Category: PM News

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy has taken a strong exception to the sight of Aloy Ejimakor, a lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, among protesters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Onanuga, in a post on his official X handle, expressed bewilderment at the lawyer’s decision to join what he described as a ‘shambolic protest’ mobilised by ‘career anarchist,’ Omoyele Sowore.

The protest was organised to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing treason and terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In his critique, Onanuga questioned Ejimakor’s professional judgement, reminding him of the sub judice principle, which restricts public discussion of ongoing court cases to avoid influencing the proceedings.

‘I wonder what Mr. Ejimakor was thinking when he decided to join this shambolic protest. As a lawyer, he should be aware of the principle of sub judice, particularly in relation to the ongoing treason case before the court,’ Onanuga wrote.

He further argued that the lawyer’s primary focus should be in the courtroom, not on the streets. ‘The prosecution has concluded its case, and it is now incumbent upon Mr. Ejimakor and the other lawyers to mount a strong defence for Kanu.’

Onanuga accused Ejimakor of resorting to ‘extra-legal tactics’ by aligning with Sowore to unduly influence the judicial process, an action he stated ‘questions his adherence to professional ethics.’

He concluded by calling for sanctions against the lawyer, writing, ‘Legal authorities should consider appropriate sanctions for the unethical conduct of the bearded lawyer.’

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves and recovered over 290,000 litres of stolen crude and refined petroleum products in a sweeping operation across the Niger Delta.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the operations were carried out between October 6 and 19, 2025, across Rivers, Abia, Delta, and Bayelsa States.

According to him, the coordinated raids led to the deactivation of four illegal refining sites and the seizure of boats, vehicles, and other materials used for oil theft.

‘In total, 28 suspects were arrested, four illegal refining sites destroyed, and over 290,000 litres of stolen petroleum products recovered,’ Danjuma said.

In Rivers State, troops intercepted two wooden boats siphoning Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel at a jetty in Okrika Local Government Area. Another two boats were seized , one carrying over 33,000 litres of stolen fuel, and another containing 5,000 litres.

At Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA, soldiers impounded a tanker (Rivers JJN 287 ZU) loaded with about 90,000 litres of suspected stolen petroleum products, arresting the driver and his assistant.

Also, at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, troops discovered over 2,600 litres of illegally refined diesel.

In Abia State, along the Imo River axis, two illegal refining camps were dismantled at Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West LGA. Troops recovered drum pots, receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude oil.

At Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats laden with 700 litres of illegally refined kerosene were intercepted, and six suspects were apprehended.

Similarly, in Delta State, soldiers acting on intelligence raided oil theft points along the PAN Ocean pipeline right of way in Ethiope East LGA. The operation led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of vandalised pipes, hoses, leather materials, Bagco sacks, and several vehicles, including a lorry carrying 1,650 litres of stolen fuel.

Lt. Col. Danjuma noted that ongoing operations have been intensified in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to restrict the movement and activities of oil thieves.

He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to eradicating crude oil theft, protecting national assets, and restoring sanity to the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

The management of Kano Pillars Football Club has suspended the team’s Technical Adviser, Ogenyi Evans, and Chief Coach, Ahmed Garba following the teams four defeats in the eight games they have played so far in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The team also secured two draws a record the management considered below expectations, according to a statement issued by the club’s Media and Communications Directorate on Monday in Kano.

Kano Pillars management said the suspension which is with immediate effect, is aimed at repositioning the team for better results.

‘In the interim, former club captain and Assistant Coach, Mr Gambo Muhammad, alongside Goalkeeping Coach, Mr Suleiman Shuaibu, will take charge of the team’s technical responsibilities,’ the management said.

It added that Coach Garzali Muhammad from the Junior Pillars will also join the interim team in an ad-hoc capacity pending further directives from the club’s hierarchy.

The management expressed appreciation to the club’s supporters for their continued loyalty and assured them that necessary measures were being taken to restore the team’s winning spirit.

Kano Pillars have been sanctioned by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following incidents of crowd trouble during their recent home match against Shooting Stars.

As part of the punishment, the club will play their next 10 home matches in Katsina behind closed doors, while also facing a ?9.5 million fine. In addition, the NPFL deducted three points and three goals from the team’s total for the ongoing 2025/2026 season.

Pillars suffered a 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Barau FC in their Match Day 9 encounter of the NPFL at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, which serves as Barau FC’s adopted home ground.

Veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali opened scoring for Pillars in the 20th minute, but Barau FC’s Ibrahim Yahaya equalised from the penalty spot , his fourth goal of the season before Stanley Okafor Oganbor netted the winner in the 75th minute to seal victory for the visitors.

The result and subsequent sanctions have intensified pressure on the club’s technical crew and management as the team continues to struggle for consistency in the ongoing campaign.

Kano Pillars which played nine games, occupy 20th position in the league standing.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm felicitations to Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State, on the occasion of his birthday on October 21, 2025.

In a message released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu joined Kwankwaso’s family, friends, and political associates in celebrating what he described as a remarkable life of service and dedication to national development.

The President commended the former governor’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria through the various leadership roles he has held over the years.

‘As former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the aborted Third Republic, governor of Kano State for two terms, Minister of Defence and Senator representing Kano Central Senatorial District, Kwankwaso has made his mark and contributed greatly to national development,’ the President said.

He also noted that Kwankwaso’s influence across the North, particularly in Kano State, reflects his deep-rooted connection to the people and his commitment to the progressive ideals once championed by the late Mallam Aminu Kano and late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.

‘Senator Kwankwaso remains a friend and ally with whom I served in the National Assembly in 1992 and later as governors in 1999,’ Tinubu recalled.

‘We also worked together in founding the All Progressives Congress. Although he later left the APC to establish the New Nigeria Peoples Party, it is noteworthy that he remains within the progressive fold,’ he added.

President Tinubu wished the NNPP leader continued good health and many more years of impactful service to the nation.

Nigerian singer, Michael Adebayo Olayinka, also known as Ruger, has opened up on how his fame and constant tours affected his love life.

Ruger revealed on his X handle that despite his desire to settle down, he gets approached by ladies too often. He claimed that his change in appearance made him more attractive to ladies.

‘Being on the road has really affected my love life. It became worse after i went back to my black hair and lowcut coz these girls have been over rushing me. But deep down, I really wanna settle down soon. I hardly even see my family coz trust me, I’m the most booked artist in this country. People want to see me on stage around the world. They want that Ruger sauce every month,’ he wrote.

Morocco delivered a commanding performance to defeat Argentina 2-0 in the men’s FIFA U-20 World Cup Final, capping off a spirited campaign with tactical discipline and clinical finishing.

Played in the early hours of Monday, in Chile, the match saw the North Africans outplay the two-time world champions in key moments, with Yassir Zabiri emerging as the hero of the night after scoring both goals for Morocco.

The breakthrough came in the 12th minute when Zabiri curled a stunning free kick into the top left corner, leaving Argentina’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

The young Atlas Lions doubled their advantage in the 29th minute, with Zabiri again on target, this time slotting home a composed finish inside the box after a clever assist from Othmane Maamma.

Argentina, coached by Diego Placente, struggled to find rhythm despite enjoying longer spells of possession. They pressed hard in the second half but were repeatedly denied by Morocco’s solid defensive wall marshalled by Hossam Essadak and the alert goalkeeping of Ibrahim Gomis, who made several vital saves.

The South Americans came close to scoring in stoppage time when Ian Subiabre’s powerful header was parried by Gomis, summing up a frustrating night for the Albiceleste.

The encounter also featured drama, with two VAR checks denying Argentina penalty appeals-one in the 58th minute and another late in the game. Referee Maurizio Mariani kept control of a tense match that saw multiple yellow cards, including bookings for Milton Delgado, Maher Carrizo, and Ian Subiabre.

Morocco’s coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, made timely substitutions to maintain control, introducing Younes El Bahraoui and Taha Majni in the closing stages to secure the result.

Morocco’s victory marks the first African triumph in the U20 World Cup since Ghana’s 2009 edition, signaling a shifting global balance in youth development.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued a warning to the public about fraudulent social media accounts falsely using the name and photograph of its Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe.

In a statement released on Monday, the Head of Media and Strategic Communication at the Commission, Eniola Akinkuotu, said that Mr Komolafe does not operate any accounts on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.

He warned Nigerians to refrain from engaging with such pages in order to avoid falling victim to scams.

The Commission said steps were already being taken to identify and prosecute those behind the fraudulent accounts.

‘For the sake of clarity, the Commission Chief Executive has no social media accounts. Members of the public are therefore advised against interacting with such pages to avoid being defrauded,’ the statement said.

The NUPRC said the public must rely solely on its official social media platforms and its website, http://nuprc.gov.ng, for accurate information, statistics, and updates regarding the Commission’s activities.

‘The public is enjoined to be wary of the antics of impersonators, while efforts are ongoing to bring the fraudsters to justice,’ the Commission said.

A coalition of civil society organisations, self-determination advocates, and public interest groups under the umbrella of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has strongly condemned what it described as irresponsible, inciting, and dangerous efforts by certain political actors to politicise the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed terrorist group IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra).

In a press release signed by several of its conveners, the CGG warned Nigerians to be cautious of ‘disgruntled and desperate politicians’ who, having failed repeatedly at the polls, are now rebranding themselves as ‘freedom fighters’ and exploiting the legal process for political gain.

‘It is an indisputable fact that Mr Nnamdi Kanu is standing trial on terrorism-related charges,’ the coalition stated. ‘After the prosecution closed its case, the court ordered him to open his defence in the interest of justice and fair hearing. Any attempts to politicise this lawful process are not only undemocratic but a threat to national stability.’

The CGG accused some elements of inciting public disorder under the guise of supporting Kanu, calling such efforts ‘inhuman and satanic.’

The coalition also reminded the public of the violence allegedly orchestrated by IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), across the South-East region and other parts of Nigeria. These actions, they said, have led to the destruction of public and private property and the loss of innocent lives, including those of security personnel.

Despite these accusations, the coalition praised the Nigerian government for choosing the path of civility, legality, and global best practices by allowing Kanu to face justice in court rather than through extrajudicial means.

‘Kanu remains presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the state continues to uphold the rule of law despite the provocations and violence allegedly carried out by his followers,’ the group said.

The CGG further cautioned citizens against joining any rallies or protests aimed at derailing the legal process, arguing that such actions could be manipulated by subversive elements to cause chaos and undermine democratic institutions.

‘We are in full support of constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful protest,’ the statement read. ‘However, we will not stand by and allow Nigerians to be misled by agents of destabilisation whose motives are rooted in self-interest, not the public good.’

The coalition concluded by urging all Nigerians to remain alert, uphold democratic values, and resist efforts by failed politicians to manipulate national security issues for political capital.

‘Let us not become pawns in their dangerous game,’ the statement warned.

The Lagos State Police Command has moved to reassure residents that the state remains calm and secure, despite reports of protests in parts of the country.

Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, gave the assurance on Monday during a ‘Show of Force’ exercise in Ikeja, aimed at demonstrating the command’s readiness to maintain peace and order.

Jimoh said police operatives had been strategically deployed to key flashpoints, including the Lekki Toll Gate, Ojota, Maryland, and Gani Fawehinmi Park – to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

‘We want residents to know they are safe and can go about their lawful businesses without fear. We have made proper deployments to all identifiable points where protesters used to gather in the past,’ he said.

The police boss explained that the ‘Show of Force’ was not to intimidate citizens, but to deter mischief makers and ensure that no group of individuals disrupts public peace under the guise of protests.

‘Protests are allowed anywhere in the world, but when you take laws into your hands and disrupt public peace, that is no longer a protest,’ he warned.

Jimoh further directed all police formations across the state to submit situation reports every 15 minutes for real-time monitoring.

He confirmed that, as of Monday afternoon, there were no reports of unrest, traffic disruptions, or violence in any part of Lagos, stressing that officers were maintaining a visible presence in major areas.

‘Lagos is safe, peaceful, and free of any form of protest. We will continue to patrol and monitor all areas to sustain the peace residents are enjoying,’ he said.

Earlier, tension flared in parts of the country following clashes between security operatives and #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protesters demanding the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

The demonstration, convened by activist Omoyele Sowore and backed by opposition parties, has seen heavy police deployment nationwide.

DJ Cuppy’s ex-fiancé, Ryan Taylor has made another shocking claim about Billionaire heiress Florence Otedola.

Taylor, while speaking about his time with Cuppy, he alleged that the Nigerian Disc Jockey did not like Nigerians.

He stated that Cuppy also discouraged him on several occasions from hiring Nigerians.

‘Is it mad if I told you that she didn’t like people from her country?. She’ll come into my business and she didn’t want me to have her fellow country people as staff. We used to walk in the mall and people would run from their counters and ask for money,’ he stated.

The duo got engaged in 2022 after making their relationship public, but unfortunately part ways in 2023.