Category: PM News

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old Islamic teacher and four suspected kidnappers over alleged involvement in kidnapping activities across parts of the state.

The suspects were paraded on Tuesday at the command headquarters in Benin City alongside six other suspects by the Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daor.

The police alleged that the Islamic teacher, identified as Jubril Ibrahim, prepared charms for kidnappers operating in Edo North Senatorial District, particularly around Auchi, Jattu and Okpella areas.

Daor said the suspected kidnappers were arrested in Niger State following intelligence gathering by operatives of the command.

However, Ibrahim denied preparing charms for the suspects, explaining that he only prayed for one of them after the suspect’s mother requested prayers for her son’s safety during his travels.

‘I gather Almajiri and teach them the Qur’an. So, Ahmadu Suleiman’s mother came to me and said I should be praying for her son, that he travels a lot, so I should pray for him to have a safe trip to and from, and that is what I have been doing,’ he said through an interpreter.

The Islamic teacher admitted that he knew Suleiman possessed an AK-47 rifle but insisted he was unaware of any criminal activities.

One of the suspected kidnappers, 24-year-old Ahmadu Suleiman, confessed to participating in a kidnapping operation in Auchi, saying he had worked with different kidnapping groups before returning to Niger State.

Suleiman said the gang targeted houses they considered wealthy, shooting into the air to scare residents before abducting victims and demanding ransom.

‘When we get to the community, we look for a beautiful house and shoot into the air, and in the process of scampering for their lives, they run out, and we hold them and take them to the bush, and demand for money,’ he said.

He claimed he received N1 million from the Auchi operation, which he described as the only kidnapping incident he participated in within the area.

The suspect also said the group did not rely on informants but selected targets based on visible signs of wealth, including expensive vehicles and buildings.

The police also paraded a 21-year-old suspect accused of stealing a baby in Benin City, while a stolen vehicle was recovered during the operation.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, attributed the arrests to intelligence gathering and urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Trouble appears to be brewing for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano, as party bigwigs loyal to the former Deputy Governor of Kano state and the party’s Kano Central Senatorial candidate, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawauna, have paid a solidarity visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his Deputy, Comrade Murtala Sule Garo, ahead of their planned defection from the NDC to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Governor Yusuf’s Spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, confirmed that the team, led by a close ally of Gawuna, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar, included Hon. Ali Datti Yako, NDC Vice Chairman, Kano State; Hon. Mansur Isa Gawuna; Hon. Uba Tanko Mijinyawa (Uba Danzainab).

Others include Hon. Aminu Umar Faruk; Hon. Sani Jibrin; Hon. Salisu Muhammad; Hon. Musa Sani Indabo; Hon. Muhammad Kabir Bala; Hon. Hassan Abba Abdullahi; and Comrade Abdurrahman Muhammad.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Muhammad Badaru Umar said their decision to meet Governor Yusuf was driven by their passion for the development and progress of Kano State.

He said the team considered it necessary to engage with the Governor and his Deputy as part of their consultations and efforts towards contributing to the development of the state.

On his part, Hon. Ali Datti Yako said the people of Kano are aware of the efforts being made by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to transform the state.

‘Everyone knows that Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly to transform Kano state,’ he said.

Sunusi further hinted that, ‘the visit comes amid ongoing political realignments in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections, with prominent political figures continuing to reassess their political affiliations.

‘ The anticipated return of members of Gawuna’s political team to the APC is expected to further strengthen the party in Kano, particularly as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

‘The delegation also expressed solidarity with Governor Yusuf and his Deputy, Murtala Sule Garo, reaffirming their interest in the continued development and progress of Kano State.’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pushed back against calls for the Federal Government to control how states and local governments spend the additional revenue they receive following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Wike said President Bola Tinubu does not have the constitutional power to determine how sub-national governments utilise their share of the increased allocations.

The former Rivers State governor made the statement on Wednesday during a media parley in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while reacting to comments by former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on the management of subsidy removal gains.

According to Wike, the focus should not be on questioning the Federal Government over subsidy removal but on demanding accountability from states and local governments that received increased revenues.

‘Tinubu has no power to say, ‘State, this is what you should do with the funds that you’ve brought in from the fuel subsidy.’ He has no power to tell local governments what to do with their money. All tiers of government are independent,’ Wike said.

He argued that the increase in federal allocations had improved the financial position of many states, especially those previously struggling with salary and pension payments.

‘Today states are saying, unlike before, we can’t pay salaries or pensions, and there are strikes all over the place. Now there are no strikes; there are advantages. Now, I have money to carry out projects,’ he added.

Wike also defended Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, describing it as a bold move that previous administrations avoided because of its political consequences.

‘Tinubu deserves kudos for taking the bold decision no president took. Now, it’s time for states to account for the funds they have gotten,’ he said.

The subsidy debate has gained fresh attention ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition figures divided over the policy.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has maintained that he would restore fuel subsidy if elected president, arguing that Nigerians should not be left to bear the burden of rising costs.

Wike, however, insisted that the focus should shift towards how governments at all levels manage the resources available to them after the subsidy removal.

Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Orji Uzor Kalu, has congratulated Vice President Kashim Shettima on his 60th birthday, describing him as a committed public servant whose years of service have been marked by dedication to national development, peace and unity.

Kalu, a former governor of Abia State, in a statement on Wednesday, commended Shettima’s contributions to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his experience in public service has remained valuable to the country.

He wished the Vice President continued strength and wisdom as he carries out his responsibilities in the service of Nigeria.

Kalu said: ‘I warmly congratulate the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.

‘Your Excellency, your commitment to the service of our nation and support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are commendable.

‘I pray that Almighty God grants you good health, greater wisdom and renewed strength as you continue to contribute to the peace, unity and development of our dear country.

‘Happy 60th birthday, Mr. Vice President.’

Estonia’s parliament is set to elect a new president on Wednesday, with Chancellor of Justice Ülle Madise the sole candidate for the largely ceremonial office.

A two-thirds majority, or 68 of the 101 members of the Riigikogu, is required for a candidate to win the presidency in Estomia.

Incumbent President Alar Karis had earlier announced that he would not seek re-election.

Madise, 51, was nominated by 75 lawmakers from the governing Reform Party and Eesti 200, alongside opposition Social Democrats and conservative Isamaa.

The lawyer has served as Chancellor of Justice since 2015, independently overseeing constitutional and legal compliance of legislation and government actions.

If Madise fails to secure the required majority in Wednesday’s secret ballot, another voting round will be held on Thursday.

New candidates may be nominated during the second round, while a third vote would be conducted as a run-off between the two leading candidates if necessary.

If the required majority is not achieved, a special electoral college, dominated by local politicians, will be convened within one month to elect the president.

Naira strengthens to strongest level in over two years as CBN releases new exchange rates

The naira strengthened further against the United States dollar on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, closing at N1,329 per dollar, its strongest level in more than two years.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the naira gained N6.50 from the N1,335.50/$ recorded at the close of trading on Monday.

ew exchange rates for major international currencies.

The rates were:

US Dollar – N1,329.43

Pound Sterling – N1,800.18

Euro – N1,542.01

Swiss Franc – N1,637.63

Chinese Yuan – N197.79

Japanese Yen – N8.31

Saudi Riyal – N354.08

UAE Dirham – N361.96

South African Rand – N82.47

Danish Krone – N206.26

CFA Franc – N2.36

SDR – N1,819.19

WAUA – N1,823.95

The continued appreciation of the naira comes amid improved foreign exchange liquidity and stronger external reserves.

Meanwhile, the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) has appealed to the CBN to extend the deadline for Bureau De Change operators to meet the apex bank’s new recapitalisation requirements.

The CBN had directed BDC operators to meet the required capital threshold or risk losing their licences.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State may be heading for a fresh setback ahead of the 2027 general elections as some members linked to its Kano Central senatorial candidate, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, have begun consultations ahead of a possible return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development followed a solidarity visit by members of Gawuna’s political team to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his deputy, Murtala Garo, during consultations ahead of their planned return to the ruling party.

Gawuna, a former deputy governor of Kano State under Abdullahi Ganduje, contested the 2023 governorship election on the platform of the APC but lost to Yusuf, who ran under the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

However, after his movement to the NDC and emergence as the party’s Kano Central senatorial candidate, members of his political structure are now considering a return to the APC.

The delegation that visited Governor Yusuf was led by Muhammad Umar, a close associate of Gawuna, and included NDC Vice Chairman in Kano State, Ali Yako; Mansur Gawuna; Uba Mijinyawa, popularly known as Uba Danzainab, among others.

Speaking during the visit, Umar said the engagement was driven by their interest in supporting initiatives that would improve Kano State.

‘We are here because of our passion for the development and progress of Kano State. Our interest is in anything that will move Kano forward and improve the lives of its people,’ he said.

Yako, who is the NDC vice chairman in Kano, also praised Governor Yusuf’s administration, saying its achievements were visible across the state.

‘Everyone knows that Governor Yusuf is working tirelessly to transform Kano State. His efforts towards transforming the state are visible, and the people of Kano are aware of what his administration is doing,’ he said.

The possible movement comes as political parties intensify preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections, with alliances and defections expected to reshape political structures across states.

For the APC, the development could strengthen its grassroots network in Kano, while the NDC risks losing members linked to one of its prominent political figures in the state.

Gawuna’s supporters are yet to officially announce their defection, but the consultations and meetings with APC-aligned leaders have increased speculation over their next political move.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has been honoured by the Lagos Chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) for its contributions to technology governance, cybersecurity, risk management, audit, assurance, and digital trust in Nigeria.

The honour reflects FCMB’s partnership with ISACA to promote knowledge sharing, professional development, and stronger standards across Nigeria’s technology sector.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FCMB, accepted a commemorative plaque recognising the Bank’s contributions to digital trust and professional development at the chapter’s 30th anniversary celebration in Lagos on August 21.

‘We value our partnership with ISACA,’ Edun said. ‘This honour reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the professional capabilities and standards that underpin digital trust. As financial services become more technology-driven, sound governance, cybersecurity, risk management, and assurance will remain essential to institutional resilience, customer protection, and sustainable economic growth.’

Edun expressed confidence that ISACA would continue to develop professionals with the expertise and leadership required to respond to emerging risks and opportunities.

ISACA Global CEO Erik Prusch highlighted the experience and resilience of Nigeria’s information technology and cybersecurity professionals. He said organisations need trained, capable employees to support growth, respond to change, and take advantage of emerging technologies.

Justus Osuji, President of the ISACA Lagos Chapter, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on three decades of professional service, leadership, and knowledge development. He also highlighted the chapter’s contributions to information systems auditing, cybersecurity, governance, risk, compliance, and emerging technology in Nigeria and beyond.

FCMB continues to invest in digital capabilities, technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and risk management as part of its strategy to provide secure and convenient financial services to individuals, businesses, and institutions.

Founded in 1969, ISACA is a global professional association focused on information technology governance, cybersecurity, risk management, and information systems auditing. It has members in 188 countries and more than 225 chapters worldwide.

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board, NABTEB, has released the results of the 2026 June/July National Business Certificate and National Technical Certificate examinations, recording an 81.24 per cent pass rate.

Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr Aminu Mohammed, announced the results on Wednesday in Benin at a news conference.

Mohammed said 79,503 candidates, representing 81.24 per cent of the 97,863 candidates graded, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

This performance, he said, was an improvement over the 68.18 per cent recorded in the 2025 examination, when 61,104 candidates obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

‘The improvement recorded in the 2026 examination is encouraging and demonstrates the collective efforts of candidates, teachers, schools, parents and the wider education system,’ he said.

The registrar noted that 89,580 candidates, representing 91.53 per cent, obtained five credits and above, with or without English Language and Mathematics.

He compared this with the 83.28 per cent recorded in 2025.

Mohammed explained that 24,128 candidates, representing 24.65 per cent of those graded, were certified as craftsmen.

‘100,069 candidates registered for the 2026 examinations, while 97,867 sat for the examinations, representing a 97.80 per cent attendance rate,’ he said.

Mohammed stated that the results were released 52 days after the last paper, describing the development as a demonstration of NABTEB’s commitment to timely service delivery.

He also disclosed that 847 candidates were involved in examination malpractice, involving 1,554 incidents.

He said the incidents represented 1.55 per cent of the candidates who sat for the examinations.

‘The figure is lower than that of 2025. The board’s measures to curb examination malpractice are yielding positive results.

‘I am pleased to report that the modalities put in place by the board to checkmate examination malpractice are yielding positive results,’ he said.

The registrar, however, advised candidates to access their results only through NABTEB’s official result-checking platform.

He also warned against individuals claiming to have the ability to alter or upgrade results.

‘No individual has the authority to change a candidate’s legitimately awarded result,’ he said.

A 34-year-old welder, Austine Odey, was docked in a Magistrates’ Court in Life camp, Abuja on Wednesday for allegedly breaking into a shop and stealing clothes.

The police charged Odey with burglary and theft.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Bankole Babatunde, holding the brief for Charity Nwachukwu told the court that the complainant, Mr Somto Tochukwu of Karimo, reported the matter at the Karimo Police Station on Aug 31.

Babatunde alleged that the defendant broke into the complainant’s shop and stole five pairs of trouser, a men’s brief and three shirts all worth N190,000.

According to him, the offence contravenes the provisions of Sections 287 and 288 of the Penal Code.

During police investigation, he said, the men’s brief was found on the defendant.

Magistrate Hauwa Aboki admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

Aboki ordered the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must provide a reliable means of identification.

The case was adjourned until Oct. 8 for further hearing.