Category: PM News

A Nigerian-American engineer, Anthony Ehiedu Ugbebor, has approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the June 15, 2026 judgment of the Lagos State High Court in his N152 million property dispute with Oak Homes Multinational Services Limited.

In a nine-ground Notice of Appeal filed before the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, Ugbebor is seeking to overturn the judgment delivered by Justice Akingbola George, which held that his property purchase agreement with Oak Homes and its Managing Director, Olukayode Olusanya, had been extinguished by the doctrine of novation.

The High Court had ordered Oak Homes to refund the N152 million paid by Ugbebor for two luxury apartments located at 14A Musa Yar’Adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, while dismissing his counterclaim seeking specific performance of the contract or, alternatively, damages.

Dissatisfied with the decision, Ugbebor argued that the trial judge misapplied settled principles of contract law, ignored material evidence, wrongly dismissed his counterclaim and erroneously refused his claim for specific performance.

The dispute originated from a suit filed by Oak Homes against Ugbebor and the Economic and Ficial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging trespass on two second-floor, three-bedroom apartments at the Victoria Island property.

Although the High Court dismissed most of the developer’s claims, it ruled that the conduct of both parties amounted to novation, thereby terminating the original agreement and limiting Ugbebor’s remedy to a refund of the purchase price.

In his appeal, Ugbebor asked the appellate court to restore the original property sale agreement, declare it valid and enforceable, and compel Oak Homes to complete and deliver the apartments in line with the contract.

He contended that the trial court wrongly placed the burden of proving payment on him instead of Oak Homes, which alleged breach of contract. According to him, the agreement tied payments to construction milestones rather than fixed calendar dates.

Ugbebor maintained that he had already paid about 80 per cent of the purchase price, with 35 per cent due only after completion of the roofing stage and the final 20 per cent payable upon completion of the apartments. He argued that Oak Homes failed to reach those agreed construction milestones.

The appellant also challenged the finding of novation, relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Heritage Bank Ltd v. Ajugwo, arguing that a new contract cannot be inferred merely from the conduct of parties without clear evidence of an agreement to replace the original contract.

He further faulted the dismissal of his counterclaim, insisting that contracts relating to land ordinarily attract the equitable remedy of specific performance and that the trial court failed to determine the issue of frustration of contract despite evidence and submissions by both parties.

Ugbebor also argued that the judgment failed to properly evaluate his claims for general damages, special damages and specific performance, while contradicting itself by acknowledging breaches allegedly committed by Oak Homes but refusing all the reliefs sought in his counterclaim.

He is urging the Court of Appeal to set aside the judgment in its entirety, restore the validity of the original property sale agreement and compel Oak Homes Multinational Services Limited to honour its contractual obligations.

The Federal High Court on Monday ordered Mr Nkemakolam Ukandu, the National Welfare Secretary of African Democratic Party (ADC), to pay the FHC’s Chief Judge (CJ), Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu the sum of N50 million each for accusing them of bias.

Justice Salim Ibrahim said this in a ruling on an oral application made by Mr J. U. K. Igwe, SAN, counsel for Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu.

He ordered that the total sum of N100 million shall be paid within 14 days of the order.

Justice Ibrahim earlier stuck out Ukandu’s case which was filed against the National Judicial Council (NJC), Justice Tsoho and Justice Lifu respectively for lack of diligent prosecution.

Ukandu had sued the NJC, the FHC CJ and Justice Lifu as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively, over alleged bias and disobedience to court order.

In the suit, Ukandu sought an order compelling the NJC to investigate allegations of corruption, abuse of judicial powers and bias levelled against Tsoho and Lifu.

However, neither the plaintiff nor his lawyer had appeared before Justice Ibrahim since the matter was assigned to the judge.

The judge had, on June 30, threatened to dismiss the suit for failure of the plaintiff or his lawyer to appear for proceedings.

The suit stemmed from the ADC leadership crisis involving an aggrieved member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, whose case is currently before Justice Lifu.

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has suffered a serious wrist injury after England’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

The 36-year-old was injured while celebrating after the final whistle at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. Henderson reportedly fell over an advertising board and had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed after the match that the injury appears serious.

‘Jordan fell and injured his wrist. It looks really bad,’ Tuchel said. ‘The doctors have taken him to hospital. It’s unfortunate because it spoils what was a great night for us.’

Henderson, who has only played six minutes at the tournament so far, will not travel back with the rest of the England squad as he remains under medical care.

England are preparing for a World Cup quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday, but Henderson’s participation is now highly doubtful.

The former Liverpool captain could join defender Reece James on the injury list. James has been sidelined with a hamstring problem since England’s opening match of the tournament.

Tuchel Criticises World Cup Referees Despite England’s Win Over Mexico

England manager Thomas Tuchel has criticised the standard of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his team’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico.

Speaking after the Round of 16 match, Tuchel said the refereeing was ‘not good enough,’ particularly regarding a penalty awarded to Mexico after a VAR review.

England had raced into a 2-0 lead through two goals from Jude Bellingham, but Mexico pulled one back before halftime through Julián Quiñones.

The game became more dramatic in the second half when England defender Jarell Quansah was sent off after VAR reviewed his challenge on Jesús Gallardo and upgraded it to a red card.

Former FIFA assistant referee Darren Cann supported the decision, saying Quansah’s studs made contact with Gallardo’s shin and that the red card was correct under the laws of the game.

England later restored their two-goal advantage through a Harry Kane penalty, but Mexico were awarded a spot-kick of their own after Kane was judged to have fouled Brian Gutiérrez. Raúl Jiménez converted the penalty to make it 3-2.

Despite Tuchel’s complaints, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart said the referee made the correct decisions throughout the match.

England eventually held on to secure victory and book a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway.

Shareholders of FCMB Group Plc have approved a total dividend payout of N23.08 billion for the 2025 ficial year, endorsing all resolutions presented by the Board at the company’s 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos on June 30, 2026.

The meeting, attended physically and virtually, also approved the re-election of Mr. Ladi Jadesimi and ratified the appointment of Mrs. Adepeju Adebajo as directors.

Shareholders further elected members of the Audit Committee and authorised the Board to determine the remuneration of the company’s external auditors.

The approvals came on the back of a strong ficial performance despite challenging economic conditions.

FCMB Group reported profit before tax of N202.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing an 81 per cent increase from N111.9 billion recorded in the previous year. Profit after tax rose by 142 per cent to N177.3 billion, while gross revenue climbed 42.5 per cent to N1.13 trillion. Return on equity also improved to 23.2 per cent.

The Group recorded double-digit profit growth across all business segments, with the Banking Group posting a 110 per cent increase in profit before tax. Consumer Fice, Investment Banking and Investment Management grew by 107 per cent, 90 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively. The company said the strong momentum continued into the first quarter of 2026.

Chairman Ladi Jadesimi said the results underscored the resilience of FCMB’s diversified business model.

‘We remain steadfast in our objective of balancing immediate shareholder returns with the need to retain sufficient capital to support long-term expansion, strengthen our competitive positioning and optimise value creation for all stakeholders,’ he said.

Group Chief Executive Ladi Balogun described 2025 as a transformative year driven by collaboration across the Group’s businesses, adding that the completion of FCMB’s recapitalisation programme had positioned it for its next phase of long-term growth.

Shareholder representatives commended the Board and management for the company’s performance and dividend payout. Mrs. Bisi Bakare, National Coordinator of the Pragmatic Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said the dividend reflected management’s commitment to creating shareholder value despite economic headwinds.

Mr. Boniface Okezie, National Chairman of the Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, praised FCMB’s support for small businesses, noting that the Group provided N537.5 billion in ficing to SMEs in 2025, including N51 billion to women-owned businesses.

Shareholder Mr. Eric Akinduro also applauded the improvement in asset quality, citing a decline in the Group’s non-performing loan ratio to 5 per cent from 5.95 per cent.

FCMB reported an 8.2 per cent increase in total assets to N7.63 trillion, while consumer and SME lending rose 24 per cent to N930 billion. Assets under management also increased 24.2 per cent to N1.70 trillion, reinforcing the Group’s diversified earnings base and long-term growth strategy.

The approved dividend was paid on July 30, 2026, to shareholders whose names appeared on the register of members at the close of business on June 15, 2026.

Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Lagos State Deputy Governor and 2027 APC Governorship candidate in the state on Sunday said many politicians aspiring to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 lacked the vision required to transform Nigeria.

Hamzat stated this while addressing members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen’s Forum during their visit to key infrastructure projects in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the forum visited the deputy governor at his residence in Ikoyi.

Decrying criticism of Tinubu by some presidential candidates, Hamzat said, ‘Many who want to lead do not have vision

‘We are thankful that we have visionary leaders. Many could not see what Asiwaju Tinubu saw years ago.’

Hamzat described President Tinubu as an inclusive leader who encouraged innovation and welcomed superior ideas irrespective of their source.

‘Nobody is too small before the President. If your idea is superior, it overrides that of the President. He allows ideas to germinate,’ he added.

The deputy governor said Tinubu’s decision to establish certain agencies reflected his understanding that specialised institutions could deliver better results than conventional ministries.

He said many of the landmark projects transforming the state presently were products of Tinubu’s foresight and vision

Hamzat listed such projects as the rail lines, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Eko Atlantic City, Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway among others.

‘Building these projects is not just to move people; it is to industrialise our country and to connect the people,’ he said.

He said improved transport and infrastructure connectivity would promote commerce, strengthen national integration and stimulate sustainable economic growth.

Hamzat said Tinubu’s ability to attract local and foreign investors was a direct result of his visionary leadership and long-term development strategy.

He urged APC state chairmen to work closely with their governors because of their strategic position within the party structure.

‘It is important that we build our party,’ he said

Hamzat also urged elected office holders to appreciate the significance of political parties and learn from successful democracies across the world.

‘We must let every elected office holder know the value and significance of the party.

‘As a country, we must make sure that we build this country. We must not fail our people,’ he said.

He called on leaders at all levels of government to remain accountable, reminding them that they would ultimately give account of their stewardship before God.

Hamzat said Nigeria was endowed with intelligent and talented people but had continued to suffer setbacks because citizens often allowed minor differences to divide them.

According to him, leadership should be driven by service, stressing that a person’s true worth is best appreciated through commitment to the welfare of the people.

Responding on behalf of the forum, Chief Moses Adeyemo, the Oyo State APC Chairman, who appreciated the warm reception, described Lagos as a state of distinction for emulation.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, Mr Isaac Sankey, said the party’s state chairmen were impressed by the development strides recorded in Lagos under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership as former governor.

Sankey said the visit afforded the delegation the opportunity to witness projects that reflected Tinubu’s vision, adding that the foundation laid during his tenure had continued to drive Lagos’ development.

He thanked the Lagos State Government for its hospitality and expressed confidence in the President’s vision for Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the APC in Akwa Ibom, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, described Lagos as a model for other states, saying its remarkable transformation reflected purposeful and visionary leadership.

‘The way and manner you project the ideals of this state is huge, and we are proud of it.

‘Lagos is a model to other states. We are in no doubt whatsoever that you will follow the great steps laid by the President,’ Ntukekpo said.

Earlier, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the chairman of the forum and Lagos State APC Chairman, said his colleague were in Lagos for a three-day visit to strategise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Southern Political Progressives Amalgamation Forum (SPPAF) has urged the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to exercise caution over reports of a possible presidential ticket involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

The forum made the call in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Convener, Fidel Anga, Co-Convener, Bright Menget, and Strategic Director, Abasi Jonathan.

It said political parties should ensure thorough due diligence in the selection of candidates and running mates ahead of future elections.

It said its advice was informed by previous judicial decisions affecting election outcomes, especially where issues relating to the qualification or documentation of candidates and their running mates became subjects of litigation.

The group cited the 2020 Supreme Court judgment in the Bayelsa State governorship election involving former APC candidate David Lyon, saying political parties should draw lessons from the case by paying close attention to legal compliance during the nomination process.

SPPAF expressed the view that the ADC should prioritise candidates capable of withstanding legal scrutiny in order to avoid post-election disputes.

It also advised the party’s leadership to carefully consider all political and legal implications before settling for any presidential ticket, saying this would help safeguard the party’s electoral prospects and institutional credibility.

The forum urged political parties generally to strengthen their internal screening processes and ensure compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Constitution.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of the ADC on the forum’s position were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ADC has confirmed that the names of its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and his running mate, Rotimi Amaechi, have been uploaded to the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement posted on X, describing the submission as another milestone in the party’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected members of an armed militia believed to be linked to the recent attempted attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, in what security sources described as a major breakthrough in ongoing investigations.

According to security sources who spoke to Zagazola Makama, the suspects were apprehended at about 3:30 p.m. on July 4 during an intelligence-led operation by troops of Sector 6 at the Trade Centre area of Jos South.

One of the suspects was identified as Mr. Aboi, while the identity of the second suspect has not been officially disclosed as investigations continue.

The sources said the duo is being interrogated over their alleged involvement in the failed attack on the NIPSS facility, with investigators seeking actionable intelligence that could lead to the arrest of other members of the suspected criminal network.

‘The suspects are being exploited for further intelligence that could lead to the arrest of other members of the group involved in the attack,’ one of the security sources told Zagazola Makama.

The arrests come days after troops repelled an attempted attack on the strategic national institution on July 2, engaging suspected armed assailants in a gun battle that left one attacker dead while others escaped into nearby rocky terrain.

During the operation, troops recovered a service rifle bearing registration number CO-3175, which military authorities said had earlier been stolen from a soldier killed during an attack on troops at the Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Vom, on April 11.

The recovery of the weapon prompted security agencies to broaden investigations into possible links between recent attacks targeting security personnel operating within the Kuru-Vom axis.

Earlier, Zagazola Makama had reported that the slain attacker was suspected to be a member of an armed Berom militia operating in the area. However, the report was challenged by the Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM).

The association’s president, Barrister Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, rejected claims that the Berom ethnic community operated any militia group, arguing that the identity and ethnicity of the deceased attacker had not been independently established. He urged security agencies and journalists to rely strictly on verified information when reporting security incidents.

In a follow-up report, the deceased attacker had been identified by local residents, as well as multiple security and community sources, as Peter, a Berom resident of the Trade Centre area. The report also cited a 17-second WhatsApp video in which an individual identified the deceased as someone from the locality.

Security sources said the latest arrests in the same Trade Centre axis where the slain suspect was reportedly traced have strengthened ongoing efforts to unravel the structure and membership of the group allegedly responsible for the attacks.

The sources, however, stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that the suspects will be accorded due process while intelligence gathering continues.

Military authorities are yet to issue an official statement identifying the suspects or announcing any formal charges.

A youth advocacy group has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to suspend aspects of the proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), warning that stripping the scheme of its traditional structure could weaken one of Nigeria’s most enduring instruments for national unity, discipline and emergency service.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Coalition for National Unity and Youth Development and signed by its president, Abdulrahman Sani, and secretary, Grace Nwafor.

While acknowledging the federal government’s intention to modernise the scheme, the group argued that the reforms should not alter the identity of an institution that has served the country for over five decades.

It urged the president to set up an expanded committee comprising former NYSC directors-general, security experts, university administrators, employers, labour unions, youth organisations and civil society groups to thoroughly review the proposals before they are transmitted to the National Assembly.

‘We respectfully appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to allow a historic national institution to be fundamentally altered without exhaustive consultation. Mr President has consistently demonstrated that he listens to Nigerians, and we sincerely beg him to pause this process and allow broader stakeholder engagement before any irreversible decision is taken,’ the statement said.

The coalition argued that the NYSC was established primarily as a nation-building institution, insisting that its role should not be overshadowed by vocational training objectives.

‘It would be unfortunate if the NYSC gradually loses its identity and becomes known merely as another government skills acquisition programme. Skills are important, but they are not the reason the scheme was created. Its greatest achievement has been bringing young Nigerians together across ethnic, religious and regional divides at a time when our country desperately needed healing.’

The group said the military component of the orientation camp remains one of the scheme’s strongest features, stressing that discipline, patriotism, teamwork and resilience cannot be taught effectively in classrooms alone.

‘Across the world, countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Israel and Switzerland continue to expose their young citizens to structured national or military service because they understand that national development depends not only on knowledge but also on discipline, sacrifice and civic responsibility. Nigeria should strengthen that tradition rather than weaken it.’

The coalition also recalled the role corps members played during national emergencies, saying their contributions demonstrated the strategic importance of the scheme.

‘When COVID-19 placed enormous pressure on our healthcare system, it was not only permanent government workers who answered the call. Hundreds of NYSC doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory scientists stood on the frontlines in isolation centres and public hospitals across the country. During elections, disease outbreaks and humanitarian emergencies, corps members have repeatedly proven that the NYSC is a national emergency asset, not just a youth programme.’

The coalition dismissed suggestions that the reforms were introducing digital innovation into the scheme, noting that mobilisation, deployment, documentation and records management have already been substantially automated.

‘It is difficult to present digitalisation as a new reform when the NYSC has, for years, operated one of the most advanced digital administrative systems in the public service. The bigger challenge is funding. Give the scheme adequate resources, modern facilities and stronger welfare, and it will continue to deliver even greater value to Nigeria.’

The advocacy group expressed concern that public attention had shifted from substantive reforms to debates over uniforms, saying the controversy reflected poor consultation.

‘It is telling that what was introduced as a comprehensive reform quickly became a national conversation about Adire and uniforms. That should convince everyone that the proposals require deeper engagement before legislation begins.’

The coalition urged the national assembly to subject any amendment to the NYSC Act to extensive public hearings, insisting that reforms affecting generations of Nigerian youths should reflect the views of those who have built, managed and benefited from the scheme over the decades.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has debunked a media report alleging he was offered ?500 billion to contest against the presidential candidate of National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, to split South-South votes.

Special Adviser on Media to Jonathan, Dr Ikechukwu Eze, in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, described the publication as entirely false and baseless.

Eze called on Nigerians to disregard what he described as a fabricated report published by a ‘little-known website’ which ‘falsely’ attributed a statement to Jonathan claiming that he was offered such amount.

He noted that the fabrication lacked the most basic standards of journalism.

‘The report failed to state where or when Jonathan allegedly made such a claim, who was present or who purportedly made the alleged offer,’ he said.

Eze noted that the publication bore all the hallmarks of fake news deliberately crafted to mislead the public and drag the former president into unnecessary political controversy.

While acknowledging that the approach of a political season often brings a surge in misinformation and false attributions, he, however, urged Nigerians to disregard the report in its entirety and verify sensational claims before sharing them.

For thousands of vulnerable families across Lagos, access to government support can mean the difference between surviving hardship and building a better future. From widows struggling to feed their children to small business owners trying to recover from economic setbacks, every well-coordinated social intervention has the potential to change lives.

Recognising this, the Lagos State Government has begun another effort to ensure that assistance reaches the people who need it most by strengthening how Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) plan and deliver social protection programmes.

Speaking at the Social Protection Policy Measures Onboarding and Adoption Workshop organised by the Social Protection Coordinating Department, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo, said the initiative would help government agencies integrate social protection principles and global best practices into their programmes.

According to her, the workshop is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of the State’s approved Social Protection Policy Measures while equipping them with practical skills to design and implement interventions that reduce poverty, protect vulnerable residents and promote social inclusion.

She stressed that the success of social protection depends on collaboration among government agencies, improved targeting and accountability to ensure that support gets to those who need it most.

‘Our interventions will only be effective when we work together, improve our targeting and ensure that government support reaches the most vulnerable members of society,’ she said.

Mrs. Ojo urged participants to see the workshop as more than a routine training exercise, describing it as another important step towards building a more coordinated, inclusive and resilient social protection system in Lagos State.

In his goodwill message, Director of the Social Protection Coordinating Department, Mr. Yusuf Semiu, acknowledged the progress made so far but noted that more work lies ahead in aligning Lagos’ social protection programmes with global standards.

He challenged representatives of participating MDAs to assess the impact of their programmes by asking critical questions: Are interventions improving access to education? Are communities becoming more resilient to economic shocks and climate-related emergencies such as flooding? Are government programmes inclusive and gender-responsive?

According to him, answering these questions will help shape the next phase of the State’s social protection policy, which is due for review after completing its current five-year cycle.

Also speaking, Director of the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Tayo Ope Oseni, described social protection as one of the pillars of sustainable development, alongside education, healthcare and economic growth.

He encouraged implementing agencies to take ownership of the initiative and maximise the State’s Single Social Register to identify and support residents who require government assistance.

For many Lagos residents facing economic hardship, these policy conversations represent more than government meetings. They are the foundation for programmes that can provide food, education, healthcare, livelihoods and protection during difficult times.

The government restated that the ultimate goal is ensuring that no vulnerable resident is left behind and that social protection becomes a practical tool for improving lives across Lagos.