Category: PM News

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old man suspected to be a member and informant of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over alleged terrorism and extortion in Ihiala Local Government Area.

The suspect is accused of anchoring a major extortion ring that imposes illegal levies on traders and families in the Isseke and Orsumoghu communities.

Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga said in a statement on Thursday that the arrest was carried out on Oct. 1 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. ‘Preliminary investigations reveal the suspect was collecting ?10,000 and above from each trader monthly, and up to ?100,000 from families organising burial ceremonies in the area,’ Ikenga said.

He added that the proceeds were allegedly funnelled to a terrorist camp commander.

The IPOB suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.

Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the officers involved and reiterated the command’s resolve to dismantle all criminal networks linked to insurgent groups. ‘This arrest is part of our broader strategy to flush out elements who exploit residents under the guise of agitation,’ Orutugu said.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed scores of terrorists, apprehended 25 suspects, and rescued 16 kidnap victims in a series of coordinated offensives across theatres of operation.

A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operations also led to the recovery of weapons, explosives, ammunition, petroleum products, motorcycles, and assorted illicit drugs.

In the North East, the source said troops dealt decisive blows to ISWAP/JAS elements in Kolori and Karumi communities of Konduga Local Government Area (LGA) in Borno State, and Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. According to the source, a key logistics supplier was intercepted in Mafa LGA with 23 cans of petrol concealed in a bag.

‘In Mubi North, soldiers foiled the smuggling of petrol and fertilisers, while in Garkida, a suspected terrorist confessed to involvement in previous attacks in Damboa.

Recovered items included one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, and 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition,’ he said.

In the North West, the source said troops of 1 Brigade repelled multiple terrorist attacks in Maradun, Tsafe, and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State. He added that six kidnapped victims were rescued, and several motorcycles were seized.

A notorious kidnap kingpin was also arrested in Mayir Village, Sanga LGA of Kaduna State, following precise intelligence.

In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised a violent extremist in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, while 10 abducted passengers were rescued along the Kyado-Wukari road. In Kwara State, soldiers freed three kidnap victims near Eruku town, recovering a motorcycle.

In Nasarawa State, troops intercepted a vehicle loaded with drugs and arrested two suspects, including the consignee.

In the South East, troops arrested two cultists at Mgbidi, Imo State, recovering a pistol, phones, and a motorcycle.

They also disrupted IPOB/ESN activities in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State, where the criminals fled after detonating three improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In the South South, security forces recovered two locally made double-barrel guns and 27 cartridges.

‘In joint operations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), troops arrested 19 drug dealers in Delta and Bayelsa states, recovering cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and ‘Canadian loud’.

Additionally, in Rivers and Bayelsa, troops seized over 1,200 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and crude oil, while four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State.’

Across the operations, troops recovered one M70AB2 rifle, four magazines, 150 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, two double-barrel guns, 27 cartridges, one pistol, several motorcycles, large consignments of petrol and fertilisers, IEDs, mobile phones and assorted illicit drugs.

The source reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal groups nationwide.

‘Those who threaten the peace and security of the country will face devastating consequences, while communities will continue to enjoy protection to enable farming, economic recovery, and the Federal Government’s food security agenda,’ the source said.

Akwa Ibom governor, Umo Eno, has dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state. This was announced by Mr Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government in a statement on Thursday in Uyo, the state capital.

Uwah said Eno commended members of the dissolved boards for their contributions to the governance of Akwa Ibom state.

The SSG said Eno acted in accordance with the powers conferred on him by Section 6 of the Statutory Boards (Special Provisions) Law, 2023. He further said that the dissolution was with immediate effect, adding,’the governor wishes members of the dissolved boards and commissions well in their future endeavours’

‘The governor commends them for the roles they have played towards achieving the promises contained in the ARISE Agenda,’ he said.

Uwah urged the chairmen of the defunct bodies to handover government property in their possession to the most senior officer in the establishment.(NAN)

In a dramatic turn during the ongoing Big Brother Naija Season 10, housemate Faith Adewale has been abruptly disqualified from the competition following a physical confrontation with fellow contestant Sultana, marking one of the show’s most contentious evictions to date.

The official announcement came directly from the show’s organizers, stating: ‘For engaging in physical violence with Sultana over a disagreement, Faith has been disqualified from the competition and is to leave the house immediately.’

The incident, which unfolded earlier today inside the iconic house, violated the show’s strict zero-tolerance policy on physical aggression, as outlined in Section 15, Subsection 1 of the rulebook, which mandates immediate removal for such offenses.

Eyewitness accounts from live feeds and fan discussions suggest the clash escalated from a heated verbal disagreement over household chores, culminating in Faith allegedly shoving or dragging a bucket toward Sultana, leading to physical contact.

While exact details remain under wraps pending a full review, the altercation has ignited a firestorm of debate among viewers, with many questioning the fairness of the ruling. Big Brother Naija, a flagship reality TV franchise produced by M-Net and MultiChoice, has long been a cultural phenomenon in Nigeria and across Africa, drawing millions of viewers each season for its mix of drama, alliances, and unfiltered human interactions.

Season 10, themed around high-stakes competitions and interpersonal dynamics, had already narrowed down to a top 10 lineup that included Faith, Sultana, Dede, Imisi, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Koyin, and Mensan-making Faith’s exit a pivotal blow to the remaining field.

Fan reactions poured in swiftly on social media, reflecting a polarized response. Some praised Sultana’s composure during the incident, with one viewer noting, ‘Sultana needs to be applauded for her level of emotional intelligence. Many ladies will break Faith’s head after the fall and have both of them disqualified. I rate her patience .’

Others decried perceived inconsistencies in enforcement, pointing to prior unreported or lightly punished incidents like Sultana allegedly tampering with another housemate’s belongings and Zita receiving only strikes for a similar assault.

This disqualification echoes past controversies in the show’s history, such as the 2019 eviction of Tuoyo for infidelity allegations and the 2020 strike against Lucy for abusive language-reminders that Big Brother’s rules prioritize a safe environment amid the high-pressure confines of the house.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday stormed Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of government’s resolve to crush banditry and restore peace, days after armed men massacred security volunteers in the community.

The Governor, accompanied by top security commanders and senior government officials, met with local leaders to calm nerves and assure them that combined forces of the state, Federal Government, and security agencies were working round the clock to protect lives and property. Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday stormed Oke-Ode in Ifelodun Local Government Area to reassure residents of government’s resolve to crush banditry and restore peace, days after armed men massacred security volunteers in the community.

The Governor, accompanied by top security commanders and senior government officials, met with local leaders to calm nerves and assure them that combined forces of the state, Federal Government, and security agencies were working round the clock to protect lives and property.

Police have listed arrest of two notorious members of robbery gang and recovery of assorted illicit drugs and intoxicants valued at N42.9m among their achievements in Kano in recent times.

The two members of notorious gang of armed robbers identified as Nura Sani (20) of Zango town, Bauchi State, and Ibrahim Lawan (35) of Katsina State are now divulging more information to detectives on their mode of operation to the police, spokesperson for Kano Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said in a statement.

According to the statement, the uspects were apprehended following a daring robbery incident on September 14, 2025, at Tokarawa Quarters, Kano where they made away with a Mercedes Benz GLK valued at N26,500,000, along with phones and other valuables.

In a related operation, the Kano state Police Command operatives, in Jalli Village, Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, recovered 540 packets of suspected Pregabalin capsules valued at N40,500,000.

Moreso, on September 30, 2025, a Surveillance team intercepted two suspects, Alhaji Isyaku Babayo of Kofar Mazugal and Mohammed Ahmed of Dorayi Babba, at the Trailer Park in Dangauro. Each bag contained 350 bottles, totaling 2,450 bottles, with an estimated market value of ?2,450,000.

The Kano state Police Command spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, hinted that: ‘In the spirit of inter-agency collaboration, the Command has handed over the recovered cases, including suspects and over N120,000,000 worth of suspected Tramadol, Pregabalin, and Cannabis Sativa to the NDLEA, Kano Command, for further investigation.’

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in the operations.

He said efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest other suspects at large and recover all stolen items.

Bakori further appreciated the unwavering support and cooperation of the public and reiterated the Command’s commitment to working together to build a safer and more secure Kano State.

The Police on Thursday arraigned a 40-year-old man, Abiodun Femi, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing property valued at N2.1 million.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a charge of stealing. The Prosecutor, Insp. Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant and others at large allegedly committed the offence on Sept. 22 about 12:30 a.m at Omolayo Standard Press on Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti. He alleged that the defendant and others burgled the company and stole a platform scale valued at N1.5 million, counter scale valued N160,000 and four scoop valued at N40,000. Other items allegedly stolen are four chairs valued at N400,000, four rugs valued at N180,000 and iron stool worth N40,000, all valued N2.1 million, belonging to Omolayo Standard Press.

Oriyomi said that the offence contravened Section 302 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him. Counsel to the defendant, Mr. Gboyega Abiola, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail. The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000 with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case until Oct. 23 for hearing.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has shared his thoughts on this season’s title race, naming Arsenal as the club best positioned to lift the trophy in May 2026.

Given, who enjoyed a long career in England’s top flight and also represented Manchester City, believes that while Liverpool and City will remain in contention, it is Arsenal who currently boast the most complete squad.

‘This season feels like a genuine three-horse race,’ Given told Ladbrokes.

‘Liverpool are top right now, Arsenal are right on their heels, and Manchester Citydespite being five points off are never a team you can rule out.

I know City are down in seventh at the moment, but with the players at Pep Guardiola’s disposal, they can quickly close the gap.’

Liverpool are currently leading the league table, holding a slender two-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal. Jrgen Klopp’s side have been praised for their intensity and consistency, though they, like Arsenal, have already suffered one or two setbacks this campaign.

Manchester City, meanwhile, find themselves unusually placed outside the top four but still very much in the picture. Given highlighted Arsenal’s growth under Mikel Arteta, stressing the Gunners’ depth, balance, and hunger to finally end their two-decade wait for a league crown.

‘If I sit back and look at every squad in the cold light of day, Arsenal appear to be the strongest right now,’ he continued.

‘They’ve built a group with quality in every position-defensively solid, creative in midfield, and dangerous up front. For me, they’re the team to beat this season.’

However, the former Republic of Ireland international was quick to remind fans that Manchester City’s pedigree cannot be dismissed so early in the campaign.

‘City have won the league in tough circumstances before.

They thrive under pressure and have players who can change games in an instant. While Arsenal and Liverpool are flying high, you can never rule out City.

Come the business end of the season, I expect them to be right in the mix,’ he added.

As things stand, the Premier League race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.

With Liverpool setting the early pace, Arsenal growing in confidence, and City lurking in the background, football fans could be in for a thrilling battle for the title that may go right down to the wire.

The United States has denied entry to an Iranian delegation scheduled to attend the World Cup draw later this year.

According to Iranian Football Federation (FFI) spokesperson Amir-Mehdi Alawi, those affected include FFI President Mehdi Taj, national team Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei, and seven other officials.

The delegation was expected to be present for the draw, which is scheduled to take place on December 5 in Washington.

The FFI is now seeking FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s intervention to overturn the decision within the next two weeks.

The U.S. entry ban, first introduced under former President Donald Trump, has long been a point of contention between the two countries. Observers fear that while players and coaching staff may not face major restrictions, officials, sports journalists, and fans could be significantly affected.

The FFI has expressed hope that Iran’s matches will at least be hosted in Canada or Mexico if difficulties persist with U.S. visas.

Iran and the U.S. have not maintained diplomatic relations for more than 45 years, and the two nations remain political rivals.

Despite this, nearly two million Iranians live in the United States, and family visitsthough often complicated had previously been possible. The current restrictions, however, have also disrupted such reunions.

Sports experts warn that if the situation is not resolved, it could undermine Iran’s full participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government of Osun, have threatened to drag Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi to court of he sis n to retract his recent allegation against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi within 21 days.

The traditional rulers gave the ultimatum in a communique issued at the end of their meeting and read by Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Oladepo, on Thursday in Edunabon. The Oluwo had in a viral video posted on his official Facebook page, accused the Ooni of plotting to assassinate him by allegedly ‘packaging’ his ex-wife against him.

The traditional rulers described Oba Akanbi’s comments as an insult and disrespect to the Ooni of Ife.

According to them, Oluwo’s action is bringing the throne of the Obas in Yorubaland to disrepute and ridicule.

The traditional rulers expressed surprise that Oluwo, who’s the descendant of Luwo Gbagida, the 24th Ooni of Ife, could ‘behave irrationally’ to the Ooni. The Obas challenged Oluwo to petition the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun for investigation or sue Ooni to proof the allegation.

The traditional rulers, however, threatened to drag Oba Akanbi to court if he failed to take either of the two steps to proof his allegation against the Ooni.

The traditional rulers lamented that Oba Akanbi previously had issues with his fellow Obas in Iwo axis such as the Olu of Ile-Igbo, Olowu of Kuta, Olu of Songbe, and Agbowu of Ogbaagba.

They recalled that Oluwo’s alleged attack on Agbowu of Ogbaagba led to the Oba’s sustaining injury and hospitalised.

According to them, this action led to Oluwo’s six-month suspension from the meeting of the council traditional rulers in the state.

Other traditional rulers attended that attended the meeting were Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi, Alasipa of Asipa; Oba Meshach Oyediran, Olulamokun of Yakooyo; and Oba OluwaBusola Oloyede, Alakinlalu of Akinlalu.