Category: PM News

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has challenged Abia North Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, to provide evidence of his claim that some pilots in Nigeria smoke Indian help and operate aircrafts under the influence of drugs to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), or issue an unreserved public withdrawal and apology over the assertion.

NAAPE said this in a statement by its public relations officer, Engr. Blessing Ahmadu on Friday while refuting the assertions of the Senator: ‘NAAPE categorically and emphatically refutes the broad allegation that Nigerian pilots routinely fly under the influence of narcotics. These baseless claims, which constitute a malicious attack on the professionalism, integrity, and reputation of Nigerian aviation professionals, are not only false, but represent a dangerous misrepresentation of the rigorous safety standards that govern Nigerian aviation operations.’

NAAPE added that as the professional body representing all licensed pilots and aircraft engineers in Nigeria, it considered safety as the foremost priority in all aspects of aviation practice.

It also noted that every pilot in the country is bound by strict regulatory, medical, and ethical standards established by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) requirements: ‘These standards prohibit the use of any psychoactive substances and subject pilots to regular and random drug and alcohol testing as part of their medical certification and recurrent assessment processes. We also express our confidence in the safety oversight functions of the NCAA and its leadership, whose consistent enforcement of global best practices continues to uphold the integrity of the Nigerian aviation system.’

‘It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that pilots routinely engage in drug use or report to duty under the influence of such substances. Aviation operations in Nigeria involve multiple layers of oversight, including pre-flight medical checks, recurrent simulator training, random toxicology screening, and continuous monitoring by both operators and regulators. The suggestion that aircraft are being flown by intoxicated pilots undermines public confidence and the hard-earned integrity of Nigerian aviation professionals.’

The Association added that Nigeria’s air transport sector record as one of the safest in Africa has been sustained through strict adherence to international safety standards and continuous professional development.

It moted that that any isolated case of misconduct by an individual, if established, is swiftly met with disciplinary and regulatory actions by the relevant authorities.

Also, while speaking on behalf of the association, Captain Bunmi Gindeh, President of NAAPE, stated:

‘It is unacceptable to make unsubstantiated claims against a community of professionals. The burden of proof lies with whoever makes such an allegation, and it must be supported by evidence or withdrawn with a public apology. Everyone appears to speak as an aviation expert in this country except the professionals who are trained and certified to do the job. For too long, individuals outside the industry have attempted to define its operations, and one would have expected a former airline operator to understand this better. Sadly, this is not the case.

‘Our members undergo some of the most rigorous medical, psychological, and professional screening anywhere in the world. To broadly generalise and suggest that Nigerian pilots operate aircraft while under the influence of drugs is not only false but deeply unfair to the thousands of disciplined professionals who dedicate their lives to ensuring safe skies. We take great pride in our safety record and remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.

Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Nigerian Senate, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his contributions to the Nation’s development.

While speaking at a public function organized by Professor Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), in Abuja, Akapbio stated that Nigeria is becoming a better country.

‘Nigeria is becoming a better country for prosperity under President Tinubu. The National Assembly will continue to support reforms that enhance growth, unity, and stability,’ he said.

He also reiterated the Senate’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s governance framework.

Amnesty International has urged the Federal and State Governments to abolish death penalty.

Mrs Barbara Magaji, the Programmes Manager of Amnesty International, made the call during a stakeholders dialogue to commemorate the World Day Against Death Penalty.

The programme was organised by Amnesty International in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Magaji stressed the need to remove all provisions in national and state laws that violate international human rights law especially provisions that allow death penalty.

She also urged the government to ensure that the criminal justice system was sufficiently resourced and capable of investigating crimes effectively.

She added that the law should be able to support victims and guarantee fair trials without recourse to the death penalty.

According to her, the Federal Government should, through the National Assembly, consider the abolition of death penalty for all crimes in the ongoing Nigerian Constitutional Amendment process.

‘This is because there is no convincing evidence that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect on crimes.

‘In Nigeria presently, 26 states and the FCT have introduced or amended existing laws prescribing the death penalty for kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, and cultism.

‘In spite the introduction of the death penalty, the country continues to record an increase in banditry, abduction and general criminality. ‘

Magaji noted that the Amnesty International research on the violence and killings in Nigeria showed an increase in general insecurity, unlawful killings, and kidnap for ransom.

‘This is in spite of the introduction of the death penalty to crimes of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and cultism.

‘Our documentation of insecurity in 2024 indicates that there have been over 181 incidents resulting in extra-judicial killings arising from banditry/terrorism, urban crime and herdsmen farmers conflict and SGBV.

‘This has led to over 3169 deaths. In 2024, 881 people were kidnapped. In 2025, there were 2313 deaths arising from 204 insecurity incidents with some situations resulting in the kidnapping of 1025 people,’ she said.

Magaji explained that the rising insecurity in Nigeria was a combination of several factors that affected society at different levels, from the national to the community level.

She added that the underlying causes of insecurity needed to be addressed broadly, and a comprehensive crime prevention mechanism deployed rather than the quick fix approach that was ineffective.

She said that Amnesty International was opposed the death penalty in all cases.

‘Amnesty International considers that death penalty violates the right to life as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

‘The death penalty is often imposed after a grossly unfair trial. But even when trials respect international standards of fairness, the risk of executing the innocent can never be fully eliminated.

‘The death penalty will inevitably claim innocent victims, as has been persistently demonstrated. The trend towards abolition of the death penalty is clear.

‘In opposing the death penalty, Amnesty International is in no way seeking to condone the crimes for which those sentenced to death were convicted,’ she added.

She noted that Amnesty International acknowledged fully the suffering of victims of violent crime and their families and recognised the duty of governments to protecting their rights.

‘Amnesty International also believed that people found guilty following a trial that met international fair trial standards should be held accountable but without recourse to the death penalty,’ she said.

According to her, presently, 143 countries have now abolished the death penalty in law or practice.

Google.org has unveiled Apolitical’s Government Artificial Intelligence (AI) Campus skills training for Nigerian public servants, a trusted global hub for AI excellence in government.

Google made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja, stating that the partnership is with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AI Campus will provide a comprehensive set of practical resources for public servants.

The Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasised the critical role of AI skills in government, adding that Nigeria sees AI as a major driver of productivity across its key sectors.

‘We have been putting resources into ensuring that we can support our civil servants and our public service in a manner that AI can become something that is native to them –

to accelerate and shorten the time we spend administering our processes, or by using it to better deliver to our people.

This is why we are extremely excited about this opportunity and the support from Google,’ he said.

Speaking about Google’s motivation for supporting the programme, Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, explained that championing Nigeria’s digital transformation means investing in the people who shape its future.

Balogun said that by working hand-in-hand with public sector leaders and practitioners, Google would provide technical resources and share knowledge in order to better empower civil servants.

He added that through AI, Nigerian communities could benefit from smarter solutions, improved social outcomes, and greater inclusion in a rapidly changing digital economy.

‘We are not only providing technical resources but sharing knowledge that empowers them to deliver better, more efficient government services,’ he said.

Chris Ferguson, Vice President at Apolitical, reinforced the value of upskilling, stating that structured training is the cornerstone of successful AI adoption in government.

‘This initiative is a pioneering effort that will equip Nigerian public servants with the capabilities to lead the digital transformation with confidence and foresight.

Bringing the Apolitical Government AI Campus to Nigeria is part of our broader commitment over the past years to advance AI adoption and digital skills in Nigeria.

This includes partnerships to expand internet access, support local AI innovation hubs, and enhance digital education.

These efforts collectively aim to help build a robust AI ecosystem that powers Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth and social development,’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications and Public Relations Manager, West Africa, said AI was emerging as a key driver of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Kola-Ogunlade noted that research from Apolitical showed that while 72 per cent of government leaders are running AI pilots, over half reported lacking a comprehensive strategy for AI adoption.

He said that every dollar invested in AI has the potential to add more than eight dollars to the economy.

‘To seize this opportunity, Nigeria needs an AI-skilled public service that can accelerate innovation, improve citizen-centred services, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

They will have access to government-specific online training, covering topics from AI fundamentals to AI leadership, plus expert-led events, tools, and frameworks, all designed to help public servants apply AI learnings in their domain.

They can also join the global AI in Government community, a space where thousands of government peers from around the world share.

A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has granted Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, permission to serve court processes in his ?100 billion defamation suit against former Commissioner for Information, Hon. Eze Chikamnayo, through social media platforms – Facebook and WhatsApp.

Justice J.E. Obanor, in a ruling delivered on October 16, 2025, approved the governor’s application for substituted service, allowing the court bailiff to serve the writ of summons and other processes on Chikamnayo via his Facebook account, ‘Iyierioba Chikamnayo,’ and his registered phone and WhatsApp number.

The case has been adjourned to January 19, 2026, for hearing.

In the motion ex parte filed by Otti’s counsel, Dr. Sonny Ajala (SAN), the governor prayed the court to permit substituted service, citing the defendant’s previous use of the same channels to receive a solicitor’s demand letter.

The letter, dated October 2, 2025, had requested a retraction of several allegedly defamatory online publications.

The suit, filed on October 8, 2025 (Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/3921/2025), followed Chikamnayo’s alleged failure to honour the demand for a public apology and retraction of the posts.

Governor Otti, through his counsel, is seeking a declaration that his reputation, goodwill, and standing as a person, husband, father, and political leader were gravely damaged by the defendant’s ‘persistent, false and malicious online publications’ on Facebook.

The court documents referenced several Facebook posts made between July and September 2025, including posts captioned ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and disaster’ (September 22, 2025), ‘Fighting Promax’ (September 21, 2025), ‘Old or New Abia?’ (September 14, 2025), ‘Sabbath Message’ (September 13, 2025), ‘Still on the matter’ (September 9, 2025), ‘Alex Otthief is a confirmed criminal and congenital liar = Looting Governor’ (August 15, 2025) and ‘Government of Alex Otthief for Zignature Bank = Ruin Abia’ (July 21, 2025).

Otti is seeking ?100 billion in general damages for alleged loss of reputation, psychological distress, and emotional trauma caused by the publications. He is also asking the court to compel Chikamnayo to tender an unreserved apology for each of the posts, to be published on his Facebook page and in ThisDay, The Nation, The Punch and National Ambassador newspapers.

In addition, the governor is praying for a perpetual injunction restraining Chikamnayo from ‘writing, authoring, sharing, broadcasting, forwarding, or syndicating any content defamatory of the claimant’ across all media platforms, including social media and traditional media outlets, and is demanding ?250 million as the cost of prosecuting the suit.

Justice Obanor ordered that Chikamnayo must enter an appearance within 30 days of being served or risk judgment being entered against him in default.

In the earlier demand letter, Dr. Ajala stated that Governor Otti was ‘the only sitting governor in Nigeria bearing the name Alex Chioma Otti,’ leaving no ambiguity about whom the online posts referred to, and described Chikamnayo’s publications as ‘false, malicious, and calculated to instigate public hatred.’

Ajala, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, noted that Otti’s ‘integrity has remained stainless’ throughout his distinguished banking career, during which he rose to become Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc before joining politics.

The letter accused Chikamnayo’s posts of causing ‘unquantifiable mental torture, depression, denigration, and brutal destruction of reputation built over the decades,’ warning that failure to retract them within seven days would lead to legal action, a warning that has now resulted in court proceedings.

President Donald Trump’s senior envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, has dismissed what he described as a ‘disinformation campaign’ by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and others alleging a Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Speaking in Rome after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Boulos said such narratives were misleading and did not reflect the complex realities on the ground.

He stressed that terrorism in Nigeria affects all communities regardless of faith or ethnicity.

‘This is certainly unfortunate. Of course, any incident or loss of life is absolutely tragic,’ Boulos said in response to questions about the U.S. government’s stance on the matter.

‘Those who know the terrain well understand that terrorism has no colour, no religion, and no tribe.’

The envoy explained that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence in Nigeria, countering claims that one religious group was being systematically targeted.

‘People of all religions and all tribes are dying as a result of terrorist acts. It is very unfortunate. We even know that Boko Haram and ISIS have killed more Muslims than Christians,’ Boulos noted.

‘So, people from all backgrounds are suffering. This is not specifically targeted at one group or the other. However, any loss of life is one too many, and we must work together in partnership to put an end to this.’

Addressing the recurring violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, Boulos acknowledged that some incidents involved farmers and herders but cautioned against interpreting such conflicts solely through a religious lens.

‘There are other incidents that occur in the Middle Belt, for example, where farmers, most of whom happen to be Christians, are located,’ he explained.

‘Sometimes, when herdsmen pass through these areas, clashes occur. But it’s not something we can say is specifically targeted at a particular group. Nonetheless, we must continue to work together to end these incidents,’ he added.

Boulos praised President Tinubu’s administration for taking concrete steps to address insecurity and promote national unity.

‘The Nigerian government under President Tinubu has recently taken additional measures and deployed more resources to those areas, and we’ve seen some improvements in recent weeks,’ he said.

‘We appreciate those measures and look forward to seeing more efforts aimed at ending these kinds of acts, wherever they originate.’

Describing Nigeria as a model of co-existence, the envoy lauded its multi-religious character and resilience.

‘Nigeria is a melting pot, a country where people of different religions, ethnicities, and tribes have lived together in harmony for centuries,’ he stated.

‘The Nigerian population is roughly split 50-50 between Christians and Muslims. So, this has never been a serious religious issue, and it should not be.’

Boulos concluded by reaffirming the U.S. government’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism and foster peace.

‘We appreciate what the President has been doing to maintain peace and unity,’ he said, calling for greater international collaboration to end extremist violence.

Ikorodu City FA have emerged champions of the 1xCup 2025 after edging ISAGT in a tough, high-tempo final on Thursday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

The much-anticipated clash lived up to its billing, end-to-end football, missed chances, and a late red card that added more drama to an already heated contest.

Ikorodu City started the brighter of the two sides, pressing high and dictating the early exchanges. They missed a clear chance inside ten minutes and squandered another soon after, keeping ISAGT on the back foot for most of the first half. Their attack was relentless, forcing corners and half-chances, but their finishing let them down as the first 45 minutes ended goalless.

The second half picked up with the same intensity. Ikorodu City kept knocking and finally got their reward with a slick finish inside the box, a goal that broke the deadlock and sent their fans into wild celebration.

However, the game turned tense in the dying minutes. An Ikorodu player, wearing the number 23 jersey, was shown a second yellow card, reducing his team number on the pitch. ISAGT pushed hard for an equaliser, but Ikorodu held firm, defending with discipline and composure until the final whistle.

It was a well-deserved triumph for Ikorodu City FA, who finished the tournament unbeaten, a run that included a 4-1 penalty shootout win over Nath Boys FA in the semifinals. ISAGT had booked their spot in the final after a confident 2-0 victory against Dosu Joseph FC.

Reacting to the victory, Ikorodu coach, Wasghton Egor expressed delight in the performance of his boys saying that the victory was well deserved.

‘It was a tough game but I thank God for the hard fought victory. I commend my boys for their resilience and determination showed throughout the game.

‘I also want to thank our fans for their support given to us throughout our matches and I am very grateful to our club chairman who gave me the opportunity to work in the team,’ he said.

ISAGT Athletic coach, Tunji Omoniyi, also showered praises on his players despite the painful defeat. He, however, admitted that his opponents deserved the victory.

Meanwhile, Dosu Joseph FC edged Nath Boys FA 2-1 to claim the 1xCup 2025 bronze medal earlier in the day.

It was heartbreak for Nath Boys at the same venue as Dosu Joseph came from behind to snatch third place and the ?3 million prize.

Nath Boys had started strongly, taking the lead in the first half after a well-worked move split the Dosu Joseph defence.

But the game flipped in the second half when Dosu Joseph equalised with a stunning free kick that left the goalkeeper stranded. Minutes later, they completed the comeback with a composed finish that sealed the win.

Nath Boys, who had impressed earlier in the competition with a flawless penalty record in the quarterfinals, couldn’t rediscover that spark. Their missed chances proved costly as Dosu Joseph FC held firm to the end.

For 1xBet, the organisers of Nigeria’s largest amateur football tournament, the final marked a fitting end to weeks of thrilling grassroots action that showcased some of the brightest young talents in Nigerian football.

The Osun Government on Friday, filed a notice of withdrawal of the suit it instituted against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Counsel to the state’s government, Musibau Adetumbi, SAN, told Justice Emeka Nwite that the case had been overtaken by event.

Adetunbi said that the suit, which sought to safeguard the withheld local government funds, had been defeated as the allocation had been moved out of the CBN by the defendants.

The Osun Attorney General (AG) had, on state’s government behalf, sued the CBN, the AGF and the Attorney-General of the Federation in the case.

Judge Nwite, however, dropped the name of the Attorney-General of the Federation from the suit, on Sept. 22, after the plaintiff discontinued the case against him, as similar suit was already before the Supreme Court.

The suit seeks to stop the Federal Government from releasing withheld local government allocations to sacked chairmen and councilors elected during former Gov. Adegboyega Oyetola’s tenure.

‘On September 29, 2025, when the matter was heard, I told the court that our primary aim was to safeguard the money.

‘Between then and now, we are sure that, notwithstanding the pendency of the case and order of status quo, the money was moved out of the CBN,’ Adetumbi said.

He told the court that the notice of discontinuance was filed pursuant to Order 51 Rule 2 of the Federal High Court Rules.

He said that any further arguments in the matter would amount to an academic exercise.

CBN’s lawyer, Muritala Abdulrasheed, SAN, and that of the AGF, Tajudeen Oladoja, SAN, did not oppose the application for discontinuance of the suit.

They, however, disagreed with the averments in an affidavit of facts attached to the application.

According to Muritala, the plaintiff made damaging depositions in the affidavit of facts.

He said that the plaintiff should withdraw the affidavit along with the notice of discontinuance because some of the depositions in the affidavit were against persons who were not parties in the matter.

‘Somebody can approach the court any day with a request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the process and may decide to use it against the persons mentioned in the plaintiff’s affidavit of facts,’ the CBN lawyer stated.

He argued that the grounds upon which the notice of discontinuance was predicated were in bad faith.

He said the plaintiff got it wrong when he claimed that the 1st defendant had no competent response to the plaintiff’s originating summons.

Besides, he said that a 12-paragraph counter-affidavit to the originating summons was filed on behalf of his client in May.

He urged the court to expunge paragraphs 5 to 11 in the affidavit of facts filed by the plaintiff for being inaccurate and for referring to persons who are not before the court.

AGF’s counsel, Oladoja, on his part, did not oppose the application for discontinuance.

He said the plaintiff had the liberty to withdraw his case.

‘However, we are in vehement opposition to the 2nd ground upon which the application is predicated.

‘The plaintiff is not under any obligation to predicate his application on any ground,’ he said.

He equally argued that the plaintiff was wrong to have said that the 2nd defendant had no competent defence in the matter.

He urged the court to strike out ground one of the notice of discontinuance and ground two, which stated that certain money had been paid.

The lawyer said the 2nd defendant had not been given an opportunity to react to the claim.

Oladoja also asked for a cost of N10 million against the plaintiff for bringing the 2nd defendant to court, for the court processes filed in the matter, and for wasting the precious judicial time of the court.

Responding, Adetumbi said a notice of discontinuance under Order 50 Rule 2 of the FHC Rules does not attract cost.

He added that the defendants had not filed any process before the court.

‘It is their default to have filed their process out of time.

‘They cannot approach the court to ask for cost or expunging any of the grounds in the notice of discontinuance.’

The plaintiff’s counsel said the defendants were not entitled to cost because of their own default.

Justice Nwite, adjourned the matter until Oct. 29 for ruling on the plaintiff’s application for discontinuance and other applications by the defendants.

NAN earlier reported that the judge, in a ruling on Thursday, dismissed the objection raised by CBN and AGF against suit.

The judge held that the state’s AG had locus standi (legal right) to file the suit on behalf of the local government authorities.

Nigerian entrepreneur and fashion designer, Tania Omotayo, has taken to social media to express her frustration over the outrageous cost of living in Nigeria after spotting a pack of strawberries being sold for ?50,000 in a Lagos supermarket.

The fashion mogul, who shared her shock via her Snapchat page, questioned how ordinary fruits could cost that much amid the country’s biting economic crisis.

She wrote:

‘Are we not finished like this in this country?’

Nigerian singer, Euphemia Ekumah, also known as GoodGirl LA, has spoken up about being disowned for her passion in music.

The singer in an interview with Hip TV, revealed that she was forced to write JAMB and further her university education

She, however, stated that it was something she never had an interest in, so she absconded from home to pursue her passion.

‘I have never regretted not completing school. I wish I never went to school. I wish I left home earlier. That’s my only regret. I wish I never wrote JAMB. I wish I ran away when my dad was forcing me to write JAMB. I wish I started chasing my dreams earlier. But I was 16 and unsure of what to do. However, when I was around 17, 18, I got clarity and absconded from home,’ Goodgirl LA said

She added that her father disowned her because she disclosed her lack of interest in school.

‘When I told me parents that I wasn’t interested in going to school anymore, my dad asked me to leave his house. It was crazy. At one point, my dad even disowned me. Then, I left home,’ she added.