Category: PM News

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Akure, Ondo State, says judges in Nigeria are facing increasing political pressure because the judiciary does not control its own finances.

In a communique released after its 2025 Law Week, the NBA explained that the judiciary depends too much on the Executive arm of government for funding. They said the Executive controls 60 to 70 percent of the judiciary’s budget, making the courts financially weak and easy to influence.

According to the NBA, this lack of financial freedom “creates serious challenges and forces judicial leaders to keep going to the Executive for help. This affects their independence and exposes them to political interference.”

The Law Week, with the theme “Nigeria: Quest for a Utilitarian Judiciary and Role for Stakeholders,” aAlso focused on reducing the burden of election cases on the courts.

The NBA Akure branch suggested that:

The judiciary should play a limited role in election matters to reduce congestion in the courts.

Issues of electoral integrity should be handled mainly by the Executive and Legislature.

Election laws should be clearer to stop politicians from abusing loopholes.

All election disputes should be settled before anyone is sworn into office.

The association aAlso insisted that Section 121(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution must be fully implemented so the judiciary can control its own finances without interference.

They announced plans to create a special committee that will work with the judiciary and the Executive to push for true financial autonomy for the courts.

The communique aAlso encouraged full enforcement of the Correctional Service Act, 2019, so ex-inmates can be properly rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.

The NBA said a truly effective and people-focused judiciary can only be achieved through cooperation between all major stakeholders: the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, civil society, the public, and especially the legal profession.

A wanted drug baron who operates under the cover of a businessman and hotelier, Frank Chijioke Ibemesi, alias Chisco Bee, has been arrested by operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after weeks of intelligence and surveillance on his criminal activities.

The 42-year-old Ibemesi who is the MD/CEO of Franc CJ Ibemesi Nig Ltd was arrested at his Daisy Garden Hotel, 66-68 Agbeke street, Ago palace way, Isolo Lagos in the early hours of Saturday 15th November 2025 after which he was taken to his warehouse at 7 Pius Ezeobi street off Ago place way, Isolo where 42 jumbo bags and four cartoons of Loud, a strain of cannabis weighing 1,762.8 kilograms were recovered. Also seized from him at the point of his arrest include: $11,600 US dollars; 2,000 British Pounds; 2,200 Euros and 50 Canadian dollars, all in cash.

Attempt by a drug syndicate operating at Orita-Apeje, Araromi-Okeodo forest reserve, Ife South LGA, Osun state to load and distribute across the country large quantities of processed skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing a total of 11,135 kilograms were thwarted on Tuesday 11th November by NDLEA operatives after days of surveillance in the forest. Two trucks being used to transport the illicit consignments: a Volvo truck marked WWR 29 XA and a Mercedes truck with registration number AWK 713 YZ were seized and seven suspects arrested. Those in custody in connection with the seizure are: Lucky Abiodun; Julius Amos; Victor Ngbikili; Sunday Oduegwu; Ibrahim Akanni; Eze Godstime; and Fred Ifeanyichukwu.

A total of 1,902.1 kilograms of skunk were recovered in parts of Edo state. While 184.1kg was recovered along a bush path at Oza/Igbanke road, Igbanke, in Orhionmwon LGA on Thursday 13th November, 672kg was evacuated from Utese forest, Ovia North East LGA on Friday 14th Nov, with 494kg recovered from a Mercedes Benz car marked DE311BEN along

Benin-Akure road where a suspect Felix Edah, 45, was arrested same day, just as Lucky Abagha, 51, was nabbed in another Mercedes Benz car marked JJJ 56 JW conveying 552kg.

While four suspects: Micheal Okoh; Offor Agada; Raphael Nkemjika and Nwabueze Franklin

They were arrested with 68kg skunk and 3.150kg methamphetamine along Ijebu-Ode expressway in Ogun state, Danjuma Tukura, 50, was nabbed with 172kg skunk at Sunkani area of Ardo Kola LGA, Taraba state on Friday 14th November and Wisdom Titus, 24, with 84kg of same substance at Takum area of the state.

In Adamawa state, NDLEA operatives on Friday 14th November recovered 396,000 capsules of tramadol from a suspect Ahmed Isyaku Nda, 50, at Aliyu Mustapha International Airport Yola, while 785kg of skunk was evacuated from the warehouse of a drug dealer currently at large at Asob Maraba Karu, Nasarawa state.

Two suspects: Jamiu Kunle Kardoso and Oriyomi Waliu were on Friday 14th November arrested with 130 pouches of Canadian Loud weighing 65.150kg in Surulere area of Lagos, just as Taofeek Moraina was nabbed same day with 282 blocks of Ghana Loud with a gross weight of 141kg at Otto, Oyingbo area of Lagos.

In Kwara state, NDLEA operatives on Thursday 13th November intercepted a truck marked T- 0262KT along Ilorin Jebba expressway conveying 197 blocks of skunk weighing 78.565kg and 155 cartons of rubber solutions. The truck driver Umar Yakubu was taken into custody.

In another operation, a commercial bus with registration number KJA- 657CY was intercepted at Eiyenkonrin, Ilorin on Wednesday 12th November with 20 blocks of skunk concealed in a 50-litre jerry can recovered and the driver Ibrahim Bello arrested.

In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of Government Day Secondary School, Birnin Ruwa Gusau, Zamfara; Holy Ghost Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Government Science Technical School, Ringim, Jigawa; City Girls Secondary School, Enugu; Randle Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; and Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state, among others.

While commending the officers and men of the SOU, Osun, Lagos, Edo, Ogun, Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Kwara Commands for the arrests, and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) enjoined them and their colleagues across the country to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Kabiru Turaki has been elected National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the party’s 2025 elective National Convention in Ibadan, securing a decisive mandate from delegates.

Turaki garnered 1,516 votes, comfortably defeating his closest rival, Senator Lado, who received 275 votes, reflecting strong support across the party’s national leadership.

Delegates described his election as a unifying moment, coming after weeks of speculation over the PDP’s leadership.

The convention, however, was preceded by significant internal upheaval. On the day of the election, the PDP expelled former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, and several other senior figures for alleged anti-party activities.

The expulsions sparked intense debate within the party, with some factions advocating reconciliation while others welcomed the decisive action to restore discipline.

In a related move to ensure a transparent voting process, the PDP aAlso dissolved its ward, local government, and state-level structures in five states-Imo, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Abia, and Rivers.

Also elected is Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja as National Secretary, among others others at the convention.

The convention, attended by over 3,000 delegates from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, marks a pivotal step toward party unity and renewal ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The proceedings, which commenced on November 15 and spanned into the early hours of November 16, unfolded with remarkable efficiency and enthusiasm.

Senator Ben Obi, overseeing the electoral processes, guided delegates through a transparent voting mechanism that underscored the PDP’s commitment to democratic principles.

Turaki’s emergence as National Chairman was near-unanimous, following the withdrawal of rival aspirant Senator Yakubu Lado, positioning him as the consensus candidate to lead the party into its next phase of resurgence as the 2027 elections draw near.

The Super Eagles will receive $50,000 for each goal they score in tonight’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This special reward is meant to motivate the players as they try to take Nigeria one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup.

The team recently showed strong form by defeating Gabon 41 on Thursday. That victory earned them $120,000, because each goal in that match was rewarded with $30,000.

With the increased bonus for the Congo match, the players now have an even bigger incentive to attack and score goals.

The bonus package was introduced by the National Sports Commission (NSC) along with support from some private companies that prefer to remain unnamed.

According to officials, the financial support is part of a wider effort to boost team spirit and encourage top performance at this critical stage. Tonight’s match is extremely important.

The winner between the Super Eagles and DR Congo’s Leopards will move on to the Intercontinental Playoffs, scheduled to take place in Mexico in March 2025. Success in that round will secure a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With the stakes so high and extra motivation on the table, fans are expecting a committed and attacking performance from the Nigerian team.

By Abiemwese Moru

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has issued a strong warning to families, urging them to maintain closer vigilance over their children as cases of drug-induced mental health crises continue to rise.

Speaking during the Catholic Women Organisation Reunion in Abuja on Saturday, Kaigama expressed concern over the increasing number of teenagers and young adults “drifting into ruin through the deceptive influence of peers.”

“We cannot police them like officers, but parents must keep a keen and loving eye.

“A small smoke, a small drink, just one careless moment, can destroy an entire future,” he said.

The clergyman lamented the growing occurrences of mental breakdowns among youths as young as 18, describing the emotional and financial burden families now faced.

He called on parents to check in regularly with schools, monitor holiday activities, and maintain open conversations with their children to curb rising cases of addiction and psychological collapse.

Turning to national issues, Kaigamna addressed ongoing debates surrounding Nigeria’s designation as a “country of particular concern” due to the persistent killings and religiously tinged violence.

Kaigama added, “The issue is not who is killing whom, the issue is: what can we do to stop these killings?”

He encouraged the government to build a stronger culture of accountability, expressing hope that leaders would respond swiftly to protect citizens and ensured perpetrators were brought to justice.

By Isa Isawade

In a bid to restore peace and foster intercommunal harmony in Plateau, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched an emissary, Dr Abiodun Essiet, to the state last Thursday.

This was revealed in a press statement on Sunday by the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

“Essiet, a senior special assistant on community engagement in the North Central Zone, spent two days in the state.

“She met Christian clerics and Fulani Miyetti Allah community leaders.

“The efforts culminated in a town hall meeting in Jos.

“Delegates from various local government areas, traditional rulers, women, and youth leaders gathered to discuss ways to strengthen community-based peace structures and promote coexistence among diverse communities.

“Essiet paid a courtesy visit to Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, Chairman of the Regional Church Council (RCC), in Barkin Ladi, where discussions centred on faith-based leadership and its role in promoting peace, unity, and social development.

“Along with Dachomo, she addressed some widows and conveyed President Tinubu’s message of fostering ethnic reconciliation in the state. Dachomo has been the loudest voice of Christian communities in the state.

“She also met with Fulani leaders in Barkin Ladi to foster dialogue and mutual understanding between pastoral and farming communities, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive engagement,” the statement said.

It added that Essiet, later in the day, conducted a workshop on establishing a community peace structure for the 17 Local Government Areas in Jos.

Dr Essiet also held a closed-door meeting with the Irigwe community, the Miyetti Allah group, and representatives from the Youth Council of Bassa LGA.

The meeting reportedly focused on sustaining peace and discussed how the 17-member peace committee would strengthens dialogue, reconciliation, and coexistence between the two communities.

“Dr Essiet reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to peace and inclusive governance, noting that the Community-Based Peace Structure serves as a key instrument for grassroots unity, dialogue, and long-term stability in the North Central region.

“A quick win in the peace efforts was the resolution of the conflict between David Toma, the owner of Agha Farm in Gyel district of Jos South and some herdsmen. Toma seized two cows following the destruction of his farm. On November 15, the MACBAN Chairman of BASSA LGA, Alhaji Isah Yau, paid a compensation of N500,000 to Toma, who subsequently released the cows. All parties signed an undertaking to embrace peace in the state, Onanuga added.

Muslim and Christian organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition for Peace and Justice have concluded plans to convene a National Mega Peace Summit aimed at promoting unity and strengthening the fight against insecurity across Nigeria.

The interfaith summit, scheduled to take place on Saturday in Kaduna and Abuja, is expected to draw grassroots religious leaders from across the country, particularly from the northern region.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, jointly signed by the Chairman, Dr. Othman Idris, and the Secretary, Pastor John Jita, respectively.

The coalition reaffirmed that unity, mutual understanding, and collective action remained essential to overcoming the forces threatening the nation’s peace and development.

According to the organisers, the summit would provide a strategic platform for Christian and Muslim leaders to engage in dialogue, exchange perspectives, and develop joint approaches to tackling the rising threats of terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism.

They emphasised that faith leaders play a critical role in shaping public attitudes and influencing community responses to security challenges.

They, therefore, sought to harness their influence in mobilising communities toward peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and improved security cooperation.

Discussions at the summit would aAlso focus on practical steps to end violence, foster peaceful coexistence, and reinforce the shared commitment of both religions to safeguarding lives and restoring stability in affected communities.

At the end of the deliberations, a joint communique is expected, outlining agreed positions, recommendations, and a coordinated framework to support national security efforts and advance sustainable peace across the country.

Writer Smarica Pant has highlighted five ways people struggling with pigeons sitting, nesting, and leaving droppings on their balconies can banish the intruding birds.

This, the report says, can be done using simple and natural methods.

Pigeons can become a major problem when they start gathering on balconies. Their droppings can stain floors, damage plants, and even cause infections if not cleaned regularly.

Many people try harsh methods to keep pigeons away, but these often fail or create new problems. Instead, natural and safe techniques work better in the long run and do not harm the birds, it says.

The recommended methods are as follows:

1. USE SHINY OBJECTS TO DISTRACT AND SCARE PIGEONS Pigeons dislike bright, reflective surfaces. Hanging simple objects like old CDs, aluminium foil strips, or reflective ribbons can help. When sunlight hits these items, the sudden flashes make pigeons uncomfortable, and they avoid landing there. This is one of the cheapest and easiest methods.

2. PLACE NATURAL REPELLENTS LIKE CLOVES AND PEPPER Strong smells work well to keep pigeons away. You can place small bowls of cloves, black pepper, or cinnamon on the balcony. Some people also use cotton balls dipped in vinegar. These scents irritate pigeons and prevent them from coming close. You may need to refresh the bowls every few days for best results.

3. KEEP THE BALCONY CLEAN AND REMOVE FOOD SOURCES Pigeons return to places where they find food. Even small crumbs, plant seeds, or leftover grains can attract them. Sweep your balcony regularly and avoid leaving uncovered food outside. If you keep plants, check for fallen seeds or dry leaves that might interest birds.

4. INSTALL SIMPLE BARRIERS LIKE NETTING OR WIRE Natural pigeon netting is one of the most reliable long-term solutions. Bird-friendly nets prevent pigeons from entering while still allowing fresh air and sunlight. If nets are not allowed in your building, you can stretch transparent fishing wires across railings. These wires make it difficult for pigeons to sit comfortably.

5. USE WIND CHIMES OR MOVING OBJECTS Pigeons dislike sudden movement or noise. Hanging wind chimes, spinning pinwheels, or even lightweight moving dcor pieces can help. The constant motion makes the birds uneasy, and they avoid settling on the balcony. Choose objects that move easily with light wind.

INDIA TODAY

The Kano State Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Sunday, congratulated Brig.-Gen Buba Marwa (rtd) on his reappointment as Chairman of the agency.

This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Kano, by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.

The state commander, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, described Marwa’s reappointment as being well deserved, adding that the decision reflected the President’s confidence in his leadership

He said that the renewed mandate is a testament to the chairman’s unwavering commitment and transformative reforms, particularly in improving staff welfare, logistics and operational capacity across the agency.

“Under Buba-Marwa’s leadership, the agency has recorded unprecedented achievements.

“His focus on personnel welfare and modernisation of logistics, has contributed to more effective operations and positive outcomes in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse,” he said

The commander reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for drug-related crimes, and urged those involved in drug trafficking and peddling in the state, to desist and embrace legitimate means of livelihood.

“Anyone who continues to traffic in or peddle illicit substances will be subject to investigation, arrest and prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said

He assured the chairman and the public, of the command’s commitment to combating substance abuse, and sustaining collaborative efforts with communities and security agencies to ensure a drug-free state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Marwa was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, after serving as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to December 2020.

(NAN)

The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the Top Three Nominees in each of the Men’s Categories of the highly anticipated CAF Awards 2025.

The prestigious event will be held in Rabat, Morocco, on 19 November 2025 from 19h00 local time (18h00 GMT), celebrating the exceptional performances and achievements that have defined African football this year.

Leading the charge for the Player of the Year Top prize are Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain) and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria/Galatasaray), three of the continent’s brightest stars who have showcased their talents at the highest level.

Other category shortlists announced include Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year and Club of the Year.

A total of seven (7) categories have been confirmed by CAF in the Men’s Category of the Awards, shortlisting the three top performing players, coaches and teams in each of the categories.

The CAF Awards 2025 recognize outstanding contributions across both club and national competitions over the period between 6 January and 15 October 2025.

The shortlists for the Men’s Categories Below.

Player of the Year

1. Mohamed Salah (EgyptLiverpool)

2. Achraf Hakimi (MoroccoParis Saint-Germain)

3. Victor Osimhen (NigeriaGalatasaray)

Goalkeeper of the Year

Munir Mohamedi (MoroccoRS Berkane)

Yassine Bonou (MoroccoAl Hilal)

Ronwen Williams (South AfricaMamelodi Sundowns)

Interclub Player of the Year

Fiston Mayele (DR CongoPyramids)

Mohamed Chibi (MoroccoPyramids)

Oussama Lamlioui (MoroccoRS Berkane)

Coach of the Year

Bubista (Cape Verde)

Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco U-20)

Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Young Player of the Year

Abdellah Ouazane (MoroccoAjax)

Othmane Maamma (MoroccoWatford)

Tylon Smith (South AfricaQueens Park Rangers)

National Team of the Year

Cape Verde

Morocco

Morocco U-20

Club of the Year

Pyramids

RS Berkane

Mamelodi Sundowns

Morocco’s Chebbak and Mssoudy join Nigeria’s Ajibade on Women’s Player of the Year shortlist at CAF Awards 2025

The Confederation Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has unveiled the top three nominees in each of the women’s categories ahead of the CAF Awards 2025, as anticipation builds for Africa’s biggest football celebration to be staged on 19 November 2025 in Rabat (19h00 local time18h00 GMT).

CAF Awards 2025: Goal of the Year shortlist revealed with fans to decide the winner

Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious Goal of the Year category at the #CAFAwards25, with supporters once again getting the chance to help pick the winner.