Category: PM News

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has accepted his appointment as Chairman of the National Campaign Council for the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election.

The announcement followed the inauguration of the council by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, in a statement released on Wednesday.

Sani said the campaign council would collaborate with party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across Ekiti State to mobilise backing for the re-election of Governor Biodun Oyebanji. He expressed confidence in the party’s prospects, citing Oyebanji’s performance in office and the support he enjoys among APC stakeholders.

‘Our shared goal is to orchestrate a successful campaign that culminates in a resounding victory for Governor Biodun Oyebanji,’ Sani said.

He noted that the party has already established structures across the 16 local government areas and 177 wards in Ekiti State, with active involvement from youths, women, and other key stakeholders playing a critical role in the campaign.

‘We have laid a robust foundation, with strong grassroots structures across all 16 Local Government Areas and 177 wards,’ the governor added.

Sani also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support for the growth of the APC.

‘I extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to national development,’ he said.

He further thanked the APC leadership for entrusting him with the role and pledged to work closely with members of the campaign council to ensure victory for the party in the Ekiti governorship election.

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, on Thursday intensified advocacy against substance abuse, urging young people to take the lead in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The call was made during a sensitisation walk organised at Caleb University, Imota, to commemorate the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event, themed ‘The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,’ drew participation from students and staff of the university, officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), government functionaries and other stakeholders.

Among those present were the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule-Akibu; Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Abiodun Orekoya; permanent secretaries and NDLEA officers.

Addressing participants, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said the theme underscores the need for collective, innovative and evidence-based responses to evolving patterns of drug abuse.

She described substance abuse as a major threat to young people and society, warning that it undermines mental and physical health, academic achievement, productivity and social relationships.

According to her, tackling the menace requires a shift from stigmatisation to rehabilitation and support for affected individuals.

‘Addiction cuts across age, gender, and social status, yet victims are often stigmatized instead of supported. We must embrace compassion, encourage rehabilitation, and create opportunities for recovery,’ she said.

The First Lady reaffirmed her office’s commitment to combating drug abuse through partnerships with the NDLEA, relevant ministries, non-governmental organisations, community leaders, market associations and local government authorities.

She noted that her office has sustained awareness campaigns through various initiatives, including the Lagos Boy Child Initiative, aimed at guiding young people towards responsible choices.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Caleb University is the third tertiary institution, after Lagos State University (LASU) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), to benefit from the anti-drug advocacy campaign.

Encouraging students to become champions of the campaign, she warned that substance abuse poses a serious threat to their future aspirations.

‘To students, your choices today shape your tomorrow. Drug abuse may bring temporary excitement but destroys dreams, health, education, and career. I urge you to become campaign ambassadors, discourage substance abuse and support those struggling,’ she said.

In her remarks, Mrs. Hamzat cautioned students against experimenting with drugs, stressing that substance abuse could derail their ambitions and deny them opportunities for personal growth and success.

She urged them to embrace positive values and contribute to building a safer society.

‘Let us break the cycle of drug abuse and build a safer society for all,’ she said.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Caleb University, Prof. Olalekan Asikhia, expressed concern that despite decades of public awareness campaigns and policy interventions, substance abuse remains a growing challenge.

He said the institution remains committed to promoting a drug-free campus environment, supporting mental wellness and equipping students with the knowledge and resilience needed to resist illicit substances.

The Deputy Commander of Drug Demand Reduction at the NDLEA Lagos Command, Ogunluyi Titilope, called on students to actively support government efforts by creating awareness, reporting drug dealers and serving as positive role models within their communities.

Delivering a lecture at the event, Executive Director of Compassionate Care Recovery, Dr. Dokun Adedeji, revealed that an estimated 14 to 15 million Nigerians use drugs, with the highest prevalence occurring among individuals aged between 25 and 39 years.

He noted that Lagos records the highest rate of drug use in the country at 33 per cent.

Adedeji identified stigma, discrimination and inadequate emotional and psychological support as major barriers to recovery for individuals battling addiction.

He advocated stronger family and community support systems, as well as purposeful living, as critical components of successful rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

Media personality and self-acclaimed relationship expert Blessing Okoro, popularly known as Blessing CEO, has spoken up amid her ongoing troubles with the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

While speaking via her Instagram page, Blessing confirmed that she is facing three separate cases with the EFCC: a N36 million tenancy dispute she says is already settled, a N69 million tenancy dispute, and a third case involving N13 million from a cancer fundraising controversy.

She also revealed that she pleaded not guilty to the charges and is now in custody pending bail perfection, adding that she is in high spirits despite the legal cases.

‘3 charges with EFCC. 1st 36 million naira wey I don pay finish ooo. Tenancy dispute. 2nd 69 million naira , Tenancy dispute. I did not sell anybody house i rented to you. Will gist you all after the case is over . But I am in high spirit. 3rd cancer drama, 13 million donated and the gal wey say I doctor her result . Pleaded not guilty to all of the charges after spending 26 days in Efcc custody . I have now been remanded In kiriri correctional center make I go rest, pending on when perfect my bail. 2nd time going to prison, fiist time was 2022 , alleged defamation and cyber bullying. So second time In kiriri correctional center na him be say I go gats to contest for president,’ she stated.

Blessing also asked her fans and colleagues to keep her in their prayers, noting that the case will be her biggest breakthrough

‘It will end in praise, remember say if God one use you, he needs to put you through fire like yakubu so I go mange because this story is my biggest breakthrough. Watch God turn this into a big stepping stone. And thank you to EFCC for the free publicity. Na to make me una brand ambassador but una go pay me ooooo, make I educate them about crime …Story Dey my lovers. Just put me in your prayer I am coming back stronger. Them don lock all my accounts incase I call u beg u for money no vex, to all my lovers thank you I see the love. Thank you. See you all soon. Kirikiri dey apapa you fit bring food come visit me for weekend. Bloggers are welcomed. It’s me okoro Blessing Nkiruka. Popularly know as Blessing ceo, your no 1 most controversial relationship and metal expert. Intellectual entertainer , 1 man mopol. Love you all lovers,’ she added.

The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Seriake Dickson, has blamed recent disputes in the party’s primaries on the Electoral Act, insisting compulsory direct primaries overstretch party structures and fuel avoidable tensions.

Speaking on Arise News on Wednesday, Dickson said the legal requirements, though well-intentioned, have created logistical bottlenecks, especially for fast-growing parties like the NDC.

‘The challenges we are seeing are not peculiar to the NDC. They are a direct consequence of the Electoral Act’s imposition of mandatory direct primaries,’ he said, warning that even established parties face disputes and litigation under the law.

Dickson explained that the party’s rapid expansion, combined with statutory all-inclusive primaries, had led to multiple outcomes in some states. He added that internal mechanisms were in place to resolve complaints before submitting final lists to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

‘There is no crisis in the NDC. What we are managing is the reality of rapid growth under a rigid electoral framework,’ Dickson said.

The former Bayelsa governor dismissed allegations of monetised party tickets, insisting that nominations were strictly merit-based.

He further cautioned supporters of Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso against disparaging the party’s leadership. ‘Supporters must be disciplined. Disparaging the leadership of the NDC weakens the very platform their preferred candidates depend on,’ he said.

Dickson’s warning underscores the political tension within opposition ranks as the party positions itself for the 2027 elections.

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has described as ‘deeply shocking’ the decision of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts to issue an arrest warrant against him over an ongoing investigation into the company’s financial records.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Kyari explained that he had previously informed the committee of his inability to appear before it due to medical treatment abroad.

‘I refer to the news of the arrest warrant issued against me during the proceedings of your esteemed Committee today, June 10, 2026. I am deeply shocked by the issuance of the warrant,’ he stated.

Kyari said he had formally notified the committee in a letter dated May 11, 2026, that he was receiving medical treatment outside Nigeria. According to him, he had also conveyed his willingness to honour the committee’s invitation upon his return and offered to respond to any urgent inquiries through his legal representatives.

‘I also expressed my willingness to honour the Committee’s invitation as soon as I return to Nigeria,’ he said. ‘I wish to reiterate that I remain very willing and ready to honour the invitation of the Committee and to appear before it once I return to the country.’

The former NNPCL chief denied allegations that he deliberately ignored the Senate’s invitation, maintaining that he had not received any subsequent summons before the warrant was issued.

‘However, I wish to respectfully state that I have neither received nor sighted the said invitation. Had the invitation reached me, I would have gladly honoured it,’ he stated.

Kyari explained that his current health condition makes it impossible for him to appear physically before the committee at this time. He urged lawmakers to direct any questions or requests for clarification through his legal team while he continues treatment abroad.

He assured the committee of his full cooperation with the investigation and pledged to appear in person once his health permits.

Defending his tenure at the national oil company, Kyari said his management team transformed the NNPCL from a loss-making organisation into a commercially viable and profitable entity. He added that all transactions undertaken during his administration were properly documented and remain available for scrutiny.

‘I remain deeply grateful to my country for the opportunity afforded me to serve with utmost diligence and commitment,’ he said.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts had issued the arrest warrant after Kyari failed to appear before it during a scheduled sitting. The committee is investigating the financial records and transactions of the NNPCL, including issues relating to over ?210 trillion allegedly under review.

The motion for the warrant was moved by Senator Victor Umeh and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole.

But Kyari maintained that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to assisting the Senate in its investigation.

Panic erupted in Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, on Wednesday when a podium caved in during a rally attended by Governor Ademola Adeleke and senior officials.

A 30-second video obtained by PM News shows Adeleke, Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, Speaker of the House of Assembly Adewale Egbedun, and Imole Campaign Council spokesperson Pelumi Olajengbesi on the platform at the moment the structure gave way.

The incident occurred as musical performances ended and the event anchor prepared to announce the next item on the programme.

A source at the event, who asked not to be named, said the collapse briefly disrupted proceedings, but no one was injured.

‘The governor and some members of his cabinet were seated in that section of the podium that collapsed. There was no casualty. The programme resumed, and the governor addressed the crowd after the incident,’ the source said.

Deputy Spokesperson to the Governor, Oladele Bamiji, confirmed the event continued without harm.

‘The programme went on smoothly with the governor and his team. No injuries were reported. Had there been a serious accident, the event would have stopped. After leaving the venue, the governor proceeded to another engagement in Odo-Otin Local Government Area,’ Bamiji said.

The rally marked the inauguration of Imole canvassers for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency.

Nigerian afrobeats artist David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has drawn attention to the plight of abducted school children and teachers from Oyo State on a global stage.

The artist who performed at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, wore a jacket bearing the names of the victims with the message ‘bring them home’.

Nigerian afrobeats artist David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has drawn attention to the plight of abducted school children and teachers from Oyo State on a global stage.

The artist who performed at the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, wore a jacket bearing the names of the victims with the message ‘bring them home’.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally announced a joint ticket featuring Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, alongside Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as his running mate.

The announcement, shared on Thursday via his verified X account, was framed as part of a broader strategy to maintain policy continuity while strengthening leadership capacity in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said the decision reflects a focus on experience, stability and inclusiveness in governance, stressing that leadership succession should build on established progress rather than disrupt it.

‘The true test of sustainable governance is the ability to pass the baton to proven hands, guided by minds that see the future clearly,’ he said.

He further described the ticket as one that symbolises ‘the strength, diversity, and future’ of Lagos State.

Highlighting Hamzat’s role in the current administration, the governor praised his performance and reliability in office.

‘Dr. Obafemi Hamzat has proven himself to be a dedicated public servant, a dependable partner in governance and a steadfast advocate for progress,’ he said.

On Princess Sonayon-James, Sanwo-Olu pointed to her background in sustainability and community-focused initiatives, saying she brings valuable grassroots experience to the team.

‘Joining him as his running mate is Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, a respected leader, sustainability professional, and grassroots champion whose commitment to community development and youth empowerment reflects the aspirations of many Lagosians,’ he stated.

He added that both candidates are well positioned to deepen ongoing reforms and accelerate development across the state.

‘Together, they bring the experience, competence, and energy needed to build on our achievements and move Lagos forward,’ he said.

As political preparations intensify ahead of the election, the governor urged party members and residents to support the APC ticket, describing it as central to the vision of a more developed Lagos.

‘I invite party faithful, stakeholders, and all Lagosians to support this team as we continue our shared mission of building a Greater Lagos,’ he said.

Party records show that Hamzat secured the APC governorship ticket at the primary held on 21 May at the party secretariat in Ogba, winning overwhelmingly with 657,917 votes out of 657,974 accredited votes, while his only challenger, Lanre Jim-Kamal, recorded a single vote.

Counsel to Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, Mr. Farooq Akanbi, on Wednesday formally withdrew from representing the defendant in his ongoing trial over alleged forgery and impersonation before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Apo, paving the way for Giwa to continue his defence in person.

At the resumed proceedings before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, Akanbi apologised to the court over his conduct at the previous sitting when he exited the courtroom before the judge entered, an action that led to an adjournment of the case.

He insisted the incident was not intended as a mark of disrespect to the court and subsequently announced the withdrawal of his legal representation for the first defendant ‘to enable him represent himself.’

The development followed the events of June 3 when the court declined to proceed with the matter after the defence counsel’s absence triggered concerns over proper representation.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Giwa informed the court he had a pending motion dated May 28, 2026, seeking reliefs connected to his medical condition and the release of his international passport.

Responding, prosecuting counsel Wisdom Madaki challenged the authenticity of medical documents attached to the application. He told the court that after being served with the motion, the prosecution wrote to General Hospital, Nyanya, to verify the medical report relied upon by the defendant, but the hospital allegedly denied issuing the document. The Nyanya hospital also said the Doctor whose name is on the medical report does not work at the hospital and the purported medical report presented to the court by Victor Giwa is fake.

Madaki further disclosed that Giwa later filed a further affidavit containing another medical report purportedly from the same hospital, prompting another request for verification.

‘In view of this, we apply for a short adjournment to enable confirmation from the hospital, or we proceed with the substantive issue,’ Madaki submitted.

However, Giwa opposed the request, arguing that once he had filed a further and better affidavit, the prosecution was foreclosed from responding.

He maintained that it would be unconstitutional to subject his application to an investigation, adding that if the prosecution believed the documents were forged, it could pursue a separate investigation.

He also urged the court to accord weight to his standing at the Bar and release his documents to facilitate medical treatment.

In a brief ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie agreed with the defendant that the motion was ripe for hearing and proceeded to entertain arguments on the application.

Adopting his motion and supporting processes, Giwa urged the court to discountenance the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, arguing that its deponent relied on information obtained from an interested party in the matter.

Madaki, on his part, urged the court to dismiss the application.

The defendant also moved a separate application dated May 14, which the prosecution did not oppose.

After listening to the parties, Justice Onwuegbuzie reserved ruling on the applications until June 22, 2026.

Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola, are facing trial over allegations of forging official documents and impersonating Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Awa Kalu. Both defendants have denied the charges.

Two commanders of the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, including a suspected specialist in Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices, VBIEDs, have surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI in Yobe State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed this in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the report, the suspects, identified as Ismail Mohammed and Abu Umar, surrendered to troops of 159 Battalion in Geidam on June 8.

The Army said Ismail Mohammed was one of the commanders under a terrorist leader known as Baa Shuwa and had detailed knowledge of ISWAP operations.

Abu Umar was described as an ISWAP engineer and specialist in vehicle-borne explosive devices.

The report said Abu Umar was believed to have knowledge of locations where such explosives were produced and stored in ISWAP camps.

Both suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation.

The Army also disclosed that troops arrested two suspected terrorist informants in separate operations in Borno State.

It said combined troops of 19 Battalion, 25 Brigade Garrison and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested one of the suspects in Damboa town on June 9.

The suspect was reportedly arrested while buying farm items and mosquito nets allegedly meant for terrorists operating within Damboa Local Government Area.

According to the report, the suspect confessed during preliminary investigation to supplying logistics and providing information to terrorist elements.

He is currently in the custody of Headquarters 25 Brigade for further investigation.

In a separate operation, troops of 162 Amphibious Battalion arrested another suspected terrorist informant at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day.

The Army said the suspect remained in military custody pending further action.

The report added that troops also foiled an attempted terrorist attack on a military location after sighting suspected terrorists approaching the area on June 9.

Troops responded with fire missions to neutralise the terrorists and deny them freedom of action within the area of operation.

A follow-up operation conducted on June 10 led to the discovery of the corpses of two terrorists and a motorcycle.

The Army said preliminary assessment showed that the bodies were already decomposing, suggesting that the terrorists had been neutralised during an earlier encounter with troops in Buni Yadi.

No additional items were recovered during the search of the area.