Category: PM News

A 23-year-old man, Olasunkanmi Shorunke, was on Wednesday docked in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly threatening to post nude video of his former girlfriend.

Shorunke, whose residential address was not provided, is charged with unlawful recording of intimate content and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The Prosecution Counsel, SP Josephine Ikhayere told the court that the defendant committed the offence in December 2025 at No. 8 Rev. Kwakpovwe St. Agboyi Estate, Alapere, Lagos.

She alleged that during a video call, the defendant secretly recorded a nude video of his former girlfriend, Faith Braimoh, 26, and later threatened to publish it on social media.

According to the prosecution, the offence contravenes the provisions of Section 259(b) and Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Lateef A. Owolabi admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Owolabi adjourned the case until Sept. 15 for hearing.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that every vote will count in the 2027 general elections, saying the commission is committed to consolidating the nation’s democratic governance.

INEC Deputy Director of Voter Education and Planning, Mrs Magdalene Aku, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja during a democracy roundtable organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

Aku, who spoke on the theme: ‘Making Nigeria’s Vote Count in 2027: The Role of INEC,’ said that making Nigerians’ votes count was not just a slogan, but a commitment to ensure the electorate’s choices reflected in election outcomes.

She described voters as the ‘ultimate kingmakers’ in a constitutional democracy, adding that that the commission’s primary mandate centred on protecting the will of the electorate rather than monitoring political outcomes.

‘For INEC, making your vote count is not just a slogan; it is the bedrock of our democracy, and we always try to ensure that we put in the right processes, the right tools to ensure that every individual’s vote counts.

‘Our focus is on the Nigerian voters. We do not care about the person who wins or loses the election; it is on the Nigerian voter, and that’s why we’re always placing premium on the voter to recognise the fact that you are the kingmaker,’ Aku said.

She highlighted the commission’s progressive adoption of technology to eliminate electoral frauds, citing the transition from Smart Card Readers to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the real-time upload of results via the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal among efforts of the commission.

According to her, transparency was guaranteed right from the grassroots level, as polling unit results recorded on Form EC8A popularly referred to as the people’s result being posted on walls at polling stations for public view before electronic transmission.

The National Secretary of Project 774 Network, Retired DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel, speaks to MADUABUCHI NMERIBEH, on why the organization is organising a national summit on countering terrorism and other forms of insecurity in Nigeria, scheduled to hold on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with the theme: ‘Our Security, Our Duty: Citizens Standing With Our Troops To End Terrorism, Banditry And Kidnapping.’ Excerpts:

Q: Why is Project 774 Network convening a National Citizens’ Stakeholders’ Engagement on countering terrorism and insecurity at this time?

A: Thank you very much. This engagement is necessary because, despite the tremendous sacrifices and achievements of our Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies, and other security institutions, insecurity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest national challenges. We believe the time has come to broaden the conversation beyond government alone and actively involve citizens, communities, traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society, and development partners. Security is everyone’s responsibility.

Your recent article argues that Nigeria’s insecurity will be defeated in the 774 Local Government Areas rather than in Abuja alone. What exactly do you mean?

The point is quite straightforward. Abuja provides national leadership, policy direction, and coordination, but criminal activities occur within our communities. Terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements recruit, hide, move, and operate within towns, villages, forests, border communities, and highways across the 774 Local Government Areas. If we truly want sustainable security, every Local Government Area must become an active security ecosystem where citizens, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youth, and community organisations work together to identify threats early and prevent crime before it escalates.

Does this mean the current security architecture is inadequate?

I would rather say that our security architecture must continue to evolve. Today’s security threats are increasingly local, dynamic, and intelligence driven. While our national security institutions remain indispensable, they need stronger community support and locally generated intelligence. National coordination must be complemented by community ownership of security.

What practical measures should government prioritise?

First, every Local Government Area should develop a comprehensive security profile identifying its peculiar threats, vulnerable communities, criminal routes, illegal arms circulation, drug distribution networks, and emerging risks. Second, functional Local Government Security Councils should be established to bring together security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youth groups, farmers, herders, transport unions, and other credible stakeholders. Third, Police Divisions must be strengthened with adequate personnel, logistics, mobility, communication equipment, and operational resources so they can respond effectively to emergencies.

You have consistently advocated decentralised policing. How does that fit into this conversation?

Nigeria’s size, diversity, and security realities require policing arrangements that are both nationally coordinated and locally responsive. A carefully regulated system in which Federal and State policing institutions operate under constitutional safeguards can improve operational effectiveness while maintaining professionalism, accountability, respect for human rights, and protection against political interference. The objective is to strengthen national security, not weaken it.

What role should communities themselves play?

Communities are the first line of defence. Neighbourhood watch groups, vigilante organisations, community development associations, and other local initiatives should operate within a clear legal and regulatory framework, with proper registration, training, vetting, and supervision. When communities trust security agencies and security agencies trust communities, intelligence improves significantly, and criminals find it much harder to operate.

Beyond security operations, what other factors must be addressed?

Security cannot be separated from development. Youth unemployment, drug abuse, poor educational opportunities, unresolved communal disputes, poverty, and inadequate public services create conditions that criminals exploit. We must therefore combine effective law enforcement with economic opportunities, education, infrastructure, and social development.

What should Nigerians expect from the National Citizens’ Stakeholders’ Engagement?

They should expect practical solutions, constructive dialogue, and actionable recommendations. The engagement will bring together government officials, security agencies, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, academia, the organised private sector, youth and women groups, and development partners to strengthen collaboration in addressing insecurity. Our goal is to produce an Abuja Citizens’ Declaration and a Conference Communiqué containing practical recommendations for improving national security through stronger citizen participation and institutional collaboration.

What message would you like to leave with Nigerians?

My message is simple: security is not the responsibility of government alone. Every citizen has a role to play. If we secure our communities, we secure our Local Government Areas. If we secure all 774 Local Government Areas, we secure Nigeria. The road to a safer Nigeria does not begin or end in Abuja. It begins in every ward, every village, every town, and every community. That is where trust is built, intelligence is generated, criminality is prevented, and lasting peace is sustained. Together, through responsible citizenship and collective action, we can build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.

What is the philosophy, mission and vision of Project 774 Network?

The Project is designed and fashioned towards supporting Nigerian troops, strengthening national unity, as well as advancing peace and development across the country.

The Project 774 Network was established on the conviction that the future of Nigeria depends not only on the quality of its leadership, but equally on the character, responsibility, and active participation of its citizens. We believe that the greatness of a nation is measured not only by the strength of its institutions, the size of its economy, or the authority of its government, but also by the integrity, discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility of its people. For this reason, Project 774 Network is built upon a philosophy of shared national responsibility-a philosophy that calls upon government to lead with accountability and citizens to serve with responsibility.

We reject the false belief that nation-building is the exclusive duty of government. Likewise, we reject the notion that citizens should remain passive observers of national affairs. Every Nigerian has a role to play in building a peaceful, secure, united, and prosperous nation. This philosophy guides every programme, partnership, publication, and initiative undertaken by Project 774 Network. Moreso, we affirm that leadership and citizenship are complementary responsibilities; rights and responsibilities are inseparable in a democratic society; national development is sustained by institutions that are strengthened through ethical leadership and responsible citizenship; peace is preserved through justice, dialogue, mutual respect, and community participation; security is most effective when citizens and institutions work together in trust; every Local Government Area is a strategic building block of national development; national unity grows when diversity is respected and the common good is placed above sectional interests; lasting progress is achieved through integrity, service, discipline, innovation, and collective action. Furthermore, the Project 774 Network believes that government must govern with integrity, transparency, accountability, and fairness; citizens must conduct themselves with honesty, discipline, respect for the law, and commitment to the common good; families must nurture character; schools must cultivate knowledge and civic values; religious and traditional institutions must promote morality, peace, and social harmony; businesses must operate responsibly and create opportunities; civil society must encourage participation and accountability; young people must become innovators, volunteers, and future leaders rather than spectators of national development. Indeed, a nation prospers when each institution fulfils its responsibility faithfully. Project 774 Network teaches that every Nigerian has a sphere of influence-however small-that can become a centre of national transformation. True nation-building begins when each person commits to excellence, honesty, and service to the country and humanity. Before we seek national transformation, we must begin with personal transformation. The future of Nigeria will not be determined solely by those who occupy public office. It will also be shaped by teachers who inspire, parents who guide, entrepreneurs who create opportunities, workers who perform their duties faithfully, community leaders who unite rather than divide, and citizens who choose honesty over convenience. Every Nigerian has the capacity to influence the nation’s future through everyday acts of responsibility and service. Project 774 Network is a non-partisan national civic movement founded on the enduring conviction that the future of Nigeria depends not only on the quality of its leadership but equally on the character, responsibility, and active participation of its citizens. We believe that the true greatness of a nation is measured not merely by the strength of its institutions, the size of its economy, or the authority of its government, but by the integrity, discipline, patriotism, compassion, and civic responsibility of its people.

Accordingly, Project 774 Network is founded upon the philosophy of Shared National Responsibility-a philosophy that calls upon government to govern with accountability and citizens to serve with responsibility. We reject the false assumption that nation-building is the exclusive responsibility of government. Equally, we reject the notion that citizens should remain passive observers of national affairs. Every Nigerian has both the privilege and the duty to contribute to the peace, security, unity, and prosperity of our nation. National transformation begins when every citizen chooses integrity, competence, discipline, and service within that personal sphere. Extraordinary nations are built through millions of ordinary acts of responsibility faithfully performed every day.

Our mission is to cultivate a civic culture in which government governs with integrity, institutions serve with excellence, communities thrive through cooperation, and citizens embrace their shared responsibility for building a peaceful, secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.

Governor Peter Mbah has directed suspension of the traditional ruler of Obeagu Ugwuaji Autonomous Community in Enugu South Council Area of the state, Igwe Christopher Nyia, over alleged crisis in the community.

‘The suspension letter was handed over to the royal father on July 28 by the commissioner following directive from Gov. Peter Mbah,’ Enugu State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Charles Egumgbe, announced in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement was issued by the ministry’s Public Relation Officer, Mr Emeka Nebeife.

The ministry had on July 15 suspended three traditional rulers and four President-Generals from some communities in Ezeagu Council Area of the state for misconduct bordering on security infractions.

‘The suspension of Nyia is in the interest of peace, order and good governance for Obeagu Ugwuaji community.

‘The community is engulfed in crisis due to allegation of gross misconduct levelled against the traditional ruler by members.

The government, he said, has constituted an administrative panel of inquiry to find out the remote causes of the crisis that led to the breakdown of law and order in the community.

‘The panel of inquiry is expected to ascertain the role played by the traditional ruler in connection with the breakdown of law and order.

‘The panel will also identify characters involved in the crisis that led to the breakdown of law and order and to ascertain the role of traditional ruler and any other person’s involved in the breakdown of law and order in the community,’ he said.

The government gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment. (NAN)

The Osun State Police Command has arrested the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, and five other people over alleged vote buying in Osogbo.

The arrest was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan.

According to the police, officers acted on credible intelligence about a group allegedly operating around the Oroki Estate area of Osogbo.

The statement said the operation focused on a house linked to the SSG while officers searched for a wanted suspect, Abiodun Arowomole, also known as ‘Ashipa’, who is on the police watch list over alleged crimes, including murder.

During the operation, officers recovered N4,810,500 in cash, a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

Police said all the recovered items have been taken for forensic examination and further investigation.

The command confirmed the arrest of Teslim Igbalaye, 57, alongside Akande Taiwo, 60, Oladele Abiodun, 38, Adeyemo Lukman, 45, Olaoye Muftau, 50, and Aderemi Musliu, 40. They were found at the property during the operation and are now in police custody.

Police said the recovery of the cash and voter register has raised concerns about possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

Investigators are looking into possible violations of the Electoral Act 2022, including alleged voter bribery through the distribution of money or other inducements to influence voters.

The police are also investigating possible criminal conspiracy and whether anyone at the property helped to hide a wanted suspect.

The command said more charges could be added depending on the outcome of the investigation and forensic analysis.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan described the allegations as serious, saying they could affect public security, the justice system and the credibility of the democratic process.

The Police recover ?4.8m, arrest Osun SSG in alleged electoral fraud probe assured residents that the investigation would continue to identify everyone connected to the recovered items, trace the source and intended use of the money, and determine the full extent of any criminal activity.e

Gotan also stressed that no one is above the law, regardless of their position or political affiliation, adding that anyone found guilty after the investigation will be prosecuted according to the law.

The Plateau State Police Command has arrested three persons in connection with the alleged mob killing of a 25-year-old man in Jos, warning residents against taking the law into their own hands.

The victim, identified as Ibrahim Mbaya from the Rayfield area of Jos South Local Government Area, reportedly died after he was attacked by a group of youths over allegations that he had stolen an iPhone 12.

The command’s spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Jos.

According to Alabo, officers at the Lamingo Police Division swung into action after receiving information from a concerned resident that the victim had been taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital on Sunday.

When detectives arrived at the hospital, medical personnel confirmed that Mbaya had already died before reaching the facility.

Police investigations led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji.

Alabo said evidence gathered during the investigation included a viral video that allegedly showed Newyear striking the victim repeatedly with a large wooden plank. Investigators also recovered photographs that reportedly placed him at the scene of the attack.

‘The suspects admitted attacking the deceased instead of reporting the alleged theft to law enforcement authorities,’ Alabo said.

The police spokesman said the three suspects had been moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Jos, while efforts were ongoing to track down other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.

He added that the suspects would be arraigned after the investigation was completed.

Alabo strongly criticised the resort to mob action, stressing that members of the public had no legal right to assault or kill anyone merely on suspicion of committing an offence.

He also appealed to residents to report suspected criminal activities to the appropriate security agencies and allow due process to take its course.

A major kidnap operation by armed bandits was foiled in Sokoto State on Tuesday as security operatives rescued 32 abducted victims after a fierce gun battle in Rabah Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out by the Sokoto State Police Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, also led to the recovery of rustled livestock abandoned by the fleeing criminals.

The police, however, confirmed that four residents were killed by the bandits before security forces arrived at the scene.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the incident occurred at Maikujera Village, a remote community bordering Zamfara State.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Rabah reportedly received a distress call around 8:30 a.m. that a large group of heavily armed bandits had invaded the village, abducted several residents and rustled livestock while shooting sporadically at villagers.

Acting swiftly, the DPO mobilised tactical units, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Violent Crime Reaction Unit (VCRU), and coordinated with troops of the nearby Army Forward Operating Base to block all escape routes.

Security operatives engaged the bandits in a prolonged gun duel, forcing the attackers to abandon their captives and flee into the forest under sustained pressure from the combined security team.

Following the exchange of fire, security personnel combed the surrounding bush and successfully rescued all 32 kidnapped victims.

The rescued victims comprised six adult males and 26 females, most of whom are children.

Police said all the victims were rescued unharmed and have been taken to a secure location, where they are receiving medical attention and psychological support before being reunited with their families.

Despite the successful rescue operation, the command disclosed that four persons lost their lives during the initial attack by the bandits before the arrival of security personnel.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, expressed sympathy to the bereaved families and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing bandits.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The police urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest security agency to strengthen ongoing efforts to improve security in the state.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the Court of Appeal’s decision to cancel the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the Atiku Media Office, the former presidential candidate praised the Appeal Court justices for upholding the Constitution and protecting democracy.

According to Atiku, the judgment shows that the judiciary remains the last hope of ordinary Nigerians and a strong defender of constitutional democracy.

He said the Appeal Court correctly ruled that the June 15 judgment by the Federal High Court was invalid because it was delivered despite an existing Appeal Court order. The court also ruled that those who filed the case had no legal right to do so because their claims were based on speculation.

The Appeal Court further explained that Section 225A of the Constitution should be interpreted separately and not together. It also held that the case was filed too early because the Osun and Ekiti election processes were still ongoing.

Atiku noted that the court also found that the Federal High Court ignored evidence from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which confirmed that the ADC and the other affected political parties had met all legal and constitutional requirements.

He said once the lower court accepted INEC’s evidence, it had no legal basis to create additional conditions before reaching its decision.

The former vice president added that, with the Appeal Court’s ruling confirming the ADC’s legal status and another Federal High Court judgment recognising the Senator David Mark-led executive, the party is now free to participate in the 2027 general election without any pending legal challenge to its leadership.

Atiku described the ruling as more than just a victory for the ADC, saying it was also a victory for democracy and for Nigerians who believe political competition should be decided through elections, not court cases.

He warned against using the judiciary or government institutions to weaken political opponents, stressing that elections should be decided by voters rather than lawsuits.

The Atiku Media Office thanked the Appeal Court justices for what it described as a fair and courageous judgment, saying the decision has strengthened public confidence in the rule of law and the country’s democratic system.

The statement concluded by expressing confidence that truth, justice and the will of the Nigerian people would continue to prevail.

That is precisely what happened after Tunguu MP Simai Mohammed Said (CCM) referred to an unnamed “Judas” during a parliamentary debate. Although he stopped short of identifying the individual, the remarks quickly became one of Tanzania’s most discussed political moments, generating competing interpretations across political circles and social media.

In his address, Simai spoke of a senior government leader who, according to him, had betrayed former political allies, presided over actions that harmed politicians, public officials and businesspeople, and was now seeking to rebuild his public image through charitable and religious activities. By withholding a name, he left his audience to draw its own conclusions.

Almost immediately, speculation centred on Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi. The interpretation was driven largely by political commentary and social media discussion rather than by any direct statement from Simai himself. Others rejected the link, arguing that without an explicit identification, attributing the remarks to any individual remains speculative.

The episode demonstrates a familiar feature of political communication: strategic ambiguity. Politicians often employ language that conveys a strong message without making direct accusations, allowing different audiences to interpret the remarks through their own political perspectives.

Much of the speculation surrounding Simai’s speech has been shaped by political history. Both Simai and Dr Nchimbi were once associated with former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa’s political camp during CCM’s 2015 presidential nomination race. After Lowassa’s departure from CCM later that year, political alliances evolved. Some of his former allies remained within the ruling party, others crossed to the opposition, while several went on to occupy senior government positions.

That shared political background has encouraged some observers to view Simai’s remarks through the prism of past alliances and perceived betrayals. However, political history alone does not establish the identity of the person Simai intended to describe. Without a name, such interpretations remain matters of political analysis rather than verifiable fact.

Nor is this the first time Simai has attracted attention through carefully worded political messaging. In May this year, he told Parliament that there were individuals positioning themselves for the 2030 presidency and warned that anyone undermining CCM Chairperson and President Samia Suluhu Hassan would not succeed. Once again, he did not identify anyone, yet the remarks generated widespread political interpretation.

The consistency suggests a communication style that relies on implication rather than direct confrontation. Such an approach allows a political message to travel widely while leaving its intended target open to debate.

Opposition politicians have also sought to interpret the controversy within the broader context of succession politics, with some arguing that it reflects differing views inside CCM over the party’s future leadership beyond the 2030 General Election. However, no major opposition party has issued a formal collective position on Simai’s remarks.

Ultimately, the significance of the “Judas” comments lies less in determining who was being referred to than in understanding why the speech resonated so strongly. The episode illustrates how political symbolism, historical alliances and public perception can amplify a message even when its subject remains unnamed.

As with many moments in politics, the distinction between fact and interpretation remains critical. What is established is that Simai invoked the biblical figure of Judas as a political metaphor. Who, if anyone, he intended to describe has not been confirmed, leaving the debate firmly in the realm of political interpretation rather than established fact.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down three factories in Ogun State for allegedly manufacturing alcoholic drinks in sachets and PET bottles below 200ml, despite a Federal Government prohibition on such products.

The enforcement exercise, carried out in the Sango-Ota and Idi-Iroko areas, targeted Intercontinental Distilleries Ltd., Shashi Distillery Ltd. and an undisclosed facility linked to Nigeria Distillery Ltd.

Speaking with journalists on Monday, Assistant Director in NAFDAC’s Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, Mr Kunle Ojo, said the operation formed part of the second phase of the agency’s nationwide crackdown on the continued production of alcoholic beverages in banned packaging.

According to him, officials initially inspected Nigeria Distillery Ltd. on Idi-Iroko Road but found no evidence of illegal production. However, fresh intelligence received on July 24 led operatives to another factory allegedly operated by the company.

Ojo said inspectors found prohibited packaging materials, including sachet nylon and containers designed for alcoholic drinks below the approved 200ml limit.

‘We discovered uncountable 100ml alcoholic bottles, packaging materials for sachets and already producing sachet alcohol still on production machines at the facility.

‘We also noticed today that after sealing the factory some of the items we found on Friday are missing, this is a serious violation and it will be dealt with administratively.’

He explained that NAFDAC had earlier visited Intercontinental Distilleries and Shashi Distillery in January, where 22 machines used to produce sachet alcoholic drinks were stopped and banned packaging materials were removed.

During a follow-up inspection on July 24, officials again found packaging materials for alcoholic beverages below 200ml, prompting the agency to seal the affected premises.

‘When we came in last week, we discovered old packaging materials and those machines we placed on hold were producing the banned products again.

‘This is exactly why we decided to close down the entire factory because what NAFDAC said they should not produce, they are secretly producing.’

NAFDAC began enforcing the Federal Government’s ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic drinks packaged in PET bottles below 200ml in January.

Ojo said the agency would sustain its enforcement campaign to rid the market of prohibited alcoholic products and protect public health.

He also urged members of the public to alert the nearest NAFDAC office whenever they notice suspected production or distribution of banned alcoholic beverages.