Category: PM News

Barthimaus Ehiemere, 25, of Hackney, London, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for grooming and sexually abusing boys as young as 12. Police believe there could be hundreds more victims.

Ehiemere targeted boys online using Snapchat and the now-defunct app Spotafriend, offering money and gifts to coerce them into sending sexual images, which he then sold to other offenders. Investigators found that he also raped two boys between 2019 and 2023 and filmed some assaults in public places.

police investigation identified seven victims, aged between 12 and 16, though officers warn that many more may have been exploited. During the investigation, over 1,600 indecent images were discovered across multiple devices.

Ehiemere was first arrested on 28 July 2020 after police discovered indecent images on his phone. He was initially sentenced in 2021 to eight months in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for 24 months, and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He reoffended in 2024 by using unregistered devices in breach of the order, which contained evidence of sexual assault against a 12-year-old boy.

Prosecutor James Brown KC told the court: “Ehiemere had a deep-seated and commercial interest in the sexual abuse of young teenage boys. He actively encouraged boys to send sexual images and then profited by selling them to other paedophiles. On Snapchat, he bragged about his acts and described raping a 12-year-old victim as ‘the best sex ever’.”

Judge Timothy Greene said: “These offences were committed when Ehiemere was between 17 and 23. He is a serious danger to young boys, showing no genuine remorse other than concern for his own consequences. This was a campaign of sexual offending.”

Ehiemere pleaded guilty to 32 counts, including rape of a child under 13, inciting children to produce sexual images, and multiple breaches of the Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He was also convicted by a jury on a further 15 counts of sexual assault and paying for the sexual services of a child.

Detective Chief Inspector Kirk Doyle of the Metropolitan Police said: “Barthimaus Ehiemere was a prolific and predatory sexual offender who caused deep and lasting harm. He used gifts, money, and praise to coerce boys into sending sexual images, which he then exploited. We know there are still victims who have not come forward. Anyone affected should contact us quoting Operation Teigar.”

Nigeria intensified its final round of diplomacy ahead of next week’s crucial election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, delivering a persuasive appeal to delegates at a well-attended lunch reception on Thursday at the IMO headquarters in London. The event, which drew representatives from more than 150 countries, formed a major pillar of Nigeria’s last outreach efforts before the Council election scheduled for Friday, 28 November 2025.

ddressing ambassadors, Alternate Permanent Representatives and maritime policymakers, Oyetola said Nigeria is not just a contender but as a country whose actions in maritime security, environmental responsibility and blue-economy reforms have directly advanced global seaborne trade. He stressed that Nigeria’s candidature rests on tangible achievements rather than promises, noting that the country has demonstrated consistent leadership in improving safety across the Gulf of Guinea.

Dr Oyetola highlighted the transformation of the region from a high-risk zone to a maritime corridor experiencing unprecedented stability. He reaffirmed that Nigeria has recorded zero piracy incidents within its waters over the past four years, citing data from the International Maritime Bureau. According to him, regional cooperation and Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project have played decisive roles in curbing maritime crime, thereby safeguarding international shipping and reinforcing confidence among seafarers, insurers, and investors.

The minister assured IMO member states that Nigeria’s policies remain firmly aligned with the Organisation’s long-term priorities. Through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, he explained, Nigeria is deepening reforms aimed at improving port efficiency, promoting sustainable ocean-based industries, and protecting its marine environment. He noted that the country’s bid for Council membership seeks to strengthen partnerships rather than prestige, emphasising shared responsibility in preserving global maritime order.

In his appeal for support, Minister Oyetola invited countries to lend Nigeria their “trust, friendship, and votes,” stressing that the nation stands ready to contribute constructively to the Council’s work across safety, security, environmental stewardship and maritime development. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to a future where all coastal and seafaring nations, regardless of size, benefit from secure oceans and open trade routes.

The minister also expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with member states recently affected by severe hurricanes and other natural disasters in the Caribbean and the Philippines. He conveyed heartfelt sympathy, reminding delegates that global maritime cooperation must be underpinned by compassion and unity, especially in moments of national grief.

Oyetola also thanked the delegates, the IMO Secretariat, regional organisations, and industry stakeholders for their continued dialogue and collaboration, noting that their presence at the reception affirmed the spirit of collective purpose that defines the IMO.

“The seas unite us far more than they divide us,” he added.

s Nigeria enters the decisive final phase of its campaign, the country is enjoying broad goodwill among the international maritime community, raising expectations ahead of next Friday’s vote.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has denied claims that two pupils of St. Peter’s Academy, Rukubi, in Doma Local Government Area, were kidnapped during school activities. The police described the reports as “false” and “mere rumours unworthy of publication as factual news.”

The unverified claims, which circulated on social media and some blogs, had caused anxiety among parents and residents.

In a statement on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer Ramhan Nansel said the command was alerted to the posts suggesting that kidnappers had taken two pupils from the school.

He explained, “The report is false and does not reflect the true state of affairs.”

Nansel said an unverified alert came around 10 a.m., claiming the pupils had been abducted while participating in sports activities. In response, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, deployed a joint team of police and military personnel to the area.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the pupils had seen some hunters carrying Dane guns and, out of fear, mistook them for kidnappers and ran,” the statement said.

The area was thoroughly combed, normalcy restored, and the school proprietor confirmed that the alarm was false.

Nansel urged the public to ignore the rumour and called on journalists to always verify information before publishing.

The false alarm at St. Peter’s Academy comes on the same day as a serious security incident in Niger State, where armed men stormed St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, and abducted students and staff. According to the Niger State Government, the school had reopened despite prior security warnings.

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American gospel legendKirk Franklin, has surprised fans on Wednesday night when he opened Davido’s Atlanta concert with a powerful and emotional prayer for Nigeria.

The unexpected moment unfolded just befo Davido took the stage. Franklin walked into the spotlight, grabbed the microphone, and led thousands of attendees in a heartfelt prayer session. He prayed for peace, healing, stability, and progress in Nigeria, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

The gesture has since stirred massive reactions online, with many Nigerians praising the gospel singer for recognizing the country’s struggles and using his platform to intercede.

The concert, held in Atlanta as part of Davido’s ongoing shows, was already buzzing with energy, but Franklin’s spiritual presence added an emotional highlight that fans say they won’t forget anytime soon.

Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham, has cried out over the rise in insecurity in the country. The actress on her Instagram page expressed her concerns of the state of security in Nigeria.

Toyin, while reacting to the recent terrorist attacks and abductions, stated that terrorism is not just attacking villages but the safety of Nigerians.

She added that religious extremism and fanatics movements are tearing the country apart.

“As mothers, we carry a kind of fear that sits deep in our bones. When we hear of such violence, it is not just news to us, it is a wound. Terrorism and religious extremism are tearing at the fabric of our communities, changing the way people live, love, pray, and hope. These fanatics and terrorists are not just attacking villages, they are attacking the very idea of safety, childhood, and peace. So how do we confront a world where innocent souls are kidnapped and killed in the name of hatred? How do we protect our children when cruelty seems to move without fear or consequence?”, she asked.

Hollywood actor James Pickens Jr, has opened up on his prostate cancer diagnosis, urging men to prioritise physical checkups.

The actor, famously known for his role on Grey’s anatomy, revealed this while speaking with Black Health Matters. Pickens revealed that the health condition runs in his family, so he always get checked yearly.

The 71-year-old stressed the importance of early detection, stating that it is the key to fighting the cancer before it spreads.

“It was rare enough that they wanted to make sure that they were crossing all the T’s and dotting all their I’s. But they hadn’t seen one that was detected as early as mine,” he stated.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday puts politics aside to pour encomiums on Chief Olabode George, a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos.

The occasion was the 80th birthday celebration and public presentation of the memoir of George held in Lagos on Friday.

The President was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume,

Speaking at the event, Tinubu acknowledged that he and Chief George have been on opposing sides of the political aisle since 1999.

But the President stressed that such differences have never diminished the mutual respect they share as leaders committed to Nigeria’s progress.

Tinubu also restated his belief in the enduring unity of Nigeria, affirming that while political actors may disagree vigorously, the values and ties that bind them as stakeholders of one nation remain far stronger than any partisan divide.

President Tinubu described the event as a celebration of a distinguished Nigerian, an elder statesman, and an accomplished public servant who has lived a full life of service to country and community.

He said Chief George’s invitation to him to share in the milestone reflects “the Nigerian and Lagos spirit, our shared humanity, history, kindred spirit, and good neighborliness’.”

Highlighting the broader message of national cohesion, President Tinubu underscored that despite heated political contests and divergent views, what unites Nigerians remains inviolable.

“The event of today has again demonstrated that, as politicians, we can shout and disagree. Still, the values that bind us together as members of the same household living in different rooms are more enduring and stronger than what divides us,” the President said.

He affirmed that since assuming office, Chief George has offered valuable counsel through his public interventions on national issues.

The President also celebrated Chief George’s remarkable journey to 80, describing it as a testimony to divine grace and personal resilience.

He expressed delight that the celebrant was marking the milestone in Lagos, his home state, recalling with humour Chief George’s past public declaration that he would go into exile if Tinubu ever became President.

“I pleaded with him that he would have a change of heart, because we would all remain in Nigeria and work together to achieve the peaceful and prosperous Nigeria that was our collective dream,” the President said.

On the newly launched memoir, President Tinubu noted that the work captures Chief George’s early years in Lagos, his military career, his tenure as Military Governor of old Ondo State, his stewardship at the Nigerian Ports Authority, and his role in party politics.

He expressed confidence that the book will offer invaluable lessons on leadership, public service, party politics, and military doctrine. The President pledged his support for the book launch and urged all attendees to do likewise by purchasing copies for personal use and for public institutions.

President Tinubu wished Chief George continued good health, strength, and many more years of service to God and humanity.

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says 20 per cent children worldwide live-in extreme poverty, surviving on under $3 a day.

UNICEF, in a report, on Thursday stated that nearly 90 per cent of those children are in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, but even in high-income countries, 23 per cent live with far less income than their peers.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell said. “When governments commit to ending child poverty by implementing effective policies, they can unlock a world of possibilities for children.”

The report draws on data from more than 130 low and middle-income countries, assessing deprivation across six areas: education, health, nutrition, housing, sanitation and water.

Poverty undermines children’s health, development and learning, leading to weaker job prospects, shorter lifespans and higher rates of depression and anxiety.

UNICEF finds 118 million children are deprived in three or more of the areas studied.

The findings come as many governments scale back foreign aid.

The agency warns that cuts could leave six million more children out of school by next year.

Nigerian controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable has responded to Cubana Chief Priest’s letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu about the sentence given to Nnamdi Kanu.

The singer on Instagram, commented on the entrepreneur’s post, calling him out for speaking up after making friends with Seyi Tinubu.

Portable further alleged that the entrepreneur had also been collecting money from the president’s son.

“But you forgot to tell him when you snap picture. Who tell you say Tinubu go win? You no fit get power pass government. After God na Government. Odala Igbo man. You dey fight for your pocket, your brother dey prison. You no tell Seyi Tinubu say your brother dey prison after you don collect money chop,” he said.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity following the latest mass abduction of schoolchildren in Niger State.

Reacting to Friday’s attack on St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, Atiku said the wave of kidnappings across the country has reached a breaking point.

“Not again. This is truly heartbreaking,” Atiku wrote on X.

“How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken? It is not too late for the government to finally declare a state of emergency on insecurity and confront this menace with the urgency it deserves,” he added.

unmen stormed the Catholic-owned school in the early hours of Friday, reportedly arriving in large numbers on over 60 motorcycles and with a van before escaping with an unconfirmed number of pupils.

The attack is the latest in a troubling chain of school kidnappings across the North. Less than a week ago, bandits abducted 26 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State — an incident in which Vice Principal Hassan Makuku was killed while defending the students.

It also came days after at least 30 worshippers were seized during an attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, in Kwara State, where three people were killed.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier condemned the worsening attacks and directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit affected families.