Category: PM News

A former media aide to late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has stated that the Sharia law is not responsible for the unlawful killing of Deborah Samuel.

Bashir on his X handle on Monday, explained that the tragic incident which occurred in 2022 in Sokoto was a case of mob violence. He stressed that the Islamic religion is completely against such acts.

“It is important for people to know that the killing of Deborah had absolutely nothing to do with Sharia law. What happened was an act of extrajudicial mob violence,” he wrote.

He also explained that the individuals involved in the violent act, could face death penalty if tried under the Sharia law.

“In fact, under Sharia law, Deborah could not have been prosecuted because she was not a Muslim and Sharia criminal liabilities apply only to believers. Many people also do not know that if those who unlawfully killed her were to be tried under the actual provisions of Sharia, they could face the death penalty. The Sharia principle is very clear “a soul for a soul” and “an eye for an eye”, he added.

Deborah Samuel Yakubu, was a Christian student in Sokoto state who was accused of blasphemy against the Islamic prophet. She was stoned by a mob of students.

United Airlines has officially spoken about the fight between VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM, and Nigerian Comedian Mr. Jollof which happened at the Asaba International Airport.

The heated exchange between the controversial critic and the comedian occurred on Monday. United Airlines on its X handle, released a statement to address the incident.

The airline noted that they do not tolerate any form of violence or misconduct that threatens the security of their passengers and crew members. They also revealed that VDM and Mr. Jollof were handed over to the airport security for further investigation.

“In full compliance with global aviation safety protocols, our crew responded immediately and professionally to de-escalate the situation. Both passengers were deboarded without delay to ensure the safety, comfort, and security of all other passengers and crew members. They were subsequently handed over to airport security for further investigation. United Nigeria Airlines places the highest priority on safety and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any conduct that threatens the security or well-being of passengers or crew. After all standard procedures were completed, the flight departed safely while the passengers involved in the altercation remained with the authorities,” United Airlines wrote

The United States House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa will on Thursday, November 20, 2025, hold a high-profile open hearing to examine President Donald Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

If upheld by the US Senate, the CPC label empowers Washington to impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials implicated in religious persecution and restrict some forms of bilateral assistance. The designation also sends a warning to the international community that religious freedom in Nigeria is “under serious threat.”

The hearing, billed for 11:00 a.m. in Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building and streamed live, will be chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). It will feature two panels comprising senior State Department officials and prominent Nigerian religious leaders.

An invitation to members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee requested their attendance at what is expected to be a consequential review of Nigeria’s security and human rights situation.

Among the first panel of witnesses are Jonathan Pratt, Senior Bureau Official at the Bureau of African Affairs, and Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor.

The second panel features the Director of the Centre for Religious Freedom, Ms. Nina Shea; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Makurdi Catholic Diocese; and Ms. Oge Onubogu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

The hearing will explore the scale of religious persecution in Nigeria, assess US policy options, and consider measures such as sanctions, humanitarian support, and deeper cooperation with Nigeria to prevent further violence.

President Trump redesignated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern on October 31, 2025, citing what he described as severe and escalating attacks on Christians by extremist groups.

“There is an existential threat to Christianity in Nigeria,” he said, warning that the US could take drastic action–including halting all aid or even launching military operations–if Nigeria fails to curb alleged killings of Christians.

In a statement on his X handle, President Bola Tinubu rejected Trump’s claims as a “misrepresentation” of Nigeria’s religious landscape.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said. “Religious freedom and tolerance have always been core to our national identity.”

Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list by Trump in 2020 but removed by President Joe Biden after taking office.

Bishop Anagbe Raises Alarm in UK Parliament

One of Thursday’s key witnesses, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, has been vocal about attacks on Christian communities. Speaking in the UK Parliament on March 25, 2025, he described how Islamist extremists and militant Fulani herdsmen had ravaged communities in Benue State–burning homes, displacing families, and killing clergy and laity.

“They bear down on defenceless villagers without consequence,” he told parliamentarians. “They attack even those who escape into IDP camps.”

US Lawmakers Clash with Tinubu Administration

In a recent Fox News interview, Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV) insisted that the violence in Nigeria is severe and “five times more Christians are being killed than people of other faiths.”

Moore dismissed Tinubu’s pushback as “completely false,” claiming evidence of blasphemy laws and death-penalty cases linked to religious disputes. He said the US has a duty to intervene because it is “a Christian nation that stands up for the persecuted,” adding that all options–including sanctions and even “kinetic military action”–remain on the table.

Another US lawmaker, Rep. Bill Huizenga, told Arise TV last week that Trump’s threats of military intervention were unlikely, but said the President is committed to ending what he views as genocide against Christians. He argued that economic sanctions could help cut off funding to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and violent Fulani factions.

Pope Leo XIV Adds His Voice

Pope Leo XIV has also expressed concern about rising religious violence in Nigeria. In a post on his verified X handle, the Pontiff lamented that Christians were facing discrimination and attacks in countries including Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and Bangladesh.

“In various parts of the world, Christians suffer discrimination and persecution,” he wrote, praying for peace and inter-religious harmony.

FG Moves to Ease Tensions in Plateau

Back home, President Tinubu has deployed a peace emissary, Dr Abiodun Essiet, to Plateau State in a bid to calm tensions and rebuild trust among warring communities.

Essiet, Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (North Central), met with religious leaders, Fulani community heads, youth groups, and Christian clerics during her visit.

Her intervention reportedly helped resolve a conflict involving herdsmen and a farmland owner in Jos South, leading to a peace agreement and compensation payment supervised by local leaders.

According to a statement by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the President remains committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening grassroots dialogue structures across the North Central region.

By Solomon Ogo-Oluwa Oyerinde

Anyone who thinks December in Nigeria is just about jollof rice, suya, and recycled holiday greetings hasn’t been paying attention. Every year, Nigerians quietly transform the last month of the year into something extraordinary. This phenomenon is known as Detty December.

For decades, Nigeria’s global image was shaped by negative headlines, but Afrobeats, Nollywood, and social media have rewritten the narrative. Nigerians are showing the world that we know how to celebrate, create, and innovate at a world-class level. Detty December is no longer just a holiday season. It is a cultural and economic powerhouse, capable of putting Nigeria on the global stage.

I attended the Lagos Detty December party hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. I brought along friends from abroad, who had never experienced Nigeria like this. One of them looked around at the lights, music, and vibrant crowds and asked how an entire city could be in celebration mode every single night. In their country, December is quiet. In Lagos, it is alive.

One unforgettable moment was at a beach house in Ilashe. A group of Canadian tourists joined us on a boat ride. When we arrived, one of them froze, staring at the ocean, palm trees, and poolside music. She later posted a video calling it the best day of her year. That one afternoon completely reshaped her perception of Nigeria.

Another highlight came from a lively street scene. Suya vendors and night market stalls were thriving. One vendor told me that his ten days of sales in December made more than he earns in two months. At a Victoria Island wedding, guests who flew in from the UK ended up spending more on the after-party than on their flights. Tourists dancing to Kese in packed clubs shared clips online that went viral almost immediately.

Real-life example of Detty December’s economic power:

A friend of mine in Ikoyi decided to turn his apartment into a short-let while traveling home to Omu-Aran in Kwara State for the holidays. By the end of December, after taxes, he had earned over 15 million naira. This is a clear example of how ordinary Nigerians are turning Detty December into a financial opportunity.

The economic impact is tangible. Lagos alone generated tens of billions of naira last year from concerts, short-let apartments, nightclubs, and events. Investors are taking notice, but the full potential is untapped. With strategic support, Detty December could easily become a $1 billion national festival, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and improving Nigeria’s global image.

Here is how the Presidency could unlock this potential:

1. Official recognition and national branding. Elevate Detty December as a cultural festival with global marketing to attract diaspora and international tourists. 2. Tourism incentives and infrastructure support. Tax breaks for hotels and short-lets, improved roads, and better airport handling would make December a seamless experience. 3. Support for Nigerian creativity. From music to fashion, supporting Afrobeat concerts, street carnivals, and fashion shows increases spending and international partnerships. 4. Expansion beyond Lagos. Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and other cities can replicate the Lagos model to scale the economic impact nationwide.

Every December, tourists arrive expecting only Lagos Island but discover a country alive with joy, fashion, food, and culture. Social media amplifies this energy globally. Videos of street performances, dance challenges, and food experiences show the world Nigeria at its best.

The people have done the heavy lifting. They created the energy, the excitement, and the international attention. All that is missing is strategic presidential support: recognition, infrastructure, promotion, and incentives. By doing this, Nigeria can turn a popular cultural celebration into a $1 billion economic and branding success story.

Detty December is loud, colorful, and joyous, but it is also proof of Nigeria’s creative power, economic potential, and global relevance. From Victoria Island to Ajah, from street corners to beach houses, the festival demonstrates what Nigerians can achieve when culture, creativity, and ambition come together.

The world is watching. This time, they are impressed. The Presidency has an opportunity to take notice and take Nigeria to the next level.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A fresh twist has emerged in the public spat between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, as the ex-governor’s younger brother, Isaac Fayose, openly condemned him, describing him as “a pig who will forever remain a pig.”

Isaac, on Monday, took to his Instagram page to distance himself from Ayo Fayose’s outburst against Obasanjo, following the former president’s remarks at Ayo’s 65th birthday celebration.

Posting a short but scathing comment, Isaac wrote: “A pig will forever remain a pig irrespective of the garlands you dress him in.”

He accompanied the post with the press statement in which his elder brother harshly criticised Obasanjo.

Ayo Fayose had earlier stirred controversy after sending a blistering SMS to the former president, accusing him of being “irresponsible” and claiming he “belongs in the zoo.”

The message, which was made public by Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, accused the former president of losing his sanity and suffering from “heightened dementia.”

In the SMS, Fayose wrote: “Someone once said you are supposed to be kept away in the zoo. Sincerely that’s where you belong.”

He also demanded the return of money he claimed Obasanjo had acknowledged receiving, adding that he chose not to reply at the birthday venue so the public could “see the difference between a sane and a mad man.”

Obasanjo, in a brief and sharp response, thanked Fayose for the message, saying it revealed “who and what you are, unchanged and unchangeable.”

He added that the money Fayose referred to had been returned through the same person who brought it, “unopened.”

Isaac’s condemnation of his own brother has added a dramatic family dimension to an already heated political exchange.

His post has attracted a wave of reactions online, with many users expressing shock at the open confrontation between the two brothers.

By Christian Ogbonna

The Police have listed the rescue of one Thank-God Obasi, who was abducted and tied up inside a hotel toilet in Ezzangbo axis in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi among their recent achievements in the state.

Obasi was abducted by kidnappers who tied him up and kept him in the hotel toilet while demanding for N5 million ransom, SP Joshua Ukandu, the spokesperson of the Ebonyi Police Command said in a statement he issued in Abakaliki on Sunday.

He said the kidnapped victim was rescued while three persons suspected to be among his kidnappers were arrested.

He said “Similarly, on Nov 13, a kidnapping syndicate terrorising the Ezzangbo axis in Ohaukwu LGA abducted one Obasi ThankGod, tied him up, and abandoned him inside a hotel toilet while demanding a ransom of Five Million Naira (5,000,000).

“Through diligent intelligence gathering, operatives of the Command traced the hideout of the kidnappers, successfully rescued the victim, and arrested three suspects, namely: Uchenna Ogbozuru, Ebuka Ejiogu, and Chizoba Idenyi Ogwa.

The Police spokesperson added that operatives of the command also foiled an armed robbery attack and neutralised one person following its operation along the EhamufuNkalagu Road, Ishielu Local Government Area of the state on Nov. 13.

“The Command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its fight against criminal elements operating within the state.

“On November 12, operatives of the Command, while on patrol along the EhamufuNkalagu Road, heard sporadic gunshots and distress screams.

“The officers swiftly moved to the location and found one Ali Solomon struggling with three armed robbers who were attempting to dispossess him of his motorcycle. Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire and fled.

‘The operatives returned fire, neutralising one of the suspects and recovering one AK-47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” he explained.

Ukandu noted that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adaku Uche-Anya, further reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all residents and ensuring that criminal elements had no hiding place within the state.

(NAN)

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court (FHC) will be on Christmas vacation from December 19 to January 7 2026, the Director of Information of the court, Dr Catherine Christopher announced in a statement on Monday in Abuja

She said this was in accordance with a circular duly signed by the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, in the statement titled, “Notice of 2025 Christmas Vacation and Roaster for Vacation Judges.”

She however said during the vacation, the core judicial divisions; Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. will remain operational and accessible to the litigating public.”

But only matters pertaining to the enforcement of fundamental rights, the arrest or release of vessels, and issues of urgent national importance shall be entertained by the vacation judges.

She also listed the judges that will be on duty during the vacation.

It reads: “The Federal High Court hereby issues notice of its 2025 Christmas Vacation as well as the approved Roster of Vacation Judges.

“The court will commence its Christmas Vacation for the year 2025 on Dec. 19.

“This vacation schedule is issued pursuant to Order 46, Rule 4(c) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019 (as amended).

“Court sittings shall resume in all Judicial Divisions on Jan. 7, 2026.

“During the vacation, the core judicial divisions; Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. will remain operational and accessible to the litigating public.”

Christopher said for Abuja division, Justice Emeka Nwite and Justice Musa Liman would be vacation judges; and for Lagos division, Justice Akintayo Aluko and Justice Isaac Dipeolu would be presiding.

She said at Port Harcourt division, Justice P. M. Ayua and Justice A.T. Mohammed would be sitting and at Enugu judicial division, Justice Folashade Giwa-Ogunbanjo would be the vacation judge.

“The Honourable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, KSS, OFR, FCIArb. (UK), extends his warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all Honourable Judges,” she concluded.

(NAN)

The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has announced the commencement of statewide free HIV testing services, set to take place across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) from 18th November to 1st December 2025.

The initiative is part of the 2025 World AIDS Day activities and underscores LSACA’s commitment to expanding access to HIV testing, promoting early diagnosis, and strengthening linkage to care.

The agency aims to bridge existing testing gaps while raising community awareness on HIV prevention, management, and stigma reduction.

Speaking on the exercise, LSACA’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Folakemi Animashaun, stressed the importance of early testing in advancing Lagos State’s public health goals.

“As we approach the 2025 World AIDS Day, our priority is to ensure that every Lagos resident has the opportunity to know their HIV status in a safe, confidential, and accessible manner,” she said.

“Testing remains the gateway to prevention and treatment, and this statewide exercise underscores our commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of all Lagosians.”

Dr. Animashaun explained that LSACA, in collaboration with development partners and community-based organisations, has deployed trained counsellor-testers, adequate testing kits, condoms, and IEC materials to ensure smooth implementation throughout the state.

She encouraged residents to visit designated testing points in their LGAs and LCDAs to access free, confidential, and non-judgmental services.

She also highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to expand HIV testing and counselling centres and intensify awareness campaigns aimed at preventing new infections.

Residents seeking more information on the Free HIV Testing Services can reach LSACA via:

Instagram: @lsaca_ng

X (Twitter): @lsaca_ng

Facebook: Lagos State AIDS Control Agency

WhatsApp: +234 902 248 1384

This initiative reflects Lagos State’s renewed focus on universal access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment, ensuring residents are equipped with the knowledge and resources to protect their health.

A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death. She was found guilty of crimes against humanity connected to last year’s mass uprising, which left hundreds of people dead and brought an end to her 15 years in power.

Former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan was also sentenced to death. A third defendant, a former police chief who cooperated with investigators, received a five-year jail term after admitting guilt.

The verdict was announced in Dhaka and shown live on television.

Before the ruling, the interim government increased security across the country. Paramilitary forces and police were deployed in Dhaka and other major areas.

Hasina’s party, the Awami League, has declared a nationwide shutdown to protest the judgment.

Hasina and Khan, who are currently in exile in India, were tried in their absence. Both have dismissed the trial as unfair and described the tribunal as a “kangaroo court.” They also criticised the state-appointed lawyer who represented Hasina.

The charges relate to the student-led protests between July and August 2024, which turned violent and caused many deaths. A United Nations report released in February estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed. An adviser to the interim government said more than 800 died and about 14,000 were injured.

Last week, the tribunal set Monday as the date for the verdict after new violence broke out. There were bomb attacks and arson incidents that disrupted classes and transport following an Awami League declaration of a “lockdown.”

Before the court decision, the Awami League renewed its call for a shutdown. In an audio message, Hasina told supporters not to be afraid of the verdict.

By Paul Dada

President Bola Tinubu has said the Super Eagles did their best to qualify for the 2026 World Cup despite losing to the Democratic Repulic of Congo on Sunday night.

Tinubu said the Nigerian national team should put the loss in playoffs behind then and focus on the African Cup of Nations which will hold in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Tinubu’s reaction is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser, Information and Strategy bayo Onanuga.

The statement said, “President Bola Tinubu commends the Super Eagles for putting up their best efforts towards qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, despite their loss in the playoffs on Sunday.

“The President charges the Eagles to put behind them the loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo and prepare for the African Cup of Nations

“Nigeria’s dream of featuring in the World Cup was dashed as Congo DR eliminated the Super Eagles in a dramatic qualifier play-off on Sunday night in Morocco.

“The Eagles lost in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1 in extra time. DR Congo triumphed 4-3 on penalties to advance to the Inter-Confederation play-off, keeping their own 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

“President Tinubu says that, although it was painful that the Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup tournament for the second consecutive time, the team must be commended for striving hard to reach the Mundial, particularly after winning their first playoff match.”

According to the statement, Tinubu said, “Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them.

“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board.

“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.”