Category: PM News

A 50-year-old father of seven, Augustine Ojo, has died after he was swept away by floodwaters in Uguewebo community, Umudiode area of Edo State, on Monday night.

Residents alleged that the floodwaters were caused by erosion linked to ongoing road construction in the area.

The deceased was said to be returning home on his motorcycle when he attempted to cross a makeshift wooden bridge serving the community.

Eyewitnesses said floodwaters had already washed away the soil supporting the bridge, causing it to collapse and throwing Ojo into a deep gully.

Community members launched a frantic search, but rescue efforts were unsuccessful. His body was eventually recovered at about 2.00 am after several hours of searching by youths and other villagers.

Angry residents blamed the tragedy on CBC Global, the construction company handling the rehabilitation of the Benin-Auchi Road on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Works.

They alleged that drainage channels constructed along the highway discharge stormwater directly into Uguewebo, worsening erosion that has split the community into two.

‘The gully has become a death trap. Our children and adults now cross wooden bridges every day to go to school, the farm and their homes. One mistake and you are gone,’ a resident said.

Residents claimed the incident was the second death linked to the gully. They also recalled that a woman and her two children narrowly escaped after falling into the erosion site before they were rescued by villagers.

Speaking on behalf of the community, youth leader Augustine Ewonwa appealed to the Edo State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works to intervene urgently.

‘We have complained to CBC Global several times but nothing was done. Instead, they intimidate us when we raise concerns,’ Ewonwa alleged.

The deceased’s elder brother also appealed to the government to rehabilitate the area, describing the gully as ‘a killer waiting to happen’.

The widow, children and other relatives of Ojo called on the authorities to investigate the incident and provide a lasting solution to the erosion problem.

As of press time, efforts to reach CBC Global for comment were unsuccessful. The Federal Ministry of Works had also not issued an official statement on the incident.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted former Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, Jimoh Yisawu, bail in the sum of ?500 million.

Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered Yisawu to produce one surety in the same amount following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an eight-count money laundering charge.

Yisawu pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The EFCC alleged that the former refinery boss indirectly converted $789,950 between October 2023 and May 2025.

In another count, the commission accused him of making cash payments totalling $789,950 without routing the transactions through a financial institution, contrary to the Money Laundering Act.

The EFCC further alleged that Yisawu indirectly converted another $122,600 between February 2024 and March 2025.

Following his plea, the prosecution asked the court to fix a date for trial, but defence counsel moved an application seeking his release on bail.

The lawyer told the court that Yisawu had been on administrative bail granted by the EFCC since March 25, 2025, and urged the judge to admit him to bail.

In his ruling, Justice Ekwo granted the application and ordered that the surety must own landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

The court registrar must verify the property before Yisawu can be released.

The former refinery boss was also ordered to surrender his travel documents and must not leave the court’s jurisdiction without permission.

He will remain in EFCC custody until all the bail conditions are fulfilled.

Operation Hadin Kai troops have dismantled a suspected terrorist supply network in the North East, arresting six men allegedly transporting materials believed to be destined for insurgents.

The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation carried out on Saturday, 19 July 2026, at about 4 p.m. along a route believed to be used for terrorist logistics. They were travelling in five vehicles loaded with assorted items when troops intercepted them.

Announcing the operation on Monday, the acting Military Information Officer of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammed Goni, described the development as another major setback for terrorist support networks operating in the region.

He said, ‘Troops of Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), acting on credible intelligence, have intercepted a suspected terrorist logistics network and arrested 6 suspects during a well coordinated covert operation aimed at disrupting terrorist supply chains in the North East Theatre.

‘The operation culminated in the arrest of 6 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers travelling in 5 vehicles while conveying a large consignment of materials destined for terrorist elements.’

According to him, the recovered items included 202 cartons of herbicides, a jerrycan containing a substance suspected to be acid, a Starlink wireless internet communication system, six bags of NPK fertiliser, 10 bags of rice, 50 hoes and 20 packs of knapsack sprayer pumps.

Goni explained that investigators believe the seized materials could serve both civilian and military purposes.

He said, ‘Some of the recovered items, particularly the NPK fertilizers and suspected acid, will undergo further technical and forensic examination to determine their intended use, including any possible application in the fabrication of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).’

The military spokesman added that disrupting the movement of the materials would further weaken the ability of terrorist groups to sustain their operations.

He disclosed that the suspects and exhibits had been transferred to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for detailed investigation.

‘The six suspects and all recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate Military Intelligence Regiment for comprehensive investigation to establish the intended recipients, identify the wider logistics network, and facilitate the apprehension of other collaborators and sponsors,’ he said.

Goni also revealed that information obtained from rescued hostages and families of surrendered terrorists suggests that the military’s sustained offensive against terrorist supply routes is taking a heavy toll on insurgent groups.

He stated, ‘According to the debriefings, persistent shortages of food, medical supplies, communications equipment, and other essential logistics have compelled many terrorists to abandon their hostages, families and enclaves while fleeing sustained military pressure.’

Reaffirming the military’s commitment to the campaign against insurgency, he said Operation Hadin Kai would continue to target not only terrorists but also those who finance, supply or support them.

‘The Theatre will continue to target terrorists, their financiers, logistics suppliers, informants, and collaborators to deny them the resources, freedom of movement, and operational capability required to sustain their campaign of terrorism,’ he added.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

‘Such cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and the restoration of lasting peace and security in the North East,’ he said.

A Federal High Court has convicted two Ansaru commanders, Mahmud Al-Nigeri and Abu Baraa, on all 32 terrorism and kidnapping charges filed against them.

Justice Emeka Nwite convicted the two men after they changed their pleas and admitted guilt during Monday’s proceedings.

The defendants had been prosecuted on charges relating to terrorism and kidnapping activities.

Delivering his ruling, Justice Nwite held that Section 274(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act empowers a court to convict a defendant once a guilty plea has been entered.

The judge consequently found Al-Nigeri and Baraa guilty on all 32 counts.

The court is expected to pronounce their sentences later.

Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has commended the progress recorded in indigenous participation in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, while stressing that more must be done to deepen local content in order to strengthen the nation’s industrial base and diversify the economy.

Dr. Jonathan said it was in pursuit of this vision that, during his administration, he signed the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act into law, providing a strong legal framework for increased indigenous participation, technology transfer, job creation, and the growth of Nigerian businesses across the oil and gas value chain.

The former President made the remarks on Monday while chairing the inaugural Sweet Crude Dialogue, organised by De Mangrove Conversations in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event was held under the theme: ‘Through the Python’s Eyes: 70 Years of Oil and Gas Production in Nigeria.’

He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in building local capacity in the petroleum industry, noting that his administration was deliberate in ensuring that Nigerians became active participants rather than passive observers in the country’s most strategic economic sector.

‘I am particularly pleased that Nigeria has made progress in developing local capacity within the petroleum industry. During my administration, we remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians became active participants rather than passive observers in this strategic sector,’ he said.

Speaking on the future of the industry, Dr. Jonathan urged Nigeria to leverage its hydrocarbon resources to build a diversified and resilient economy in the face of the global energy transition.

Dr. Jonathan recalled that his conviction about local content was shaped years before he became President. He recounted that during an official visit to China while serving as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, he visited the country’s oil museum and was informed that virtually all equipment used in China’s petroleum industry was manufactured locally.

He noted the irony that although Nigeria discovered oil in 1956, two years before China’s first commercial oil discovery in 1958, the country continued to import most of the equipment and consumables required by its oil and gas industry.

According to him, that experience reinforced his determination to prioritise the local content law upon assuming office as President.

‘I believed that if we could get local production of equipment for the oil industry right, it would naturally extend to other sectors of the economy. That was why I gave priority to the Local Content Act when I became President.’

He stressed that the true value of Nigeria’s petroleum resources lies not merely in crude oil exports but in building industries around the sector.

‘It is not just about selling crude oil. Yes, we earn revenue from crude exports, but that alone does not create the jobs we need or diversify the economy. What drives diversification is the industrial aspect of the oil industry. There must be local production of most of the equipment and consumables we require. We have made good progress, but there is still more to do.’

Reflecting on efforts to restore peace in the Niger Delta, Dr. Jonathan recalled that as Vice President he personally visited militant camps deep in the creeks, including the dreaded Camp One, during negotiations that eventually paved the way for the amnesty programme and lasting peace in the region.

He recounted that although the militants insisted he attend the meeting without armed security, despite the reservations of his security team, he accepted the risk in the interest of achieving peace.

The former President noted that debates around oil and gas development are similar across producing nations, as governments everywhere face increasing environmental pressures while balancing economic development. He urged the organisers to continue drawing attention to issues that directly affect host communities and the sustainable development of the Niger Delta.

Dr. Jonathan also identified the need for greater attention to community development and the role of sub-national governments in ensuring that the benefits of the region’s natural resources translate into improved living standards for the people.

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for the governorship aspiration of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.

Ishola made the declaration during a consultative meeting with the Egba League of Imams and Alfas in Abeokuta, where he praised Senator Adeola’s leadership qualities, experience and commitment to the development of Ogun State.

The former envoy, who had earlier collapsed his political structure in support of Senator Adeola’s governorship bid, described the senator as the most qualified candidate to lead the state into its next phase of growth and prosperity.

‘I have no doubt about your capacity and experience to govern and improve the fortunes of Ogun State. You have my full support, now and always because what matters most is the development of our state, and I know you share the same commitment to Ogun State as I do,’ Ishola said.

Highlighting his years of public service, the former diplomat said his support was driven by a desire to see the state continue on the path of progress.

‘Ogun State has given me so much. I have had the privilege of serving as Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, and Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Having served at different levels, I consider it my duty to support the position of our party and any effort that will advance the development of Ogun State,’ he stated.

Senator Adeola’s governorship aspiration has continued to attract endorsements from influential stakeholders across the state.

Among those who have publicly backed his candidacy are the Ijebu Traditional Council of Obas, traditional rulers in Yewaland, community leaders in Ogun Waterside, and the Arewa Community in Ogun State.

The APC governorship hopeful has also secured the support of prominent party leaders, including former governors Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun, and the incumbent Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, further strengthening his position ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State for the 2027 election, Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, and former APC governorship aspirant, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, have exchanged words over claims that she asked him to refund money spent on her campaign.

Adeola, who represents Ogun West in the Senate, alleged that Obasanjo left the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because he refused to refund the money she spent during her governorship campaign.

Speaking during a meeting with market leaders in Remoland, Adeola said the alleged request showed that Obasanjo viewed politics as an investment rather than an opportunity to serve the people.

According to him, he met with Obasanjo as part of efforts to unite party members after the APC primary. However, he claimed he later discovered that her interest was driven by personal gains.

Adeola questioned why he should be asked to refund campaign expenses, insisting that he never encouraged her to contest the governorship race.

He further accused her of leaving the APC after being offered benefits elsewhere, claiming that her actions showed she was more interested in accessing state resources than serving Ogun residents.

The senator also alleged that after failing to get what she wanted from him and the APC, Obasanjo turned to the PDP and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

On the legal challenge against his emergence as APC candidate, Adeola said those opposing him would fail. He argued that politicians who defected to another party after May 10, 2026, were not qualified to contest the next election.

He also claimed that the PDP was facing internal legal battles and uncertainty over its leadership.

Reacting to the allegations, Obasanjo described Adeola as dishonest and denied making any personal demand.

She explained that during discussions with Adeola, members of her political team presented three requests. These included support for a Senate seat, a refund of campaign expenses, and the inclusion of her supporters in his campaign structure.

According to her, she never personally demanded any of the requests and told Adeola that he did not have to meet all of them.

Obasanjo said Adeola failed to respond to any of the requests and stopped communicating with her until after she left the APC. She also alleged that he later tried to persuade her to remain in the party by offering her money.

She questioned why he would make such an offer if he truly considered the request for a refund insulting.

The former Ogun State Commissioner for Health also criticised the process that produced Adeola as the APC governorship candidate, saying it did not follow the party’s guidelines on consensus selection.

She said she was not consulted before Adeola was announced as the consensus candidate and claimed some of her supporters were prevented from attending the unveiling event.

Obasanjo joined the APC in January 2026 but resigned from the party in May, citing rejection, poor treatment and lack of respect from its leadership. She later joined the PDP and emerged as the party’s candidate for the Ogun Central Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections.

The disagreement between both politicians is the latest sign of growing political tensions in Ogun State as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

Nigeria’s Ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has congratulated the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, on his 65th birthday.

In a message shared on Sunday, Omokri praised Obi for his role in promoting democracy and encouraging more Nigerians to participate in the political process.

He wished Obi a long life, good health, and more wisdom in the years ahead.

Omokri said Obi’s active involvement in politics has inspired many of his supporters to become more aware of and engaged in Nigeria’s democratic system.

Quoting the Bible verse, ‘Iron sharpens iron,’ Omokri said Obi has helped strengthen democratic participation in the country through his political activities.

He also prayed for continued blessings, wisdom, and success for the former Anambra State governor.

Omokri ended his message by wishing Obi a happy birthday and expressing hope that he would have a joyful and memorable celebration.

The winners of the 2026 Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national elections have been announced after voting ended and results were released on Sunday.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, was elected as the 33rd President of the NBA after defeating two other candidates in the race.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA), Aham Ejelam, SAN, announced the results at the NBA National Secretariat in Abuja.

Badejo-Okusanya received 12,317 votes, representing 47.18 percent of the total votes cast. Her closest rival, Lateef Akangbe, SAN, secured 7,934 votes (30.39 percent), while Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, got 5,855 votes (22.43 percent).

With her victory, Badejo-Okusanya will serve as NBA President from 2026 to 2028. She becomes only the second woman to hold the position after Priscilla Kuye, who led the association between 1991 and 1992.

The ECNBA also disclosed that 26,184 out of 82,172 registered voters participated in the election, representing a voter turnout of 31.86 percent.

Full Results

President

Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN – 12,317 votes (47.18%) – Winner

Lateef Omoyemi Akangbe, SAN – 7,934 votes (30.39%)

Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN – 5,855 votes (22.43%)

First Vice President

Chief Oghenero Okoro – 11,024 votes (44.85%) – Winner

Luqman Adekunle Laoye – 7,044 votes (28.66%)

Obajaja Onimisi Stephen – 6,511 votes (26.49%)

Second Vice President

Egya Nuhu John – 18,496 votes (Unopposed)

Third Vice President

Pepple Iniobong Irene – 19,200 votes (Unopposed)

General Secretary

Afam O. Okeke – 8,478 votes (33.58%) – Winner

Dr. Rapulu Ernest Nduka – 6,188 votes (24.51%)

Chidi Ezenwafor – 4,560 votes (18.06%)

Okey Leo Ohagba – 4,100 votes (16.24%)

Nnaebuka Onyebuchi Nwaeze – 1,147 votes (4.54%)

Barth Okoye-Aniche – 772 votes (3.06%)

Assistant General Secretary

Aghogho Gladys Okpomor – 14,312 votes (56.76%) – Winner

Osato Uwagboe – 5,003 votes (19.84%)

Tijjani Magaji – 3,282 votes (13.02%)

Benjamin Emeka Enyiagu – 1,954 votes (7.75%)

Chiduabo Prince Henry Mamah – 663 votes (2.63%)

Treasurer

Esther Ifeoma Jimoh – 21,908 votes (Unopposed)

Welfare Secretary

Audrey Chinelo Ofoegbunam – 14,911 votes (60.43%) – Winner

Sir Oaikhena Osagie – 5,187 votes (21.02%)

Akinwunmi Laleye – 2,234 votes (9.05%)

Chiwendu Ugochukwu – 1,202 votes (4.87%)

Ernest Ezindu Uwanaka – 1,140 votes (4.62%)

Publicity Secretary

Dr. Prince I. Azubuike – 14,686 votes (61.95%) – Winner

Lawrence Shegun Ayewa – 9,021 votes (38.05%)

Assistant Publicity Secretary

Hadiza Nasir Ahmad – 10,094 votes (40.83%) – Winner

Uwomano Anthony Junior Aki – 6,108 votes (24.71%)

Meti Monday Ukpeh – 4,643 votes (18.78%)

Lukman Oladimeji Jaiyeola – 3,877 votes (15.68%)

Eastern Zone Representative

Chidi Betsy Nnaji – 10,497 votes

Daniel Kip – 8,121 votes

Jane Omonor Apollos-James – 8,079 votes

Dr. Ehujuo Kingsley Chukwunonso – 7,811 votes

Assam Akpan Assam – 7,610 votes

Dr. Celestine Nwaokoma Nwankwo – 7,280 votes

Joy Obianuju Nnani – 6,519 votes

Arinze Celestine Chukwu – 4,675 votes

Western Zone Representative

Rotimi Komolafe – 14,816 votes (43.17%) – Winner

Precious Ndidi Nwadimuya – 10,031 votes (29.23%)

Dhikrullah Adewale Balogun – 9,476 votes (27.61%)

Northern Zone Representative

Huwaila Muhammad Ibrahim – 13,327 votes

Friday O. Enejor – 10,442 votes

Bulus Y. Atsen – 9,086 votes

Michael O. Olorunmola – 6,840 votes

Kadir Temim – 6,806 votes

Onimisi Friday Umar – 6,741 votes

Ledak D. Dafer – 4,933 votes

The election marks a new chapter for the NBA, with Badejo-Okusanya set to lead the association for the next two years. Her emergence is being seen as a significant milestone, as she becomes only the second woman in the NBA’s history to occupy the office of president.

By Christian Njoku

Victims were left counting heavy losses after a fire outbreak razed four shops along Murtala Mohammed Highway, Ishie Town, Calabar, in the early hours of Sunday.

The Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA) has since commenced a damage and needs assessment to determine the extent of the losses and identify the victims’ immediate humanitarian needs.

The assessment was led by the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Mr Efa Nyong, alongside the Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipality, Mr Okon Nyong, and officials of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four commercial shops, with a laundry service and a fashion design shop among the worst affected were destroyed in the inferno.

Items lost to the inferno include sewing machines, fabrics, generators and other valuable equipment.

Parts of the affected building also sustained structural damage due to the intensity of the fire.

Speaking during the assessment, the direct general of CR-SEMA sympathised with the victims, assuring them that the state government, remained committed to providing humanitarian assistance.

He said the assessment would provide credible data to guide government intervention and urged the affected traders to remain hopeful in spite of their losses.

Nyong also advised residents and business owners to regularly inspect electrical installations and ensure proper wiring to minimise the risk of future fire outbreaks.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of Calabar Municipality, commended CR-SEMA for its prompt response and assured the victims of the council’s continued collaboration with relevant agencies during emergencies.

Meanwhile, Mrs Cecilia Sampson, owner of the burnt fashion design shop, described the incident as devastating, saying the business was her family’s only source of livelihood.

She lamented that customers’ fabrics entrusted to her were consumed by the fire, expressing concern about replacing the materials and rebuilding her business.