Category: PM News

The Kogi Government has ordered arrest of a leader of a vigilante group and others after death of a herder led to reprisal killings in Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi communities of Kupa Kingdom, Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.

This was revealed in a statement issued to commiserate with families of victims of reprisal killings by the state government on Thursday.

Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Kingsley Fanwo who signed the statement vowed that all perpetrators of the reprisal killings would be apprehended and prosecuted.

He described the incident as tragic, senseless and unacceptable, stressing that no misunderstanding should result in the loss of innocent lives.

Fanwo said Gov. Ahmed Ododo extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Kupa Kingdom, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.

According to him, preliminary reports showed that the crisis began after an unarmed herder was allegedly shot and killed by a member of the local vigilante on suspicion of cattle rustling.

The commissioner said the killing was followed by a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by armed persons, who targeted innocent residents of Abugi, Kuchinda and Mikugi, resulting in multiple deaths and heightened tension in the area.

‘The Kogi government condemns in the strongest terms, both the killing of the unarmed herder and subsequent reprisal attack.

‘These are criminal acts that have no place in our society.

‘Anyone found to have participated in either incident, regardless of status or ethnic affiliation, will face the full wrath of the law,’ Fanwo stated.

The commissioner disclosed that the governor has directed security agencies to take control of the affected communities, restore peace and prevent further breakdown of law and order.

‘The governor has ordered the immediate arrest of the vigilante member, alleged to have killed the herder, as well as those behind the reprisal attack, including the leader of the Hybrid Vigilante Group suspected to have coordinated the assault.’

He appealed to residents to remain calm and resist reprisals, and urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information to aid investigations and arrests.

He said the state government is working closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to restore lasting peace across Kupa Kingdom and rebuild confidence among affected communities.

The commissioner reiterated the Ododo administration’s commitment to protecting every resident of Kogi

He stressed that government will continue to uphold justice, strengthen peaceful coexistence and ensure that criminals have no hiding place in the state.

Nigerian troops have neutralised nine terrorists in a precision airstrike in Borno and apprehended six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in Plateau.

The piece of information is in a Military Operational Report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.

The report stated that the successes were recorded during ongoing operations across the North-East, North-Central and other theatres.

It noted that an Air Interdiction Mission, codenamed GUARDIAN, tracked three motorcycles conveying nine terrorists around Mai Hisari Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno.

It added that the aircraft conducted a precision strike, destroying the motorcycles and neutralising all nine terrorists.

The report also revealed that troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested six suspected kidnappers and terrorist logistics suppliers at a hospital in Jos South Local Government Area.

It said the suspects, who were receiving treatment for gunshot and machete wounds, are in military custody for further investigation.

‘Troops also arrested a Fulani youth leader in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna over alleged links to a recent terrorist attack on Naridon Community.

‘In Benue, troops conducting offensive operations in Ukum Local Government Area made contact with suspected terrorists, killing one while others fled.

‘The troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, a motorcycle and other items during the operation.

‘Meanwhile, troops responding to an attack on herders in Guma Local Government Area of Benue arrested a suspect accused of macheting a herder, while the injured victim was evacuated for medical treatment,’ it said.

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) said reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu have helped boosted market capitalisation of listed companies from N30 trillion in May 2023 to over N150 trillion.

‘In May 2023, when Mr President came into office, the market capitalisation was just shy of N30 trillion. Today, that figure is over N150 trillion,’ NGX Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Temi Popoola, disclosed on Thursday.

He spoke after NGX and Securities and Exchange Commission officials met President Bola Tinubu at the presidential villa, Abuja.

The delegation briefed the President on capital market performance, growth prospects and measures required to deepen participation and attract more investors.

He cited fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange reforms and the Investment and Securities Act signed into law in 2025.

Popoola also highlighted banking sector recapitalisation and digital transformation initiatives aimed at broadening access to capital market opportunities.

‘The banks have raised over N4 trillion and before the end of this year maybe over N5 trillion, mostly from domestic investors,’ he said.

Popoola said market capitalisation could reach about N230 trillion by the end of 2026, driven by anticipated major listings.

He identified the proposed listing of the Dangote Refinery among developments expected to further boost market value and investor confidence.

According to him, the growth has created substantial wealth for investors and businesses across the country.

Popoola estimated that between 500,000 and 900,000 new millionaires had emerged through gains recorded in the capital market.

He added that earnings of many listed companies had risen sharply, with some firms recording up to five-fold growth since 2023.

The NGX chief attributed the market expansion to key reforms introduced under the Tinubu administration.

He said the delegation presented a vision of a capital market capable of financing infrastructure and supporting Nigeria’s one-trillion-dollar economy ambition.

Popoola noted that Nigeria could become a major financing hub for Africa if current reforms and policies were sustained.

He said NGX urged the Federal Government to accelerate privatisation and list stakes in major national assets.

The assets proposed for listing include Nigeria LNG, Indorama and selected Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. assets.

‘We pressed Mr President to consider support for government stakes in these companies to come to the market,’ he said.

Popoola said the exchange also requested incentives to encourage more private firms to list locally rather than seek foreign listings exclusively.

He disclosed that Tinubu assured the delegation of his support and commitment to policies that would deepen market development.

Earlier, NGX Group Chairman, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga, said the Nigerian market was recently ranked among the world’s best-performing exchanges.

He attributed the achievement to the administration’s economic reforms and increased investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.

‘We are coming from less than N50 trillion to today over N150 trillion and we are still growing.

‘These are all part of the success stories of what Mr President has done,’ he said.

Kwairanga said the President also expressed support for listing additional national assets to broaden wealth creation opportunities.

Also speaking, SEC Director-General, Dr Emomotimi Agama, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to market stability and sustained growth.

‘We will do our best as regulators to provide an enabling environment for participants in the Nigerian capital market,’ Agama said.

He thanked investors for their confidence and expressed optimism that the market would continue contributing significantly to economic growth.

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, has reacted to the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The politician, while speaking via his X handle on Thursday, criticised the act, claiming that such moves could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election. Obi also noted that while he supports the fight against corruption, no institution, should act in a manner that creates the impression of influencing the electoral process.

Obi argued that democratic institutions must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial, adding that authorities should follow constitutional procedures by obtaining appropriate court orders. He also called on relevant authorities to act strictly within the constitution and ensure that nothing compromises the credibility of the Osun governorship election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has accused the state government of disguising a vote-buying scheme as a N20,000 palliative payment to workers and residents ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The opposition party alleged that the timing of the disbursement suggested a political motive, calling on relevant authorities to investigate the payments.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Wednesday, the APC Campaign Council’s Media and Publicity Committee said thousands of workers and other beneficiaries received the money directly into their bank accounts days before the election.

The statement, signed by the committee’s head, Oluremi Omowaiye, alleged that the government was using public funds to influence voters.

‘The timing of the payments raised concerns over the intention behind the exercise. The government is attempting to sway public support with public funds in the build-up to the election,’ Omowaiye said.

The APC also claimed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, who normally receive N5,000 monthly support from the government, were also paid N20,000 under the latest disbursement.

The party further accused the administration of failing to clear outstanding obligations, including contributory pension remittances and cooperative deductions, while prioritising the palliative payments.

It also alleged that the government failed to fulfil a N6 billion provision in the 2025 budget meant to address gratuity arrears, leaving pensioners unpaid.

Describing the payments as unlawful, the APC said the government was using state resources to gain electoral advantage.

However, the Osun State Government defended the payments, describing them as part of measures to support workers amid economic challenges.

In a statement by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government said the palliatives were aimed at improving workers’ welfare and had been part of its support programmes.

Rasheed said the administration began periodic palliative payments before the implementation of the new minimum wage and maintained that its labour policies had improved on those of the previous government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it did not freeze the Ekiti State Government’s bank accounts during the state’s governorship election.

According to the anti graft agency, it had no reason to take such action because it did not have any incriminating information against the Ekiti State Government.

EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, made this known on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show.

Uwujaren said the commission only freezes government accounts when there is credible evidence or information suggesting financial wrongdoing.

He explained that unlike Osun State, the EFCC had no information linking the Ekiti State Government to any suspicious financial activities that would justify freezing its accounts.

The EFCC maintained that its actions are guided by available evidence and not by election timelines or political considerations.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it would deploy adequate personnel across Osun state to monitor and curb incidents of vote selling and buying during the August 15 governorship election.

ICPC said this while warning against vote buying and selling ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election at a rally held in Osogbo on Thursday.

The rally had as its theme: ‘My Vote, My Future: Reject Vote Buying, Protect Democracy.’

The commission said anyone caught engaging in the act would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Speaking during the rally, ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Osun, Mr Yusuf Olatunji said the commission would deploy adequate personnel across the 30 local government areas of the state to monitor and curb the practice.

He urged the electorate to recognise the value of their votes and resist any attempt to trade them for temporary gains.

‘To every voter in Osun, I urge you to reject any attempt to influence your choice through cash, gifts, food items, or any form of inducement.

‘Let your vote reflect your conscience and your vision for a better state.

‘Your votes are priceless, our democracy is sacred, and our future must never be sold.

‘As we prepare for the forthcoming governorship election, every eligible voter has a responsibility that goes beyond casting a ballot.

We must protect the integrity of our electoral process by rejecting all forms of electoral corruption, especially vote buying and selling,’ he said.

Olatunji noted that while vote trading might offer temporary financial relief, it has long-term negative consequences for governance and development.

‘When votes become commodities, leadership becomes a transaction rather than a mandate.

‘The consequences are evident: poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions,’ he said.

He added that the money collected for votes may be spent within days, but the impact of electing the wrong leaders could last for years.

‘No amount of money is worth sacrificing quality education, better healthcare, good roads, employment opportunities, and sustainable development,’ he said.

‘Olatunji reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to combating corruption through public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained advocacy.

‘Prevention is more effective than prosecution. This rally is part of efforts to educate citizens before the election rather than lament the consequences afterward,’ he said.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, the media, and other stakeholders for their commitment to credible elections in the state.

Olatunji also urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.

‘Elections should be contests of ideas, policies, competence, and character-not contests of financial inducement,’ he said.

Anthony Adeniyi Adeosun, the husband of former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun, has died at the age of 62.

According to the family, he died in Lagos on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in a statement released on Thursday.

The announcement, titled ‘Announcement of the Passing of Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun’, was signed by Rev. C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.

Paying tribute to the late businessman, the family described him as a man of deep Christian faith whose life was marked by integrity, generosity and service to others.

‘It is with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God, that the Adeosun family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, who was called home to glory on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, in Lagos.

‘He was 62 years old. Niyi was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose integrity, generosity, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew him.

‘He lived a life defined by hard work, service to God, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.’

The family said it was drawing strength from the Scriptures as it mourned what it described as an irreplaceable loss, while asking for God’s comfort during the period of grief.

It added that funeral and Christian burial arrangements would be announced later.

Anthony Adeosun is survived by his wife, Kemi, his children and his siblings, including Kuramo Capital founder Adewale Adeosun.

Expressing gratitude for the support received since his passing, the family said:

‘We thank all who have reached out with prayers, condolences, and support. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord.’

KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, has announced that it will maintain its current tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, reaffirming its commitment to making quality university education accessible and affordable despite prevailing economic challenges.

The decision, approved by the University’s Governing Council, means that all returning students will continue to pay the existing tuition rates throughout the 2026/2027 academic session.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar, Mr Haruna Olawale Adetu, the University explained that the decision aligns with its policy of reviewing tuition fees for returning students only once every two academic sessions. According to the statement, the policy is designed to provide stability, predictability and financial relief for parents, guardians and students, particularly in the face of current economic realities.

The University noted that sustaining the existing tuition fees reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting families while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education. It added that the decision underscores KDU’s philosophy of placing students and their families at the centre of its policies and operations.

The Registrar urged parents and students to take advantage of the University’s flexible payment options available through its online portal to meet their financial obligations with ease. He assured stakeholders that the institution would continue to uphold the highest standards of teaching, learning, research and character development without compromising academic quality.

He reiterated that KolaDaisi University remains committed to producing graduates equipped with sound knowledge, practical skills and strong moral values, while fostering an academic environment that nurtures innovation, excellence and responsible leadership.

The Management reaffirmed its resolve to continue implementing policies that promote academic excellence, student welfare and institutional sustainability, expressing appreciation to parents, guardians and students for their continued confidence and support.

The University also assured all stakeholders of its determination to remain a forward-looking institution that balances academic excellence with compassion, ensuring that quality higher education remains within reach of families even during periods of economic uncertainty.

The Presidency has dismissed former Cross River State governor Donald Duke’s claim that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will stop at Epe in Lagos State, insisting that construction has already moved beyond the state.

The government’s reaction followed comments by Duke, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, questioning the extent and relevance of the coastal road project.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, accused the former governor of presenting a false picture of the project’s progress, saying ongoing construction had already entered Ogun State.

Ajayi, in a post on his verified X account, said political considerations may have influenced criticism of the highway, adding that the reality on ground contradicted claims that the project would end in Lagos.

He said sections of the coastal road were also progressing in Ondo and Akwa Ibom states.

‘While Duke was saying on TV that the Coastal Highway won’t go beyond Epe, the project has reached Ogun State, and work is ongoing on the Ondo and Akwa Ibom State sections of the coastal road,’ Ajayi said.

Duke, who governed Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, was the SDP presidential candidate in the 2019 election before joining the PRP for the 2027 presidential race.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the Federal Government’s major infrastructure projects, designed to link coastal communities from Lagos to Cross River State.