Category: PM News

A 29-year-old man, Chiemka Okoronta of Morley Street, Bradford, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a 17-year-old girl in Bradford.

Okoronta, who was found guilty in July of three counts of rape and one count of causing a woman aged 16 or over to engage in sexual activity, was handed his sentence on Monday, November 3, 2025. He will also serve an additional three years on extended licence after his release.

According to police, the teenage victim reported the assault immediately after it happened on March 26, using a stranger’s phone in Bradford city centre to call 999. Okoronta was swiftly arrested, charged, and remanded in custody.

An extract from the victim’s personal impact statement, read in court, captured the devastating toll of the assault on her life.

“This incident has turned my life upside down. I have flashbacks of what happened to me, I have nightmares.

“One minute I feel fine and the next minute it all comes back, I get upset and then frustrated and angered by what’s happened.

“I would miss arrangements to meet friends. I usually stay in my room and avoid talking to people. I still don’t like leaving my room at all.

“When I was told he was found guilty, I felt a sense of relief knowing that this person wouldn’t be able to do the same thing he did with me to anyone else.”

Detective Constable Sue Sutcliffe of Bradford District Safeguarding Unit praised the victim’s courage for reporting the incident immediately.

“Okoronta took advantage of his victim and lured her to his home forcing her to engage in sexual activity.

“I would like to commend the victim in this case for her immense bravery in coming forward straight away to report this horrific crime. Her swift actions meant a fast paced investigation.

“She said she felt a sense of relief when she found out Okoronta was convicted, I hope today’s sentence can give her some comfort in knowing he won’t be able to hurt anyone else.

“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence, to please report it to us so we can take action.

“We have specialist officers to support you throughout the process and bring perpetrators to justice.”

The police reaffirmed their commitment to supporting victims of sexual offences and ensuring offenders face the full weight of the law.

Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has provided free legal representation to over 5,595 detainees, as part of efforts to address poor access to justice in Nigeria

Mrs Lucy Abagi, Chief Executive Officer of PPDC stated this on Monday in Abuja at the centre’s ‘Law For Humanity Summit 2025.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports PPDC is a non-governmental organisation and social enterprise driven by the desire to have a more transparent and accountable government.

The theme of the 2025 PPDC’s summit is: “The Quintessential Pro Bono Lawyer: Providing Value Without Compromising Professional Standards”.

bagi said that 164 of those detainees regained their freedom after years of detention, adding that the organisation was able to provide such services through the efforts of its dedicated pro-bono lawyers.

She noted that the summit aimed to tackle the excessive use of pre-trial detention in Nigeria regarded as one of the most persistent challenges in the criminal justice system

ccording to her, across Nigeria, thousands of citizens remain in custodial centre awaiting trial, some for months, others for years, often for minor offences.

She said the organisation had taken bold, evidence-based steps through its Reforming Pre-trial Detention in Nigeria Project, Phase II (RPDN II), initiative to reverse the trend.

“We trained over 330 clinicians from 10 Law faculties, engaged over 200 pro-bono lawyers and 50 police duty solicitors to provide specialised legal representation for indigent Nigerians.

“The 50 young lawyers who serve as police duty solicitors across 50 police stations in five states have provided legal representation for 15,314 and secured bail for 8,552 arrested Nigerians.

“Each of these figures represents not just progress, but people’s lives saved, restored, families reunited, and faith in justice renewed,” Abagi stated.

She further explained that PPDC was able to record this success through RPDN II, a cornerstone initiative funded and supported by the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented in collaboration with key justice stakeholders.

She, then, called for more collaboration among the governments and private sector to enhance access to justice in Nigeria.

“We must strengthen our advocacy for greater institutional support, sustainable funding, and deeper collaboration among the bar, the bench, development partners, and the private sector.

“The truth is that, justice cannot thrive on goodwill alone. It requires commitment, structure, and resources.

“If we truly want to build a fair and inclusive justice system, then, we must invest in those who give their time, their energy, and their expertise freely, in service to others.

“This summit is not just a reflection on what has been done, it is a call to what remains to be achieved,” Abagi added.

On his part, the Director-General, Legal Aid Council, Mr Aliyu Abubakar, commended PPDC for the initiative, saying that the summit would enhance legal services and access to justice in Nigeria.

Represented by Bamidele Ibikunle, Special Assistant, Office of the DG , Abubakar assured of the Council’s continued cooperation to achieve legal service advancements in Nigeria.

lso, the keynote speaker, Prof. Akinola Bukola, underscored the need to promote pro-bono service as a necessity, not a luxury, emphasising on “catch them young” initiatives through clinical operations.

Bukola also recommended improved funding for pro-bono services and amended guidelines for judicial appointments to include pro-bono work.

(NAN)

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has called for sustained onslaught against bandits and other criminal elements in Shanono Local Government Area and other border communities of Kano state.

Senator Barau, who is representing Kano North Senatorial District at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, also commended the security agencies for their efforts in combating the incursion of bandits into Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State from neighbouring states.

The troops of Joint Task Force Operation MESA in Shanono Local Government Area, led by 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, contained bandit incursions into the area and protected the communities.

On November 1, in response to a tip-off on the movement of bandits, the troops of 3 Brigade, supported by other security agencies, engaged them, resulting in the neutralisation of 19 bandits.

Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, commended the troops for the high display of gallantry and engagement of the criminal elements.

He mourned two gallant soldiers and a vigilante operative who paid the supreme price in the course of securing the area.

He urged the people in the area to be vigilant, remain calm, and promptly report any suspicious movements in their vicinity to security personnel for a swift military response.

He reiterated his commitment to continue supporting the security agencies in the local government area, the Kano North Senatorial District, and the state at large.

” Shanono and other local government areas in Kano North Senatorial District, and indeed the entire Kano State, are peaceful. We will not allow these marauding criminals who are on the run from neighbouring states following military operations to destabilize our communities,” he said.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian troops have killed scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters in a fierce gun duel as they repelled a coordinated attack on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kangar in Mallam Fatori, Borno on early Tuesday morning.

The troops also recovered five AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five RPG bombs, four armed drone bombs, five hand grenades, two bandoliers and an Android phone in the battle against the insurgents.

The terrorists deployed armed drones and mortar shells in an attempt to breach the base’s defences.

The Information Officer, Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

Uba said the attack, which occurred around 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, saw the insurgents deploy armed drones and mortar shells in an attempt to breach the base’s defences.

He said the troops, supported by the main battalion under Sector 3, stood their ground and fought back with superior firepower and air support from Nigerien fighter aircraft.

ccording to him, the terrorists, overwhelmed by the combined ground and air assault, fled into the Tumbun waterways, leaving behind bodies of their fighters and weapons.

“Follow-up airstrikes by Nigerian and Nigerien air forces on the fleeing terrorists further inflicted heavy casualties.

“A few soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force sustained minor injuries and were promptly evacuated for treatment by Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) medical teams. All are said to be in stable condition,” he said.

Uba added that the MNJTF also provided intelligence and surveillance support that enhanced the troops’ response during the battle.

“Military authorities have commended the troops for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism, assuring that ongoing clearance operations would ensure the terrorists have no safe haven in the region.

“The Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and stability in the North-East through sustained joint operations. (NAN)

Nigerian artist Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, has weighed in on the controversies surrounding tribe and religion in the country.

The artist, on his X handle reacted to a tweet by fellow singer Nasboi, who urged Nigerians to put their differences aside and unite for the progress of the country.

“We’ve really kept quiet in this country. Reminiscing stories like ‘snake swallowing money.’ These politicians really take us for granted. busy stealing money they cannot finish on earth. It’s time to put our tribes and religions aside. Put this Country first,” Nasboi wrote.

While responding to the tweet, Falz stated that tribal and religious sentiments are being used to divide Nigerians.

“I cannot begin to explain how depressing it has been in recent years, seeing tribal and religious sentiments still being used to turn us against each other. At some point we need to start thinking for ourselves,” he wrote.

Nollywood actress Etinosa Idemudia has taken a swipe at men who allegedly use power, intimidation or oppression to force their estranged wives back home after a marital fallout.

The actress made her position known in a post shared on her Instagram page while reacting to the ongoing controversy surrounding the reported separation of actress Regina Daniels and her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko.

Etinosa condemned the act, saying marriage should never be imposed on anyone, especially when one party is no longer willing to continue.

She wrote:

“Some men are very foolish! After using oppression to forcefully bring your wife back to the house, will you be comfortable sleeping in that house and eating that same woman’s food? Marriage should not be by force. No means No, and that should apply to other things being gRape!”

Football fans are in for another treat the Champions League will bring several exciting matches. Especially for you, the best sports betting site 1xBet has made a preview of the most interesting games.

The main thing to remember is that betting is a source of excitement, not a way to make money.

Liverpool vs Real Madrid, November 4

After a successful start to the season, Liverpool hit a rough patch, losing several games in a row. But the crushing away victory over Eintracht Frankfurt (5-1) in the previous Champions League round showed that Arne Slot’s team shouldn’t be written off just yet. Besides, the Merseysiders confidently defeated the Meringues at home last year and beat another Madrid giant, Atletico, in the current campaign.

That’s why the English champions are the favorites in the match at Anfield. What could stop Liverpool? The Reds will push forward, while Real Madrid, with the incredible Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in their ranks, are very dangerous on the counterattack. Barcelona found this out the hard way when they lost the first El Clasico of the season.

Odds: W1 2.338, X 4.02, W2 2.95

Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich, November 4

This will be the battle between the tournament leaders, who haven’t lost a single point so far. What’s more, Bayern have won all their matches this season, while PSG have already stumbled three times in Ligue 1, although they’re still at the top. The reigning champions are showing their best football in the Champions League, where they’ve managed to defeat Barcelona away and score 11 goals against Atalanta and Leverkusen.

Looking at the odds, the Bavarians seem to be the underdogs. But the German champions have Harry Kane, who has already scored 20 goals in all competitions this season, so you need to be very careful when betting against them.

Odds: W1 2.265, X 4.18, W2 2.95

Manchester City vs Borussia Dortmund, November 5

Man City are the clear favorites in the upcoming home game. But the Citizens are very dependent on Erling Haaland: if the Norwegian doesn’t score, the team starts to struggle. Will Borussia be able to stop their former star? That’s the main intrigue of the match.

However, Man City will also find it difficult to stop Guirassy, Adeyemi and other attacking players of Niko Kova’s team. In each of the previous three rounds, Borussia scored 4 goals, and only Juventus managed to evade defeat thanks to impressive willpower and incredible luck.

Odds: W1 1.44, X 5.15, W2 7.85

Use this preview from the best sports betting site to make successful predictions for these and other Champions League matches. The number of markets for top games can reach several thousand, so both experienced bettors and beginners will find options that suit them. Place bets on 1xBet and win with your favorite teams in the coolest tournaments!

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has exposed a large-scale forgery involving at least 15,000 candidates who falsified admission letters to qualify for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, revealed this on Monday during the NYSC Batch C Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Abuja. He confirmed that several suspects are already facing prosecution for forgery-related offences.

ccording to Oloyede, 17 deputy vice-chancellors, deputy registrars, and four JAMB staff members are currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with the scandal.

“I was shocked when we discovered that 15,000 candidates forged admission letters,” Oloyede said. “As we speak, some university officials and JAMB staff are being tried by the ICPC. Those who wish to go to prison should do so knowingly–not by mistake,” he added

He urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to admission guidelines to avoid similar infractions.

Meanwhile, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, cautioned that persistent credential fraud and identity theft continue to threaten the credibility of the NYSC mobilisation process.

“Mobilising eligible graduates for national service remains at the heart of our mission,” Nafiu noted. “We cannot allow this process to lose public trust,” he said.

The Director of Corps Mobilisation, Rachel Idaewor, also highlighted that despite digital improvements, the NYSC still faces challenges with data integrity and fraudulent uploads of unqualified candidates.

Nollywood actor, Emeka Okoye, has lamented over being sidelined i the movie industry because of his body size.

While speaking with Seun Oloketuyi on Nollywood On Radio, Okoye revealed that so many producers reject him for movie roles because of his body.

He stated that this experience began when he was younger, adding that he often gets stereotypical roles because of his appearance.

“I’ve been told that I am fat, and I have lost movie roles because of that. Some say that I won’t fit a character because I have a stomach or I’m not fine. But even when I was younger and slimmer, I still didn’t get roles. When I was slim, a lot of producers would use me to audition people and give them scripts, and they would say I was good but they didn’t have role that fit me because I was too slim. I had that experience many times. Bukky Thomas can testify. And now that I am a bit chubby, they are giving me roles like landlord, husband, or uncle. Some even stopped giving me ‘bad boy’ roles because they assume I won’t be able to interpret the character, but they will be shocked when they see my upcoming movies,” Okoye said.

Boxing stakeholders in Nigeria have decried the ploy by some persons to move the country from World Boxing to the International Boxing Association (IBA).

World Boxing is the sole international federation approved by the International Olympics Committee (IOC) to govern the sport at the Olympic Games. This implies that national federation’s not affiliated with World Boxing won’t participate at the boxing event in the Olympics and other (IOC) sanctioned championship.

ccording to the stakeholders, some foreign agents who have been promised a financial grant of ($2.3 million) by the International Boxing Association (IBA) are trying to infiltrate the newly inaugurated board of the Nigerian Boxing Federation (NBF) with the aim to deceptively affiliate the body with the Switzerland based Association.

They have called on the (NBF) leadership to remain vigilant of the activities of these interlopers.

It will be recalled that the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr. Habu Gumel, while congratulating the new (NBF) board, urged the body’s leadership to prioritize the career of the athletes and Nigeria’s participation at the Olympics by strengthening it affiliation with World Boxing.

Several Nigerian boxing great and veterans have equally urged the Nigerian Boxing Federation to remain with World Boxing for the sake of the athletes and the nation’s integrity.

They include Joe Mensah, Isaac Ikhoria, Alhaji Masha, and PA. Muili Ojo. Others are Ajani Aremu, Bolaji Ezekiel, Omoruyi Roland, and William Azano. Also on the list are Elder Joseph Osewa, Sabo Muhammed, Femi Baba Femi, and Joseph Sagotogun, amongst others.

The veterans also urged the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to caution the foreigners trying to infiltrate Nigerian sports for their selfish gains.