Category: PM News

The Nasarawa State Police Command has dismissed a viral publication circulating across social media and news platforms alleging that herdsmen invaded a crusade at Agboda community, forcing worshippers to flee for safety.

The command also confirmed the arrest of one Evangelist Daniel Ukpo, who recorded the video that fueled the false report.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, said investigations showed that no herdsmen attack occurred in the community or anywhere else in Nasarawa State on the said date.

According to him, the reports and video being circulated were misleading and amounted to a gross misrepresentation of the actual incident. Nansel disclosed that the real event involved a motorcycle robbery, not an attack on a religious gathering.

He said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that on 24 November 2025 at about 1900 hours, the Divisional Police Officer, Mararaba Udege Division, received information that a motorcyclist was attacked by unknown persons along a feeder road to Agboda Village.

The victim sustained a machete cut and the attackers made away with his motorcycle.” “Upon receiving the report, the DPO alerted vigilantes in the area. Together with the police, they pursued the suspects. The criminals abandoned the stolen motorcycle and escaped. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he is responding to treatment. His motorcycle was also recovered.”

Further investigation, he added, confirmed that Evangelist Daniel Ukpo–who made the viral video–was currently in custody.

“He has admitted that there was no herdsmen attack and no disruption of any crusade. He explained that residents only trooped to the robbery scene, and he recorded the video which is now being wrongly interpreted online,” Nansel said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, urged religious leaders to avoid making inciting statements capable of heightening tension within the state and across the country.

He also called on journalists and the public to verify information before publication, warning against disseminating unverified or sensational content that could lead to unnecessary panic.

“The command remains committed to protecting lives and property,” the statement added. “Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.”

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Dutse

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, on Wednesday presented a 901.8 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly, unveiling what he described as the state’s “most ambitious yet achievable” development blueprint.

The proposal represents a 19.2 per cent increase over the 756.3 billion budget for 2025, signalling a strong push to accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen agriculture, expand energy access and deepen investments in education, health and social welfare.

Presenting the budget in Dutse, the governor said the proposal is anchored on the state’s 12-Point Agenda and its newly approved Comprehensive Development Framework, both designed to guide long-term transformation.

He explained that the 901.8 billion revenue projection will be drawn from statutory allocation, VAT, other federal transfers, internally generated revenue, LEA and PHC reimbursements, as well as capital receipts from the opening balance, loans and grants.

According to him, the figures were carefully validated to ensure a realistic and credible financing structure.

Namadi emphasised that the 2026 budget heavily favours capital expenditure, with 693.4 billion, equivalent to 76.9 per cent of the entire proposal, dedicated to long-term investments.

Recurrent spending will cover 120 billion for personnel costs, 75.6 billion for overheads, 7 billion for contingency and stabilisation and 5.7 billion for public debt charges.

The governor said prioritising capital projects reflects his administration’s determination to lay lasting foundations for economic expansion.

A significant portion of the budget goes to the economic sector, which receives more than 396 billion to strengthen roads and transport, boost agriculture and livestock production, improve power and energy reliability, expand commercial activities, support strategic investments and widen youth empowerment and job-creation programmes.

Namadi said these investments are expected to enhance connectivity, raise agricultural output, stimulate markets and reduce youth unemployment.

The social sector also receives substantial allocations totalling over 236 billion. Education dominates this segment, with provisions for basic, post-basic and tertiary education, while the health sector gets sizeable allocations for both the Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Women’s affairs, social development, as well as information, culture, youth and sports also receive funding. The governor noted that combined allocations for education and health exceed 310 billion, underscoring the central role of human capital development in the state’s growth strategy.

He further highlighted key allocations aimed at strengthening water supply systems, sanitation infrastructure, environmental protection, climate resilience, land administration, housing and urban development, and local governance.

These investments, he said, will expand access to clean water, support erosion-control efforts, mitigate climate risks and promote more efficient urban and regional planning.

A longside the state budget, Namadi presented the consolidated budget of the 27 local government councils amounting to 288.8 billion. The councils’ spending plan includes personnel costs, overheads, contingency provisions and capital investment aimed at improving grassroots development across Jigawa.

The governor urged the Assembly to give the budget expedited consideration to ensure continuity in the state’s development agenda and sustain progress already achieved across multiple sectors.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded one of its biggest breakthroughs in recent years, dismantling a Lagos-based opioids cartel and seizing illicit drugs worth more than N6.7 billion in a major intelligence-led operation.

According to a statement by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday, operatives of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit stormed a secret warehouse hidden inside a residential estate in the Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos, arresting alleged drug baron Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five members of his criminal network.

Babafemi disclosed that the operation, conducted between 19th and 20th November 2025, followed credible intelligence that the syndicate was preparing to distribute 7.2 million tramadol 225mg pills and 526,200 bottles (53 million millilitres) of codeine syrup ahead of the Christmas season.

He said two members of the group, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, were first intercepted at Apple Junction, Festac, while conveying 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.

A swift follow-up raid on the cartel’s warehouse on 23 Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor uncovered the massive consignment, estimated at a combined street value of N6,722,550,000. The haul included 7,272,000 tramadol pills worth N3.96 billion and 53 million millilitres of codeine syrup valued at N2.76 billion.

Babafemi noted that the drugs were evacuated from the estate in eleven trucks and taken to the NDLEA’s central exhibit complex in Lagos.

He added that the warehouse raid also led to the arrest of three additional members of the syndicate: Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.

Babafemi reported that NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), hailed the breakthrough as a significant strike against cartels preying on the nation’s youth.

Marwa commended the professionalism of the officers involved, stressing that the seized drugs could have deepened addiction, crime and insecurity across the country.

“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement,” Marwa said.

“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. We will smoke them out of their hiding places. The long arm of the law will catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or hidden they think they are,” he added.

He reaffirmed that the Agency remains focused on hunting down the kingpins and financiers behind the illicit drug trade, in line with the mandate given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos State Police Command has ordered the suspension of the Oregun traditional Egungun festival scheduled for 27 and 28 November 2025, citing concerns that the event could trigger unrest, restrict citizens’ movement and threaten public peace.

In a series of statements released on Wednesday, the Command said its decision followed an assessment of the “fear and apprehension” already generated among residents after handbills and posters circulated prescribing movement restrictions during the festival.

The Command declared unequivocally that the festival “must not hold,” stressing that no cultural event or gathering would be permitted if it risked destabilising the peace or heightening tension across the state.

“This restriction suffices to make it clear that no group should take laws into their hands and prevent other Nigerians from movement around and throughout the State at will at any time,” the statement read.

The Police said it remains committed to protecting the fundamental rights of residents, warning groups planning unauthorised gatherings to desist immediately.

“The Lagos State Police Command will continue to firmly protect the fundamental human rights of everyone in the State,” it added.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, reinforced the directive, stating that security agencies could no longer guarantee safety at the proposed festival.

“The Oje Parapo of Oregun should desist forthwith from holding the Egungun Festival as the security for the festival can no longer be guaranteed. Furthermore, the stress and fear already instilled in residents are unacceptable,” he said.

The Command also referenced a similar incident in Mafoluku, Oshodi, within the Makinde Police Division, where officers acted swiftly on 23 November, 2025 after publications circulated calling for activities capable of disrupting public order, saying that 12 suspects were arrested in that case and are currently under investigation.

“The full weight of the law will be applied to anyone or group that attempts to undermine the peace, safety, or stability of Lagos State,” the Commissioner warned.

Residents across Lagos were urged to go about their lawful activities without fear. The Police encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity using the Command’s emergency numbers: 08063299264, 09053872208, 07061019374, and 08065154338.

The statement was signed by SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Minister of State for Defence, Hon Bello Matawalle has said 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State were rescued in Mokwa forest, Niger State after gun-battle with their abductors.

Matawalle revealed this while speaking to journalists alongside Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris following the rescue of the girls who were abducted on Sunday, November 17.

Matawalle said the girls were rescued unhurt by a combined team of soldiers, police, civil defence personnel, vigilantes and hunters after nine days in captivity with no ransom paid.

He added that the schoolgirls would be be taken to hospital for medical examination before being reunited with their parents while applauding security operatives for their courage and professionalism.

Also speaking Governor Idris expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, the Progressive Governors’ Forum led by Hope Uzodimma, National Assembly members led by Tajudeen Abbas, the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and others for the concerns they showed following the abduction of the girls.

The Kebbi State Governor who revealed that the rescued schoolgirls would be in Birnin Kebbi today (Wednesday) for the official handover to their parents aAlso stated that no ransom was paid by either the state or Federal Government for their release.

“No ransom was paid. The Kebbi State Government did not pay a kobo, and neither did the Federal Government. The rescue was achieved solely through the efforts of the security agencies,” the governor said.

We must avert further kidnapping incidents

While welcoming the release of the girls, President Tinubu, in a statement on Tuesday charged the security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue others still in captivity. This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja. Tinubu who expressed relief that the schoolgirls had been reunited with the authorities noted that the Kebbi abduction had sparked copycat incidents in Eruku, Kwara , and Papiri, Niger. The President noted that all 38 the abducted victims in Eruku were freed on Sunday, while the Niger Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), had confirmed that 50 of the missing students from a Catholic School in the state had returned home. The president commended the security agencies for their efforts so far, urging them to intensify operations to free those still held. “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for.

“Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. “My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” Tinubu vowed.

Wayne Rooney has advised Liverpool manager Arne Slot to consider dropping Mohamed Salah to help the team improve after their 30 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The defeat has pushed the defending Premier League champions down to 11th place, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Rooney said Salah’s lack of defensive effort could affect the rest of the team. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he explained that every player must work hard for the team, especially when results are poor.

He suggested that Salah could return to the starting lineup once the team begins to win again.

Rooney also criticised some of Liverpool’s senior players, saying their performances have not met expectations.

He explained that new signings sitting on the bench may feel discouraged if they see top players not working hard defensively but still starting every match.

According to Rooney, Slot needs to make a “big decision” to get the team organised, compact, and difficult to beat.

He believes this will encourage every player to contribute more defensively. Once results improve, Salah could be brought back into the team with the hope that he works harder off the ball.

Afrobeats singer Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has received backlash for his controversial statement made in his HBO documentary Long Live Lagos.

The singer had claimed he had no blueprint for his music career. This statement quickly sparked reactions from other users who questioned his claim, stating that he was erasing Banky W’s impact on his career.

“There was no blueprint for me. I had to build a structure for myself,” Wizkid claimed.

Some users agreed with his claim, explaining that Wizkid’s style of music was the first of its kind in the Nigerian music industry. Other users however, argued that he was being ungrateful.

“I still vividly remember the day that Bankole [Banky W] announced on a show that he wanted to introduce a boy wonder, a germ in the making. Today, this ungrateful child is claiming otherwise. If Banky knew that today would come, I am sure he would have chased him far away”, one user wrote.

Another user spoke about Banky W’s role, claiming that he used to pick Wizkid up from school for studio sessions.

“This guy is erasing the role Banky W and EME played in his career. The person Banky picked from school for the studio is saying, “I had to build a structure for myself.’ God sees all,” he wrote.

Nigerian dancer and reality TV star Roseline Omokhoa Afije, popularly known as Liquorose, has opened up regarding her career choice and dreams.

The BBNaija star, while speaking with VJ Adams, revealed that she wanted to be a musician, adding that she was making steps towards becoming one before going for BBNaija.

“I won’t lie, I love music too much. I’ve always wanted to be a musician. Yeah, I’ve been recording. There was a time when I was always in the studio before I went for BBNaija show. I was very hungry with music,” she revealed.

Liquorose also spoke about being a creative and how that has impacted her life and current career as an actress. She revealed that she almost chose being a musician over being an actress.

“I know that feeling because I’m a poet and I write. If the music isn’t sounding like that, I know I could do better. And I work with writers as well now and stuff. I wanted to ignore music because I’m like I love acting. Acting is like my safest place right now. I’m comfortable, I can act till like I’m 80 or 70 years old. But the urge to make music remains strong. But you see music, there’s a side of me that people have not seen. And it’s my music side. And one thing I need people to know is that the sound won’t just be for you to dance. It’s going to touch you. I can do dancehall, I can rap if I want to, because I write poems. I can’t sing like Beyonce, but I can hold my own,” she added.

By Hussaina Yakubu

Former Niger Governor Babangida Aliyu has expressed deep concern over the growing level of insecurity, especially in the Northern part of the country.

Aliyu who is also the chairman of Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation (SAMF), made the remarks at a dinner organised by the foundation in Kaduna to celebrate his 70th birthday.

Speaking at the dinner attended by eminent Nigerians, former Governors, and associates who gathered in his honour, Aliyu said there is the urgent to improve security across Nigeria.

He lamented that ‘the North now has 19 Sardaunas but lacks the peace and order once associated with the late Premier of Northern Nigeria.”

The former governor said the rising incidents of killings, kidnappings and general insecurity were unacceptable, stressing that the primary responsibility of any government remained the protection of lives and property.

“Today, we have 19 Sardaunas in name, but what are we hearing now? The level of insecurity, particularly in recent times, is troubling,” he said.

Aliyu recalled how a single murder in the old Northern region once sent shockwaves across communities because of the region’s respect for human life.

He called on governments to prioritise security over infrastructure stating, “flyovers and physical projects cannot replace the fundamental obligation of securing citizens.

“Anytime you come to construct flyovers or whatever may be infrastructure, but your core responsibility is to protect the lives of the people.”

Reflecting on the values of the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, he said the Sardauna governed with integrity, sacrifice and selflessness, leaving behind neither mansions nor personal wealth, but a legacy of discipline and equitable leadership.

The celebrant, who described himself as “70 years plus 13 days,” said he had entered a phase of deeper reflection, gratitude and commitment to seeking forgiveness from his Creator.

He thanked the foundation for honouring him in spite of his initial reluctance. Aliyu recalled his early educational journey and the era of free and quality schooling funded under the leadership vision of Sir Ahmadu Bello.

He said the North must rediscover that legacy of purposeful governance, discipline and investment in education.

He urged Nigerians to embrace a life free of bitterness, malice and jealousy, advising that daily self assessment was key to living long and living well.

“Review your day before you sleep. If your good deeds outweigh the bad, you will live longer,” he said.

The Director -General of the foundation, Mr Gambo Abubakar, read a citation detailing Aliyu’s distinguished public service career, from his days as a teacher to his rise as a Permanent Secretary, member of the House of Representatives and later a Governor.

He described Aliyu as a statesman of rare integrity whose leadership of the foundation had deepened its work in education, policy dialogue, humanitarian support and youth development across the North.

Iyan Zazzau and Deputy Chairman, BOT (SAMF), Munnir Jafaru, lauded the pivotal role played by Aliyu in the formation and growth of the foundation.

Jafaru recalled their years of working closely together, adding that their shared commitment to leadership and Northern development ultimately gave birth to the establishment of SAMF.

He described Aliyu as a founding father of the foundation and an instrumental force behind its vision and direction. Jafaru wished the “Chief Servant” good health and many more decades of impactful service, expressing optimism that his leadership contributions would continue to shape the organisation for another 70 years and beyond.

The former Governor of Kogi, retired Capt. Idris Wada, who also spoke at the event, praised Aliyu as a sincere, hardworking and super intelligent leader who always created an environment for people around him to thrive.

He wished him “another 70 years in good health and Allah’s guidance.”

Other well wishers included Hon. Timothy Anjide from Nasarawa State and members of the Board of Trustees, who described the celebrant as a fair, principled and visionary leader.

They highlighted his humility, humour and unwavering commitment to service.

Hajiya Rabi Saulawa of Jam’iyar Matan Arewa commended Aliyu’s courage and honesty, noting that the North “needs voices like his to keep us in line and ensure we get things right.”

Dr. Haruna Jumare,Director ,Finance and Administration, speaking on behalf of the foundation’s management, celebrated Aliyu’s lifetime of service.

He described him as a builder of people, a mentor and a champion of justice whose impact would remain indelible across Nigeria.(NAN)

Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, the chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, on Tuesday marked the 100 days of his second term in office with donation of empowerment tools to Ojodu residents.

Some of the tools donated were poultry and fish feeds, grinding machines, industrial freezers, industrial oven, free fuel vouchers ranging from N10,000 to N20,000 for commercial tricycle operators and buses worth N5million, generators, solar panel, industrial gas, industrial cookers, laptops for youths,, welding machines, dryers for hairdressers, desktop computers, crutches, industrial weaving machines.

Others were tools for carpentry and plumbing, water pumps, goat, sheep and bird cages, vulcanizer machines, solar for 10 small businesses among others.

N100,000 each was also given to 50 market men and women while 20 Persons Living With Disability, PLWDs, also received N50,000 each. Graduates of Soilless farm training were also given N100,000 each as part of the N5million grant to support the initiative.

The donations were in fulfillment of Odunmbaku’s campaign promises to eradicate poverty and support small business owners within the council.

It the presentation ceremony held at the council secretariat, Odunmbaku promised residents that his administration will continue to prioritize their welfare as well as continue to fulfill all his campaign promises.

“In these 100 days, we have planted a seed of progress. Our vision for Ojodu is clear; a cleaner, safer, more prosperous , digital and smart LCDA. A community where every citizen, young or old , feels the pulse of good governance. Let us continue to walk together, hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder toward the Ojodu of our dreams,” Odunmbaku said.

Odunmbaku promised to build police station at Oke-Ira to tackle insecurity, expand digital training for youths

He thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting his administration through approval of various projects. He also promised his administration’s support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Beneficiaries thanked the chairman for fulfilling his campaign promises.

Under his “HEYSRELOADED Agenda’ of Health and Social Welfare, Education Development, Youth and Women Development and Social Empowerment and Infrastructural Development, Odunmbaku has, since assuming office built new health centres and upgraded existing ones with over six surgeries successfully carried out at the Oluwole health centre.

Recent medical outreach organized by the chairman saw thousands of Ojodu residents benefiting from free medical tests and drugs

He has also constructed new roads while dilapidated ones have been rehabilitated thereby linking previously isolated communities to each other with good roads. In agriculture, he has sponsored training of young agripreneurs in soilless farming with the first set of trainees presenting their first harvest to him.

Hundreds of traders and entrepreneurs have also benefitted from interest-free loans ranging from N150,000 to N2million in partnership with a microfinance bank.

Over 60,000 exercise books and bags have been distributed to students in primary schools, while exceptional teachers have been rewarded with cash awards.