Category: PM News

By Desmond Ejibas

Five Police inspectors attached to the Rivers Police Command are set to be arraigned for alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy following their dismissal.

The officers were sacked after they were were indicted in a pattern of criminal activities between September 2025 and January 2026 across Rivers state.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, made the disclosure in a statement in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.

The force spokesman listed the dismissed officers as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu

According to him, the case became known following petitions submitted by a group, the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.

He explained that the officers allegedly operated in minibuses and conducted illegal stop-and-search operations during which unsuspecting members of the public were intercepted at gunpoint.

“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts.

“They also falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, in order to intimidate victims and evade suspicion,” he said.

He stated that investigations further revealed that the syndicate allegedly abducted a male victim along Aba Road and forcefully dispossessed him of over N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from his cryptocurrency wallet.

Another victim, he said, was allegedly abducted and dispossessed of over N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim reportedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.

“After the officers were arrested, an orderly room proceeding found them culpable, leading to their dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force with immediate effect.

“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” he stated.

The police spokesman added that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while formal charges were expected to be filled within 30 days.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the police to professionalism, accountability, transparency and protection of citizens’ rights.

The senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) alliance for Oyo Central Senatorial District, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has described the newly formed political alliance between the two parties in Ibadan as a major step toward strengthening democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ajadi spoke on Thursday at Mapo Hall shortly after the political gathering where Seyi Makinde declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election and unveiled the alliance between the PDP and APM.

Addressing journalists at the event, Ajadi said the coalition signaled renewed hope for democracy and political inclusiveness in Oyo State, noting that the partnership had energized supporters across the state.

According to him, the alliance was not only strategic for electoral success but also a demonstration that democratic values would prevail despite political uncertainties.

“To tell the general public that today’s alliance with the APM party with the PDP is a great one because when they planned all their plans believing that democracy would not exist, but God has made every possible best to make a provision,” Ajadi said.

He added that the visible turnout at the rally reflected the acceptance of the coalition among residents and supporters throughout the state.

“That is the reason you can see the nook and cranny of Oyo State that everyone is happy because democracy must remain,” he said.

The event attracted thousands of party faithful, political stakeholders, and supporters from across Oyo State, marking one of the earliest major political gatherings linked to the 2027 election cycle in the South-West.

Ajadi, who is seeking to represent Oyo Central in the Senate, also used the occasion to restate his confidence in securing victory at the polls, saying his political ambition was rooted in service and a commitment to deliver meaningful representation.

“My aspiration is total victory because I know what I have for my people, and my people know me very well,” he said.

He promised that if elected, he would demonstrate effective legislative leadership and practical representation that would directly benefit constituents across the senatorial district.

“By the grace of God, when I assume the office of the Senate, I will demonstrate what it takes to show the general public that there is capacity, and I will definitely show it,” Ajadi added.

Speaking during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, on Friday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms. Abisola Olusanya, said the state was shifting from isolated agricultural interventions to a coordinated food systems economy driven by infrastructure, logistics, technology and private-sector investment.

Olusanya said the government’s strategy goes beyond food production to include storage, transportation, processing, distribution and market access, with the aim of positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading food systems hub.

According to her, Lagos remains Nigeria’s largest food market, with an annual food economy estimated at N16.14 trillion, creating enormous opportunities for investors, farmers, logistics operators and agribusinesses.

She said one of the state’s flagship projects, the Lagos Central Food Systems and Logistics Hub in Epe, is expected to become the largest food logistics hub in Sub-Saharan Africa upon completion.

The commissioner disclosed that the facility is designed to handle over 1,500 trucks daily and support the storage, processing, aggregation and distribution of more than 1.5 million metric tonnes of food annually.

“The first phase of the Lagos Central Food Security Systems and Logistics Hub is scheduled for commissioning this year,” she said, adding that “This will mark a major turning point in Lagos State’s food systems transformation journey.”

She added that the state had also launched the Produce for Lagos initiative and a N500 billion Offtake Guarantee Fund to support farmers, aggregators, logistics companies and investors by creating a structured market for agricultural produce.

According to her, the initiative is designed to tackle market uncertainty, improve food supply coordination and encourage investment in the agriculture value chain.

The commissioner noted that Lagos had continued expanding its agricultural infrastructure through projects such as the Imota Rice Mill, middle-level agro-produce hubs and the Lagos Aquaculture Centre of Excellence.

Olusanya further disclosed that the state had cultivated hundreds of hectares of rice fields across different locations to boost paddy production and support the rice mill’s operations.

On job creation, she said the government had trained thousands of youths, farmers and agribusiness operators through initiatives including the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, the Lagos Agric Scholars Programme and the Lagos Agrinnovation Club.

She added that over 66,000 beneficiaries received support through various agricultural programmes between May 2025 and date.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Social media influencer and relationship therapist, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, (also known as Blessing CEO) was on Friday arraigned before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO was arraigned by Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N36 million.

At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, P.I. Nwafor, informed the court that the defendant had refunded part of the money to the petitioner.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” he said.

Responding, the prosecution counsel, S.I. Suleiman, stated that the prosecution was not privy to any discussion between the defendant and the nominal complainant.

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he said.

In his ruling, Justice Dipeolu held that “the defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea.”

One of the counts reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did obtain the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira) from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the false pretence of leasing a six-bedroom detached duplex situated at No. 1B, Tunbosun Osobu Street, Off Kuboye Road, Lekki, Lagos State, which representation you knew to be false, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”

Another count reads: “That you, OKORO BLESSING NKIRUKA, between July 14 and 17, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently converted to your own use the sum of N36,000,000.00 (Thirty-six Million Naira), property of Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to her.

Following her plea, Suleiman applied for a trial date and prayed the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional facility pending trial.

Counsel to the defendant, however, informed the court that the defendant had only been served with the charge on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and that efforts were ongoing to file her bail application.

He, therefore, prayed that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of her bail conditions.

Justice Dipeolu granted the application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody.

The matter was adjourned till June 5, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

Pop icons Madonna, Shakira and K-pop sensation BTS will co-headline the half-time show at this summer’s FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, concludes on 19 July.

The show is expected to last approximately 11 minutes, though reports suggest it could run longer than the 15-minute interval limit set by FIFA regulations. This will mark the first-ever half-time show at a World Cup final, following the precedent set by high-profile sporting events such as the Champions League final.

Colombian singer Shakira will release her official World Cup song, Dai Dai, featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy, ahead of the final. Shakira previously gained global acclaim for her 2010 World Cup hit Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).

‘Queen of Pop’ Madonna, the world’s best-selling female artist, is set to release her 15th album, Confessions II, on 3 July. In April, she made a surprise appearance at Coachella, performing a duet of Vogue and Like A Prayer with Sabrina Carpenter.

BTS, South Korea’s best-selling music act, will return from a three-year hiatus for mandatory military service. The seven-member boy band, who scored a UK top-three hit with Coldplay in 2021 (My Universe), will perform while in the midst of an 85-date world tour.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the show as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup, befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.” The performance has been curated by Coldplay’s Chris Martin and will raise funds for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million (Pound 73 million) for children worldwide.

Vice President The stakeholders made the call during the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) 2.0 Employers’ Forum held in Lagos, where government officials, development partners and leading employers explored strategies aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s workforce pipeline and expanding employment opportunities for young graduates.

The Shettima was represented at the event by Akubo Adegbe, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Delivery and Coordination, Office of the Vice President.

Speaking at the forum, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by Chairman of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, He praised the European Union for its continued support towards Nigeria’s socio-economic development and described the initiative as a strategic investment in the country’s human capital development.

“I commend the European Union for its sustained funding and commitment to Nigeria’s socio-economic transformation. I equally commend UNDP Nigeria for the excellence of its implementation and applaud every employer present here today.

“By hosting fellows, offering mentorship and opening your organisations to Nigerian graduates, you are making a direct investment in the human capital that will power the nation’s next phase of growth,” he said.

Also speaking, She noted that initiatives such as the NJFP were delivering measurable impact by equipping graduates with practical skills while connecting them to meaningful workplace opportunities.

“The European Union is proud to support initiatives like NJFP that deliver tangible results for young people and businesses. By equipping graduates with relevant skills and connecting them to real workplace opportunities, we are not only addressing unemployment but also strengthening the foundations for sustainable economic growth,” she said.

In her remarks, According to her, the participation of employers, financial institutions, technology companies, manufacturers, agribusinesses and innovation-driven enterprises at the forum reflected a growing recognition that workforce transformation must be treated as a collective national responsibility.

“This Employers’ Forum is important not only because of the commitments it seeks to mobilise for NJFP placements, but because it represents a broader platform for strengthening long-term partnerships between talent development, enterprise growth and economic transformation in Nigeria,” she said.

Attafuah added that the active involvement of major employers and business ecosystem actors demonstrated increasing confidence in collaborative solutions aimed at preparing Nigerian youths for the evolving demands of the labour market.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians living in Rwanda that his administration will remain committed to creating opportunities that will enable citizens, both at home and abroad, to fulfil their aspirations and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Speaking during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian community in Kigali on Friday, President Tinubu said his government would continue to confront the challenges hindering Nigerians from attaining their full potential, while sustaining reforms aimed at repositioning the country economically and socially.

The delegation comprised academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and students resident in Rwanda, many of whom have distinguished themselves in various sectors, including education, business, technology, hospitality and international development.

President Tinubu commended the Nigerians for being worthy ambassadors of the country through their respect for the laws of their host nation and their contributions to pan-African development.

“I thank you for being good ambassadors, and we are proud of what you are doing, which reflects Nigerian pride. Our reforms are working, and the economy is bright and stable,” the President said.

He assured the delegation that his administration remained focused on building a transparent and inclusive government capable of unlocking opportunities for citizens irrespective of ethnic, tribal or religious considerations.

“We owe every Nigerian, both at home and abroad, the provision of an enabling environment to break barriers and excel in all spheres. Nigeria will be governed transparently, and I will lead with sincerity regardless of tribe or any other consideration,” he added.

The President also urged Nigerians in the diaspora to uphold unity and national cohesion, stressing that ethnic divisions should not define citizens.

“The Green-White-Green flag means so much to all of us. Your tribe does not matter because none of us controls where we are born or who our parents are,” Tinubu told the gathering.

Reflecting on Rwanda’s recovery from its turbulent past, the President noted that the country’s progress demonstrated the importance of embracing reconciliation and focusing on the future.

Tinubu further explained that the emblem on his trademark cap symbolises his determination to break the shackles of poverty, ignorance and disease that continue to limit many citizens.

The President directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ibrahim Zanna, to collaborate with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and relevant authorities to address concerns raised by Nigerians in Rwanda, particularly issues relating to passport renewal and consular services.

Earlier, Director-General of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the delegation as an exceptional group of Nigerians, revealing that it included 28 PhD holders and several executives of multinational organisations.

Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Umar Wali, said the body was founded to promote unity, lawful conduct and stronger ties between Nigerians and Rwandans.

He, however, highlighted challenges faced by members in obtaining passports and consular services due to the absence of a passport office at the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali.

Also speaking, Michael Masai Ujiri, former Nigerian-Canadian basketball executive and current President of the Dallas Mavericks, expressed interest in supporting the development of modern sports infrastructure in Nigeria capable of attracting private sector investment.

Members of the delegation praised President Tinubu’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum and pledged to continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria globally.

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

Nigeria has canvassed global support for the proposed State Police, saying the initiative will improve public trust, boost accountability and enhance internal security nationwide.

Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, stated this while hosting UN Police Advisers in New York.

Ibrahim said President Bola Tinubu remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s policing architecture through decentralisation and institutional reforms.

“The Nigerian police performance in international missions triggers President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reform of establishing the Nigeria State Police,” Ibrahim said.

Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim in a group photograph with UN Strategic Police Advisory Group at Nigeria House in New YorkAccording to him, the proposed system will improve crime prevention, operational efficiency and manpower deployment across Nigeria.

“The new approach aims to address internal security challenges and make effective use of manpower,” he said.

Ibrahim said the Federal Government would provide logistics, equipment and institutional support for the proposed policing structure.

“The President is dedicated to providing the necessary logistics and equipment for this new setup,” he stated.

He added that Nigeria was seeking support from the UN and international partners for the proposed reform.

Ibrahim said the reform would address growing concerns over police accountability and public trust.

“President Bola Tinubu is working to improve the Nigerian state police, addressing the gap between communities’ expectations and police accountability,” he stated.

The envoy highlighted Nigeria’s peacekeeping contributions under the United Nations framework.

He said Nigerian police officers had consistently earned global recognition for professionalism and operational excellence in Liberia, Sudan and Mali..

According to him, Nigeria deployed over 13,000 personnel, including Formed Police Units, for international peace operations.

He said Nigerian personnel contributed significantly to disarmament, reintegration and electoral security processes in host countries.

Ibrahim urged the UN to modernise global policing strategies against cybercrime and emerging technological threats.

“The United Nations plays a vital role in addressing challenges such as digital transformation, cybercrime, AI-related crimes and cross-border policing,” he said.

Ibrahim said the Nigerian Senate was working towards establishing a legal framework for the state police.

He disclosed that Tinubu had directed the Inspector-General of Police, Tunisia Disu, to deepen engagement with international policing stakeholders at the UN.

The ambassador described the engagement as part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international security cooperation and strategic partnerships.

Also speaking, the Police Adviser at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN and Co-chair, UN Strategic Police Advisory Group, ACP Dolapo Badmos, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global peace and security.

Badmos said Nigeria remained proud of its longstanding contributions to United Nations peacekeeping and international policing operations.

“The Federal Republic of Nigeria welcomes my colleagues from other nations and the United Nations element,” she said.

Badmos described the meeting as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation and strategic policing partnerships.

According to her, effective policing must remain professional, accountable and community-centred in addressing modern security realities. (NAN)

By Ibukun Emiola

The Executive Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB) Dr Nureni Adeniran has confirmed killing of a teacher and abduction of some pupils at LA School, Ahoro-Esinle, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area of the state.

He also confirmed that the board had directed the closure of the school and all other primary schools in neighbouring communities, including Surulere, Oyo East, Oriire and Olorunsogo until further notice.

However, in a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, Adeniran said the exact number of abducted pupils are yet to be ascertained as security agencies were still combing the affected areas and gathering details of the incident.

“This is a dark and painful moment for our education family in Oyo State, and our hearts are with the affected parents, teachers and the entire community.

“We understand the fear and anxiety this situation has caused, and we want to assure our parents and stakeholders that the safety of our children remains our utmost priority,” he said.

The OYOSUBEB chairman said that security operatives, under the coordination of the Commissioner of Police, had deployed a tactical response team to the area.

According to him, intelligence and operational measures are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted pupils and restore peace to the community.

He explained that the temporary closure was aimed at preventing further attacks and allowing security agencies to stabilise situation in the area.

The chairman appealed to parents, guardians and community leaders to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.

“We mourn with the family of the teacher whose life was tragically cut short. His service, dedication and sacrifice will never be forgotten,” he said.

Adeniran also urged residents to avoid spreading unverified information capable of causing panic among the public.

He reiterated the board’s commitment to the safety and protection of pupils across the state.

(NAN)

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has disclosed that the country’s national grid has received an additional 600 megawatts following the completion of a major transmission infrastructure project in Edo State.

The announcement was made on Thursday by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, during the inauguration of the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In-Turn-Out transmission line project.

Abdulaziz described the development as a significant step towards improving the nation’s electricity transmission capacity and ensuring more effective delivery of power from generation plants to consumers across the country.

According to him, the project connected the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission line to the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, thereby creating two fresh transmission routes spanning about 14 kilometres.

He said, “With the completion of this strategic project, we have increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor through this connection to the power plant.”

The TCN boss explained that the new arrangement would allow the company to evacuate electricity more efficiently from the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company facility.

“The importance of this project cannot be overstated. It grants TCN the ability to more efficiently evacuate power generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company plant,” he stated.

Abdulaziz further noted that the initiative would reduce pressure on the transmission system while improving electricity supply to distribution companies nationwide.

“This has equally helped in alleviating transmission bottlenecks, enhanced system reliability, while allowing the distribution companies access to more bulk electricity for their customers nationwide. With this, we have added 600 megawatts to the national grid,” he said.

He also stressed that the interconnected nature of the national grid would make it easier to transmit electricity generated from the Benin axis to different parts of the country.

“With the grid system, power generated from the Benin axis can easily be wheeled to any part of the country,” he added.

Abdulaziz maintained that the project reflected TCN’s commitment to modernising the transmission network and improving collaboration within the power sector.

“Beyond the enhanced flexibility in power evacuation, this project is another step towards our goal of developing a strong and efficient transmission grid. It also showcases TCN’s dedication to ongoing improvement, innovation, and collaboration with stakeholders in the power sector,” he said.

He added that the new infrastructure would help address situations where generated electricity could not previously be transmitted to consumers.

“Before, there was power that was generated without evacuation, but now we are going to evacuate more power, which means Nigerians would be getting a more powerful supply,” Abdulaziz stated.