the state government would provide the necessary support for their medical care.

He appealed to relatives of the abducted victims, religious leaders, and other concerned parties to remain patient, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to rescuing the victims and reuniting them with their families.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.

Makinde further noted that security operations had recorded some progress, with arrests already made in connection with the incident.

The gunmen invaded the school on Friday, May 15, abducting the principal, several teachers, and some students.

The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has condemned the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, calling for swift security action and a united national effort against kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.

In a statement on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the Ooni, who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) described the abduction of students and teachers from schools within the Ahoro-Esiele/Yawota axis of Ogbomoso as heartbreaking, disturbing and unacceptable.

The Ooni Ogunwusi lamented that innocent pupils, teachers and residents were subjected to terror following the invasion of the communities by armed gunmen who reportedly attacked Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, L.A. Primary School, Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School.

Ooni Ogunwusi expressed sadness over the loss of lives recorded during the incident, including that of Assistant Headmaster Joel Adesiyan, a commercial motorcyclist and one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, who was reportedly killed in captivity.

According to the Ooni, attacks on schools and educational communities represent a direct assault on the future of the nation, stressing that children and teachers must never become victims of criminal activities.

The Ooni therefore called on security agencies to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity while bringing the perpetrators of the attack to justice.

He also urged governments at all levels to strengthen security architecture in vulnerable communities, particularly around schools and rural settlements, in order to prevent future occurrences.

The Ooni further appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with credible information, vigilance and community cooperation, noting that the fight against kidnapping requires collective responsibility and national unity.

Ooni Ogunwusi equally sympathised with families of security operatives, Amotekun Corps members and local vigilantes who reportedly lost their lives during rescue efforts, describing their sacrifices as patriotic and heroic.

While praying for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, the Ooni asked Olodumare to comfort bereaved families and grant quick freedom to all abducted victims still in captivity.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday granted bail in the sum of N5 million and one surety in like sum to popular blogger and social media influencer Justice Chidebere also known as Justice crack who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.

Hearing of the bail application was stalled last Thursday as a result of disputes between two lawyers who claimed they have been contracted to represent Crack

However, on Monday, Justice Abdulmalik granted bail to Crack after the Federal government opened its case against the blogger by calling its first witness, Uruntu Douglas, an operative of DSS.

The witness told the court that he took the extrajudicial statement of the defendant when he was transferred to the DSS custody by the Nigeria Army Intelligence Defence Corp.

He said Mr Crack gave his statement voluntarily and data was extracted from his phone which includes pictures he received from some soldiers who decried their welfare which he posted on his Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok account.

The pages of these accounts were tendered and admitted as exhibit

Counsel to the defendant however objected to the tendering of a flash drive and the defendant’s phone as they said they have not been furnished with the content of these devices.

The DSS had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, sued Crack, as sole defendant over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.

Mark was alleged to have circulated a false information and publication of materials capable of causing public unrest.

The defendant was arrested by the Nigerian Army, was accused of publishing the viral video and accompanying statements through his X handle, @JusticeCrack, alleging inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

A lawyer from Federal Ministry of Justice had last Thursday informed the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had taken over the matter from the DSS in line with the relevant section of the law.

By Tolulope Oke

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has released the names of 47 senatorial aspirants who were not cleared to participate in its Senate primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made on Monday in a press statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, confirming that the screening exercise was conducted by the APC’s Screening Committees in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.

Notable among those disqualified is Ben Murray-Bruce, the former senator who represented Bayelsa East, along with Benson Agadaga, who also contested the same district.

Other districts recorded multiple disqualifications, including Rivers West, with four aspirants — Oyukaye Flag Amachree, Tamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo, Jack-Rich Tein, and Banigo Ipalibo — failing to secure clearance. Zamfara State had seven aspirants across its Central, North, and West districts disqualified.

The APC did not provide reasons for the disqualifications.

Full List of Disqualified Aspirants by State

ADAMAWA

Hamish Idris — NorthAbdurman Kwacham — North

ANAMBRA

Chimzobam Kingsley Nnalue — North

BAYELSA

Donald Daunemigita — WestBen Murray-Bruce — EastBenson S. Agadaga — East

CROSS RIVER

Daniel Effiong Asuquo — SouthOden Ibiang O Ewa — Central

DELTA

Marian Nnamaka Ogoha-Ali — North

FCT

Usman J. WowoAbubakar Umar Abdullahi

JIGAWA

Adam Mouktar Mohammed — South/West

KEBBI

Garba Musa Mai Doki — South

KWARA

Kollo B. Jiya — NorthOlutola John Onijala — SouthAwolola Muritala — SouthAdeleke Emmanuel Gbenga — South

NASARAWA

Abdullahi Tanko Zubairu — NorthUsman Muhammed Elegu — SouthYusuf Moh’d Agabi — SouthAri Ali Muhammed — South

NIGER

Muhammed Rabiu Sadiq — Niger/SouthMuhammed Bello A. — Niger SouthBello Bawa Bwari — Niger South

OYO

Ademola Wasiu Alli — CentralAjimobi Wasiu Adegboyega — NorthKolapoboye Kola Daisi — SouthFaozey Oladotun Nurudeen — CentralHameed Afeez Repete — CentralAkinremi Alade Bolaji — South

PLATEAU

Gyang Yaya Zi San. — NorthNapoleon Binkap Bah — SouthUsman Ephraim Gar — Central

RIVERS

Oyukaye Flag Amachree — WestTamunobaabo Wemike Danagogo — WestJack-Rich Tein T.S — WestBanigo Ipalibo — WestBarry Balera Mwara — South/East

TARABA

Bello Abudullahi Bodejo — Central

YOBE

Hassan H. Kafayos — North

ZAMFARA

Sanusi Ibrahim Garachi — CentralAliyu Abubakar — CentralMuhammad Bashir Maru — CentralHassan Muhammad Gusau — CentralAbubakar H. Moriiki — NorthBilyaminu Yusuf — NorthIsyaka Ajiya Anka — West

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has begun investigation of two male suspects identified as Jamilu Shuaibu Waya and Usman Namadi who were arrested with undeclared of $461,600 at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

The two suspects were arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kano/Jigawa Area Command on Friday, May 8, 2026, after arriving from Dubai via Ethiopian Airline ET941.

Dele Oyewale, spokesperson for the EFCC said the two men initially declared $130,000 and $180,000 respectively at the currency declaration desk.

But subsequent physical examination by Customs officers revealed an additional undeclared $120,000 on the first suspect (bringing his total to $250,000) and an additional $31,600 on the second suspect (bringing his total to $211,600).

EFCC said the undeclared amounts contravene Sections 3 and 4 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller UU Adamu handed the suspects over to the Zonal Director of the EFCC Kano Directorate, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE1 Friday S. Ebelo for investigation.

Ebelo, according to the statement by Oyewale assured the Nigeria Customs Service of the Commission’s commitment to a full-scale investigation.

“The EFCC will conduct a thorough and uncompromising investigation into this matter. We will prosecute the case with the utmost diligence to ensure that violators of our anti-money laundering laws face the full weight of justice,” Ebelo said. The EFCC Zonal Director further expressed deep appreciation to the NCS for the long-standing and consistent cooperation of the Service with the EFCC over the years, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in combating the illegal movement of cash and financial crimes.

Similarly, in his earlier remarks, Adamu expressed his deep appreciation to the EFCC’s for its unwavering support to the Nigeria Customs Service.

”Let me express appreciation for the continuous collaboration with the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate for their support in realizing our goal while combating the illegal movement of cash”, he said.

Following the formal takeover, the two suspects, along with the recovered undeclared currency and other relevant exhibits, were transported to the office of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, where they are currently being held for further investigation and potential prosecution.

By Henry Nnam

Retired AVM Paul Masiyer, an aspirant for Mangu/Bokkos Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said that elections were not conducted in wards across the constituency, as stipulated by the 2026 Electoral Act, the APC Constitution and Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates in the primary for the constituency held last weekend.

Masiyer said this while rejecting the result of the primaries for the constituency.

Mr Sheldas Samuel, the Returning Officer for the primaries in the constituency, had declared the incumbent, Rep. Ishaya Lalu as winner.

Samuel disclosed that Lalu scored 33, 290 votes to defeat Masiyer, his closest opponent, who polled 2,115 votes.

However, Mr Danjuma Namang, on behalf of Masiyer’s Campaign Organisations, rejected the result in a statement on Monday in Jos.

“After a careful review of the exercise, we wish to categorically reject the purported declaration of Ishaya Lalu as the winner of the APC primary election for Mangu/Bokkos federal constituency.

“Our position is based on the undeniable fact that direct primaries were not conducted in wards across the constituency as required by the Electoral Act 2026, the APC Constitution and Guidelines for the Nomination of Candidates.

“Across all the wards in Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, party members, our supporters and agents, assembled peacefully and waited for electoral officials and voting materials that never arrived.

“These loyal party members remained at the designated centres until late into the night before eventually dispersing in disappointment after no election was conducted.

“It is therefore shocking, unacceptable, and contrary to every principle of democracy and internal party justice for results to emerge from wards where no voting exercise took place,”he said.

Namang said that the purported outcome does not reflect the wishes, aspirations and democratic choices of APC members in the constituency.

“What happened was a complete subversion of the democratic process and a grave assault on the integrity of our great party.

“We wish to assure all our supporters that appropriate steps have already been taken through the party’s internal appeal mechanisms to challenge this injustice and defend the sanctity of the votes and rights of party members,” he said.

Namang, who said that Masiyer’s supporters would remain peaceful, insisted that democracy cannot thrive where imposition, and manipulation take the centre stage over transparent and credible processes.

(NAN)

Lagos State Government on Monday said the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, LNSA, had strengthened grassroots security and community policing operations across the state through improved operational capacity, intelligence gathering and collaboration with security agencies.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Olugbenga Oyerinde, spoke during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, while presenting the scorecard of agencies under the ministry.

The commissioner described the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency as a community-based para-military organisation established to assist the police and other security agencies in maintaining law and order, preventing crime and ensuring safety within local communities across Lagos State.

According to him, the agency intensified capacity-building programmes for officers to improve operational competence and strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering across communities.

Oyerinde disclosed that the United States Ambassador visited the agency during the review period to explore possible areas of support and collaboration in community policing and neighbourhood security management.

He added that officials from the United States Department of State, Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, also visited the headquarters of the agency as part of efforts to deepen cooperation in tackling security challenges and human trafficking.

The commissioner said the agency also strengthened collaboration and operational synergy with other security agencies in Lagos to improve coordinated responses to incidents and threats within communities.

According to him, the operational efficiency of the agency improved significantly following enhanced logistics and equipment support provided by the state government.

Oyerinde explained that the upgraded operational tools had strengthened patrol activities, surveillance operations and emergency response efficiency among neighbourhood safety officers across the state.

He noted that officers of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps continued to support emergency response operations and maintain visible security presence in communities across Lagos.

The commissioner also highlighted welfare interventions introduced by the Sanwo-Olu administration for security personnel, including a two-stage increase in allowances approved within the last three years.

He disclosed that additional security gadgets were distributed to officers to improve operational effectiveness and strengthen field operations statewide.

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu and stanbul Baakehir forward Eldor Shomurodov have emerged as joint winners of the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot for the 2025/2026 season after finishing as the league’s top scorers ahead of fellow Nigerian star Victor Osimhen.

Onuachu enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Trabzonspor, scoring 22 league goals and playing a key role in the club’s attacking success throughout the season.

The tall forward consistently delivered important goals in crucial matches and remained among the league’s most dangerous strikers from the opening weeks of the campaign until the final day.

His impressive performances also earned him recognition from the Nigeria Football Federation, which praised the striker for his remarkable consistency and clinical finishing in front of goal.

Shomurodov matched Onuachu’s tally with 22 goals for stanbul Baakehir to share the Golden Boot award after also enjoying one of the best seasons of his career in Turkey.

Fenerbahae forward Anderson Talisca finished close behind the leading duo with 19 goals, while Osimhen ended the campaign with 15 league goals despite arriving as one of the Turkish league’s most talked-about signings.

Although the former Napoli striker produced several impressive displays and scored important goals during the season, he was unable to keep pace with the league’s leading scorers in the final weeks of the title race.

Galatasaray teammate Mauro Icardi also featured among the top scorers after recording 14 league goals for the Istanbul giants.

The race for the Golden Boot remained competitive for much of the season, with several forwards challenging for the award at different stages.

However, Onuachu and Shomurodov eventually separated themselves from the chasing pack with a strong run of goals toward the end of the campaign.

Onuachu’s achievement has also been celebrated by many Nigerian football fans, with the striker continuing to strengthen his reputation as one of the country’s most reliable forwards playing in Europe.