Category: PM News

A 48-year-old man living in the United Kingdom has been handed a lengthy prison sentence after a British court found him guilty of multiple sex-related offences involving two women he brought into the country.

Identified as Charles Isabirye, the man reportedly lured the women from Uganda with promises of work and accommodation offers that police say turned out to be a trap.

According to Leicestershire Police, the women were subjected to repeated assaults after their arrival. Investigators said one of the victims first approached the police in 2022 but withdrew out of fear, until a second complaint in 2023 led to the reopening of the case.

Following a detailed investigation and trial at the Leicester Crown Court, Isabirye was convicted of four counts of rape, breach of a restraining order, and witness intimidation.

He was sentenced to 17 years in prison and placed on the sex offenders’ register for life. The court also issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and barred him from contacting his victims.

Detective Constable Le Boutillier praised the women’s courage, saying their testimony was crucial in securing justice.

‘They faced him in court with remarkable strength,’ the officer said. ‘While it cannot erase their pain, knowing he is behind bars brings a measure of closure.’

The case has drawn public attention to the growing issue of cross-border exploitation and trafficking, with authorities warning that many such crimes go unreported.

A sales manager, Obinna Nwonwu, has been arrested and arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing goods worth N33,547,000 belonging to his employer, Nonsman Global System Limited.

Two other men, Kingsley Onyetachi (37) and Chibike Okonio (32), were also arrested and charged alongside Nwonwu for allegedly receiving the stolen items, fully aware that they were stolen property.

According to the police, Nwonwu was entrusted with the management of his employer’s warehouse but allegedly diverted goods valued at over N33.5 million while his boss was away on a business trip.

Upon returning, the complainant discovered that a substantial portion of his stock was missing and his sales manager had vanished.

Following the discovery, the complainant petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who ordered a manhunt for the fugitive manager. Investigators eventually arrested Nwonwu and recovered part of the stolen property.

During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crime and identified Onyetachi and Okonio as the receivers of the stolen items.

The defendants were arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287, and 328(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offences were committed on 4 September 2025 at 27, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, adding that the suspects were tracked and arrested through intelligence gathering.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate M. Owunmi granted them N10 million bail each, with two sureties in like sum. They were, however, remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to 2 December, 2025 for mention.

A Colombian national, Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, has been jailed for life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for the brutal murders and dismemberment of two men whose remains were found in London and Bristol.

Mosquera, of Scotts Road, Shepherd’s Bush, was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court after a chilling investigation by the Metropolitan Police uncovered how he murdered and butchered 71-year-old Paul Longworth and 62-year-old Albert Alfonso, who were in a long-term civil partnership, before attempting to dispose of their body parts in suitcases.

The couple were killed in their Shepherd’s Bush flat on 8 July 2024, in what detectives described as one of the most disturbing and cold-blooded murders ever investigated.

Two days later, Mosquera was seen in Bristol with two heavy suitcases leaking a red substance, claiming it was ‘oil’. Suspicious residents alerted police after witnessing him behaving oddly near the Clifton Suspension Bridge. When officers opened the cases, they discovered human remains, triggering a full-scale murder probe.

A search of the victims’ flat in Shepherd’s Bush uncovered the decapitated heads of both men stored in a chest freezer, along with the murder weapons nearby.

Detectives later pieced together a mountain of evidence showing that Mosquera planned the killings for financial gain.

He had searched online for ‘how long it takes a body to decompose,’ ‘where to strike a fatal blow,’ and even the value of the victims’ property.

He also attempted to hack into their bank accounts after the murders, unsuccessfully trying to transfer £4,000 to his own account in Colombia.

According to investigators, Mosquera had been living with the couple for about a month before the murders and was in a sexual relationship with Albert, which Paul tolerated.

On the day of the killings, Mosquera bludgeoned Paul to death with a hammer, hiding his body beneath a bed before ambushing Albert later that evening. Disturbingly, the second murder was captured on video, as cameras in Albert’s bedroom recorded Mosquera stabbing and slashing his throat during a supposed intimate encounter.

Detective Chief Inspector Ollie Stride described the murders as ‘harrowing beyond words.’ ‘Paul and Albert welcomed Mosquera into their home, only for him to betray their kindness in the most horrific way imaginable,’ Stride said.

‘This sentence ensures a dangerous and remorseless killer will never again walk free.’

Detective Inspector Neil Meade from Avon and Somerset Police called the crimes ‘truly barbaric,’ adding that Mosquera’s attempt to dispose of the remains in Bristol showed a chilling level of calculation.

‘He showed no remorse whatsoever,’ Meade said. ‘While we may never understand his motives completely, I’m grateful justice has finally been served.’

Mosquera was arrested in Bristol on 13 July 2024, just days after the murders. Despite admitting to killing Albert, he claimed it was manslaughter due to ‘loss of control’ and tried to blame Albert for Paul’s death, a defence the jury flatly rejected.

The court heard that the case left investigators and community members deeply traumatised, prompting close collaboration between police and LGBT+ support groups to handle the sensitive aftermath.

With Mosquera now behind bars for life, detectives said the 40-year minimum sentence reflects the monstrous brutality of the crime and brings a measure of closure to the victims’ loved ones.

‘Nothing can bring Paul and Albert back,’ Stride said, ‘but justice has finally caught up with the evil man who took their lives.’

Brentford deepened Liverpool’s domestic struggles with a fully deserved 3-2 win at the Gtech Community Stadium.

After a midweek Champions League victory at Eintracht Frankfurt, the Reds had hoped to turn the corner, but familiar defensive frailties under manager Arne Slot resurfaced.

Michael Kayode’s long throw caused chaos in Liverpool’s backline in the fifth minute, allowing Dango Ouattara to fire home after Kristoffer Ajer’s flick-on.

The hosts continued to dominate and doubled their lead just before half-time when Kevin Schade latched onto a fine through-ball from Mikkel Damsgaard to beat Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Liverpool briefly fought back when Milos Kerkez struck in first-half stoppage time, but Brentford regained control after the interval.

A VAR review awarded the Bees a penalty on the hour mark after Virgil van Dijk fouled Ouattara on the edge of the box. Igor Thiago calmly converted to make it 3-1.

Although Mohamed Salah pulled one back late on with a precise finish, Liverpool’s fourth consecutive league defeat was sealed.

The result leaves Liverpool in sixth place, four points behind leaders Arsenal, while Brentford climb to 10th with their fourth league win of the campaign.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), working with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), has received 150 Nigerians who returned from Agadez in Niger Republic.

The returnees arrived at Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, where officials of NEMA and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) welcomed them as part of the Assisted Voluntary Return programme supported by the Federal Government.

Officers from the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) registered and documented all the returnees to ensure proper records and smooth reintegration.

According to NEMA, the group included 88 adult men, 32 adult women, 14 boys, and 16 girls.

The government provided food, water, and medical care to meet their immediate needs and ensure a safe and dignified return home.

Popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has revealed how a rejected music project unexpectedly led her to meeting her husband and longtime producer, Soji Alabi.

Speaking on how their 25-year marriage began, Tope explained that her encounter with Soji came at a difficult period in her life and career.

‘I was already recording soundtracks for movies when I was paid ?200,000 by Highwaves Video Mart to produce an album,’ she said. ‘But when I got to Soji Alabi’s studio, I was told he no longer worked there.’

Determined to complete the job, she took the project elsewhere, but the client rejected it for poor sound quality. ‘They said it didn’t meet the standard they knew me for,’ she added.

According to her, she returned to Soji’s former studio to get his contact, only to find him there by chance. ‘I explained everything, and he agreed to help even when I couldn’t pay the full amount,’ she said. ‘We ended up completing the project with just ?10,000.’

Tope disclosed that her relationship with Soji was strictly professional at first, as she was then in an abusive relationship. ‘He was just a studio producer helping me out. But after I left that relationship, we became friends and eventually got married a year and a half later,’ she said.

The couple, who have worked together for over two decades, have remained one of gospel music’s most enduring partnerships.

No fewer than 50 people were arraigned before a mobile court in Egor local government area of Edo on Saturday for allegedly violating the state environmental sanitation laws.

The defaulters were arrested at Third East Circular Road Junction, Sapele Road, Ekiosa Market, Siloko Road, Ugbowo and New Benin Market areas among others by operatives Environmental Taskforce.

The task force was led by the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr Saidi Akintayo

Akintayo said the exercise aimed at ensuring compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation directive of the Edo Government.

The commandant, who led his management team, said the exercise also aligned with the corps’ renewed drive to support federal and state efforts toward maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for residents.

‘A clean environment is a healthy environment. It is our collective duty as citizens to ensure that our surroundings are kept clean at all times.

‘The corps will continue to support government efforts by enforcing compliance and sensitising the public on the importance of environmental hygiene,’ he said.

During the exercise, residents and traders were seen sweeping drains, clearing refuse, and cleaning up their premises, a development that the NSCDC boss described as ‘encouraging.’

The commandant’s team later visited the local government secretariat, where he was received by the Executive Chairman, Osaro Eribo.

At the secretariat, the 50 suspected offenders were arraigned before a mobile court.

The commandant lauded the synergy among local authorities, the environmental task force, and security agencies, describing it as crucial to sustaining the gains of the exercise.

He reiterated the NSCDC’s readiness to enforce environmental laws, support public health initiatives, and maintain peace and order across Edo.

‘Our presence underscores the Corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment.

‘We will continue to stand with the government to ensure Edo remains clean and safe for all,’ he added.

In a similar development, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Mr Gabriel Idusere, who joined the monitoring exercise, commended residents for their cooperation.

He, however, acknowledged public complaints about the delay in refuse evacuation.

Idusere assured that the council had put in place measures for prompt waste collection, particularly in markets and densely populated areas.

Manchester United produced a thrilling attacking display to defeat Brighton 4-2 in a pulsating Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Despite a late fightback from the visitors, United’s superior finishing sealed all three points in a game packed with drama, goals, and VAR controversy.

The Red Devils dominated the first half, opening the scoring in the 24th minute through Matheus Cunha, who slotted home a well-placed strike into the bottom corner after a neat assist from Casemiro.

The Brazilian midfielder then doubled United’s advantage in the 34th minute, firing from distance with the help of a deflection that wrong-footed Brighton’s goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen.

United continued their attacking rhythm after the break, with Bryan Mbeumo extending the lead to 3-0 in the 61st minute after a slick move involving Benjamin Sesko.

Brighton, however, refused to back down and pulled one back in the 74th minute through Danny Welbeck, who curled a stunning free-kick under the bar against his former club.

The visitors nearly turned the tide when Charalampos Kostoulas powered home a header from a James Milner corner in stoppage time to make it 3-2, setting up a tense finale.

But as Brighton pushed forward for an equaliser, United struck again in the 96th minute, Mbeumo grabbing his second of the night with a curling effort that clipped the post before crossing the line.

Referee Anthony Taylor had a busy evening, showing multiple yellow cards and consulting VAR for a potential red-card review involving Patrick Dorgu, which was eventually downgraded to a booking.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned Nigeria to guard against rising debt and fiscal risks even as it praised the country’s ongoing economic reforms during the 2025 Annual Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington D.C.

The Fund upgraded Nigeria’s 2025 growth forecast to 3.9 percent from 3.4 percent, citing stronger fundamentals, improved oil production, and growing investor confidence.

However, it cautioned that high debt costs and weak revenue could threaten recovery.

‘Nigeria’s policy reforms have been significant, but the next phase requires policy consistency and credible debt management,’ said Abebe Selassie, IMF’s Africa Director.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said inflation had dropped to 18.02 percent in September – the lowest in three years – while the naira had stabilised and foreign reserves now exceed $43 billion.

He vowed that reforms would continue despite political pressures.

The IMF described Nigeria’s rebound as ‘real but fragile,’ projecting inflation to ease to 23 percent in 2025. It warned, however, that fiscal deficits may rise to 3.7 percent of GDP in 2026 as debt servicing crowds out development spending.

Selassie urged Nigeria to boost non-oil revenues, digitalise tax collection, and maintain transparency in borrowing. He noted that high debt costs across Africa are eroding funds for health, education, and infrastructure.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva commended Nigeria’s progress on exchange rate reform and anti-corruption measures but called for stronger action against illicit financial flows.

Cardoso also disclosed plans to restructure the China currency swap deal and confirmed that Nigeria now records a trade surplus of six percent of GDP, driven by export growth and local production.

Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite said the government was focused on job creation and youth empowerment through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and the digital economy.

UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu, speaking at a panel on Artificial Intelligence, urged African leaders to harness digital technology for inclusive growth, warning that ‘AI must democratise prosperity, not deepen inequality.’

IMF chief Georgieva concluded: ‘Nigeria is on the right path. The reforms are difficult, but staying the course will determine how much of today’s progress translates into jobs and prosperity.

A Lagos lawyer identified as Victor Azubike Awah has been arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on stealing , obtaining money by false pretence, using false documents and issuance of dud cheque to the tune of N27m.

Awa and his company, Sparkan Ives Limited, were arraigned before Justice O.A.OKunuga of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

One of the counts reads: ‘ That you, Victor Azubike Awah, sometime between October, 2024 and February, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of 27,000.000.00 (Twenty Seven Million) from Mrs. Onwuekwe Chioma Genevieve under the false pretence that you have a plot of land advertised for sale, which pretence you knew or ought to have known to be false thereby committed an offence Obtaining Money by False Pretence contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.’

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty ‘ to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of this, prosecution counsel,A. M. Dambuwa, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

The defendant represented himself during the proceedings.

Justice Okunuga adjourned the case till December 17 and 18, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of the trial.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody.