Category: PM News

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Justice James Omotosho has proceeded to deliver judgment in terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB after the secessionist organisation leader was removed from court.

The Judge had gone into his chambers for short adjournment after unruly behavior by Nnamdi Kanu resulted in commotion in court.

The IPOB leader had tried to halt the proceedings of the court after the three applications he filed to arrest the delivery of the judgment were thrown out by the court.

The Judge ordered the removal of the IPOB leader from court when he became unruly and refused to obey directives to sit down and stop talking.

Kanu had rained expletives on the Judge before leaving the court.

However, the Judge returned to the court later to deliver the judgment.

Before he proceeded to begin delivery of the judgment, Justice Omotosho noted that Kanu has history of unruly behaviors in the court with attacks and verbal abuses of security operatives, his lawyers and court.

He noted that nobody should be allowed to trample with the sanctity of the court.

He added that as a judicial officer he is bound to protect the sanctity of temple of justice as he noted that while the right to be present throughout the trial is a constitutional and fundamental rights, it is not absolute.

“Once you have been given the opportunity and you fail to use that opportunity, such person cannot claim a breach of that right. This morning, the defendant was given that opportunity.

“He has misconducted himself in this manner several times. And I think this is the time to put a stop to it. It is trite law that if a defendant misbehaves or acts unruly in the courtroom, his trial can be done absence.

“As stated by the defendant this morning, he said he has put in his defense. He is not calling any witness. And I will get to the issue of issuing address in the judgments. We are not taking evidence this morning. It is to take judgment and sentence if possible.

“It is based on that, that I hereby make an order that because of the unruly behavior of defendants, his aggressiveness and violent nature, I hereby make an order that the judgment and other proceedings proceed in his absence,” the Judge said as he proceeded to deliver his judgment.

Nollywood actress Oluwabukola Awoyemi, known as Bukola Arugba, has raised alarm that three of her close relatives were kidnapped during the attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

In a video posted on Instagram, Arugba reacted to what she called misleading information about the incident. She particularly challenged a statement credited to the Kwara State First Lady, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, which suggested the attack was only “attempted.”

A viral video had shown armed men invading the church during a programme on Tuesday night. Reports also indicated that several worshippers were kidnapped and three people were killed.

Arugba, who is from Eruku, insisted that the attack was real, deadly, and not merely an attempt.

“I read a press release on the First Lady’s page that totally contradicts the truth,” she said. “The information given to you by the police is false.”

She said eyewitnesses from the community, including her own family members, saw everything happen.

“It was a successful attack, not an attempted one,” she stressed. “People died, and many were taken away.”

She identified some of her abducted relatives as Evangelist Titi Balogun, her mother’s younger sister, and Ebenezer Aina, her cousin’s son.

“I’ve spoken with many people back home. Three to four of my cousins are currently with the bandits. Everyone in my town is crying because we don’t know if they will return alive,” she added.

Arugba accused authorities of downplaying the severity of the attack and giving the public the opposite of what truly happened.

Addressing the First Lady directly, she said: “The reports on your page are false. They completely contradict the real situation.”

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Olusegun Awolowo Jr., the grandson of Nigeria’s legendary statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, a prominent lawyer, and former Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), is dead.

He was the only son of Hajiya Zainab Abah Folawiyo, popularly known as Sisi Abah Folawiyo, the renowned fashion icon and widow of the late billionaire philanthropist Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo.

He died at the age of 62 years.

His family announced his passing in a statement on Thursday, marking the end of a life deeply rooted in public service, patriotism and an enduring commitment to the Awolowo legacy.

“With extremely heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Olusegun Awolowo,” the statement read.

They hailed him as “the world’s most phenomenal husband, father and grandfather — steady, wise, endlessly loving, and the constant anchor of our family.”

According to the statement, Awolowo dedicated his entire life to the service of Nigeria with “vision, integrity, passion, and unwavering commitment.”

He was remembered as a “true family man, a great friend, a wonderful servant of God, and a deeply beautiful human being,” whose generosity and humility left lasting impressions on everyone who knew him.

“He loved his family. He loved his work. He loved his country,” the statement continued. “And he lived every day with purpose, humility, and a generous spirit that touched everyone who knew him.”

The family said they are devastated by the loss but remain grateful for his impactful life and the legacy he leaves behind. “May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace,” they added.

They also announced that condolences will be received at his residence daily between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to youths against engaging in a dangerous drug practice known as “bluetoothing.”

Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, described the trend as a deadly act in which individuals inject themselves with the blood of someone who has just taken drugs, believing it will allow them to “share the high.”

According to Dr. Fatungase, participating in this practice significantly increases the risk of contracting life-threatening infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other severe blood-related illnesses.

He added that it also exposes users to potential overdose and life-threatening reactions.

“In Ogun State, we are committed to protecting our youths. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, help is available at our Key Population One Stop Shop (KPOSS) health facility at 4 Kemta Idi Aba, Abeokuta, which provides treatment and counselling services,” he said.

Dr. Fatungase urged young people to make healthy choices, saying, “Choose life, choose health, choose your future. Say no to bluetoothing and encourage friends to stay safe. Together, we can prevent HIV and protect the next generation.”

Bluetoothing, also referred to as “flashblood” in some countries, has been reported in places like South Africa, Tanzania, and Fiji. Health authorities in these regions have linked it to spikes in HIV and other infections.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with community groups and the Pyrates Confraternity, recently conducted over 125 awareness campaigns in schools, religious centers, and communities, reaching more than 30,000 people.

In addition, the Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development has teamed up with youth-led NGOs, including the Drug Free Project, to leverage sports as a platform for awareness and rehabilitation.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says its officers foiled an attempted abduction in Guto, a border settlement in the Bwari Area Council, after a large group of armed men stormed the community in the early hours of Wednesday.

According to the police, around 30 attackers descended on the village and tried to break into a home before security operatives arrived. Spokesperson Josephine Adeh said officers from the Bwari Surveillance Unit and the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Intervention Squad were swiftly deployed once a distress call was received.

The gunmen reportedly opened fire as soon as they spotted the approaching officers, prompting a fierce exchange of gunfire. Two members of the gang were killed, while the remainder fled into the surrounding bushland and rocky areas.

Adeh confirmed that one police officer was struck by a bullet during the confrontation. He was taken to Bwari General Hospital but was later pronounced dead.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, praised the officers involved for their quick response and bravery. He described the fallen officer as a dedicated professional who lost his life while protecting others. Dantawaye also assured residents that operations to flush out criminal groups across the territory would be intensified.

The Commissioner thanked Guto residents for their vigilance and encouraged communities in the FCT to promptly report suspicious movements using the command’s emergency hotlines.

The incident adds to a string of security breaches that have plagued Bwari Area Council, one of the capital’s most vulnerable corridors, where several villages continue to face recurring threats from violent criminal groups.

A fresh attack has occurred in Kwara state, a day after a Christ Apostolic Church was invaded by gunmen. The attack conducted by suspected gunmen led to the abduction of four farmers who were working on a rice fields.

The witnesses told newsmen that the attack happened suddenly and the farmers were forced into a nearby forest.

This attack happened in Bokngi village, Edu local government in Kwara state.

The details of the abducted victims are yet to be disclosed. More details shortly.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has raised the alarm over the activities of Zuldal Microfinance Bank Limited, declaring the firm unlicensed and operating illegally in the country.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, said Zuldal had no regulatory approval to operate as a microfinance bank, describing its activities as a clear violation of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

Quoting Section 2(1) of BOFIA, the bank reminded the public that “no person shall carry on any banking business in Nigeria except it is a company duly incorporated in Nigeria and holds a valid banking licence issued by the CBN.”

According to the apex bank, its attention was drawn to reports that the firm claimed to be a licensed microfinance institution with supposed branches in Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano.

The CBN, however, firmly debunked the claim.

“The said Zuldal Microfinance Bank Limited is not a licensed microfinance bank and has no authorisation from the Central Bank of Nigeria to operate or carry out any form of banking or microfinance business in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The regulator warned Nigerians to steer clear of the bank, stressing that transactions with unlicensed financial operators expose people to severe risks, including loss of funds.

“The general public is strongly advised to disregard any claims of licensing or approval by Zuldal Microfinance Bank Limited and to refrain from engaging in any financial transactions with the said entity, as such dealings are undertaken at the individual’s own risk,” the CBN added.

The apex bank also urged the public to always verify the licensing status of financial institutions before investing or carrying out any banking transactions.

United States President Donald Trump has revealed that his son, Barron Trump, is a big fan of football star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Trump said this on Tuesday night while hosting a dinner at the White House, where Ronaldo was one of the invited guests. The dinner was organized in honour of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

Ronaldo, captain of Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, attended the event with his fiancee, Georgina Rodriguez. The 40-year-old football legend wore a black tuxedo and sat near top figures like billionaire Elon Musk and US Vice President JD Vance.

During his speech, Trump mentioned Ronaldo and talked about how Barron had met him earlier.

“This room has many of the world’s biggest leaders in business and sports,” Trump said. “My son is a big fan of Ronaldo. Barron got to meet him, and I think he respects me a bit more now because I introduced him to you. Thank you both for being here.”

Ronaldo recently received a red card in Portugal’s World Cup qualifying match against Ireland and missed their next game against Armenia. Despite this, Portugal won and secured their place in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

At the ongoing COP 30 climate conference in Brazil, Youth Climate Ambassador Kayinajah Inyang said at a high-level side event that climate change is escalating the communal clashes between farmers and herdsmen in Nigeria.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Inyang, who was recently recognized by Forbes as an “African Environmentalist to Watch,” released a statement condemning the recent surge in terrorist attacks in Nigeria and called for national unity against terrorism.

At the high-level side event, which focused on climate-induced migration and conflict, he attributed a significant part of the communal clashes between Nigerian communities and herdsmen to the effects of climate change.

In his analysis, Inyang detailed how escalating desertification and persistent drought across Nigeria’s northern regions and the broader Sahel have drastically depleted the availability of arable land and water resources. This severe environmental pressure compels primarily Fulani herdsmen to migrate significantly further south than their customary routes in search of adequate pasture and water for their livestock. This increased southward trajectory often encroaches upon the agricultural holdings of local farming communities in the Middle Belt, triggering intense competition for dwindling resources.

Inyang asserted that this resource competition forms the underlying cause that is being exploited and weaponized, which fuels the deadly farmer-herder conflicts that have resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals.

He emphasized that without immediate, large-scale climate adaptation and mitigation policies, these resource-driven conflicts are destined to intensify, further exacerbating Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

Separately, in a somber statement issued from the sidelines of COP 30, Inyang conveyed his deep distress regarding the recent spate of terrorist attacks in Nigeria.

“My heart aches over the abduction of the 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the devastating attack on the church in Kwara State,” the Youth Climate Ambassador’s statement read. “I pray for the swift and safe return of every abducted child and extend my profound condolences to the families of the victims of the Kwara church attack and to all those who have suffered the loss of loved ones.”

He also honored the nation’s fallen service members: “I also mourn the lives of our brave soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty, and I pray for strength, courage, and protection for all our troops currently serving on the frontlines.”

In a call for national cohesion, the Youth Ambassador cautioned against narratives of division. “It is vital that we remember our shared identity: before we are Christians, Muslims, traditional worshippers, or atheists, we are, first and foremost, Nigerians,” he stressed. “We must not allow any foreign agenda or divisive narrative to succeed in turning us against one another. Christians are not under attack by Muslims, and Muslims are not under attack by Christians; Nigerians are under attack by terrorists.” Inyang concluded with a message of optimism, stating his “strong faith that Mr President (Tinubu), the entire government, and the armed forces are doing everything in their power to protect every citizen and restore lasting peace to our beloved country.”

Kayinajah Inyang is recognized for his pivotal role in helping African environmental and climate tech firms secure vital funding, effectively directing financial resources toward high-impact environmental, climate, and sustainability solutions.

Mr. Inyang consistently represents the voice of African youth at major climate conferences, from COP 27 through COP 29.

At COP 30, he is spearheading efforts to drive African youth participation and is supporting the UNFCCC and the COP 30 Presidency in achieving their engagement goals.

Furthermore, he works closely with the entire UN system and is the host of the COP 30 Live Blog, providing delegates and the public with real-time updates, key insights, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses to offer a comprehensive overview of the event’s discussions, decisions, and outcomes.

Nigerian comedian and skitmaker, Officer Woos, has cried out over the worsening insecurity in the country, revealing that his family has been directly affected after his mother’s only brother disappeared without a trace.

The comic actor shared the heartbreaking news via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, stating that his uncle went missing a month ago while returning home.

According to him, the situation has left his family devastated, as all efforts to locate the missing man have been unsuccessful.

He wrote:

“My mom’s only blood brother has been missing for a month now.

He was on his way home and never got home. For how long are we going to continue living like this? Scary times.”

Officer Woos lamented that Nigerians now live in constant fear as a result of terrorism and the general state of insecurity nationwide.

His post has since stirred reactions online, with many sympathizing with his family and expressing concern over the rising cases of disappearances across the country.

Several Nigerian celebrities have also spoken out about the rising wave of attacks.

Nollywood actress Funke Akindele condemned the recent assault on worshippers in a Kwara church, expressing deep sorrow over the viral footage.

She wrote on X:

“Woke up to see a livestream video of people being attacked inside a church in Kwara. This is sad and disturbing. I wept seeing that old woman who couldn’t walk well running for safety.”