Category: PM News

Nigerian media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has debunked the news of her split from IVD.

Blessing on Wednesday, initially announced the split on her Instagram page, stating that love is not for her. The relationship expert also shared screenshots of their chats, while revealing her plans for the engagement ring.

‘Officially ending the content creation between us. Thanks for the love and engagement. Back to my controversy love is not for me. Officially selling the ring or giving it out. Thanks for all your support. Na to cover the tattoo for my neck with flower,’ she wrote.

Shortly after the announcement went viral, Blessing debunked the news, stating that people only want to hear bad news from her.

I was loosing my touch of controversy. Decided to test it again. I still got the magic. Boom. Boo boo for life. They love bad news oooooo. Wedding loading,’ she wrote.

An Abuja High Court on Wednesday admitted a lawyer, Victor Giwa to bail in the sum of N30 million for alleged forgery and impersonation.

The police arraigned Giwa alongside Ibitade Bukola before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, for criminal conspiracy to commit forgery, false personation, and fraudulent execution of documents.

They pleaded not guilty to all the charge.

Onwuegbuzie granted Giwa bail in the sum of N30 million, with two sureties in like sum.

However, he refused Bukola’s application because the application was not written.

The police alleged that Giwa and Bukola purportedly forged a letter using the official letterhead of Awa U. Kalu (SAN), and addressed it to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The forged letter titled ‘Urgent and Solemn Appeal to Suspend the Arraignment of Our Colleague Victor Giwa on Charge Number: CR/222/2023’ allegedly sought to influence the AGF to stop Giwa’s arraignment scheduled before Justice Samira Bature at the High Court, Maitama.

It was previously stalled on Sept. 15, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant against Giwa, who was later arrested.

His co-defendant, Bukola, had been at large but was presented before the court today.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Asaph Eristo informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment.

The prosecution urged the court to remand Giwa, citing the need to prevent interference with investigations.

However, Edwin Anikpenu, SAN, Counsel for the defendants, applied for their bail.

He stated that both defendants were legal practitioners and argued that Bukola was a nursing mother.

Anikpenu sought leave of the court to orally amend the existing bail application to include the second defendant.

Onwuegbuzie, frowned at the request for an oral bail in spite of being represented by over a dozen lawyers.

‘It is shocking that a lawyer, a Senior Advocate, would come with an oral application and attempt to add another defendant without documentation.

‘With 13 lawyers present, none deemed it fit to file a proper bail application,’ the judge said.

The judge subsequently, refused bail for the second defendant and asked that she be remanded at the Correctional Facility in Suleja, Niger.

Regarding Giwa’s bail, Anikpenu urged the court to consider admitting him on self-recognition.

He added or to the custody of a reputable executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Garki Branch, promising that he would not interfere with the case.

The prosecution opposed the application, citing a counter-affidavit and evidence suggesting Giwa posed a flight risk, noting that public funds were used to effect his arrest.

After hearing both sides, Onwuegbuzie admitted Giwa to bail in the sum of ?30 million, with two sureties in like sum, indicating he remains in police custody till he perfects its conditions.

The sureties he said, must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, resident in Abuja, with verifiable addresses and valid ID cards.

In addition, they must also deposit their international passports with the registrar of the court.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until Oct. 15, for continuation.

Argentina overwhelmed the Flying Eagles of Nigeria with a ruthless 4-0 victory on Wednesday night, sealing a commanding win in their Under-20 World Cup round of 16 match to qualify for the quarter-finals.

The match at the Estadio Ciudad de la Plata in Chile.

The South American side showed composure, precision, and clinical finishing throughout, while the Flying Eagles struggled to find rhythm despite flashes of attacking promise.

The tone was set early when Alejo Sarco opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, tapping home from close range after a smart assist from Dylan Gorosito. The goal gave Argentina early control, leaving the Nigerian defence scrambling to regroup.

Their momentum continued in the 23rd minute, when Maher Carrizo curled in a sensational free-kick from just outside the box, doubling the lead and electrifying the crowd.

The Flying Eagles’ attempts to fight back were undone by poor finishing. Tahir Maigana, Daniel Daga, and Amos Ochoche all had opportunities, but their efforts were either blocked or sent off target. The closest came late in the first half when Daga’s header forced a brilliant save from Argentine goalkeeper Santino Barbi.

Argentina, however, never looked troubled. The third goal arrived in the 53rd minute, as Carrizo once again showed composure, this time finishing coolly past Ebenezer Harcourt after a perfect through ball from Milton Delgado.

Mateo Silvetti sealed the rout in the 66th minute, firing low into the bottom corner after slipping past two defenders. The goal reflected Argentina’s dominance in possession and fluid attacking transitions.

Nigeria’s frustrations boiled over in the 77th minute when Emmanuel Ekele was booked for a reckless tackle, with VAR confirming only a yellow card after review. Despite late attempts by Kparobo Arierhi and Auwal Ibrahim, Nigeria couldn’t find a breakthrough.

The match closed with Argentina in complete control, dictating tempo and keeping the Flying Eagles pinned deep.

The final whistle from Italian referee Maurizio Mariani confirmed a resounding victory that underlined Argentina’s title ambitions and Nigeria’s need to rebuild.

Nollywood veteran Dele Odule has raised concern from fans, with some cryptic posts about pain and being hurt.

Dele, on his Instagram page, stated that he has gotten used to being left behind. While speaking about certain relationships, he stated that people always leave noting that he has gotten used to it.

‘Leaving me is okay, people leave all the time, I’m used to it. What hurts is, when you made me so special one day, and the next day I was so unwanted. The wrong one will find you in peace and leave you in pieces, the right one will find you in pieces and lead you to peace. After you’ve said the meanest things, you now come back to tell me you never meant it, you’re MEAN, but I’ll crush your ego with silence. I will never allow anyone to make me feel I’m not enough’, he wrote.

About 20 operatives of the Amotekun Corps in Osun State have been arrested by a squad of the Nigeria Police Force in connection with the killings that occurred in Akinlalu, a community in Ife North Local Government Area, last week.

The operatives were reportedly picked up on Wednesday by a police team said to have been deployed from Abuja.

They were arrested at the Amotekun Operation Base in Oke Fia, Osogbo, and the Ife Central Division in Ile-Ife.

Sources said the police sealed off both locations after making the arrests. However, when journalists visited the Corps’ headquarters in the Powerline area of Osogbo around 7:40 p.m., the premises remained open.

Confirming the arrests, Osun Amotekun spokesperson, Yusuf Idowu, said the police stormed two of their operational bases and took away several officers.

‘Some policemen came, but they didn’t seal our headquarters. They raided our Oke-Fia base and the Ife Central Command. They also arrested about 20 of our operatives. The policemen said it was in connection with the Akinlalu incident, but we don’t know where they took them,’ Idowu stated.

Efforts to reach Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, for confirmation were unsuccessful as his phone lines were unreachable at press time.

The arrests come days after the alleged assassination attempt on the Osun State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Mr. Isaac Omoyele. According to Amotekun officials, Omoyele was attacked by gunmen along Ikirun Road in Osogbo on Monday night.

Omoyele said he narrowly escaped after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle around 10:05 p.m., riddling it with bullets. The attack was reported at the Ota-Efun Police Division.

Ojelabi, however, said the police had yet to begin an investigation, insisting that Omoyele must provide his bullet-riddled vehicle and other evidence before an inquiry could commence.

The latest development follows the Akinlalu incident, where Amotekun operatives were accused of killing three residents – Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo – during a raid on the community. Others injured in the attack were identified as Adeagbo Kadijat (22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (60), and Fayomi Toheeb (19).

Although Amotekun authorities admitted their operatives killed three people, they claimed it happened during a gun battle with hoodlums who had earlier seized two rifles from their officers.

Following public outrage, the Deputy Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Oyewusi, led a delegation to the Alakinla of Akinlalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, assuring the community that justice would be served.

‘We appeal to the youths to remain calm and allow the investigation to take its course. The state government and the police have already begun an inquiry, and justice will be delivered,’ he said.

The Federal Government said on Wednesday that it has commenced the final phase of negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions threatening to go on strike over their unmet demands.

Dr Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday.

Alausa who spoke during a meeting of the Technical Working Group on Conditions of Service of ASUU expressed optimism that outstanding issues would soon be resolved to prevent further industrial action.

He said the group was finalising a counter-offer to be presented to the unions through the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Negotiations Committee.

According to him, the committee’s work aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that all efforts must be made to keep Nigerian students in school and avoid disruptions to the academic calendar.

‘The President has made it clear that our children must remain in school. The technical working group is working to finalise a component of the condition of service that has to be proposed. They are working to finalise a counter-offer to them.

‘Hopefully by the end of today, or latest tomorrow, the Allied General United Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expected Negotiations Committee will receive that counter-offer to ASUU.’

The minister noted that about 80 per cent of the unions’ demands were similar across tertiary institutions, with the remaining 20 per cent reflecting sector-specific concerns.

He said that the committee, inaugurated earlier in the week, had begun intensive deliberations to fast-track agreement and implementation timelines.

He added that this present administration had made significant progress already with the payment of the Earned Academic Allowance of ?50 billion released by Tinubu.

‘In addition, N150 billion was included in the 2025 budget for needs assessment, and this will be released in three tranches, with the first N50 billion ready.

‘They (lecturers) deserve to be paid so much and our academic and non-academic staff. But then, we can’t give you everything you want at the same time.

‘But it’s the gesture, our benevolence, commitment to at least get substantial benefits and financial reward to you.

‘This government is doing other things to improve your welfare. At this point, we’ve addressed several of the issues that we’ve brought up,’ he said.

Alausa also confirmed that promotion arrears and other outstanding allowances, including teaching and wage awards, had been addressed, while all remaining areas would be cleared by 2026.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to mutual respect and sustainable solutions, he appealed to academic and non-academic unions to exercise patience and avoid strikes as a first resort.

‘We have resolved a lot of these issues. But we know the final part is the condition of service. We will resolve that as well.

‘So we are pleading with the unions, both academic and non-academic and tertiary institutions to be patient. This government is sincere and we are truthful.

‘We have shown you this over the last 24 months plus, that the administration of President Bola Tinubu came on board. So please bear with us and be patient,’ Alausa said.

He added that, for the first time, the Solicitor General of the Federation and officials of the Ministry of Justice were directly involved in the negotiation process.

This move he said was aimed at ensuring legal soundness and enforce-ability of all agreements reached.

ASUU had last week’S Monday announced that it would shut down all the public universities in the country to press home its demands.

The union said it would first herald a two-week warning strike before embarking on a total and indefinite strike over alleged failure of federal government to meet its demands.

Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a public warning against an online investment company known as AfriquantumX, which it says is not registered or authorized to operate within the country’s capital market.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Commission revealed that AfriquantumX has been promoting itself as a platform trading cryptocurrency and stocks, luring unsuspecting Nigerians through social media and online forums.

However, investigations by the SEC suggest that the firm’s operations bear signs of a Ponzi scheme, warning that those who invest in the platform do so at their own risk.

‘AfriquantumX is NOT REGISTERED by the Commission either to solicit investments from the public or operate in any capacity within the Nigerian capital market,’ the SEC stated.

The regulator further cautioned that dealing with unregistered and unregulated entities exposes investors to serious financial risks, including fraud and loss of funds.

It urged the public to always verify the registration status of any company offering investment opportunities via its official website, www.sec.gov.ng/cmos

, before engaging in any financial transaction.

The SEC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting investors and ensuring transparency within Nigeria’s capital market.

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has revealed that despite openly expressing his interest in becoming the next Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), no one has reached out to him or requested his curriculum vitae.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Wednesday, Abati noted that the tenure of the current INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, who was first appointed in 2015, has officially ended after serving two terms.

He emphasized that the focus should now shift to the future of the electoral body and the appointment of a competent successor, rather than basing the decision on regional considerations.

‘I said previously on this program that some people believe it’s now the turn of the Southwest, that the next INEC chairman should come from there.

But I maintain that it should be about competence – about who is the best person for the job,’ Abati stated.

He explained that his earlier declaration of interest was partly humorous but also a reflection of his belief that he could make a difference if given the opportunity.

‘I even proposed myself as a possible chairman of INEC and said I would do a good job because we need to get elections right in this country. But apparently, nobody has asked for my CV since that time. That’s Nigeria. But if they give me the job, I will do it,’ he said.

Abati’s remarks have sparked renewed discussion on the process of selecting the INEC Chairman, with many stakeholders emphasizing the need for transparency and merit in appointing the next leader of Nigeria’s electoral body.

In a commanding display on Wednesday, Ghana delivered a brutal 5-0 thrashing of the Central African Republic (CAR) in their latest 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, taking a major step toward clinching the Group I top spot.

The match, held at the Stade d’Honneur in Morocco, saw the Black Stars dominate from the start, capsulizing their superiority in all phases of play.

They broke the deadlock in the 20th minute via Mohammed Salisu, who powered home a header off a Mohammed Kudus corner. From there, the floodgates opened.

Just after the break, Thomas Partey pushed the lead to 2-0 with a composed finish. Minutes later, Alexander Djiku headed in Ghana’s third. A clinical strike from Jordan Ayew followed, and Kamaldeen Sulemana sealed the emphatic victory with his first senior international goal in the 87th minute.

This emphatic result keeps Ghana firmly atop Group I, now three points clear of Madagascar, with a far superior goal difference and only one match remaining. A draw in their final fixture will suffice to confirm their place at the 2026 World Cup.

Coach Otto Addo’s side showed tactical discipline, fluid movement, and ruthless finishing. Meanwhile, CAR struggled to contain Ghana’s attacking waves and offered little in response.

Ghana will next return home to face Comoros in Accra to cap off their qualification campaign. If they maintain their form, the Black Stars are poised to return to football’s grandest stage.

The bid by Anambra governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for a second term got a boost on Tuesday with his endorsement by non-indigenes living in the state.

The mammoth crowd of non-indigenes from all the geopolitical zones of the country converged on the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka, the state capital, to endorse Soludo’s re-election bid in the November 8, 2025, governorship poll.

The spokesperson of the organisers of the event held on the aegis ‘Patriots’, Chief Damian Enekwechi, said the decision to endorse the Soludo’s administration was because it has performed well.

According to him, the non-indigenes decided decided to endorse the governor’s second-term bid so that the state would attain the Dubai-Silicon Valley status of the administration’s dream.

Speaking at the event, Soludo said he appreciated the outpouring of sentiments expressed by various tribes and pledges of support for actualisation of his second term ambition.

‘I appreciate your support for us to go for a second term. I do not take this for granted,’ the Governor said while reiterating his believe in one Nigeria while revealing that as an undergraduate, he was a coordinator of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the 1983 election.

He said the motto of NPN was ‘One Nation, One Destiny’.

‘God didn’t make a mistake in putting us together as people of the same country with the potential to be the leaders of the black race. So, wherever we find ourselves, we should accept each other and work the talk,’ he said.

According to him, ‘I’ve been in public service at the national level and I am now in Anambra State and we live out the same principles.

I don’t care where you come from. Some of my best friends are Muslims from the North. The best two drivers I ever had were from the North. Two of them are from Kogi and it didn’t matter to me where they came from.

‘Some of my finest friends were not of the same religion as I. They are not Igbo, not Christians. That is why in Anambra, we have one state, one agenda. We don’t have boundaries. Religion, location and local government are not our concern. Once you live in Anambra, you are of Anambra. I thank all of you for being good citizens of Nigeria,’ Soludo said.