Category: PM News

The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro on Tuesday unveiling sweeping reforms in the state’s criminal justice system that have prioritised efficiency, transparency, and restorative justice.

Addressing journalists in Ikeja as part of his second-year review, Pedro highlighted figures that he said demonstrated how far-reaching changes have reshaped the administration of justice in Lagos.

From digitisation of case management to prison decongestion and restorative sentencing, the Attorney General insisted that Lagos is setting new benchmarks for justice delivery in Nigeria.

In two years, he said the Ministry of Justice processed 361 plea bargain applications, saying of these, 314 were approved and only 37 declined, with the approved cases expediting justice while easing the strain on already congested courts.

The Attorney General explained that the adoption of the plea bargain process not only reduced trial delays but also directly impacted correctional facilities by lowering the population of awaiting-trial inmates.

‘This mechanism is saving valuable judicial time,’ Pedro said. ‘It has given us a faster route to justice while ensuring fairness.’

To further decongest correctional facilities, Pedro said the state has exercised the Governor’s constitutional power of Prerogative of Mercy and that since 2023, 263 inmates deemed deserving by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy were granted release.

‘These are individuals who had spent long years in prison, shown remorse, and were recommended for a second chance,’ Pedro explained, adding that ‘Their reintegration into society speaks to the humane side of our justice system.’

Pedro disclosed that the Lagos Restorative Justice Unit, established to give victims and offenders the opportunity for reconciliation and restitution, recorded 348 cases in two years.

He said of these, 192 cases were successfully resolved through agreements, while 45 are ongoing, saying that another 111 cases were referred back to the courts for full trial.

Pedro said the figures show the growing relevance of restorative justice in reducing adversarial litigation and fostering community healing.

The Attorney General also reported progress in non-custodial sentencing, disclosing that within two years, 4,800 offenders served community service sentences in Lagos, which ranged from public sanitation duties to repairs and other forms of labour that serve the public good.

Although the Community Service Unit had initially faced operational challenges, Pedro said it had been revitalised.

The Attorney General said one of the most striking figures came from the Lagos Criminal Information System (LCIS), a digital databank that now serves as the state’s comprehensive record of criminal cases.

‘From September 2023 to September 2025 alone, the system captured 25,822 new cases. Overall, the database now holds 78,982 cases, including those filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

‘The LCIS contains biometric data, photographs, and offence details of all defendants across Lagos State’s Magistrate and High Courts,’ he said.

According to Pedro, this level of digitisation enhances transparency, strengthens case management, and allows policymakers to use reliable data for long-term criminal justice reforms.

‘Data is the new oil. With almost 80,000 cases captured, Lagos now has the most comprehensive criminal justice databank in Nigeria,’ he added.

To ease mobility challenges in correctional facilities, Pedro said the state government procured two purpose-built coaster buses supplied through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

The U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, are wrapping up their World Cup preparations in Abuja with a streak of impressive results that demonstrate their growing confidence and cohesion.

Since returning to camp, the girls have played eight friendly matches, winning all, scoring 26 goals and conceding nonea perfect record that has boosted morale ahead of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Morocco.

Last week, the Flamingos turned on the style. They cruised to a 3-0 victory over Abuja All-Stars, with Praise Agba scoring on a loose ball, Olamide Olanrewaju converting from the penalty spot, and Zainab Raji adding a thundering third soon after the break. Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu was heroic, pulling off multiple saves to keep her sheet clean.

Earlier, they battled through a rain-disrupted friendly against Josiah Academy, winning 2-0 thanks to a Chisom Nwachukwu brace inside the opening 10 minutes before the heavens forced an early halt.

There were also emphatic wins over Nazareth Angels (5-0), with Queen Joseph scoring twice alongside goals from Praise Agba, Mariam Yahaya, and Chisom Nwachukwu, and a commanding 5-0 triumph over Horvel

Prime, in which Queen Joseph grabbed a hat-trick in 35 minutes, supported by strikes from captain Shakirat Moshood and Azeezat Oduntan.

In all their tune-up games, the Flamingos have demonstrated balance, depth, and hunger, from precise finishing in attack to defensive resilience.

The team is now fully focused on their World Cup campaign, where they have been placed in Group D against Canada, France, and Samoa.

The team is scheduled to depart Nigeria on 8th October, bringing their perfect run and growing belief to the international stage as they seek glory in Morocco (17th October – 8th November 2025).

In a quiet corner of a lively Nigerian neighborhood, a remarkable movement was born, not in a studio, but on the streets, fueled by raw talent, passion, and a dream. Today, ‘WeAreTrendingKidz’, a fast-rising children’s skit group, is capturing hearts across social media with hilarious content and natural acting.

In this interview with AHMED IYANDA, the director and Script writer of the crew, Oluwatobiloba Samuel shared their journey and how it all began.

Below are the interview excerpts from the director of the crew.

What inspired the creation of ‘WeAreTrendingKidz’?

I noticed I had a natural gift for coming up with funny ideas, so I decided to turn that into something creative. I gathered some of the kids in my area and began training them. That’s how ‘We Are Trending Kidz’ was born.

How did you discover these talented children, and what made you believe they could take on Nollywood?

Like I said, I simply called them together, explained the idea, and began training them. They were excited and ready to learn.

Was there a defining moment when you knew this project was going to be big?

Yes, absolutely. I believe that with good and entertaining content, people will notice and support us. I’ve always believed it will become big one day.

How do the children manage school and acting? Is there a balance?

We only shoot on Sundays, and it doesn’t take too much of their time. Their schooling is always the top priority.

What kind of training or mentorship do they receive?

Just ordinary rehearsals led by me. We meet every evening from 7 PM to 8 PM to rehearse, and it has helped them improve a lot.

Are the kids aware of the fame they’re gathering, and how are they handling it emotionally?

Yes! They love it. They’re naturally funny, never shy, and very intelligent.

How has the Yoruba film industry reacted to these kids dominating screens? Support or skepticism?

Yes, several Yoruba Nollywood stars have reposted our skits and shown us love on Instagram. They also encourage us to keep going.

What challenges have you faced pushing a full children-led project in a largely adult-dominated industry?

Quite a number of challenges. In the beginning, some of their parents thought it was all just play. Many didn’t even understand social media, so they didn’t support their kids. But now, seeing the love and huge audience, the parents are very proud and fully supportive.

Have any of the kids landed big roles or endorsements outside the crew?

Not yet, but we’re hopeful that will come soon.

What would surprise people most about these kids behind the scenes?

They’re always funny, never shy, and very intelligent. They just have that spark!

What are your long-term goals for the ‘We Are Trending Kids’ brand?

The future is very bright. I believe we’ll be among the best in Nigeria and even beyond.

How can fans support and follow the journey of these rising stars?

By liking, commenting on, and sharing our content. That’s the best way to help us grow.

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has cancelled his planned Independence Day parade.

This is contained in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba in Owerri, on Wednesday.

Emelumba said that all public activities, including parades, earlier scheduled to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria, had been cancelled.

He added that the governor would, however, deliver his Independence Day broadcast to the people of Imo as planned.

‘All residents are, therefore, advised to commemorate the anniversary quietly in their homes and to offer prayers for the peace, progress, and unity of Nigeria and her leaders.

‘The government of Imo state wishes all citizens a peaceful and reflective 65th Independence Anniversary,’ he said.

No reason was, however, given for the cancellation.

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes, EFCC, has arrested 92 suspects over alleged involvement in internet fraud in Benin, the capital of Edo State.

The suspects were arrested at various locations in the Edo State capital on Monday, September, 29, the spokesperson for the agency, Dele Oyewale said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested following information about their involvement in internet fraud.

He added that 11 vehicles and different makes of mobile devices were also recovered from the suspects by the EFCC operatives.

The statement by Oyewale reads, ‘Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 92 suspected internet fraudsters in Edo State.

They were arrested in a sting operation on Monday, September 29, 2025 at various locations within Benin City, Edo State.

Their arrest was based on credible intelligence about their suspected involvement in computer related crimes. All the lawful procedures of arrest were followed in the course of the arrest

Upon their arrest, 11 vehicles and mobile devices were recovered from them.

Preliminary investigations by the Commission linked the suspects with various forms of internet-related fraud

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has also arraigned one Godslove Munachiso Obiwuru, a 26-year old Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, suspect before Justice M. T. Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

He was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on money laundering.

Count one of the charge reads: ‘That you, Godslove Munachiso Obiwuru ‘M’ sometime in 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, retained 0.042 Ethereum (digital currency) equivalent to $50 (Fifty United States Dollars) in a Binance wallet account with the address 0xD62C9DA42BDe76a7Be113ABA225456C57320A569 which you know or reasonably ought to know, is a proceed of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 20 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022′.

He pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the two counts. In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Assistant Superintendent of the EFCC, ASE I A.Y Abdullahi prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Correctional facility.

However, the defence counsel, Abel Anih, prayed the court for a short date to enable him file an application for bail before the court.

The matter was thereafter adjourned for hearing of bail application while the defendant was remanded at the EFCC custody.

The defendant was arrested on August 5, 2025, following a petition by the FBI alleging that the defendant was involved in auctioning a cryptocurrency account takeover scheme.

According to the petition, in November 2022, a Coinbase cryptocurrency belonging to a citizen of the United States of America was compromised, leading to the theft of 90,410.126 Gold Retriever Tokens (GLDN), worth approximately $307,394.00, at that time.

Further investigation by the FBI revealed that part of the stolen cryptocurrency funds were transferred to a Binance account belonging to the defendant.

However, preliminary investigations by operatives of the Special Task Force of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Commission, revealed that the defendant received cryptocurrency, allegedly stolen from two different victims.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on his 60th birthday celebration.

In his congratulatory message released on the 1st of October, the President described Abbas as a worthy partner in government and in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda.

While affirming that the House under Abbas has passed many impactful pieces of legislation, the President commended the Speaker’s deep knowledge, wisdom, and openness.

‘Speaker Abbas has displayed uncommon capacity as a leader of equals. His drive for integrity, excellence and selfless service has proved helpful in maintaining stability in the House. I rejoice with the family, friends and associates of this fine lawmaker and leader of men on this milestone. I also congratulate the people of Zaria Federal Constituency in Kaduna State for picking Abbas to represent them in the House of Representatives since 2011,’ he stated.

President Tinubu also prayed for many more years and good health for Speaker Abbas.

Troops of 6 Brigade in collaboration with operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Taraba have arrested two fake police personnel with cannabis consignments in two vehicles.

A statement on Wednesday by Lt. Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 6 Brigade, said the arrest was made in Wukari.

‘Acting on credible intelligence, troops alongside NDLEA personnel intercepted and apprehended two fake policemen at Takum Junction in Wukari Local Government Area.

‘The suspects, who were dressed in mobile police uniforms, were found with two Toyota Hilux vehicles loaded with substances suspected to be cannabis.

‘Preliminary investigation revealed that none of the occupants are serving policemen.

‘The cannabis-laden vehicles were traced to have been loaded from Akure, Ondo State, and were heading towards Adamawa State before interception.’

According to him, the occupants of the second Hilux abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on sighting the troops.

‘A total of 1,134 blocks of cannabis were recovered from the two vehicles. Both the suspects and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the NDLEA office in Wukari for further investigation and prosecution.’

The Commander 6 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, who commended the troops and NDLEA operatives for their synergy and resilience, reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to ensuring that Taraba remained unsafe for criminals.

Uwa urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operations across the state.

President Bola Tinubu, in his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, on Wednesday reflected on the country’s journey since 1960, outlined the progress achieved under his administration, and unveiled fresh commitments on the economy, security, and youth empowerment.

Below are 20 key takeaways from his address:

1. Tinubu honoured Nigeria’s founding fathers and mothers, recalling their vision of a united, prosperous nation leading the black race.

2. He noted Nigeria’s significant progress since Independence, including vast improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

3. From just 120 secondary schools in 1960, Nigeria now has over 23,000, and 274 universities.

4. Despite challenges-civil war, dictatorships, and political crises-Nigeria has endured and remained united.

5. Tinubu described his administration as committed to continuing the ‘unfinished nation-building business.’

6. He said his government inherited a collapsing economy and chose tough reforms over complacency.

7. Removal of fuel subsidies and multiple exchange rates redirected resources to education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure.

8. He declared: ‘The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.’

9. GDP growth in Q2 2025 was 4.23%, Nigeria’s fastest in four years.

10. Inflation dropped to 20.12% in August 2025, its lowest in three years.

11. Non-oil revenue exceeded ?20 trillion by August 2025, a record-breaking achievement.

12. Nigeria’s external reserves climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

13. Trade surplus reached ?7.46 trillion in Q2 2025, with non-oil exports making up 48%.

14. Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, alongside renewed local refining of fuel.

15. Tinubu said the naira has stabilised, with forex reforms ending arbitrage and multiple rates.

16. Over ?330 billion was disbursed to eight million vulnerable households under social investment.

17. Security forces are ‘winning the war’ against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, banditry, and kidnapping.

18. Tinubu praised Nigerian youths as the nation’s ‘greatest assets,’ citing NELFUND loans of nearly ?100 billion for students.

19. Initiatives like Credicorp, YouthCred, and iDICE are expanding credit and innovation opportunities for young Nigerians.

20. He closed with a message of hope: ‘The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.’

The Federal Government has announced that the Dangote Group will reassign workers who were earlier removed from their jobs at the refinery.

This follows an agreement reached between the company and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

According to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, the affected workers will be posted to other Dangote companies and will not lose their salaries.

He said:

‘After reviewing the disengagement process, it was agreed that the management of Dangote Group should begin reassigning the workers immediately.

No worker will be punished for their role in the dispute between Dangote and PENGASSAN.’

The minister added that PENGASSAN had agreed to call off its strike after both sides reached a compromise.

He also reminded the parties that union membership is the right of every worker under Nigerian law.

The dispute began when PENGASSAN accused the refinery management of unfairly transferring and dismissing union members, and replacing some Nigerians with foreign workers.

The union said these actions violated labour laws and reduced job opportunities for locals.

The refinery, however, denied these claims, saying the changes in its workforce were only due to operational needs and had nothing to do with union activities.

The disagreement escalated when PENGASSAN stopped the supply of gas and crude oil to the refinery, raising concerns about the effect on Nigeria’s energy supply.

The Federal Government stepped in, warning that the standoff could harm the economy and energy security, and later helped both sides reach an agreement.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa has resolved the lingering labour dispute at the Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The minister had summoned parties to the industrial dispute that left the Polytechnic located on the banks of River Nun in Bayelsa to shut down since July 11 to a mediatory meeting on Sept. 29.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), learnt on Wednesday that after exhaustively listening to the workers’ representatives, management, Alausa fixed a resumption date of Oct. 6.

Chairmen and Secretaries of the three unions in the polytechnic, the Rector and Governing Council Chairman attended the meeting held in Abuja.

The unions are Non-Academic Staff Union, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) in the polytechnic.

NAN also gathered that the minister directed the governing council to set up a fresh panel to investigate sundry allegations levelled against the Rector by the unions.

The panel was mandated to report its findings in three weeks.

The meeting followed a joint petition to the minister over suspension of a governing council meeting to resolve the labour dispute on the grounds of insecurity.

The workers had in the petition submitted that the claim of insecurity was a ploy to avert pending probe of allegations against the Rector as there was no security threat in Bayelsa to warrant suspension when the council members were already in town for the meeting.

The unions had said that only the suspension, pending investigation of the Rector Dr Agbabiaka Lukman, will guarantee industrial harmony to the institution.

The workers had kept the institution under locks for alleged violation of the Polytechnic Act by the Rector who took the three unions to court over labour disputes whereas the governing council was statutorily mandated under the Act to handle labour-related matters.

When contacted for an update on the face-off, Mr Nimizuo Pereseigha, Public Relations Officer of the tertiary institution declined comments.