Category: PM News

The Court of Appeal has rejected bail application of Mr. Garba Mohammed Dukku, a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who was convicted and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for the diversion of public funds amounting to approximately N319 million.

Mr. Dukku had approached the Court of Appeal seeking to be admitted to bail pending the determination of his appeal against the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which sentenced him to a total of 24 years imprisonment for corruption and money laundering offences, J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC, said in a statement on Thursday.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal held that the Appellant/Applicant failed to show any exceptional circumstance to warrant the exercise of the Court’s discretion in granting bail pending appeal.

The Court consequently refused the application.

The Court, however, granted an accelerated hearing of the substantive appeal in order to ensure the expeditious determination of the matter.

Mr. Dukku was convicted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on six counts bordering on corruption and money laundering.

The ICPC had told the court during trial that between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Dukku fraudulently diverted a total sum of N318,250,000 belonging to the AMMC into his personal Fidelity Bank account in various tranches, including N56.25 million, N71 million, N53 million, N54 million, N46 million, and N36.3 million.

The Commission further proved that the diverted funds were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators for unauthorized purposes.

Although Dukku claimed during trial that the funds were handed over to his superiors, the Court dismissed the defence for lack of credible evidence and held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho consequently sentenced the convict to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, amounting to a total jail term of 24 years.

The court also imposed an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount involved in each count, totaling approximately N1.6 billion.

‘The ICPC welcomes the decision of the Court of Appeal refusing bail pending appeal and views it as a reaffirmation of the principle that applications for such relief must be supported by exceptional and compelling circumstances.

‘The Commission remains resolute in its commitment to the diligent prosecution of corruption cases and the protection of public resources from abuse and misappropriation,’ Odey said in the statement

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Obidient Movement have fired back at former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje over his attack on the Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket.

Ganduje had described the ticket as ‘dead on arrival,’ insisting that Obi and Kwankwaso lacked the political strength and governance records required to win the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting, NDC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Abdulmumin Abdulsalam dismissed the former Kano State governor’s assessment.

‘I think Ganduje is just blabbing,’ Abdulsalam said in an interview with The Punch.

He claimed Ganduje had lost political relevance in Kano and was being sidelined within the ruling APC.

Abdulsalam expressed confidence that the NDC would defeat the APC in Kano because of Kwankwaso’s political influence in the state.

‘We are confident of clearing all the state Assembly seats. We are also confident of winning the senatorial, House of Representatives and governorship elections as well,’ he said.

He described Kwankwaso as a formidable political force, noting that Ganduje previously served as his deputy governor.

The NDC spokesman also pointed to Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election as evidence of his nationwide popularity.

He predicted that Nigeria’s economic difficulties would attract more northern voters to Obi in 2027.

National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, also questioned Ganduje’s credibility and defended the records of Obi and Kwankwaso.

Tanko claimed Obi left ?75 billion in Anambra State’s coffers at the end of his tenure as governor.

He also cited infrastructure projects and overseas scholarship programmes implemented by Kwankwaso’s administration in Kano.

According to him, the educational programmes produced pilots, nurses and engineers for the state.

Tanko maintained that Ganduje had no basis to question the achievements of the two former governors.

‘His statement and attempt to discredit the duo are dead on arrival,’ he said.

Political and community leaders in Kogi East Senatorial District of the state on Tuesday said they would remain eternally grateful to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo for the socio- economic infrastructural development the zone has witnessed in the last three years.

The Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area in the state, Alhaji Ademu Muhammed Yahaya, led the commendation of President Tinubu and the state government as the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and the Presidential Communications Team continued their inspection of federal and state governments’ legacy projects in the state.

In Ankpa Local Government Area, the team inspected a 12-kilometre internal road, with a 24-kilometre double -side drainage network undertaken by the Governor Ododo Administration.

Addressing the team, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr Joseph Oluwasegun, said the road network was a legacy project implemented by the state government through the Agro – Climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) – a World Bank counterpart-funding project.

The commissioner, who also chairs the state ACReSAL, said the project comprising land reclamation, stabilization and channelization is a strategic intervention by the state government to reclaim degraded environment, control erosion and free more land for agricultural and other economic purposes, thereby enhancing food sufficiency and security.

‘I want to first commend Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for always according to counterpart funds for ACReSAL projects across the state utmost priority.

‘The World Bank will only release its funds when the state government provides its counterpart funds for compensation and other ancillaries.

‘Governor Ododo is one of the governors that do not default in the provision of counterpart funds,’ the commissioner said.

He added that the project has improved livelihoods in the area and reduced poverty in no small way through the micro-loan component, which rural farmers and cooperative groups have immensely benefited from.

Engineer Oluwasegun described the intervention as a campaign promise to the people of Kogi East, which Governor Ododo has kept, adding that similar projects are ongoing in other senatorial zones of the state because of its impact and the multiplier effect for the citizens.

Oluwasegun said over $2m has been disbursed to cooperative groups in the community through the intervention, thereby reducing poverty and improving their livelihoods.

Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government described the erosion control intervention project in the area as the largest government project ever conducted in the local government.

‘Ankpa Local Government is an old local government. It was in the Benue-Plateau State and later in the old Kwara State before the creation of Kogi State. But I can categorically say the project is the biggest and most impactful by any administration for this local government.

‘We cannot thank the Governor and President Bola Tinubu enough. We will show our appreciation fully during the polls,’ he said.

Also, a community leader and Secretary of Olubojo Community, Elder Yahaya Samuel, said the project had relieved them of years of hardship and economic loss arising from erosion menace and dilapidated road.

He expressed profound gratitude to the state government for the intervention and promised President Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress candidates in the area of massive votes in the 2027 polls.

At the Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, the team inspected the new College of Health Sciences building undertaken by TETfund under its 2024 Intervention as well as the university’s new Senate Building under the tertiary education intervention agency’s 2024 High Impact Intervention at the cost of N643m and N3.1bn, respectively.

Similarly, the team inspected the Iyale-Ogane-Enugu Road – a 60-kilometer rural road under construction in Dekina Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr Timothy Ojoma, said the road construction is a reflection of the state government’s determination to open up agrarian rural areas, boost production and enhance commerce in the state.

Bus drivers operating from the Obalende Motor Parks Ikoyi, Lagos who had earlier complained about the abandoned heap of refuse at the motor parks by LAWMA workers which was releasing offensive odours affecting the people around on Tuesday thanked Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for responding swiftly.

Both drivers and commuters thanked Sanwo-Olu for saving them from health hazards by giving a marching order to the Lawma workers to clear the refuse at the parks.

Some of those who spoke with PM NEWS at the parks on Monday morning stated that they were pleasantly surprised by the way the Lawma workers stormed the Parks on Sunday morning with Caterpillar and about five trucks to evacuate the refuse they had abandoned for more than three months.

They said the prompt action the governor took few hours after the story about the refuse broke shows that Sanwo-Olu is not only a listening leader but also a leader with human heart.

They said the Governor’s attitude of responding to public complainants timely since assuming office has helped him immensely in achieving unprecedented success in all areas in Lagos.

They appealed to him to give a standing order to the Lawma workers to henceforth ensure they remove any refuse at the parks within 14 hours and not abandoned it again.

They also appealed to him to stop some of the unscrupulous Lawma workers from further demanding for money from the public before they could drop their refuse inside the trunks stationed there.

They said some of those who don’t have the money demanded normally leave in annoyance to go and dump the refuse anywhere they like especially on top of the bridge.

According Mr Sunday Odo, ‘I thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for coming to our rescue at Obalende Motor Parks timely to save us from contacting diseases from unpleasant odours oozing from the abandoned refuse.

‘We thought there was no trucks to evacuate the refuse since months ago when the refuse dump was shifted from inside the park to the present spot due to the ongoing reconstruction works in there.’

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has declared that his previous criticisms of the President are now baseless and irrelevant but were not lies.

Bwala made the statement during a heated exchange with Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye on Wednesday’s edition of Politics Today.

Okinbaloye had questioned Bwala about critical comments he made against Tinubu before joining the administration.

Asked whether describing those comments as baseless meant he had lied, Bwala replied: ‘They are not lies. They are baseless. Not important for conversation.’

The presidential aide expressed frustration over the continued scrutiny of his past statements, claiming the presenter had asked him the same question more than five times.

‘When will you get tired of asking me the same question?’ Bwala asked.

He described the issue as inconsequential and accused Okinbaloye of advancing the opposition’s narrative.

‘The joblessness of the opposition, it seems they have carried you in that bus,’ he said.

Bwala argued that the interview should focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including the economy, education and insecurity.

He said greater attention should also be given to a letter from United States President Donald Trump commending Tinubu’s leadership and the growing security cooperation between Nigeria and the US.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has made substantial progress in strengthening collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies and international partners.

Bwala criticised the amount of time spent discussing his previous comments rather than examining the contents and credibility of Trump’s letter.

‘Nigerians want to hear what is happening to their lives, their economy, education and, most importantly, security,’ he said.

He also accused the media of failing to apply the same level of scrutiny to opposition politicians who had changed parties or reversed previous positions.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned Nigerians to ignore a fake recruitment advert circulating on social Media

In a statement released on Thursday, the Service said it is not conducting any recruitment through the advert and described it as a scam designed to deceive members of the public.

The NCS urged Nigerians to get recruitment information only from its official communication channels and not from social media posts or unofficial websites.

According to the Service, fraudsters often take advantage of people looking for government jobs by sharing fake recruitment adverts and demanding money from applicants.

The statement noted that security agencies and government institutions have repeatedly warned Nigerians to be careful and always verify recruitment information before acting on it.

The Customs Service advised the public to ignore the fake advert and rely only on official announcements for genuine updates on recruitment and other activities.

The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) will today commence its 53rd Annual General Meeting and Congress in Lagos, bringing together leaders across advertising, marketing, media, government, and the creative economy to examine the forces shaping the future of the industry.

The two-day event, which will take place at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, is themed ‘AdVolution: The End of Advertising as We Know It and How to Win What Comes Next.’ The theme explores how the advertising industry is adapting to rapid changes driven by technology, artificial intelligence, evolving consumer expectations, and emerging creative models.

The AGM/Congress will begin with AAAN’s business session, where members will receive updates on the Association’s activities, committee reports, and strategic priorities. The session will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the Association’s progress and discuss key issues shaping the industry.

The main conference, scheduled for Friday, will feature the official opening by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, alongside participation from government officials, regulators, and industry stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo.

A major highlight of the conference will be keynote sessions from Tomiwa Aladekomo, Chief Executive Officer of Big Cabal Media, and Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, who will share perspectives on the evolving advertising landscape, brand building, and the role of communications in a rapidly changing marketplace.

According to AAAN President, Lanre Adisa, the theme of this year’s congress reflects the need for the industry to confront change while preserving the creativity and human connection that define effective advertising.

‘The theme is a wake-up call to the reality we are dealing with. Traditional advertising is not dead; it has evolved. The need to communicate will never change, it is only fast evolving. The question is how well we are embracing this challenge.’

Adisa noted that while technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping the industry, agencies remain central to developing ideas and solutions that connect with audiences, with technology serving as an enabler of human creativity rather than a replacement for it.

The congress will feature conversations around the evolving role of agencies, the creator economy, technology-driven innovation, and the need for businesses to demonstrate greater value in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The event will conclude with a Gala and Awards Night, which will recognise outstanding individuals and celebrate achievements across Nigeria’s advertising industry.

Prominent pro-democracy and June 12 activist, Comrade Awa Bamiji, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu for urgent financial assistance and overseas medical treatment to address his deteriorating health.

Bamiji, who has been battling the aftermath of a stroke since November 12, 2024, made the plea in a letter dated July 15, 2026, from his residence in the Jinarere area off Iyana Church in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Recounting his nearly two-year medical journey, the activist expressed gratitude to Almighty God for preserving his life and acknowledged the remarkable care received at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

However, he noted that his recovery remains incomplete, leaving him in dire need of advanced specialised care.

According to him, he still requires intensive physiotherapy, speech therapy, and continuous medication, which have proven extremely costly.

He disclosed that he has yet to regain his normal speech, cannot walk long distances without difficulty, and continues to suffer from severe tremors that impair his ability to write or use electronic devices.

Reflecting on the financial burden of managing the ailment, Bamiji expressed deep appreciation to kind-hearted Nigerians, leaders, and friends who previously rallied to his support, exhausting donations on medical bills, accommodation, and daily living expenses.

Among those who previously extended financial lifelines to the ailing activist are Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who donated two million naira, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd.), who contributed one million naira.

Other prominent donors include former Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, elder statesmen Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Tajudeen Olusi, and Chief Henry Oladele Ajomale, alongside retired Brigadier Tayo Koleoso, Dr Adeleke Olorunnimbe Mamora, Chief Wale Oshun, and several other patriots.

Bamiji also revealed that he had to sell his personal Audi vehicle for one million naira to sustain his treatment.

Despite these interventions, Bamiji stated that the funds have been largely depleted, leaving him grappling with significant financial hardship and living in rented accommodation.

The Ibadan-based activist expressed hope that President Tinubu’s compassionate leadership would grant favourable consideration to his plea for specialised medical care abroad to achieve full recovery.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun State Council has condemned the spate of violence threatening to mar the forthcoming election in the state. The body also hailed the successful rescue of abducted school children in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

These positions of the council, amongst others, were contained in the communique issued and signed by the Communique Drafting Committee of the council at the end of the union’s July 2026 Congress held at its secretariat, Osogbo on Wednesday.

The congress was presided over by the council’s Chairman, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin.

The Congress thanked Governor Ademola Adeleke for approving permanent employment for 66 freelance staff of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC.

The Council acknowledged what it called ‘the crucial role played by the Senator representing Osun West and the Accord party campaign DG, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, on the absorption of the OSBC casual staff as full employees of Osun State Government.’

It enjoined the beneficiaries to reciprocate by re-dedicating themselves to their duties.

The congress condemned the spate of political violence ahead of the governorship election in the state and urged security agencies, most especially the police to be neutral, adding that ‘there is a need for the police to project their image positively to gain public trust.’

It charged politicians to play by the rules and rein in their supporters, adding that election should not be a do or die affair.

On the August 15 election, the NUJ urged registered voters to collect their PVCs at the INEC designated centers and also charged everyone to reject fear and ensure they vote on Election Day.

It called on the security operatives to guarantee the safety of Journalists in the state, before, during, and after the governorship election.

The Congress commended the Federal Government on the rescue of abducted children and teachers in Orire local government area of Oyo State and urged the Osun State Government to improve on security in schools and boundary areas in the state.

The family of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has disowned a viral letter questioning Isah Ashiru’s nomination as the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate in Kaduna State.

The letter, titled Urgent Message and dated July 14, 2026, was purportedly signed by El-Rufai and addressed to the National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the family described the document as a ‘shabby fake’ written in ‘horrible English’ and ‘horrendous handwriting.’

‘The spurious letter, purportedly dated July 14, 2026, and addressed to the National Chairman and National Secretary of the ADC, should be disregarded as the shabby fake that it is,’ the statement said.

‘Neither the poor content nor the handwriting has anything to do with Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.’

The disputed letter reportedly questioned Ashiru’s eligibility for the ADC governorship ticket, alleging that he failed to complete the party’s online membership registration before the April 30, 2026 deadline.

It claimed that Ashiru’s nomination had created tension within the party and urged the ADC’s national and Kaduna State leadership to intervene and review the matter.

El-Rufai’s family accused those behind the document of attempting to create confusion and division within the party.

‘The fake letter shows another resort to desperation by Mallam’s traducers who seek to sow confusion and division,’ the family said.

‘Their attempt at politics by fakery should be dismissed and condemned. It is an instance of the most primitive politics, and its sponsors should be ashamed of themselves.’

The statement was signed on behalf of the family by El-Rufai’s son, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai.