Category: PM News

Tokyo police have arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian, Nwadiukwu Ikenna, over alleged persistent touting activities in Kabukicho, one of the Japanese capital’s busiest nightlife districts.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said Ikenna was arrested after allegedly approaching a passer-by and grabbing the person’s left hand on a street in the area during the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026.

Police alleged that he repeatedly attempted to lure the individual into an establishment, reportedly saying, ‘Why don’t you?’ and ‘Don’t be scared. I love you.’

Investigators said Ikenna admitted to the allegation, telling authorities that he received a share of money from customers he referred to an eating establishment.

The arrest comes amid increasing complaints over touting activities in Kabukicho, a major entertainment and nightlife hub in Tokyo.

According to police, 91 complaints were recorded in the first half of 2026 from people who claimed they were taken to establishments by touts and later forced to pay unusually high charges.

The figure has already exceeded the 77 complaints recorded throughout the whole of 2025.

Police said many of the complainants were foreign tourists, with reported financial losses reaching about 100 million yen.

One reported case involved an Australian tourist who claimed to have lost approximately four million yen after being taken to an establishment.

Authorities have continued investigations into touting activities in the district as complaints involving visitors increase.

The Ijebu Traditional Council of Obas has unanimously endorsed the governorship ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Ogun State election, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, alongside his running mate, Alhaja Kudirat Abiodun Adegunwa Balogun.

The traditional rulers also threw their weight behind the bid of Governor Dapo Abiodun to represent Ogun East Senatorial District in the 11th Senate after the expiration of his tenure as governor.

The endorsement was announced on Friday during a meeting of the Ijebu Traditional Council of Obas at the Awujale’s Palace in Ijebu-Ode, where Governor Abiodun formally presented Senator Adeola and his deputy to the monarchs.

Speaking on behalf of the 56 monarchs that make up the council, the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, said the traditional rulers unanimously resolved to support Adeola because of what they described as his remarkable contributions to infrastructure development and other intervention projects that have benefited both Ogun West and other parts of the state.

Oba Adebajo recalled that the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, had publicly expressed his intention during the last Ojude Oba Festival to support Adeola’s governorship ambition, citing his developmental impact on Ijebuland. According to him, the council remains committed to fulfilling the late monarch’s wish in the interest of the state.

He further disclosed that the Olu of Ilaro and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, had also sought the support of the Ijebu monarchs for Adeola’s aspiration, assuring that the council would stand firmly behind the APC candidate.

Governor Abiodun described the gathering as historic, recalling that he was similarly presented to the council by former governor Olusegun Osoba before the 2019 governorship election.

Explaining his choice of successor, the governor said Adeola possessed the experience, leadership qualities and political maturity required to sustain the progress recorded by his administration.

‘I have found a worthy successor in Senator Olamilekan Adeola. He ticks all the boxes. I was looking for someone with business experience, political maturity, mental capacity and leadership skills-someone who can immediately continue the trajectory of development we have established over the past seven years,’ Abiodun said.

Responding, Adeola thanked the governor, APC leaders and the traditional rulers for their confidence in him, describing the endorsement as a call to greater service.

He pledged to consolidate the achievements of the current administration through inclusive governance and sustained stakeholder engagement across the state.

The senator also outlined plans to accelerate economic growth in Ijebuland by leveraging key infrastructure projects, including the proposed deep seaport at the Ogun Waterside axis, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the state’s anticipated emergence as an oil-producing region.

According to him, these projects would position Ogun as a major economic hub while boosting Ijebuland’s contribution to the state’s economy and the wider national economy.

Adeola assured the monarchs that, if elected governor in 2027, he would build on the foundation laid by the Abiodun administration and pursue policies that would deliver sustainable economic development across Ogun State.

His visit to Ijebu-Ode attracted a large turnout of residents, APC members and supporters, who lined major roads to welcome him. The consultation also provided an opportunity for the governorship candidate to meet community leaders, party stakeholders and traditional rulers as he continues consultations across the state’s three senatorial districts ahead of the 2027 election.

The meeting was attended by members of the Ijebu Traditional Council of Obas as well as APC leaders and stakeholders from across Ogun State.

Senator Ned Nwoko has called for tougher legal and institutional measures against companies that fail to meet their obligations to host communities, urging authorities to consider litigation and a review of the operating licences of erring firms.

Nwoko made the call during a meeting of the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where discussions centred on the responsibilities of companies operating in oil-producing communities.

The lawmaker argued that merely condemning companies that neglect their host communities was no longer sufficient, stressing the need for concrete actions to ensure accountability.

According to him, Nigeria should explore legal options that extend beyond its borders by pursuing litigation against defaulting companies in jurisdictions where their parent companies are headquartered.

‘It is not enough to simply condemn companies that fail in their obligations to host communities. We must begin to explore stronger legal and institutional measures that ensure accountability,’ Nwoko said.

He also advocated a comprehensive review of the operating licences of such companies, questioning whether firms that consistently neglect their statutory and social responsibilities should continue to enjoy the privilege of operating in Nigeria.

‘We must also examine the operating licences of these companies to determine whether they continue to deserve the privilege of operating in our country while neglecting their responsibilities,’ he added.

The senator’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of extractive activities and longstanding complaints by host communities over inadequate development, environmental degradation and the failure of some companies to fulfil their corporate social responsibilities.

Nwoko maintained that stronger enforcement mechanisms would not only protect the interests of host communities but also encourage greater corporate responsibility and sustainable development in the Niger Delta and other resource-producing areas.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has expressed delight over the rescue of the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire, Oyo State, describing their release as welcome news for their families and the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday night by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governors also congratulated President Bola Tinubu on the successful outcome of the operation.

‘The Forum received with joy and relief the news of the successful rescue of all the schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire community in Oyo State,’ the statement said.

According to the NGF, the operation was made possible through ‘months of high-level coordination, intelligence gathering, and disciplined execution.’

The governors said the safe return of the victims had brought comfort to their loved ones.

‘The Forum also rejoices with the families of the victims on the successful rescue which have now reunited them with their precious children and relations,’ the statement added.

The Forum praised the cooperation between the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government, noting that the partnership played an important role in securing the victims’ freedom.

It also paid tribute to the security agencies involved in the operation.

‘We are especially proud of the commitment and professionalism of our security forces throughout the operation. We are confident that this impressive multi-agency collaboration will yield more successes as the security forces do more to neutralise all threats and rescue our citizens who are still trapped in the den of kidnappers,’ the statement said.

While celebrating the successful rescue, the governors acknowledged the pain of families still affected by kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The NGF appealed to Nigerians to continue working with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent attacks and secure the release of other victims.

‘While we sincerely share in the grief of families and communities impacted by kidnapping and related incidents, we appeal to citizens to continue to support government’s efforts to protect lives and property in every part of the country, including giving timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies,’ the statement said.

Forty stranded Nigerians evacuated from South Africa have arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in the sixth phase of the Federal Government’s evacuation exercise aimed at assisting distressed citizens abroad.

The returnees, who landed on July 10, were received by officials of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other security agencies.

According to NiDCOM, the returnees expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving their evacuation, as well as to Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Alexander-Ajayi, for facilitating the process.

They also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whose officials received them on arrival and announced financial assistance to support their reintegration.

Several individuals, state governments and private organisations also pledged various forms of support to help the returnees rebuild their lives.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State announced a ?1 million grant for each returnee from the state, while telecommunications giant MTN provided free SIM packs loaded with data valued at ?50,000 and pledged an additional ?100,000 cash support for every returnee.

Officials from Edo and Delta states also unveiled reintegration packages for returnees from their respective states, while the JAAL Foundation promised empowerment support for 50 female beneficiaries.

Founder of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, offered free accommodation to about 52 of the returnees and pledged to provide vocational training for affected families as well as free education for their children up to university level.

Similarly, the Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu, donated ?100,000 to each of 66 returnees, while real estate firm Cruxstone also provided financial assistance to an earlier batch of evacuees.

NiDCOM said the returning Nigerians expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the various donations and reintegration support packages announced by government agencies, faith-based organisations and private sector partners.

The latest evacuation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to assist Nigerians stranded overseas and facilitate their safe return and reintegration into society.

Media and military sources over recent months have pointed to a common thread linking the growing militarisation and arms transfers in both Somalia and Sudan: Saudi support in the form of funding, weapons, and foreign mercenary personnel operating in both countries.

In Somalia, reports have highlighted what they describe as suspicious Saudi military activity following the visit of a Saudi military delegation to two Somali military training camps in the Guri Jabal area of Galguduud region in Galmudug State, where Riyadh is financing the training programme.

Local reports further claimed that Saudi Arabia secretly recruited mercenaries from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, and Colombia through unofficial channels to train forces loyal to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, despite growing public opposition to his administration.

A total of 5,107 Somali soldiers are reportedly undergoing training, including 2,000 recruits enlisted from Somalia’s Northeastern State. The programme is scheduled to run for nine months following the Saudi military delegation’s visit to Somalia at the end of last June. However, concerns have grown that some of those foreign mercenaries are being covertly transferred to Sudan to support the Sudanese army and its Islamist allies.

Concerns among Somali and Sudanese observers intensified after Africa Intelligence reported in February on a covert mission led by Sudanese officers to train Somali militias. According to the report, ‘a team of Sudanese military personnel trained 1,000 Somali recruits in Galmudug State,’ adding that the mission was conducted under the supervision of intelligence services affiliated with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose constitutional term expired in May, amid tensions between Somalia’s federal member states.

Since the first week of June, Somalia has experienced heightened instability following clashes between federal government forces and armed groups aligned with opposition leaders rejecting the extension of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s tenure, while militant organisations such as Al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS have reportedly continued operating across different regions of the country.

In Sudan, reports describe similar Saudi support. Gulf Post, citing Intelligence Online, reported that ‘images, video footage, and intelligence sources consulted in Kyiv showed the use of howitzers on the Sudanese battlefield after they had been delivered by Saudi Arabia to Sudan between 2023 and 2024.’

According to Intelligence Online, it established that Ukrainian mercenaries ‘trained artillery units of the Sudanese Armed Forces under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’ and their Muslim Brotherhood allies to operate the artillery systems.

The publication further reported that ‘during 2023 and 2024, Saudi Arabia shipped three batteries of 155mm M777 artillery systems, together with large quantities of ammunition, to the Sudanese army. Several pieces of evidence dated to 2023 allegedly show Ukrainian fighters operating towed M777 howitzers in an environment matching the Sudanese theatre, identified through architectural and vegetation indicators.’

According to the report, Saudi Arabia had previously faced accusations of providing military assistance to the Sudanese army, and these documents are described as ‘the first tangible evidence directly linking Saudi military systems to operations conducted in the Sudanese theatre.’

The reported overlap between military activities in Sudan and Somalia comes as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has, according to SudanLeaks, ‘made explosive remarks reinforcing international and regional accusations directed at the Sudanese army and its Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated militias regarding their extensive use of foreign fighters and mercenaries from multiple African countries to fuel the ongoing conflict.’

SudanLeaks further states that ‘Abiy Ahmed’s official remarks are consistent with intelligence and international reports indicating that Muslim Brotherhood militias in Sudan, foremost among them the Al-Baraa ibn Malik Battalion-affiliated with the Islamic Movement and designated under U.S. sanctions-have increasingly relied on recruiting mercenaries from Ethiopia and other African countries, in addition to employing Iranian and Ukrainian personnel.’

Oyo State Governor and Allied People’s Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has warned that the opposition will reject any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections.

Makinde said the outcome of the polls must reflect the choice of Nigerians, warning against any action capable of suppressing the will of voters.

The governor spoke in Bauchi while addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

‘They must not suppress the will of the people. They must not suppress whatever decision they are going to take, and we will ensure that does not happen,’ Makinde said.

He added that the opposition would not accept electoral malpractice, insisting that the final result must represent the voice of Nigerians.

‘We will not allow any electoral malpractice. The outcome must reflect the voice of Nigerians,’ he stated.

Makinde described the current political atmosphere in the country as toxic, but expressed optimism that Nigeria was approaching a new political phase.

‘Being in opposition, the political environment is very toxic. It is the darkest moment, I can say that to you. But when the day is about to break, that is the darkest point,’ he said.

Speaking on the APM’s chances in the 2027 presidential election, Makinde said the party remained confident because Nigerians would ultimately determine the direction of the country.

He recalled his victory in the 2019 Oyo governorship election, when he defeated the ruling All Progressives Congress despite the party controlling both the federal and state governments at the time.

‘In Oyo State in 2019, as an opposition party then in the PDP, APC was ruling at the federal level and also at the state level, but we won,’ he said.

Makinde also addressed concerns over recent security challenges in Oyo State, saying the incidents occurred after years of relative peace.

He said the state experienced stability for most of his seven years in office before recent security concerns emerged.

The governor also linked the timing of the crisis to his presidential declaration, saying some incidents occurred shortly after he announced his ambition.

Meanwhile, Bala Mohammed said his meeting with Makinde focused on governance, security challenges, and strengthening the APM as an opposition platform.

Mohammed praised Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State, describing him as a leader whose developmental projects had attracted national attention.

Five persons, including four children, have lost their lives after landslides triggered by 48 hours of torrential rainfall devastated Ikot Anwatim Community in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State.

The disaster also left two residents injured and destroyed two houses, according to the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (CR-SEMA).

CR-SEMA confirmed the casualties on Saturday during a rapid damage assessment of the affected community conducted in collaboration with officials of the Disaster Management Unit of the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, leading the assessment team, the Director-General of CR-SEMA, Efa Nyong, described the tragedy as heartbreaking, particularly the deaths of the four children, and conveyed the condolences of the Cross River State Government to the bereaved families.

He assured victims that the government would provide humanitarian support while undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the disaster to guide emergency response and long-term interventions.

‘This assessment will document the extent of the disaster and provide the information needed to support government decisions on emergency assistance and long-term disaster risk reduction,’ Nyong said.

He urged residents of communities vulnerable to landslides and erosion to remain vigilant, promptly report signs such as land cracks and comply with evacuation directives issued by relevant authorities.

Nyong warned that climate-related disasters were becoming increasingly frequent, stressing the need for greater public awareness and stronger collaboration between communities and government agencies to minimise risks.

He added that the rapid assessment reflected CR-SEMA’s commitment to proactive disaster management, coordinated emergency response and the protection of lives and property across the state.

Following the inspection, the assessment team recommended the immediate provision of humanitarian relief for affected families and continued medical care for those injured in the incident.

The team also called for a comprehensive geotechnical investigation of the affected area to determine its long-term stability and identify appropriate mitigation measures.

It further recommended intensified public awareness campaigns on landslide risks and the possible relocation of residents living in high-risk areas as heavy rainfall continues across the state.

One of the affected residents, Bassey Patrick, commended the emergency response team for its prompt intervention despite the challenging conditions.

He appealed for urgent government assistance, saying many families had lost loved ones, homes and means of livelihood and would require substantial support to rebuild their lives.

Businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has called on FIFA to improve the quality of refereeing at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, saying poor officiating could hurt the reputation of the tournament.

In a post on X, Elumelu praised the African countries that took part in the competition, saying they represented the continent well and showed the growth of African football on the global stage.

He congratulated the teams for their efforts and said they made Africa proud with their performances.

‘Well done to all the African countries that represented our continent at the World Cup. You made Africa proud and showed the world what African football is capable of,’ he wrote.

However, Elumelu expressed concern over some refereeing decisions during the tournament. According to him, several controversial calls have raised questions among football fans and stakeholders.

The Chairman of Heirs Holdings warned that FIFA must address the issue to protect the integrity of the game.

‘But FIFA needs to improve the standard of refereeing because if poor officiating continues, it will damage the game,’ Elumelu stated.

His comments come amid growing discussions about the quality of officiating at the World Cup, with some fans and analysts criticizing decisions made by match officials in several games.

Elumelu’s remarks have added to calls for FIFA to ensure higher refereeing standards and greater consistency in decision-making at future tournaments.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday visited victims of the recent kidnapping in Oriire Local Government Area who are receiving treatment at the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division Medical Centre in Ibadan following their rescue.

The governor was accompanied by a senior medical officer in the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Moses Azuoru, during the visit to assess the condition of the rescued victims.

Sharing details of the visit on his Facebook page, Makinde assured the victims of his administration’s continued support until they fully recover and are reunited with their families.

He wrote: ‘Earlier today, we visited the victims of the Oriire LGA kidnapping incident where they are receiving treatment in Ibadan. We will continue to provide the necessary support needed for their full recovery and reunite them with their families.’

The governor also paid tribute to the civilians and military personnel who lost their lives during efforts to secure the victims’ freedom.

‘We also remember civilians and military personnel who lost their lives during this process, our administration will ensure that they did not die in vain. May their souls rest in peace and may God continue to comfort their families,’ he added.

The visit came a day after security forces successfully rescued the abducted victims following coordinated operations involving troops and other security agencies. The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention before being reunited with their families.