Category: PM News

Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in a joint operation with the Nigeria Police, have rescued six kidnapped victims, including a baby, during a daring early morning mission in Taraba State.

The rescue, carried out under the ongoing Operation Lafiya Nakowa, took place on October 2, 2025, following the abduction of passengers traveling from Katsina-Ala in Benue State.

According to military sources, suspected kidnappers had intercepted a Toyota Carina II vehicle and forced it to a halt near an abandoned checkpoint before whisking the passengers into the bush.

Acting on a swift intelligence tip-off, troops and police personnel immediately launched a search-and-rescue operation, combing the surrounding area. Their coordinated effort led to the safe recovery of all six victims – the driver and five passengers.

Those rescued include:

Mr. Terna Gbaya (43), Mr. Musa Adamu (55), Mrs. Rose Sor (35), Mrs. Lydia Vyiashima (40), Mrs. Comfort Iyofar (60), and a baby.

The victims have since been reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers and free any other possible captives.

Commander of the 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, praised the professionalism and quick response of the troops and police officers involved in the operation.

‘Their synergy and timely intervention ensured the safe rescue of the victims without casualties,’ he said.

General Uwa reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to maintaining security and public safety across Taraba State, urging residents to continue sharing credible information with security agencies to aid ongoing operations.

‘The public’s cooperation remains crucial to our success,’ he added.

The latest rescue marks another significant win for Operation Lafiya Nakowa, which has intensified clearance missions to root out criminal elements and restore peace in Taraba and its surrounding areas.

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike to ‘urgently disclose the spending details of the estimated N14trn fuel subsidy savings they collected from FAAC allocations, including details and locations of projects executed with the money, and the implementation status and completion reports, if any, on the projects.’

SERAP urged them to ‘provide details of the plans on how subsequent fuel subsidy savings they expect to collect from FAAC allocations, including details of any planned projects on which the money would be spent.’

SERAP also urged them to ‘publicly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track and monitor the spending of the fuel subsidy savings collected by you, to ensure that the money is not diverted into private pockets.’

The 36 governors and the FCT minister have reportedly collected trillions of naira from FAAC allocations as fuel subsidy savings since mid-2023. But the increased allocations have not translated into improved access to basic public services, such as quality healthcare and education for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

In the Freedom of Information requests dated 4 October 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘There is a legitimate public interest for governors and the FCT minister to urgently explain how they have spent the money they have so far collected from the subsidy savings.’

SERAP said, ‘The savings from the removal of fuel subsidy ought to be spent solely for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal. Transparency in the spending of the money would help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on these Nigerians.’

The FoI requests, read in part: ‘There is a significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds linked to the increased FAAC allocations collected by the states and FCT.

‘The spending details of the money collected by several states and the FCT from fuel subsidy savings have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.

‘Millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians have not benefited from the trillions of naira collected by the governors and FCT minister from as a result of the subsidy savings. Nigerians continue to face a worsening poverty crisis.

‘Several states including your state are also reportedly spending public funds which may include fuel subsidy savings to fund unnecessary travels, buy exotic and bulletproof cars and generally fund the lavish lifestyles of politicians.

‘There are continuing reports of widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services in several states.

‘Opacity in the spending of fuel subsidy savings collected by you would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest. Transparency would ensure that public funds are not diverted into private pockets.

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your state and the FCT to comply with our request in the public interest.

‘Disclosing the details of the spending of the money collected by your state as fuel savings would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them, and to hold you to account on the spending of public funds.

‘The states and FCT may have failed to transparently and accountably manage the allocations collected from the subsidy savings.

‘Nigerians have the right to know how their states and FCT are spending the savings from the removal of fuel subsidy as part of their human right to information.’

The global business community is abuzz with excitement as Yourtimepays International Company Limited announces its much-anticipated Re-Launch, scheduled for 25th October 2025.

A Roadmap to the Grand Re-Launch

In preparation for the big day, the company has rolled out a series of activities:

– Official Press Release/Statement – 3rd and 4th October 2025.

– Products Auction at the Cheapest Prices Ever – from 15th October 2025, leveraging its participation at the prestigious Canton Fair in China.

– Adverts on Company Platforms Open for Booking – since 1st October 2025, creating opportunities for businesses and individuals to maximize visibility.

The Grand Re-Launch will culminate on 25th October 2025, when the company unveils its digital platforms to the world, alongside the opening of global business offices and the rollout of its enhanced service delivery systems.

Expansion Beyond Borders

As part of its diversification strategy, Yourtimepays International Company Limited has also announced the opening of its VIP Restaurant Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria on 29th November 2025. This flagship restaurant will serve as a premium hospitality hub while doubling as a social empowerment initiative, directly employing over 10,000 Nigerians and creating ripple effects across related industries.

The expansion is backed by strong partnerships and the support of foreign investors, whose confidence in Nigeria’s growing economy underscores the country’s attractiveness as a hub for investment. The management emphasized that these collaborations would ensure long-term sustainability while fostering technology-driven business solutions for global markets.

Partnership with Nigeria’s Growth Agenda

In a show of goodwill, the company extended profound gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its giant strides in creating an enabling environment for business and foreign investment. The leadership praised the government’s social investment programs targeted at empowering Nigerians, describing them as foundational pillars that align perfectly with Yourtimepays’ vision of social empowerment.

‘We recognize the Federal Government’s commitment to making Nigeria a destination for investors, and we stand ready to complement this vision by creating more jobs, building innovative platforms, and contributing meaningfully to national growth,’ the statement read.

CEO’s Commitment

In his remarks during his press conference on Saturday 4th October 2025 in Abuja, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Kerry Kenu Sholaye, pledged his unwavering commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the company’s operations and its long-term impact.

‘Yourtimepays International Company Limited is not just relaunching; we are redefining business with a human face. Our promise is sustainability – to our investors, to our partners, and above all, to the communities we serve,’ Sholaye affirmed.

He further assured stakeholders that the company remains open to non-investment partnerships, collaborations, and ventures that promote mutual growth.

Looking Ahead

With its bold vision, strategic partnerships, and strong alignment with Nigeria’s development agenda, Yourtimepays International Company Limited is positioning itself not only as a business leader but also as a catalyst for social change.

As the world looks forward to the October 25th re-launch, the message from Yourtimepays is clear: ‘The Future of Social Empowerment is here.’

Ike Turner Jr., the son of legendary musicians Tina Turner and Ike Turner, has died at the age of 67.

According to reports by TMZ, Ike Jr. passed away on Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital from kidney failure. Family sources revealed that he had battled severe heart problems for years and had recently suffered a stroke in early September.

Born in 1958 to Ike Turner Sr. and Lorraine Taylor, Ike Jr. was adopted by Tina Turner during her marriage to Ike Sr. and grew up surrounded by the couple’s whirlwind music career.

Following his parents’ split, Ike Jr. briefly worked as Tina’s sound engineer before moving away from the spotlight.

He was one of four children tied to Tina and Ike’s storied union – a family that defined an era of rhythm and blues music.

Ike Turner Sr. died in 2007, while the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ Tina Turner, passed away in 2023.

Ike Turner Jr. was 67.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kebbi Branch, has directed its members to refrain from travelling to nine local government areas identified as kidnapping hotspots in the state.

The Chairman of the branch, Alhaji Aminu Hassan, issued the directive in a statement released in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

Hassan said the affected areas include Bagudo, Suru, Kamba in Dandi, Bunza, Kangiwa in Arewa, Dirin Daji in Sakaba, Ribah, Kanya, and Augie Local Government Areas.

He explained that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the association held on Saturday to deliberate on the abduction of one of its members, Mr Isyaku Muhammad-Danjuma, on Wednesday.

The association said he was abducted along the Ibeto-Birnin Kebbi route in Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.

According to Hassan, the association condemned the abduction and expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity across the country.

He said the branch resolved that all its members should boycott court proceedings from 7 to 10 October in protest against the kidnapping of their colleague and to draw attention to the worsening security situation.

‘Upon the expiration of the boycott period, members are also urged to suspend handling terrorism-related cases, including those involving kidnapping, abduction, armed robbery, or unlawful possession of firearms, until further notice,’ Hassan said.

The chairman added that the association would engage relevant authorities to ensure the safe release of the abducted lawyer.

He called on the government and security agencies to take urgent steps to restore peace and public confidence.

Hassan added that the branch would work with the judiciary to provide alternative venues for court cases to minimise travel to unsafe locations.

He commended the members of the Bar, the judiciary, the media, and other Nigerians for their solidarity and urged them to remain united in the pursuit of justice and peace.

Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has applauded the position taken by Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, that his town’s culture does not favour the ‘Iyaloja’ structure.

CHRICED commended Ewuare for what it called ‘his bold and principled rejection of the imposition of the alien ‘Iyaloja’ structure on Edo State’s markets. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the defence of indigenous governance and democratic accountability in Nigeria.’

The group said this in a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, and sent to PMNEWS on Sunday in Lagos.

It condemned the proposal championed by Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo seeking to install Pastor Josephine Ivbazebule as Iyaloja of all Edo markets.

According to the group, such an attempt was ‘to transplant a Lagos-Yoruba-rooted title into the sacred commercial spaces of the Benin Kingdom, disregarding centuries of tradition and spiritual order.’

He described the Oba’s response as courageous and culturally grounded.

‘Oba Ewuare II’s response was clear, courageous, and culturally grounded. He reaffirmed that Benin markets are governed by the Iyeki-leaders chosen by traders and confirmed by the palace.

‘These figures are not mere administrators; they are custodians of sacred shrines and emissaries of the Oba’s spiritual authority. Unlike the centralized Iyaloja-General system prevalent in the South-West, particularly in Lagos, the Benin model is decentralized, rooted in communal consensus and spiritual stewardship.

‘To undermine this system is to desecrate the very identity of the Benin people,’ the statement said.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fought hard to become Nigeria’s leader, in spite of his affirmation that getting the position was his turn at a time.

Mohammed made the remarks at an award dinner at Nigeria House in New York to celebrate Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary and the Independence Day Parade and Carnival.

The UN Deputy Secretary General also said she has not heard Tinubu complain about the challenges he inherited from his predecessor when he assumed office as president.

According to the UN deputy chief, Tinubu ‘fought hard to get to that seat’, even though he said ‘it was his turn’.

‘But he also told us that he wasn’t going to complain about what he got. I have not heard him complain.

‘People around him complain about what he inherited but he doesn’t,’ she said.

Mohammed also said so far, Tinubu ‘is the president of Nigeria. It is God that put him on that seat.

‘It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to get behind him and do the best we can for Nigeria. Except you’re trying to tell me that God made a mistake.’

She congratulated Nigeria and Nigerians on the 65th independence anniversary, saying that the future is bright for the country.

‘We are a work in progress and we are 65 years old as a country.

‘However, unless you are part of building a nation, no one else is going to do it for you.

‘It doesn’t matter whether you are in the country or outside the country,’ she said.

Mohammed called for concerted efforts to build the country and not pull it down, saying, ‘if we get into the pull- down syndrome, then who else is going to pull us up?

‘What else are we telling our children? What else are we telling people that we want as our partners?

‘If we are the first people to say that we’re no good, we’re not good enough, and I hope that we just stop doing that.

‘This is because Nigerians are the hardest working, most ambitious, and proud people.’

She recounted the great work that she and other African women have done at the UN and other international organisations to uplift humanity.

The former Nigerian Minister of Environment, advised Nigerians in the diaspora to go back home, not only as visitors but as stakeholders that would spend quality time in the country and as investors.

Mohammed, who completes a two-term tenure of eight years as deputy to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres by December 31, 2025, said she looked forward to returning home to contribute to Africa’s development.

‘I hope that all of you will pray for my safe return home again next year, because there are things to do at home.

‘There are things to do on the continent, and we have to go back, and we have to shape that,’ she said.

Mohammed called for youth mentorship and empowerment, saying they made up of 70 per cent of the nation’s population and have energy and vision.

She said ‘intergenerational dialogue must happen’ and ‘we have to listen to them’ adding, ‘let’s make sure that we’re pushing them further’.

She said the older generation must give the youth a chance by ‘standing beside them because because we have the wisdom and the experience’.

She particularly called for the empowerment of women by giving them opportunities to contribute to peace and development.

According to her, Nigeria can realise its potential faster with women given more opportunities.

‘And that means that Nigeria is flying on half a wing. We have an eagle. It’s only got one wing, and the other wing has to be lifted for us to fly higher.

‘So women count. They count not just because of the numbers, but because of using the value of professional women, or women at home, or rural women or women or women in politics.

‘Let’s not lose the other half because without it, we will not stand. We will not fly by itself.’

The UN deputy chief commended the federal government on the introduction of Chinese language into Nigeria’s school curriculum, saying Chinese is a language of trade and China is a huge trading country with the world.

Puerto Rican rapper and producer, Bad Bunny, has reacted to the backlash he received over him being announced as the headliner for 2026 Super Bowl.

The rapper, while performing on SNL, joked about the reactions and backlash he got, stating that he is happy about the announcement.

Bad Bunny also added that the achievements of Latinos is something that cannot be erased or taken away. he also jokingly advised people to familiarise themselves with the language.

‘I think everybody’s happy about it – even Fox News. More than just my achievement, it’s everyone’s achievement, proving that no one can ever erase or take away (Latinos’) mark and our contribution to this country,’ he said.

Eight more bodies have been found after the boat accident that happened last Tuesday in Ibaji, Kogi State.

The Executive Secretary of the Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Muktar Atima, confirmed the recovery and said the search operation was still ongoing.

Earlier, the state government had said that at least 26 people died in the tragedy. The accident happened around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a boat carrying mostly traders from Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State to Ilushi Market in Edo State capsized.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, released a statement on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo, expressing deep sadness over the incident.

The statement read:

‘The Government and people of Kogi State are deeply saddened by the boat accident that claimed the lives of several passengers travelling from Ibaji to Ilushi Market in Edo State.

‘This is a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families and the people of Ibaji Local Government Area.

‘The Governor has directed relevant agencies, including SEMA, to support and provide relief to the victims’ families. He also assured that the government will work with federal authorities to improve safety on our waterways and prevent such tragedies in the future.

‘We urge people in riverine areas to avoid overloading boats and always wear life jackets when travelling by water.’

The state has been mourning since the tragedy, which reportedly claimed about 32 lives. Some residents said the accident occurred on the River Niger, between Onugwa Village in Kogi and Ilushi in Edo State.

According to SEMA, 80 passengers were on board, and 68 were rescued. Search and rescue operations were still ongoing as of press time.

Reports also revealed that one family in Onugwa lost eight members in the accident.

The incident has again raised concerns about safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways.

In August, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) began strict enforcement of life jacket use for all water travellers.

The agency launched its ‘No Life Jacket, No Boarding’ campaign to promote safety on the waterways.

NIWA has also recruited officers to patrol major rivers and ensure that boats do not operate at night.

Last year, two boat operators, Alhaji Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana, were charged in court after a boat accident that killed 19 people on the Niger River. They faced charges of negligence and failure to follow safety rules.

The authority continues to warn boat operators against overloading, drug use, and using poorly maintained boats.

Governor Ahmed Ododo has promised that his administration will support all federal efforts to make waterways safer.

Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, also expressed sadness over the tragedy.

He urged boat operators to always follow safety guidelines and called on the government to fix roads in Ibaji to make transportation safer and easier.

The incident serves as a reminder that while government agencies are improving safety, passengers must also take responsibility by following all safety rules when travelling on water.

Mr President, your intervention is urgently needed to halt what appears to be an orchestrated attempt by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to cancel legally binding cargo survey (CS) contracts still valid until 2029.

It cannot be swept aside as mere internal reorganisation when, in fact, this move carries the hallmarks of economic sabotage that will erode government revenue, dent investor confidence, and undermine port efficiency.

It is no secret that the performance of the current CS companies is a major factor behind the uptick in port revenues in recent years, revenues the NPA now uses in its projection of ?1.28 trillion for 2025 after generating ?894.86 billion in 2024. These CS firms have digitised their operations, enabling better monitoring, quicker turnaround times, transparency in billing and verification, and reduced leakage. These innovations strengthen the NPA’s bottom line and strengthen Nigeria’s standing in maritime trade.

Yet, the NPA did not invite any of these firms to discuss performance gaps; did not issue any notice of default; and did not present any documented evidence that the contractors were found wanting before initiating the cancellation drive. The abrupt termination push was imposed without dialogue.

At a time when Nigeria needs a strong revenue front to combat fiscal deficits, external debt, currency pressure, inflation, and security challenges, the NPA’s scheme will instead weaken the very institutions meant to raise those revenues and send a dangerous signal to investors.

I respectfully call on you, Mr President, to direct the Managing Director of the NPA to cease this cancellation scheme immediately and to adhere strictly to due process. I also urge you to direct the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to resist being railroaded by the NPA leadership, to uphold procurement laws, and to ensure that any move to cancel or re-tender these contracts is done transparently and in full compliance with the Public Procurement Act.

Your administration must make it clear that government agencies will not be permitted to renege on agreements. Consistency and respect for contracts must become watchwords, for potential domestic and foreign investors are watching, and will be discouraged if binding agreements are broken at will.

It would be a shame to see revenue growth reversed or litigations initiated over failed manoeuvres attributable to executive overreach instead of reasoned policy. As someone who is committed to Nigeria’s maritime integrity, I appeal to you to restore the rule of law at the NPA before this crisis worsens.

Abegunde, convener of the Maritime Integrity Movement, writes from Lagos.