Category: PM News

A father of two identified as Musbawu Amodu has allegedly beaten his 20-year-old wife to death over ‘failure to prepare food’ in Agyaragu, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

The 30-year Amodu was arrested in Angwan Yahaya community where he beat the wife to death, spokesperson for Nasarawa Police Command, SP Rahman Nansel, said in a statement issued on Sunday in Lafia.

Nansel said the couple had been married for six years with two children.

He said that a complaint was lodged at the Agyaragu Police Division at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, alleging that the suspect assaulted his wife, leading to her death.

According to him, the Divisional Police Officer immediately deployed patrol personnel to the scene, while the victim was evacuated to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, for medical examination and preservation.

‘The suspect was promptly arrested and, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to committing the act.

‘He stated that he acted out of anger after the deceased allegedly refused to prepare food.

‘According to him, an argument ensued, which escalated into a physical altercation that ultimately resulted in her death,’ the statement said.

The Nasarawa police spokesman added that the suspect had expressed remorse over the incident.

He said that the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa state, Shetima Mohammed, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for thorough and discreet investigation.

Nansel said the commissioner assured the public that justice would be served and that the suspect would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

He quoted the commissioner as condemning all forms of domestic violence, describing the incident as tragic and avoidable.

Nansel urged couples and family members to embrace dialogue, patience and lawful means of resolving disputes, stressing that no misunderstanding was worth the loss of a human life.

The PPRO added that the command had assured residents that the situation in Agyaragu and its environs remained calm and under control, while security monitoring continued.

Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso).

The politician shared the sad news on his official X account on Monday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss while also giving thanks to God for what he described as a life well lived and filled with purpose.

Rhodes-Vivour described his late mother as a strong pillar of the family who remained committed to her responsibilities as a wife, mother, and grandmother throughout her life. According to him, she was known for her love, support, and dedication to her family and those around her.

Announcing her passing, he wrote: ‘With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the passing of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour (née Waboso). A loving wife, devoted mother, and grandmother. She was the epitome of love and will be greatly missed. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon.’

The announcement has attracted messages of condolence from supporters, political associates, friends, and well wishers who have sympathised with the Rhodes-Vivour family during this difficult period.

In a separate tribute, the family celebrated the life of the deceased, describing her as a compassionate and caring woman whose kindness touched many lives. They said she was known for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

According to the family, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour left behind a lasting legacy of love, service, and dedication. They noted that her positive influence extended beyond her immediate family, as she inspired many people through her character, guidance, and support.

While mourning her passing, the family expressed gratitude for the time they shared with her and the values she instilled in those around her. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Lagos State governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has announced the death of his mother, Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour.

Rhodes-Vivour disclosed the development in a statement posted on his official X account on Monday.

The family described the deceased, whose maiden name was Waboso, as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother.

‘With sadness in our hearts and gratitude to God for a life well spent, we announce the call to glory of Nkechi Stella Rhodes-Vivour,’ the statement read.

The family also described her as ‘the epitome of love,’ adding that she would be greatly missed.

Rhodes-Vivour prayed for his mother’s soul to rest in peace.

The statement, issued on behalf of the family by Olawale Rhodes-Vivour, said funeral arrangements would be announced later.

Rhodes-Vivour, who contested the 2023 Lagos governorship election under the Labour Party, is now the ADC candidate for the 2027 election after securing the party’s ticket in May 2026.

Gunmen have kidnapped a 60-year-old headmaster, Kolawale Mathew Owoade, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State and demanded N30 million for his release.

Owoade, popularly known as Onaiye, is the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School in Igbojaye, Budo Aare.

He was abducted between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday while returning from his farm in the Budo Aare area.

His son, Abiola Owoade, said the kidnappers contacted the family shortly after the attack using his father’s mobile phone.

According to him, the abductors demanded N30 million before they would release the victim.

A search team later discovered Owoade’s abandoned motorcycle inside a bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday.

Abiola appealed to the Nigerian Army, police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Amotekun, hunters and local vigilantes to help rescue his father.

He expressed concern for the headmaster’s safety and urged security agencies to act quickly before the situation worsened.

Owoade’s colleagues and members of the education community in Itesiwaju also expressed shock over the abduction.

Oyo State Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed the incident on Monday.

Ayanlade described the victim as a farmer and said security operatives had begun efforts to rescue him unharmed and arrest those responsible.

The abduction comes amid renewed concerns over kidnapping and attacks on residents in parts of Oyo State.

It also occurred one day after security agencies rescued more than 40 pupils and teachers abducted from three schools in the state in May.

The victims were freed unharmed on Friday after spending 56 days in captivity.

Gov. Bassey Otu on Monday visited flood and landslide-ravaged communities in Calabar, the Cross Rivers State capital, including the family of a toddler killed by floodwaters.

The governor inspected the affected areas alongside the Director-General, Cross River Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA), Mr Efa Nyong.

On the entourage of the governor were government officials, engineers, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and other emergency response stakeholders.

The areas visited include Elijah Henshaw Street, Webber Street, Atu Street, Ibesikpo Street, Mayne Avenue by Atakpa among others in the Calabar Municipality and Calabar South area councils.

Otu who met residents and businesses owners in the devastated areas leveraged on the opportunity to console the family that lost their child through the flood.

Expressing sympathy, he assured the residents that his administration would not abandon residents during difficult periods.

The governor commended CR-SEMA on prompt response, saying the agency’s timely assessments had guided government’s emergency decisions.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that residents’ welfare remained central to his’ People’s First’ agenda.

He assured that the evacuation of displaced residents from affected communities would commence immediately as part of government’s immediate response measures.

‘There will also be comprehensive assessments of all affected locations to ensure relief materials reach genuinely impacted victims without delay,’ Otu announced.

Earlier, the director general CR-SEMA, Nyong, said that the agency had maintained continuous presence in affected communities conducting assessments, following the flood and landslide incidents across the state.

He said that the agency was collaborating with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Red Cross Society, security agencies and relevant ministries to document losses and identify victims’ immediate needs.

Nyong assured residents that CR-SEMA would sustain emergency response while intensifying public sensitisation on flood preparedness and disaster risk reduction.

It will be recalled that Calabar metropolis in the last four days had witnessed torrential rainfall that had led to the flooding of parts of the city and destruction of properties.

As part of efforts to deepen the acceptance and institutionalisation of the diversion programme across Lagos State, the Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD) has intensified its advocacy campaign by engaging Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council to encourage greater local ownership of the initiative.

The advocacy is aimed at ensuring that local councils take the lead in implementing diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law, thereby strengthening child-friendly justice and reducing reliance on formal prosecution.

A BPD delegation, led by one of its Deputy Directors, Mrs. S. O. Ladipo, alongside Ms. Gloria C. Odimba, the Bureau’s Programme Officer for UNICEF collaborations, and other officials, paid a courtesy and advocacy visit to the council as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the administration of child justice in Lagos State.

The visit forms part of the Bureau’s partnership with UNICEF to promote the establishment of diversion programme centres across local government areas in the state.

The initiative is designed to encourage stronger support from local councils for child-centred justice by providing alternatives to prosecution for children who come into conflict with the law, while promoting their rehabilitation, reintegration into society and the protection of their rights.

According to the Bureau, the advocacy campaign is intended to build the capacity and commitment of local councils to implement diversion programmes as an effective tool for addressing juvenile offences without exposing children unnecessarily to the criminal justice system.

Before the visit to Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Council, the BPD and UNICEF advocacy team had undertaken similar engagements with other councils, including Alimosho Local Government and Lagos Mainland Local Government, as part of the ongoing statewide campaign to expand the diversion programme and strengthen child justice administration across Lagos.

Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi has challenged the Federal Government to move beyond repeated condemnations and take decisive action against the wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states.

Obi spoke on Monday while reacting to separate weekend attacks that reportedly claimed at least 27 lives across the two North-Central states.

In Benue, suspected gunmen killed two farmers in Akpachi before launching another attack on the Otukpo-Nobi community, where at least 16 people were killed and several others injured.

Nine members of one family were also killed when gunmen invaded Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The victims reportedly included an infant, while a community leader sustained serious injuries during the assault.

Reacting in a statement posted on his official X account, Obi described the renewed bloodshed as painful and disturbing.

The former Anambra State governor said Nigerians must not be forced to accept repeated killings, displacement and destruction of livelihoods as a normal part of life.

According to him, the victims were not merely figures in casualty reports but parents, children, breadwinners and future leaders whose lives had been cut short.

Obi said protecting lives and property remained the most important responsibility of any government.

He demanded a security system built around intelligence gathering, swift intervention and accountability rather than reactions after communities had already been attacked.

‘The time has come to move beyond routine condemnations after every attack,’ he said.

Obi also called for the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible, insisting that the culture of allowing attackers to escape justice must end.

He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to adopt a proactive strategy capable of preventing attacks before more lives are lost.

The NDC presidential candidate extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states.

Obi, who secured the NDC presidential ticket in May, is expected to challenge Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

The Benue attacks sparked protests in Otukpo, where angry residents reportedly carried victims’ bodies to the palace of the Och’Idoma and blocked major roads while demanding stronger government action.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attacks and said security had been reinforced as authorities worked to evacuate survivors and provide medical assistance.

Residents of the affected Plateau communities have also appealed for increased security deployment amid fears of further attacks.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has directed a high-level Nigerian Air Force (NAF) delegation to Portugal to assess the ongoing Periodic Depot Maintenance (PDM) of C-130H aircraft, NAF 913.

This is contained in a statement on Monday in Abuja, by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters.

Aneke said that the development reaffirmed the service’s unwavering commitment to aircraft safety, airworthiness and operational readiness.

According to him, the delegation is led by the Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal Olufemi Ogunsina, and accompanied by the Commander, 631 Aircraft Maintenance Depot, Air Commodore Eric Kpokpogri.

‘The delegation visited Messrs OGMA – Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal to evaluate progress on the maintenance programme and engage on measures to facilitate its timely completion.

‘The delegation also conducted an extensive inspection of ongoing maintenance activities and held strategic discussions with OGMA management on practical steps to optimise timelines and sustain momentum towards the aircraft’s return to service.’

The CAS also said that the engagement reflected the proactive approach of the current NAF leadership.

This he said was in ensuring close oversight of critical maintenance programmes and guaranteeing that all aircraft operate in accordance with the highest international standards of safety, reliability and airworthiness.

He added that the visit also provided an opportunity to reassure the public regarding the status of the aircraft, which had earlier proceeded abroad for its scheduled depot-level maintenance programme.

‘In spite of unforeseen transit challenges, the Nigerian air force remained steadfast in ensuring that the aircraft reached its designated maintenance facility to undergo comprehensive inspections and maintenance in accordance with global best practices.

‘This underscores the service’s uncompromising commitment to safety, technical integrity and long-term operational effectiveness, placing premium importance on the safe and efficient employment of its air assets,’ he said.

He further said that in recognising the strategic importance of the platform to national and regional airlift operations, both parties reviewed measures aimed at sustaining progress on the maintenance programme and facilitating the aircraft’s timely return to service.

According to him, the collaborative engagement further highlights the strong partnership between the Nigerian Air Force and global aerospace stakeholders in sustaining critical air capabilities and enhancing its capacity to effectively support national and regional operations.

‘Beyond the ongoing maintenance programme, the delegation also explored broader areas of cooperation with OGMA and other industry partners, focusing on long-term support for the NAF C-130H fleet, technical training, logistics support and future sustainment requirements.’

Aneke emphasised that the Nigerian air force remained steadfast in its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational readiness.

‘The safety of our personnel and the airworthiness of our platforms remain paramount.

‘We will continue to strengthen our maintenance culture and strategic partnerships to ensure that the Nigerian air force remains a highly professional, mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in support of national security objectives,’ said.

He added that the ongoing efforts further demonstrate the service’s commitment to preserving critical airlift capabilities and inspiring public confidence in the professionalism, resilience and technical competence of the Nigerian air force.

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on forgery of a degree certificate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Minister had submitted the UNN and NYSC certificates to the National Assembly during his ministerial screening in 2023.

ICPC also accused Nnaji who was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja of receiving about ?29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences and money laundering.

Following his plea, the former Minister’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN) told the court that he had filed a motion for his bail.

However, ICPC counsel said he is ready to proceed with the trial with tree witnesses ready to testify.

But he did not object to the defendant’s bail application, stating that it was at the discretion of the court.

Subsequently, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ?20 million with one surety in like sum.

The Court said the must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.

Also, the court said the surety must submit evidence of employment, including a letter of employment, and provide salary slips for the last three months.

The Court also ordered the ex-Minister to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

In the one of the charges, ICPC accused Nnaji allegedly of taking possession of N29.58 million paid into his Fidelity Bank account as salaries and allowances while serving as minister.

The ICPC alleged that he reasonably ought to have known the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts, namely corruption and fraud.

The commission said the alleged offence contravened Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In count two, the ICPC accused Nnaji of using his office as minister to confer a corrupt advantage on himself, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

According to ICPC, Nnaji, with intent to mislead the Federal Government, knowingly presented a false National Youth Service Corps Certificate No. A231309, during his ministerial appointment process.

It said the alleged offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The ICPC also alleged that, in August 2023, Nnaji knowingly presented a false Microbiology/Biochemistry degree certificate, No. 004501, purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

According to the charge, the act also contravenes Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

In count five, the commission alleged that, around May 1986, Nnaji knowingly produced a false Certificate of National Service, No. A231309, and used it as genuine.

The ICPC said the alleged offence was contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

In count six, the anti-graft agency claimed Nnaji knowingly produced a false degree certificate in microbiology/biochemistry, purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, around July 1985.

According to the Commission, the former Minister used the document as genuine, contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by operatives of Department of State Services (DSS).

He was subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

ICPC had confirmed the handover of Nnaji to it by DSS in a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey also on July 1.

The anti-graft agency said the former Minister was arrested ‘following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria’.

According to the Commission, the order issued on 11 June 2026 mandated it to arrest Nnaji to enable investigation into allegations bordering on forgery of a degree certificate of UNN and NYSC Discharge Certificate which he submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

ICPC said it had earlier invited the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026, but he failed to honour the invitations.

‘Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,’ it said. ‘The legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026).’

Recall that Nnaji resigned as Minister in October 2025 following controversies over alleged forgery his NYSC discharge certificate and that of his first degree.

However, the Minister had denied allegations that he forged NYSC and UNN certificates.

He also dragged the university to court over the alleged forgery.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, N20 million bail after he pleaded not guilty to alleged certificate forgery.

Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge.

The ICPC accused the former minister of forging an academic certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and making false statements in documents submitted to public authorities.

Nnaji denied the allegations when the charges were read to him.

Justice Abdulmalik granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in the same amount.

The court ordered that the surety must be an Abuja-based civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must submit an affidavit showing the ability to meet the bail conditions.

The judge also directed Nnaji to surrender his international passport to the court.

He was barred from travelling outside Nigeria without prior permission from the court.

Nnaji served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet from August 16, 2023, until October 6, 2025.

The criminal case followed an ICPC investigation into allegations surrounding the academic credentials he submitted during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment.

The former minister has consistently denied forging any certificate or making false declarations.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until July 21 for the commencement of trial.