Category: PM News

The Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU) has instituted legal action against the Minister of Works, David Umahi, over the death of Nurse Mary Habila, asking the court to order an autopsy and award N20 billion in damages.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna by the Incorporated Trustees of SOKAPU, seeks judicial intervention to establish the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

The group is urging the court to direct that an autopsy be conducted to determine the exact cause of death, insisting that unresolved questions surrounding the incident make an independent medical examination necessary.

SOKAPU is also asking the court to award N20 billion in damages, alleging that the deceased’s rights were violated and that there was a failure in the duty of care owed to her.

Other defendants named in the suit include Habila Tanko Wisdom, the deceased’s father, the Attorney General of Ebonyi State and the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State.

The case comes amid growing public interest in the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death, which has generated widespread reactions.

The Ebonyi State Police Command had earlier maintained that an autopsy should be carried out to establish the cause of death, despite reports that some members of the deceased’s family were opposed to the procedure.

Umahi had also publicly supported an autopsy, stating that it was the most appropriate way to establish the facts and dispel speculation surrounding the incident.

The Federal High Court is expected to fix a date for the hearing of the matter.

The Nigeria Police Force has described claim that its Inspector-General, IGP Olatunji Disu issued a shoot-on-sight order to operatives during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State as untrue.

The Police said this in a short statement on its social media platforms on Saturday while clarifying reports about Disu’s order to police officers in Makurdi.

Contrary to media reports, police said Disu did not issue shoot-on-sight order to officers at the stakeholders’ meeting.

The statement clarified that what Disu said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use.

The IGP also reportedly told his officers that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.

Disu also warned at the stakeholders’ meeting that police will not allow illegal arms possession and killings.

The short statement reads ‘At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported.

‘What he actually said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use, and that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.

‘He further stressed that illegal arms possession and killings would not be tolerated. The public is encouraged to view the attached video of the Inspector-General’s actual remarks for the full context.

A physically challenged beggar lost his life on Saturday after a truck reportedly suffered brake failure and ploughed into vehicles along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

The fatal crash occurred at Car Park C on the outbound carriageway of the busy highway, according to the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE).

TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, said the collision happened in the early hours of Saturday and involved three vehicles: a Mack container truck with registration number AGL 374 XX, a loaded DAF truck marked AKM 476 XB, and a white Toyota bus bearing registration number AKD 137 YA.

Preliminary findings indicated that the Mack truck developed brake failure as it approached a turning point before crashing into vehicles that were attempting to negotiate the junction.

The truck also struck a wheelchair-bound beggar, killing him instantly.

Giving details of the incident, Akinbiyi said: ‘According to eyewitness accounts, the MACK truck had a brake failure and hit vehicles negotiating a turning, and a beggar on wheels chair, slicing his body.

‘Traffic outbound Lagos route is highly affected. TRACE Operatives, FRSC, and the police are on the ground doing the needful.’

He added that emergency responders were working to clear the wreckage and restore normal movement along the affected section of the expressway.

Youth Employ and Development Initiative celebrated a significant milestone with the successful hosting of the Global Youth Forum (GYF) Homecoming 2026 at the University of Abuja, marking ten years of transforming lives through youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and employability.

The landmark event attracted more than 1,200 participants, including students, entrepreneurs, policymakers, development partners, business leaders, academics, and young professionals from across Nigeria for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

Held under the theme ‘Reconnecting, Reigniting and Redefining Impact,’ the Homecoming commemorated a decade of Youth Employ’s unwavering commitment to advancing youth employability, entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic inclusion. More than a celebration of past achievements, the event served as a rallying point for a new generation of changemakers while strengthening partnerships that will shape the future of work, innovation, and enterprise across Africa.

Participants benefited from inspiring keynote addresses, high-impact panel discussions, fireside conversations, networking sessions, and practical entrepreneurship engagements focused on skills development, digital transformation, innovation, leadership, business growth, and emerging economic opportunities.

The sessions challenged young people to think beyond conventional career paths, embrace innovation, and position themselves for success in an increasingly competitive global economy.

The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), who commended Youth Employ for its decade-long contribution to youth development and reaffirmed the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing youth unemployment, promoting entrepreneurship, and driving sustainable economic growth.

GYF Homecoming 2026 was made possible through the generous support of an expanding network of partners and sponsors, including Pepsi, Unilever, Airtel Nigeria, ACE and GOLD Limited, Cynosure, Ivy Systems, Nate Genius, Ikwu World, Lumely, and the University of Abuja. Their continued commitment to youth empowerment, innovation, and inclusive development played a vital role in delivering a memorable and impactful experience for participants.

Reflecting on the milestone, the Founder and Executive Director of Youth Employ and Development Initiative, Akin Akinbisola, expressed profound appreciation to the organization’s partners, volunteers, speakers, alumni, and participants whose dedication and support have shaped Youth Employ’s journey over the past decade.

He reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to building a future where every young person has access to opportunities, practical skills, meaningful employment, entrepreneurial support, and the networks needed to thrive. He emphasized that while the organization proudly celebrates ten years of impact, the milestone represents the beginning of an even greater vision to deepen its reach, strengthen strategic partnerships, expand innovative programmes, and extend its impact across Nigeria and the African continent.

As Youth Employ enters its second decade, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to empower young people, drive innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and create sustainable pathways to employment and inclusive development, ensuring that more young Africans are equipped with the skills, opportunities, and confidence to lead, create value, and shape the future.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) permission to dismantle an alleged methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State and destroy some chemicals recovered from the facility.

Justice Musa Kakaki, however, excluded some disputed chemicals from the destruction order following objections by the defendants.

The laboratory is located at Iloti Village in Abidagba forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. The ruling came two days after the judge and parties in the case visited the facility.

NDLEA had asked the court for permission to dismantle the laboratory and destroy hazardous chemicals and illicit substances allegedly recovered from the site and valued at about N480 billion.

NDLEA prosecutor Buhari Abdullahi said the application was necessary to protect public health, ensure safety and safeguard agency officials who had been stationed at the facility for more than two months.

He said the environment was so hazardous that visitors had to wear face masks and specialised protective equipment. Abdullahi also told the court that he suffered an allergic reaction during the inspection.

Defence counsel Benson Ndakara opposed the application, arguing that destroying the substances before they were tendered and admitted as evidence would deny the defendants an opportunity to conduct independent forensic examinations.

Ndakara said the defence had yet to cross-examine the prosecution’s principal witness on the substances. He also said the parties were shown only an empty container of hydrochloric acid during the inspection, while Toluene, Acetone and Methamphetamine listed in the NDLEA report were not presented.

The defence expressed concern that destroying the substances could make it impossible to challenge any materials subsequently presented by the prosecution.

Abdullahi responded that the disputed chemicals were at the laboratory but that some had been used or mixed, while other containers were located in parts of the forest that could not be reached during the inspection. He said the NDLEA was prepared to produce the chemicals if ordered by the court.

Justice Kakaki subsequently approved the dismantling of the laboratory but restrained the agency from destroying the contentious chemicals.

The case was adjourned until October 26, 27 and 28 for a ruling on the disputed substances and continuation of the trial.

The defendants are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, Jesus López Valles, Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, Nwobum Emeka and Anochili Innocent.

They are facing 11 counts of conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operating a drug-trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.

All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned on July 11 and were remanded in custody pending trial.

The Federal Government has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to prepare the 2026 Value Added Tax (VAT) Modification Order as part of efforts to implement Nigeria’s new tax laws.

The committee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, was inaugurated in Abuja by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele.

According to a statement by the ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Efe Ovuakporie, the committee will align the new VAT Order with the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, which replaced the previous VAT law.

Oyedele said the assignment would ‘provide greater certainty for businesses, investors and tax administrators,’ adding that it was vital to the successful implementation of the Tax Reform Acts, which took effect on 1 January 2026.

He stressed that the new document must go beyond updating the previous order.

‘This is not about reproducing an old document. It is about developing a VAT Modification Order that is clear, practical and responsive to the needs of a changing economy,’ Oyedele said.

The minister directed the committee to review VAT administration, engage key stakeholders and recommend updated lists of VAT-exempt and zero-rated supplies. It is expected to submit its report, including a draft Order and any proposed legislative amendments, within six weeks.

Urging members to deliver a practical framework, Oyedele said: ‘Nigerians cannot wait. Businesses need certainty. Investors need confidence. Government needs a VAT system that is easy to administer and supports growth. I urge you to approach this assignment with diligence, objectivity and a sense of urgency.’

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said African nations must take their rightful place in controlling the continent’s resources and global trade.

Shettima spoke on Friday in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, during a tour and assessment of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ).

He said Africa must maximise its vast natural endowments by developing industries capable of processing raw materials into higher-value products.

The vice president said Nigeria’s renewed industrialisation drive would leave no region behind, with the Federal Government working alongside subnational governments.

He expressed satisfaction with Benin’s efforts to achieve mass production and export of locally sourced resources.

Shettima regretted that Africa benefits from only about one per cent of the global cotton industry, valued at 370 billion dollars.

He said reviving Nigeria’s textile value chain could create millions of jobs, boost non-oil exports and stimulate economic activities nationwide.

The vice president expressed his satisfaction after inspecting cotton, textile, cashew and soya bean oil production facilities at the industrial zone.

‘We are here essentially at the behest of President Tinubu, in the spirit of his Renewed Hope Agenda, to see and peer-review global best practices,’ he said.

Shettima said the visit would help Nigeria learn from Benin’s experience in creating integrated value chains for cotton, cashew and soya bean.

‘We are setting up eight agro-industrial zones in eight states in our country,’ he said.

He added that the GDIZ represented, ‘an African success story where there is a whole chain of value addition in cotton, cashew and soya bean value chains.

‘Be rest assured that we have learnt a lot of lessons through this visit, and we are going to replicate a lot of that in Nigeria.’

He said the Federal Government remained focused on making Nigeria one of the world’s industrialised nations under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The vice president was briefed on GDIZ’s structure, production capacity and investment potential by Benin’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade.

The delegation inspected integrated textile and agro-processing facilities, where locally produced cotton is transformed into yarn, fabric and finished garments.

It also toured facilities processing cashew and other agricultural commodities for domestic consumption and export.

The visit formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to draw practical lessons from Benin’s success in linking agriculture with manufacturing.

It also focused on attracting private investment and transforming raw materials into higher-value finished products.

Shettima was accompanied by the governors of Kwara, Imo, Katsina, Plateau, Zamfara and Jigawa states.

The Federal Government has said it has no plans to increase electricity tariffs for consumers in any service band.

The Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure in the Office of the Vice President, Sadiq Wanka, made the clarification after some media reports suggested that electricity tariffs would soon be increased.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Wanka said there is no planned tariff increase for any electricity consumer connected to the national grid.

He added that the government remains committed to protecting low income and vulnerable households through continued electricity subsidies.

Wanka explained that his earlier comments were made during a presentation at the Asharami Square 3.0 event held in Lagos on July 22.

He said the discussion focused on investment opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector and the reforms introduced by the Federal Government to attract investors.

According to him, he only restated the government’s existing policy contained in the National Integrated Electricity Policy, which was completed in December 2024 and approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2025.

He explained that the policy supports a gradual move to cost reflective electricity tariffs. So far, this has only been implemented for Band A customers.

Wanka stressed that there are no plans to remove subsidies for consumers in other service bands. Instead, the government is looking at better ways to provide support while ensuring value for money.

He also highlighted the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF), introduced under the Electricity Act 2023.

The fund is designed to provide targeted subsidies directly to vulnerable electricity users through their electricity accounts or other verified identification methods. According to him, the system will improve transparency and encourage more investment in the power sector.

The presidential adviser also said the Tinubu administration values the role of journalists in helping Nigerians understand government policies.

He noted that initiatives such as the Asharami Square programme help improve journalists’ understanding of complex policy issues, making it easier to communicate them accurately to the public.

He added that the government looks forward to continued cooperation with the media in informing Nigerians about its policies.

Business executive Osborn Nweze Umahi has congratulated the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, on his birthday, commending his dedication to national development and family leadership.

In a goodwill message, Osborn described the Minister as ‘the best father ever.’

He noted that his guidance, discipline and unwavering commitment have remained a source of inspiration.

He further praised the Minister’s contributions to Nigeria’s road infrastructure while acknowledging the values of humility, resilience and service he has consistently demonstrated.

Osborn prayed for continued divine protection, good health and wisdom as his father continues to serve the country.

The birthday celebration attracted congratulatory messages from dignitaries, associates and members of the public.

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has indefinitely suspended two staff members of its Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering over their alleged extortion and breaches of the institution’s regulations.

The affected staff were Dr Collins Ojeh and Mr Emmanuel Eze.

Their suspension is contained in a separate letters addressed to them and signed by the Registrar of the university, Mr Ambrose Ugwu, on Saturday in Enugu.

The university said the action followed the report and recommendations of a committee established to investigate allegations against the two staff members.

According to the letter addressed to Ojeh, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the university management, approved his indefinite suspension without pay with effect from July 20, 2026.

The university said the decision was based on the committee’s findings regarding his alleged involvement in reported cases of extortion and breaches of the university’s regulations.

It said that Ojeh was directed to immediately hand over all university property in his possession to the Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Similarly, Eze was suspended with effect from July 20, 2026, pending further investigation by the university’s Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee.

The university said his suspension also followed the committee’s report and recommendations on his alleged involvement in the reported cases of extortion and regulatory breaches.

He was equally directed to hand over all university property in his possession to the Head of the Department.

In a related development, the university issued a warning to the Acting Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr Princewill Ene.

In a warning letter dated July 21, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, acting on the committee’s recommendations, directed that Ene be cautioned for poor monitoring of activities within and around the department during his tenure as Acting Head of Department.

The university warned that any further report against him on related matters would attract maximum sanctions in line with its existing regulations.