Category: PM News

By Paul Dada

On Thursday, the 20th day of November, the fate of the leader of the outlawed indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, whom many have loved to hate, will be decided at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho scheduled the judgment after ruling that Kanu had exhausted the six days allocated for him to open his defence in the terrorism case brought againts him by the Federal Government.

The Federal Government had brought a seven-count charge against Kanu, which included terrorism-related offences tied to his broadcasts and leadership of IPOB. Nigerian authorities described them as a threat to national security. AAccording to prosecutors, Kanu’s statements incited violence and undermined the sovereignty of the Nigerian state.

The matter reached a critical stage on 19 June 2025 when the prosecution closed its case after presenting witnesses and documentary evidence.

Kanu filed a no-case submission which was dismissed by the judge. But rather than open a conventional defence, Kanu focuses on challenging the legality and jurisdiction of the trial. he claims he cannot be tried under what he describes as an invalid or repealed terrorism law. He argues that the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act relied upon in the charge no longer has legal effect.

Kanu has also asked the court to expunge his earlier ‘not guilty’ plea, as he claims it was entered under circumstances that violated his rights.

The IPOB boss has further described the proceedings as “a conspiracy,” insisting that both local and foreign actors are pushing for his conviction. In a dramatic turn, he filed a motion at the Court of Appeal seeking to halt the High Court’s judgment, arguing that his appeal against the dismissal of his no-case submission was still pending.

But Justice Omotosho dismissed concerns about fairness, as he insisted that Kanu was granted more than enough time to defend himself but chose not to.

At the last sitting of the court on the matter, the judge also waived the requirement for final written addresses, saying the court would rely solely on the arguments and materials already on record.

It reamins to be seen whether Kanu will be set free by the judge or given a sentence which would keep him in prison for many more years.

The Managing Director and CEO of CMB Building Maintenance and Investment Company Limited, Mr. Kele Mbagwu, has described the recent deal with Apapa Local Government in Lagos as a milestone in the company’s expansion into public projects for Nigerian councils.

Speaking about the construction agreement signing, Mbagwu highlighted it as a vote of confidence in CMB’s capabilities, urging other local and state governments to follow suit.

CMB Building and Maintenance Company is set to deliver a new two-storey office complex that will house the council’s Legislative Chamber as well as offices for federal and state government parastatals operating within the LGA.

The deal was confirmed in an official notification issued by the Apapa Local andgtovernment and signed by the Council Manager, Mrs. Sonate Adebanji on behalf of the Executive Chairman.

The letter noted that CMB emerged as the preferred contractor after successfully meeting all procurement requirements under the National Shopping process.

Under the agreement, the company is expected to complete the project within six months and work closely with the council’s Works and Infrastructure Department for technical guidance prior to commencement.

CMB is also required to interface with the council’s Legal Officer to finalise contractual instruments.

The authorities directed the company to submit a formal letter of acceptance within a week of receiving the notification, signaling the beginning of the mobilisation phase.

The execution of the project is expected to boost administrative capacity within the council and provide improved workspace for government operations in Apapa.

Managing Dirhe project marks a significant collaboration between CMB and the Apapa Local Government, reinforcing the company’s role in public infrastructure delivery within Lagos State.

By Muftau Ogunyemi

A 35 year-old man identified as Temigbe Adeola has been arrested for falsely parading himself as a serving officer of the Nigerian Army after defrauding a family of N1.2 million retirement benefits in Akure, Ondo State capital.

Adeola was arrested based on credible intelligence that the suspect fraudulently obtained the funds from one Mr Temiloluwa, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s Spokesperson, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Akure

According to him, the funds represent the hard-earned retirement benefits of the victim’s mother, which had been invested in properties.

He said investigations further revealed that the victim’s son had engaged the suspect to assist in retrieving the retirement benefits.

“Exploiting this trust, the suspect, together with accomplices who are still at large, deceitfully collected the funds and converted the entire amount to their personal use.

“This development highlights the need for continuous vigilance and the proactive role of the police in safeguarding citizens’ hard-earned resources.

“Upon arrest, the suspect confessed to the fraudulent act and disclosed that he had been discharged from the Nigerian Army since 2023, having served at 82 Battalion, Enugu.

“His impersonation and the involvement of other accomplices are subjects of an ongoing, thorough, and professional investigation, emphasising the command’s dedication to accountability and justice,” Ayanlade said.

The spokesperson, therefore, said that the suspect was currently in lawful custody and would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

He also said efforts to apprehend the remaining accomplices were ongoing, which reflected the command’s resolve to ensure that all parties involved in criminal activities were brought to justice.

“The Police Command in Ondo State remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police formation.

“Guided by the strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police, the command will continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in policing,” he said.

(NAN)

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a man identified as, Gandonu Lowe, for allegedly attempting to flee with the corpse of his wife.

CSP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Police command, announced this on Thursday in a statement. The Police revealed that the arrest was made after receiving information about the crime. They also stated that the suspect was trying to flee from the community.

The Police also stated that they found the corpse of a woman in a sack, tied to the back of the suspect’s motorcycle.

“On Wednesday, 19th November 2025, at about 1305hrs, the Divisional Police Officer in Ilaro received credible information that a suspected felon, Godonu Lowe ‘m’ of Omolende Village via Idogo, was transporting the corpse of an unknown woman on a motorcycle in an attempt to escape from the community. Acting swiftly, police operatives intercepted the suspect, and a sack tied to the back of his motorcycle was untied. The content was discovered to be the corpse of an adult female, later identified as his wife,” the statement reads.

The CSP also added that the suspect has been taken into custody to ensure proper investigation and questioning is conducted.

“The body bore marks of violence and bleeding around the neck, suggesting foul play. A blood-stained cutlass was recovered at the crime scene. The prime suspect was taken into custody while the remains of the victim have been evacuated to the State Morgue in Ilaro for preservation and autopsy,” they added.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has described the death of Segun Awolowo, a former boss of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, as an unfortunate and a tragic loss “not only to the Awolowo family, but also to the entire country.”

The President said this in a statement he issued in reaction to the passing of Olusegun who was also the grandson of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The President, in the statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on media and publicity, said he is deeply saddened by the death of Segun Awolowo.

The President said that the late Segun distinguished himself as a scion of the Awolowo family.

“Segun exemplified the Awolowo pedigree in appearance, character and demeanour. Like his grandfather, he was a lawyer committed to defending truth and justice.

“He made significant contributions to Nigeria. He served diligently as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council from 2013 to 2021, standing as the longest serving executive director of the agency in history.

“My sympathy and condolences to his wife and children, the Awolowo family, and his mum, our own Sisi Abah Folawiyo.

“I also commiserate with the governments and people of Ogun State, the entire South-west geopolitical zone, and Nigeria, over this painful loss. May his soul rest in peace,” the President said in the statement.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday asked the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate rescue efforts of 24 schoolgirls recently abducted in the state.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement.

According to the statement, Matawalle, who was formerly governor of Zamfara State, was asked to remain in Kebbi state to monitor security efforts to secure the release of the abducted students.

The statement also indicated that Matawalle, who is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday is expected to use the experience he gained in dealing with banditry and mass kidnapping during his tenure as governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023 to accomplish his task.

The Presidency noted in the statement that On 26 February 2021, armed bandits abducted 279 female students aged between 10 and 17 at the Government Girls Science Secondary School, a boarding school in Jangebe, in Zamfara when Matawalle was governor of the State.

But he was able to secure the release all the hostages on 2 March 2021.

Recall that gunmen abducted 24 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State, around 4 am on Monday.

President Tinubu had postponed his scheduled trip to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, as he awaited further security briefings on the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

President Bola Tinubu congratulates former President Goodluck Jonathan on his 68th birthday.

The President joins family, friends, and political associates to celebrate the former President on this special occasion and for his contributions to nation-building.

President Tinubu notes the simplicity and humility that define Dr Jonathan’s style of leadership, particularly his demonstration of statesmanship during the 2015 presidential election, which strengthened Nigeria’s democracy and gave the nation a pride of place.

The President recalls his various meetings with the former President, and the support and counsel that made Dr Jonathan’s ascent possible, particularly in 2010, and the presidential election of 2011.

President Tinubu believes Dr Jonathan’s statesmanship has continued to inspire many leaders, even as he takes up challenging international diplomatic responsibilities, particularly in promoting democratic culture and values in Africa.

The President prays for the well-being of the former President, his wife, Patience, and the rest of his family.

A United States congressman, Riley M. Moore, has held high-level talks with a Nigerian government delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, over concerns about rising attacks on Christians and the expanding footprint of terrorist groups in Nigeria.

Moore described the discussions, which took place in Washington, D.C., as “direct, sincere, and constructive,” noting that both sides examined counterterrorism measures, security cooperation, and ways to better protect at-risk communities across the country.

The Nigerian team included several senior officials: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt-Gen. E. A. P. Undiendeye, among other top security leaders.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday night, Moore criticised the scale of religiously targeted violence in Nigeria, particularly against Christian communities, insisting that the situation requires decisive intervention.

He said he had impressed upon the visiting delegation that the US expects concrete actions to curb killings, displacements, and other forms of persecution.

According to him, Washington remains prepared to assist Nigeria in confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed groups responsible for attacks in the North-East and Middle Belt.

Moore stressed that the moment offers Abuja a chance to reinforce its partnership with the US, adding that both President Trump and members of Congress are aligned in their determination to address the crisis.

He said American lawmakers will be watching closely to see whether Nigeria accepts offers of cooperation and moves decisively to halt the bloodshed.

Nigerian officials, for their part, briefed the congressman on the security pressures facing the government, ranging from civilian protection to the operational challenges of fighting terrorism while coordinating with international partners.

The Federal High Court In Abuja has convicted IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, on the first terrorism charge levied against him.

The presiding judge, Justice Omotosho, made reference to video evidence of interviews where Kanu made threats against the citizens of Nigeria.

The court also explained that prior to the reports, Nnamdi Kanu was not denied fair hearing.

“This matter was assigned to this court in March 2025. Upon assumption of jurisdiction, i granted an accelerated hearing so as to accommodate this trial. The defendant became unruly and caused different delays,” the judge stated.

More details to come

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed that he is currently dealing with deep personal struggles.

The Afro-fusion star made the revelation while addressing the uproar that trailed his recent comments about only wanting “rich fans.”

The statement stirred outrage across social media, with many accusing him of disrespecting his supporters.

Reacting through his Instagram story on Thursday, Burna Boy clarified that he was joking with his band members and that his words were twisted online.

He noted that despite the chaos surrounding his remark, he has been silently battling personal issues and does not need the public’s pity.

Burna Boy wrote:

“I was joking around with my band about something else, not this situation and y’all have spun it as usual saying ‘Burna Boy doesn’t love his fans.’

If you hate me so much, either kill me or leave me alone. I’m fighting my own battles and I never come out here to look for pity or help. I love who loves me and respect who respects me.”

The ‘Last Last’ hitmaker also used the moment to call for an end to terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria, Congo, and Sudan, urging global attention to the ongoing violence in these regions.