Category: PM News

The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2027 Ogun governorship election, Oladipupo Adebutu, as a trustworthy and reliable leader.

The monarch made the declaration on Sunday while receiving Adebutu, his running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, PDP leaders and supporters during a courtesy visit to the Ake Palace in Abeokuta.

Presenting Adebutu to members of the Egba Traditional Council, Oba Gbadebo praised the PDP standard bearer for his character, pedigree and commitment to public service.

‘I am pleased to present Oladipupo Adebutu to all of you as a man who is trustworthy and reliable. May God continue to stand by you,’ the monarch said.

The Alake also paid glowing tribute to Adebutu’s father, renowned businessman and philanthropist Sir Kesington Adebutu, recalling his generosity and contributions to the development of Egbaland and Nigeria.

Sharing a personal experience, the monarch narrated how Sir Kesington single-handedly purchased a permanent secretariat for a club to which they both belonged after members had struggled to raise the required funds.

‘The son of a lion must resemble the lion. In fact, he is an even better version of his father,’ Oba Gbadebo declared, expressing confidence in Adebutu’s leadership qualities and offering prayers for the success of his governorship ambition.

Speaking during the visit, the Ogun State PDP Chairman, Hon. Abayomi Tella, said the palace visit formed part of Adebutu’s statewide consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the 2027 election.

Tella criticised the state of local government administration under the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that despite increased allocations to councils, grassroots development had remained stagnant.

According to him, an Adebutu administration would prioritise local government autonomy, restore effective governance at the grassroots, and ensure that councils deliver meaningful infrastructure and basic services to residents.

Adebutu’s running mate, Alhaja Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, appealed to the people of Egbaland to support the PDP ticket, assuring them that the party would not betray their confidence if elected.

Former presidential adviser and PDP senatorial candidate for Ogun Central, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, also endorsed Adebutu’s candidacy, describing him as a visionary leader with the political will to transform Ogun State.

She said her decision to join the PDP was based on her conviction that Adebutu possesses the capacity to implement policies that would improve the lives of Ogun residents.

Obasanjo further urged traditional rulers and the people of Egbaland to rally behind the PDP, insisting that the party has assembled the strongest political team in the zone ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

The vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has confirmed that he and the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, signed a written agreement committing Obi to serve only one four-year term if elected president in 2027.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Monday, Kwankwaso said he was confident Obi would honour the agreement, which provides for power to return to the North after the expiration of a four-year southern presidency.

Asked whether Obi’s one-term pledge was binding, Kwankwaso said he had no reason to doubt the former Anambra State governor.

‘I personally believe him. Based on what I know about him, I don’t think he will change his mind when the time comes. We are all gentlemen, and we have accepted to put it on paper,’ he said.

Kwankwaso disclosed that two separate agreements were signed-one by the party and another personally between him and Obi.

‘We have done one for the party, and we have done another one between the two of us,’ he said.

According to him, the agreement commits both leaders to work together to ensure a successful administration from 2027 to 2031 before the presidency returns to the North.

‘The agreement is that after four years, we will continue to work together as a party, as friends and brothers, so that after our four-year term, from 2027 to 2031, power returns to the North,’ he explained.

Explaining why he accepted the vice-presidential nomination despite previously seeking the presidency, Kwankwaso said the arrangement reflects the need for fairness and national balance.

He said both leaders agreed that the South should produce the president for one term before power shifts back to the North, describing the arrangement as a consensus capable of promoting national unity.

On whether he intends to contest the presidency in 2031, Kwankwaso said the party remains focused on winning the 2027 election while keeping its long-term political plans in view.

STAC Marine Offshore Ltd. has partnered with Lagos-based brand communications agency Flip Visuals to develop a new corporate identity following its $20 million acquisition of the Abo Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) facility.

The branding initiative comes after STAC Marine acquired the deep-water oil and gas asset in September 2023, marking a significant expansion of its operations in Nigeria’s offshore energy sector.

According to the company, Flip Visuals was engaged as its full-service brand communications agency to create a comprehensive brand identity that reflects STAC Marine’s growing presence in the deep-water energy industry and positions it for engagement with global energy companies, regulators and business partners.

The agency said the assignment went beyond designing a logo, focusing instead on building a brand that aligns with the company’s long-term strategic ambitions.

Co-Founder and Creative Director of Flip Visuals, Austine Nwaojei, said STAC Marine understood from the outset the importance of establishing a strong corporate identity as it expanded its operations.

‘They didn’t need to be convinced that brand visibility matters. They already knew. Our role was to translate their operational ambition into a visual and communications system that reflects the scale of their business,’ he said.

Flip Visuals said it developed a brand identity centred on STAC Marine’s strengths as a responsive, locally rooted and operationally disciplined Nigerian energy company.

The project included a new logo inspired by FPSO pipeline architecture, a redesigned corporate website, a communications strategy aimed at positioning the company as a thought leader in FPSO asset management, as well as social media management and visual content production.

STAC Marine’s management described the project as the creation of a brand from the ground up rather than a redesign of an existing identity.

The company said the exercise has strengthened its corporate image as it seeks to deepen its footprint in Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas industry and engage more effectively with international stakeholders.

Flip Visuals, a Lagos-based brand management and visual communications agency, provides brand strategy, visual identity development, web design, corporate communications, social media management and video production services to clients across the energy, maritime, fintech and other emerging sectors.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced two senior members of the Ansaru terrorist group to life imprisonment after they admitted to multiple terrorism-related offences.

Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the judgement on Monday, convicting Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, Abbas and Mukhtar, described as the group’s self-proclaimed emir, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, also known as Mahmud al-Nigeri or Malam Mamuda.

The pair changed their plea from not guilty to guilty on all 32 charges filed against them by the Department of State Services (DSS), prompting the court to enter convictions on every count.

While delivering the sentence, Justice Nwite said he had taken into account the plea for mercy made by defence counsel Bala Dakum and the personal appeal presented by Usman.

The court imposed life imprisonment on both men for counts 30 and 31, which relate to financing terrorism through proceeds from illegal mining and ransom payments. They were also sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment without the option of a fine on the remaining terrorism counts. The jail terms are to run concurrently from the date of their arrest.

Abba received an additional 15-year sentence, while Usman was also handed a 15-year term on a separate count relating to illegal mining used to finance terrorism.

The two men were first arraigned in September 2025 after their arrest in separate DSS operations carried out between May and July that year. They initially denied all allegations, although Usman admitted one count linked to illegal mining. On Monday, however, both defendants withdrew their earlier pleas and accepted responsibility for every charge.

Addressing the court, defence lawyer Dakum said the decision to plead guilty followed consultations with his clients.

‘After having consultation with the defendants my lord, they have agreed and are ready to change their plea and we apply that the charge be ready to them accordingly,’ he said.

The prosecution, led by David Kaswe, did not oppose the application and urged the court to convict the defendants under Section 274 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

Kaswe argued that the guilty plea left no doubt about their culpability.

‘I urge this honourable court to draw strenght from the ACJA, 2015, I just cited and the apex court’s decision also cited and convict the defendants on all the 32 counts on the charge sheet filed by the prosecution.

‘This is our humble application my lord,’

In a plea for leniency, Dakum said the convicts had accepted responsibility for their crimes and expressed genuine remorse.

‘However, they have come to the court in honest show of remorse and accepatnce of full responsibility for their actions,’ he said.

He urged the court to exercise mercy, noting that Usman was 50 years old, had 19 children and suffered from arthritis.

‘The first convict (Usman) is a 50-year-old man and have 19 children.’

Dakum added that Usman wished to return to school and rebuild his life.

He also appealed on behalf of Abba.

‘The second convict (Abba) is a 34-years-old man with three children and a wife.

‘He is also suffering from arthritis and he is the bread winner of their family.’

The lawyer further told the court that both men claimed they had been forced into terrorism and were now willing to support security agencies with intelligence.

‘The convicts informed me of their willingness to provide the security agencies with intelligence and information about anything relating with terrorism in Nigeria; their network, financing, intelligence, etc.

‘Why they are not justifying their actions this morning, they are willing to support the security agencies.’

Usman also addressed the court personally, asking for compassion.

He said their decision to plead guilty was intended to save the court’s time and reflected their remorse.

‘I am a man who has 19 children and I have been suffering this health condition (arthritis),’ he said.

‘I am pleading my lord, under your mercy, to please assist me in our situation. I am pleading seriously,’ he begged.

According to the charges, the two men financed terrorism through illegal mining and kidnapping for ransom, fabricated improvised explosive devices, coordinated sleeper cells and maintained links with Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups operating across the Sahel and Maghreb.

The prosecution also linked them to several high-profile attacks and kidnappings, including the 2022 attack on the Nigerian Army’s Wawa Cantonment in Kainji, the 2013 abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp, the kidnapping of traditional rulers and the 2022 Kuje prison attack, during which more than 600 inmates escaped.

The DSS alleged that proceeds from mining activities and ransom payments were used to procure arms and explosives, forming the basis of the counts that attracted life imprisonment.

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had previously described the two men as key figures behind the Kuje prison break and said they operated networks stretching into Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

The DSS also alleged that the pair coordinated terrorist operations across several parts of Nigeria and maintained close ties with extremist groups operating beyond the country’s borders.

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has said Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Mr Peter Obi had earned widespread respect for his prudent leadership, integrity, philanthropy and commitment to the common good.

Ohanaeze said this while congratulating Obi on his 65th birthday in a statement on Sunday.

While lauding the former Anambra governor’s contributions to national development, the group described Obi as a disciplined leader whose personal example continues to inspire many Nigerians, especially the youth.

This is contained in birthday message issued by Ohanaeze’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta Mbata, the Global Executive Committee (GEC), on Sunday in Enugu

Chukwu said that Obi had distinguished himself through diligence, discipline, enterprise and an enduring commitment to public service.

He said that the former Anambra Governor had earned widespread respect for his prudent leadership, integrity, philanthropy and commitment to the common good.

According to him, Obi’s personal example continues to inspire many, particularly the younger generation, to embrace excellence, hard work, accountability and selfless service to society.

‘As a proud son of Alaigbo, Obi’s accomplishments have contributed to projecting the values for which the Igbo nation is known, including industry, resilience, innovation, integrity and respect for the dignity of every human person’.

The organisation also praised his commitment to peace, unity and the advancement of humanity.

Chukwu prayed that God would grant Obi many more years in good health, renewed strength, divine wisdom and abiding grace, while wishing him greater fulfilment and continued service to humanity in the years ahead.

‘Happy 65th Birthday, Your Excellency. May God continue to bless and keep you,’ the Igbo apex body said. (NAN)

The Police have explained how six people working at a farm died following a thunderstorm in Ganye Local Government Area of the state of Adamawa State.

The command’s Spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed this in a statement on Monday in Yola.

Nguroje said the incident occurred on Sunday at about 4; 00 p.m., in Dadiri-Tirigali village within the locality during a heavy rainfall.

According to him, the command received an emergency report from the Ganye Divisional Headquarters on the natural disaster.

‘The report said that lightning had struck nine persons who were working on a farm in the village.

‘On receipt of the report, personnel from the division were promptly deployed to the scene, who on reaching there found the victims lying unconscious on the ground.

‘Three of the victims later regained consciousness, while the remaining six were confirmed dead by medical personnel.’ (NAN)

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi, describing him as a man of exceptional character whose life was defined by humility, integrity, compassion and entrepreneurial excellence.

In an emotional tribute released on Sunday, the monarch said the passing of Prince Adetunji had left an irreplaceable void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

The statement, issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare, said the late prince lived a life of purpose and service that touched countless lives.

Born on December 8, 1967, Prince Adetunji hailed from the illustrious Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings and was widely respected in Nigeria’s business community for his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial accomplishments.

The Ooni said beyond his success in business, his late brother was a compassionate philanthropist who quietly supported many people through his generosity, wise counsel and selfless service.

‘Today, the entire royal family mourns not only a brother and son but also a trusted confidant, a dependable pillar of our family and a man whose life reflected honour, dignity and uncommon compassion,’ the monarch said.

He added that Prince Adetunji’s unwavering commitment to family values, enterprise and humanity would continue to inspire generations.

According to the Ooni, the late prince’s legacy extended far beyond the corporate world, as he consistently upheld the values and traditions of the Ojaja Royal Family through his humility, integrity and dedication to the progress of society.

The revered monarch prayed for the peaceful repose of his brother’s soul and asked God to grant strength and comfort to his immediate family, friends, business associates and everyone affected by the loss.

He also urged the people of Ile-Ife and well-wishers to take solace in the impactful life Prince Adetunji lived, noting that his legacy of excellence, kindness and service would endure.

‘Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his footprints on the sands of time can never be erased. We are comforted by the fact that he lived a fulfilled life dedicated to God, family, enterprise and humanity. May the Almighty grant us the strength to bear this painful loss,’ the Ooni said.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the final forfeiture of the sum of ?941,994,079.86 million linked to suspected ghost workers uncovered by the Commission’s investigations into Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja gave the ruling in an ex-parte application moved by the ICPC (on behalf of the federal government) praying for the fund, believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

The ICPC, following the hint of the court had published the names of 910 individuals suspected to have benefited from the purported fraud in two National Dailies (Daily Trust and The Nation Newspapers) on March 18, 2026.

Investigations by the ICPC had revealed a large-scale payroll fraud involving hundreds of non-existent public servants, with a total sum of N941,994,079.86 traced to accounts linked to the scheme.

The discovery follows a systems study conducted by the Commission in 2023, which revealed the existence of numerous ‘ghost workers’ embedded within the payrolls of several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Acting on the findings, the Federal Government of Nigeria approved a comprehensive audit of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The approval was granted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Subsequently, in April 2024, the ICPC initiated a joint investigation with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAF), which uncovered 587 suspected ghost workers on the IPPIS platform.

Investigations revealed that fictitious IPPIS identities had been created for non-existent personnel across multiple MDAs, with salaries paid over extended periods into accounts belonging to individuals and companies. In many cases, the account names did not correspond with those of the purported employees, while some accounts received multiple salary payments simultaneously.

Between August and November 2024, the Commission took enforcement action by placing Post No Debit (PND) restrictions on all identified accounts, effectively freezing funds suspected to be proceeds of fraud.

The affected MDAs include the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Ministries of Defence, Education, Agriculture and Rural Development, Works, Water Resources, and Interior, as well as institutions such as the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Benin, University of Calabar, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Maiduguri, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and even the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

A verification exercise conducted in 2025 cleared 120 civil servants, whose identities and employment status were confirmed and subsequently reinstated on the IPPIS platform.

However, investigations showed that 467 bank accounts remain linked to unverified individuals, with account holders yet to be identified. The total sum of N941.9 million currently frozen in these accounts formed the subject of legal action.

According to the ICPC Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Hamza Sani esq, detailed records of the affected accounts, including IPPIS numbers, names of the purported workers, and banking details of beneficiaries, were compiled as part of the evidence before the court.

Justice Nyako, in a recent ruling effectively ordered the transfers of ownership of the recovered funds to the Federal Government.

‘That an Order is hereby made for the Final Forfeiture to the Federal Republic of Nigeria the Sum of ?941,994,079.86 seized during investigation into the IPPIS Payroll scam in the year 2024,’

The ICPC remains committed to combating corruption and promoting transparency and good governance through the rule of law within the Nigerian space.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The revered monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

By Tolulope Oke

Former Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro has ruled out another attempt to govern Lagos, but insists he defeated Babatunde Fashola in the 2007 governorship election.

Obanikoro said his governorship ambition was now ‘completely off the table’ during an appearance on Mic On Podcast, hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye.

The 66-year-old politician said he now wanted to concentrate on mentoring young Nigerians rather than pursuing another political ambition.

‘It is completely off the table,’ Obanikoro said.

‘I’m 66. At this age, we want to reflect more and do things that will properly help the coming generation.’

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s weakening family structure and value system, arguing that experienced political leaders should dedicate more time to preparing younger Nigerians for leadership.

‘There is a need for people to mentor the coming generation. The family structure has more or less collapsed,’ he said.

‘Our value system is in reverse gear. When you review all of that, the best people like us can do is mentor more.

‘Let the coming generation be calm and patient. Whether we like it or not, they stand to inherit Nigeria.’

Obanikoro contested the 2007 Lagos governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party after defecting from the Alliance for Democracy.

He lost officially to Fashola, who contested under the Action Congress and was backed by the political structure of then-Lagos governor Bola Tinubu.

Asked about claims by his supporters that he won the election, Obanikoro said he shared that belief.

‘I also believe that we won that election, but you know Nigeria-it is what it is,’ he said.

The former Lagos Central senator also maintained that he had no regrets about challenging Tinubu’s political structure despite previously serving as a commissioner under his administration.

‘All I wanted to do was to achieve what I set my mind on,’ Obanikoro said.

‘I was not even thinking about whether I was fighting against my own family-the Bola Tinubu political structure.

‘I just felt I wanted to be governor because, at that time, I was full of so many things in my mind.’