Category: PM News

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is facing a major setback in Enugu State as Governor Peter Mbah and all top government officials are set to officially join the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday.

Dr. Ben Nwoye, the newly appointed Chairman of the Enugu APC Caretaker Committee, confirmed this in Abuja after his inauguration at the party’s national secretariat.

According to Nwoye, Governor Mbah’s defection will include 260 councillors, 24 state lawmakers, National Assembly members, and the entire state executive council.

He described the move as a ‘historic alignment’ that will end Enugu’s long stay in the opposition and strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the Southeast.

‘For the past 10 years, Enugu State has been in opposition.

That ends on Tuesday when Governor Mbah joins APC. This is the beginning of the Southeast’s political reawakening,’ Nwoye said.

He praised Governor Mbah for his impressive reforms that have boosted the state’s internally generated revenue, saying the partnership between Mbah’s Transformation Agenda and Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Vision would bring faster development to the region.

APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, urged the new Enugu leadership to turn the defection into a ‘lasting political victory,’ adding that the party welcomes all new members equally.

APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Emma Eneukwu, said the move marks the Southeast’s return to national political relevance. ‘With Enugu in APC, the Southeast has found its voice again,’ he said.

Uncertainty in Benue Over Suswam’s, Orhii’s Alleged Defection

In Benue State, rumours are spreading that former Governor Gabriel Suswam and former NAFDAC boss Dr. Paul Orhii might also leave the PDP for the APC.

Although banners announcing their defection appeared on the streets of Makurdi, Suswam’s media aide, Bede Bartholomew, denied the claim.

He explained that the governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, had only invited Suswam to a state banquet, not a political event.

‘There is no truth to the rumour. It’s a lie from the deepest pit of hell,’ Bartholomew said, urging supporters to ignore the speculation.

Suswam, who has been with the PDP since 1999, represented Katsina Ala, Logo, and Ukum Federal Constituency before serving two terms as governor and later as a senator.

PDP, APC Trade Blame Over Defections

Meanwhile, the PDP has accused the APC of intimidating and coercing its governors to defect.

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the ruling party was using threats and blackmail to lure its members.

However, APC’s spokesperson, Felix Morka, dismissed the accusation, saying the PDP’s problems are self-inflicted.

‘The PDP is falling apart because of its years of corruption, failed leadership, and disregard for democracy,’ Morka said. ‘Those leaving the PDP are doing so by choice to avoid being part of its collapse before the 2027 elections.’

Illegal miners, white-collar convicts, remorseful drug offenders, foreigners, Major General Mamman Vatsa, Major Akubo, Professor Magaji Garba, capital offenders such as Maryam Sanda, Ken Saro Wiwa, and the other Ogoni Eight were among the 175 convicts and former convicts who received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mercy on Thursday.

President Tinubu granted clemency to most of them based on the reports that the convicts had shown remorse and good conduct. He forgave some due to old age, the acquisition of new vocational skills, or enrolment in the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). President Tinubu also corrected the historic injustice committed by British colonialists against Sir Herbert Macaulay, one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists.

In all, the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the Attorney-General and Justice Minister, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, recommended pardon for two inmates, 15 former convicts, 11 of whom have died. The committee recommended clemency for 82 inmates and commutation of sentences for 65 inmates. Seven inmates on death row also benefited from the Presidential reprieve. The committee recommended that the President should commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

Prince Fagbemi presented the committee’s report at the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

FULL LIST OF BENEFICIARIES OF PRESIDENT TINUBU’S MERCY

PARDONED

Nweke Francis Chibueze, aged 44, serving a life sentence at Kirikiri for cocaine.

Dr Nwogu Peters, aged 67; Serving a 17-year jail term for fraud. Sentenced in 2013.

Mrs Anastasia Daniel Nwaoba, aged 63. Already served a sentence for fraud

Barr. Hussaini Alhaji Umar, aged 58. Sentenced in 2023 to pay a fine of N150M in the ICPC case

Ayinla Saadu Alanamu, age 63, was sentenced to seven years for bribery in 2019 and has served the sentence.

Hon. Farouk M. Lawan, aged 62. Sentenced to five years in 2021 for Corrupt Practices and had served the sentence.

POSTHUMOUS PARDON

Sir Herbert Macaulay was banned from public office for misappropriation of funds and sentenced in 1913 by the British colonialists.

Major-General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, age 46, Sentenced in 1986 for treason: related to an alleged coup plot

POSTHUMOUS PARDON: THE OGONI NINE

Ken Saro Wiwa. Sentenced for murder

Saturday Dobee. Sentenced for murder

Nordu Eawa. Sentenced for murder

Daniel Gbooko. Sentenced for murder

Paul Levera. Sentenced for murder

Felix Nuate. Sentenced for murder

Baribor Bera. Sentenced for murder

Barinem Kiobel. Sentenced for murder

John Kpuine. Sentenced for murder

VICTIMS OF OGONI NINE HONOURED:

Chief Albert Badey

Chief Edward Kobaru

Chief Samuel Orage

Chief Theophilus Orage

PRESIDENTIAL CLEMENCY

Most of the beneficiaries showed either remorse or learned vocational skills in jail

Aluagwu Lawrence, aged 47, sentenced for Indian hemp (selling), 2015

Ben Friday, aged 60, was sentenced to 3 years or N1.3 million fine for marijuana in 2023.

Oroke Micheal Chibueze, aged 21, sentenced to 5 years (cannabis sativa) in 2023

Kelvin Christopher Smith, aged 42, was sentenced to 4 years for importing cocaine in 2023

Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, aged 31, sentenced in 2021 to 5 years or N3 million fine for importing cocaine.

Akinrinnade Akinwande Adebiyi, aged 47, sentenced in 2023 to 3 years for dealing in Tramadol.

Ahmed Adeyemo, aged 38, sentenced to 15 years for cannabis. Already served nine years, 5 months at Kirikiri

Adeniyi Jimoh, aged 31years, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015 and served nine years at Kirikiri.

Seun Omirinde, aged 39, sentenced to 15 years for Drugs in 2015. Served nine years at Kirikiri

Adesanya Olufemi Paul, aged 61, sentenced to 14 years for theft. Had served eight years.

Ife Yusuf, aged 37, was sentenced for human trafficking in 2019. Had served six years at Kirikiri.

Daniel Bodunwa, aged 43, was sentenced in 2018 to 10 years for fraudulent intent to forge a land receipt. Had served six years in jail

Fidelis Michael, aged 40, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

Suru Akande, aged 52, sentenced to 5 years for cannabis sativa

Safiyanu Umar, aged 56, sentenced to 5 years without the option of a fine for possessing 5kg of Cannabis sativa, 2023

Dahiru Abdullahi, aged 46, was sentenced in 2016 to 21 years for possession of 3 pistols and had spent 10 years in jail.

Hamza Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced to 5 years for Indian hemp (selling), 2022

Rabiu Alhassan Dawaki, aged 52, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for criminal breach of trust.

Mujibu Muhammad, aged 30, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years, no option for a fine for cannabis.

Emmanuel Eze, aged 49, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for Heroine.

Bala Azika Yahaya, aged 70, sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for cannabis.

Lina Kusum Wilson, aged 34, sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide, had spent eight years in jail.

Buhari Sani, aged 33, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 558 grams of cannabis.

Mohammed Musa, aged 27, was sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of 16 grams of cannabis.

Muharazu Abubakar, aged 37, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for selling Indian hemp. Already spent 3 years in Katsina Prison

Ibrahim Yusuf, aged 34; jailed 5 years in 2022 for possession of 5.7 grams of Indian hemp.

Saad Ahmed Madaki, aged 72; sentenced in 2020 for a 419 offence. Had served 4 years in Kaduna prison

Ex-Corporal Michael Bawa, aged 72: sentenced to life imprisonment for murder in 2005. Had spent 20 years in Kaduna prison

Richard Ayuba, aged 38. Sentenced to 5 years in 2022 for Indian hemp

Adam Abubakar, aged 30 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for possession of 2kg of tramadol.

Emmanuel Yusuf, aged 34; sentenced in 2022 to 4 years for possession of 2kg of tramadol

Edwin Nnazor, aged 60; sentenced in 2018 to 15 years for cannabis. Had spent 6 years, nine months at Zamfara prison

Chinedu Stanley, aged 34. Sentenced in 2023 to three years for fake lubricant oil.

Joseph Nwanoka, aged 42: sentenced in 2022 to five years for drugs

Johnny Ntheru, Aged 63, sentenced in 1989 to life imprisonment for robbery. Had spent 36 years in Umuahia Prison

John Omotiye, Aged 28, sentenced to six years for Pipeline vandalism

Nsikat Edet Harry, Aged 37, sentenced in 2023 to 5 years for Illegal possession of Indian hemp, Cocaine, and Heroin.

Jonathan Asuquo, Aged 28, sentenced in 2022 to 5 years for possession of Indian hemp and other drugs

Prince Samuel Peters, aged 54, sentenced in 2020 to 7 years for obtaining money by false pretence. Had spent 4 years, 3 months in Ikot Ekpene Prison

Babangida Saliu, Aged 35, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Adamu Sanni, aged 39, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Abdulkarem Salisu, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Abdulaziz Lawal, aged 18, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Abdulrahman Babangida, aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

Maharazu Alidu, aged 22, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Zaharadeen Baliue, aged 38, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Babangida Usman, aged 30, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Zayyanu Abdullahi, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Bashir Garuba, Aged 20, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

Imam Suleman, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Abbeh Amisu, Aged 28, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Lawani Lurwanu, Aged 20, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Yusuf Alhassan, aged 33, was sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024.

Abdulahi Isah, aged 25, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining, 2024

Zayanu Bello, aged 35, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining

Habeeb Suleman, aged 22, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Jubrin Sahabi, aged 23, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

Shefiu Umar, aged 28, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

Seidu Abubakar, age 29, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Haruna Abubakar, Aged 24, was sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Rabiu Seidu, aged 26, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Macha Kuru, Aged 25, sentenced in 2024 to 3 years for unlawful mining

Zahradeen Aminu, Aged 25 years, sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining.

Nazipi Musa, aged 25. Sentenced to 3 years for unlawful mining in 2024

Abdullahi Musa, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining.

Habibu Safiu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Husseni Sani, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Musa Lawali, aged 25 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Suleiman Lawal, aged 23 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Yusuf Iliyasu, aged 21 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sebiyu Aliyu, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Halliru Sani, aged 18 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Shittu Aliyu, aged 30 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sanusi Aminu, aged 27 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Isiaka Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Mamman Ibrahim, aged 50 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Shuaibu Abdullahi, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sanusi Adamu, aged 28 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Sadi Musa, aged 20 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

Haruna Isah, aged 35 and sentenced to 3 years in 2024 for unlawful mining

NB: Senator Ikra Aliyu Bilbis signed an undertaking to be responsible for the rehabilitation and empowerment of all the convicted illegal miners granted presidential clemency.

Abiodun Elemero, aged 43. Sentenced to life imprisonment for cocaine hawking in 2014. Had spent 10 years plus in Kirikiri,

Maryam Sanda, aged 37, was sentenced to death in 2020 for culpable homicide and had spent six years, eight months at Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre. Her family pleaded for her release, arguing that it was in the best interest of her two children. The plea was also anchored on her good conduct in jail, her remorse, and her embracement of a new lifestyle, demonstrating her commitment to being a model prisoner.

LIST OF INMATES RECOMMENDED FOR REDUCED TERM OF IMPRISONMENT

Yusuf Owolabi, aged 36. Sentenced to life in 2015 for Manslaughter. Had spent 10 years at Kirikiri.Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

Ifeanyi Eze, aged 33. Sentenced to life in 2021 for Manslaughter and had spent four years at Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years for showing remorse and learning vocational skills.

Malam Ibrahim Sulaiman, aged 59. Sentenced to life in 2022 for Armed robbery and possession of illegal firearms. Sentence cut to 10 years based on good conduct

Shettima Maaji Arfo, aged 54. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for Corrupt Practices. Sentence reduced to four years, because of good conduct and ill-health

Ajasper Benzeger, aged 69 and sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for Culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 12 years, based on old age and ill-health.

Ifenna Kennechukwu, aged 42. Sentenced in 2015 to 20 years for drugs (cocaine import) and had spent close to 10 years in Kirikiri. Prison term reduced to 12 years based on remorse and the acquisition of vocational skills.

Mgbeike Matthew, aged 45. Sentenced to 20 years in 2013 for the import of 3.10kg. Following remorsefulness and the acquisition of vocational skills at Kirikiri. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

Patrick Mensah, aged 40. Sentenced in 2015 to 17 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 11 years

Obi Edwin Chukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Tunde Balogun, aged 32 and sentenced in 2015 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Lima Pereira Erick Diego, aged 27 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Uchegbu Emeka Michael, aged 37. Sentenced in 2017 to 15 years or a fine of N20million for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years

Salawu Adebayo Samsudeen, aged 46 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for drugs. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Napolo Osariemen, aged 61 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for 2 kilos of Indian hemp. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

Patricia Echoe Igninovia, aged 61 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to five years.

Odeyemi Omolaram, aged 65 and sentenced in 2017 to 25 years in prison for drug. The sentence was reduced to 12 years based on the defendant’s remorsefulness and advanced age.

Vera Daniel Ifork, aged 29 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for trafficking in persons. Sentence reduced to eight years.

Gabriel Juliet Chidimma, aged 32 and sentenced in 2022 to six years for drug (cocaine). Sentence reduced to four years.

Dias Santos Marcia Christiana, aged 44 and sentenced in 2017 to 15 years for import of cocaine. Sentence reduced to 10 years.

Alh. Ibrahim Hameed. Aged 71 and sentenced in 2023 to seven years for illegal property (obtaining property under false pretence). Sentence reduced to five years.

Alh. Nasiru Ogara Adinoyi, 65, was sentenced in 2023 to 14 years for obtaining property by false pretence. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

Chief Emeka Agbodike, aged 69, was sentenced in 2023 to seven years for obtaining property by false pretence. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

Isaac Justina, aged 40. Sentenced in 2022 to 10 years for cannabis sativa and had spent 3 years in the Abeokuta Custodial Centre. Sentence reduced to four years.

Aishat Kehinde, aged 38 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for unlawful possession of cannabis. The prison term being served in Abeokuta has been reduced to four years.

Helen Solomon, age 68. Sentenced in 2024 to five years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

Okoye Tochukwu, aged 43 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to 3 years.

Ugwueze Paul, aged 38 and sentenced in 2024 to six years for cannabis sativa. Sentence reduced to three years.

Mutsapha Ahmed, aged 46 and sentenced in 2022 to seven years without a fine option for criminal breach of trust. The sentence was reduced to five years.

Abubakar Mamman, aged 38 and sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for Possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years.

Muhammed Bello Musa, aged 35. Sentenced in 2020 to 10 years in Kebbi Custodial Centre for illegal possession of firearms. Sentence reduced to seven years

Nnamdi Anene, aged 67 and sentenced in 2010 to life imprisonment at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegal dealing of arms. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

Alh. Abubakar Tanko, aged 61, was sentenced in 2018 to 30 years at the Gusau Custodial Centre for Culpable Homicide. Sentence reduced to 20 years.

Chisom Francis Wisdom, aged 30; sentenced in 2018 to 20 years in Umuahia Custodial Centre for kidnapping. Sentence reduced to 12 years.

Innocent Brown Idiong, aged 60, sentenced in 2020 to 10 years for possession of 700 grams of Indian Hemp. Has already spent 4 years and 3 months at Ikot Abasi Custodial centre. Jail term reduced to six years.

Iniobong Imaeyen Ntukidem, aged 46, was sentenced 2021 to seven years in jail at the Uyo Custodial Centre. Prison term reduced to five years.

Ada Audu, aged 72, was sentenced in 2022 to seven years in Kuje Custodial Centre and had spent 2 years and 7 months in prison. Prison term reduced to 4 years because of old age.

Bukar Adamu, aged 40 and sentenced to 20 years in 2019 for advance fee fraud. Prison term reduced to nine years.

Kelvin Oniarah Ezigbe, 44, was sentenced in October 2023 to 20 years for kidnapping, which took effect in 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years for showing remorsefulness and attending the National Open University.

Frank Azuekor, aged 42. Sentenced in 2023 for kidnapping and jailed in Kuje Custodial Centre for 20 years, and had spent 12 years behind bars from 2013. The sentence was reduced to 13 years, based on good conduct and attendance at the National Open University.

Chukwukelu Sunday Calisthus, aged 47 and sentenced in 2014 to life at Kuje Custodial Centre for drugs. He had spent 11 years at Kuje. Sentence reduced to 13 years.

Professor Magaji Garba, aged 67. Sentenced in 2021 to seven years for obtaining money by false pretence and had spent 3 years at Kuje Custodial Centre. The prison term was reduced to four years due to good conduct and advanced age.

Markus Yusuf, aged 41. Sentenced in 2023 to 13 years for culpable homicide. Sentence reduced to 5 years based on ill-health

Samson Ajayi, aged 31 and sentenced in 2022 to 15 years for drugs. He had spent five years at Suleja Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to seven years.

Iyabo Binyoyo, aged 49. Sentenced in 2017 to 10 years for drugs and sentenced to nine years at Suleja Custodial Centre, due to good conduct.

Oladele Felix, 49, was sentenced in 2022 to five years without a fine option for conspiracy and exploitation. Based on good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was reduced to four years. Felix is spending the term at Suleja.

Rakiya Beida, aged 33 and sentenced in 2021to seven years, without a fine option, for theft and cheating. The sentence, being served at Suleja, was reduced to three years based on good conduct

Nriagu Augustine Ifeanyi, aged 44 and sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre, for exporting cocaine. The sentence was reduced to eight years.

Chukwudi Destiny, aged 36 and sentenced in 2022 to six years in Ikoyi Custodial Centre for heroin import. The sentence was cut to four years.

Felix Rotimi Esemokhai, aged 47 and sentenced in 2022 to five years for heroin. The sentence was reduced to four years.

Major S.A. Akubo, aged 62, was sentenced in 2009 to life at Katsina Custodial Centre for illegally removing 7,000 assorted weapons. Following good conduct and remorsefulness, the sentence was commuted to 20 years.

John Ibiam, aged 39, was sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter and served 9 years and one month in the Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was reduced to 10 years after the individual showed remorse and acquired vocational skills.

Omoka Aja, aged 40 and sentenced in 2016 to 15 years for manslaughter, served 9 years and 1 month in Afikpo Custodial Centre. The sentence was commuted to 10 years.

Chief Jonathan Alatoru, aged 66, was sentenced in 2021 to seven years for conspiracy to cheat. The sentence served in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre has been reduced to five years.

Umanah Ekaette Umanah, aged 70 and sentenced in 2022 to 10 years in Port Harcourt Custodial Centre for forgery. Sentence reduced to five years due to old age and remorsefulness.

Utom Obong Thomson Udoaka, 60, was sentenced in 2020 to seven years in Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre for obtaining money by false pretence. He had served four years and two months at Ikot Ekpene. Due to his old age and good conduct, the Initial Sentence has been reduced to five years.

Jude Saka Ebaragha, aged 44. Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was commuted to six years, and the N1m fine was waived.

Frank Insort Abaka, 46, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a Fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

Shina Alolo, 42, was sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a N1M fine at Ikoyi Custodial Centre for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like others, the N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was reduced to 6 years.

Joshua Iwiki, aged 50: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years at Ikoyi Prison and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. A N1m fine was waived, and the sentence was commuted to six years in prison.

David Akinseye, aged 44: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. His sentence was commuted to 6 years, and the fine was waived.

Ahmed Toyin, aged 46: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Sentence also commuted and fine waived.

Shobajo Saheed, age 57: Sentenced in 2020 to 12 years and a fine of N1M for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. He got a similar reprieve like the others.

Adamole Philip, aged 52 years: Sentenced to 12 years and a N1M fine for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel, 2020. Philip also got his term reduced to seven years and the fine waived.

Mathew Masi, aged 39: Also sentenced to 12 years and a fine of N1million for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. The sentence was reduced to six years, and the fine was waived.

Bright Agbedeyi, 46, was also sentenced in 2020 for conspiracy to hijack a fishing vessel. Like the others in his category, he got a reprieve from President Tinubu.

LIST OF INMATES ON DEATH ROW REDUCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT

Emmanuel Baba, aged 38: sentenced to death in 2017 for culpable homicide. On death row in Kuje Custodial Centre for the past 8 years. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment based on good conduct and remorsefulness.

Emmanuel Gladstone, aged 45, was sentenced in 2020 to death for murder and had spent five years at Katsina Custodial Centre. Death sentence commuted to life imprisonment due to good conduct and remorse.

Moses Ayodele Olurunfemi, aged 51: sentenced to death in 2012 for culpable homicide and had spent 13 years on death row in Katsina. President Tinubu commuted the death sentence to life imprisonment, citing the individual’s good conduct and remorse.

Abubakar Usman, aged 59: Sentenced to Death in 2014 and had spent 14 years on death row in Katsina. His sentence was commuted to life because of his remorse and good conduct.

Khalifa Umar, aged 37: Sentenced to death in 2014 and had spent 11 years on death row in Kano Custodial Centre. His sentence has been commuted to life imprisonment.

Benjamin Ekeze, age 40. Sentenced to death in 2017 for armed robbery and conspiracy, and had spent 12 years on death row at Kirikiri, Lagos. The sentence was also commuted to life.

Mohammed Umar, 43: Sentenced to death in 2018 for culpable homicide and had spent seven years on death row in Onitsha Custodial Centre. He got the Presidential reprieve, commuting the death sentence to life imprisonment.

The Oyo State Government has opposed the proposal to raise the retirement age for teachers and other civil servants from 60 to 65 years, saying the move would block employment opportunities for young graduates.

The Federal Government had earlier approved a similar extension for clinically skilled health workers, arguing that retaining experienced professionals would strengthen healthcare delivery and training capacity.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) later urged the government to apply the same policy to all public service sectors.

Some states have already adopted the new policy. Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, recently approved a five-year extension for teachers, increasing both the retirement age to 65 and the service period to 40 years. Niger State has also announced that its implementation will begin on January 1, 2026.

Speaking at the second Multidisciplinary International Conference of the Postgraduate College, Lead City University, Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Mr. Segun Olayiwola, said the issue had been extensively debated by the State Executive Council before a final decision was reached.

According to him, ‘We discussed this matter over five executive meetings.

The initial proposal focused on teachers, but other civil servants also wanted inclusion. We eventually agreed that extending the retirement age would deny younger people job opportunities.

‘In a state like Niger, the population is smaller and the number of graduates is limited.

But in Oyo State, if the retirement age were raised to 65, those due to leave this year would remain for another five years.

That means the 15,000 teachers we recruited recently might not have had that chance if their seniors had stayed on.’

He stressed that the Makinde-led administration would not consider the extension, as its priority was creating jobs and giving young people space to contribute.

However, some education experts hold a different view.

Professor Afolakemi Oredein, Provost of the Postgraduate College at Lead City University, supported longer service years for academics, especially those involved in mentoring.

‘When you’re training others, experience matters. Allowing professors to stay up to 70 years is a good idea because they can guide younger scholars to become better researchers,’

she explained. She also suggested that the policy could help curb brain drain by retaining seasoned professionals in the system.

In the same vein, Professor Godwin Oyedokun, an educationist and human capital development expert, said retirement policies in academia should be flexible and based on individuals’ capacity.

He recalled attending a retirement event at the University of Ibadan for a professor who, despite his age, was still mentally and physically fit. ‘It felt wasteful to let such a person go when he could still make meaningful contributions,’ he said.

‘The older one grows, the richer their experience becomes. Those who remain strong should be allowed to stay longer, perhaps with reduced workloads and regular health checks to monitor fitness,’ he added.

The Cheetahs of Benin Republic has arrived Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, PM News has gathered.

The Cheetahs beat Rwanda 1-0 on Friday night at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. They currently lead Group C with 17 points from nine matches.

The players and officials flew directly from Kigali to Uyo ahead of the big game.

The match will take place on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Benin Republic are hoping to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

The match will take place on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Benin Republic are hoping to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.

President Donald Trump has been declared in ‘exceptional overall health’ by his doctor after undergoing a checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, putting to rest days of wild speculation that he had died or fallen gravely ill.

The 79-year-old president spent three hours at the Bethesda, Maryland facility on Friday for what the White House described as a ‘scheduled follow-up evaluation.’

Rumours about Trump’s health had spiralled online this week after images showed him with bruised hands and swollen ankles, in addition with conspiracy theories claiming he had secretly passed away.

But in a memo released by the White House on Friday night, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella said Trump ‘remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological and physical performance.’

The doctor added that Trump received his annual flu shot and a COVID-19 booster during the visit, noting that his ‘cardiac age’ was about 14 years younger than his actual age.

White House sources said the president’s evaluation included advanced imaging, lab testing and preventive health assessments in preparation for upcoming international trips to the Middle East and Asia.

This latest visit follows an April physical where Trump was declared ‘fully fit to serve’ after shedding 20 pounds and maintaining what doctors described as an ‘active lifestyle.’

In July, officials disclosed that Trump had developed chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition among older adults that causes mild swelling in the legs.

Despite repeated questions from the press, the White House said the release of Friday’s test results was meant to ‘dispel misinformation’ about the president’s wellbeing.

Trump, who has long mocked rivals over health issues, used a recent address to Navy sailors to boast that his former physician, now Congressman Ronny Jackson, once called him the ‘healthiest’ among recent presidents.

Online speculation about Trump’s health surged again in August when the president briefly disappeared from public view, fuelling claims from conspiracy theorists that he had died until his reappearance at the White House days later.

Erling Haaland stole the show in Oslo as Norway dismantled Israel 5-0 in a World Cup qualifying match, with the Manchester City striker netting a hat-trick to mark yet another milestone in his dazzling international career.

The match was played amid heightened security and political tension, with pro-Palestinian protests forming outside Ullevaal Stadium and sections of the crowd jeering Israel’s national anthem as Palestinian flags and banners were displayed.

Despite the charged environment, Norway maintained firm control throughout.

Haaland’s night had a rocky start. He missed two penalties early on, first saved, then a retake also denied by Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, before finally finding his rhythm.

But once he broke the seal, there was no looking back. He scored in the 27th minute, then again in the 63rd and 72nd to complete his treble.

Norway’s dominance was further bolstered by two own goals from Israel’s Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias in the first half.

Altogether, the margin told a story of total control.

By scoring his hat-trick, Haaland also crossed the 50-goal threshold for Norway, reaching 51 in 46 appearances, a meteoric scoring rate that underscores his place among the modern greats.

With that goal tally, he extends his dominance in European qualifying, now with 12 goals in six Group I matches.

Norway now sit atop the group with six wins from six games and a whopping +26 goal difference, inching ever closer to a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Italy, in second, now face an uphill battle to close the gap.

Speaking after the match, Norway’s Antonio Nusa said: ‘We played a solid match today. There’s still work to do, but we’re enjoying this moment.’

While Haaland’s brilliance was the headline, the match encapsulated more than just sporting glory. The protests, the booing of anthems, and the tension in the air showed how deeply sport intersects with global politics.

Yet on the pitch, Norway’s unity, structure, and attacking threats made the difference.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved a final reopening for a period of 48 hours to enable tertiary institutions yet to complete their student verification exercise for the 2024/2025 academic year to do so.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday by Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, Director, Strategic Communications of the Fund.

Oluwatuyi said the portal would be accessible from 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, to 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

The extension, she said was intended to ensure that all eligible students were duly captured and verified by their respective institutions as part of the ongoing 2024/2025 NELFUND loan application process.

‘Institutions are strongly advised to make full use of this final opportunity.

‘Failure to complete the verification process within the stipulated period will result in the affected institutions forfeiting participation in the current loan cycle.

‘A situation that will regrettably disadvantage their students who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the loan scheme,’ she said.

She added that in the interest of transparency and accountability, the list of defaulting institutions would be published.

Oluwatuyi reiterated the Fund’s commitment to fostering equitable access to higher education through the efficient, transparent, and inclusive management of the scheme.

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) still owes him $26,000, representing two months of unpaid salary from his time as national team coach.

Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, the former Nigerian international said that although he could easily win a case against the NFF at FIFA, he has chosen not to pursue legal action out of patriotism and respect for his country.

Oliseh, who managed the Super Eagles between 2015 and 2016, explained that he has received several calls and advice from well-meaning Nigerians urging him to take the matter to the world football governing body. However, he insists that taking such a step would be misunderstood by the public.

‘Till today, I am the only Nigerian coach who voluntarily resigned from the national team job. The NFF still owes me two months’ salary, which is $26,000.

Many people have encouraged me to go to FIFA or court to claim what is mine, but I won’t take my fatherland to a western court. If I went to FIFA, I am sure I would win.

The sad part is that the media would twist the story and write, ‘Oliseh takes Nigeria to court,’ instead of saying, ‘Oliseh takes NFF to court.”

Oliseh’s remarks highlight the long-standing issue of unpaid wages and poor treatment of local coaches by football authorities in Nigeria. Despite his grievances, he maintained that his love for the country outweighs any personal loss.

The 51-year-old, who captained the Super Eagles to victory at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and represented Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups, said he prefers to move forward positively rather than engage in a public dispute that could embarrass the nation.

‘For me, Nigeria gave me everything. I played for my country, captained my country, and coached my country. I would rather focus on the good memories than allow money to come between me and my fatherland,’ he added.

Oliseh remains one of Nigeria’s most respected football figures, known for his strong principles and deep sense of patriotism.

President Bola Tinubu will on Sunday, October 12, depart Abuja for Rome, Italy, to attend the Aqaba Process Heads of State and Government-Level Meeting, which will focus on tackling the worsening security crisis in West Africa.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday.

Onanuga said the high-level summit, scheduled to begin on October 14, will convene African leaders, senior military and intelligence officials, as well as representatives from intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, to deliberate on emerging threats undermining peace and stability in the subregion.

Launched in 2015 by King Abdullah II of Jordan, the Aqaba Process serves as a global counter-terrorism platform co-chaired by Jordan and the Italian Government.

It seeks to strengthen international collaboration against terrorism and organised crime networks that have increasingly destabilised parts of Africa.

Onanuga stated that the 2025 edition will address the spread of extremist groups in the Sahel, the growing nexus between terrorism and organised crime, and the rising overlap between land-based insurgencies and maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

According to the Presidency, discussions will centre on practical strategies to counter terror threats both on land and at sea, enhance regional intelligence sharing, and tackle online radicalisation by disrupting digital platforms used for terrorist propaganda and recruitment.

During the visit, President Tinubu is also expected to hold bilateral talks with other world leaders aimed at reinforcing security cooperation and developing collective responses to West Africa’s cross-border challenges.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; and other senior government officials.

The Aqaba Process remains one of the most influential multilateral efforts promoting global unity in countering violent extremism and ensuring long-term stability in vulnerable regions.

Igarra, Ososo, and Okpe are Yoruba-speaking communities in Edo State. Their affinity to Ondo State is not only linguistic but also cultural. Kwara is almost entirely Yoruba despite the Emirate of Ilorin. Bayo Ojulari, GMD of NNPCL; the recently appointed Chairman of INEC, Ojo Amupitan; and Senators Dino Melaye and Smart Adeyemi – genetic evidence proves that Kogi State has a large and prosperous Yoruba ethnicity. Within the Southwest, Ondo State has Ese Odo Local Government dedicated to Ijaw-speaking people. They are a riverine nationality dwelling in the geographic Southwest, many of whom do not speak Yoruba, nor can they read or write the Yoruba alphabet.

The intercalation of ethnic groups across state boundaries is not peculiar to the Yoruba. There are Fulani tribes indigenous to Benue, Plateau, and Taraba in spite of the carnages. Hundreds of thousands of Igbo, separated from their Arochukwu kith and kin by the Niger Bridge, reside in Asaba, Agbor, and other purely Igbo settlements in Delta and Benue States. We shouldn’t even talk about the anomaly faced by the Ikwerre in Rivers State, who are unmistakably Igbo in tongues and names.

These fringe dwellers – whether in Kwara, Edo, Delta, Ondo, Benue, Taraba, or Kogi – face the affliction or prejudices of the majority. Bayo Ojulari would not be accepted as Yoruba and allowed to cream off the region’s share of the milk when positions are zoned to the Southwest. He would be reminded that he’s a northerner. Senator Dino Melaye is culturally suspected by the Ibadan Yoruba and politically denied as a double-dealer if he’s nominated for an INEC position despite his sonorous Yoruba hymns. In the same manner, the Igbo would still have felt cheated and unsatisfied if Rotimi Amaechi, an Ikwerre, had been elected as President of the Republic of Nigeria in 2023.

Those who pigeonhole persons according to their ethnicity (on social media) are often the most educated class. The objection to Prof. Ojo Amupitan SAN selection to head INEC because he’s Yoruba is a textbook example. It insultingly reduces the scholarship and competence of a man like Prof. Amupitan because of his ethnicity. It is akin to believing that Ade Olawale, a professor of law teaching at Ahmadu Bello University, would fix the scores to be more benevolent to Ajoke Adeniyi, a research student, because she’s Yoruba. That mindset is primordial and barbaric. It is why the private sector develops at cheetah speed while our public sector crawls.

The discussion of the Amupitan situation throws up two questions. Firstly, how should we be classified? Should state of origin be jettisoned for ethnicity? Perhaps the Constitution should be tweaked to officially recognize the nation’s ethnicities and classify us into those boxes. By that measure, the Ijaw in Ondo State would not be politically deceived into thinking they are Yoruba, Southwesterners, and not Izon.

Secondly, would we ever advance to a state where the competence and capacity of candidates for public office would override zonal or ethnic considerations? This is a tall ambition even for liberals. There’s too much leeway for mutually assured suspicion among the major tribes. For instance, my preference for Bola Tinubu in 2023 was deemed a protection of my Yoruba ethnicity, and there’s no hyssop that can wash me clean of that in the eyes of others. Nevertheless, that’s not a good way to conclude things. Reductionism of political choices and offices to patronising kinship and ethnicity blots out excellence and promotes mediocrity.

Affirmative action, educationally disadvantaged states, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), quota systems are lawful or constitutional measures to ensure the even growth of subgroups within a nation. They consolidate the reality that there are interests and diversities that must be encouraged and protected. Sadly, in the quest to protect endangered species among the minorities sandwiched between the majority, Bayo Ojulari gets blackmailed as NNPCL GMD by fellow northerners for taking what is meant for ‘true northerners’; and President Bola Tinubu is crucified for selecting Ojo Amupitan, a bona fide northerner whose genes and ancestry are Yoruba. To buttress the dilemma, Isaac Kekemeke, lawyer, former Attorney-General of Ondo State, and deputy national chairman of the APC, is Ijaw from Ondo State. If he gets elected as President in 2031, would he be seen as fulfilling the slot for the South-South, where he ethnically belongs, or as a Yoruba president where he geographically resides?

Conclusion

In the tapestry of Nigeria’s nationhood, where ethnic threads weave inextricably through state boundaries, the stories remind us that identity is not a rigid cage but a fluid continuum. Yet, as the fates of Bayo Ojulari, Ojo Amupitan, and countless others illustrate, we persist in wielding ethnicity as an instrument to slice opportunities, fuel suspicions, and perpetuate a zero-sum game that elevates mediocrity over merit. The two pivotal questions raised by the essayist – how to classify our multifaceted selves, and whether competence can ever eclipse zonal parochialism – demand not just constitutional tweaks but a profound cultural reckoning. Ultimately, Nigeria’s advancement hinges on transcending this primordial barbarism, where the educated elite on social media sharpen ethnic daggers. Imagine a republic where Rotimi Amaechi’s Ikwerre heritage does not bar Igbo acceptance, where Isaac Kekemeke’s presidency unites rather than divides geopolitical slots, and where political choices like President Tinubu preferences are judged on vision, not kinship. By jettisoning reductionist lenses and embracing a competence first ethos tempered by inclusive safeguards, we can forge a nation where diversity is not a cross but a pedestal.