Category: PM News

By Isa Isawade

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, on Tuesday told political parties in the state to suspend all planned political gatherings, rallies, campaigns, processions, and all other political related activities scheduled for today.

According to Gotan, the ban was necessary to avoid a breakdown of law and order following the “non-cooperative attitude of some parties as all efforts by the command to foster peace ended in a deadlock.”

The commissioner’s advisory was conveyed by a press release on Tuesday in Osogbo which was signed by the state’s PPRO Abiodun Ojelabi and forwarded to PM NEWS.

Gotan assured all that the command was committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all residents.

“Command wishes to advise all political parties, candidates, supporters, and all stakeholders that, based on credible intelligence and security concerns within Oriade Local Government Area, the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, advises all political parties to postpone their planned political gatherings, rallies, campaigns, processions, and all other Political related activities scheduled to hold on Wednesday 10th June 2026 within Oriade Local Government Area to a new date.”This move by the Command is due to non-cooperative attitude of some parties as all efforts by the Command to foster peace ended in a deadlock. This proactive measure is aimed at preventing any breach of peace/breakdown of law and order, maintaining public order, and protecting the lives and property of residents of the area.”All political parties, candidates, supporters, followers and members of the public are hereby admonished to take note and comply for the best interest of peace.

“This advice becomes imperative as the peace meeting earlier scheduled/called by the Commissioner of Police with the concern political parties could not hold.”The Command remains committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for all residents and urges members of the public to remain law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies,” the release said.

By Angela Atabo

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has vowed to drag contractors who are not utilising funds already disbursed to them by the federal government for intended road projects to the police or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Umahi said this on Tuesday while issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to contractors handling the Abuja-Lokoja road to fully mobilise to site and utilise funds already released by the Federal Government.

The minister also criticised some supervising engineers for failing to hold contractors accountable, accusing them of neglecting field inspections while remaining comfortable in their offices.

“We cannot be pampering contractors. If you are holding the money of the federal government, you have to bring it out and do the job or we start going to the Police and the EFCC.

“I am giving you 72 hours to effectively deploy on this road, utilise the money, while I am chasing release of the other money, the president has graciously signed,” he said.

According to Umahi, the Abuja-bound section of the road has suffered severe deterioration, with more than 90 per cent of the stretch damaged.

“If urgent action is not taken within the next few months, the situation will become much worse.

“While the President is doing his best and feeling the pressure, all stakeholders must also play their part,” he said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to enforcing accountability, warning that any official found neglecting their responsibilities would be removed from project supervision duties.

The minister also expressed frustration over what he described as poor oversight and lack of accountability among some staff members.

Umahi vowed to remove ministry officials who fail to effectively supervise federal road projects and sanction contractors performing poorly.

“I am going to remove ministry staffers who are not doing well.You are supervising projects, yet, you cannot answer any question on any of the projects.

“You will be calling out the minister of works and our president.

“You leave people that have failed the nation and you are calling out those who lose their sleep day and night. It’s very annoying,” he said.

Umahi lamented that, while ministry officials neglect their duties, public criticism is often directed at the Ministry of Works and President Bola Tinubu.

He praised the President for supporting infrastructure development across the country.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, reiterated that successful delivery of road infrastructure required commitment from contractors, ministry officials and funding agencies.

Alabi expressed worry over the realities observed on the Abuja-Lokoja road project sites.

“The President cannot be everywhere, and neither can the minister. That is why there are engineers, controllers and supervisors on site.

“What we have seen here suggests that reports reaching the minister do not fully reflect realities on the ground,” Alabi said.

In his remarks,the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, urged ministry officials to be diligent in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Nwaebonyi also appealed to agencies responsible for contractor payments not to undermine the administration’s infrastructure programme through unnecessary delays.

“If approvals have been granted, payments should be made. Nigerians want to see results and are no longer interested in excuses,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)ATAB/ROT

The controversy over Somali referee Omar Artan’s exclusion from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a dramatic turn after the administration of United States President Donald Trump claimed he was denied entry over alleged links to suspected members of terrorist organisations.

Artan, the reigning CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, was barred from entering the United States at Miami International Airport on Saturday, two days before PM News reported that no official reason had been given for the decision.

The 34-year-old official, who was selected by FIFA among 52 match officials for the tournament, had been expected to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at the World Cup.

But that dream now appears shattered after US authorities refused him admission and sent him back to Istanbul, Turkey, after reportedly holding him at the airport for about 11 hours.

At the time of PM News’ earlier report, neither US immigration authorities nor FIFA had publicly explained why Artan was stopped.

However, the Trump administration has now claimed that further security checks by US Customs and Border Protection uncovered “derogatory information” against the referee.

According to a statement quoted by Fox News, the information allegedly included “association with suspected members of terror organisations,” making Artan ineligible to enter the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“This individual was seeking admission to the United States,” the statement said.

“Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

“President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country — full stop.”

The allegation is a major escalation in a case that had already triggered concern across African football circles because of Artan’s profile and the timing of the decision.

Artan was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and was widely seen as one of Africa’s leading match officials going into the World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

His selection by FIFA had also been celebrated as a major breakthrough for Somali football and a rare moment of global recognition for the country’s refereeing system.

But Artan has rejected any wrongdoing, insisting that he had the required documents and valid visa to enter the United States.

“I am very, very disappointed,” he told the New York Times.

“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa.

“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.

“I think that they have a problem with my country.”

The case has drawn wider attention because Somalia is among countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under Trump’s administration.

Since returning to office in 2025, Trump has imposed strict immigration and border measures, with citizens from several countries either fully banned or placed under partial travel restrictions.

FIFA has now confirmed that Artan will not train or officiate at the tournament, but said it had no power over the immigration process of the host country.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the world football body said.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.”

The development leaves FIFA with one fewer African official at the tournament and ends, at least for now, Artan’s historic bid to become Somalia’s first World Cup referee.

A FIFA-accredited referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and other major continental competitions. He also works in Somalia’s domestic league.

His exclusion now raises fresh questions over how far host-country immigration decisions can affect FIFA appointments, especially when security claims are made against officials already cleared by football’s governing body for the world’s biggest tournament.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) to their respective geopolitical zones while he ordered Commissioners of Police to begin inter-state patrols.

The directives are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve supervision, and enhance security coordination across the country.

The deployment of the DIGs which will take effect from Monday, 15th June 2026 was announced in a statement by the spokesperson of Nigeria Police Force, DCP Anthony Placid on Wednesday morning.

According to the statement, Disu announced the deployment of the DIGs during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Placid added that the move is aimed at bringing strategic leadership closer to the field, strengthening accountability, and ensuring prompt response to emerging security threats.

“The DIGs are expected to work closely with Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and Commissioners of Police to enhance operational oversight and ensure the effective implementation of policing directives,” Placid said.

He also announced that the IGP directed all Commissioners of Police nationwide to immediately establish coordinated inter-state security operations tagged “Handshake Patrols” with their counterparts in neighbouring states.

” The initiative is designed to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve operational communication, and facilitate joint responses to crimes that cut across state boundaries.

“The IGP noted that criminals often exploit jurisdictional gaps by committing offences in one state and escaping into another.

“He therefore charged Commissioners of Police to maintain regular engagement with neighbouring Commands, conduct coordinated patrols along major entry and exit routes, and adopt a regional approach to addressing security challenges.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to intelligence-led policing, strategic coordination, and inter-agency collaboration aimed at protecting lives and property and enhancing public safety across the country,” Placid concluded in the state.

“It’ll be a shame if Obi doesn’t sue me,” former spokesman declares

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

A bitter feud between former Labour Party presidential candidate and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Peter Obi, and his former spokesman, Kenneth Okonkwo, has escalated, with Obi demanding N5 billion in damages over alleged defamatory remarks, while Okonkwo has vowed to challenge the move and dared the former Anambra governor to proceed to court.

In a letter dated June 9, 2026, Obi’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Alex Ejesieme, accused Okonkwo of making false, malicious and defamatory allegations during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on June 8.

According to the letter, Okonkwo alleged that Obi and leaders of the NDC in the South-East demanded an additional N10 million payment from House of Representatives aspirants after they had paid the prescribed expression of interest fees.

The lawyers also accused Okonkwo of claiming that documentary evidence existed to support the allegation, that Obi personally compiled candidates’ lists from a hotel room, collected money from individuals abroad and was involved in activities amounting to fraud and criminal conduct.

Obi’s legal team argued that the allegations portrayed their client as a person involved in bribery, extortion, fraud, financial dishonesty and criminal conspiracy.

“The above statements, in their natural and ordinary meaning, and by necessary implication, falsely and maliciously represent our client as a person who demands, solicits, organises and collects bribes; who extorts, defrauds and swindles political aspirants of their money,” the letter stated.

The former Anambra governor is demanding a public retraction, an unreserved apology published with the same prominence as the original allegations, a written undertaking against further defamatory statements and payment of N5 billion as general, aggravated and exemplary damages.

The lawyers warned that failure to comply within seven days would leave Obi with no option but to seek legal redress, including claims for damages, injunctive reliefs and legal costs.

But in a swift reaction posted on his X handle, Okonkwo ridiculed the demand, suggesting that Obi was looking for funds to prosecute future political campaigns.

“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5bn. Hahaha! If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him,” Okonkwo wrote.

The actor-turned-politician claimed that while serving as Obi’s spokesman, he personally funded some campaign-related expenses, including flight tickets and hotel accommodation.

Okonkwo further warned that Obi’s legal action could compel him to disclose information he acquired during his time as spokesman.

“Let me sound this note of warning, the lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone,” he said.

He maintained that he had not yet read the legal letter but insisted he would respond in due course, adding that it would be a “shame” if Obi and his lawyers failed to pursue the matter in court.

Okonkwo also referenced a statement allegedly made by an NDC House of Representatives aspirant, Obunike Ohaegbu, who claimed he was “scammed” and that the party blamed Obi for the incident.

The dispute marks the latest chapter in the deteriorating relationship between Obi and Okonkwo, once close political allies during the 2023 presidential campaign.

Team Nigeria will be among the contenders when Africa’s finest chess players converge on Botswana for the 2026 African Individual Chess Championships scheduled for June 18-27 at the Debswana Jwaneng Mine.

Nigeria has entered a seven-player squad for the prestigious continental competition, with five players competing in the men’s category and two in the women’s section as they seek honours and qualification spots for the FIDE Chess World Cup.

The Scribe of Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF), Mrs. Ejiro Thukson, stated that, Nigerian men’s team is made up of Abdulrahmam Abdulraheem Akintoye, Odion Aikhoje, Adeyinka Adewole, Paul Eloka and Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa, while Ofowino Toritsemuwa and Bridget Michael will fly the country’s colours in the women’s event.

Adeyinka Adewole the Vice President of Nigeria Chess Federation is expected to lead the team to Botswana and he will also compete for honours at the Championship.

The championship, regarded as Africa’s premier individual chess tournament, is expected to attract some of the continent’s strongest players, including Grandmasters, International Masters and a host of emerging talents. The event also serves as a qualification pathway to the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup, raising the stakes for all participants.

According to the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF), 25 African countries have confirmed participation in the championship, which will be hosted for the first time in Botswana. The tournament coincides with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the African Chess Confederation (ACC), adding further significance to the competition.

BCF president Kutlwano Tatolo described the event as Africa’s most prestigious individual chess championship and said the presence of elite players from across the continent highlights the growing strength and popularity of the game in Africa.

For Team Nigeria, the tournament presents another opportunity to showcase the country’s growing influence in African chess and challenge for continental honours against the best players on the continent.

Beyond the competition, the championship is expected to celebrate five decades of African chess development while promoting unity and sporting excellence across the continent.

With qualification for the FIDE Chess World Cup on the line, Nigeria’s representatives will be aiming to make a strong impression when the championship gets underway in Jwaneng later this month.

TEAM NIGERIA

Male

Abdulrahmam Abdulraheem Akintoye

Odion Aikhoje

Adeyinka Adewole

Paul Eloka

Tennyson Ewomazino Olisa

Female

Ofowino Toritsemuwa

Bridget Michael

The Provost of Ebonyi College of Health Science and Technology, Ngbo, Princess Chetachi Chibueze Jerry Usulor, has confirmed that no student is missing after hoodlums attacked the female hostel of the institution.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Usulor said nine students were injured during the incident, which happened around 1:20 a.m. on June 8.

According to her, the attackers entered the hostel and stole mobile phones, cash, ATM cards and other valuables from students. She said she immediately contacted security agencies, including the police and homeland security personnel, who responded quickly, causing the attackers to flee.

Usulor explained that the college’s large unfenced area contributed to the security breach. Although the state government had previously released funds for fencing, she said more resources were needed to complete the project.

She stated that the hoodlums escaped through one of several access points around the campus when they noticed security personnel and residents arriving at the scene.

The provost clarified that the injured students were not physically attacked by the robbers. Instead, they sustained injuries after jumping from the one-storey hostel building while trying to escape.

“Some students upstairs jumped through windows out of fear or while trying to protect their phones. Those currently receiving treatment were injured from the fall,” she said.

The affected students were taken to hospital for medical examinations, including X-rays and scans. Usulor said about nine students are still receiving treatment to ensure there are no serious complications before they are discharged.

She dismissed rumours that some students were missing, insisting that all students had been accounted for.

The provost also revealed that investigators suspect the attackers may have received help from insiders. She said some victims reported that a female member of the gang appeared to know the hostel layout and directed the attackers to specific rooms.

She added that the police are investigating whether anyone assisted the criminals.

On security arrangements, Usulor explained that male security personnel were stationed outside the female hostel because there were no female security officers available to stay within the facility. She said the security personnel on duty that night are being questioned as part of the investigation.

To prevent future attacks, the college management has met with security stakeholders in Ohaukwu Local Government Area and agreed on stronger security measures.

Under the new arrangement, police officers, local vigilantes and homeland security personnel will provide round-the-clock security for the institution.

Usulor said local security operatives would be particularly useful because reports suggest the attackers communicated in the Ngbo dialect, which may help identify them.

Also speaking, the President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Comrade Ernest Chukwudi Nwobasi, confirmed that armed robbers invaded the female hostel and stole phones, money and ATM cards from students.

He said nine students were hospitalised after suffering injuries while trying to escape and appealed to the Ebonyi State Government to improve security around the institution.

Nwobasi also called for the completion of the school’s perimeter fence and greater support for accreditation efforts, which he said are important for the institution’s academic growth.

Police authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident at the time of filing the report.

By Patience Yakubu

A 26-year-old man identified as Kevin Moses, was docked before a Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for allegedly stealing his girlfriend’s iPhone worth N650,000.

The defendant, who resides in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, is charged with stealing.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence in Barnawa area of Kaduna on May 31.

The prosecutor said that the defendant who is a boyfriend to the complainant, Sharon James, stole her iPhone worth N650,000 during a dedication ceremony at his uncle’s house.

The prosecutor said that the phone was tracked to the buyer who told the police that the defendant sold it to him.

The offence according to the prosecutor, contravenes the provisions of Section 217 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.

Section 217 stipulates five years jail term if found guilty.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

He ruled that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government and must be living within the jurisdiction of the court.

Emmanuel adjourned the case until July 22, for hearing.(NAN)

The Edo State Government has commenced the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards as part of a major security push aimed at protecting forests, farmlands and rural communities from kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within and around the state.

The Commissioner for Public Security and Safety, Hon. Festus Ebea, disclosed this on Wednesday during a joint press briefing in Benin City alongside the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Saturday Uwuilekhue.

Ebea revealed that the state had already recruited 500 forest guards, while plans were underway to engage an additional 500 personnel following a directive from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to him, the guards will be strategically deployed across forests and border communities, particularly in areas vulnerable to criminal infiltration from neighbouring states.

He said special attention would be given to border corridors linking Edo with Kogi, Ondo and Delta states, as well as Akoko-Edo, Etsako East and Etsako West local government areas, which have witnessed security challenges in recent years.

The commissioner noted that operational bases for the forest guards would be established deep within forest reserves to ensure effective surveillance and rapid response to security threats.

“These guards’ offices will be located inside the forests of Edo State. We are paying special attention to areas bordering Kogi, Ondo and Delta states, as well as communities where criminal elements infiltrate forests and attack residents,” he said.

Ebea explained that Akoko-Edo would receive heightened security attention due to its vast mineral deposits, while the Ovia axis would also be closely monitored because of reported cases of criminals using waterways to infiltrate communities and abduct residents.

“Every part of Edo State will be covered under this initiative,” he assured.

He disclosed that the decision to increase the number of recruits from 500 to 1,000 followed a directive from the Presidency aimed at strengthening forest security nationwide.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, defended the concentration of some government projects in Udomi, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s hometown, saying the investments were driven by security considerations rather than political sentiment.

According to him, the area had suffered frequent kidnapping incidents due to its proximity to Delta State and the vast expanse of largely uninhabited land surrounding it.

He said the establishment of a military barracks, a School of Nursing and a School of Health Technology in the area was designed to stimulate economic activities, increase human presence and ultimately reduce criminal activities.

“By the time activities fully take off in that area, kidnapping will become a thing of the past, and we are already beginning to see positive results,” Afegbua stated.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Saturday Uwuilekhue, announced that the state government had acquired 50 additional buses for the New Edo Line transport scheme, increasing its fleet from 100 to 150 buses.

The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has passed a resolution aimed to ensure effective regulation of dispatch riding services.

The house passed the resolution on Wednesday following a motion by Mr Ukpong Akpabio, the member representing Essien Udim constituency.

The motion is titled: “The Need to Comprehensively Enforce Industry Regulations and Guidelines on Unregistered Dispatch Riders in Akwa Ibom State.”

It directed the state Ministry of Transport to comprehensively review the operational guidelines regulating dispatch riding services.

Akpabio said that there was an urgent need to strictly enforce regulations governing dispatch riding operations in Akwa Ibom.

According to him, there are issues of insecurity, revenue leakages, and unfair competition, arising from the activities of unregistered operators.

In another motion, Mr Kenim Onofiok, the member representing Oron/Udung Uko, called for immediate intervention on an erosion site at Oron area of the state.

Resolving on the motion, the house directed the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources to immediately declare a state of emergency on the erosion site.

The assembly called for immediate mobilisation of contractors to undertake emergency shoreline stabilisation and drainage systems in the area.

The Speaker, Mr Udeme Otong, directed the Clerk, Mrs NsikakAbasi Orok, to communicate the resolutions to the relevant authorities for immediate action.