Category: PM News

Philomena Iroko, mother of the rescued sold 5-day-old baby boy in Ebonyi, has sought for help from individuals and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to enable her take care of the baby.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the baby boy, sold by his father, five days after his birth, was recovered by the Police from the buyer, Chinyere Ugochukwu, on Friday, Oct. 10.

The mother of three kids told NAN on Monday in Abakaliki that her live-in lover, Chukwuma Onwe, had threatened her before taking the child away from her.

She said, ‘The man who pretended to be my husband, lied to me after I gave birth to the boy, that he would give the child to his sister for adequate care.

‘I didn’t know that the woman he gave the baby was buying him. It was after some days that I discovered that the father of my son collected money in exchange of my child.

‘It was from that period that I raised the alarm and started crying until my baby was recovered with the intervention of the police on Friday.

‘Though, we are not yet married, I don’t know what prompted my son’s father to sell him off.

‘Onwe, the father of my child, has been arrested alongside with the buyer by the police. I am here alone, no one to assist me.

‘Yes, I have other kids, two of them, but they are from a different man, whose whereabouts. I can’t trace. I have been living here with him (Onwe), with my two kids.

‘Please, I need help from the government, individuals and NGOs, so, that my son can live in good health,’ Iroko begged.

SP Joshua Ukandu, Spokesman of the Police Command in Ebonyi, said that Onwe, the father of the child and the buyer are still in custody as they begin investigation.

A Lagos businessman Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi and his company C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria, have been accused of

stealing N215,800,000.

They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

The anti-graft agency in a social media post confirmed the development.

The post read: ‘The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, October 13, 2025, arraigned one Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi and his company, C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria,

for alleged theft of N215,800,000 (Two Hundred and Fifteen Million Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

‘They were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on retention of proceeds of criminal conduct and stealing to the tune of N215, 800, 000.’

Amid mounting climate disasters and growing water insecurity across Africa, civil society groups have launched a coordinated campaign to resist the privatisation of water resources.

Operating under the umbrella of the Our Water Our Right Africa Coalition (OWORAC), the coalition on Monday began the Africa Week of Action Against Water Privatisation with a press briefing at the Lagos headquarters of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).

With a campaign themed ‘Public Water for Climate Resilience,’ OWORAC warned that the continent’s worsening water insecurity cannot be solved by handing over water systems to private corporations.

In a statement read on its behalf by CAPPA’s Programme Officer for Water Campaign, Sefa Ikpa, OWORAC painted a stark picture of how climate change is reshaping the African continent, with water – or the lack thereof – emerging as the most immediate and devastating impact.

‘Across the continent, intense and prolonged droughts, devastating floods, coastal erosion, and increasing unpredictability in rainfall are disrupting lives and livelihoods,’ OWORAC stated.

The coalition argued that these challenges demand urgent public investment in resilient water infrastructure, and not further privatisation.

It said, ‘Ordinarily, these challenges should serve as a wake-up call for governments to invest in stronger publicly governed water systems capable of protecting life under climate stress. Yet, in many African states, the opposite is taking place.’

OWORAC criticised the growing promotion of desalination plants as a ‘climate-resilient’ solution. While acknowledging the urgency of water scarcity, it warned that desalination, often led by private companies under long-term contracts, is environmentally damaging, expensive, and exclusionary.

‘Desalination is no panacea,’ OWORAC said. ‘It is extremely energy-intensive, largely dependent on fossil fuels, and produces a concentrated salty waste called brine that pollutes marine ecosystems, destroys fisheries, and further dispossesses coastal communities,’ it said.

Also speaking at the event, Neil Gupta, Water Campaign Director at Corporate Accountability, echoed OWORAC’s warnings and linked the water justice struggle to broader issues of corporate exploitation and neocolonial influence.

Gupta said, ‘Defending water is defending life itself Unfortunately, there is an entire industry that aims to exploit our need for water to profit.’

He then went on to accuse the governments of advanced countries and their institutions of enabling and even profiting from water privatisation across the Global South.

He said, ‘From the World Bank to the IMF, international financial institutions foist privatisation and austerity on governments at the expense of the people. We’re also witnessing an alarming rate of direct Global North government interference in water.’

As an example, Gupta pointed to recent developments in Lagos, where the US government is reportedly backing ‘a multimillion-dollar corporate water scheme that has been shrouded in secrecy.’

‘While some might try to convince us that certain schemes like public-private partnerships don’t count as privatisation, we can’t be fooled,’ he said.

On his own part, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, who delivered the welcome address at the event, lamented that at a time when urgent public investment is needed to shore up equitable and resilient water infrastructure, governments are instead bowing to pressure to privatise.

‘While nature cries for justice in the face of the climate emergency, capital smells opportunity.’Multinational corporations now peddle desalination and other privatisation schemes as climate solutions, selling back to us the very water that belongs to the people.’

Adding, he said, ‘Today we reject these false solutions. We assert that the way we protect and govern water will determine whether our communities can endure the crises ahead.’

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday suffered another setback as three of its members in the House of Representatives from Kaduna State defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to The Punch, the lawmakers, which include Abdulkarim Ahmed (Kaduna South), Aliyu Mustapha (Ikara/Kubau), and Sadiq Ango-Abdullahi (Sabongari) announced their defection in separate letters read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during plenary.

Their move comes amid a growing trend of defections in the North-West, with several prominent figures, including Senator Shehu Sani and Hon. Amos Magaji, recently returning to the APC fold.

In their letters, the lawmakers cited the prolonged internal crisis rocking the PDP and their desire to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as the main reasons for leaving the party.

One of the defectors, Abdulkarim Ahmed, said his decision followed wide consultations with his constituents and political stakeholders.

‘The constant internal conflicts and factionalism within the PDP have made it impossible to represent my people effectively. After careful reflection, I have resolved to resign my membership and continue serving my people under a platform that promotes purposeful and inclusive governance,’ he said.

The defectors expressed appreciation to the PDP for past opportunities but insisted that the current leadership crisis within the party had crippled its effectiveness.

Their defection further strengthens the APC’s grip in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas have recently received dozens of new members into the ruling party.

Nigerian rapper and music executive, M.I Abaga, has revealed that he would prefer to raise his future children in Nigeria, citing the country’s rich communal values and strong family support system as key reasons.

In a recent interview, the award-winning rapper praised Nigeria’s family-oriented culture, describing it as an ideal environment for nurturing children.

He contrasted this with life in the United States, where relatives are often preoccupied with work, leaving parents with little external support.

‘There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system. There’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents abroad,’ he said.

M.I emphasized that the communal nature of Nigerian society allows parents to receive help from extended family members in child-rearing, something he believes is lacking in many Western countries.

‘You have enough people that can stay at home and support you. But it’s not easy abroad – everyone is a professional and busy,’ he added.

The rapper, who got married in 2022, explained that while raising children abroad has its advantages, Nigeria provides a strong cultural foundation for children’s early development.

He suggested a blended approach:

‘Maybe it’s a thing like early years here and then at a certain point, move abroad. There are some good things about Nigeria that make it ideal for the early days.’

The Lagos State Government, through its Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), has inaugurated the Community Dialogue Committee (CDC), aimed at curbing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

The Executive Secretary, DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, at the inauguration on Monday, said the initiative marked a significant step in strengthening grassroots mechanisms to combat SGBV.

Vivour-Adeniyi, who was represented by the Community Engagement Officer, DSVA, Ms Adetoun Odumbo, said the primary objective of the CDC was to reinforce community-level structures.

She said the community-level structures would identify, response, and ensure appropriate referral of SGBV cases.

According to her, this strategic approach aims to embed support systems within local communities, to ensure accessibility and effectiveness.

The inauguration event convened approximately 50 representatives from Mushin Local Government and Odi-Olowo Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

She said the composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders, including respected traditional, community, and religious leaders

‘The composition of the Community Dialogue Committee was designed to incorporate key community stakeholders like representatives from women’s groups, designated youth leaders and advocates for survivors of SGBV.

‘They also include representatives from the health sector, education sector and ward-level representatives from the DSVA or Local Government Area (LGA) Gender Desk Officers,’ the executive secretary said.

Also speaking, the Head of Community Engagement, DSVA, Mr Damilare Adewusi, said the roles and responsibilities entrusted to the CDC members included facilitating community dialogues to raise awareness and address SGBV.

Adewusi said the role of the CDC also included offering immediate and confidential support to survivors, identifying potential cases of violence and ensuring their proper referral to relevant authorities.

He said committee’s role included maintaining accurate, confidential documentation of reported incidents and serving as official liaison officers between their respective communities and the DSVA.

The inaugurated members for Mushin LGA included Community Leader: Mr Femi Okuyemi; Women’s Group Representative: Mrs Adebisi; Youth Leader: Mr Kayode Famodu; Survivors’ Advocate: Ms Anu Okuyemi and Health and Education Representative: Ms Fasanya Omotoyosi.

The inaugurated members for Odi-Olowo LCDA included the Traditional Ruler: High Chief O.A. Oladunjoye Anibaba (Baale of Igbari Odi-Olowo); and Women’s Group Representative: Chief Mrs Mufuliat Adebunmi (Iyaloja of Odi-Olowo)

Also the Youth Leader: Mr Gbenga Falaye; Survivors’ Advocate: Mr Lanre Elegbeleye and the Health and Education Representative: Mrs Folashade Jonad

Participants at the inauguration expressed their profound appreciation to the DSVA for its sustained efforts in promoting a zero-tolerance stance against SGBV.

They further encouraged the agency to continue expanding its vital advocacy and intervention programmes across all communities within Lagos State.

The stakes could not be higher in Uyo today as the Super Eagles lock horns with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that will determine who earns Africa’s last ticket to North America next summer.

Group leaders Benin, on 17 points, have destiny in their own hands, a draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will be enough to send them to their first-ever FIFA World Cup. But for Nigeria, there is no room for error. The Eagles sit third with 14 points, and only a convincing win coupled with a slip-up from South Africa against Rwanda in Nelspruit can secure them passage to the global showpiece.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has vowed that his side will ‘give everything’ to snatch victory and keep their World Cup hopes alive. ‘We know what’s at stake. This is about pride, history, and belief,’ Chelle said ahead of the clash.

Nigeria, who have not missed two consecutive World Cup finals since making their debut in 1994, enter today’s encounter with only one defeat in the qualifiers fewer than both Benin and South Africa.

Meanwhile, Gernot Rohr, the man who once led Nigeria’s dugout, now stands in their way. The Franco-German tactician, now in charge of Benin, insists his Cheetahs will not be intimidated by the Uyo crowd.

‘Yes, the atmosphere can be hostile, but we’ll stay calm and focused,’ Rohr told Goal. ‘We plan to keep possession, defend well, and use quick counterattacks. That’s our game plan for Uyo.’

Both sides face injury and suspension concerns. Nigeria will be without Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Benin are missing Yohan Roche and Sessi d’Almeida.

Captain William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi, both World Cup veterans, are expected to start, alongside top scorer and reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who is yet to appear on football’s biggest stage.

The Cheetahs, who have never reached a World Cup, are riding a wave of national pride, while Nigeria – six-time finalists at the continental level – carry the expectations of over 220 million fans.

Kick-off is 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

A two-goal win for Nigeria and a South African draw in Nelspruit could yet write a fairytale ending for the Eagles. Until then, all eyes – and hearts – are on Uyo.

What Nigerians Are Saying

Meanwhile, Nigerians have flooded social media with mixed emotions, prayers, and pointed criticism as the Super Eagles prepare to take on Benin Republic in their final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

On X, many fans expressed cautious optimism, urging unity behind the team despite a rocky qualifying campaign.

User @Letter_to_Jack wrote, ‘I want to believe that behind the veiled banters, we are all passionate Nigerians who want the Super Eagles to defeat Benin today and qualify for the World Cup.’

Another fan, @PoojaMedia, struck a similar tone of hope and humour, saying, ‘Deep inside us, we all want the Super Eagles to qualify. Banter and pray as well. Both works.’

But not everyone shares that sentiment. @AdetolaOkuwobi held nothing back, calling for a total overhaul of the team if failure comes: ‘You and who?? Not one bit. I prefer they lose and not qualify and the AFCON should even go wrong too if that’s what it will take for them to disband the whole team and the NFF. Let them start all over.’

In contrast, @FadaChristmas_ voiced a competitive Nigerian spirit mixed with a hint of rivalry, tweeting: ‘Dear Super Eagles, your only job today is to make sure South Africa doesn’t go to the World Cup, I don’t care how you do it. Make or break time!’

He added: ‘Super Eagles must win against Benin today to qualify. We get 14 points, dem get 17. No Lookman but Osimhen fit cause wahala! Historically, we don beat dem 13 times but dem shock us 2-1 for June. Which player go be hero today?’

Meanwhile, @chaxdawg_909 raised tactical concerns, recalling a previous encounter between both sides: ‘I remember the win by Benin against the Super Eagles in Côte d’Ivoire during the early stages of the qualifiers. Their skipper said they won because they got better part of Ekong. Chelle, please don’t start Ekong.’

The Management of the University of Jos, has described President Bola Tinubu’s nomination of Prof. Joash Amupitan, as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as reflection reflects the president’s commitment to ensuring credible elections in the country.

‘Amupitan’s exceptional pedigree as a beacon of excellence, honesty, and dedication, a man of unquestioned integrity and apolitical stance, reinforces our belief that his nomination is a testament to his revered reputation as one of the finest Legal minds and educators in our nation,’ Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor (V-C) of the university, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Jos.

Amupitan, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, of the university.

The National Council of State had also backed the nomination of Amupitan to serve as INEC boss.

‘President Tinubu’s well considered decision in nominating Amupitan reflects an astute understanding of the qualities essential for this vital role.

‘The unanimous support from the Council members underscores the universal respect and admiration he commands.

‘It is with immense joy and profound pride that, on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, Management, Staff, Students, and the entire University of Jos community, extend our heartfelt appreciation to the president over this nomination,’ he said.

Ishaya said that Amupitan’s ascent to this role marked a historic milestone as the first from the North-Central Zone of the country to occupy this pivotal position.

According to V-C, the nomination of Amupitan not only highlights his individual achievements but also shines a spotlight on this treasured region, validating the profound contributions of North-Central to national tapestry.

Ishaya, therefore, pledged the university community’s support for Amupitan to succeed as he prepared to occupy his new office.

In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi, is a professor of Law at the University of Jos.

He is also an alumnus of the university.

Amupitan specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance, and Privatisation Law.

Born on April 25, 1967, Amupitan became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation, Bauchi between 1988 and 1989.

He is also the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, Plateau, member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council.

Others are; Member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), and member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja (1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles (2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria (2013), Principles of Company Law (2013) and Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

He is married and has four children.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a boost in their World Cup hopes as Rwanda’s national team, the Amavubi, have vowed to give their best performance against South Africa in their next qualifier.

The match will take place in Mpumalanga, South Africa, as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF Group C qualifiers.

Rwanda, coached by German tactician Torsten Spittler, are looking to bounce back after losing 2-1 to Benin Republic. Earlier in the campaign, they made headlines with a shocking 2-0 victory over South Africa in the first leg.

Ahead of the clash, the Rwandan team trained in Mpumalanga and shared a message saying:

‘First training in Mpumalanga – not just drills, but redemption in motion. Amavubi rises for the pride and pulse of the nation.’

Rwanda’s players say they are determined to finish the qualifiers on a strong note, even though they are no longer in contention for a ticket.

For Nigeria, this match is crucial.

If Rwanda can stop South Africa from winning, and the Super Eagles defeat Benin Republic in Uyo, Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The final round of matches will be played on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with Nigeria’s game scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has officially left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the announcement during a press conference in Enugu, describing the move as a step toward greater development and national unity.

CHARTING A NEW COURSE: FROM PDP TO APC

Full Speech

I thank God and the people of Enugu (Ndi Enugu) for standing with me. Today marks an important moment – one of reflection and renewal.

I am here to announce a major decision that will shape our future my move from the PDP to the APC.

This is about our values, our future, and our commitment to serve our people better.

Over the past 28 months, we have achieved great things together.

You believed in me when many had lost faith in politicians. You embraced my ‘Tomorrow Is Here’ vision, and because of your trust, we have made real progress.

Let’s look at what that progress means:

New Smart Green Schools are almost ready.

Primary healthcare centers now exist in all 260 wards.

Crime has dropped by 80%, and health outcomes have greatly improved.

We have built a modern Command and Control Centre with AI-powered security systems and 150 patrol vehicles.

Water is flowing again, roads are being built, and revenue has increased by 600%.

The International Conference Centre is attracting visitors, and Enugu Air has started direct flights.

Tourism and eco-projects are growing fast.

We are building farm estates and improving transport with new CNG buses and terminals.

Old assets like Hotel Presidential and Nigergas are back to life.

Enugu has won national awards as

With his defection, Governor Mbah has not only altered the political landscape of Enugu but also signaled a potential realignment of forces in the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections, as observers say his move could inspire other regional leaders to follow suit in pursuit of stronger federal collaboration.