Category: PM News

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Dr Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters – House of Representatives. He replaces Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, who resigned to contest for an elective post in his home state.

Olanrewaju-Smart is an accomplished scholar and public policy expert. He holds a PhD in Educational Management from Lead City University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University. He is an Edward Mason Fellow in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. The forty-year-old policy expert was also a LEAPS Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and holds a professional diploma in Public Relations from the London School of Public Relations. He was a Policy Fellow at Quantum Alliance AI, USA, focusing on AI and Civic Tech.

His National Assembly career spans Research and Media Assistant to the Minority/Majority Leader, House of Representatives (7th-8th Assemblies), to Special Adviser, Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately the Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th and 10th Assemblies.

Olanrewaju-Smart later joined the Presidency in October 2023 as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Intergovernmental Affairs, a position he held until this new appointment. His public policy research portfolio includes work on several landmark legislations, such as the Interest-Free Student Loan Act, among others.

President Tinubu expressed his confidence in Olanrewaju-Smart, stating that he will use his experience, intellect, and commitment to strengthening legislative coordination and relations between the Presidency, MDAs and the House of Representatives.

This appointment is with immediate effect.

By Catherine Egwuom, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)

Rape remains one of the gravest violations of human rights. Beyond the physical injuries, survivors often endure psychological trauma, social isolation and prolonged legal battles.

Although Nigeria has strengthened its legal framework over the years, many stakeholders say implementation remains the greatest obstacle.

Some of the enacted laws prescribe life imprisonment for rape and guaranteeing broad protections for survivors.

Yet, delayed reporting, weak enforcement, inadequate forensic facilities, judicial delays and persistent stigma continue to deny many victims timely justice.

Nevertheless, the country’s legal framework comprises the Criminal Code Act, applicable in Southern Nigeria, the Penal Code Act, applicable in Northern Nigeria, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) (VAPP) Act, 2015.

The VAPP Act has general application and has been domesticated by laws in several states across Nigeria.

Under Section 357 of the Criminal Code Act, rape is defined as unlawful carnal knowledge of a woman or girl without her consent.

The law also covers situations where consent is obtained through force or, in the case of a married woman, by impersonating her husband.

Section 358 prescribes life imprisonment, with or without caning, for convicted offenders.

Attempted rape attracts 14 years imprisonment, with or without caning.

Similarly, Section 282 of the Penal Code defines rape as sexual intercourse with a woman against her will or without her consent.

It also applies where consent is obtained through fear of death, injury or impersonation of a lawful husband.

The law further protects girls below 14 years and persons of unsound mind, regardless of consent.

Sections 282 and 283 prescribe life imprisonment while making offenders liable to a fine.

The VAPP Act, 2015, expanded the legal definition of rape and strengthened penalties.

Section 1 defines rape as intentional penetration of another person’s vagina, anus or mouth with any body part or object without consent.

The Act also recognises consent obtained through force, threats, fraudulent misrepresentation, intoxicating substances or impersonation of a spouse.

Section 2 prescribes life imprisonment for rape, while offenders below 14 years face a maximum punishment of 14 years imprisonment.

Legal experts believe the legislation represents significant progress.

However, they insist effective enforcement remains the real test.

In his submission, Mr Chukwuemeka Dike, a Barrister and Tech, Privacy and Human Rights Advocate, described the VAPP Act as a major milestone.

Dike said the law strengthened justice for rape survivors while ensuring appropriate punishment for offenders.

He noted that, as of 2022, 34 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, had domesticated the VAPP Act.

According to him, delayed reporting remains one of the greatest challenges affecting prosecution.

He urged survivors to report immediately to the Police while seeking prompt medical examination.

Dike said early reporting preserves semen, photographs, crime scene evidence and instruments used during penetration.

He explained such evidence remains critical in establishing penetration during prosecution.

According to him, delayed reporting weakens cases before the Police and the Ministry of Justice.

Dike also identified inadequate enforcement mechanisms as another major challenge.

‘Successful rape prosecution depends heavily on medical and forensic evidence.

‘Many states still lack sexual assault centres, DNA laboratories and trained personnel capable of collecting evidence within 72 hours’, Dike said.

He attributed part of the problem to inadequate funding.

According to him, insufficient resources limit the Police’s ability to establish specialised gender units for rape investigations.

He added that existing units also require adequate funding for specialised training.

Judicial delays also continue to frustrate survivors.

Dike said Nigerian courts were overwhelmed with numerous pending cases.

He noted that the absence of specialised Gender-Based Violence courts contributes to repeated adjournments.

According to him, defence tactics often prolong proceedings and discourage survivors from pursuing justice.

He also identified proving lack of consent as another major burden for prosecutors.

Beyond legal hurdles, socio-cultural barriers also remain widespread.

Dike said many survivors feared stigma, public shame and even death, particularly in rural communities.

He observed that victim-blaming persists among enforcement agencies, families and communities.

According to him, survivors are sometimes questioned about their clothing instead of receiving justice.

He added that pressure from relatives, religious leaders and community leaders discourages reporting.

Influential suspects, he said, sometimes pressure victims into withdrawing complaints or persuade families not to report cases.

In spite of these challenges, Dike maintained that Nigerian law provided adequate punishment for rape offenders.

He described rape as a felony attracting life imprisonment because of its gravity.

According to him, Section 2 of the VAPP Act adequately addresses different categories of offenders.

He also highlighted extensive rights available to survivors.

According to him, survivors are entitled to medical, psychological, social and legal assistance.

They are also entitled to compensation, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes.

He said survivors had the right to vocational training, formal education and access to micro-credit facilities.

According to him, Sections 38 and 39 of the VAPP Act guarantee privacy and protection of survivors’ identities.

To strengthen justice delivery, Dike recommended in-camera hearings and video testimony.

He said such measures protect survivors from intimidation, particularly minors and victims confronting influential suspects.

He also advocated specialised Gender-Based Violence courts staffed by judges trained in trauma, consent and the VAPP Act.

According to him, courts should reject questions intended to stigmatise survivors.

He further recommended immediate police protection throughout investigations and trial.

Dike called for full domestication and implementation of the VAPP Act nationwide.

He urged harmonisation of state laws governing rape offences.

He advocated mandatory institutional reporting backed by sanctions for non-compliance.

He also recommended survivor protection through relocation, pseudonyms, identity protection and witness security.

According to him, governments should establish medical rape centres, forensic laboratories, digital case-tracking systems and free legal aid clinics.

The advocate also warned against harassment of rape survivors.

He said the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 prohibits cyberstalking and cyberbullying.

According to him, Section 24 prescribes up to three years imprisonment, a N7 million fine or both.

He added that Section 14 of the VAPP Act criminalises emotional, verbal and psychological abuse.

According to him, offenders are liable to one year imprisonment, a fine not exceeding N200,000 or both.

Dike further noted that the Child Rights Act provides additional protection for child survivors.

He said Sections 2, 3 and 41 to 44 prohibit sharing videos, sexualised comments, identifying information and victim-blaming content involving child survivors.

The law also prohibits coordinated online campaigns intended to intimidate child survivors.

Sharing similar sentiments, a human rights activist, Mr Shalom Olaseni, also believes social attitudes continue to silence survivors.

Olaseni, Chairman, United Global Resolve for Peace, said stigmatization prevents many victims from speaking out and accessing needed support.

He said survivors often remain silent because they feel ashamed, unworthy and fear rejection.

‘Communities should establish support systems where survivors can speak without fear of discrimination or judgment.

‘Interaction with others who have experienced similar situations helps emotional healing and confidence’,he said.

Olaseni urged government to ensure diligent prosecution of rape offenders.

He said failure to enforce existing laws encourages sexual violence.

According to him, rape attracts penalties ranging from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment.

He stressed that enforcement remains the responsibility of law enforcement agencies.

Olaseni also urged investigators to conduct thorough and impartial investigations.

He described rape cases as highly sensitive and warned against false accusations.

Deserving no less attention, parents also called for stronger action.

Mrs Rosemary Anokwute, a civil servant and mother of three, urged parents to believe children reporting rape or sexual abuse.

She said silence often protects offenders.

Anokwute urged immediate reporting to improve access to medical care and justice.

Mr Christian Nze, an engineer, said fear of stigma discourages many families from reporting sexual abuse.

He urged communities to support survivors instead of blaming them.

Nze also called for tougher penalties and swift prosecution to deter offenders.

Mrs Ngozi Eze, a businesswoman, urged parents to educate children on personal safety.

She encouraged children to speak freely whenever they feel threatened or uncomfortable.

Eze also urged schools to strengthen child protection policies and promptly report suspected abuse.

Mrs Faith Udo, a nurse, said survivors require compassion, counselling and medical attention.

She urged families to prioritise recovery instead of protecting perpetrators.

Mr Anthony Ikechukwu, an accountant, advised parents to closely monitor children’s behaviour.

He noted that sudden fear, withdrawal or anxiety could indicate sexual abuse.

All in all, stakeholders agree that Nigeria possesses strong rape laws, including prescribing stiff penalties, but justice remains elusive amid enforcement gaps.

However, they insist that effective enforcement, survivor protection, improved forensic capacity, speedy trials and an end to stigma remain essential if the promise of justice is to become reality

Troops of the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, have rescued two men who were abducted by suspected criminals in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The rescue followed a fighting patrol conducted in the early hours of Sunday after security operatives received intelligence on the movement of armed gangs around the Lande Jessi axis.

According to a statement posted on X by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, the operation was launched after reports that armed men attacked Tashan Musa and Barkindan Fulani communities, abducted two residents and carted away food supplies.

During the mission, soldiers located the captives, identified as Usman Mohammed and Usman Harusu, who were said to have spent about a week in the kidnappers’ custody before being freed.

The Commander of the 6 Brigade and Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Akaliro, praised the troops for their prompt action and professionalism during the operation.

He said the outcome reflected the military’s determination to ensure the safety of residents across Taraba State.

‘The successful rescue is a clear demonstration of the troops’ commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the state,’ Akaliro said.

The brigade commander added that the operation aligned with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to intensify the fight against criminal groups and restore peace nationwide.

He urged soldiers to remain focused and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

‘We must continue to maintain the tempo and ensure that criminal elements have no space to operate within our area of responsibility,’ he said.

Akaliro also assured residents that the Nigerian Army would continue to protect law-abiding citizens and appealed to members of the public to support security agencies by providing prompt and credible intelligence.

The two rescued men have since been reunited with their families, while troops continue security operations across vulnerable communities in the state.

The Delta State Police Command has explained why members of social media activist VeryDarkMan’s Ratel movement were taken to a police station while carrying out a sanitation exercise in Ibusa.

Members of the group had raised the alarm from inside the police station on Sunday morning, alleging that they were arrested while undertaking their normal monthly community sanitation.

‘They arrested us for cleaning Ibusa in Delta State,’ one of the members said.

Reacting to the incident, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said preliminary findings showed that the group’s intentions were genuine.

Edafe explained that the problem arose because the Ratel members entered a community where they were not known and began their activities without first informing the police or community leaders.

Residents who did not recognise the group subsequently contacted the police.

‘From findings, they were doing community service. However, when you want to do community service in a place you are not known, it’s important to consult the leaders and inform the authorities like the police or community heads about your organisation and intention,’ Edafe wrote on X.

‘The community didn’t recognise them, hence they invited the police.’

According to the police spokesperson, the Divisional Police Officer interviewed the Ratel members and confirmed that they were genuinely carrying out community service.

He said they were subsequently allowed to leave the station.

‘The DPO interviewed them and discovered their intentions were genuine, and they were allowed to go. Not everything should be turned to content, please,’ Edafe added.

The police explanation indicates that the Ratel members were taken in following concerns raised by residents rather than for cleaning the community.

No charges were announced against the group after the police established the purpose of the sanitation exercise.

The Ekiti State Government has reiterated its resolve to maintain a transparent and equitable tax system aimed at strengthening the state’s economy while encouraging business growth and voluntary compliance.

Chairman of the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS), Mr Olaniran Olatona, said in Ado Ekiti on Saturday that the state had adopted a sustainable revenue model that relied on taxpayers willingly meeting their obligations rather than coercive enforcement.

He praised residents for embracing voluntary tax payment, noting that the approach had helped improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue despite the suspension of enforcement measures such as roadblocks and the closure of business premises since July 2025.

According to Olatona, the state’s revenue performance has continued to improve as economic reforms introduced at both federal and state levels begin to yield positive results.

He disclosed that Ekiti generated N2.75 billion in Internally Generated Revenue in June 2026, compared with N2.06 billion recorded in the corresponding month of 2025, representing an increase of 33.2 per cent.

‘Collections have held a stable N2.74 billion plateau since April 2026,’ he said.

The EKIRS chairman attributed the improved performance to the agency’s increasing reliance on technology, including automated and digital tax collection systems that have expanded payment options, reduced leakages and brought more taxpayers into the formal system.

He also cited improvements in Pay-As-You-Earn collections and stronger compliance with withholding tax obligations.

He said, ‘EKIRS remains committed to building a fair and sustainable revenue system that supports economic growth while ensuring every taxpayer contributes an equitable share to the development of Ekiti State.’

Reaffirming the agency’s taxpayer-focused approach, Olatona stressed that the objective was to encourage compliance rather than penalise businesses.

‘Our responsibility is not to punish taxpayers but to ensure fairness. We are more interested in helping businesses grow because thriving businesses ultimately translate into sustainable revenue for government,’ he said.

He expressed optimism that the agency would exceed its internal monthly revenue target of more than N3 billion before the end of 2026 through wider taxpayer participation rather than higher tax rates.

According to him, ‘EKIRS’ objective is to widen the tax base by bringing more eligible taxpayers into the system, rather than raising tax rates or introducing new taxes. The Service will continue deploying technology and data intelligence to identify previously untaxed incomes, while complying with relevant data protection regulations.’

Olatona also disclosed that EKIRS was working with Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as local government councils to establish a central billing platform that would eliminate multiple taxation and make tax payments easier.

Addressing recent protests over alleged tax increases, he said taxpayers should have taken advantage of the legal provisions available for disputing tax assessments instead of resorting to demonstrations.

He clarified that the recently issued Notices of Assessment were simply notifications of tax liabilities for the 2024 and 2025 tax years and were not enforcement actions.

The EKIRS boss explained that the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, 2025 gives taxpayers the right to challenge assessments by filing written objections within 30 days of receiving a notice, while tax authorities are required to respond within 90 days.

He assured residents that the agency remained willing to review genuine complaints, particularly where taxpayers encountered procedural difficulties.

Olatona added that EKIRS had intensified public enlightenment campaigns through engagements with market associations, landlords’ groups, religious organisations and other stakeholders to improve tax awareness and encourage voluntary compliance.

He also advised market associations to engage tax professionals to assist members in understanding tax laws, resolving disputes and maintaining accurate financial records.

Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has said that his administration had begun the restructuring of the State College of Health and Technology Takum to a polytechnic to enable it qualify for Tertiary Education Trust Funds (TETFUND) intervention.

Kefas made the declaration on Saturday at the maiden Combined Convocation of graduates from 1995 to 2025 held in Takum local government area of the state.

Represented by Dr Mike Dio, the state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Kefas said that plans were under way to amend some of the laws establishing the college to be able to access TETFUND

He explained that as a monotechnic, the college was currently ineligible for the intervention under existing regulations, assuring that legal and institutional reforms were underway to change it from a monotechnic to a polytechnic.

The governor recalled that the Taraba College of Agriculture, Jalingo had undergone reform process from a monotechnic to a polytechnic and was thus qualified to access the fund.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening tertiary education through sustained investments in infrastructure, programme’s accreditation, staff development and expanded access to higher education.

Kefas described the convocation as a historic milestone, noting that it marked the fulfilment of a long-awaited aspiration for the institution and its alumni.

While congratulating the management, staff, parents and graduating students of the college, Kefas urged them to uphold integrity, humility and professionalism in their careers.

‘Our administration placed education at the centre of our development agenda because no society can build a resilient healthcare system, grow its economy or secure its future without investing in education,’ the governor said.

Kefas highlighted key interventions by his administration, including a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees across state-owned tertiary institutions, funding for programme accreditation, improved infrastructure, recruitment of additional personnel, enhanced institutional funding and the introduction of new academic programmes.

He said the interventions were part of a broader strategy to reposition tertiary education in the state and to produce graduates capable of competing nationally and internationally.

Earlier, Dr Wama Binga, the Provost of the College said the successes recorded by the institution were the product of collective efforts by management, staff and development partners.

Binga described the event as a landmark in the history of the institution, noting that it was the first convocation since the college was established more than three decades ago.

She praised Gov. Kefas for his administration’s investment in education, saying government interventions had transformed the college’s physical infrastructure, strengthened academic programmes and restored confidence in the institution.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the college, which was established in 1993 had graduated over 30 sets without convocation.

Bandits have abducted a Kebbi State High Court judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza, shortly after he returned home from a trip to Sokoto.

The gunmen stormed the judge’s residence along Zogirma Road in Bunza Local Government Area around midnight as Saturday turned into Sunday.

They reportedly fired several shots into the air before taking Justice Bunza away.

‘He had just returned from Sokoto when the gunmen stormed his residence and took him away,’ a source said.

No member of the judge’s household was injured during the attack.

The incident was immediately reported to security agencies and the leadership of the Kebbi State High Court.

According to Daily Trust, Police spokesperson SP Bashir Usman confirmed that Justice Bunza was abducted from his home around midnight.

‘I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight,’ Usman said.

He disclosed that Commissioner of Police Umar Muhammad Hadejia had deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to locate the abductors and rescue the judge.

Police teams were also reportedly searching identified locations and forest areas for Justice Bunza.

The All Progressives Congress has unveiled a 276-member National Campaign Council to coordinate its campaign for the Osun State governorship election slated for August 15, 2026.

A statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Secretary, Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, and published on the APC’s X handle, named the Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as chairman of the council.

The party also appointed Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Senate President Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as co-chairmen.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Kabir Masari, will serve as deputy chairman, while Deputy Senate President Senator Barau I. Jibrin has been named secretary of the council.

According to the statement, the campaign council draws its membership from across the party’s leadership structure, including governors, members of the National Working Committee, ministers, principal officers of the National Assembly, federal and state lawmakers, as well as other prominent stakeholders.

The statement said, ‘The Council comprises eminent party leaders, governors, members of the National Working Committee, principal officers of the National Assembly, ministers, federal and state legislators, and other key stakeholders drawn from across the country to drive the party’s campaign towards victory.’

To strengthen its election preparations, the APC also established a number of specialised subcommittees that will oversee critical aspects of the campaign.

These committees will handle election planning and management, finance and resource mobilisation, grassroots mobilisation, logistics, campaign coordination, monitoring and compliance, protocol, media and publicity, security, youth mobilisation, mobilisation of persons with disabilities, women’s mobilisation and secretariat duties.

The party further announced that the National Campaign Council and the various subcommittees will be formally inaugurated on Tuesday as campaigning gathers momentum ahead of the Osun governorship election.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to introduce a more effective and citizen-friendly framework for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the governorship election in the state.

Oyintiloye, who spoke with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said the current process has subjected many eligible voters to unnecessary hardship during collection.

He noted that simplifying the PVC collection process would boost voter turnout and enable more citizens to exercise their constitutional rights during the election.

The former lawmaker urged the electorate not to be discouraged by the perceived cumbersome process, encouraging those yet to collect their PVCs to do so and turn out en masse to vote peacefully for candidates of their choice.

He also cautioned voters against being intimidated by reports of political tension capable of creating fear.

‘No individual or group should be allowed to undermine the democratic process through acts capable of causing panic or discouraging lawful participation in the election,’ he said.

Oyintiloye further called on security agencies to remain vigilant and professional in safeguarding lives and property before, during and after the poll.

He urged them to ensure that anyone engaging in violence, intimidation or any act capable of disrupting the electoral process is brought to justice.

Rainstorm accompanied by strong winds has destroyed no fewer than 200 houses, shops and other property in Dangamau community, Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Gov. Dikko Radda has sympathised with the victims of the disaster, describing the incident as painful and unfortunate.

Radda, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, said that the destruction had displaced many families and exposed them to hardship.

‘On behalf of the government and good people of Katsina State, I sympathise with the victims of this disaster in Dangamau. We share your pain and will not abandon you at this difficult time,’ je said.

The governor said that he had directed the relevant government agencies to immediately assess the extent of the damage to facilitate prompt intervention.

He assured the affected residents that the state government was making arrangements to provide immediate relief materials and other essential assistance to the victims.

‘Efforts are in top gear to bring succour to the displaced persons. Food, shelter and other necessities will be provided without delay,’ Radda said.

He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with emergency response teams, as the government worked to restore normalcy in the affected community.

The governor also prayed for the safety of residents and asked Allah to prevent a recurrence of such disasters.