Category: PM News

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Amad Diallo produced a moment of magic to rescue a 22 draw for Manchester United at the City Ground on Saturday, salvaging a point after a tense and unpredictable Premier League encounter against Nottingham Forest.

The Ivorian winger struck in the 81st minute with a thunderous shot from outside the box that flew past Matz Sels, denying Forest a famous win and ensuring United escaped with something to show for their late pressure.

United had taken the lead in the first half when Casemiro powered home a header from a corner in the 34th minute, capping off a spell of dominance that saw Erik ten Hag’s men dictate the tempo and create several chances through Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.

However, Forest roared back after the interval with two quickfire goals that turned the game on its head. Morgan Gibbs-White drew the hosts level with a precise header into the bottom corner in the 48th minute before Nicolo Savona pounced on a loose ball two minutes later to put Forest 2-1 ahead.

The home side, under Sean Dyche, showed remarkable fight and discipline, frustrating United’s midfield and limiting their attacking options. But the visitors refused to fold, with Luke Shaw and Mbeumo forcing key saves from Sels before Amad finally found the breakthrough with a stunning strike that silenced the Forest crowd.

Forest continued to push forward in the closing moments, with Callum Hudson-Odoi coming close, but Manchester United’s defence held firm to secure the draw in a contest that swung dramatically from end to end.

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian Army troops deployed for operations in various parts of the country had in the past two days crushed several terrorist cells, rescued 17 kidnaped victims and apprehended 20 suspects.

The achievements of the troops through intensified offensive operations across the country were revealed by a credible source at Army Headquarters on Saturday in Abuja.

iving details of the nationwide operation, the source indicated that troops of 192 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised two terrorists during a fierce encounter with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters at Hudugum village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

He added that three terrorists, identified as Fannami Ari (aka Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (aka Abu Yusuf) and another trainee, surrendered to troops in Kukawa and Damboa Local Givernment Areas.

ccording to the source, the terrorists cited loss of confidence in their leaders and worsening conditions in their camps as reasons for surrendering.

In the North-West, the military source said the troops of 1 Brigade foiled two coordinated kidnap attempts and rescued 11 victims along the MagamiJan Gemi and KucheriBilbis routes in Zamfara.

He added that troops in the North-Central also apprehended 15 criminal suspects and rescued four victims during clearance operations in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa and Kaduna States.

He further disclosed that troops in the South-South discovered and dismantled two illegal oil refining camps at Biseni in Yenagoa LGA of Bayelsa State and seized 62 sacks of stolen crude oil in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo.

The source assured that the army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, remains committed to sustaining the tempo of operations and ensuring peace and stability across the country.

(NAN)

Tension has gripped Umuchigbo-Nike, in Enugu East Local Government Area, after two brothers were killed and at least 27 people arrested in a violent outbreak linked to a long-running leadership dispute within the community.

The confrontation, which erupted earlier in the week, left several homes, vehicles and other properties in ruins. What began as a simmering disagreement over local leadership reportedly turned deadly on 29 October, when members of one faction allegedly attacked and killed two siblings from a rival group.

In retaliation, a counter-attack the following day resulted in the burning of five houses and multiple vehicles, plunging the area into chaos.

Enugu State Police Command confirmed the arrests in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Superintendent Daniel Ndukwe. The statement said that Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, personally visited the affected area on Thursday to inspect the damage and restore calm.

During his visit, the commissioner condemned the violence as “tragic and unnecessary”, describing it as a serious setback to community peace efforts. He ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a full inquiry and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.

Police have also launched a manhunt for those still at large, while reinforcing patrols in the community to prevent further clashes.

“The Command has so far arrested 27 suspects connected to the incident. Investigations are ongoing to track down other individuals involved,” Ndukwe stated.

iwa appealed to traditional rulers, opinion leaders and both factions to remain calm, engage in dialogue and support police efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace.

He reiterated the Command’s determination to uphold law and order, warning that acts of violence under any guise would not be tolerated in Enugu State.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that it flagged a total of 2,658 admissions as illegal for the 2024/2025 academic year. These admissions were made by 17 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

The affected institutions include Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University with 1,847 illegal admissions, Osun State University with 492, and others such as Abubakar Tafari Ali Polytechnic with 148, Federal College of Animal and Health Production with 66, University of Calabar with 28, and several colleges with fewer cases.

JAMB stated that these admissions were made outside its official system called CAPS (Central Admissions Processing System), which was introduced in 2017 to ensure transparent, fair, and merit-based admissions. The system allows students to track admission offers, accept or reject offers, and verify their status.

The board also warned that admissions outside CAPS are considered illegal and could lead to serious sanctions, including the withdrawal of assets and punishment of officials involved, as emphasized during a recent 2025 policy meeting organized by the board.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, warned that institutions involved in illegal admission racketeering would face severe consequences in line with the board’s directives.

Meanwhile, public universities have finished their admission processes for the 2025/2026 academic session. Students are advised to use official channels to secure their admissions and avoid ineligibility for the National Youth Service Scheme or other opportunities.

Femi Fabunmi

The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed that suspected bandits kidnapped the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila-Bagudo.

Police spokesman, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar, said in a statement on Saturday that the incident happened on Friday night around 8:20 p.m. in Bagudo town, Bagudo Local Government Area.

ccording to Abubakar, the armed men attacked the town and seized the lawmaker shortly after he finished observing the evening (Isha’i) prayer and was heading home.

The police said a combined team of officers, including police tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes, has been deployed to track down the kidnappers and rescue the lawmaker safely.

“The team is searching the suspected routes and nearby forests to ensure the Deputy Speaker is rescued unharmed and the kidnappers are arrested,” Abubakar stated.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, has assured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The Commissioner also urged the public to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and stability.

s of the time of this report, the kidnappers have not made any demands, and the state government has yet to release an official statement on the matter.

Kano State High Court has ordered the remand of one Idris Kurma in prison for allegedly killing his wife, Aisha Idris, after she reportedly refused to grind groundnuts to make kuli-kuli.

Justice Musa Dahiru gave the order after the defendant was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code.

The tragic incident was said to have occurred in Goda Village, located in the Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.

During the hearing, the prosecution counsel, Barrister Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, read the charge to the accused person, who pleaded not guilty.

Soron Dinki then asked the court for an adjournment to enable the prosecution to call its witnesses.

Justice Dahiru granted the request and adjourned the case to December 12, 2025, for continuation of hearing.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Economics and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said it has instituted investigations into claims by Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji (a.k.a Oladips) that its operatives extorted N10 million from him when he was arrested along other alleged internet fraudsters.

Oladips who made the claim in a recent podcast said operatives of EFCC extorted the money when he was detained for five days in the facility of the anti=graft agency.

He said this was in spite of the fact that no incriminating document was found on him while he was made to undergo harrowing experience with poor feeding during his detention.

In response, the EFCC said it viewed the allegation by the rapper seriously and has began investigation of the extortion claim.

In a statement by Dele Oyewale, its spokesperson, EFCC said it has already summoned operatives in the Team that handled Oladips to its headquarters in Abuja as part of the investigation.

EFCC also said the operatives have been taken off operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation of the matter.

The statement reads, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, views with great seriousness the allegation of extortion made against some of its operatives by a Nigerian rapper, Oladipupo Olabode Oladimeji (a.k.a Oladips).

The hip-hop artist gravely alleged that operatives of the Commission extorted a sum of N10,000,000( Ten Million Naira) from him before securing his release when he was arrested alongside other suspected internet fraudsters.

“The Commission wishes to state unreservedly that the grim picture painted by the artist does not reflect the true picture of the EFCC. We have seen his claims and have commenced investigations on them accordingly. Officers in the Team that handled his case have been summoned to the Corporate Headquarters of the Commission and have also been relieved of their operational duties pending the conclusion of investigation of the matter.

“The Commission is serious about its value of integrity and will take necessary action against any staff found to be culpable. It is also needful to state that if the allegation is found to be false and raised to malign the Commission or tarnish its image, appropriate sanctions will also be imposed.

“The Commission enjoins the public to await the result of its investigations and continue to keep faith with it in its conscientious task of tackling economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption.

By Femi Fabunmi

Blending culture, competition and commitment to achieve global impact

Nestled in the Maghreb region of North Africa, Morocco stretches gracefully between two great bodies of water, the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It shares land borders with neighbouring Algeria to the east and the disputed Western Sahara to the south.

Morocco’s influence on the African continent and beyond is remarkable, a shining example of how vision, resilience, and determination can transform a nation. The Maghreb nation has, in recent years, invested immensely to establish itself as a global force.

For clarity of purpose and proper perspective, this article focuses on sports, particularly football, where Morocco has recorded tremendous achievements both on and off the pitch.

Unfettered by the disappointment of 2010, when it narrowly missed the chance to become the first African and Arab nation to host the FIFA World Cup after losing the bid to South Africa, Morocco went back to the drawing board. It studied, planned, and worked harder. The result was a rebirth, a nation stronger, prouder, and more capable of taking its place among the sporting giants of the world.

Today, in a new and expanded World Cup format featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32, Morocco has been chosen to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside European football powers Spain and Portugal. This historic partnership will make Morocco the first African nation to share hosting rights with Europe, a crowning moment for a country that never gave up on its dream.

Hosting Glory and Continental Leadership

Morocco’s steady rise as a continental sporting hub did not happen overnight. It is the product of long-term vision, investment in modern infrastructure, and deep passion for the game.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, will mark the first time since 1988 that the nation will host the continent’s biggest football event. Preparations have been top-notch, with Morocco promising world-class stadiums, elite training facilities, and efficient transportation systems.

Before this, Morocco successfully hosted the 2023 Under 23 Africa Cup of Nations, held from 24 June to 8 July 2023, which was praised by CAF for its seamless organisation. That same tournament saw the Moroccan Under 23 national team emerge champions, further underlining the country’s dominance in youth football.

In April 2025, Morocco made more history when it hosted and won the inaugural Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, triumphing over tough competition and reinforcing its commitment to promoting women’s sports.

The Confederation of African Football has consistently recognized Morocco for its ability to host continental competitions. From stadium facilities to logistics and hospitality, the country has become a benchmark for football organisation in Africa.

Remarkable On Field Triumphs

Morocco’s footballing excellence is not just in hosting, it is in winning.

The senior men’s national team, fondly called the Atlas Lions, made global history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar by reaching the semi-finals, a first for any African or Arab nation. Their spirited run captured hearts across the world, blending tactical discipline with passion and flair.

Building on that momentum, the Atlas Lions became the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, affirming that their 2022 success was no fluke but a product of consistent development.

The success story extends across levels. In October 2025, the Moroccan Under 20 men’s team achieved a historic milestone by winning the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in faraway Chile, another testament to the nation’s growing footballing strength and talent development structure.

Morocco’s futsal team has also made impressive progress. They reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA Futsal World Cup in 2021, have remained African champions, and continue to rank among the top futsal nations globally.

On the women’s side, the Atlas Lionesses have written their own inspiring chapter. They became the first Arab nation to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16, stunning many established teams along the way. Prior to that, in 2025, they reached the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco, narrowly losing to Nigeria’s Super Falcons in a thrilling contest. Their performance won admiration and demonstrated the growth of women’s football in the country.

Youth and Gender Inclusion: Building the Future

Morocco’s football philosophy does not focus only on senior success. Its investment in youth and women’s football reflects a long-term strategy to sustain excellence.

The country recently hosted the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup, marking another major achievement in global event management. Even more impressively, FIFA ratified Morocco’s proposal to host the Men’s Under 17 World Cup annually for the next five years, further entrenching its reputation as a reliable global football destination.

These initiatives are supported by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation under the leadership of President Fouzi Lekjaa, who has been widely praised for his strategic vision. The federation has modernized domestic leagues, upgraded training facilities, and encouraged female participation at grassroots levels.

Through partnerships with international clubs and academies, Morocco continues to refine its talent pipeline, ensuring that future generations maintain the country’s global standing.

Infrastructure and Economic Impact

Hosting major tournaments requires far more than just passion. It demands world-class infrastructure, and Morocco has delivered.

The nation has built or renovated numerous stadiums that meet FIFA and CAF standards, including the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and Grand Stade de Tanger. These venues have hosted major finals, including CAF Champions League matches and international friendlies featuring global stars.

Beyond the pitch, Morocco’s sporting investments have stimulated economic growth. The upcoming 2030 World Cup project alone is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs annually, boost tourism, and strengthen Morocco’s brand as a hub for international events.

Local industries such as hospitality, transport, media, and construction are already benefiting from these projects. The government’s focus on sports tourism aims to position Morocco as Africa’s sporting and holiday capital.

Symbol of Continental Pride

Morocco’s sporting success is not just national, it is continental. The nation has become a symbol of African excellence, showing that with proper planning, Africa can compete and succeed at the highest levels.

By hosting, winning, and managing tournaments with professionalism, Morocco has earned respect from international bodies like CAF and FIFA. The country now plays a leading role in shaping the future of African football governance.

The ripple effect of Morocco’s progress is also inspiring other African nations to improve infrastructure and administration. From Cairo to Cape Town, Morocco’s example is proving that African football can be self-sufficient, modern, and globally respected.

Legacy Beyond Football

While football remains Morocco’s flagship sport, its success has spilled into other disciplines such as athletics, judo, and basketball, which are also benefiting from improved facilities and organisational models.

The country’s sports academies now attract young athletes from across Africa, fostering regional integration through sports. This legacy extends to education, community development, and tourism, creating a holistic impact that goes beyond the scoreboard.

Morocco’s rise to prominence in global sports did not happen by chance. It was built on vision, consistency, and resilience, the determination to learn from failure and grow stronger.

From missing out on hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup to co-hosting the 2030 edition with Spain and Portugal, from producing Africa’s first World Cup semi-finalists to winning youth and women’s competitions, from organising world-class tournaments to building sustainable sports infrastructure, Morocco’s journey is a story of hope, strategy, and transformation.

In football and beyond, Morocco stands today as a beacon of sporting excellence, not just for Africa, but for the entire world. Its achievements are proof that with determination, investment, and unity of purpose, any nation can turn ambition into glory.

Morocco’s success story serves as a blueprint for other African nations seeking to harness the unifying power of sport as a tool for development and international recognition. The country’s approach, anchored on governance, infrastructure, and inclusiveness, shows that sports, when managed strategically, can drive social change, youth empowerment, and economic prosperity. Beyond the medals and trophies, Morocco’s sporting renaissance reflects a deeper national philosophy that celebrates identity, resilience, and ambition.

s Morocco prepares to welcome the world in 2030, the eyes of millions will be on its cities, its people, and its culture. The nation’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity will not only define the tournament’s success but also strengthen Africa’s case as a reliable host of global events. The World Cup will be more than a football spectacle; it will be a cultural and diplomatic statement that reaffirms Morocco’s place among the great sporting nations of the world.

Ultimately, Morocco’s story is one of belief, a belief that Africa’s time has come. From Rabat to Casablanca, from Marrakech to Tangier, the echoes of progress resonate across a country that refused to settle for mediocrity. Its journey from near misses to monumental triumphs embodies the spirit of perseverance. In Morocco’s triumph, Africa sees its reflection, proud, capable, and ready to shine on the grandest stage.

Hospitals across Nigeria have been thrown into crisis as resident doctors commenced an indefinite strike on Saturday, following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government.

In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) said the decision was unavoidable after repeated government failures to implement agreements reached in previous negotiations.

Suleiman emphasized that the strike was not driven by personal or political motives but by a deep concern for the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“We are fully aware of the pain this action may cause patients, but we can no longer ignore the poor conditions that threaten both doctors and the people they serve,” he said.

The association listed its demands to include payment of salary arrears, fair remuneration, improved working environments, provision of essential medical equipment, and adequate staffing to reduce excessive workloads.

Dr. Suleiman lamented that many doctors were overworked, underpaid, and mentally drained, warning that such conditions compromise patient safety and the quality of care.

He appealed to Nigerians, civil society organizations, religious and traditional leaders, and labour unions to stand with the doctors in urging the government to act swiftly.

“This is not a confrontation with the government. It is a call for reform — a plea for a healthcare system that values both caregivers and patients,” Suleiman said.

Resident doctors in Abuja have also joined the nationwide strike, citing unfulfilled promises by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

NARD had earlier announced that the industrial action would begin on November 1, 2025, after the federal government failed to meet its commitments within the ultimatum period.

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), a Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), has cautioned Anambra residents against violence before, during and after the upcoming governorship election in the state.

The Finance Officer, SIDEC, Ms Chioma Enwereuzor, said this on Saturday during a voter education programme at Afor-Igwe Market at Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area.

The programme was organised under the Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation (Project IMPACT), to promote peaceful and inclusive participation in the electoral process.

The project is being implemented by SIDEC in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO).

Enwereuzor described electoral violence as destructive and counterproductive.

“Violence benefits no one; it destroys lives and progress; and can set us many years backward,” she said.

She said that security agencies had been placed on high alert to handle troublemakers, adding that the law would take its course on anyone found instigating violence.

“Election is not a do-or-die affair. Do not allow anyone to use you to destabilise the state,”she advised.

Enwereuzor further reminded voters not to wear clothes, caps, or accessories bearing party symbols to polling units, as such would amount to campaigning on election day.

She encouraged peaceful participation, urging voters to stay back for vote counting if they wished but to do so lawfully.

“Your voter card is your power; do not stay at home on election day.

“That is when you help decide the destiny of Anambra for the next four years,” she said.

She decried the growing trend of vote-buying and advised voters not to sell their votes, saying offenders would face prosecution under the Electoral Act (2022).

Enwereuzor also reminded the public to respect the priority voting rights of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, as stipulated by law.

During the interactive session, a trader, Mr Sylvester Njoku, identified challenges such as malfunctioning of voting devices (BVAS) and poor network connectivity as major factors discouraging voter turnout.

She also called on security agencies and INEC officials to perform their duties diligently to ensure peaceful and credible election

.(NAN)