Category: PM News

American RandB superstar Chris Brown has been granted permission to return to the United States on bail after being charged in the United Kingdom over an alleged unprovoked attack on a music producer at a London nightclub.

The 36-year-old singer, alongside his co-defendant, Dallas-based rapper Omololu Akinlolu, appeared before Southwark Crown Court on Monday, where both men denied charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to producer Abraham Diaw.

Brown is also facing charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon, while Akinlolu faces a separate assault charge.

ccording to prosecutors, the incident occurred on February 19, 2023, at the Tape Club in London’s Mayfair district. Brown allegedly struck Diaw multiple times on the head with a tequila bottle, before chasing, kicking, and punching him — all captured on CCTV footage.

The singer was later arrested at the Lowry Hotel in Salford in May after arriving in the UK on a private jet.

During Monday’s hearing, Judge Tony Baumgartner approved a variation of Brown’s bail conditions, allowing him and Akinlolu to return to the United States under what he described as “very stringent” terms.

“You will have to come back to the UK when you are required to do so and surrender to bail in accordance with your obligations,” the judge warned.

Prosecutor Heide Stonecliffe KC clarified that the decision was made under “unusual circumstances” and should not be seen as the defendants being allowed to “return to the US unfettered.”

Brown’s bail conditions reportedly include a Pound 5 million security payment, surrendering his passport, and restrictions on contacting the alleged victim or his co-defendant.

Their trial is scheduled for October 26, 2026, with a case management hearing set for January 28, 2026, Daily Mail reports.

If he breaches his bail terms, the court warned, he could forfeit his security payment.

By Naomi Sharang

The Senate, on Tuesday, confirmed the appointment of former Sokoto Commissioner, Bello Wamakko and five others as commissioners for the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The other five confirmed as RMFAC commissioners are Hadizatu Mustapha, Borno; Sen. Marafa Abba, Taraba; Ahmed Hassan, Adamawa; Bob Inafa, Bayelsa and Gboyega Oladele, Osun.

The confirmation followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs during plenary.

Chairman of the committee, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi who presented the report said that the committee was confident that the nominees possessed the requisite knowledge.

“We are convinced of their suitability,” he said.

In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau who presided over the plenary said that the appointment of the nominees was a call to serve the nation.(NAN)

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has emphasised the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s North Central region, describing it as a future hub for the country’s non-oil exports.

kume noted that the region’s rich mineral deposits and strong agricultural base give it a strategic advantage in driving national economic diversification.

He added that with sustained improvements in logistics and transport infrastructure, the North Central zone could play a leading role in boosting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

The SGF made the assertion in Jos, Plateau State, while commissioning the Senator George Akume’s 250-seater Conference Centre at the North Central Zonal Office of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Yomi Odunuga, his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity said in a statement.

“With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” he said.

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Senator Akume commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for what he described as “a testament to commitment and vision” in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics and maritime system.

“This edifice is not just a building; it is a statement of vision, a testament to commitment, and a reflection of the renewed energy driving Nigeria’s port and logistics system under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the SGF stated.

He noted that across the world, economic progress is built on solid infrastructure, adding that efficient ports, roads, railways, and dry ports are “the arteries through which the lifeblood of commerce flows.”

kume reiterated that the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, is prioritising investment in critical transport and trade infrastructure across all regions of the country — from the coastlines to the hinterlands — to boost connectivity and competitiveness.

“We are building an economy that thrives on connectivity,” he said.

“An economy where a farmer in Benue can ship produce seamlessly to Lagos Port, and an exporter in Jos can access global markets without unnecessary bottlenecks.”

The SGF lauded the Shippers’ Council ably led by its Executive Secretary, Barrister Pius Akuta, for its role as the Port Economic Regulator, promoting fairness, efficiency, and innovation in the maritime sector.

He particularly praised the Council’s effort in bridging the gap between seaports and inland regions through the development of Inland Dry Ports and zonal coordination offices.

ccording to him, the newly commissioned conference centre will serve as a hub for stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and capacity building, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.

The SGF also called for stronger partnerships between government, the private sector, development partners, and host communities to sustain the gains of infrastructure development.

“Government cannot achieve this vision alone,” he stressed. “Let us view infrastructure not merely as government projects, but as national assets that require protection, maintenance, and innovation.”

Femi Fabunmi

The organisers of the popular Nigeria Pitch Awards, Lenders Consults International, have announced plans to introduce an Annual Sports Conference ahead of the 12th edition of the prestigious event.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards, Dr. Shina Philips, said the new sports conference will be held every year before the main award ceremony.

He explained that the event will feature local and international speakers who will share ideas on how to develop sports in Nigeria.

“Our goal is to use the conference to renew and refocus national attention on sports,” Philips said. “We also want to create opportunities for administrators, investors, and government officials to work together to grow the sports sector.”

He added that the conference would make the Pitch Awards more than just a platform for honouring athletes, but also a major contributor to the overall development of sports across the country.

“The Nigeria Pitch Awards have grown over the years through hard work and commitment from everyone involved since 2012,” Philips said. “We thank the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Football Federation, our partners, voters, and past winners for their continued support.”

Voting for this year’s awards will start on Wednesday, October 30, and end on November 18, while the award ceremony is scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 22.

Philips, however, noted that the date could be adjusted slightly because the Super Eagles will play their first 2025 AFCON match on December 23.

SIAO Partners, the auditing firm responsible for collating and verifying votes, assured that the process will remain transparent and credible. A representative of the firm, Mr. Oluwadare Ojelade, said:

“This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.

We ensure that every winner truly reflects the choice of the voters, and we handle the process with full professionalism.”

Since its start in 2012, the Nigeria Pitch Awards have maintained a strong reputation as one of Nigeria’s most transparent and respected sports recognition platforms.

With the introduction of the annual sports conference, the organisers say they aim to honour excellence, inspire collaboration, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s sports industry.

Nigerian politician and businessman, Senator Ned Nwoko, has once again stirred social media controversy after openly defending polygamy and expressing sympathy for men who choose to marry only one wife.

Speaking in a recent interview on Channels Television, the husband of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels described having just one wife as “standing on one leg,” claiming it is neither comfortable nor balanced.

Standing on one leg is very difficult, but standing on two, three or more is balanced. I feel sorry for those who marry one wife because it is difficult to stand on one leg,” Nwoko said.

Former Labour Party chieftain, Kenneth Okonkwo, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using intimidation to stop opposition parties from organizing ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Okonkwo said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has suffered several attacks during its meetings in different states. “ADC is under attack.

The APC is using all kinds of tactics to intimidate and scatter the plans of opposition parties,” he said. Okonkwo mentioned incidents in Kaduna, Lagos, and Ekiti States where ADC gatherings were reportedly disrupted by thugs working with security officers.

He accused the APC of using security agencies to weaken other parties, which he said goes against the Electoral Act that guarantees equal protection for all political groups.

Despite the challenges, Okonkwo expressed optimism that the ADC would win the 2027 elections, saying the APC is already collapsing from within.

“ADC will form the next government of Nigeria. We are working hard and will defeat the APC.

The party is already falling apart; those endorsements they boast about are just from sycophants,” he said.

DC will form the next government of Nigeria. We are working hard and will defeat the APC.

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan has has pledged to work the National Assembly to deliver a “credible, fair, and free” electoral process for Nigeria.

Thus, the new INEC Chairman said he will participate actively in the ongoing process of amendment of the Electoral Act to ensure that the country has electoral process and laws that every Nigerian can be proud of.

mupitan spoke at after he was honoured with a plaque for his “dedication, hard work, and inspiration to many” by the Federal University of Lokoja, during the 56th Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers (NALT).

The new INEC boss committed to active participation in the legislative process. “I will start waiting to participate in the National Assembly to be sure that we have a learning electoral process and laws that you and I and Nigerians should be proud of,” Amuptan said according to a statement the social media platforms of INEC.

He said a key goal of this reform, he noted, is to reduce electoral litigations. “Let us not see electoral petitions in court,” Amupitan urged, stressing the aim to establish a fair process that inspires public confidence.

ddressing the conference, which he described as a “momentous occasion,” the INEC Chairman reflected on the foundational role of law in society.

“Law is not merely a set of rules but a foundation upon which societies build their progress,” he stated, emphasizing that the electoral process is fundamentally driven by legal frameworks.

The presentation of the plaque from the Federal University of Lokoja served as a recognition of his ongoing contributions to public service and legal education, concluding an address where he also called for the support of the academic community in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

Former Manchester United star Gary Neville believes Arsenal are strong favourites to win the Premier League title this season.

Neville said Mikel Arteta’s team will not need to reach 90 or 100 points to become champions. According to him, the Gunners only need to maintain their current level of consistency.

rsenal are currently four points clear at the top of the table after their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday. They are also seven points ahead of defending champions Liverpool and six points above Manchester City.

“This has got to be them, hasn’t it? This has got to be their year,” Neville said on his podcast.

“This is the fourth season in a row I’ve backed them to win the league. They’re not much better than before, but they are consistent — and that’s what matters this season.

“They don’t need 100 points or even 90 to win the league. A total in the mid or high 80s should be enough, and they can definitely achieve that.”

By Hussaina Yakubu

Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on Islamic Judges and clerics to ensure that women suffering from domestic abuse were granted the right to divorce their husbands without being compelled to pay any form of compensation.

umi made the call during his weekly Tafsir session held at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, where he addressed the topic, ‘How Wives in Islam Can Also Divorce Their Cruel Husbands Without Compensation’.

The cleric, drawing references from Al-Mukhtasar Al-Khalil, a key Maliki jurisprudence text, said Islam does not condone oppression in marriage, and that both men and women were granted the right to end a union when mutual respect and compassion are lost.

He lamented that societal and judicial double standards often make it easy for men to dissolve marriages while placing unfair hurdles before women who seek divorce on grounds of abuse, neglect, or humiliation.

umi said, “A husband can simply utter the words and end a marriage, but when a woman seeks freedom from an abusive man, she is made to suffer further by being told to pay compensation.

“That is injustice, and Islam stands firmly against oppression.”

umi cited verses from the Holy Qur’an (Q4:35, Q4:19, and Q4:130), emphasising that Allah allows separation when harmony between spouses is no longer possible and that both parties should be treated justly.

He condemned the rising cases of domestic violence and criticised some husbands who subject their wives to physical and emotional torture while refusing to release them from unhappy marriages unless they pay through khul’ (compensatory divorce).

The cleric added, “When a husband insults, humiliates or beats his wife, he forfeits the right to demand compensation.

“It becomes the duty of the judge to dissolve such a marriage immediately. No woman should be trapped in misery.”

umi further urged Islamic judges (Qadis) to exercise courage and fairness in their rulings to protect women from unjust treatment, stressing that an abused wife should not be made to buy her freedom from a tormentor.

He added, “The justice system must stand for what is right.

“When a woman brings forward her case, the judge should be her knight in shining armour, freeing her from an oppressive husband without delay.”

He added that Allah, in His wisdom, promises to enrich both parties after separation, citing Qur’an 4:130: “And if they separate, Allah will render them both free from want out of His ampleness.”

umi, who spoke in Hausa, emphasised that a healthy marriage in Islam was built on kindness, mercy and mutual respect and where these are absent, either partner has the divine right to walk away in dignity.(NAN)

Nigerian comedian and actor, Woli Arole, has spoken out against a viral social media saying that promotes choosing wealth over peace of mind.

In a post shared on his Instagram page, the UK-based entertainer denounced the statement, I prefer to cry in a Lamborghini than smile in a Marwa,” describing it as a misleading and harmful mentality.