Category: PM News

The publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of putting pressure on opposition members to defect to their party.

Momodu made the statement during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, which was monitored by PM News. His reaction followed the recent defection of several top politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

Those who have left the PDP include Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.

Speaking on the matter, Momodu alleged that the APC is using both persuasion and pressure to attract opposition members.

‘I’m starting to think that Nigerians have been somehow influenced by politicians, because what we’re seeing doesn’t seem normal,’ he said.

‘Some of these people have no reason to cross over. Imagine a governor in his second term – where exactly is he going? What’s he running from?’

Momodu added that many politicians are motivated by personal gain rather than service. ‘Some just want to enjoy the benefits of being close to power.

Everyone knows the Federal Government of Nigeria holds enormous power even more than the American president,’ he concluded.

The World Bank has said that Nigeria’s population could rise to about 350 million people by the year 2050. This means the country may have around 130 million more people than it does today.

Nigeria currently has over 220 million people, making it the sixth most populated country in the world. The World Bank urged the government to create more jobs to match this growth.

At the 2025 World Bank-IMF Annual Meetings, World Bank President Ajay Banga said that job creation should be a key part of every country’s development and security plans.

He explained that by 2050, 85 percent of the world’s population will live in developing countries, and Africa will have one in every four people on Earth.

According to Banga, around 1.2 billion young people will enter the global workforce within the next 10 to 15 years, competing for only 400 million jobs – just one-third of what’s needed.

‘These young people have energy and great ideas,’ Banga said. ‘With the right investments, they can power the world’s future growth.’

He also shared the World Bank’s recent achievements:

20 million farmers now have access to better tools and markets.

60 million people have electricity connections.

70 million people have received education or job training.

300 million people now enjoy better health and nutrition services.

The bank has also partnered with the Asian Development Bank and developed a plan called IFC2030 to attract more private investments.

To fight corruption, the World Bank is helping governments use data, digital ID systems, and AI to track taxes, property, and financial records.

Banga said that in the past decade, the bank has helped 120 governments tackle corruption and is currently working with 26 more to stop illicit financial activities.

Police have confirmed killing of two of their officers by suspected bandits in Zonkwa community, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Zonkwa, Headquarters of Zangon Kataf LGA.

According to sources, the bandits stormed the police station in an attempt to free suspected vandals earlier arrested in Kachia Local Government Area.

However, it was later gathered that the suspects were not being held at the station.

Spokesperson for Kaduna Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan confirmed the tragic incident on Saturday.

Hassan said investigation was already underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing of the two police officers.

Dr Waripamo-Owei Dudafa, a former Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Matters and Social Events to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has dumped the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Dudafa, who also served as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, made the announcement in a statement released on Saturday in Yenagoa.

In his resignation letter, addressed to the Chairman of PDP Southern Opokuma/Ayibabiri Ward 8 in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Dudafa said the decision came after a period of deep reflection and consultation with political allies, supporters, and family.

The letter said, ‘It is with a heavy heart that I tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party with immediate effect. Throughout my time with the party, I have remained deeply committed to our shared values and objectives. It has been an honour to work with so many dedicated individuals.’

He blamed unresolved internal disputes, particularly at the national level, for creating a hostile environment that no longer aligns with the vision and ideals he holds dear.

‘These disputes have significantly hampered our progress and created an atmosphere of persistent conflict that is no longer conducive to genuine advancement,’ he added.

Dudafa expressed continued commitment to public service, stating that his move was driven by a desire to better serve his people and pursue their welfare and development.

On his decision to join the APC, he said: ‘After careful reflection and consideration, I have chosen to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), a platform I believe represents renewed hope, unity, and a stronger foundation to tackle the challenges facing our beloved state.’

In a message to APC members, he wrote: ‘I look forward to working alongside new colleagues who share this vision and are equally committed to meaningful progress.’

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday staged a massive rally at Murtala Square, Kaduna, to formally receive thousands of defectors from opposition parties, including prominent federal and state lawmakers, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Leading the charge were Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, and the APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, who described the rally as a ‘victory march’ – a sign of the party’s growing dominance in the state.

The event attracted a large crowd of party faithful and supporters, with the venue transformed into a carnival of unity. Banners, party colours, and chants of ‘APC! Next Level!’ echoed across the square.

The rally marked the official defection of several political heavyweights from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other parties into the APC.

Among the notable defectors were federal lawmakers representing Sabon Gari, Igabi, Kaduna South, and Ikara/Kubau constituencies, as well as Hon. Saidu Adamu, a former PDP Secretary in Kaduna and Chairman of PDP Secretaries in Northern Nigeria.

Other high-profile names included former Governor Ramalan Yero, Senators Shehu Sani, Andrew Malar, and Suleiman Hunkuyi.

Several former local government chairmen and members of the 8th Kaduna State House of Assembly also joined the ruling party.

Speaking at the rally, Governor Sani said the wave of defections was a clear endorsement of the APC’s inclusive leadership and development-focused governance in Kaduna State.

He said, ‘In APC Kaduna, we are one family. We don’t discriminate. Everyone has the same privilege and the same opportunity.

‘Since we assumed office, there has been no single ethno-religious crisis in Kaduna. That peace is a product of fairness, justice, and inclusive governance.’

The governor also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support in driving key reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and tax restructuring, which he said had opened Kaduna to both local and foreign investment.

Sani added, ‘Everything we’ve achieved in Kaduna would not have been possible without the support of President Tinubu. His bold reforms have brought development and restored investor confidence in Nigeria.’

He declared that with the APC now firmly in control of the political landscape in Kaduna, the party was targeting 95 percent of the total votes in the 2027 elections.

‘Today in Kaduna, there is no opposition. APC is the party of the people, and I have no doubt that come 2027, the votes will speak for us loud and clear,’ Sani said.

The governor concluded by assuring all defectors and party members of equal treatment and a shared commitment to development.

‘Our goal is not politics for power, but politics for the people. Kaduna APC is united, stronger, and ready for the future,’ he said.

APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, described the rally as a strategic turning point, noting that Kaduna has become a model for party cohesion and political realignment ahead of the next polls.

‘What we are witnessing today is the beginning of a broader movement. The APC is open to all Nigerians who believe in unity, progress, and inclusive governance,’ he said.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, also commended Governor Sani’s leadership style, crediting him with uniting diverse political interests and transforming Kaduna into a reference point for peace and progress in Northern Nigeria.

Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon. Yusuf Liman; Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas; members of the APC National Working Committee; and other party stalwarts.

FIFA has changed its earlier position and now says U.S. President Donald Trump can influence where World Cup games are held.

This comes after Trump again said he might move matches away from some American cities.

FIFA had earlier said Trump had no authority to make such changes. But on Tuesday, the football body released a new statement after Trump said he could move games from Boston if he felt conditions were unsafe.

‘If someone is doing a bad job or the area is unsafe, I’d call Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, and tell him to move the game. He’d do it,’ Trump said.

FIFA responded by saying safety and security are top priorities and that governments are responsible for protecting people.

‘We trust governments to decide what is best for public safety,’ FIFA’s statement read. ‘We hope all host cities will be ready to meet our requirements.’

The U.S. will host most of the 2026 World Cup matches in 11 cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Seattle, and San Francisco Bay Area. Mexico and Canada will also host games in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Monterrey, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Last month, Trump said he might block cities like Seattle and San Francisco from hosting matches if he thought they were unsafe. ‘If any city is dangerous, we won’t allow it to host the World Cup or Olympics,’ he said.

Earlier, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani dismissed Trump’s claim, saying, ‘It’s FIFA’s tournament, and we make the decisions. Football is bigger than any government or leader.’

However, FIFA now appears to be siding with Trump. Recently, Infantino was invited to Trump’s Gaza peace talks and promised to help rebuild football facilities there.

FIFA also opened a new office in Trump Tower, and Trump has displayed the Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office several times.

Host city agreements, such as Seattle’s, include clauses allowing FIFA to remove hosting rights if cities fail to meet safety and transport requirements. Similar conditions likely exist in other cities’ agreements.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the senior women’s national team have been shortlisted for honours at the 2025 CAF Awards.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the list on Friday, with Nigerian names dominating several categories.

Ajibade, who captained the Super Falcons to their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco, is nominated for the African Player of the Year. She is joined by teammate Esther Okoronkwo, who was named Woman of the Match in the WAFCON final.

Ajibade, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was voted Player of the Tournament at WAFCON 2024 after delivering key performances, including one goal and two assists.

In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Nnadozie, of Brighton and Hove Albion, is chasing her third consecutive crown after winning in 2023 and 2024.

The Super Falcons are also nominated for National Team of the Year, while their coach, Justine Madugu, makes the shortlist for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Nigeria’s U-17 side, the Flamingos, are also in contention after an unbeaten run to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Their coach, Bankole Olowookere, is up for Coach of the Year, while captain Shakirat Moshood has been named among the finalists for Young Player of the Year.

Rounding off Nigeria’s strong showing, Bayelsa Queens, champions of the 2025 Nigerian Women’s Football League, earned a nod for Club of the Year alongside Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), ASFAR (Morocco), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), and Gaborone United (Botswana).

Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage in a tense Premier League encounter that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.

Leandro Trossard was the hero for Mikel Arteta’s men, scoring the only goal of the match in the 59th minute after reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box. His rebound finish into the middle of the net gave Arsenal the lead their dominance deserved.

The Gunners controlled possession for much of the game, with over 60 percent of the ball, but were repeatedly frustrated by a resolute Fulham defence and the heroics of goalkeeper Bernd Leno, who denied Viktor Gyökeres and Riccardo Calafiori with two brilliant saves in the first half.

Fulham, however, were no pushovers. Alex Iwobi and Harry Wilson created chances of their own, with Wilson coming agonisingly close in the 26th minute when his drive whistled inches wide of the post.

The second half burst into life when referee Anthony Taylor awarded Arsenal a penalty in the 65th minute for a trip on Gyökeres. But after a VAR review, the decision was overturned, to the fury of the Arsenal players and bench.

Despite the setback, Arsenal held their composure and tightened their grip on the game. Substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Christian Nørgaard added fresh energy in the closing minutes, as the Gunners defended their slender lead with discipline.

Fulham pushed hard for an equaliser in stoppage time, with Adama Traoré and Raúl Jiménez threatening on the break, but Arsenal’s backline – marshalled by Declan Rice and William Saliba, stood firm.

The final whistle was met with relief from the Arsenal bench as Arteta’s side extended their unbeaten run.

With the win, Arsenal are now top of the premier league table.

A Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, businessman identified as Trinity Usman has explained how he received and transferred three million dollars into the account of Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd owned by Abuja socialite and businesswoman, Mrs Aisha Achimugu.

Usman revealed this on Friday as the second prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the ongoing trial of Halima Buba, Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, and Innocent Mbagwu, the Executive Director/Chief Compliance Officer of the bank for offences bordering on money laundering to the tune of $12 million.

In the six-count charge, they were alleged to have aided high-value cash transactions without routing them through a financial institution.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 21(a), 2(1), and 9(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

The defendants were, on June 13, arraigned by the anti-graft agency.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the counts, and admitted to a N100 million bail with one surety, each in like sum.

Speaking at the resumed trial on Friday, Usman while being led in evidence by the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, told Justice Emeka Nwite of Federal High Court in Abuja what he knew about the transactions he did with Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd, owned by Achimugu.

Usman, who said he was a businessman and general contractor, said he was also into agro allied and oil business.

He said he carried out the businesses with companies or registered names.

He said his companies include Triple A and Tee Service Venture, T.M. Agro Allied Farm, Triple A and D Oil and Gas Ltd, Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd, among others.

‘Sometimes in April 2025, one Suleiman Ciroma contacted me that he has transaction that he needed 3 million US dollars to (be transfered to) Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd.

‘In that particular time, I have the money being in my Triple A and Tee Oil and Gas Nig Ltd account.

‘After we agreed with him, Suleiman Ciroma gave me the dollar payment in cash.

‘I paid him the dollars into Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd account,’ he said.

He said the payment was made in April 2025

‘Can you remember the exact date you made the payment?’ Iheanacho asked.

‘I made the transfer in four tranches but I cannot remember the exact day,’ the witness responded.

However, when the lawyer asked the witness if he knew Buba and Mbagwu, he said he did not know them.

‘Take a look at the dock and tell the court if you know the defendants,’ Iheanacho asked and the witness simply said, ‘No.’

Usman told the court that he did the transactions with Triple A and Tee Oil Nig Ltd.

‘It was from there I transferred the dollars into Oceangate Engineering Oil and Gas Ltd,’ he said.

But when Iheanacho asked the PW-2 if his BDC company, Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd, featured in the transaction, counsel for the 1st defendant (Buba), Johnson Usman, SAN, raised an objection.

The senior lawyer argued that Iheanacho’s question was a ploy to give the witness tips on what to say and the judge directed him to rephrase the question.

The witness said that the licence of Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd, as at the time of the transactions, had been suspended.

He said the cash transactions from Ciroma were made through his staff.

He mentioned the names of the staff as Abdulkadir Mohammed and Kabir Haruna.

The BDC operator also said that he equally did a naira to dollar transaction with Ciroma.

‘The naira was transfered into Triple A and Tee Service Venture Ltd Bank account.

‘The naira also was converted into dollars and I sent the equivalent into Oceangate account,’ he said.

However, during cross-examination by Buba’s counsel, Usman SAN, the witness was asked to confirm to court that Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd had been in operations till date and he responded in affirmative.

‘After they suspended our licence, we proposed Triple A and Tee BDC Ltd to CBN last year and we have an approval in principle with CBN,’ the witness responded.

‘Ciroma Suleiman contacted you in these transactions because he knows you as BDC operator?’ the lawyer asked and the PW-2 responded in affirmative.

When Usman asked the witness that it was on the basis of that knowledge that the PW-2 sent his staff to collect the dollars from Ciroma, Iheanacho too objected to the question.

The witness admitted that he did not tell the defendants before the transactions that his BDC license was suspended at any time.

He said his oil company account was used for the transactions because it was the account he had available dollars.

‘The choice of using your oil and gas company account to transfer the dollars to Oceangate was your own decision,’ the lawyer asked and the witness responded in affirmative.

Counsel to the 2nd defendant (Mbagwu), M.S. Ibrahim, SAN, asked the witness if he made any profit from the transactions and he responded in affirmative.

‘Did you tell the defendants whom you have never see or know before that you were going to make inflow payment from your oil and gas company’s account?’ Ibrahim asked and the PW-2 said, ‘No.’

After the cross-examination, the witness was discharged and Justice Nwite adjourned the matter until Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 for continuation of trial.

Earlier on Thursday during the cross-examination of Suleiman Ciroma, the owner of Funnacle BDC Ltd and the PW-I by Usman SAN, the witness said the reason Achimugu requested for the transfer of the money was that if she had deposited the money in cash in the bank, she would not be able to transfer same.

Ciroma said Trimizi Usman and Hassan Dantani, upon their representatives collecting the money, in turn, transferred the dollars equivalent ‘less their charges into a designated account provided by Aisha Achimugu.’

He agreed with Usman’s question that in forex transaction, a transfer can only be made from an account where the money came by way of inflow and not by cash deposit.

When the lawyer asked Ciroma that Achimugu needed the dollar transfer to purchase her two oil blocks, the PW-1 responded in affirmative.

The witness told the court that he is a member of BDC Traders Association Wuse Zone 4 in Abuja.

He said that was why when he made his statements to EFCC on April 14, April 11 and May 7, the executive members of the association were with him at the time.

Ciroma, who agreed that he was duly cautioned before writing the extra-judicial statements, admitted that there was no part he informed the defendants, particularly Buba, that his BDC licence had expired.

Also while being cross-examined by Ibrahim, who appeared for the 2nd defendant, Ciroma agreed that he had never seen Mbagwu physically before.

He also admitted that he had never produced any text or Whatsapp message between him and Mbagwu before the court before.(NAN)

Supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, popularly known as Obidient Movement have vowed to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process during the Nov. 8 Anambra governorship elections.

To achieve this, the group said it has successfully deployed its full structures across 5,720 polling units in Anambra state

National Coordinator of the movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, who stated this in a statement on Friday in Abuja said this involved deployment of Polling Unit Commanders across all the polling units.

He added that the Obidient family had also built a strong grassroots network from Awka to Nnewi and beyond ahead of the election.

Tanko spoke at a news conference held at the campaign office of George Moghalu, the candidate of Labour Party for the election in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

‘Our structures are alive, active and alert. We have also established digital monitoring systems to prevent electoral malpractice. The era when results were written in back rooms is over,’ he said.

Tanko reaffirmed the group’s commitment to safeguarding the people’s will, stressing that the movement was fully prepared, coordinated and resolute.

‘There is no faction, no confusion. We stand together under one vision; the vision of a New Nigeria that begins from our polling units,’ he said.

The national coordinator called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial and professional, while urging security agencies to guarantee the safety of voters during the election.

‘To every Anambra citizen, we say: your vote is your power; protect it and use it wisely.

‘The world is watching. Nigeria is watching. And we, the Obidients, are ready.

‘A new Anambra is possible, and together, we will make it happen,’ Tanko said.

Recall that Peter Obi, also a former governor of Anambra State, has been campaigning for Moghalu, the LP candidate in the election.

Charles Soludo, the incumbent governor is seeking a second term ticket in the November 8 governorship election.