Category: PM News

A 35-year-old man, identified simply as Samuel, was on Thursday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly breaking into his former lover’s apartment and damaging property valued at N650,000.

Samuel, whose residential address was not provided, is facing three counts bordering on malicious damage, unlawful entry and conduct likely to cause inconvenience.

The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on July 16 at No. 1, Segun Durojaye Close, Pako Bus Stop, Ikotun, Lagos.

Ikhayere alleged that Samuel unlawfully entered the apartment of his former lover, Oluwatoyin Olamide, and damaged three doors and three keys valued at N650,000.

She said the defendant also conducted himself in a manner likely to cause inconvenience to the complainant.

According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences contravene Sections 157(e), 308(1) and 339 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Samuel pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate, Mr Lateef A. Owolabi, granted him bail in the sum of N400,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

Owolabi adjourned the case until August 25 for hearing.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday arraigned one Aminu Datti Ahmed before Justice M.S. Idris of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi, Abuja on a one-count charge, bordering on misappropriation of funds to the tune of N15 million.

EFCC, in the one count charge alleged that Datti converted 15 million mistakenly paid into his accout at Taj Bank for his personal use

The charge reads: ‘That you, Aminu Datti Ahmed and Blackrock Apartments and Suites Limited, sometime in 2025 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, dishonestly converted to your personal use the sum of N15, 000, 000.00 (Fifteen Million Naira, only), which was mistakenly credited to Taj Bank account, with account No. 0000251807 belonging to Aminu Datti Ahmed, CEO of Blackrock Apartments and Suites Limited which the said sum was meant to be credited to Braverock Investment Limited, as part of scheduled payments for a property being acquired through the said firm and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 308 of the Penal Code Law, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under Section 309 of the same Law.’

Datti, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, following which prosecuting counsel N.M. Tertsua asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a Correctional centre, while the defence counsel, Isyaku Musa, applied for his bail, which was not opposed to by the prosecution.

Justice Idris granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10 million with two sureties, one of whom must be a businessman with business certificate, who must swear to an affidavit on the bail bond.

The matter was adjourned till October 21, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Trouble has emerged in Peter Obi’s political camp ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a senior coalition official confirming a leadership crisis within the OK Movement.

Ladipo Johnson, spokesman for Rabiu Kwankwaso, admitted that the disagreement had become a distraction and revealed that Obi was unhappy about the development.

Johnson, however, insisted that the crisis would not derail preparations for the 2027 general election or weaken the movement promoting the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.

‘Yes, we have, well, may I call it a distraction at the moment,’ Johnson said during an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday.

He disclosed that the dispute arose from disagreements between some members of the OK Movement and its leadership.

Johnson warned that unilateral decisions by some members could create bad blood and undermine the support structure being built for Obi’s presidential ambition.

‘It is not such, in my own humble opinion, that would lead you to take unilateral actions that could possibly scuttle or bring bad blood within the support base of the person you purportedly want to become the president of the country,’ he said.

Johnson also confirmed that Obi had been briefed about the crisis and was displeased with the situation.

‘I saw the presidential candidate last night along with the DG. He’s not happy about the whole situation,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that the disagreement would be resolved before the official commencement of political campaigns.

‘Any minor issues will be sorted out. We’re still strong and we’re focused, especially on both the presidential and vice-presidential candidates,’ Johnson said.

He maintained that the movement remained united behind the Obi-Kwankwaso project despite the leadership dispute.

‘We’re still united in that purpose,’ he added.

Johnson said there was no evidence that external political forces were responsible for the crisis, although unresolved disagreements could expose the movement to interference by its opponents.

‘At the moment, I won’t say that I have seen an external influence per se,’ he said.

He urged the different support groups promoting the proposed ticket to work together and avoid actions capable of damaging the opposition coalition.

‘You can have as many support groups as possible. It’s all good so long as they’re all working in the same direction,’ Johnson stated.

The Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says in spite of certain policy uncertainties, 72 per cent of world trade still goes on under the Organisation.

Okonjo-Iweala said this in Abuja at the ongoing 7th Africa Emerging Markets Forum.

The forum was jointly organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Emerging Markets Forum (EMF) and the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA).

According to Okonjo-Iweala, in modern terms, world merchandise trade grew by 4.6 per cent as surging demand for AI-related goods offset weaknesses linked to tariff increases trade policy uncertainty.

‘Services trade grew by 5.3 per cent again in modern terms, and within that, trading digitally delivered services grew even faster, at almost six per cent. Most countries continue to trade on rules-based WTO terms. Around 72 per cent of global goods trade continues to flow on core WTO-most-favoured-nation tariffs. Additional 16 per cent goes on terms within the wider WTO framework, mostly tariff preferences arising from bilateral and regional trade agreements that are built on WTO foundations,’ she said.

She said that global goods trade volumes in 2025 were over 12 per cent higher than in 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic, while services trade volumes were 31 per cent higher.

According to her, countries are responding to the Strait of Hormuz crisis with more trade facilitating than trade-restrictive measures.

‘They are lifting trade restrictions, facilitating trade in oil and gas products, finding alternative routes to get oil and fertiliser out of the region. These measures have not been enough to compensate for the closure of the strait which has hit the world, and especially vulnerable African countries with higher energy, fertiliser and food prices. They have not built resilience and prevented a situation that could have been considerably worse for the global economy. On the whole, while active strategic competition is affecting some sensitive products and bilateral relationships, the repeal practise of most countries seems to be for continued interdependence, albeit within concentric circles of relatively closer or looser integration,’ she stated.

She said that the Global South offered a case in point, adding that the share of South-South trade in the global total had increased from under one-tenth in 1995 to about a quarter today.

‘They are keeping their trade diplomats busy. Of the 384 existing regional trade agreements that have been formally notified to the WTO, 49 per cent are among developing countries. Among the eight additional agreements that have not been notified, the South-South share appears to be even higher, and 22 economies still outside the 166 from the WTO are working hard to accede to it,’ she added.

The Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State on Thursday inducted 63 graduate nurses at a grand 5th Induction Ceremony of Registered Nurses on the institution’s campus.

An elated Vice Chancellor of the Redeemer’s University, Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, announced this during his presentation at the occasion, adding that 36 of the students graduated with First Class Division.

Prof. Akindele praised the graduates for their ‘commitment, discipline, and resilience’ which he noted has culminated in the enviable academic excellence in their chosen professional.

He congratulated the inductees for what he described as incredible accomplishment, urging them to be transformative agents leading change in contemporary healthcare.

According to him, the healthcare environment is changing rapidly and nurses need to be skilled, innovative, caring and visionary.

‘You are skilled professionals trained to bring positive change at the highest level of expertise to the delivery of healthcare. Be graduates who are professionally competent, honest and upright in all your actions with complete trust. I believe that you will continue to manifest these qualities in your practice of the profession in Nigeria and beyond,’ the VC admonished the new registered nurses.

He urged them to continue to prove competent ability, remain committed to excellence and be worthy ambassadors of the Redeemer’s University wherever they go.

The Chairperson of the Faculty Induction Committee and Head of Department, Nursing Science of the Redeemer’s University, Dr (Mrs.) D.F Onisile, in her remarks, said the university’s hallmark was excellence. She disclosed that two alumni of the institution were already employed as lecturers at the school. This, she said, was a proof that Redeemer’s University trains competent, teachable and professional hands.

She also congratulated the inductees and admonished them to carry the grace of excellence with dignity and commitment to service, adding that graduation was not the end but the beginning of greater responsibility.

‘Healthcare is changing rapidly, technology is advancing, systems are becoming more complex. This environment you are emerging from must lead change. Lead with competence, lead with courage, lead with compassion, and lead with integrity. Leadership begins with excellence in everything you do,’ Onisile told the inductees.

She added that if medicine, diagnosis and technology changed, the inducted nurses should remain teachable, humble and compassionate, asking them to ‘remember that caring is a moral imperative. As a graduate of Redeemer’s University, carry excellence, character and service with you wherever you go.’

The Induction Keynote Speaker and Professor of Nursing Science, Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Prof. Emmanuel Ejembi Anyebe, who explained the dynamics of the modern healthcare environment, congratulated the inductees and advised them to be prepared for the challenges of contemporary nursing practices.

Dignitaries at the event included the Medical Director, Osun State Teaching Hospital; Chairman, NANNM- National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Registrar and Secretary General of the Nursing and Midwives Council of Nigeria, and Director of Nursing Services at the Ministry of Health.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned four suspects before Justice F. N. Ogazi of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, for allegedly helping to launder a total sum of $5,296,691.

Dele Oyewale EFCC Head of Media and Publicity said in a statement on Thursday that the defendants identified as Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel, Abdullah Oriyomi, Garuba Fathiat Funmilayo and Gbenro Victor Ademola were arraigned separately on a two-count charge each bordering on money laundering, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Count One against Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel reads: ‘That you, BAMIDELE AYODELE EMMANUEL, between 1 and 31st January, 2025, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly retained the sum of $826,691 (Eight Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety-One United States Dollars) in your account, No. 0126008755 domiciled in Wema Bank, which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.’

They all pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Following their guilty pleas, prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, reviewed the facts of the cases before the court. She informed the court that investigations revealed that the defendants admitted surrendering their personal information to one Afeez Animashaun, who approached them at Mushin Market, Lagos, where they conducted their respective businesses.

Buhari further disclosed that investigations established that the defendants’ identities were used to incorporate these companies; College Compass Eduguide Nigeria Limited, Hortifresh Solutions Nigeria Limited, Eduboost Innovation Nigeria Limited, Fixit Hardware and Tools Nigeria Limited, and also open corporate bank accounts through which millions of dollars were received within January 2025.

According to the prosecution, the defendants’ actions provided anonymity for the actual operators of the company and facilitated the movement of suspicious funds through the Nigerian financial system.

She thereafter urged the court to convict the defendants as charged and impose appropriate sentences.

Justice Ogazi remanded the defendants in a Correctional facility and adjourned the matter till Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for judgment.

The Nigerian Army has unveiled a new command structure following the creation of additional divisions approved by President Bola Tinubu, a move aimed at strengthening military operations and improving security coverage nationwide.

The expansion is expected to improve command and control, speed up troop deployment and enhance the Army’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges.

As part of the restructuring, Maj Gen Yakubu Yahaya has been appointed General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the newly created 9 Division in Ilorin, where he will also serve as Commander of Operation Savannah Shield.

Maj Gen Chinedu Ralph Nnebeife will head the 10 Division in Jalingo, while Maj Gen Moses Gara assumes responsibility for the 5 Division in Makurdi alongside his appointment as Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke. Maj Gen Auwalu Mahmuda has also been redeployed to lead the 2 Division in Ibadan.

The Army has equally established three new brigades to support the fresh formations. Brig Gen A.O. Odubiyi will command the 11 Brigade in Gboko, Brig Gen A.M. Haruna takes charge of the 29 Brigade in Kainji, while Brig Gen R.M. Aminu will lead the 10 Brigade in Lafia.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col Appolonia Anele, the Army said the new divisions would begin operations once they attain their Initial Operational Capability.

‘The newly established divisions will immediately commence operations in the respective locations on attainment of Initial Operational Capability (IOC), while deliberate measures are being implemented to progressively attain Full Operational Capability.’

Congratulating the newly appointed commanders, Shaibu urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them.

‘Provide visionary leadership, sustain operational momentum and uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and mission effectiveness in the discharge of their responsibilities.’

The Army chief reiterated the service’s commitment to national security.

‘Safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria, protecting the lives and property of all law-abiding citizens and supporting the attainment of enduring national peace and security.’

Shaibu also thanked President Tinubu for approving the expansion, describing it as a major step in the Army’s ongoing transformation.

He said the establishment of the additional divisions represented ‘a historic milestone in the transformation of the Nigerian Army’, adding that it demonstrated the Federal Government’s resolve to reinforce the country’s defence architecture.

According to him, the enlarged force structure will ‘significantly enhance command and control, improve operational coordination, strengthen border security, facilitate faster deployment of troops and resources and increase the Nigerian Army’s capacity to respond decisively to emerging and evolving security threats across the country.’

He expressed optimism that the new formations would deepen collaboration with other security agencies, promote national stability and support efforts to restore lasting peace across Nigeria.

Under the revised structure, the 5 Division in Makurdi will oversee military operations in Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi states, while the 9 Division in Ilorin will cover Kwara and Niger states. The 10 Division in Jalingo will be responsible for Taraba and Adamawa states.

The Army also announced that the 83 Division, headquartered in Benin City, will become operational later this year with responsibility for Edo, Delta and Bayelsa states.

Existing divisions have also been assigned new operational jurisdictions. The 1 Division, Kaduna, will oversee Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, while the 2 Division, Ibadan, will cover Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo. The 3 Division, Jos, will supervise Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe.

Similarly, the 6 Division, Port Harcourt, will oversee Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River, while the 7 Division, Maiduguri, retains responsibility for Borno and Yobe. The 8 Division, Sokoto, will cover Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, the 81 Division, Lagos, will oversee Lagos and Ogun, and the 82 Division, Enugu, will continue to supervise Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo states.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man suspected of involvement in armed robbery during a routine patrol in the Igando area, recovering a locally made firearm and charms believed to be linked to criminal activity.

The command’s spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to her, officers on patrol became suspicious after spotting three men riding on a motorcycle in a manner that raised concern.

On noticing the approaching patrol team, the trio reportedly attempted to escape. While two of the suspects managed to flee, one was captured by the officers, leaving behind the motorcycle used in the failed getaway.

A search conducted after the arrest led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol as well as assorted charms.

Adebisi said the arrested suspect remains in police custody, while efforts are being intensified to track down and arrest the two fleeing accomplices.

She added that detectives have commenced investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case and the suspect’s alleged criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, praised the officers involved in the operation for what he described as their alertness and professionalism.

He reiterated the command’s resolve to combat violent crime across the state and appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the police with useful intelligence.

Tijani urged residents to ‘continue provide timely and credible information to assist the police in preventing crime and apprehending criminal elements.’

He also encouraged the public to promptly report suspicious movements or activities through the command’s emergency lines to ensure swift police intervention.

The emergency numbers are: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, 08080193432 (Marine), and 09168630929.

Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji, a distinguished elder statesman and Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, has passed away. His death was announced officially by his family on Thursday.

The former minister served as the Minister of Finance from 1990 to 1991 under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

He was also the Minister of State for Budget and Planning in 1988, and later served as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The late elder statesman was known for being a thoroughbred administrator. His career spanned several high-profile positions across the public civil service.

The Nigeria Customs Service has begun enforcing the Federal Government’s 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments following approval by President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s trade and revenue framework.

Announcing the development in Abuja on Wednesday, the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the revised measures are intended to improve the country’s economic competitiveness, strengthen revenue generation and bring Nigeria’s tariff structure in line with regional and international commitments.

He explained that the policy changes would also enhance the administration of fiscal regulations while encouraging lawful trade across the country.

The implementation follows recent remarks by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, during the defence of the Service’s 2026 budget proposal before the National Assembly. Adeniyi had stated that the updated import duty structure formed part of the Federal Government’s wider fiscal agenda for 2026 and would help stimulate economic growth.

Maiwada said the latest amendments were designed to encourage local industrial expansion, simplify legitimate trade activities and improve the management of customs and fiscal policies.

‘The approved amendments include the Revised Import Adjustment Tax List for the implementation of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (2022-2027),’ he said.

He disclosed that the package also comprises the Revised National List under the ECOWAS Common External Tariff framework, the Revised Import Prohibition List (Trade), the Revised List of Goods Liable to Excise Duty, the Green Tax Surcharge on vehicles above 2000cc and the Revised Export Prohibition List.

The Customs spokesman urged importers, exporters, manufacturers, licensed customs agents and other stakeholders to study the revised schedules carefully and comply fully with all applicable fiscal and regulatory requirements.

‘To facilitate seamless implementation and promote transparency, the service has made the complete 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures and Tariff Amendments available for download,’ he said.

According to him, the documents can be obtained from the Nigeria Customs Service’s official website, where stakeholders are encouraged to acquaint themselves with the new provisions to ensure smooth compliance.

Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Maiwada said:

‘The service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate of trade facilitation, revenue collection and border security.’

He added that effective implementation of the reforms would depend on active collaboration between the Service and stakeholders, describing such cooperation as essential to building a more competitive, transparent and sustainable economy.