Category: PM News

By Ayorinde Oluokun

A 51-year old man identified as Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu has been arrested for allegedly killing his 19-year-old female cousin Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, at a pharmacy in Nsukka town, Enugu State.

Loveth was being treated for the sexual abuse inflicted on her by the suspect who is a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group in the community, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson of Enugu Police Command said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Nwangwu killed Loveth on Monday, Ist December about for days after deceased reported a case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threat to life against him to Umabor Police Division.

Loveth alleged that she had been living with the suspect since 2019, at age 13, after the death of his wife, and that he had restricted her communication with family and friends and subjected her to sexual abuse.

She said after attempting to escape to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, the suspect threatened her with a firearm, forcing her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA, where she was locked up in a room.

The deceased later escaped using a spare key and reported the incident to the police, who issued her a medical report form for examination.

“The suspect and family were invited to the station, where he confessed, sought forgiveness, and promised to return her property. The family, citing personal ties, initially chose not to prosecute the case but opted for spiritual cleansing due to the incestuous and abominable act against the victim.

“Tragically, while receiving treatment at a pharmacy in Nsukka, the suspect forced his way in, assaulted her, and struck her head repeatedly on the floor, causing fatal injuries.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where her death was confirmed and her remains deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy. The suspect was rearrested and is in police custody ,” Ndukwe said of the gruesome murder in his statement.

He added that Enugu Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa,condemned the crime and the cruel manner in which it was committed, consoling the family and assuring the public that justice will be served.

According to the statement, CP Giwa has also directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to investigate the case meticulously and ensure that it is charged to court within record time.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, as Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, following Monday’s resignation of Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.

The nomination was contained in a letter transmitted to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, with President Tinubu describing General Musa as a tested professional capable of strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.

eneral Musa, who turns 58 on December 25, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most experienced military officers.

He served as Chief of Defence Staff from 2023 until October 2025 and is a recipient of the prestigious Colin Powell Award for Soldiering, which he received in 2012.

Born in Sokoto in 1967, Musa completed his primary and secondary education in the state before attending the College of Advanced Studies, Zaria.

He graduated in 1986 and proceeded to the Nigerian Defence Academy the same year, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant that same year.

Over the course of his career, General Musa held several key command and staff positions, including General Staff Officer 1 (Training and Operations) at Headquarters 81 Division; Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion; Assistant Director, Operational Requirements at the Department of Army Policy and Plans; and Infantry Representative on the Training Team of the Nigerian Army Armour Corps.

His operational experience is extensive. In 2019, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff (Training and Operations) at the Infantry Centre and Corps Headquarters, Commander of Sector 3 in Operation Lafiya Dole, and later as Commander of Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad region.

In 2021, he was appointed Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, before later assuming command of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps. President Tinubu appointed him Chief of Defence Staff in 2023, a position he held until 2025.

In his communication to the Senate, President Tinubu said he was confident that General Musa’s leadership would “further consolidate ongoing reforms and enhance the nation’s defence capabilities.”

The nomination is expected to be considered by the Senate in the coming days.

By Nehru Odeh

Femi Kuti, Grammy-nominated Afrobeat legend and son of the creator of the Afrobeat genre, Fela Anikulapo Kuti has opened up about the unconventional relationship between him and his father while growing up.

According to Femi, his father never taught him anything but expected him to know everything, including how to read. He also said he learnt by simply watching him.

Femi made this known at a Book Chat at the just concluded Ake Arts and Books Festival which held at Bon Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, between November 20 and 22. The Book Chat was centred on late Fela’s wife, Remilekun Kuti’s memoir simply titled: Mrs Kuti. It was hosted by award-winning poet, Dami Ajayi.

“He (Fela) expected me to know how to read. How is it possible to know how to read if am not taught? If I haven’t got any formal education of any sort, how can I read? But I had to read. ‘You should know,’ he would say. ‘Did you take your brain and put it in my head?’

“If you are Fela’s person you had to excel beyond reasonable doubt. You just had to know. So you couldn’t give excuses. If you are somebody he is not close to, he probably would give you an opportunity to explain yourself. But people close to him, it was like, ‘Why did I have to tell you. You should know. You must be getting A in my class,’ for instance, if he was a teacher.

“I learnt by just watching him. I would ask questions probably like ‘Are you not afraid to die?’ He would give me his answer. Because there were so many police raids, soldiers, beatings always etc. And I was living with him.

Femi also said Fela had an uncanny way of congratulating him whenever he failed at school and expecting a harsh treatment. And that put him in a dilemma.

“And as I was growing up I would say ‘what’s wrong?’ Going to other people’s houses, children are getting along the conventional way. But if I failed, expecting a very harsh treatment, Fela would say, ‘Ah you failed, Well done.’ So I was in a big dilemma,” Femi revealed.

Made, Afrobeat musician and Femi’s son, who was also on the panel, also lent credence to his father’s remarks, saying Femi couldn’t call Fela ‘father’ but called him ‘Fela’ because of the unconventional father-son relationship between them.

“I don’t want to interrupt because he is being modest. Fela did not teach him music. He taught himself everything. There was no conventional father-child relationship. And also he couldn’t call his father ‘father’. Fela had this serious idea of a kind of a communist environment within his household so much so that everybody, including his children had to call him ‘Fela,'” Made said.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that Mohamed Salah was unhappy about being left out of the team for their important 2-0 win against West Ham, but praised the striker’s attitude.

Salah, 33, did not play at the London Stadium on Sunday as Slot made changes following a poor run of nine defeats in 12 games in all competitions.

The Egyptian forward has scored only four Premier League goals this season, compared to 29 last season, which earned him the Golden Boot.

Slot told reporters that Salah had been a “superhuman” player for Liverpool but admitted he had not been at his best recently.

“As with all players, there are times when you are human,” Slot said. “But he has scored so many goals for us, and I’m sure he will continue to do so in the future.”

The Dutch coach said Salah’s reaction to being left out was normal and praised his professionalism.

“That’s a normal reaction from a player good enough to play for us. He’s been outstanding for this club for many years and will continue to be,” Slot said.

He added that Salah remained supportive of his teammates and stayed disciplined, regardless of whether he played or not.

Slot also mentioned that Salah is scheduled to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15. “There are always discussions about what’s best for the player, the nation, and the club,” he said.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday used the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration to unveil sweeping reforms aimed at securing the state’s HIV response against future shocks.

Speaking at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, he reflected on the turbulent months following the Stop Work Order issued earlier this year by the United States Government, which abruptly halted community-based HIV services across Nigeria.

According to the governor, the impact of the disruption was severe and deeply personal for many residents.

“Testing stalled. Counselling paused. Home-based follow-up was interrupted. Psychosocial support systems were strained. These disruptions were not abstract. They were personal. They were real. They were felt in homes, in communities, and especially in the hearts of people living with HIV,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, credited Lagos health workers, community networks and the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency for refusing to let the system collapse.

“But Lagos did not stop. We did not stop! Our health workers did not stop. Our community networks did not stop. Lagos State AIDS Control Agency did not stop,” he declared, noting that outreach efforts resumed gradually and many clients who had fallen out of care were brought back into the system.

However, he said the experience exposed a deeper truth, that the state must build a stronger, more independent health system capable of withstanding external shocks.

He disclosed that between January and September 2025, Lagos recorded 9,467 new HIV infections, describing the figure as “a wake-up call” that reinforces the need for stronger prevention, reduced stigma and uninterrupted access to treatment.

“We are determined to bring this epidemic to the barest minimum,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu announced that Lagos is already preparing for the deployment of an HIV vaccine in 2026, with trainings, engagements, budget planning and procurement processes underway to ensure the state can roll out an approved vaccine quickly and equitably once it becomes available.

He also revealed that Lagos has begun taking concrete steps toward domestic procurement of antiretroviral medicines, stressing that the state must not rely on external donors.

“Donor dependence cannot and shall not be the foundation of our future. Therefore, we have chosen to build and have started building, a state-led sustainable system that ensures consistent access to treatment for all, especially in moments of global uncertainty,” he said.

The governor further stated that community programmes would not only continue but expand significantly.

He promised more mobile testing units, stronger engagement with faith organisations, deeper youth-focused interventions and intensified outreach to markets and transport hubs.

“No disruption will ever again be allowed to disconnect our communities from essential care,” he assured.

Sanwo-Olu also pledged full enforcement of the state’s Anti-Discrimination Law, insisting that no resident should suffer shame, isolation or denial of opportunity because of their HIV status.

He said his administration would work with civil society groups, the media, community leaders and networks of people living with HIV to build a state “where compassion triumphs over judgement, love over condemnation”.

His message to people living with HIV was direct and emphatic. “You matter to us! Your health matters. Your dignity matters. Your future matters. The life of every Lagos resident matters,” he said.

He envisioned a Lagos where no one feels afraid to walk into a health facility and where staying in care is supported rather than struggled for.

Calling on partners to renew their commitment, he urged civil society organisations, NEPWHAN, development agencies, faith leaders, the private sector and residents to bring their ideas, strength and voices to the table.

“Every action you take strengthens Lagos. Every effort you give sustains hope. Every contribution moves us closer to epidemic control,” he said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, said Lagos State is making substantial investments in initiatives designed to make HIV treatment more accessible and sustainable.

He added that the government is expanding scientific research to improve HIV management within local communities.

Abayomi also disclosed that efforts are underway to fully integrate HIV care into both national and state health insurance schemes.

“In many countries, people living with HIV can now enjoy regular health insurance coverage because treatment has advanced significantly,” he said, adding that “Here in Nigeria, we are working to ensure PLHIV are included in various insurance premiums to ease the financial burden of accessing daily medication.”

Earlier, in her welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr Folakemi Animashaun, reaffirmed that World AIDS Day remains one of the most significant observances on the global public health calendar, a moment to reflect, evaluate progress, unite stakeholders, and renew collective commitment to a future where HIV is no longer a barrier to growth and development.

Animashaun noted that this year’s theme is particularly timely, as the HIV response continues to evolve amid multiple disruptions, economic pressures, pandemics, misinformation, shrinking donor support, demographic shifts and emerging socio-cultural challenges.

She stressed that the symposium is “more than a ceremonial event”, describing it as a strategic forum that brings together stakeholders who shape policies, drive service delivery, conduct research, influence advocacy, mobilise funding and strengthen community engagement.

In attendance were the Chairman of the Lagos House Committee on Appropriation, Hon Saad Olumoh; Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon Lawal Aina Musbau; the Deputy Consul General of Brazil, Celso Franco; members of the Body of Permanent Secretaries; senior government officials; and other key stakeholders in the HIV response.

Nigerian young artist Ayo Mafoluku, professionally known as Ayo Maff, has spoken about his acting debut in the Nigerian movie industry.

While speaking at the NECLive 2025 panel, Maff revealed that his exposure on shooting music videos pushed him to explore his passion for acting.

He expressed his love for film, stating that it is his secondary passion after making music.

“I wanted to see myself in a movie. I was happy to take this role and embrace the opportunity,” he said, while speaking about Chris Ihedero’s upcoming film.

The filmmaker, also praised Maff for his professionalism and creativity on set. He added that he had an amazing experience working with the artist.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given an update on its ongoing renegotiation of the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government.

The update, signed by ASUU President Christopher Piwuna, explained the progress made in areas such as university funding, autonomy, staff welfare and salaries.

SUU and the government agreed that Nigerian universities must operate with full autonomy. This means all existing university laws guiding the Senate, Governing Councils and internal processes must be followed.

Any government circular that contradicts these laws will no longer be used. Both sides also agreed that vice-chancellors should be chosen purely on merit, not based on where they come from. Members of governing councils must be people of integrity who understand how universities work.

Academic departments will elect their own heads, while deans, sub-deans and provosts will also be chosen internally.

Recruitment of staff and students is expected to promote both national and international diversity.

A new budgeting system was approved to ensure universities get funding that covers their major operational and capital needs.

The government also promised to strengthen research by ensuring universities benefit from the National Research Council and by encouraging companies to sponsor research and development.

University lands will be protected, and new taxes may be introduced to ensure steady funding for education.

SUU noted that statutory university bodies such as the Senate and Congregation will continue to function according to law.

Pre-degree programmes will now focus mainly on science and courses that do not attract many students. Universities must also respect the right of students to gather peacefully.

The previously criticized pyramidal promotion structure for academic staff has been removed, meaning promotions will be based on research and performance rather than available vacancies.

Universities will also be allowed to import books, laboratory equipment, journals, teaching materials and renewable energy tools without paying import duties.

To ensure smooth implementation of the agreement, a monitoring unit will be created in the National Universities Commission.

An implementation committee will also be set up, laws will be amended where necessary and required funds will be released.

The whole agreement will be reviewed every three years. Salaries of academic staff will automatically be adjusted whenever public sector salaries are increased.

During the negotiation, ASUU rejected the government’s initial salary proposals, saying they were too low. A revised structure similar to the Nimi Briggs Committee recommendation was later presented.

Though slightly higher for some academic levels and lower for others, ASUU agreed to accept it to prevent further delay.

Both parties also agreed that earned academic allowances will be paid yearly at 12 percent of each university’s approved wage bill for academic staff, and this will be included in annual government budgets.

SUU also secured a clause ensuring that no one involved in the negotiation will be victimised.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Police have described a viral video indicating that 14 passengers were kidnapped at Ngor Okpala community while travelling from Owerri to Aba in Imo State on 1st December, 2025 as misleading.

The Imo Police Command said this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Okoye Henry on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the video originated from an incident that occurred earlier this year.

The Police added that the video is being recirculated online to create unnecessary panic.

The Imo Police Command added that concerted efforts were put in place at the time to ensure the safe release of the victims.

“CP Aboki Danjuma urges the public to disregard the misleading video and cautions against sharing unverified information capable of generating fear and tension.

“The Commissioner of Police has deployed adequate security along the axis, in synergy with other sister security agencies and local security outfits, to ensure the safety of commuters, particularly during the holiday season of celebration.

“Residents are advised to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency contact line 08034773600,” Okoye said in the statement.

Many Nigerians and economists are angry about the Senate’s plan to raise taxes on soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages.

The Senate Committee on Finance is pushing to change the current N10 per litre Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax into a percentage-based tax on the retail price. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, proposes that the extra revenue be used to fund the health sector.

However, different economic groups and experts strongly disagree with the plan.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) warned that the new tax could force factories to close, increase the cost of drinks, and lead to many people losing their jobs.

Former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, also condemned the plan. He said Nigerians are already suffering from too many taxes and rising hardship. According to him, the government should suspend any plan to introduce new taxes because “they should not kill Nigerians with taxes everywhere.”

Public finance expert Prof. Godwin Oyedokun also warned that the tax increase would worsen the economic situation. He said soft drinks, energy drinks, and other flavored beverages are items many Nigerians buy every day because food prices are already too high.

He explained that the new tax would:

Immediately make drinks more expensive

Affect low-income earners, students, artisans, and families

Reduce sales for small shops, restaurants, and street vendors who rely on beverages to make daily income

Cause job losses in factories and distribution chains

Force manufacturers to cut production and staff

Prof. Oyedokun added that the government might not even earn as much revenue as expected because people will look for cheaper alternatives or buy from informal markets.

He also reminded the government that a similar tax was suspended in 2023 after complaints from manufacturers and labour unions. Bringing it back now, he said, creates uncertainty and sends the wrong message to investors.

He urged the government to look for better ways to raise money, such as widening the tax base, improving tax collection, and blocking leakages.

According to him, increasing the soft drink tax now would only punish consumers, small businesses, and workers already struggling in a tough economy.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Tuesday, revealed that over 95 per cent of bandits wreaking havoc in some Kano communities in recent times, are actually Nigerians, who operate from their base in Katsina state.

Governor Yusuf said investigations available at his disposal showed that the bandits are not from Chad, Niger and or other neighbouring countries, as previously believed.

According to him, the bandits carrying out nefarious activities in communities located at Tsanyawa and Shanono Local Government Areas of the state are invading Kano from their bases in Katsina state.

He stated this at Yankamaye community in Tsanyawa Local Government Area, Kano, while addressing victims of banditry in the troubled community.

The Governor who offered them a lifeline support, promised that those who have been kidnapped by the bandits will surely regain their freedom soonest, as the state government is working hand-in-hand with security agencies to bring the situation under control.

Before his meeting with Yankamaye community, Governor Yusuf was received by the Joint Task Force, at their first base in Tsanyawa where the Brigade Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Brigadier-General Ahmed Mohammed Tukur, briefed him on the activities of the Task Force, so far.

From Yankamaye in Tsanyawa, Governor Yusuf, with his entourage, accompanied by all security chiefs in Kano, proceeded to Faruruwa, another troubled community in Shanono Local Government Area, where the second base of the Task Force is located.

After a brief remarks by Brigadier General Tukur at Faruruwa, Governor Yusuf assured members of the Task Force, comprising soldiers, police officers, Civil Defence officers, agents of the Department of State Security (DSS), members of local vigilante groups, among other paramilitary officers, of the continued support by the state government.

“We are here to specifically see you, rob minds with you, and encourage you to put in more of your gallantry. This insecurity in Kano at this particular time is new to us.

“Kano has remained one of the most peaceful states in the country, until these bandits began to infiltrate our state from the border towns.

“We are with you (the Task Force officers). We know your sacrifices; and we will do everything within our power to eradicate these cancer called banditry,” he said.

Governor Yusuf further urged members of the Task Force to remain focussed, “concentrate on doing what you are here for. Take intelligence reports from members of the community and act on it diligently. From time to time, we will be coming to see you.”

Governor Yusuf also revealed that his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue of banditry in Kano, has started yielding positive results, as President Tinubu’s directive to the Chief of Army Staff, has added value to the renewed fight against banditry in Kano and neighboring states.