Category: PM News

The Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) resumed operations on Wednesday, after weeks of rigorous safety inspections, staff training, and operational checks by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The first train departed from Idu Station in Abuja, made its regular stop at Kubwa, and successfully arrived at Rigasa Station in Kaduna.

A return journey was also completed the same day, signaling the full restoration of services along the corridor. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, joined passengers on the inaugural trip to demonstrate confidence in the system and reassure commuters of improved safety and reliability.

Speaking after arrival in Kaduna, Dr. Opeifa expressed gratitude to God for the successful restart and emphasised the strategic importance of rail transport in strengthening national unity and driving development. He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its significant investments in rail infrastructure and pledged to modernise NRC operations.

He announced plans to complete ongoing projects, rehabilitate serviceable rolling stock, expand routes, and enhance customer experience through the newly established Customer Service Department.

On security, Dr. Opeifa assured travellers that both visible security personnel and discreet safety measures have been deployed to protect passengers, staff, and assets.

Reaffirming his vision, the NRC boss said the corporation is determined to become a world-class passenger-friendly rail service provider, capable of contributing to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth through modern, safe, and efficient rail systems.

Pan-African game development studio, Maliyo Games, is once again in the global spotlight as Apple Inc. prepares to feature some of its flagship titles as part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations.

The showcase underscores Maliyo’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s most influential creative technology companies.

Among the titles to be highlighted on the App Store are Safari City, Crazy Ludo, Whot King, and Secret Letter. Each game reflects African artistry and storytelling, combining familiar play mechanics with themes rooted in music, art, and everyday experiences across the continent.

‘This recognition from Apple, coming just months after our feature by Google, is another powerful validation of our vision,’ said Hugo Obi, Founder of Maliyo Games.

‘We are proving that African stories and creativity belong on the global stage, while inspiring the next generation of developers across the continent,’ Obi added.

Earlier this year, Maliyo was profiled in Google Play’s #WeArePlay campaign – a global film series spotlighting developers who are shaping the future of gaming. The feature chronicled Obi’s journey from Lagos to the world, emphasising not only the studio’s expanding catalogue but also its pioneering training initiative, GameUp Africa. ‘Through this feature, millions of players and industry leaders are discovering how Maliyo is blending African creativity with mobile-first accessibility, and how programmes like GameUp Africa are ensuring that African titles are designed for Africans, by Africans, and for the world,’ Obi explained.

Now in its fifth year, GameUp Africa has reached over 6,000 aspiring developers across more than 20 countries, offering training in programming, game art, and audio design.

According to Obi, its graduates are already contributing to major projects and launching independent studios. ‘Behind every global spotlight is a growing ecosystem of African talent,’ he said.

Maliyo’s recent milestones also include Apple’s Africa Day App Store Feature and partnerships such as the Disney-backed Iwájú: Rising Chef project, further positioning the studio as a cultural ambassador for African creativity in gaming.

Looking ahead, the company will host MaliyoCON 2025, its first-ever developer-led gaming conference, in Lagos this December. The event will bring together creators, investors, policymakers, and innovators to explore the future of Africa’s gaming industry, unlock opportunities in mobile entertainment, and showcase homegrown talent on a global stage.

Two councillors, representing Gidan Gona and Tsibiri wards in Maradun local government areas of Zamfara and an Imam have been abducted by yet to be identified gunmen, the police have confirmed.

The two Councillors and an Imam were abducted in Tsauni community, Gusau, the state capital on Wednesday night, spokesperson for Zamfara Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar confirmed to journalists through the telephone .

Abubakar said the victims were abducted in front of their houses in Tsauni area at about 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, shortly after prayers.

Tsauni community is located behind the Federal Road Safety, Zamfara Sector command headquarters in Gusau.

The community had hosted internally Displaced persons affected by armed banditry from different communities.

Abubakar, however, said the command had deployed its men to the area and efforts are ongoing to rescue the three victims. The PPRO urged the residents to assist the police with relevant information in good time to curtail such incidents.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Maradun local government, Sanusi Gamagiwa corroborated the PPRO’s information via telephone.

He said the suspected bandits had initially abducted six persons.

‘They later released three persons and left with the two councillors and the Imam of the area.

‘So far, they have yet to contact anyone of us to know their demands,’ the chairman said.

The monarch and Chairman of Kwande Local Government, Chief Engr. Timothy Ahile (Ter Kwande) has asked that the Nigerian army troops in the Local government area be withdrawn.

This demand, came shortly after mourners were slaughtered in Jato-Aka. The monarch paid a visit to the area, to witness the tragedy and condemn the killings.

He regarded the act as unprofessional, while requesting that the soldiers deployed to the area be withdrawn. ‘I have reported this ugly development to both Tor Tiv and Tor Kwande. The Nigerian Army, who have turned against us over the years, must leave,’ he stated.

The monarch also requested that the soldiers be relaced with police officers.

Hon. Mrs. Iortsor, also addressed the residents, urging them to remain calm and maintain peace and order while they wait for the result of the legal process.

A recently intercepted container 277 cartons of drugs with more than 100,000 tablets falsely labeled as diclofenac but filled with anti-malaria drugs were among the unwholesome, substandard, falsified, and expired products worth N15 billion destroyed by NAFDAC at Moniya dumpsite in Ibadan, Oyo State on Wednesday.

The suspect linked to the shipment of the false diclofenac had been arrested and would face legal prosecution to serve as a deterrent to other illegal drug importers and distributors, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye said during the destruction of the unwholesome products.

Represented by Dr Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, she said the the action aimed to eliminate the risk of such dangerous products re-entering the Nigerian market and harming public health. The NAFDAC boss added that explained that the destroyed items included counterfeit, expired, controlled, unregistered, and banned medicines and medical products.

She said other destroyed products included Analgin, Co-codamol, codeine-containing cough syrups, Tramadol, Oxytocin, and various expired vaccines, all of which posed significant health risks if consumed or circulated.

She revealed that the estimated street value of the destroyed products was more than N15 billion, underscoring the scale and seriousness of illegal pharmaceutical operations in Nigeria. ‘NAFDAC also discovered and confiscated a wide range of illegally manufactured cosmetics and packaging materials during a raid on a military barracks in Lagos, she further disclosed. Some of the destroyed items, she said, were seized during recent nationwide raids targeting black-market drug sellers, counterfeiters, and unlicensed medicine dealers operating without regulation or oversight.

Adeyeye urged community leaders, health professionals, religious figures, and journalists to educate the public on the dangers of patronising unlicensed drug sellers and unregistered pharmaceutical outlets.

She called for public participation in the fight against substandard products, urging Nigerians to report suspicious drug activities to help protect lives and strengthen the nation’s regulatory system.

According to her, public vigilance and collaboration remain crucial in ensuring that fake, dangerous, and illegal health products are kept off the streets and out of Nigerian homes.

She expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for handing more than 25 seized 40-foot containers of prohibited products, including Tramadol, Artesunate injections, and frozen poultry.

‘These prohibited products are part of what we are destroying today, and their removal marks another victory in the battle against violative and harmful substances,’ she said.

She also acknowledged the strong support from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, DSS, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and other stakeholders for their efforts in supporting NAFDAC’s mission.

Reports from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights suggest Bashar al-Assad has been hospitalised in Moscow following an alleged poisoning attempt.

Daily Mail report claims Assad was released from hospital on Monday, with his condition described as stable.

Assad, 60, who was granted asylum in Russia after being ousted in Syria nearly a year ago, has not been seen in public since arriving. Only his brother Maher has been permitted to visit him amid heightened security. The motive behind the alleged attack is unclear, but it is believed to have been orchestrated to damage Russia’s diplomatic interests and implicate Moscow. The Russian government has yet to comment.

Syria’s new authorities have demanded Assad’s extradition, but Russia has refused. There are no confirmed reports of his condition being critical, although unverified reports previously indicated he felt unwell before his hospitalisation.

There is no independent confirmation of the poisoning at this stage. Further updates are awaited.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives have arrested 92 fraud suspects in Benin City, the Edo State Capital.

The anti-graft agency said this in a social media post.

The post said, ‘Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 92 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo State.

‘They were arrested in a sting operation on Monday, September 29, 2025 at various locations within Benin City, Edo State.

‘Their arrest was based on credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in computer related crimes. All the lawful procedures of arrest were followed in the course of the arrest

‘Upon their arrest, 11 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them.

‘Preliminary investigations by the Commission linked the suspects with various forms of internet-related fraud. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.’

Tragedy struck the social media as 21-year-old Jennifer Nicole Rivas, a rising TV presenter and TikTok star, passed away unexpectedly.

Rivas, a journalism student, worked as a presenter on Honduran channel CHTV and had amassed a strong online following, with 100,000 TikTok followers and 16,000 Instagram fans.

She was also a popular comedy actress, collaborating with the group Los Venados 504.

The young media personality reportedly suffered a suspected epileptic seizure at her home in Tegucigalpa. Authorities confirmed she had an underlying medical condition and stated her death was from natural causes, with no autopsy conducted.

Just hours before her passing, Rivas shared a photo on what appeared to be a pickleball court with the caption: ‘Getting ready.’

The Lagos State Government has rolled out activities for the 2025 Public Service Week, reaffirming its resolve to leverage technology in shaping a smarter, agile, and globally competitive public workforce.

At a press briefing on Thursday at the Public Service Office, Alausa, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro, said this year’s celebration would not only honour the contributions of public servants but also spotlight the administration’s drive for digital transformation.

‘The event is projected to appreciate and celebrate our ever-dedicated and committed Public Servants for their numerous contributions and efforts towards the attainment of good governance and efficient service delivery,’ Agoro stated. He added that the theme, ‘Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service,’ underscored the government’s resolve to harness technology as a tool for transparency, efficiency, and enhanced citizen engagement.

‘You will quite agree with me that technology plays a very crucial role in today’s business world,’ he noted.

‘Therefore, embracing this development to enhance service delivery, promote innovation, and build a responsive Public Service is very important,’ he added.

Agoro credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading a digital transformation agenda that has prioritised investments in infrastructure and capacity development. According to him, ‘Lagos State has prioritised digital transformation, investing in digital infrastructure and capacity development to ensure our Public Service remains globally competitive. This commitment has enabled us to streamline processes, improve data-driven decision-making and enhance citizen engagement.’ Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Office, Sunkanmi Oyegbola (left) with the Head of Service, Bode Agoro during the briefing

On the government’s commitment to workforce development, he stressed: ‘Our investment in digital training for Public Servants shall continue in order to ensure they remain relevant in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. We will also continue to leverage technology to enhance citizens’ participation in governance and getting the required feedbacks to improve service delivery.’

The week-long celebration will commence on Friday, October 3, with health screenings for civil servants at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium and a special Jumat Service at the Alausa Secretariat Mosque. On Saturday, October 4, a Walk-for-Fitness will take place in Ikeja, while an interdenominational thanksgiving service will follow at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, on Sunday, October 5. The following day, October 6, donations from ministries, private organisations and individuals will be presented to orphanages and charity homes, alongside continued health screenings for public servants.

On Tuesday, October 7, officers who have served Lagos State for over 30 years will be honoured during the Long Service Merit Award Ceremony. Wednesday, October 8, will feature a public lecture on the theme of the celebration as well as recognition of outstanding officers. The Variety Show, tagged ‘Alausa Goes White,’ will hold on Thursday, October 9, where public servants are expected to appear in white attire while showcasing their talents in the seventh edition of the Alausa’s Got Talent series. The celebration will climax with a luncheon with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during which recipients of the Outstanding Officers Award will have the opportunity to meet the governor.

Agoro praised the dedication of civil servants, describing them as ‘crucial to driving national development and addressing complex challenges confronting the nation.’

He closed with a note of appreciation to the sponsors and partners who supported the event, saying: ‘Let me conclude my address by sending our special appreciation to all our sponsors, corporate partners and individuals who have supported this event with various gift items and donations, while I also solicit further support and cooperation of all Public Servants in making this celebration memorable.’

An Abuja woman identified as Ene Queen Bamaiyi has been arraigned for allegedly fraudulently converting the sum of N124 million out of N240 million entrusted to her by one Bright Okubo for foreign exchange conversion to her personal use.

Bamayi was arraigned before Justice A.A. Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja, on a one-count charge of criminal breach of trust to the tune of N240, 500,000 (Two Hundred and Forty Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) by the EFCC.

The charge reads: ‘That you, Ene Queen Bamayi (female), sometime in May 2024 in Abuja within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, while being entrusted with the sum of N240,500,000.00 (Two Hundred and Forty Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira) by one Bright Okubo for conversion at dollar equivalent, did dishonestly convert N124,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty-Four Million Naira) out of the said sum to your personal use in violation of the purpose for which the money was entrusted with you, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Code.’

She pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charge, following which the prosecution counsel, Joshua Saidi requested a trial date and informed the court of his intention to invite five witnesses to prove the case. However, the defence counsel, M.A. Attah, SAN, prayed the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition and on liberal terms, citing her status as a single mother of a two-year-old child.

Justice Halilu, after considering the submissions, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N30 million with two reliable sureties in like sum, who are not below Grade Level 14 in the civil service.

The Judge further ordered that the defendant deposited her passport with the EFCC and be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre, pending the fulfilment of her bail conditions.

The case was adjourned till December 2 and 3, 2025 for trial.