Category: PM News

Nigerian singer and songwriter, John Ighodaro, popularly known as Johnny Drille, has opened up about the early struggles he faced in his music career before securing a record deal with Mavin Records.

The ‘Wait For Me’ crooner revealed that two major Nigerian record labels had shown interest in signing him but wanted to change his unique alternative sound to something more commercial and danceable.

Speaking on the CreativTea Podcast, Johnny Drille said he chose to stay true to his art, even when it meant losing potential record deals.

‘There were two other major labels in Nigeria that wanted to sign me, but the conversation was always around, ‘How do we change your sound? How do we make it faster? How do we make it danceable?” he recalled.

He noted that Mavin Records CEO, Don Jazzy, was the only one who believed in his sound without trying to alter it.

‘When I met Don Jazzy, there were no conversations like that. He was just really a fan of the music. that was a big risk to take, but he pulled it off,’ Drille said.

The singer added that many people were surprised that a mainstream record label like Mavin, known for Afrobeats and pop stars, would sign an alternative artist like him.

‘People could never have imagined that a Mavin Records under Don Jazzy would sign an alternative artist like myself. It was weird for a lot of people,’ he said.

Johnny Drille rose to fame after participating in the sixth season of Project Fame West Africa in 2013. His breakout single ‘Wait For Me’ was released in 2015, and he officially joined Mavin Records in 2017.

He released his debut album, ‘Before We Fall Asleep,’ in 2021.

Malabu Oil and Gas Limited has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to issue an order declaring its deregistration by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as null and void.

The oil and gas company, which is said to be jointly owned by Mohammed, son of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, and others, has been embroiled in a boardroom crisis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Malabu, in an originating summons marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2137/2025, has sued the CAC as sole defendant, alleging that the commission deregistered it due to its failure to file annual returns.

In a fresh suit filed by its counsel, Reuben Atabo, SAN, the company prayed the court to order the restoration of its name to the register of companies in Nigeria, pursuant to Section 692(6) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), 2020.

Atabo also sought ‘an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the defendant (CAC) from further deregistering and/or striking off the name of the plaintiff from its register.’

He requested a declaration that, in light of the fact that the affairs, management, and control of the plaintiff are sub judice and currently being contested in various courts, ‘it is improper in law for the defendant to purport to strike off the plaintiff’s name from the register of companies in Nigeria pursuant to the provisions of Section 692(3) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020.’

The senior lawyer listed several related cases, including suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2010 in which the CAC was a party before Justice Gabriel Kolawole, suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/14/2017, suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/816/14, charge no: CR/151/2020, and charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/268/2016.

In the affidavit personally deposed to, Mohammed stated that he was one of the original subscribers to the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company at the time of incorporation, and that he remains one of its current and subsisting directors.

He added that he had the consent of the Board of Directors of the company to depose to the affidavit.

He stated that sometime in 1998, he, along with two other individuals, incorporated Malabu Oil and Gas Limited with the CAC and was issued with RC No: 334442.

According to him, at the time of incorporation in April 1998, he, Kweku Amafagha, and Hassan Hindu Wakili Adamawa were the original directors and shareholders of the plaintiff company.

‘Upon incorporation, the company applied to the Federal Government of Nigeria through the then Department of Petroleum Resources for the allocation of an oil block.

‘After due consideration, Oil Prospecting Licence 245, otherwise known as OPL 245, was granted to the company by the then Minister of Petroleum Resources on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

‘In September 1999, during the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, I was arrested and detained by the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for approximately three years, from September 1999 to September 2002, after which I was released from custody.

‘During the period of my incarceration, certain alterations were made to the company’s records at the registry of the defendant, whereby my shareholding and directorship were changed without my consent or approval,’ he said.

Mohammed said that between 2005 and 2011, he instructed his lawyer, Atabo, to write to the CAC concerning those purported alterations to the shareholding and directorship structure.

He said that, following the CAC’s failure to rectify the alterations, he initiated legal action before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Kolawole (now elevated to the Court of Appeal), in suit no: FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2010.

He further stated that, despite multiple pending cases before different courts, the CAC neither informed Malabu that the caveat placed on its file (which prevented the filing of annual returns) had been lifted, nor did the commission publish any notice in a national daily newspaper of its intention to strike off or deregister the company prior to the action.

Mohammed said he was duly advised by his lawyer that the CAC’s action contradicts Section 692(3) of CAMA, 2020.

‘The purported deregistration or striking off of the name of the plaintiff by the defendant from the companies register is unlawful, illegal, null and void,’ he said.

‘Refusing the reliefs sought in this suit would occasion grave prejudice to the plaintiff.

‘The defendant will not suffer any prejudice from the grant of the reliefs being sought,’ Mohammed averred.

No date has yet been fixed for the hearing of the matter at the time of filing this report.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has doubled Nigeria’s lead against Benin Republic in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The Napoli forward struck in the 37th minute after a well-coordinated team move that left the Beninese defence exposed, extending Nigeria’s advantage and sending fans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, into wild celebration.

Osimhen’s goal came after Nigeria’s opening strike earlier in the first half, as the Super Eagles continued to dominate possession and create scoring chances.

Osimhen’s trademark pace and clinical finishing proved decisive once again, underlining his status as one of Africa’s most lethal forwards.

With the win now within reach, Nigeria will be looking to maintain their momentum and secure all three points to boost their standing in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

As the match progresses, all eyes remain on Osimhen and the Super Eagles to see if they can build on their impressive first-half performance and seal a convincing victory over their West African rivals.

Nigerian businessman Cosmas Maduka has expressed his concerns over the common practice of flaunting money and wealth.

He described such acts as a sign of a moral decline in the society, adding that genuine wealth comes with humility.

‘Show me any wealthy man that has talked about ”money na water’. I’ve never heard Tony Elumelu say ‘money na water,’ I’ve never heard Femi Otedola say it, and I’ve never said it myself. When I attend a function and you start showing that madness of throwing money on people, I behave like I am going to the toilet. You will not see me again because these are the bad cultures and value systems that we have learnt,’ he stated.

Maduka further noted that such acts are deadly, stating that the society should resent it rather than applaud it.

‘When we were growing up, rich people didn’t make noise. All these people making noise today never made real money. If you make money, it makes you humble. It makes you keep quiet. We’ve embraced a deadly culture and we are using it to train our children. Those things should stop. You shouldn’t clap hands for people like that, you should resent it,’ he added.

Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, Chairman of the Silverbird Group, has said Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti was not only ahead of his time but was also a genius. The entertainment mogul made this statement while speaking on the relevance and universality of Fela’s classic, Water No Get Enemy, at the Felabration Symposium on Monday, October 13, at NECA Hall, Ikeja, Lagos.

Water No Get Enemy is the theme of this year’s symposium, one of a series of events organized to kick-start the ongoing Felabration Musical Concert, a week-long fiesta scheduled to run from October 13 to 19 at the New Afrika Shrine, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Bruce, who was the Chairman and Moderator of the event, Fela’s Water No Get Enemy is not only topical but also addresses environmental issues. He added that, given the climate-induced environmental challenges the world is currently facing, the Afrobeat legend indeed saw the future.

‘This topic (Water No Get Enemy) is very important because it deals with the environment. When Fela wrote this song, I don’t know if he was thinking about the blue economy at the time. But I’ll tell you that Fela was the kind of guy who could see the future. He understood life. He understood the environment,’ Bruce noted.

Bruce also spoke about the universality of Fela’s Water No Get Enemy, adding that its resonance cuts across social strata and that everybody-the rich and the poor, the educated and uneducated-can relate to it.

‘He could see the future. He was very, very intelligent. A lot of people look at Fela and don’t see that. You have to understand, he was ahead of his time. He was very smart. He could take a complicated social problem, write a song in broken English, explain it, and a guy with a Ph.D. would say he’s right. And a guy who didn’t go to school would say, I can connect with him. And a guy in prison would say, I want to get out so I can be like him.

‘That is how smart he was. He was so young and intelligent. I don’t think a lot of people, when you talk about Fela, understand how smart he was. Because it takes a genius to take a complicated social, political, and economic problem-several problems-write a song, and connect with the rich and poor, the educated and uneducated, Americans, Australians, Jamaicans, Nigerians, Africans-people from all over the world.

‘Now, if you look at the world, how many musicians can connect the way he did? How many politicians can connect the way he did? It’s a rare talent. So here we are today, 50 years after he wrote a song about water not having an enemy. And he was right. And he is right,’ Bruce maintained.

Bruce also spoke about how water, which Fela sang about in that classic song, is not only one of the biggest global challenges but also affects everyone. The media mogul then clamoured for a ban on plastic, describing it as a grave danger to the environment.

‘Now, what is the biggest problem, if I may ask? Where I’m from, people die because of flooding. In Lagos, where I live, sometimes you can’t go to work because of the floods. And how many man-hours have we lost? But we’re also lucky to have a governor like Governor Sanwo-Olu, who is one of the best governors in this country today. He’s smart. He understands the issues.

‘This cannot be a debate because everybody is on the same page. It’s not a debate about right and wrong. Everybody agrees that environmental pollution is dangerous. Everybody agrees that plastic ultimately must be banned. We must find alternatives to sell our drinks, to sell our water, because ultimately, plastic must be banned. There is no way around it. We have to find a way to make sure our gutters are clean. We-the government, federal, state, and local-must educate the public not to throw plastic and trash in the gutters. And the government must clean the environment daily,’ Bruce said.

Other speakers at the event who did justice to the theme of the symposium were the keynote speaker, Mr. Tokunbo Philip Wahab, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources in Lagos State; Mr. Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Rite Foods Ltd; and Mr. Akintunde Disu, environmentalist and founder of the Rite-On-The-Beach initiative.

Wahab also said the State Government understands the delicate relationship between human and water as not just a force but also an enabler.

He stated that the theme of the event ‘Water (No) Get Enemy’ is very apt because for centuries, water has shaped Lagos’ economy, the trade, fishing, the transport, even the settlements, stressing that scientifically, water lies at the very heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 2, 11 and 13).

The Commissioner noted that as simple as the statement sounds, it carries wisdom as old as humanity itself.

Mr. Wahab: ‘Nobody can live without water, nobody can truly fight against it because Water is life itself,’ the Commissioner stated.

He added the State faces unique climate challenges, ‘which include rising sea levels, extreme heat, and recurrent flooding, saying that this explains why the government designed a comprehensive Drainage Master Plan to safeguard the city and keep flooding at bay.’

Unfortunately, he noted, the reverse often plays out because ‘Lagosians continue to build on floodplains, block drainage channels, reclaim wetlands,’ adding that these actions, which most times are driven by personal economic gain, ‘not only defy common sense but also directly violate the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.’

Wahab stressed that the aforementioned activities ‘have recently resulted in flooding in Parkview, Banana Island, Osborne, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ajah and beyond, stressing that these disasters are not natural but are man-made and that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources ‘has resolved these anthropogenic activities from time to time, but residents still persistently and brazenly defy environmental laws, stressing that there will be no hiding place for defaulters and saboteurs.’

Ahmed Isa Bello, the father of the late Bilyaminu Bello, has said that he had been asking for mercy for his daughter-in-law, Maryam Sanda, long before President Bola Tinubu granted her a pardon.

Bello explained that he wrote to the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, in 2019, appealing for clemency for Sanda on humanitarian grounds.

Maryam Sanda was sentenced to death in 2017 for killing her husband but was among those recently pardoned by President Tinubu.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Bello said the pardon was an act of God and a show of mercy that would allow Sanda to care for her two children.

‘I am happy that the father of the nation has freed Maryam so she can look after her children.

As Muslims, we accept whatever comes from Almighty Allah. I have forgiven her. Taking revenge won’t bring back my son, but forgiveness brings peace,’ he said.

Bello added that he holds no grudges against Sanda, her family, or the government, saying forgiveness is the only way to heal from such a painful loss.

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said military officers must see themselves as defenders of the nation’s democracy and custodians of its stability.

‘You must remain loyal. Democracy must be sustained and maintained.

‘Whatever the challenges, I believe democracy itself will solve them. Loyalty is very key as a military officer even in retirement, we still maintain that loyalty,’ Buratai said on Tuesday in Abuja during the decoration of two senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, Col. Ibrahim Bunza and Col. Adetunji Idowu, who were recently elevated to their new ranks.

The former COAS also urged newly promoted Nigerian Army officers to remain loyal, disciplined and committed to the sustenance of democracy in the country.

He reminded the officers that promotion marks the beginning of a new phase of responsibility in their careers and must be matched with hard work, integrity and professionalism.

‘I remember vividly when I was promoted to the rank of Colonel. That rank signifies the beginning of a new era.

‘If you must get to generalship, it starts now. Your performance, your attitude, your character, and your disposition to duty will determine your next and subsequent ranks,’ he said.

Buratai, who served as the 20th Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021 congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing them as disciplined, battle-tested and worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.

Speaking specifically about Col. Bunza, who served as his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Buratai recalled his dedication and composure during challenging times, including operational visits to the North East.

‘He was my last ADC, and God made it in such a way that I had him. He was very calm, very calculated, and maintained discipline among all the close aides that worked with me.

‘He is battle-tested. I remember one of our visits to the North East when we came under fire, but he remained composed throughout,’ he added.

The retired general also commended Col. Idowu for his performance as Commander of the 6 Provost Group in Port Harcourt, describing him as ‘a disciplined and resilient officer who commanded in a very challenging environment and came out with his head high.’

Buratai highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable home, saying the home front was very strategic.

He urged their spouses to ensure that their homes reflect positively on the officer’s performance in the field and in the office by giving them the needed support.

He urged the officers to pursue continuous self-development and professional education, adding that learning must never stop even after promotion or retirement.

‘You must continue to improve yourself. Development is very important. Even in retirement, I continue to learn.

‘In February, I obtained a certificate in communication and leadership from the University of Cambridge. So don’t stop improving yourselves,’ he advised.

Earlier in his remarks, the Provost Marshal (Army), Maj.-Gen. Mathias Erubelu, thanked Buratai for his mentorship and contributions to the Corps, especially the approval for the construction of its present headquarters.

According to him, this edifice we are seated in today was built during your time as Chief of Army Staff.

He congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing their elevation as a product of hard work, diligence and divine favour.

‘Promotion comes from God, but not without hard work. There were 298 officers presented for promotion, but only 225 made it.

‘So, this is a privilege that comes with responsibility,’ the Provost Marshal stated.

Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Col. Bunza expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for finding them worthy of elevation, and to the Provost Marshal for his leadership and mentorship.

‘We assure the Nigerian Army of our renewed commitment to service, loyalty, and upholding the core values of the institution.

‘We are also grateful to our families, colleagues, and friends for standing by us.’

He also thanked former COAS Buratai for his mentorship, describing him as ‘a father and a leader whose guidance shaped their careers’.

Big Brother Naija Season 10 winner, Opeyemi ‘Imisi’ Ayanwale, has opened up on her relationship with colleague and fellow finalist, Kola Omotosho.

While speaking with Doyin Imisi revealed that Kola was her only safe space during her stay in the Big Brother house.

‘I feel like Kola was my only safe space. Anytime I feel down, he’s always there; when I am down too, he’s there. He’s always vulnerable to me,’ she said.

Kola also previously told journalists that his bond with Imisi is platonic adding that she always looks out for him.

The Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 will be concluded on or before December 2025, noting that the reviewed law will guide the conduct of the 2027 general elections.

Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial District, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday after the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, read President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for the confirmation of Professor Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law, following the unanimous approval of his appointment by the Council of State last Wednesday, succeeding Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

Explaining the National Assembly’s commitment to timely completion of the amendment process, Bamidele recalled that the last administration under former President Muhammadu Buhari was unable to sign the final version of the Electoral Act due to late transmission by the legislature.

‘Before then, we had made our first proposal. We sent the bill to the then president, and it was signed. When further observations were made, especially when certain people were disenfranchised as statutory delegates and the National Assembly wanted to make corrections, late former President Muhammadu Buhari said the bill was coming too close to the election,’ Bamidele stated.

He continued: ‘And late President Buhari then observed that he did not want to be misunderstood by the public. That is why the bill was not signed then. Between now and December 2025, we will ensure that the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 is concluded so that it will not be too close to the 2027 elections.’

Speaking further, Bamidele, who also serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, expressed confidence that the current constitutional review exercise would succeed because of the active involvement of critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures.

‘I do not envisage that there will be any resistance because public institutions are working with the National Assembly for the successful review of the 1999 Constitution. In this amendment, global best practices will also be taken into consideration in the area of domestication of international treaties and agreements,’ he explained.

Addressing criticisms from opposition parties, Bamidele maintained that it was natural for the opposition to downplay the achievements of the ruling party, as their goal remained to regain political power.

He said: ‘No matter how well a government is performing, the opposition will never agree that the government is doing well because they too are plotting to reclaim the presidency. Part of what they will love to see is the ruling party fighting on a daily basis, throwing out correspondences from the presidency or whatever is coming from the executive. That is what will make them happy. But our focus is on rebuilding Nigeria, stabilising our polity, and growing our economy. And we will never be distracted from this goal.’

Outlining the agenda of the 10th Senate for its third legislative year, Bamidele added that the National Assembly has several critical assignments before it, including the amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act and the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

Nigerian singer Spyro has expressed gratitude to his fiancée, Janet Atom, for what he described as ‘saving’ him from the notorious Lekki girls.

In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Spyro, whose real name is Oludipe David, posted an adorable video of himself playing affectionately with Janet before planting a kiss on her face.

He captioned the video:

‘Eii GoD. My very own Jesus baddie. Thank you again for saving me from Lekki girls o, na me know wetin my eyes see.’

Spyro had earlier revealed that he met Janet in March 2024 at a club in Lagos State, a meeting that would later blossom into a relationship leading to their engagement.