Category: PM News

A retired officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam was on Thursday remanded in Kuje prison after he was arraigned for joining and supporting proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

In the four-count charge, DSS alleged that Ezeakolam joined IPOB, posted messages in support of the proscribed organization and was involved in acts capable of inducing unsuspecting members of the public to join the proscribed terrorist organization.

DSS said the action of the retired officer was contrary to and punishable under Sections 13, 25, 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

However, Ezeakolam pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all the four counts when they were read to him.

Subsequently, the prosecution applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand him in custody pending trial.

Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter to October 29 for commencement of trial.

He also ordered remand of Ezeakolam at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the commencement of the trial.

Count One read:

That you, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, adult, male, sometime 2025 and 2026, at Abuja and Abia State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly and indirectly render support by providing moral assistance and disseminating terrorist information of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB, a proscribed organization, through the internet and your social media platforms, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 13 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count Two:

That you, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, adult, male, sometime 2025 and 2026, in Abia State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did join Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organization, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 25 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count Three:

That you, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, adult, male, sometime 2025 and 2026, at Abuja and Abia State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did knowingly directly and indirectly aid and abet the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by posting on social media platforms messages calculated to induce unsuspecting members of the public to support Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organization, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26 of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count Four:

That you, Nwaogu Ihechimere Ezeakolam, adult, male, sometime 2025 and 2026, at Abuja and Abia State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, on social media platforms did post and cause to be accessed, messages aimed at advancing the cause of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organization and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of Cybercrimes (Prevention, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, as amended.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed four establishments for violating environmental regulations in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the agency announced the enforcement in a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday.

LASEPA said the affected establishments operated in the Ijora Causeway and Apapa areas of the state.

It said the facilities were sealed over persistent violations of environmental regulations in spite of repeated warnings and abatement notices.

The agency said it also gave the companies several opportunities to comply with its directives before the enforcement.

According to LASEPA, the facilities failed to implement corrective measures issued by the agency.

The sealed establisments include Helmar Building Materials at 8 Ijora Causeway, Ijora.

Others are Laprivad Nigeria Ltd., behind Funky Yetty along Ijora Causeway, and Innocast Nigeria Ltd. on Saka Alao Street, Apapa.

Also sealed was Body Language Shipping and Cargo on Liverpool Road, Apapa.

LASEPA said the enforcement underscored its commitment to ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and protecting public health across the state.

President Bola Tinubu has called Osun governor, Ademola Adeleke to inform him that he has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to unfreeze the state government account in First Bank bank.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga announced this in a statement on his X handle on Thursday.

‘President Bola Tinubu in a phone conversation with Governor Ademola Adeleke on Thursday informed him about his directive to the EFCC to lift the court order on the Osun State Government account,’ Onanuga said in the short tweet.

The EFCC had frozen Osun State government account in First Bank on Wednesday over alleged suspicious transactions.

But the action of the anti-graft agency had attracted wide criticisms, especially as it was done just some days to the August 15 governorship election in the state.

In obvious response to the cricisms, President Tinubu had earlier on Thursday directed the EFCC to unfreeze the account.

The President said the the timing of the freezing of the account by the EFCC was inappropriate with the Osun governorship election only days away.

The directive was contained in a statement issued by Onanuga.

The President said he became aware that the anti-graft agency secured the court order on August 5.

While affirming EFCC’s statutory powers to investigate alleged financial crimes, Tinubu expressed concern that the development could create the impression of federal interference in the forthcoming election.

The President stressed that he had consistently allowed anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies to carry out their constitutional responsibilities independently, without political direction or interference.

He explained that although he had no prior knowledge of the EFCC’s decision to obtain the order, actions taken by federal institutions are often attributed to the Presidency.

Tinubu said, ‘I must state that I feel deeply embarrassed not by the EFCC’s exercise of its mandate backed by a court order, but by the timing of the agency’s action.’

He reiterated that he remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions by allowing them to operate within the law and without political influence.

‘Since assuming office, I have consistently maintained that anti-corruption and law enforcement agencies must be allowed to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently, professionally, without fear or favour, or political interference,’ he said.

Although he noted that he had not yet been fully briefed on the circumstances that led the EFCC to seek the order, Tinubu maintained that the timing was ill-advised.

He said, ‘Osun State is only a few days away from its gubernatorial election. Therefore, nothing ought to be done to give an impression that the EFCC or indeed any other agency of the federal government is being used to interfere with the election.’

The President said preserving public confidence in the credibility and fairness of the democratic process required immediate action.

‘Accordingly, I have directed the EFCC to immediately proceed to the court to vacate the order and discontinue whatever action it has instituted against the Osun State Government in this regard,’ Tinubu said.

Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, has reacted to the freezing of the Osun State Government’s bank accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The politician, while speaking via his X handle on Thursday, criticised the act, claiming that such moves could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election. Obi also noted that while he supports the fight against corruption, no institution, should act in a manner that creates the impression of influencing the electoral process.

Obi argued that democratic institutions must not only be impartial but must also be seen to be impartial, adding that authorities should follow constitutional procedures by obtaining appropriate court orders. He also called on relevant authorities to act strictly within the constitution and ensure that nothing compromises the credibility of the Osun governorship election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has accused the state government of disguising a vote-buying scheme as a N20,000 palliative payment to workers and residents ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The opposition party alleged that the timing of the disbursement suggested a political motive, calling on relevant authorities to investigate the payments.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Wednesday, the APC Campaign Council’s Media and Publicity Committee said thousands of workers and other beneficiaries received the money directly into their bank accounts days before the election.

The statement, signed by the committee’s head, Oluremi Omowaiye, alleged that the government was using public funds to influence voters.

‘The timing of the payments raised concerns over the intention behind the exercise. The government is attempting to sway public support with public funds in the build-up to the election,’ Omowaiye said.

The APC also claimed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, who normally receive N5,000 monthly support from the government, were also paid N20,000 under the latest disbursement.

The party further accused the administration of failing to clear outstanding obligations, including contributory pension remittances and cooperative deductions, while prioritising the palliative payments.

It also alleged that the government failed to fulfil a N6 billion provision in the 2025 budget meant to address gratuity arrears, leaving pensioners unpaid.

Describing the payments as unlawful, the APC said the government was using state resources to gain electoral advantage.

However, the Osun State Government defended the payments, describing them as part of measures to support workers amid economic challenges.

In a statement by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the government said the palliatives were aimed at improving workers’ welfare and had been part of its support programmes.

Rasheed said the administration began periodic palliative payments before the implementation of the new minimum wage and maintained that its labour policies had improved on those of the previous government.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it did not freeze the Ekiti State Government’s bank accounts during the state’s governorship election.

According to the anti graft agency, it had no reason to take such action because it did not have any incriminating information against the Ekiti State Government.

EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, made this known on Thursday during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show.

Uwujaren said the commission only freezes government accounts when there is credible evidence or information suggesting financial wrongdoing.

He explained that unlike Osun State, the EFCC had no information linking the Ekiti State Government to any suspicious financial activities that would justify freezing its accounts.

The EFCC maintained that its actions are guided by available evidence and not by election timelines or political considerations.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said it would deploy adequate personnel across Osun state to monitor and curb incidents of vote selling and buying during the August 15 governorship election.

ICPC said this while warning against vote buying and selling ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun governorship election at a rally held in Osogbo on Thursday.

The rally had as its theme: ‘My Vote, My Future: Reject Vote Buying, Protect Democracy.’

The commission said anyone caught engaging in the act would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Speaking during the rally, ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner in Osun, Mr Yusuf Olatunji said the commission would deploy adequate personnel across the 30 local government areas of the state to monitor and curb the practice.

He urged the electorate to recognise the value of their votes and resist any attempt to trade them for temporary gains.

‘To every voter in Osun, I urge you to reject any attempt to influence your choice through cash, gifts, food items, or any form of inducement.

‘Let your vote reflect your conscience and your vision for a better state.

‘Your votes are priceless, our democracy is sacred, and our future must never be sold.

‘As we prepare for the forthcoming governorship election, every eligible voter has a responsibility that goes beyond casting a ballot.

We must protect the integrity of our electoral process by rejecting all forms of electoral corruption, especially vote buying and selling,’ he said.

Olatunji noted that while vote trading might offer temporary financial relief, it has long-term negative consequences for governance and development.

‘When votes become commodities, leadership becomes a transaction rather than a mandate.

‘The consequences are evident: poor governance, unfulfilled promises, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment, and declining public confidence in democratic institutions,’ he said.

He added that the money collected for votes may be spent within days, but the impact of electing the wrong leaders could last for years.

‘No amount of money is worth sacrificing quality education, better healthcare, good roads, employment opportunities, and sustainable development,’ he said.

‘Olatunji reaffirmed the ICPC’s commitment to combating corruption through public enlightenment, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained advocacy.

‘Prevention is more effective than prosecution. This rally is part of efforts to educate citizens before the election rather than lament the consequences afterward,’ he said.

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, the media, and other stakeholders for their commitment to credible elections in the state.

Olatunji also urged political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in accordance with the rule of law.

‘Elections should be contests of ideas, policies, competence, and character-not contests of financial inducement,’ he said.

Anthony Adeniyi Adeosun, the husband of former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun, has died at the age of 62.

According to the family, he died in Lagos on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in a statement released on Thursday.

The announcement, titled ‘Announcement of the Passing of Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun’, was signed by Rev. C. A. Adeosun on behalf of the family.

Paying tribute to the late businessman, the family described him as a man of deep Christian faith whose life was marked by integrity, generosity and service to others.

‘It is with profound sorrow, yet in total submission to the will of Almighty God, that the Adeosun family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, Mr Anthony Adeniyi (Niyi) Adeosun, who was called home to glory on Wednesday, 5th August 2026, in Lagos.

‘He was 62 years old. Niyi was a distinguished businessman and a devoted Christian whose integrity, generosity, and steadfast faith touched the lives of all who knew him.

‘He lived a life defined by hard work, service to God, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.’

The family said it was drawing strength from the Scriptures as it mourned what it described as an irreplaceable loss, while asking for God’s comfort during the period of grief.

It added that funeral and Christian burial arrangements would be announced later.

Anthony Adeosun is survived by his wife, Kemi, his children and his siblings, including Kuramo Capital founder Adewale Adeosun.

Expressing gratitude for the support received since his passing, the family said:

‘We thank all who have reached out with prayers, condolences, and support. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord.’

KolaDaisi University (KDU), Ibadan, has announced that it will maintain its current tuition fees for the 2026/2027 academic session, reaffirming its commitment to making quality university education accessible and affordable despite prevailing economic challenges.

The decision, approved by the University’s Governing Council, means that all returning students will continue to pay the existing tuition rates throughout the 2026/2027 academic session.

In a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar, Mr Haruna Olawale Adetu, the University explained that the decision aligns with its policy of reviewing tuition fees for returning students only once every two academic sessions. According to the statement, the policy is designed to provide stability, predictability and financial relief for parents, guardians and students, particularly in the face of current economic realities.

The University noted that sustaining the existing tuition fees reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting families while ensuring uninterrupted access to quality education. It added that the decision underscores KDU’s philosophy of placing students and their families at the centre of its policies and operations.

The Registrar urged parents and students to take advantage of the University’s flexible payment options available through its online portal to meet their financial obligations with ease. He assured stakeholders that the institution would continue to uphold the highest standards of teaching, learning, research and character development without compromising academic quality.

He reiterated that KolaDaisi University remains committed to producing graduates equipped with sound knowledge, practical skills and strong moral values, while fostering an academic environment that nurtures innovation, excellence and responsible leadership.

The Management reaffirmed its resolve to continue implementing policies that promote academic excellence, student welfare and institutional sustainability, expressing appreciation to parents, guardians and students for their continued confidence and support.

The University also assured all stakeholders of its determination to remain a forward-looking institution that balances academic excellence with compassion, ensuring that quality higher education remains within reach of families even during periods of economic uncertainty.

The Presidency has dismissed former Cross River State governor Donald Duke’s claim that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will stop at Epe in Lagos State, insisting that construction has already moved beyond the state.

The government’s reaction followed comments by Duke, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate, questioning the extent and relevance of the coastal road project.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, accused the former governor of presenting a false picture of the project’s progress, saying ongoing construction had already entered Ogun State.

Ajayi, in a post on his verified X account, said political considerations may have influenced criticism of the highway, adding that the reality on ground contradicted claims that the project would end in Lagos.

He said sections of the coastal road were also progressing in Ondo and Akwa Ibom states.

‘While Duke was saying on TV that the Coastal Highway won’t go beyond Epe, the project has reached Ogun State, and work is ongoing on the Ondo and Akwa Ibom State sections of the coastal road,’ Ajayi said.

Duke, who governed Cross River State between 1999 and 2007, was the SDP presidential candidate in the 2019 election before joining the PRP for the 2027 presidential race.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway remains one of the Federal Government’s major infrastructure projects, designed to link coastal communities from Lagos to Cross River State.