Category: PM News

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase, on Wednesday shocked lawmakers when he revealed that names of suspected Boko Haram members and other criminals were once found on recruitment lists of the Nigerian Army and Police.

Wase made the revelation during a special plenary on the worsening security situation in the country.

The APC lawmaker, who represents Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, warned that allowing criminal elements to infiltrate security agencies is a direct threat to national safety.

According to him, his claim can be confirmed by former Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, now Chairman of the Committee on the FCT, Muktar Betara.

“My brother and friend, Honourable Betara, can attest to this. There were recruitment exercises where names of known Boko Haram members appeared on the shortlist. Armed robbers and other criminals were also found among those cleared for the Army and police,” Wase said.

He cautioned politicians against carelessly endorsing people for military and police jobs, stressing that only credible and trustworthy candidates should be recommended.

Wase, who said he lost a brother, cousin and nephew to terrorist attacks, noted that the North Central region bears “about 52 per cent” of the country’s insecurity burden. He recalled how one of his younger brothers begged to be relocated from their violence-hit community.

The former Deputy Speaker also called for a review of the presidential directive withdrawing police officers from VIP protection. While he acknowledged the intent behind the policy, he urged the government to clearly define the categories so that critical officials are not left exposed.

Speaking for the North-West caucus, Sada Soli described the region’s insecurity as “complex and layered,” driven by criminality, weak governance, environmental pressures and worsening poverty. He argued that force alone will not end the crisis and called for reforms in governance and land-use systems.

On his part, Betara, speaking for the North-East caucus, said the region remains “ground zero of terrorism, insurgency and recurring communal violence,” recalling tragedies from the 2015 Baga massacre to multiple bomb attacks.

South-South lawmaker, Solomon Bob (PDP, Rivers), blamed the situation on leadership failure, accusing successive administrations of negotiating with terrorists instead of enforcing the law.

Since 1999, he argued, governments have lacked the political will to confront insecurity head-on.

Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Kafilat Ogbara, lamented the severe impact of insecurity on women and children, citing recent mass abductions in Papiri and Kamba.

“These are not just security breakdowns; they represent a breach of the state’s core duty to protect lives,” she said.

A community in the FCT, has been attacked by bandits, leading to the abduction of Six young girls and a 16-year-old boy. The attack was reported by a resident of Gidan-Bijimi in Kawu ward, Suleiman Shuaibu.

He confirmed the attack to Daily Trust on Thursday morning, revealing that the bandits invaded two houses in the Kawu community.

While recalling the incident, Shuaibu added that the bandits were armed with rifles and were shooting sporadically. He noted that the vigilantes in the area tried to confront the bandits but were overpowered.

“It was around 9:53 pm when a call came from Gidan -Bijimi community that some bandits invaded the village and abducted six young girls, unfortunately my cousin sister happened to be among the victims,” he said.

Shuaibu further disclosed that the abducted girls are aged between 17 and 23. adding that residents have fled their homes in the community due to the attack.

Ayonla Althentic, media aide to popular Fuji icon Abass ‘Obesere’ Akande, has narrated how the musician was violently attacked by thugs in Ondo State and dispossessed of cash and luxury jewellery worth an estimated 95 million.

Recall that Obesere and his entourage were assaulted on November 21 shortly after performing at a burial ceremony in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Wednesday, Althentic described the incident as a well-coordinated and targeted operation, noting that the assailants struck as the singer was leaving the event venue.

According to him, the thugs made away with a bag containing 25 million — proceeds from a previous performance and the day’s earnings. They also forcefully removed Obesere’s gold necklace valued at 45 million, and a gold wristwatch worth about 25 million.

Explaining how the attack unfolded, Althentic wrote:

“Around 6:00 p.m., I noticed unfamiliar faces not dressed like members of the bereaved family. They looked like street boys, which is common.

lhaji Obesere sang to hail them; they danced and seemed happy, not knowing they already had a mission.”

He said the group waited until the band stopped playing before launching their attack as he and Obesere attempted to move toward their vehicle.

“A large group of hoodlums rushed at us, blocking our path and demanding the bag of money. Others surrounded Alhaji Obesere asking for more money.

After giving them something, they insisted on more and didn’t take it easy with him. They snatched his gold necklace and wristwatch.”

Althentic further revealed that he was beaten, hit with planks, and stabbed, leading to a dislocated shoulder as he tried to protect the bag of money.

“I was violently attacked. I held on to the bag as long as I could, but they were too many. A blow to the back of my head knocked me out briefly. When I regained consciousness, the bag was gone.”

He added that Obesere had just returned from a successful European tour in France and the UK.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki has asked the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to intervene in what it sees as a worrying pattern in the allocation of the party’s cases to specific judges.

In a petition dated 19 November and signed by the faction’s National Secretary, Teofeek Arapaja, the group expressed unease over the continuous assignment of PDP-related suits to three judges of the Abuja Division, Justices James Omotosho, Peter Odo Lifu and Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik.

The Turaki group said the trend had raised alarm among party members who fear that matters involving the PDP appear to be consistently routed to the same set of judges, despite the division having 12 judges available to handle cases.

The petition noted that Justices Omotosho and Lifu had earlier issued rulings that temporarily halted the party’s national convention in Ibadan, while Justice Abdulmalik is presiding over another suit involving the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Describing the courts of the three judges as “courts of particular concern”, the faction said party members believed the assignments created an appearance of bias, even if unintended.

He stressed that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, adding that confidence in the judiciary could be undermined when litigants perceive an uneven distribution of sensitive cases.

Given the party’s internal challenges and the likelihood of more suits being filed, the faction pleaded with the Chief Judge to ensure that future PDP-related cases are assigned to other judges within the Abuja division.

The petition concluded with an appeal to the Chief Judge to take steps that would “restore trust and fairness” in the handling of the party’s legal matters.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Ademola Lookman delivered a brilliant performance on Wednesday night as Atalanta powered past Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 in their UEFA Champions League league-phase clash in Germany, securing a crucial away victory with a commanding and disciplined display.

Atalanta were superior from start to finish, suffocating Frankfurt’s attempts to build tempo while carving out chance after chance.

Lookman set the tone early, constantly stretching the defence and threatening with his movement, before eventually breaking the deadlock.

Lookman opened the scoring in the 60th minute, latching onto a precise cross from Charles De Ketelaere with an exquisite first touch before firing clinically inside the left post.

It was no less than Atalanta deserved after Lookman himself had earlier rattled the post and forced multiple defensive interventions.

The Italians doubled their lead just two minutes later. Lookman turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass that released Ederson, who surged into the box and smashed home a powerful finish to make it 2-0. Frankfurt, already under heavy pressure, appeared shaken as Atalanta pushed relentlessly.

The third goal arrived in the 65th minute when De Ketelaere reacted quickest to a rebound inside the box, firing low into the centre of the net to put Atalanta out of sight.

The visitors could have added more, with Gianluca Scamacca denied by the bar and Nikola Krstovic missing from close range, but the three-goal margin reflected their dominance.

Frankfurt struggled to respond meaningfully. Injuries to key players, including Jonathan Burkardt, disrupted their rhythm, and while they produced occasional threats, such as Nnamdi Collins’ headed chance and Elye Wahi’s late strike, they were repeatedly denied by Atalanta’s well-organised defence and the assured Marco Carnesecchi in goal.

Lookman departed to warm applause from the travelling supporters in the 82nd minute, having played a decisive role in all phases of Atalanta’s attack. His goal, assist and overall influence cemented him as the standout performer of the night.

The Benue State Government has denied a report claiming that Governor Hyacinth Alia plans to dump the All Progressives Congress (APC) after allegedly holding a “secret meeting” with Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the government described the report as false, mischievous, and aimed at distracting the governor from his work.

According to the statement, Governor Alia often visits elder statesmen and national leaders, regardless of their political or religious background. The government said such visits are normal and part of his inclusive style of leadership.

The statement added that the governor regularly meets respected figures like Senator Ayu as part of his work to promote development in the state.

It also noted that Governor Alia has been engaging major political stakeholders in Benue, many of whom have since joined the APC. These include former Senator Prof. David Iornem, Elder David Iorwashima Amo, and Ambassador Terhemen Tarzoor.

The government said the APC in Benue is growing stronger as more people from opposition parties continue to join across different local government areas.

According to the statement, claims that the governor is leaving the APC are false stories created to cause confusion and undermine the administration.

overnor Alia, the government said, is focused on strengthening the APC ahead of the 2027 elections and is willing to work with even his strongest critics to move the state forward and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The public was advised to ignore the false report.

A foremost sports stakeholder, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has called for technocrats to be appointed to lead Nigeria’s sports sector.

She argued that professional expertise, rather than political appointments, is essential if the country hopes to revive its declining sports fortunes.

Atoyebi, who recently won a sports role model award in Denmark, shared her views during the maiden edition of the Big Sports Dialogue 0.1, held on Monday, 24 November, at Villa Doom in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The event brought together sports administrators, industry stakeholders, and media practitioners to examine the challenges affecting the nation’s sporting performance.

Speaking as a panelist, Atoyebi identified the lack of technocratic leadership and the poor state of infrastructure as the sector’s biggest problems.

She noted that meaningful reform would only take shape if these issues were addressed with urgency.

She said she had repeatedly stressed the need for appointing professionals who understand the sector’s demands.

According to her, technocrats would be equipped to develop realistic blueprints, implement them effectively, and remain accountable, which she described as a crucial factor for progress.

Atoyebi also called for decisive action on infrastructure, stating that no meaningful transformation can take place without well-maintained facilities.

She added that other countries have made progress by investing in modern infrastructure that supports athlete development.

The media executive expressed disappointment over the persistent neglect of women’s sports in Nigeria, even though female athletes have delivered more international honours than their male counterparts.

She called for a shift in attitude, adding that Nigerian women’s achievements should translate into stronger institutional support and greater visibility.

Reflecting on the dialogue, Atoyebi praised the organisers for initiating a platform that encourages honest discussion.

She expressed optimism that by the time the next edition is held, there would be tangible signs that many of the recommendations have started to take effect.

Nigerian dancer and former Big Brother Naija housemate, Roseline Omokhoa Afije, popularly known as Liquorose, has opened up about how she narrowly missed the chance to join the reality show in 2020 after testing positive for COVID-19.

The reality star shared the experience during a recent podcast interview with media personality VJ Adams, stating that she was already backstage at the 2020 BBNaija live launch when she was unexpectedly dropped.

Liquorose said she was fully dressed, made up, and waiting to be called onstage before the organisers informed her that she would no longer be participating.

“In 2020, I was backstage at the BBNaija opening show. I was dressed up and my makeup was done, but I was not called. That really hurt me,” she said.

She disclosed that the decision left her devastated and depressed, adding that she nearly gave up on her dream of being on the show.

Liquorose, alongside fellow potential housemate Jaypaul, was barred from entering the 2020 BBNaija house after the pair tested positive for COVID-19 during pre-show screenings.

However, the duo returned the following year to audition again and were eventually selected for the 2021 season.

Liquorose revealed that she was initially reluctant to reapply, but a friend encouraged her to try one more time.

“That experience was messing with me,” she said. “The following year, I didn’t even want to audition, but my friend convinced me to try. I auditioned and forgot about it. One day, I checked my spam folder and saw that I had been selected. It was crazy.”

Liquorose went on to finish as the runner-up of Big Brother Naija Season 6 in 2021, losing the grand prize to eventual winner Whitemoney.

The All Progressives Congress , APC, has applauded President Bola Tinubu’s move to declare a national security emergency in the country.

Mr Seye Oladejo, the Spokesman of the Lagos APC, applauded the move in a statement released on Thursday. He stated that the act will lead to an improvement in the state of security in the country.

Oladejo also added that the President’s move shows his commitment to strengthening the country’s security, stating that the present administration is the kind of leadership that the country has needed for decades.

“The recruitment approved by President Tinubu signals a renewed national strategy that prioritises intelligence, presence, and operational readiness. This is the type of leadership Nigeria has needed for decades — leadership that is ready to take hard decisions for national safety,” he said.

By Adejoke Adeleye

Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN) has raised alarm over the worsening condition of many Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Ogun State, warning that the facilities are struggling under severe staff shortages, empty drug shelves and deteriorating infrastructure.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, the organisation said the mounting challenges are undermining the delivery of essential services for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, services on which millions of Nigerians depend.

The Deputy State Coordinator, Mr Olalekan Sodipo, who spoke on behalf of the State Coordinator, Mrs Olufunmilayo I. Olatunji, said the situation has real and painful consequences for communities. AAccording to him, women often walk long distances to the nearest PHC only to find no nurse on duty, while others are turned back due to lack of medicines or test kits, leaving many residents losing trust in their local health system.

Sodipo explained that the shortage of health workers remains one of the biggest obstacles to quality service delivery. Many PHCs, he said, operate with just one or two staff members who are forced to handle both day and night shifts. This, he noted, leads to exhaustion, burnout, poor attitudes toward patients and inconsistent services. He added that the absence of security personnel at many centres leaves them vulnerable to theft and vandalism.

He further lamented frequent stock-outs of essential medicines and diagnostic commodities, saying several facilities have reported shortages of HIV test kits, antimalarial drugs and rapid diagnostic tools during recent quarters. These gaps, he warned, push patients to seek help elsewhere or abandon treatment entirely.

On infrastructure, Sodipo described many PHCs as being in worrying states of decay. Ageing buildings with cracked walls, leaking roofs and poor ventilation, he said, pose serious risks to both health workers and patients.

Highlighting ACOMIN’s interventions, Sodipo said the organisation, through Global Fund support, has implemented the Community-Led Monitoring (CLM) initiative under GC7. The initiative enables communities to identify service gaps, advocate for solutions and hold responsible authorities accountable, thereby strengthening local health systems.

He noted that in Ogun State, CLM interventions have led to the provision of chairs, adult weighing scales and sphygmomanometers for PHCs in Odeda; the repair of a water facility at Kajola in Obafemi Owode; and the fixing of a leaking roof at Odogbolu, among other improvements.

COMIN called on government at all levels, private partners, influential individuals, traditional rulers and religious leaders to work together to move PHCs from a state of persistent shortages to sustainable, long-term solutions. The organisation urged decisive and collaborative action to reinforce community health structures across the country.

Sodipo also appealed to both federal and state governments to prioritise health system strengthening by increasing and better targeting investments. This, he said, should include recruiting and retaining qualified health workers, ensuring a steady supply of HIV, TB and malaria commodities, and renovating and expanding dilapidated facilities.