Category: PM News

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has demanded a written retraction, public apology, and the sum of ?100 billion as compensation from Hon. Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, also known as Iyierioba Chikamnayo, over what he described as a series of defamatory publications on Facebook.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, and signed by his counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN) of Deeplaw Associates, Governor Otti said the publications were ‘defamatory and malicious.’

The governor accused Chikamnayo of consistently making ‘unjustified and malicious online defamatory statements’ against him on his Facebook account titled Iyierioba Chikamnayo. ‘Sabbath Message’ (September 13, 2025)

‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = looting governor!’ (August 15, 2025).

Ajala stressed that the governor’s identity was unmistakable, noting:

‘Our client is the only Governor and Chief Executive of a State within the 36 States of Nigeria who bears the name Alex Chioma Otti. Thus, no effort is required by members of the public to link your spiteful, false, and defamatory attacks to him, whether by direct name-calling or through caricature, pun, simile, metaphor, onomatopoeia, or metonymy.’ The senior advocate defended Otti’s reputation, describing him as a man of ‘unimpeachable integrity,’ highlighting his distinguished career in the banking sector where he rose to become Managing Director/Chief Executive of Diamond Bank Plc before transitioning into politics.

The letter also noted that Otti became aware of the publications on September 29, 2025, while in Abuja for the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on the state’s Attorney-General. At that time, his attention was drawn to what was described as ‘a cocktail of disparaging publications calculated to instigate public hatred against him.’

Ajala stated that the governor ‘unequivocally denies in their entirety the malicious defamatory materials published online,’ insisting that Otti ‘has no criminal indictment or conviction by any court of law,’ and therefore the posts amounted to ‘blatant falsehood.’

The counsel further argued that the publications inflicted ‘unquantifiable mental torture, depression, denigration, and a brutal destruction of his reputation built over decades,’ leaving Otti ‘utterly disfigured and diminished in the eyes of right-thinking members of society.’

Governor Otti’s demands include:

A written retraction of all defamatory posts to be published both on the same Facebook wall and in four national newspapers.

A written apology published on the same platforms.

Payment of ?100 billion as compensation for reputational damage.

An undertaking to desist from any further defamatory publications.

Ajala concluded the letter with a stern warning:

‘Take very careful notice that should you fail, refuse, and/or ignore to comply with our demands within seven (7) days of receiving this letter, we shall, without further recourse to you, seek legal redress and pursue appropriate remedies for your malicious online libel against our client.’

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Kano state government and other global health Partners, have launched an integrated vaccination campaign, targeting over 7.8 million children with vaccination for measles-Rubella and polio.

This was revealed during a Media Dialogue held in Kano. The vaccination exercise slated to hold between October 6 and 16, 2025 is designed to be the largest of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.

The targeted 7.8 million children to be vaccinated against measles-Rubella are within the age brackets of 9-14 years.

However, about 3.9 million under-five age children are to be vaccinated against polio.

The routine immunizations will also include hepatitis and HPV vaccines, as well as treatments for neglected tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis. Speaking at a media dialogue in Kano, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, described the campaign as ‘a comprehensive health package designed to protect children and communities from life-threatening diseases.

Representing the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Maryam H. Umar called on journalists to play a pivotal role in public sensitization: She said: ‘Our message is clear-we depend on you, the media, to share accurate information on the benefits of vaccination and to guide parents and caregivers on where to access these free, safe, and effective vaccines.’

Rahama Rihood M. Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, said the objective of the Media Dialogue was for the partners to share information with participants on the upcoming integrated Measles-Rubella Polio Vaccination Campaign.

He said: ‘Our gathering here today highlights the crucial role the media plays in our collaboration to ensure the well-being of children. It is important to highlight that the upcoming integrated campaign is planned and implemented collaboratively by partners including, the Federal Ministry of Health; the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency; WHO; Gavi; the Gates Foundation, Civil Society Organization, UNICEF and the Kano State Government.

‘Nigeria has planned to implement Measles-Rubella (MR) campaign integrated with Polio in all 36 states in two phases starting from 6th October 2025 till 16th February 2026.

‘Kano State falls under Phase One of the Campaign which will be implemented in 21 states in two streams. The phase 1, stream 1, holds from 6th October to 17th October 2025.’

According to him: ‘This year, between August and September, Kano State implemented two In- between Round Activities (IBRA) targeting 354,173 children under five years of age in 3,223 settlements from 125 wards across 44 LGAs achieving 82% and 98% coverage respectively by E Tally data.’

Farah further stated that the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency with the support of UNICEF has allocated 3,347 teams, provided 4.6 million doses of Novel Oral Polio Vaccines (nOPV2) and 4.5 million doses of (bOPV) targeting 3.9 million children under five years age in the state for the October polio vaccination campaign.

‘A total of 7.8 million children from 9 months to 14 years of age will be vaccinated with Measles-Rubella vaccines in Kano state. The campaign will be implemented using a fixed, temporary post and sweep teams strategy.

Each Measles-Rubella team comprises 11 team members having two members in every sweep team for polio vaccination,’ he added.

The campaign, backed by the National Primary Health Care Management Agency , WHO, Gavi, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, civil society organizations, and the Kano State Government, has been equipped with 4.6 million doses of the novel oral polio vaccine (nOPV2) and 4.5 million doses of the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV).

Our Correspondent reports that the Kano campaign is part of a broader national plan to immunize 106 million children across Nigeria in two phases, with Kano leading the first phase.

The Wuse Zone 6 Neighbourhood Residents Association in Abuja on Thursday called on President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders to help halt the ongoing clearing of green areas for new construction,

The Protesting residents march to the Department of Development Control on Thursday.

They noted that the development has become a grave health and environmental challenge.

The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, said that the Abuja Master Plan deliberately preserved green areas to protect underground utility corridors and spaces for recreation.

He said residents were concerned because many of the reserved sites were now being fenced, cleared and built upon in defiance of planning regulations, putting the entire community in danger.

‘We urge the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Development Control Authority to urgently intervene. ‘ The Abuja Master Plan must be enforced to protect both the environment and critical underground infrastructure.

‘Almost all the designated areas in Wuse Zone 6 have been sold and cleared for new construction, sparking fears of looming environmental and infrastructural disasters for residents.

‘The most disturbing of these sites include the Julius Berger Park by Berger Junction, behind the police barracks.

‘ This has already been built up as a housing estate by the Nigeria Police Force Cooperative Society.

‘Gilmore Gardens on Rabat Street is being prepared for the construction of a housing estate.

‘ The garden on Tunis-Bissau Junction, which is being converted into a club and other facilities with very strong structures, is noteworthy,’ he said.

Soaga explained that the areas now under development were not just ordinary open spaces, but lying on underground sewage and water pipelines.

He said the ongoing construction in Wuse Zone 6 could turn one of Abuja’s most planned neighbourhoods into a hotbed of flooding, pollution and infrastructure failure.

‘Already, residents of Wuse Zone 6 are facing the environmental menace of burst water pipes, blocked sewer lines and water and environmental contamination.

‘ There is hardly any street that is not having sewer line bleeding onto the streets, making them very smelly and unsightly.

‘The outbreak of gastrointestinal and other waterborne diseases of huge proportions is a disaster waiting to happen in the neighbourhood.

‘ These challenges have been associated with the built-up estate on former Julius Berger Park in the area,’ he said.

He also said the loss of green spaces would worsen flooding, increase heat and reduce air quality in the neighbourhood. Soaga, a retired broadcaster, said trees and open spaces that once absorbed rainwater and filtered air were being replaced with concrete and steel, leaving residents vulnerable.

The chairman said that with more buildings springing up in Zone 6 outside the scope of the original master plan of the city, roads, drainage systems and power supply were also expected to come under strain from overuse.

Also speaking, Mr Ernest Frank, one of the members of the association, said he had lived in Zone 6 since 1985, adding that basic infrastructure was already overstretched.

‘Zone 6 is overtly chocked and we are bleeding.

‘ This is a very quiet protest to halt the bleeding so that our sewer lines that are under this particular place, flowing all the way to Zone 7, are not blocked.

‘We are pleading with the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike; we are also asking President Bola Tinubu to please intervene,’ he said.

The Youth Leader of Zone 6, Mr Emmanuel Adamu, said residents were gravely concerned with the conversion of green areas to estates.

‘All of a sudden, these lands are now being converted into a housing project.

‘The traffic situation is not too good and it is going to get worse with more houses.

‘ Again, where are the kids going to play?

‘We want the FCT minister to intervene because we know he’s a performing minister and he listens.

‘ We want our president, Bola Tinubu, to intervene and bring a halt to this development.

‘ Let the green areas remain green,’he said.

Another resident, Hamza Madaki-Tayyub, said members of the association were taken aback when trees were being felled in the area.

‘We were so disturbed and annoyed; we didn’t even know what to do.

‘ We began to make contacts, and then we had meetings several times. We were very concerned.

‘Some of us who are members of professional bodies reached out to them.

‘ The Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) has come out and made their position known,’ he said.

He urged NITP to rise up to the occasion to protect the environment and fight for the sanctity of the master plan.

Responding, the Head of Administration, Development Control, Oche Obe, promised to relay the complaints of the protesters to the Director of Department of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima.

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.’