Category: PM News

Police have arrested 79 miscreants and hoodlums, who engaged in unlawful activities to disrupt the 2026 Takutaha celebrations (celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammed, SAW) in Kano state.

The Police also recovered dangerous weapons from the hoodlums.

However, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, appreciated discernable Kano residents for ensuring peaceful celebrations.

He said: ‘This peaceful outcome was made possible through the coordinated, intelligence-led, and proactive security arrangements emplaced by the Command before, during, and after the celebration, in line with the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM.’

Mr. Bakori expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Kano State for their prayers, cooperation, support, and orderly conduct during the festivities.

According to him, the Command also received encomiums from all quarters within the State for providing a conducive environment that enabled residents to celebrate freely and safely.

CP Bakori further appreciated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, sister security agencies, vigilante groups, and other critical partners whose collaboration and synergy contributed immensely to the success of the security operations.

According to him, during the celebration, in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police on intelligence gathering, sustained clearance operations, and enhanced community-based policing, the Command conducted coordinated operations across the State.

As a result of these operations within the period under review, the Command recorded the following: a total of 79 suspects arrested for various offences; dangerous weapons and illicit drugs recovered from the suspects.

The Kano Police boss further stated that the arrests and recoveries were made by the following Police Tactical Units: Anti Daba, Anti Kidnapping, and VCRU; and the following Police Divisions: Ungogo, Sharada, Bachirawa, Rijiyar Lemo, Mandawari, Kwalli, and Gwale.

All suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon completion.

He said another singular incident reported also with causality is under investigation.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over recent political commentary referencing Christ, specifically pointing to remarks made by Precious Oruche, popularly known as Mama Pee, regarding Peter Obi and the 2027 presidential elections.

Oruche had in a viral video that has been generating controversies and condemnations claimed Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress, NDC will defeat Jesus Christ if both are on the ballot for the 2027 election.

But the President of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed the concern over the invocation of the name of Jesus Christ for political contest in a press statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.

He cautioned politicians and their supporters against invoking the name of Jesus Christ to advance partisan interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

?While acknowledging the passionate nature of political discourse, the CAN President emphasised that the name of Jesus Christ is sacred and must not be dragged into political rivalry.

?’Jesus Christ is not a political candidate, a campaign slogan, or a weapon to advance one politician against another.

‘His name is sacred and should not be dragged into partisan contests in ways that elevate human beings, however popular or admired, to a place that belongs to God alone,’ he said.

?The cleric clarified that citizens remain fully entiled to support or criticise any political figure, including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, or President Bola Tinubu, but cautioned against excessive partisan zeal.

?’Our political loyalty must never become so intense that we begin to speak of politicians in terms that diminish the reverence due to Christ.

‘Let us argue about competence, character, policies, performance, and the future of Nigeria. Let us disagree passionately if necessary, but let us leave Jesus Christ out of our partisan quarrels.’

?He stressed that no candidate or political platform represents spiritual salvation or the ultimate solution to human needs.

?’No politician is the Messiah. No political party represents the salvation of the human spirit that Christ epitomises. And no electoral victory is worth compromising the honour due to His name,’ he added.

?Okoh urged political actors, campaign teams, and the electorate across the country to exercise restraint, responsibility, and mutual respect as preparations for the next general elections gather momentum.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has reacted to the news of Uber’s exit from Nigeria, clarifying that it has nothing to do with airport protocols.

Mr. Henry Agbebire, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, while speaking during an interview, explained that false narratives about Uber’s exit being linked to the airport should be addressed and challenged.

He said Uber has expressly stated that its decision followed a review of its ‘evolving business priorities and investment focus across Africa.’

‘More significantly, the company has clarified that its exit is not related to the recent FAAN directive concerning e-hailing operations at Nigerian airports. That should settle the central question. FAAN did not drive Uber out of Nigeria. Uber says so. But there is a bigger story Nigerians should consider. This did not begin with FAAN. Uber’s challenges in Nigeria did not suddenly emerge at the airport. Investigations reveal that for years, the company and the broader ride-hailing industry have faced questions around regulation, driver welfare, data sharing, passenger protection, accountability and operational control,’ he stated.

Agbebire also noted that Nigerians should be asking a more important question pertaining to how Why did Uber decide that Nigeria no longer fits its investment priorities?, rather than claiming FAAN chased Uber away.

‘Perhaps we should stop asking, ‘Why did FAAN chase Uber away?’ The more appropriate question is: ‘Why did Uber decide that Nigeria no longer fits its investment priorities?’ Uber has answered that question. It reviewed its business priorities. It reviewed its investment focus. It made a corporate decision to leave Nigeria and Uganda while maintaining operations and investment elsewhere in Africa. That decision belongs to Uber,’ he added.

World football governing body, FIFA, is set to visit Nigeria to assess the proposed restructuring of the country’s football administration before giving its final approval to the process.

The development followed a meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and a Nigerian delegation led by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland.

The meeting focused on the crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the proposed roadmap to reposition Nigerian football following the resignation of the Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led board.

Gusau, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the Executive Committee resigned from their positions last week amid growing criticism of the state of Nigerian football.

Following the resignations, the Nigerian government moved to begin a major restructuring of the football administration.

The National Sports Commission proposed the establishment of a Normalisation Committee to oversee the transition, implement reforms and prepare the ground for a new NFF leadership.

However, FIFA has not simply given an immediate approval to the proposed arrangement.

Instead, the football governing body wants to continue discussions with Nigerian authorities and send a delegation to the country to examine the situation and ensure that the proposed restructuring complies with FIFA rules and regulations.

The FIFA visit is therefore expected to be an important step before the international body gives its final backing to the restructuring process.

At the Zurich meeting, FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the NSC and the NFF administration discussed the proposed reform roadmap.

The parties agreed to continue their engagements and fine-tune a plan covering short, medium and long-term reforms aimed at creating a more inclusive, stable and credible football administration in Nigeria.

The process is expected to go beyond simply replacing the resigned NFF officials. The aim is to address deeper problems in the administration of Nigerian football and establish a new structure capable of improving the game both on and off the pitch.

FIFA is also expected to have a major say in the composition of any Normalisation Committee that may eventually be approved.

Potential members of the committee will have to meet FIFA’s integrity and eligibility requirements before being cleared to serve.

The proposed committee is expected to operate temporarily while the reforms are carried out and preparations are made for a fresh NFF election.

There have been different projections about how long the committee could remain in place, with estimates ranging from a few months to as long as one year, depending on the scope and progress of the reforms.

The Nigerian delegation’s meeting with Infantino is being seen as an important step because FIFA has accepted the resignations of the former NFF officials and is now engaging with Nigerian football authorities on the way forward.

With FIFA preparing to visit Nigeria, attention will now shift to what the delegation finds and whether the proposed restructuring will meet the conditions required for FIFA’s final approval.

The outcome of the visit could determine the shape of the Normalisation Committee, the scope of the proposed reforms and the pathway to a new NFF leadership.

A cleric also known as Alfa and a paternal aunt are in police custody in Edo State over alleged sexual abuse of a pregnant 16-year-old girl.

Edo Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Eugenia Abdallah confirmed this in Benin on Thursday,

She noted that the aunt who had earlier been granted bail, was re-arrested by the police.

Abdallah noted that the girl was placed in the care of her paternal aunt, her father’s younger sister, following the separation of her parents and subsequent family circumstances.

According to the commissioner, the aunt regularly visited the Alfa’s residence for prayers and sometimes left the girl there while she went to the market.

She said the aunt also repeatedly sent the girl alone to the Alfa’s residence on errands, including having her mobile phone repaired, in spite of having sons she could have sent.

Abdallah said the girl was allegedly rendered sleepy or incapacitated during some visits and subsequently sexually assaulted by the Alfa, according to the information received.

She said the girl later complained to her aunt about physical discomfort, but her concerns were dismissed as delayed menstruation or possible hallucinations by the caregiver.

The commissioner said the girl, who was still attending secondary school, did not initially know that she was pregnant until concerns were raised by others.

She said some of the girl’s friends later became suspicious and reported their concerns to the school’s headmistress, who subsequently contacted the Ministry of Women Affairs.

According to Abdallah, further enquiries by the ministry revealed that the girl was already more than five months pregnant when the situation came to official attention.

She said that after the pregnancy was discovered, the aunt allegedly attempted to force the girl to terminate it, prompting the girl to contact her parents for assistance.

The Edo commissioner said the matter was subsequently reported to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), leading to the arrest and arraignment of the Alfa and the aunt.

She said the aunt was initially released on bail but was later re-arrested and remained in police custody alongside the Alfa as investigations continued into the allegations.

Abdallah said the girl was currently being cared for at a government shelter, where arrangements were being made for her to complete the pregnancy safely under appropriate supervision.

She said discussions were ongoing on options available for the baby after delivery, including possible adoption, subject to required procedures and the best interests of the child.

The commissioner added that the girl’s mother was making arrangements to relocate her to Lagos after delivery, where she could continue her education and rebuild her life.

Edo Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, continues to respond to sexual and gender-based violence through psychosocial support, counselling, protective care and referral services.

The ministry also collaborates with security and justice agencies to strengthen responses to reported cases, protect survivors and ensure appropriate referrals and support services were provided to affected children.

The ministry had earlier disclosed that more than 70 cases of incestuous defilement were recorded between January and July 2026 in Edo, with fathers allegedly responsible for about 50 per cent of cases.

The cases involved children aged between two and 10 years, according to the ministry, highlighting concerns over sexual violence against children and the need for stronger protection mechanisms.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has alleged that Uber’s exit from Nigeria resulted from exploitative business model that disregarded workers’ rights and collective bargaining.

UATON National Spokesperson, Mr Jossy Adaraniwon said this in a statement on Wednesday while condemning Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria.

Adaraniwon described the exit of Uber as unprofessional, alleging that the company left Nigeria’s ride-hailing market without prior notice to drivers.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adaraniwon described the development as irresponsible and a disregard for thousands of Nigerian drivers who built Uber’s platform.

He alleged that Uber’s exit resulted from what AUATON described as an exploitative business model which Bolt and InDrive subsequently adopted, thus, contributing to a ‘race-to-the-bottom’ in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector.

Adaraniwon said the situation had led to longer waiting times, lower driver earnings and fewer active drivers due to poor working conditions.

He warned Bolt and InDrive against exploiting drivers, urging both platforms to establish genuine collective bargaining mechanisms with AUATON.

‘If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate,’ he said.

Adaraniwon said AUATON’s position remained that the union should be recognised as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters.

He demanded fair pay, welfare packages, transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards.

The spokesperson urged AUATON members nationwide not to be discouraged by Uber’s exit, but to remain united and support platforms willing to sign collective agreements.

‘To Bolt and InDrive: The door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,’ he said.

Adaraniwon also alleged that Uber played an anti-union and anti-worker role in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labour against the union’s registration.

He further alleged that Uber sponsored individuals within AUATON to instigate internal crises and frustrate dialogue on drivers’ welfare.

He said AUATON would not allow foreign platforms to operate in Nigeria, exploit Nigerian drivers and leave without accountability.

Uber on Wednesday announced its decision to cease its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has accused the Lagos State Police Command of attempting to cover up the alleged tear-gassing of pensioners protesting unpaid entitlements, demanding an independent investigation into the incident.

The coalition also called on the Lagos State Government to immediately pay undisputed pension arrears and publish a clear timetable for settling outstanding obligations to retirees.

In a statement, the CSOs described the reported use of tear gas against elderly pensioners as ‘cruel, unacceptable, disgraceful, and an indefensible abuse of state power’.

The pensioners, including members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, had gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly on August 31, 2026, following the expiration of a 19-day ultimatum over unpaid pension increases, wage awards and arrears.

The coalition alleged that police officers disrupted the peaceful demonstration by firing tear gas at the protesters, forcing the elderly demonstrators to flee.

It subsequently condemned a reported denial by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, that the pensioners were tear-gassed.

The CSOs said the denial was troubling in view of eyewitness accounts, including that of a pensioners’ leader, Mr Latif Salau, Deputy Chairman of the Nigerian Pensioners Practitioners of Lagos State.

According to the coalition, Salau told the media that a senior police officer later apologised to the pensioners and offered them sachet water and biscuits.

‘If the teargassing did not occur, as the police claim, why would an officer apologise to the protesters afterwards?’ the coalition asked.

It also referred to reports that Mr Tayo Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, apologised for the incident while absolving the state government of responsibility for the alleged tear-gassing.

The CSOs questioned whether the police command had considered such publicly available reports before issuing its denial.

The coalition called on the Police Service Commission to investigate the conduct of the police spokesperson, arguing that any officer found to have deliberately misrepresented or concealed facts about an alleged assault on citizens should not continue in the position.

It also urged the Inspector-General of Police to establish an internal mechanism to review the operations of the Lagos State Police Command, particularly the conduct and supervision of officers involved in public-order operations.

The CSOs demanded the retraining of Lagos police officers on the rights of peaceful protesters, proportionality, de-escalation and the appropriate use of force.

They further called for disciplinary action against officers found to have authorised or used unlawful force against peaceful protesters.

The coalition said the alleged incident was particularly disturbing because the protesters were elderly citizens seeking payment of benefits they had earned after decades of service.

It questioned why force would have been necessary against the pensioners.

‘What threat did these pensioners pose? Were they armed? Were they violent?’ the coalition asked.

The CSOs also alleged that the incident reflected a wider pattern of repression of peaceful protests in Lagos.

They cited the January 28, 2026 protest by residents against alleged illegal demolitions and forced evictions, during which they said protesters were subjected to a police crackdown involving tear gas.

The coalition also referred to the #EndSARS protests of 2020 and the #EndBadGovernance protests of 2024, arguing that repeated confrontations between security forces and citizens demonstrated that lessons from previous crises had not been sufficiently learnt.

‘Nigerians must be able to speak out against government failures without fear of police violence,’ the statement said.

The coalition also called on the media to resist intimidation and undue influence and to stand by reports concerning the alleged incident.

Turning to the pension dispute, the CSOs said the Lagos State Government should stop treating pension payments as an act of generosity.

‘These are earned entitlements by men and women who gave Lagos their working years,’ they said.

Under the Defined Benefit Scheme, the pensioners are demanding 57 months of arrears arising from the 2019 consequential adjustment, 12 months of arrears from the 20 and 28 per cent increases approved in 2024, and the N32,000 wage award effective from January 2024.

Those under the Contributory Pension Scheme are seeking unpaid increases dating back to 2010, subsequent adjustments and the N32,000 wage award.

The coalition questioned why the dispute had persisted despite increased federal allocations to Lagos State.

It cited published analysis showing that Lagos received N365.78 billion in Federal Account Allocation Committee disbursements in the first half of 2026, representing a 54.39 per cent increase from the N236.92 billion received during the corresponding period in 2025.

The CSOs challenged the Sanwo-Olu administration to explain how the additional funds were being spent and why pension obligations remained outstanding.

They also expressed concern over reports from pensioners’ representatives that some retirees had died while awaiting payment.

The coalition urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to meet directly with the pensioners, condemn the alleged police assault, pay undisputed arrears immediately and publish a time-bound and enforceable plan for clearing all outstanding claims.

It also called on the National Pension Commission and other relevant authorities to engage the Lagos State Government and pensioner representatives towards resolving the dispute.

The CSOs further cited Sections 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as Section 210, which provides constitutional protection for pension rights.

‘Pensioners have every right to peacefully demand that government fulfil its obligations,’ the coalition said.

‘They must not be intimidated, humiliated or silenced for doing so.’

The group said the government must now ensure accountability and justice while treating elderly citizens with the dignity they had earned through years of service.

President Bola Tinubu has described former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha as a manager, and dedicated family man who embodies the finest traditions of Nigerian public service, earning cross-party respect through his tact and integrity.

The President said this in a 70th congratulatory message to the former SGF on Thursday.

In a tribute to commemorate the milestone in Abuja, Tinubu described Mustapha as ‘an exceptional leader, bridge-builder, and a pillar of the nation’s public service’.

Tinubu commended Mustapha’s seven decades of life, noting that the former SGF’s career has been consistently defined by humility, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to the progress of Nigeria.

Reflecting on Mustapha’s tenure as SGF from 2017 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu praised his quiet efficiency in steering the Federal Executive Council and coordinating key government policies through turbulent periods.

He highlighted Mustapha’s leadership as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, crediting his calm stewardship during the global health crisis with saving millions of lives and positioning Nigeria as a model for epidemic response across Africa and beyond.

‘Boss discharged his duties in a way that made Nigeria a shining example in Africa and beyond in combating that public health emergency. For this, our country must remain forever grateful to him,’ the President stated.

Beyond his executive service, the President recalled their shared history in Nigeria’s political evolution.

He highlighted their joint struggles during the historic June 12 movement, when Mustapha served as Chairman of the Adamawa Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Tinubu also acknowledged Mustapha’s pivotal role as Deputy National Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

‘Working alongside Chief Bisi Akande and other political leaders, Mustapha helped engineer the historic merger with the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and other legacy parties to form the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),’ he said.

Describing him as a legal practitioner, manager, and dedicated family man from Adamawa, Tinubu emphasised that Mustapha embodies the finest traditions of Nigerian public service, earning cross-party respect through his tact and integrity.

He prayed for Mustapha’s continued health and strength, stating that the nation would continue to draw from Mustapha’s vast institutional memory and quiet effectiveness for years to come.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mustapha is expected to celebrate the 70th birthday with the inauguration of a library he donated to a university in Yola, and a state banquet to be hosted by the Adamawa Government.

The students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) Ondo State on Thursday barricaded major roads leading to the campus, protesting the ongoing strike by the unions that has paralyzed academic activities in the institution.

The protesting students blocked the university’s main gate and adjoining roads linking the institution to the major highway, disrupting vehicular movement.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU); the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU); and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) had on Tuesday embarked on strike over unmet demands by institution’s management.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the state-owned university had on Aug. 11 declared an indefinite strike over the state government’s alleged failure to implement the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU agreement.

The protesting students carried placards with various inscriptions such as ‘Every pending graduate, shey na our lives be these?’, ‘NASU, NAAT, SSANU have joined strike’, and ‘Enough is Enough.’

Led by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Folagbade Ayoola, the protesters demanded immediate resolution of the welfare disputes between the state government and university unions to enable the reopening of the institution.

‘We cannot keep silent because we are really facing challenges in our university. Imagine students having to pay school fees while lecturers’ salaries are not paid.

‘ASUU had demands before the government, but after a series of meetings and the failure to get the necessary response, the union embarked on an indefinite strike.

‘We keep hearing promises and pushing for a solution, but nothing concrete has happened.

‘At this point, we have no other option than to come out and make our voices heard. Until the strike is called off, we are not going to back down,’ Ayoola said.

Also speaking, the General Secretary of the SUG, Oluwatimileyin Amos, lamented that students had been out of the classrooms for 68 days, creating deep uncertainty about their academic timelines.

‘We have been on strike for 68 days now and something needs to be done. We need an immediate resolution and action because our students are suffering.

‘Students are in a dilemma; they do not know whether to travel or stay back, especially the pending graduates whose examinations are approaching,’ Amos stated.

When contacted, the Deputy Registrar, Information and Public Relations of the university, Mr Sola Imoru, declined to comment on the development.

Imoru directed this correspondent to speak with the striking unions.

The Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has condemned Uber’s sudden exit from Nigeria, describing it as unprofessional.

AUATON National Spokesperson, Mr Jossy Adaraniwon, alleged that Uber left Nigeria’s ride-hailing market without prior notice to drivers.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adaraniwon described the development as irresponsible and a disregard for thousands of Nigerian drivers who built Uber’s platform.

He alleged that Uber’s exit resulted from what AUATON described as an exploitative business model that disregarded workers’ rights and collective bargaining.

According to him, Bolt and InDrive subsequently adopted similar practices, contributing to a ‘race-to-the-bottom’ in Nigeria’s ride-hailing sector.

Adaraniwon said the situation had led to longer waiting times, lower driver earnings and fewer active drivers due to poor working conditions.

He warned Bolt and InDrive against exploiting drivers, urging both platforms to establish genuine collective bargaining mechanisms with AUATON.

‘If you continue to operate without creating a genuine atmosphere for collective bargaining with AUATON, you will suffer the same fate,’ he said.

Adaraniwon said AUATON’s position remained that the union should be recognised as the sole bargaining representative of app-based transporters.

He demanded fair pay, welfare packages, transparency, safety and decent working conditions in line with International Labour Organisation standards.

The spokesperson urged AUATON members nationwide not to be discouraged by Uber’s exit, but to remain united and support platforms willing to sign collective agreements.

‘To Bolt and InDrive: The door for dialogue is open. But time is running out,’ he said.

Adaraniwon also alleged that Uber played an anti-union and anti-worker role in Nigeria, including petitioning the Federal Ministry of Labour against the union’s registration.

He further alleged that Uber sponsored individuals within AUATON to instigate internal crises and frustrate dialogue on drivers’ welfare.

He said AUATON would not allow foreign platforms to operate in Nigeria, exploit Nigerian drivers and leave without accountability.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uber on Wednesday announced its decision to cease its ride-hailing operations in Nigeria.