Category: PM News

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it would deploy adequate personnel across Osun state to monitor and curb incidents of vote selling and buying during the August 15 governorship election.

ICPC said this while warning against vote buying and selling ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election at a rally held in Osogbo on Thursday.

The rally had as its theme: ‘My Vote, My Future: Reject Vote Buying, Protect Democracy.’

The commission said anyone caught engaging in the act would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Speaking during the rally, ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Osun, Mr Yusuf Olatunji said the commission would deploy adequate personnel across the 30 local government areas of the state to monitor and curb the practice.

He urged the electorate to recognise the value of their votes and resist any attempt to trade them for temporary gains.

‘To every voter in Osun, I urge you to reject any attempt to influence your choice through cash, gifts, food items, or any form of inducement.

‘Let your vote reflect your conscience and your vision for a better state.

‘Your votes are priceless, our democracy is sacred, and our future must never be sold.

‘As we prepare for the forthcoming governorship election, every eligible voter has a responsibility that goes beyond casting a ballot.

We must protect the integrity of our electoral process by rejecting all forms of electoral corruption, especially vote buying and selling,’ he said.

Olatunji noted that while vote trading might offer temporary financial relief, it has long-term negative consequences for governance and development.

‘When votes become commodities, leadership becomes a transaction rather than a mandate.

‘The consequences are evident: poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions,’ he said.

He added that the money collected for votes may be spent within days, but the impact of electing the wrong leaders could last for years.

‘No amount of money is worth sacrificing quality education, better healthcare, good roads, employment opportunities, and sustainable development,’ he said.

‘Olatunji reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to combating corruption through public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained advocacy.

‘Prevention is more effective than prosecution. This rally is part of efforts to educate citizens before the election rather than lament the consequences afterward,’ he said.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, the media, and other stakeholders for their commitment to credible elections in the state.

Olatunji also urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.

‘Elections should be contests of ideas, policies, competence, and character-not contests of financial inducement,’ he said.

Anthony Adeniyi Adeosun, the husband of former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun, has died at the age of 62.

According to the family, he died in Lagos on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in a statement released on Thursday.

The announcement, titled ‘Announcement of the Passing of Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun’, was signed by Rev. C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.

Paying tribute to the late businessman, the family described him as a man of deep Christian faith whose life was marked by integrity, generosity and service to others.

‘It is with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God, that the Adeosun family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, who was called home to glory on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, in Lagos.

‘He was 62 years old. Niyi was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose integrity, generosity, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew him.

‘He lived a life defined by hard work, service to God, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.’

The family said it was drawing strength from the Scriptures as it mourned what it described as an irreplaceable loss, while asking for God’s comfort during the period of grief.

It added that funeral and Christian burial arrangements would be announced later.

Anthony Adeosun is survived by his wife, Kemi, his children and his siblings, including Kuramo Capital founder Adewale Adeosun.

Expressing gratitude for the support received since his passing, the family said:

‘We thank all who have reached out with prayers, condolences, and support. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord.’

KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, has announced that it will maintain its current tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, reaffirming its commitment to making quality university education accessible and affordable despite prevailing economic challenges.

The decision, approved by the University’s Governing Council, means that all returning students will continue to pay the existing tuition rates throughout the 2026/2027 academic session.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar, Mr Haruna Olawale Adetu, the University explained that the decision aligns with its policy of reviewing tuition fees for returning students only once every two academic sessions. According to the statement, the policy is designed to provide stability, predictability and financial relief for parents, guardians and students, particularly in the face of current economic realities.

The University noted that sustaining the existing tuition fees reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting families while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education. It added that the decision underscores KDU’s philosophy of placing students and their families at the centre of its policies and operations.

The Registrar urged parents and students to take advantage of the University’s flexible payment options available through its online portal to meet their financial obligations with ease. He assured stakeholders that the institution would continue to uphold the highest standards of teaching, learning, research and character development without compromising academic quality.

He reiterated that KolaDaisi University remains committed to producing graduates equipped with sound knowledge, practical skills and strong moral values, while fostering an academic environment that nurtures innovation, excellence and responsible leadership.

The Management reaffirmed its resolve to continue implementing policies that promote academic excellence, student welfare and institutional sustainability, expressing appreciation to parents, guardians and students for their continued confidence and support.

The University also assured all stakeholders of its determination to remain a forward-looking institution that balances academic excellence with compassion, ensuring that quality higher education remains within reach of families even during periods of economic uncertainty.

The Presidency has dismissed former Cross River State governor Donald Duke’s claim that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will stop at Epe in Lagos State, insisting that construction has already moved beyond the state.

The government’s reaction followed comments by Duke, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, questioning the extent and relevance of the coastal road project.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, accused the former governor of presenting a false picture of the project’s progress, saying ongoing construction had already entered Ogun State.

Ajayi, in a post on his verified X account, said political considerations may have influenced criticism of the highway, adding that the reality on ground contradicted claims that the project would end in Lagos.

He said sections of the coastal road were also progressing in Ondo and Akwa Ibom states.

‘While Duke was saying on TV that the Coastal Highway won’t go beyond Epe, the project has reached Ogun State, and work is ongoing on the Ondo and Akwa Ibom State sections of the coastal road,’ Ajayi said.

Duke, who governed Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, was the SDP presidential candidate in the 2019 election before joining the PRP for the 2027 presidential race.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the Federal Government’s major infrastructure projects, designed to link coastal communities from Lagos to Cross River State.

The Nigerian security forces foiled a kidnap attempt, neutralised 12 terrorists, apprehended suspected collaborators and recovered 178 livestock in renewed operations across the country.

This is contained in an operational report made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja. In the North-East, the military said troops of Operation HADIN KAI, supported by vigilantes, foiled an attempted kidnap at Mirnga village in Biu Local Government Area of Borno.

It said the troops engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee, although the attackers burnt the victim’s vehicle before escaping.

According to the report, troops also arrested a suspected terrorist logistics supplier and collaborator at Gwalaram village in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno.

‘The suspect allegedly procured food and other supplies for terrorists and provided information on troop movements. Items recovered included assorted food items, a mobile phone and N32,780. In Adamawa, troops arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant at Dzangola Kilba in Hong Local Government Area, while an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team safely detonated two primed hand grenades discovered in Larh Forest,’ the report said.

The report further disclosed that the Air Component conducted an interdiction mission on a terrorist enclave at Chiralia in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.

It said 12 terrorists were neutralised, while their structures were destroyed during the operation.

‘The military also conducted a psychological operation by dropping about 10,000 leaflets over designated locations within the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno to encourage terrorist fighters to surrender. In Plateau, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to intelligence on armed herders at Tongorong in Riyom Local Government Area. The herders fled on sighting the troops, abandoning 178 livestock, which were taken into custody,’ it added.

The report further revealed that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered a 110-metre illegal pipeline during an anti-illegal bunkering operation in Okarki Forest, Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers.

‘The facility was handled in line with operational procedures,’ the military said.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, have defended the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and John Cardinal Onaiyekan over their recent criticism of the Federal Government.

The duo said the bishops were only speaking truth to power and urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to embrace constructive criticism rather than attack those who raise concerns about the state of the nation.

The reaction followed criticism from the Presidency over Onaiyekan’s disclosure of issues discussed during a closed-door meeting between the Catholic bishops and President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a statement titled ‘When a Government Declares War on the Truth’, Obi warned that attacks on religious leaders who speak on national issues could weaken democratic values and shift attention away from the challenges confronting Nigerians.

The former Anambra State governor said the CBCN had never acted as an opposition platform but had consistently served as a moral voice on issues affecting the country under both military and civilian administrations.

Obi said the economic hardship, insecurity, inflation and unemployment facing Nigerians required leaders to engage sincerely with criticism rather than dismiss concerns raised by credible institutions.

He added that religious bodies, including the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had similarly raised concerns about national challenges.

According to Obi, religious leaders often had direct contact with ordinary citizens and were therefore aware of the realities facing families affected by rising food prices, insecurity and unemployment.

Drawing from his time as Anambra State governor, Obi said constructive criticism from traditional and religious leaders helped his administration achieve progress, particularly in education and healthcare.

‘As leaders, we should be gracious enough to listen to people and organisations that speak the truth to us and genuinely criticise us when things are not going in the right direction,’ he said.

He also questioned what he described as a change in attitude towards the Catholic Church, recalling that President Tinubu had shown respect for the institution during the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome.

Obi said the issues raised by the bishops were not religious or ethnic concerns but challenges affecting Nigerians across different backgrounds, including insecurity, poverty, inflation and unemployment.

He urged government officials to focus on addressing the concerns raised instead of attacking respected religious figures.

Kwankwaso, on his part, praised the Catholic bishops for what he described as their courage and patriotism.

In a post on his verified X account, the former Kano State governor dismissed suggestions that the bishops’ comments on insecurity, rising living costs and hardship were politically motivated.

Kwankwaso said the concerns expressed by the clerics reflected the daily experiences of millions of Nigerians and called on leaders to prioritise solutions that improve citizens’ welfare.

He urged Nigerians to continue engaging governments constructively while calling on those in authority to embrace accountability and policies centred on security, prosperity and national development.

A 47 year-old man, Ugochukwu Eze was on Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly hacking into the server of SunTrust Bank to steal a total of N800m.

Ugochukwu also known as Amazon, was arraigned before the court by the operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).

DSS accused Ugochukwu of fraudulently hacking into the server of SunTrust Bank to remove and divert the sum of N800 million into several accounts in other financial institutions.

The DSS Prosecuting counsel, M. Bajela in the charges filed before the court alleged that the defendant and others now at large, between 2023 and 2026, conspired among themselves and unlawfully and seriously hindered the function of Suntrust Bank Plc’s computer system server and in the process fraudulently diverted over N800 million belonging to the bank.

Ugochukwu was also accused of concealing and transferring various sums of money traced to the unlawful cyber-attacks to some account in some financial institutions.

The offences alleged to have been committed by the defendant according to the prosecutor contravened sections 5; 6(1) and 8 of Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act, 2024. And Sections 10, 20 and 18(2)(D) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

Based on his plea of not guilty, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date, and prayed the court to remand the defendant in the facility of the correctional services pending the time trial will commence.

However, the defendant’s lawyer, E. Afrogha, told the court that she has filed her client’s bail application. adding that her client has been in the DSS custody for over a month.

But the prosecution counsel told the court that he has not been served with the bail application, not withstanding that his witnesses are available.

Based on the counsels’ submissions, the presiding judge, Justice Friday Ogazi, adjourned the matter to August 24,2026 for hearing of the bail application.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services pending the hearing of the bail application.

One of the counts against the defendant reads: ‘That you UGOCHUKWU EZE (AKA AMAZON) (M) (47 YEARS) sometime between 2023 and 2026 in Lagos, and other places within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, unlawfully seriously hindered the function of SunTrust Bank Plc’s computer system, and in the process fraudulently diverted over N800, 000,000.00 (Eight Hundred Million Naira) belonging to the said SunTrust Bank thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 8 of the cybercrime (prohibition, prevention etc.) Act, 2024.’

Osun State Government has rejected the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) explanation for freezing its bank accounts, alleging that the N11 billion diversion claim was an attempt to justify a politically motivated action against the administration.

Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, in a statement on Thursday, accused the EFCC of using the allegation as a cover for what he described as an unlawful move aimed at stopping the state’s planned payment of palliatives to workers.

The EFCC had on Wednesday said it froze the state government’s accounts over alleged fraudulent handling of N11 billion ecological and intervention funds, adding that it had been investigating the matter since March.

The commission also said some officials of the state government, including the accountant-general, had appeared before its investigators, while huge transfers were allegedly traced from the accounts to different corporate entities during the probe.

However, Alimi dismissed the EFCC’s explanation, insisting that the account freeze was connected to the N20,000 palliative payment announced by the state government for workers amid economic hardship.

‘The real reason the commission froze the state account on the order of Gboyega Oyetola was to stop the payment of palliatives which the state government promised the workers some months ago,’ he said.

The commissioner said the government had already paid the palliatives to workers across the state following negotiations with labour representatives.

Alimi accused the EFCC of ‘pursuing a hatchet job for Osun APC’ through the account freeze, alleging that the investigation was aimed at distracting the administration from delivering on its programmes.

‘We don’t loot public funds in Osun State; we deliver on public goods and services,’ he said.

He maintained that the state’s resources were being committed to workers’ welfare, infrastructure projects and other areas of development, while rejecting what he described as attempts to tarnish Governor Ademola Adeleke’s image.

Alimi further alleged that the EFCC had been conducting a ‘witch-hunting investigation’ since March without producing evidence against senior government officials.

The commissioner argued that if the anti-graft agency had evidence of financial misconduct, it should follow established legal procedures rather than freezing government accounts.

The development comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with Adeleke seeking re-election under the Accord Party platform.

The governor’s camp has previously accused federal agencies of intimidation ahead of the election, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed such claims as political excuses.

Elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has responded to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s description of him as the ‘father of corruption’, accusing the minister of crossing the line and saying he needs urgent medical attention.

George, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees, made the statement while reacting to Wike’s allegation that his Abuja residence was acquired with funds belonging to Rivers State.

The PDP chieftain dismissed the claim as false, insisting that he bought the property from a private owner through an agent.

‘My house in Abuja was bought with funds from Rivers? How? The house was built by someone else. I bought it, and it is still there,’ George said.

He said he would institute legal action against Wike over the allegation, describing the claim as unacceptable.

George said it was beneath his dignity to engage the FCT minister in a public exchange, describing Wike as immature compared with his age and political experience.

He also accused Wike of making reckless statements and alleged that the minister spends millions of naira weekly on media coverage, though the claim could not be independently verified.

The elder statesman urged President Bola Tinubu to distance himself from what he described as ‘attack dogs’, saying the President did not need individuals who insult political opponents and senior citizens.

On the crisis within the PDP, George said the party’s internal problems remained unresolved despite the emergence of a presidential candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that the matter was still before the courts.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu would continue to deepen consultations with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on issues affecting the country.

Akume said this in a statement he issued on the recent engagement between President Tinubu and the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

Akume, who personally signed the statement, said the government was also sustaining dialogue and conflict prevention through the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), describing collaboration with religious institutions as indispensable to advancing the national interest.

Akume also acknowledged that many of Nigeria’s pressing challenges can only be addressed through sustained partnership with faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, the private sector and citizens, stressing that constructive engagement is essential to promoting peace, social cohesion and national development.

He also maintained that government remains open to honest counsel and would continue to govern with openness, accountability and evidence-based policies.

The SGF also assured that the Tinubu administration is neither seeking, nor in support of a one-party state, just as it remains deeply respectful of the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in the spirit of true democracy.

Akume said, ‘many of the challenges confronting our nation require partnership. Faith communities, traditional institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens all have indispensable roles to play in promoting peace, strengthening social cohesion and advancing national development. Constructive engagement between Government and these institutions is therefore not only welcome but essential.’

Akume added that, ‘the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation will continue consultations with the leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference, other faith-based organisations and relevant stakeholders on the issues raised during the meeting and on areas where greater collaboration can advance the national interest.’

He said the Federal Government had taken note of public reactions following the meeting between President Tinubu and the Catholic Bishops, using the opportunity to reaffirm its profound respect for the Catholic Church and its enduring contributions to Nigeria’s development through education, healthcare, humanitarian services, peacebuilding and moral guidance.

The SGF said government recognised the Church as one of Nigeria’s most important development partners and acknowledged that, like all faith communities, it had both the right and responsibility to speak on issues affecting the welfare of citizens and the country’s future.

He explained that discussions between the President and the Bishops were candid, respectful and constructive, covering concerns relating to security, economic hardship, public services, education, electoral credibility, political pluralism and religious freedom.

According to him, both parties also acknowledged progress made under the administration, including the student loan programme and recent successes by security agencies in securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers.

Akume noted that while there were areas of agreement and differences in assessment, such differences should not be interpreted as a breakdown in mutual respect or detract from the shared commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.

On the economy, the SGF acknowledged the hardship facing many Nigerians but described it as a passing phase, insisting that government policies were deliberately designed to confront the country’s challenges through investments in rail transport, the Sokoto-Badagry and Lagos-Calabar superhighways, road construction and rehabilitation nationwide, and the transformation of Abuja’s road network.

He said food security initiatives involving improved agricultural inputs, tractors and institutional support through the National Agricultural Land Development Agency (NALDA) were also being implemented to boost agricultural productivity.

Akume further stated that the administration had pursued improvements in electricity generation and distribution through CNG power stations and constitutional reforms allowing sub-national governments greater participation in the energy sector.

He added that health facilities at both primary and tertiary levels were being upgraded, while development commissions established across the country’s regions were creating jobs and addressing peculiar developmental needs. He also disclosed that ministries, departments and agencies were recruiting Nigerians.

The SGF defended the administration’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary measures aimed at correcting long-standing structural weaknesses, restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding investor confidence and placing the economy on a sustainable path.

He said there was now growing evidence that the reforms were yielding results, with the foreign exchange market becoming more stable, inflationary pressures moderating, macroeconomic fundamentals strengthening and investor confidence returning.

Akume maintained that official data showed continued real economic growth, moderation in headline inflation and declining food-price pressures, arguing that these developments underscored the need to sustain reforms while intensifying targeted interventions to reduce living costs and expand economic opportunities.

He listed the Social Investment Programmes, Credit Corps, NELFUND, support for business start-ups and Conditional Cash Transfers as evidence of government efforts to ensure that the benefits of reforms reached households through improved welfare, employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

The SGF also commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for discharging its statutory responsibility for monetary and price stability with professionalism and institutional independence, assuring that monetary credibility, financial-system stability and public confidence would remain above partisan politics.

According to him, the next phase of the administration’s reforms would focus on ensuring that economic stability translated into lower inflation, more affordable food, quality jobs, stronger public services, improved infrastructure and expanded opportunities for Nigerians.

Addressing security, Akume admitted that the true measure of government policy remained the safety experienced by citizens in their homes, farms, schools, markets, places of worship and on highways.

He said every life lost to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes was regrettable, adding that the government was expanding and fine-tuning the country’s security architecture with encouraging results.

He cited the creation of four new Army divisions headquartered in Benue, Kwara, Taraba and Edo states as a landmark initiative to improve operational effectiveness, while noting that President Tinubu had also authorised continuing reforms in force structure, intelligence coordination, logistics, recruitment, technology and personnel welfare.

Akume added that the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security further demonstrated the administration’s commitment to strengthening domestic security.

On democracy, the SGF reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and equal rights for all Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

He stressed that Nigeria’s democratic system guaranteed genuine political competition, lawful opposition, multi-party democracy, credible elections and citizens’ rights to participate freely in the democratic process.

Akume pointed to the registration of 21 political parties by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as evidence of political pluralism, insisting that the Federal Government neither sought nor supported a one-party state.

He assured that President Tinubu’s administration would continue to respect the legal autonomy of INEC and provide all resources lawfully appropriated for the commission’s responsibilities, while maintaining that security agencies had conducted themselves professionally and impartially during elections under the scrutiny of international observers.

The SGF said the Federal Government would continue to welcome sincere advice from respected national institutions, insisting that no responsible government should ignore the concerns of its people.

He added that although government and the Catholic Church might not always share identical views on every policy, both remained united by the common aspiration of ensuring that every Nigerian lived in peace, dignity and hope.

‘Our diversity is our source of strength. In spite of many, we are one people,’ Akume said, expressing confidence that continued collaboration between government and the Church would help build a stronger, more resilient Nigeria capable of delivering greater opportunities and prosperity for future generations.