Category: PM News

Contrary to speculations in the media, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) committee set up to assess the health status of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has not concluded its work

Consequently, the NMA team is seeking for for more time to complete the report, the Department of State Services (DSS)’s lawyer, Suraj Sa’ada, SAN, told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday

Sa’ada informed that the medical panel was yet to conclude its assignment.

He said the panel planned to do a thorough job and should be given adequate time.

He suggested that the committee be given another one week to enable it conclude its task.

Kanu’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, did not object to the one week adjournment sought by Sa’ada, and Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until Oct. 16.

The judge had, in a ruling on Sept. 26, ordered the NMA President to among others, constitute a team of medical experts to examine Kanu and ascertain whether or not he is still fit to undergo his on going terrorism trial.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will this week debate a motion seeking urgent medical intervention for the detained IPOB leader, according to a statement by the Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker, on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu, issued on Tuesday.

The decision according to Orizu followed an intervention during Tuesday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu.

Kalu has reacted to a point of order raised on the subject matter by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Rep. Obi Aguocha.

Aguocha had raised a point of order, (order 6 rule 2 on matters of privilege) during the plenary.

He stated that he was yet to get a response to the letter he wrote to House Leadership and FG for urgent medical intervention for Nnamdi Kanu whose health is reportedly deteriorating.

The Speaker, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, urged Aguocha to step it down and present the matter properly another legislative day, as he came under the wrong House rules.

Corroborating, the Deputy Speaker while noting that the subject matter presented is important, assured the

Speaker that the motion will be presented properly before the house in the course of the week.

‘Mr Speaker, I’m also from Abia State. On the issue that is being raised by my colleague, we will present it before the house properly in the course of the week.

‘We will come properly before the house so that proper hearing will be given to it. I beg that you will give us the audience maybe tomorrow or next tomorrow,’ Kalu said.

Responding, Speaker Abbas said, ‘No problem, it’s just the procedure that I was challenging not the substance of the issue. We will be willing and ready to give you all the time to present.’

Nigerian singer Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr. P has urged Nigerians to go after what they want without fear of being perceived in a certain way.

The singer on his X page, stated that wealthy people seize opportunities and stay rich. Peter then urged Nigerians to chase opportunities without shame.

Peter further explained that success lies at the other side of shame, emphasising the need to be shameless.

‘Ever seen a rich man with shame? Never. Shame keeps the broke broke. The rich don’t care how they look, chasing opportunity; they just go for it. Everything you dream of sits on the far side of shame. Be shameless and go get it. On tour at the moment shamelessly shaming my shame,’ he said.

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Lagos State High Court premises on Tuesday when a lawyer, Mr. Obinna Okereke, Principal Partner of High Refuge Attorneys, allegedly assaulted a judicial officer, Mrs Temilola Ossai, after hitting her with his vehicle.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred near the court entrance when Okereke, who was driving an champagne gold-coloured Toyota Sienna bus, reportedly struck Mrs Ossai, a staff of the Lagos State Judiciary, by the roadside.

Sources said the victim, who was on her way to the courthouse, approached the lawyer to demand an apology for the minor collision. Instead of apologizing, Okereke allegedly became aggressive, verbally insulted her, and then descended on her with several blows to the face.

The impact of the assault reportedly caused blood to gush from Mrs Ossai’s nose and mouth, prompting alarm among onlookers.

Passersby and court users quickly intervened to prevent further attack before security personnel attached to the Lagos State Judiciary arrived and arrested the lawyer at the scene.

An eyewitness who preferred anonymity said, ‘The lady only asked him to say sorry after he hit her with the car. But he suddenly flared up, shouting at her, and before we knew it, he punched her severally in the face. It was terrible – blood started coming out of her nose and mouth.’

The incident disrupted normal court activities as concerned staff and security officers gathered at the scene.

Reports indicate that the Chief Registrar of the Lagos State Judiciary has directed that a formal complaint be lodged against Mr. Okereke at the Area F Command of the Nigeria Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

As of press time, efforts to reach Mr. Okereke for his comment were unsuccessful, while Mrs Ossai was said to have received first aid treatment following the assault.

The Lagos State Judiciary has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

England captain Harry Kane could miss Thursday’s international friendly against Wales after sitting out training due to an ankle injury.

The Bayern Munich striker picked up the knock during his side’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday but still joined up with the Three Lions camp earlier in the week.

Speaking after the match, Kane had downplayed the injury, saying, ‘I am recovering at the moment – I took a knock. A few days and then I should be fine, so no problem for the national team.’

However, the 32-year-old, who holds England’s all-time scoring record with 74 goals, trained indoors on Wednesday alongside uncapped Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah, while the rest of the squad practiced at St George’s Park.

Kane has been in blistering form for Bayern, netting 18 goals in 10 matches this season.

If he fails to recover in time, manager Gareth Southgate may turn to Ollie Watkins, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, or Anthony Gordon to lead the attack.

England will host Wales at a sold-out Wembley Stadium before heading to Latvia for a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The Three Lions currently top Group K, seven points ahead of Albania, with qualification for the 2026 World Cup firmly within reach after winning all five of their qualifiers so far.

The Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has advised President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to avoid the distraction of market women politics and focus on the work they were elected to do for Nigerians and Edo people.

His advise followed the controversy that trailed the inauguration of Pastor Josephine Ivbaguezejele as Iyeki by the daughter of President Tinubu, Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, on October 2, 2025 at the Edo State Government House.

The monarch in a statement on Tuesday by the Benin Traditional Council, BTC, noted that the Palace had for some time observed that markets have become a veritable tool in the hands of partisan politicians and unscrupulous individuals to express themselves for their personal benefit.

He opined that the practice of using associations in negative ways in the market has also contributed immensely to the rise in prices of foodstuffs, thereby impacting negatively the efforts of Mr. President to bring food prices down.

‘This situation has persisted since even long before the present administration. While the Palace takes a deem view of such an alien concept of ‘IYALOJA’ being introduced into the market system of Edo culture, it is also pertinent to point out that the Palace has serious reservations about the tendency of market women allowing themselves to be used as political pawns in the political field under the aegis of market associations in Edo State.

‘The Palace has received numerous complaints that the practice of using associations in negative ways in the markets has also contributed immensely to the rise in prices of foodstuffs thereby seriously impacting the efforts of Mr. President to bring food prices down.

‘While the Palace maintains its position that the IYALOJA concept is alien to the culture of Benin, the Palace also frowns at the use of trade associations to run open markets and to play partisan politics.

‘These twin factors are antithetical and inimical to the essence of our market tradition in Benin culture,’ he said.

Oba Ewuare further appealed to market women and the politicians behind them to eschew dragging the sanctity of the name of the ‘OBA into their partisan political affairs.

‘We hear comments such as the ‘Oba’s word is final’ in this IYALOJA saga, but did the market women respect and observed this in the previous administrations when they allowed themselves to be used as political pawns?

While stating that there is nothing like Iyeki General in Benin which the Iyaloja concept seems to imply, he stressed that in the Benin culture Iyeki emerged among the market women.

‘The Palace never chooses anybody as lyeki. It is the market women that do that. Every lyeki is independent of each other. Every lyeki is culturally, spiritually and, religiously tied to the Palace. There is a direct functional relationship between lyeki and the Palace.

‘Just as there is no honorary chieftaincy title in Benin culture, so also there is no honorary lyeki title in Benin culture.

‘Every lyeki has a spiritual function she performs for the Palace and for the well-being of the market’, he added.

He, however, advised that the function of lyeki should not be politicized, noting that any deviation from ‘this age-old cultural system’ may lead to a breach of the peace.

‘It behooves the Benin Traditional Council to advise the State Government to please take cognizance of this and avoid break down of law and order,’ he stated.

Group backs Oba of Benin on market leadership in Benin

Meanwhile, the Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI), has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, on his stance on market leadership in the kingdom.

In a statement by Mr Okpioba Idemudia on behalf of EACHI on Wednesday, in Benin, the group said it aligned itself with the position of the Oba that the Iye-Eki was the only recognised traditional head of the markets in the kingdom.

The group said it believed that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as markets traditional head.

Nollywood actress, Adunni Ade, has celebrated her triumph in a defamation lawsuit over an alleged affair with Senator Dino Melaye.

Adunni announced the victory on her Instagram page by praising the Nigerian Court of law. She empahsised the need for privacy for celebrities while stating that the story was a false report.

‘Won my case Adunni Ade vs. Polace.A false story was published about me, but truth stood tall. This judgment reaffirms that privacy matters – and so does integrity. Justice delayed isn’t justice denied. 2 cases won, a few more to go. You who is running up and down avoiding court papers, please stand still, so that you can be served,’ she wrote.

The lawsuit was filed two years ago after Adunni was named among the six popular Nigerian celebrities that had an affair with Senator Dino Melaye.

American rapper Kiari Cephus, famously known as Offset, has broken silence on the cheating allegations against his former partner, Cardi B.

While speaking with Keke Palmer, Offset denied the allegations that he was romantically involved with fellow rapper Saweetie.

He claimed that the rumors just went out of hand and were untrue.

‘That whole Saweetie thing was just weird,’ he said.

He also spoke about his separation from Cardi B, admitting that his infidelity cost him his marriage.

‘I messed up, and it cost me my marriage,’ he confessed.

Offset, however, revealed that despite his mistakes, he is working towards becoming a better man. He expressed that he is still healing from the death of his cousin and colleague, Takeoff.

‘I’m focused on becoming a better man now,’ he said.

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.