Category: PM News

A Kaduna High Court has delivered judgment against the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, declaring the attempt to ban opposition political meetings as unconstitutional and awarding N15 million in damages to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The judgment, delivered on Wednesday by Justice Murtala J. Zubairu, followed a suit filed by the state Commissioner of Police seeking to prohibit political gatherings after thugs violently disrupted an ADC meeting attended by former Kaduna State Governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and other party leaders.

The ruling, which was shared on El-Rufai’s official X page, revealed the police acted unlawfully by targeting the opposition instead of investigating those responsible for the attack, describing the Commissioner’s action as ‘a clear pattern of potential abuse of power.’

Justice Zubairu declared that the police’s conduct breached the parties’ fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and association under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, noting that the move to impose a statewide ban on political meetings was ‘oppressive, selective, and high-handed.’

The court struck out the police case for incompetence and abuse of process while granting all the counterclaims by the ADC and SDP. It further awarded a total of ?15 million in damages, ?5 million each under three separate heads of violation and negligence.

In his words, the judge held:

‘The Applicant fundamentally breached their statutory duty and unlawfully infringed upon the Counter-Claimants’ fundamental rights. The unconstitutionality of the Applicant’s conduct justifies the declarations sought. The actions taken by the police, targeting the victims of violence and seeking a statewide ban on opposition activity, are oppressive and warrant exemplary damages.’

The court also discharged an earlier ex parte injunction obtained by the police to halt political assemblies, ruling that it was issued irregularly and without the mandatory undertaking for damages, in violation of the principle established in Kotoye v CBN (1989).

Justice Zubairu emphasized that the police failed to investigate legitimate complaints lodged by the opposition parties while instead acting against them, a development he described as a ‘serious abdication of duty.’

The ruling, which has since been shared on social media by El-Rufai, is seen by observers as a major victory for opposition parties in Kaduna State and a judicial rebuke to what critics have termed the increasing intolerance of dissenting political voices.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their World Cup dream alive with a commanding 4-0 win over Benin Republic but a clear, two-stage path still lies ahead. Below is a tight, easy-to-follow news-style explanation plus a step-by-step checklist showing exactly what the team must do to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The short version

Nigeria must first navigate the CAF Play-Offs (a mini knock-out among Africa’s best runners-up), then survive the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (a global, six-team series) to secure one of the final slots at the 2026 World Cup.

Step-by-step: How the Super Eagles qualify

Stage 1

CAF Play-Offs (continental)

Finish top among eligible runners-up.

Nigeria already secured second place in Group C. Only the top four second-placed teams from Africa’s nine groups progress to the CAF Play-Offs Nigeria achieved this with the 4-0 win in Uyo.

Win the CAF Play-Off semi-final.

This is a single knockout tie (home-and-away or as determined by CAF). Win the semi and you advance to the CAF Play-Off final.

Win the CAF Play-Off final

Victory in the final crowns Nigeria one of Africa’s play-off winners and earns a place in the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (the global qualifier round).

Succeeding in Stage 1 means Nigeria becomes one of Africa’s representatives in the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs.

Stage 2 – Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (global)

Represent Africa in the six-team inter-confederation tournament.

The tournament includes six teams from different confederations vying for the last World Cup places.

Deal with FIFA ranking seeding.

Of the six teams, the two highest-ranked (by FIFA) may be seeded directly to the inter-confederation final; lower-ranked sides start in the semi-final round.

Nigeria’s current ranking means it may have to play the semi-final first.

Win the Inter-Confederation semi-final (if required).

Knockout match: win this and you reach the final of the mini-tournament.

Win the Inter-Confederation final.

The winner (or winners, depending on the playoff format for that cycle) clinches a World Cup ticket. For Nigeria, this match is the final hurdle to join the 48 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What to watch next

CAF Play-Off draw and dates – the fixtures, venues and whether ties are single-leg or two-legged will determine travel and tactical planning.

Opponent strength and FIFA rankings rankings affect seeding in the inter-confederation round, so Nigeria’s path may be easier or harder based on who qualifies alongside them.

Form and squad availability injuries, club form and team cohesion will be decisive in these knockout stages.

Bottom line

The Super Eagles’ route is simple in structure but ruthless in practice: win two knockout rounds at the African level, then win up to two more at the inter-confederation stage.

Each match is a make-or-break moment and after Uyo, the eagle’s wings are clipped no more.

Some electricity consumers in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State on Tuesday took to the streets in protest against what they described as ‘outrageous, unbearable and unjustified’ bills charged by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

Armed with placards with different inscriptions, such as ‘We cannot pay N50,000 bill’, ‘Return electricity bill back to status quo’, ‘Electricity bill now equal to minimum wage’, among others, the protesters decried sudden rise in their electricity bills as ‘outrageous, unbearable and unjustified.’

Led by one Mr. Chukwuemeka Ozugbo, the protesters, under the aegis of Concerned Umuahia Residents, marched from EEDC Umuahia Office on Bende Road to the Government House, on Akanu Ibiam Road.

Ozugbo said that they were peacefully expressing their frustration over the recent sharp increase in tariff in the city.

According to him, most households, which previously paid about N10,000 monthly, recently received between N50,000 and N70,000 without corresponding improvement in power supply.

He added that most residents were civil servants, who live on N70,000 minimum wage.

He questioned the rationale behind billing someone, who earns N70,000 monthly as much as N50,000 for electricity.

Ozugbo described the EEDC action as unfair, saying that it violated natural justice and equity.

He demanded that the company should revert to the previous billing rate of about ?10,000 per household.

A civil servant, Mr Nnamdi Okenwa, also lamented the sharp increase of the unit cost of energy on prepaid metering.

Okenwa said that he previously paid N3,000 monthly but now billed between N15,000 and N17,000, in spite limited usage of electricity in his house.

He complained that EEDC often supplied power briefly, particularly when it planned to embark on disconnection, and usually returned to load shedding after collecting payments from consumers.

The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr Ikechukwu Monday, who received the protesters at the Government House main gate, assured them that their grievances would be officially addressed and resolved through peaceful and structured engagement.

Monday commended them for their peaceful conduct, while expressing their demand for fair billing.

He pointed out that the sharp tariff hike in Umuahia from ?53 to ?200 per kilowatt-hour was occasioned by the upgrade of the feeder to Band A by the EEDC.

He advised affected residents to put up an official complaint letter for proper documentation.

Monday said that formal communication would enable the State Government to address the matter more effectively and transparently.

He emphasised that the present administration had made significant progress in improving power supply across communities, in spite of the existing infrastructural limitations.

He reiterated the administration’s commitment to achieving complete metering across Abia.

He affirmed that the government would engage the EEDC and relevant agencies to understand the tariff issue thoroughly, promising a peaceful and transparent resolution for affected residents.

He said that the state’s Electricity Law was signed in March, establishing the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority to oversee electricity matters locally.

Monday further said that electricity regulation in Abia still remained under the National Electricity Regulatory Commission.

According to him, full control of electricity regulation by Abia’s regulatory authority would be transferred to the state by December, enhancing local accountability and efficiency for consumers.

He further disclosed that over 60,000 electricity meters had been deployed across Abia, a move aimed at ensuring accurate billing and efficient energy management for all electricity consumers.

In an interview with newsmen, the Head of Commercial, EEDC Abia, Mr Festus Iwuala, explained that the tariff increment resulted from the reclassification of the affected feeder to Band A by the NERC.

Iwuala said that the feeder had previously been categorised under Bands C and B, but as of Sept. 1, was approved for Band A billing, reflecting higher electricity supply standards.

He said the adjustments were only applicable when errors occurred and that the recent change was based on national regulatory approval, not arbitrarily by the distribution company.

He urged customers to understand the structure of the electricity tariff, saying that distribution companies operate strictly within approved policies

Iwuala said that they could not independently increase tariffs without necessary regulatory authorisation.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has converted over 5,000 contract teachers into permanent staff under the State Ministry of Education, marking a major milestone in his administration’s effort to strengthen the education sector and improve teachers’ welfare.

The teachers, who had been working under contract with a monthly stipend of ?65,000 during the previous administration, received their formal letters of appointment on Wednesday in Benin City.

Speaking during the presentation, Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising education and restoring dignity to the teaching profession.

‘Teachers, I am happy to see you,’ he said, adding that ‘I wanted it this way because I had asked several times if you had received your letters, and the answer was no. So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have travelled long distances.

‘You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch.’

The governor described teachers as the foundation of a progressive society, stressing that their role in shaping the minds of young Edo citizens was invaluable to the state’s future.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, commended the teachers for their patience and dedication over the past three years despite the challenges of working without permanent status.

‘You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes,’ he said.

‘Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night.’

Iyamu also highlighted some of the governor’s achievements in the education sector, including the construction of over 68 new schools across the state within one year and the launch of the EDU-Rescue Programme, designed to provide quality education for children from low-income families.

He added that Okpebholo had significantly increased the monthly subvention of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, from ?41 million to ?500 million, with new facilities such as a 1,500-capacity lecture theatre and a 600-capacity student hostel currently under construction.

The event was filled with excitement as the newly appointed teachers hailed the governor’s gesture as a long-awaited fulfilment of their hopes and a demonstration of genuine leadership focused on people’s welfare.

Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has reignited speculation about tensions in her marriage after making a remark suggesting that her husband’s political career affected his role as a father.

Speaking on the latest episode of her IMO podcast, Michelle, 61, hinted that politics often drains attention from family life. While chatting with NBA stars Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, she warned that a career in politics would ‘suck the life’ out of parenting, a comment many listeners saw as a pointed reference to former President Barack Obama.

The discussion began when Barnes spoke about his interest in politics but admitted he worried about the impact on his children. ‘I have a six-year-old and an 11-month-old, and 16-year-old twins,’ Barnes said. Michelle quickly replied, ‘Politics will suck the life out of that,’ appearing to mirror to her own experience raising daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, during Barack’s presidency.

The Obamas, married for nearly 33 years, have faced persistent rumors about marital strain in recent months. Speculation grew after Michelle skipped both Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration. She said the decisions were personal.

Barack also admitted earlier this year that he was in a ‘deep deficit’ with his wife, further fueling reports of tension.

Despite the rumors, the couple has publicly affirmed their love on several occasions. During their 33rd wedding anniversary in October, both shared heartfelt tributes on Instagram. ‘I love you even more today than the day we said ‘I do,” Michelle wrote. Barack responded: ‘The best decision I ever made was marrying you.’

Michelle has often spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood and public life. In previous interviews, she shared that her daughters went through a ‘push away’ phase as teenagers while trying to find their own identities outside the political spotlight.

The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos on Wednesday, Rt. Hon. Onyejeocha announced the launch of the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to connect trained Nigerians to real job opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s labour market infrastructure.

‘The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system. They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage,’ she said.

The Minister also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship initiative designed to enhance the employability of young Nigerians and ensure a smoother transition between training and jobs.

‘Through LEEP, we are enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and strengthening the bridge between training and jobs. Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,’ she stated.

Rt. Hon. Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its steadfast partnership with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which she said has empowered youth by providing skills, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurship across the country.

‘Over the past six years, through the Young Africa Works strategy, your partnerships have not only provided skills but opened pathways to jobs, entrepreneurship, and hope for thousands across Nigeria,’ she said.

She noted that the Foundation’s approach aligns strongly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in driving the national vision to transform skills into sustainable jobs for Nigerian youth.

‘Your focus on evidence, collaboration, and inclusion resonates deeply with the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly our national drive to make skills-to-jobs a reality for every Nigerian youth,’ she added.

The Minister emphasised that achieving decent and sustainable work requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society.

‘Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,’ she said.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,’ she concluded.

Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle has said he was surprised by the superlative performance of his players in their the last world Cup qualifying match against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Tuesday.

Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 4-0 in the tension soaked match played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with Victor Osihmen scoring three of the goals.

Chelle during the post-match news conference, said that the players sacrificed their full energy to win the match.

The coach described the players as champions in today’s match, stressing that they were focused and purposeful throughout the duration of the game.

He, however, noted that the game was not yet over, until they win the play-off and get final qualification to the World Cup.

‘I am surprised by my players. They deserved this game because it was not easy.

‘So, now we are going to Morocco, it is not yet finished. It will be very difficult, but tonight, I am very happy for the players.

‘They played a great game today and two days ago, like I said before, it is well, it is well, we are here.

‘I am happy for the fact they brought us the victory which serves to help us push us to the next level.

‘The players played a very good game, especially, the best striker in the world, Victor Osimhen,’ Chelle said.

The Super Eagles Captain, Troost Ekong, said he was proud to be a member of the team.

According to him, everyone played their hearts to ensure victory in the qualifying match against Benin Republic.

He thanked Nigerians for their massive support throughout the qualifying series, stressing that the people loved good football.

The captain acknowledged that the game was not yet over, as the team still had a lot of work to do in the play-off.

The Coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, regretted that the dream of his team getting to the World Cup had been ruined by the 0-4 defeat in the hands of the Super Eagles.

He acknowledged that the Super Eagles had experienced and talented players, which gave them victory in the match.

Rohr said that the Cheetahs were young players with less experience but played very good football.

‘There was a big disappointment because we wanted to go to the World Cup, also with Beninois for the first time in history, but we could not.

‘You know, we don’t have enough players of high level.

‘As you know, we have some players who started the match; they don’t even have clubs; we also have players who play in the 5th division in France, but I am proud of my team.

‘They did very well in this world cup qualifier, but until the last game today. I am very happy to be the coach of this team.

‘It is a young team, there are still things to learn. They started with a goal in the first minutes,’ Rohr said.

Osimhen hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s last minute goal was all the Super Eagles needed to move to the next level.

The Israeli military says one of the four bodies handed over by Hamas on Tuesday night ‘does not match any of the hostages’ on record, following examinations at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine.

In a brief statement, the army said Hamas must make ‘all necessary efforts to return the deceased hostages,’ adding that identification tests confirmed only three of the four bodies belonged to Israelis abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The bodies confirmed as hostages are:

Uriel Baruch (35): Abducted from the Nova music festival. The father of two was confirmed killed on October 7, 2023, and his body taken to Gaza. His family was officially notified by the Israeli military in March 2024.

Tamir Nimrodi (20): Served as an education officer at the Erez Crossing. His mother last saw him in a video of his abduction posted online. His remains were formally identified after being handed over, with his family saying he was ‘murdered in Hamas captivity.’

Eitan Levi (53): A taxi driver from Bat Yam. He was killed by Hamas gunmen near the Gaza perimeter while driving a friend to Be’eri. His body was later taken into Gaza, where videos showed it being desecrated.

Hamas handed over the bodies under the terms of the ongoing ceasefire and hostage-exchange deal. Israeli officials say efforts continue to recover the remains of all those still missing from the October 7 attack.

Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of $20,000 and CFA 110,000 intercepted by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Seme Border in Badagry, Lagos State, to the Federal Government.

The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, followed a motion on notice filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa.

The intercepted funds were handed over by the NCS to the EFCC for further investigation after they were discovered at the border checkpoint.

Justice Dipeolu had earlier granted an interim forfeiture order on the funds and directed that the order be published in a national newspaper to allow any interested parties to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the government.

While moving the final forfeiture application, Kofarnaisa informed the court that it was supported by an 18-paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mufassir Jega, an EFCC investigating officer.

She also confirmed that the interim order had been duly published in the Daily Trust newspaper on August 29, 2025, in compliance with the court’s directive.

The EFCC lawyer submitted that the funds were ‘reasonably suspected to have been acquired from unlawful activities,’ and urged the court to grant the final forfeiture request.

Justice Dipeolu agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the application had merit, and consequently ordered that the seized sums be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Knorr, one of Nigeria’s most iconic food brands, celebrated Adekunle Gold’s latest album, Fuji, with a night of food, music, and art titled Fuji Reignited on October 10, 2025, at The Sphere, Lagos.

The event brought together musician Adekunle Gold and renowned visual artist Victor Ehikhamenor in a cultural collaboration that paid homage to Nigerian heritage.

The event, organized by Unilever Nigeria Plc, creators of Knorr, served as a creative fusion of taste and tradition. Guests were treated to meals inspired by Adekunle Gold’s music, capturing the flavour and emotion behind Fuji, his new album that celebrates Nigerian roots and sound.

Speaking on the partnership, Damilola Dania, Food Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, said the collaboration was aimed at celebrating what makes Nigerians unique.

‘Knorr has always been part of our everyday lives, from our kitchens to our celebrations. This collaboration with Adekunle Gold and Victor Ehikhamenor was about celebrating the things that make us who we are – our food, our art, our music, and our culture,’ she said.

Adekunle Gold, who performed songs from Fuji including Don Corleone, Coco Money, and Many Many People, described the project as deeply personal.

‘Fuji is one of the Nigerian sounds I grew up on and fell in love with. Working with Knorr made this moment even more special because it feels personal. Growing up, I was always sent to buy Knorr Chicken cubes, and that memory stuck with me,’ he said. ‘When I say ‘O dun bi Knorr chicken’ in Don Corleone, it comes from a real place. This collaboration feels like coming full circle.’

In addition to the musical performance, Victor Ehikhamenor unveiled a specially created artwork inspired by Adekunle Gold’s Fuji album and Knorr’s cultural legacy. The piece, displayed in an intimate gallery space, celebrated the enduring relationship between Nigerian sound, art, and food.

The night ended on a nostalgic note as Adekunle Gold thrilled fans with hit songs such as Ogaranya and Pick Up, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, joy, and cultural pride.

Fuji Reignited highlighted Knorr’s longstanding presence in Nigerian homes, showing that beyond being a kitchen staple, the brand continues to be part of the nation’s cultural story connecting people through flavour, music, and art.