Category: PM News

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has revoked the 13-kilometre Apo to Karshi road awarded to Kakatar Engineering Ltd. Since 2011.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike disclosed this after inspecting ongoing road projects in Karu, Gishiri and the dualisation of the Outer Southern Expressway in Abuja on Thursday.

Wike explained that the contract had been re-awarded to SCC, adding that work was currently ongoing.

He stressed that completion of the road would provide an alternative route and decongest the current main road, easing traffic for residents of areas like Nyanya and Karu going to the city centre.

He recalled that the project was awarded since 2011, but faced so many delays due lack of funding and other challenges.

“Like I said, we cannot continue to play politics when it comes to the welfare of the people,” he said.

The minister said the construction of the road from Kubwa to Bwari, equally awarded to SCC had also commenced, adding that when completed, it would provide an alternative route to Bwari.

Speaking on the inspected projects, the minister, who could not hide his joy with the progress so far, expressed optimism that they would be completed on schedule and inaugurated in mid-2026 to celebrate President Bola Tinubu third year in office.

“You can see the happiness of everybody and that’s what shows that the Renewed Hope Agenda is really working.

“People had never seen this type of development in Abuja before, and that is why you can imagine when we were at Karu, you saw how the students were very happy.

“When we went to Girishi, look at how the pupils there were all happy and so, this makes us happy too.

“When we see that people are happy, people appreciate that they can see development, people appreciate that the government thinks about their welfare. So, that’s what it takes,” he said.

On what people should expect in 2026, Wike said that 2025 would be nothing compared to the kind of infrastructure that would be provided in the coming year

According to him, the infrastructure will be partially tailored to lift the lives of the people and improve economic activities, including interventions in health and education.

The minister said that there would likely be no new project in 2026, adding much resources would be channeled towards completing ongoing projects across the intervening sectors.

“We want to make sure that the projects we have started this year will be completed in 2026.

“Mind you, that year appears to be a political year. So, you don’t expect to start projects that you may not be able to finish within the period that you’re appointed to stay.

“So, we want to make sure all projects we have started, by the grace of God, were completed,” Wike said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Nigerians to pray for leaders at all levels, so they can succeed in making the nation better and greater.

Obasanjo made the call at the 2025 Christmas Carols and Festival Songs organised by the Plateau Government on Friday in Jos.

lthough Obasanjo said the responsibility of any government was the protection of its citizens, he urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders.

The former president, who decried the rising spate of banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity in the country, said Nigeria had all it takes to tackle the menace.

“Nigerians are being killed regardless of their religion or tribe, and that is worrisome,” he said, adding that “the first duty of every government is the safety of lives and property of its citizens.

“Since the abduction of the Chibok girls, banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges have continued to escalate.

“So, we should ask our leaders at all levels to do what they ought to do; our government must rise to the occasion and do the needful,” he added.

Obasanjo maintained that, with advancements in technology, Nigeria should be able to tackle its security challenges effectively.

“With technology, there should be no hiding place for any criminal. The life of every Nigerian, whether Christian, Muslim, or pagan, matters,” he said.

“With drones, we can fish these criminals out. Why are we apologising Why we are negotiating?” he asked?

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has confirmed that he has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pledging to honour the invitation.

He made the revelation in a post on his personal Facebook page.

“This is to confirm that I have been invited by the EFCC. As a law-abiding and patriotic citizen, I hereby reaffirm my commitment to honour the invitation,” Malami wrote.

The former minister explained that going public about the development aligns with his long-standing advocacy for openness in public service, adding that he would keep Nigerians updated as events unfold.

Malami served as Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

His tenure was marked by high-profile legal battles, asset recovery initiatives, anti-corruption reforms, and contentious government decisions that often drew both national and international attention.

In his later years as AGF, Malami came under public scrutiny over issues involving asset declarations, contract approvals, and the management of recovered funds–claims he consistently denied. Despite the controversies, he remained a central figure in cases dealing with major financial crimes, international arbitration disputes, and governance reforms.

s of now, the EFCC has not disclosed the specifics of its invitation to Malami.

The African Union (AU) has suspended Guinea-Bissau from all its activities following a military coup that unfolded earlier this week.

This was confirmed on Friday by the Chairman of the AU Commission Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

The coup occurred on Wednesday when soldiers seized power just as provisional results from the presidential election, held on 23 November , were about to be announced. The military detained incumbent Umaro Sissoco Embalo and senior officials, suspended the vote count, and declared a takeover.

The coup, however, drew swift and widespread condemnation from African leaders, regional blocs and global institutions as they all called for an immediate return to constitutional order.

Heads of the AU Election Observation Mission, the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission and the West African Elders Forum had in a prompt reaction to the coup, issued a joint statement deploring the military takeover.

They described the election process as having been conducted peacefully, with strong civic engagement, and condemned the army’s intervention, calling for a return to democratic governance and the release of detained officials.

The Secretary-General of the Nations, Antonio Guterres, on his own part, issued a statement condemning the military coup as a grave violation of democratic principles and constitutional order. He called for the unconditional release of detained officials, peaceful and inclusive dialogue, and respect for the will of the voters.

The UN also reaffirmed its support for efforts by ECOWAS, the AU, and other regional partners to restore constitutional governance.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is among thousands of mourners who have already gathered in Bauchi State ahead of the funeral prayer of renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died on Thursday morning.

tiku’s plane touched down at Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport at about 11:08 a.m. for the funeral scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

tiku’s delegation was received at the by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Muhammad Auwal Jatau and some of the late Sheikh Dahiru’s sons led by Sheikh Tijjani Ya-Malam.

Usman-Bauchi died on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi.

The Bauchi state government had declared Friday work-free day to enable residents to pay their last respects and attend the funeral prayer.

The crowd of followers, students and Muslims from Bauchi and neighbouring states had also arrived the metropolis for the burial.

Security had been beefed up as police operatives and road marshals had been deployed to strategic locations to control traffic as well as maintain law and order.

Maulud Dahiru Bauchi, who spoke on behalf of the late scholar’s family, said the funeral prayer would be held by 3:00 p.m. in accordance with the deceased’s written will.

He said the will specified that Sheikh Sharif Saleh, the Grand Imam of Nigeria, would preside over the congregation.

“The funeral is expected to attract an array of high profile dignitaries from across the country including Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. state governors, emirs and chiefs.

“The large turnout reflects the profound impact the late scholar had on religious life and moral guidance across the region,” he said.

Nigerian singer and rapper Candy Bleakz, has cried out over being robbed and injured in her apartment in South Africa. The artist on her Snapchat page recalled her experience, claiming that the security officials in the building let the criminals go scott free.

Bleakz also revealed that she was robbed of her gold jewelry and was hit several times, adding that the ambulance did not come in time.

“Took the gold but very much alive. No be RIP, everywhere good. Robbed me of my gold but left my phones. Hit me like i owe them millions, but everywhere good. All this done in front of securities in a secure environment. Ambulance did not come after making us wait. Police said their law does not even allow them to break thief car. Everywhere good, we dey alive to work the money,” she wrote.

Bleakz also revealed that although she reported the case to the Police, nothing was done to help her. She stated that she felt targeted in the robbery, as other people in the vicinity were not robbed or hit.

English football star Bukayo Saka reportedly proposed to his fiancee, Tolami Benson, yesterday during a private dinner in London, As Arsenal star prepares for wedding bells, attention has shifted to the woman by his side, Tolami Benson, the stylish, low-key partner who has captured public interest while keeping her life largely private.

Here are five unique things to know about the soon-to-be Mrs. Saka.

1. She Works in Media and Communications

Far from the typical celebrity-influenced lifestyle, Tolami has built her own career. She studied Public Relations and Media at Birmingham City University and now works as a Senior Planning Executive at Zenith, a respected media and communications agency in London.

2. She’s of Nigerian Descent

Like Saka, Tolami has Nigerian roots, even though she was born and raised in the UK. Her background has made her relatable to many young British-Nigerians who see her as a blend of culture, professionalism, and modern identity.

3. She Keeps Her Relationship Extremely Private

Tolami and Saka have famously kept their romance away from the spotlight. The couple reportedly does not follow each other on Instagram, and rarely appears publicly together — a deliberate choice to guard their relationship from media scrutiny.

4. She Quietly Supports Saka’s Football Career

Though private, Tolami has been spotted at matches and tournaments supporting Saka. During a major competition this year, she was seen wearing a jacket designed with Saka’s former squad number, a subtle show of loyalty that fans immediately noticed.

5. She Balances Career, Style, and Privacy

Tolami has built a personal brand defined by elegance and professionalism, not celebrity exposure. She posts selectively on social media, maintains a strong corporate career, and avoids the typical “footballer’s fiancee” spotlight, making her one of the most unique partners in English football today.

The Bauchi state government has declared today, Friday, Nov, 28, work-free day to honour the revered Islamic scholar, Dahiru Usman-Bauchi., who died on Thursday.

The gesture would enable public and private sector workers, students and residents of the state, to participate in the funeral prayer and pay their last respect to the late scholar, Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, to Gov. Bala Mohammed, said in a statement on Thursday in Bauchi.

According to the statement, the funeral prayer is billed to hold on Friday by 3:00 p.m. at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

Dahiru Bauchi, leader of the Tijjaniyya Muslim Brotherhood and one of Nigeria’s most influential Islamic scholars, died on Thursday at the age of 101. In his tribute, President Bola Tinubu described Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, as “a moral compass whose life was devoted to teaching, preaching and guiding society.” In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President said the late scholar’s passing was a monumental loss to his family, followers and the nation. He said “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a teacher, a father and a voice of moderation and reason. As both a preacher and a notable exegete of the Holy Qur’an, he was an advocate of peace and piety. His death has created a huge void.” The President recalled the blessings and moral support he received from the late Sheikh during the 2023 election and noted that the scholar’s influence extended across the country and beyond. Tinubu condoled with the Tijjaniyya community and urged followers of the late cleric to honour his memory by upholding his teachings on peaceful coexistence, devotion to God and kindness to humanity.

Also, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) in a condolence message by the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, said the late leader played key roles in promoting peace in the country.

In the message, issued by Yahaya’s Media Aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli on Thursday in Gombe, the governors described the late Sheikh as “a scholar of exceptional depth whose life, teachings and spiritual guidance touched millions across generations.”

He noted that Dahiru Bauchi devoted his century-long life to the propagation of Islamic knowledge, contributing to the understanding of the Holy Qur’an, Hadith, Islamic jurisprudence and deeper spiritual dimensions of Sufism.

He added that “Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was a scholar of exceptional depth and humility. His mastery of Islamic texts, coupled with his remarkable spiritual insight, distinguished him as a true guide for Muslims within and beyond Nigeria.

“His teachings enriched countless lives and will continue to illuminate generations to come.”

The NSGF chairman said the late Tijjaniyya leader played an indispensable role in promoting peace, unity, tolerance and moral discipline, values that he embodied throughout his life.

“Shekhi’s commitment to nurturing moral and spiritual values helped to shape the character of his followers, his children and the Ummah in general.

“His centenary journey was a testimony to a life lived in service to Allah, to humanity, and to the pursuit of righteousness.”

He extended the condolences of the Northern Governors’ Forum to the family of the deceased, the Tijjaniyya community and the entire Muslim Ummah over this monumental loss.

He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the eminent scholar eternal rest and reward his lifetime of devotion with Aljannat Firdaus.

Ten suspects have been arrested with three pump-action guns and two AK-47 rifles recovered in crackdown on kidnapping, robbery and cultism syndicates by police operatives in Imo State.

“Through intensified operations by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, operatives dismantled several syndicates, rescued kidnapped victims, and recovered three pump-action guns and two AK-47 rifles,” spokesperson for Imo Command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed in a statement on Friday in Owerri.

He added that one locally made pistol, 31 rounds of ammunition and 37 live cartridges were also recovered during the operations by operatives.

According to the statement, the operation was in line with the mandate of the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, “to decisively stamp out violent crimes and criminal networks across the state”.

He stated that in one of the operations, officers arrested Odinaka Ekwebelem, Ejike Sunday, and Chinedu Duru, linked to the abduction of a young man at Faith Glorious Assembly Church, Awo-Omamma on Nov. 16.

“Acting on intelligence, operatives traced the gang to a forest, rescued the victims unharmed, and recovered two assault rifles.

“In another case, operatives arrested 26-year-old Frank Onyemaechi of Ama-Asaa, Ngugu, Ikeduru LGA, after receiving credible information. “A search of his phone revealed disturbing images of deceased and kidnapped persons.

“A follow-up search led to the recovery of a locally made pistol and the arrest of his wife, 24-year-old Chidimma Onyemaechi, who attempted to hide the weapon,” the spokesman added.

He further stated that operatives raided a criminal hideout in Nchoko, Oru-East LGA, arresting Nkwusi Casmir, 22, Uchenna Ike, 29, and David Ikwunna, 27.

According to the statement, the suspects confessed to being members of a cult group terrorising the Nchoko area.

“The Unit is pursuing additional fleeing accomplices linked to the group.

“Similarly, while responding to reports of armed robbery and vehicle snatching, operatives confronted another gang attacking motorists at gunpoint.

“During the suspects’ escape attempt, one driver tragically lost his life after being attacked.

“The operatives arrested 25-year-old Okon Uket of Akwa Ibom and 25-year-old Uzoma Ezugo of Asaa in Ohaji LGA, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining gang members,” he added.

Okoye stated that all arrested suspects would be investigated and subsequently arraigned in court on the appropriate criminal charges.

He reiterated the assurances of Danjuma to residents on the “command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and peaceful Yuletide season”.

“He urges residents to remain calm, vigilant, law-abiding, and to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic,” the statement added.

Former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko has urged the Federal Government to decentralise the Nigeria Police Force and allow states to recruit 5, 000 personnel as part of measures to tackle insecurity in Nigeria.

Mimiko made the call on Friday while delivering the Maiden convocation lecture at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, Kogi

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lecture was titled: “Ill-Health and Illiteracy, Siblings’ Alliance Against Development.”

Mimiko said that President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the recruitment of additional 30,000 personnel for the police force might not be adequate for the prevailing security challenges in the country.

“What I think will help tackle the security challenges is the decentralisation of the Nigeria police force and allowing state governors to recruit 5,000 personnel each.

“I believe each state can put up functional police force that can secure their people.

“The governors have the resources to recruit 5,000 personnel that will police the entire states and deal with crime and criminality in their domains, ” he said.

He described the level of insecurity across the country as very unfortunate, noting that it required urgent action by government and all stakeholders to secure lives and property.