Category: PM News

The Department of State Services (DSS) has rescued a police officer, Ibrahim Muhammad, who spent three months in captivity after being kidnapped by armed men in Patigi, Kwara State.

Muhammad, attached to the Patigi Division, was abducted on Aug. 10, 2025. Zagazola Makama report that the state police command was notified of his rescue by the DSS at about 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 9.

According to sources, the officer was found in a forest, where his abductors had abandoned him.

The sources confirmed that Muhammad has been handed over to the command by the DSS and is currently in stable condition.

“He is being debriefed as part of further investigation,” the sources stated.

The police did not confirm whether ransom was paid or if any arrest had been made in connection with the abduction. However, the command assured that efforts were ongoing to track down the perpetrators.

The rescue has brought relief to the command and the family of the officer, who had been missing for more than 90 days.

( Zagazola Makama)

By Chimezie Anaso

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday suspended Mr Jude Ezenwafor, its candidate in last Saturday’s Anambra governorship election for one month over alleged sabotage of the party before the election.

The suspension of Ezenwafor was announced at the end of Anambra Executive Committee (SEC) of the PDP at the party’s office in Awka on Tuesday.

The suspension which was with immediate effect, Mr Chidi Chidebe, Chairman of PDP, Anambra told journalists followed deep concerns expressed by the party earlier over the ‘disturbing conduct’ of Ezenwafor.

According to him, Ezenwafor exhibited attitudes that were not only uncooperative, but out rightly destructive to the collective interest of the party throughout the campaign period.

He claimed that the PDP candidate failed to campaign in any ward, local government, or across the state throughout the entire electioneering period up to the last date for campaigns for the November 8 governorship election.

According to him, among the issues that previously worried SEC were his connivance with candidates of other political parties to deliberately sabotage the chances of the PDP in the election.

“His unconvincing and fabricated story of an alleged assassination and extortion of genuine party members, including his own running mate and other manipulative behaviours were unbecoming of a candidate of our great party.

“His establishment of a parallel gang of impostors, mostly non-members of the PDP to unlawfully interfere with and perform party functions.

“In light of the above and after due deliberation, the SEC resolved that Mr Jude Ezenwafor is hereby suspended from the PDP for a period of one month with immediate effect.

“That he be referred to the State Party Disciplinary Committee for further investigation and appropriate recommendations.

“The National Working Committee (NWC) is thereby formally notified and advised not to grant Ezenwafor or his collaborators any further access or recognition as their activities are clearly aimed at destabilising the party,” he said

The PDP SEC said when it became evident that the candidate lacked the capacity and interest to convene meetings or campaign, it convened a meeting with all Council Executive Committee members on Nov. 7 and directed them to vote for PDP candidates in their respective domains.

This collective effort was the major reason our party was able to secure a total of 1,401 votes, as officially declared, placing the PDP 6th among the 16 political parties that participated in the election.

“It is on record that the governorship candidate, secured only one vote in his own ward, Nnobi Ward 3, Idemili South Local Government Area, a ward with 12 polling units.

“This abysmal performance represents the worst result for PDP in any ward across the state and clearly exposes his lack of character, credibility and commitment to both the party and the election,” he said.

Anambra PDP said it was steadfast in its commitment to uphold party discipline, unity, principles of internal democracy.

“We are determined to rebuild and reposition the party under the leadership of Amb. Umar Damagum,” he said.

Commenting on the conduct of Nov. 8 election, PDP said the exercise, saying that it would not contest the outcome in court or elsewhere.

Effort to get the reaction of suspended candidate was not fruitful as his line was switched off.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

PC/FEO

Angry protesters stormed the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the immediate confirmation of President Bola Tinubu’s nominee for the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Engr. Abdullahi Ramat.

Chanting solidarity songs and waving placards that read “President Tinubu Did Not Send Nominees to Be Harassed” and “Ramat Represents Reform in Power Sector,” the demonstrators accused the Senate of playing politics with a critical national appointment.

The protest followed the upper chamber’s decision last month to step down Ramat’s confirmation despite a positive recommendation from its Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.

Leader of the group, Ahmed I. Suleiman, told journalists that “vested interests” were behind the delay, claiming the process was being hijacked by political lobbyists bent on frustrating reform.

“We write as proud indigenes of Kano State to register our concern over the yet-to-be-concluded confirmation of our son, Engr. Abdullahi Ramat,” Suleiman said. “He has the credentials and experience, so it is deeply unsettling that his name was stepped down after clearance by the screening panel.”

He accused some senators of yielding to “false narratives and politically motivated petitions,” warning that the Senate was setting “a dangerous precedent where capable Nigerians are sacrificed on the altar of vendetta.”

The protest came just days after the Senate threatened to sue former Presidential aide Alwan Hassan for alleging that lawmakers received a $10 million bribe to stall Ramat’s confirmation.

Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu dismissed the allegation as “baseless,” insisting the decision to delay confirmation followed “public and private complaints” about Ramat’s suitability.

“Many nominees have been stepped down due to such public outcry,” Adaramodu said. “The case of Mr Ramat is not an exception.”

The Senate vowed to compel Hassan to substantiate his claims in court, stressing it would not be pressured into confirming any nominee “under a cloud of public concern.”

Ramat’s nomination remains suspended, even as public anger grows over worsening power supply and rising electricity tariffs nationwide.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has vowed not to succumb to intimidation in his determination to halt illegal constructions in all parts of the territory.

Wike spoke after military officers from the Nigerian Navy obstructed him from accessing alleged site of illegal construction activities in Gaduwa District, along the corridor of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Way in the FCT on Tuesday.

The Minister and members of his team, including the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, were prevented from accessing the site.

The naval officers claimed that they were acting on orders, allegedly from a former Chief of Naval Staff, who is constructing at the site.

However, Wike stressed that the FCT Administration will not succumb to intimidation or blackmail, adding, “The way we have carried out our job in other areas is the same way it will be done here. He will not carry out this illegal development and land grabbing, simply because he was a former Chief of Naval Staff. I will not allow that”.

Addressing journalists immediately after the tense standoff, the Minister strongly condemned the actions, describing them as an act of lawlessness on the part of the Nigerian Military.

He said, “I did instruct them [FCTA officials] to make sure that nothing takes place, in as much as they did not have any legal paper in terms of building approval or even acquisition of the land.

“When they came here, I was informed that the military chased them away. So, today, I was called that the military have taken over the place and I had to come to see things for myself”.

The Minister questioned the use of military personnel to protect what he described as a clear case of illegal development and land grabbing.

He vowed that he will not allow such to continue in FCT.

“It’s really unfortunate, and you heard what the officer said, he was sent by the former Chief of Naval Staff. I don’t understand how somebody who attained that position and he sees that he has a problem, cannot approach my office to explain what is going on. Or simply because he’s a military man, he felt he could use that to intimidate Nigerians. I’m not one of those kinds of persons that will succumb to blackmail or intimidation.

“You can imagine where you cannot even prove that you have the documents. You don’t have the title documents and you don’t have the approval for building. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country? What about those who don’t have the military? What about those who don’t have security?”, he queried.

Wike said he has already engaged the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom have assured him that they will intervene to resolve the matter.

By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

The Local Government Chairmen and Secretaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River, have demanded the resignation of Mr Alphonsus Eba the chairman of the party in the state over alleged high handedness and transactional approach in party administration.

The local government area chairmen and secretaries made the demand in a communique they jointly signed by the at the end of their meeting in Calabar on Tuesday.

The meeting was convened under the banner of “Forum of APC Local Government Chapter Chairmen and Secretaries.”

The APC chiefs accused state party chairman of destabilising the party’s affairs in the state.

They also accused him of destructive, and anti-progressive actions in piloting the affairs of the state chapter of the party.

The forum chairman, Chief Kelvin Njong, who read the communique, based their demand for Eba’s resignation on “high handedness, insolent, underrating, and transactional approach in party administration”.

They also alleged that the state chairman was instigating local government and ward party officials against the party leadership at the local level.

“This action brought about hatred, contempt, ridicule and disrepute to the party leadership at the respective local government chapters of our Party, contrary to section 21:2(i1 and v) of the APC Constitution as amended on March 26, 2022,” he said.

The local government chairmen and secretaries further alleged lopsidedness in allocation of statutory party funds by the embattled state party chairman.

They further accused him of refusal to remit the percentage from the sales of forms during the 2023 general elections meant for the local government areas chairmen and wards to them.

ccording to the communique, while the local government areas and wards comprising of 5,778 party officials were given N9.2 million, the state executive with just 36 members took N40 million.

“This is gross injustice and typical of the chairman. We also have other sundry remittances from the National Secretariat that are unaccounted for.”

The forum therefore demanded for the immediate resignation of the state chairman.

It also demanded for the immediate payment of all the outstanding stipends of the local government and ward to the chapter chairmen to alleviate their sufferings.

“Going forward, we wish to recommend that the stipends earmarked for the local government and ward party officials should be deducted at source and paid to the local government party chairmen who are leaders of the party and chairmen of caucuses at the local government level.

“We strongly advocate for a review of the sharing formula of the funds accruing to the party.

“Ideally, this should be shared in the ratio of 70 per cent to the local government and wards comprising of 5,778 officials and 30 per cent to the state officials that are 36 in numbers.

“He (Eba) should also be mandated to pay all outstanding percentage arising from the sales of delegates and nomination forms in the 2023 general elections.

“In the overall interest of the unity and progress of our great party, Eba should be mandated to resign honourably due to his anti-progressive actions and tendencies which have affected the party negatively,” it stated.

The forum reiterated it’s commitment to the reelection of President Bola Tinubu and Gov. Bassey Otu in 2027.

The forum comprised 18 local government party chairmen and secretaries.

However when contacted, the state party chairman declined reaction to the allegations.

He simply described the allegations as “a joke”, saying “I don’t react to issues like this from my own children.”

(NAN)

Janet Akekoromowei and Ramotalahi Kareem were again among the goals as Nigeria’s Falconets routed their Ghanaian counterparts 3-0 on Tuesday morning, to emerge champions of the WAFU B U20 Girls Tournament in Benin Republic.

The Princesses, 1-3 losers to the two-time FIFA World Cup silver-medallists when both teams clashed at the same Stade Omnisport d’Adjohoun on Saturday, were unable to stop the rampaging Nigerians who were 2-0 up before the 25thminute, courtesy goals by Akekoromowei (17thminute) and Alaba Olabiyi (24thminute). Akekoromowie netted twice against the Ghanaians on Saturday while Kareem got a brace against the Beninoise on Sunday.

Victory sprang the Falconets to nine points and plus eight goals difference (they have scored thrice in each of their three games) to claim the trophy in the three-team tournament, with Ghana’s Princesses on six points after victories over the host nation.

The Falconets will be up against the host nation on Wednesday morning at the same venue, but the encounter is largely ceremonial as Nigeria have claimed the trophy.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed ITRI, the official match ball for the highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be hosted by Morocco.

According to CAF, the new ball is a creative fusion of African tradition and modern innovation. Its design draws inspiration from Morocco’s historic zellij art, a decorative mosaic style known for its intricate geometric patterns.

The ball’s name, ITRI, meaning star in the Amazigh (Berber) language, reflects the symbolic star that adorns the Moroccan national flag a representation of unity, hope, and national pride.

CAF officials described ITRI as more than just a football it is a symbol of Africa’s artistic brilliance and sporting excellence.

The ball was engineered using cutting-edge materials to ensure precision, durability, and superior flight performance, meeting the highest international standards.

Football fans will get their first glimpse of ITRI in action when hosts Morocco take on Comoros in the opening match of AFCON 2025.

The encounter will mark the beginning of a month-long tournament celebrating the best of African football, culture, tradition and creativity.

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 officially kicks off on Sunday, December 21, 2025, promising unforgettable moments as the continent’s top teams battle for glory under Moroccan skies.

Super Falcons forward Esther Okoronkwo scored a brilliant first-half hat-trick to send AFC Toronto into the inaugural Northern Super League (NSL) final.

Her goals powered Toronto to a 4-1 win over the Montreal Roses on Monday at a snow-covered York Lions Stadium, completing a 6-1 aggregate victory from the two-leg semifinal.

Okoronkwo, 28, who had tallied eight goals and eight assists in 1,486 minutes during the regular season, wasted no time making her mark, scoring in the 7th, 20th, and 26th minutes. Toronto’s Lauren Rowe added a fourth in the 83rd minute, while Tanya Boychuk netted Montreal’s consolation in the 74th.

Fans and pundits hailed Okoronkwo as “Africa’s next big star,” noting her three-goal contribution in Nigeria’s run to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals. She was also Nigeria’s Baller of the Week in September after her hat-trick in Toronto’s 7-0 win over Vancouver Rise.

“It was a complete team effort. The work up top from Kaylee Hunter alongside Esther was incredible. She even set up the first goal,” said Toronto coach Marko Milanovi. “We know what Esther is capable of, a big-time player who delivers in big moments. We hope to see more of that in the final.”

Toronto had won the first leg 2-0 in Montreal on November 1, with goals from Small and Hunter. They will now face Vancouver Rise at BMO Field on Saturday, after Vancouver advanced past Ottawa 5-4 on penalties following a 3-3 aggregate semifinal draw.

The second leg of the TorontoMontreal tie was postponed from Sunday due to heavy snowfall in Toronto.

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, currently in jail after being impeached and removed from office, has been charged with additional offences, including supporting an enemy state.

The prosecutors said this on Monday.

Yoon, 64, is accused of attempting to provoke a military conflict between South and North Korea by covertly sending drones into the North, in an effort to legitimise a state of martial law he declared late last year.

Prosecutors argued that the drone deployment in October 2024 led to the leak of military secrets to the North as the vehicles crashed near Pyongyang, according to Yonhap news agency.

The conservative politician has been in pre-trial detention for months and already faces charges over the declaration that include high treason, a crime punishable by life imprisonment.

Yoon’s dramatic action on December 3 plunged the country into a deep political crisis.

He justified the move by claiming that the left-wing opposition had been infiltrated by communist and anti-state forces, though he presented no evidence to support the allegations, and it was soon overturned.

Left-leaning Lee Jae Myung is now president; he won an early presidential election in June following Yoon’s removal from office in April.(/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Obinna Unaeze

A mother, her two brothers and three other persons have been arrested over trafficking of three-year-old boy stolen from Umusiome, Nkpor Uno in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State to Lagos State.

The stolen child was also recovered from Lagos, Anambra Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Awka.

According to Ikenga, the suspects were members of child trafficking syndicate operating in Anambra, Enugu and Lagos states.

According to him, the arrest of the members of the child trafficking syndicate followed a petition by a mother who said her daughter had left her three-year-old son in the care of a neighbour in Umusiome community. But on her return, both the child and her neighbour were missing.

Ikenga said that on Sept. 4, following a petition from the family of the victim, operatives attached to the Gender Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Awka, commenced an investigation into the case which led to the arrest of the neighbour.

He said that the confessional statement of her neighbour subsequently led to the arrest of the neigbour’s mother and two of his younger brothers.

The Anambra Police Command spokesperson Ikenga explained that the operatives extended their investigation to Enugu, where two other persons were arrested for facilitating the movement of the stolen child to Lagos.

According to Ikenga, the operatives proceeded to Lagos State , where one suspect was arrested and the stolen child was successfully rescued.

He said that the child had since been reunited with his family in good health.

“All the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations,” he said.

The police spokesman quoted the Commissioner of Police in Anambra state, Ikioye Orutugu, as reiterating the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

Orutugu warned criminal elements to keep off the state, as the police would do everything possible to bring them to book. (NAN)