Category: PM News

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced that its verdict on Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip them of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco is expected at the end of November 2026.

Senegal are challenging the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which overturned their victory in the January 18 final and declared Morocco the champions.

In a statement on Monday, CAS confirmed that the hearing on the dispute took place behind closed doors at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 8.

The court said the panel of arbitrators had started deliberations and was continuing to examine the case before reaching a final decision.

CAS explained that it would issue a complete ruling, including the legal reasons behind its decision. Such a ruling is known as a CAS Award.

The court added that the process would require several weeks, with the final verdict expected towards the end of November.

The outcome will determine whether CAF’s decision to award Morocco the title stands or Senegal can reclaim the trophy they initially won on the pitch.

Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.

The match was decided by Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal, which appeared to have secured Senegal’s victory and their place in AFCON history.

However, the final was overshadowed by controversy towards the end of normal time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty while the score remained goalless.

The decision triggered strong protests from Senegal’s players, many of whom walked off the pitch in disagreement with the referee’s call.

Some Senegalese supporters also attempted to invade the pitch, creating further tension inside the stadium.

The situation forced the match to be suspended for almost 20 minutes before the Senegalese players returned to continue the game.

Morocco failed to convert the penalty, and Senegal eventually scored in extra time to win the match 1-0.

Despite Senegal’s victory on the night, the controversy surrounding the final continued after the tournament.

In March 2026, CAF overturned the original result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, making the North African country the official winner of the competition.

The decision changed the outcome of the final and sparked widespread debate over the circumstances surrounding the match and the disciplinary rules applied by the African football governing body.

Senegal subsequently challenged CAF’s decision at CAS, the independent body responsible for resolving disputes in international sport.

The appeal seeks to overturn CAF’s ruling and restore Senegal’s status as AFCON champions.

The case has attracted considerable attention from football supporters in both countries, with the decision carrying major implications for the two national teams.

For Senegal, a favourable ruling would mean regaining the title they celebrated after defeating Morocco in the final. For Morocco, the CAS decision could determine whether they retain the championship awarded to them by CAF.

The dispute also places the spotlight on the authority of CAF to review match results and the role of CAS in resolving disagreements involving international football competitions.

CAS has not announced a specific date for the release of its verdict but has indicated that the decision should be ready by the end of November.

Until the ruling is delivered, uncertainty will remain over the official outcome of the AFCON final and which country will ultimately be recognised as the champion.

The decision is expected to bring clarity to the dispute, although its implications could continue to generate debate among football officials, players and supporters.

The Federal Government has released ?4.04 billion in severance benefits for 600 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited, ending another phase of the workers’ prolonged struggle for their outstanding entitlements.

The Federal Ministry of Finance announced the release on Monday, October 19, 2026, in a statement signed by Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

According to the ministry, the payment covers Batches 010 and 011 of verified beneficiaries and represents the second tranche of the government’s severance settlement programme.

The ministry disclosed that the gross entitlements of the 600 beneficiaries amounted to ?4,251,043,000.19, from which ?212,552,150.01 was deducted, leaving a net payment of ?4,038,490,850.18.

The latest release follows the ?18 billion severance settlement announced in September for 2,700 former Nigeria Airways workers across the first nine batches.

The government explained that payments were being processed in batches to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries with verified records received their entitlements.

‘The Federal Government recognises the prolonged wait experienced by former employees and their families and remains committed to resolving legitimate outstanding claims through an orderly and transparent process, while safeguarding public funds through appropriate verification,’ the statement read.

Nigeria Airways, once Nigeria’s national carrier, ceased operations in 2003 and was subsequently liquidated in 2004, leaving thousands of former employees pursuing unpaid severance benefits for more than two decades.

The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to settling outstanding obligations through established payment procedures.

‘The Ministry of Finance will continue to support the implementation of approved government obligations in line with established procedures and the applicable payment process,’ it added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed an application by Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of African Action Congress, AAC, seeking an order compelling the Director-General (DG) of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Oluwatosin Ajayi, to testify in his defence.

Justice Mohammed Umar, in a ruling, held that the application by Sowore, the presidential candidate of Action Action Congress (AAC), would not serve the interest of justice.

The Judge added that the DSS DG or any designated officer of the service who had full knowledge of its official and other relevant business could testify before this court for the defendant (Sowore).

Sowore is being prosecuted by the DSS on allegations bordering on cybercrime.

The defendant was alleged to have, in August 2025, published posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, describing President Bola Tinubu as a ‘criminal’ and accusing him of lying about the level of corruption in the country.

Sowore, through his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide Fusika, SAN, had sought an order of the court compelling the DG’s appearance to testify relating to the cyberbullying case instituted against him.

The DSS’ lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, had opposed the move, arguing that another official of the agency could testify on his behalf.

The senior lawyer argued that it was absurd for Sowore to insist on the DSS DG’s appearance in court in an action that was purely official and not personal.

In his ruling, Justice Umar agreed with Kehinde’s argument that the subpoena concerned an official act of the DSS and that the expected testimony was not personal to the DG.

According to the judge the testimony that is expected from the Director General is not personal, but in respect of an official act or engagement.

Justice Umar consequently ruled that another DSS official could appear to give evidence on the agency’s behalf.

Following the ruling, defence counsel called the 3rd defence witness, Michael Jego, an investigating officer with the DSS.

Jego said he was a member of the DSS investigation team which flagged the controversial post of Sowore on X and Facebook and subsequently advised him to retract it.

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ýThe witness said the posts made on 26 Aug. 26, 2025 had the potential of posing a significant threat to national security.

The witness told the court that he was part of an investigation team that monitored reactions with relation to the post.

The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as a successful example of expanding electricity access through targeted subsidies and private investment.

The recognition is contained in the World Social Report 2026, released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

The report identifies Nigeria’s Electrification Project as an example of how developing countries can expand access to affordable energy among underserved populations.

Citing earlier World Bank data, the UN said the programme supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems.

It said these interventions provided electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.

The report described Nigeria’s use of subsidies for rural mini-grids as a successful policy experience in combining affordable electricity with private-sector participation.

It explained that targeted financial support could help lower electricity costs for poorer households while encouraging investment in underserved communities.

The UN also identified Nigeria and Ghana as countries pioneering the integration of solar panels into agricultural land.

According to the report, such initiatives could enable farmers to generate electricity while continuing food production on the same land.

It said integrating renewable energy with agriculture could strengthen food security, improve water management and expand economic opportunities in rural communities.

The report also assessed Nigeria’s performance in a new framework measuring economic transformation alongside social inclusion.

Nigeria recorded a transformation score of 44.30 and an inclusiveness score of 56.36, producing a combined index score of 100.67.

The assessment forms part of a comparative analysis covering 168 countries and examining economic, digital, energy and social development over 2000-2024.

The UN emphasised that economic growth and technological progress did not automatically guarantee that vulnerable populations would benefit from development.

Seven overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were injured in attacks in Saudi Arabia, with three of them reported to be in critical condition.

The report of the attack and injuries were publicised by the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said that 34 Filipino workers returned to the Philippines from Saudi Arabia on Monday, while another 65 were expected to arrive on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation also stated that a missile strike hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, on Oct. 10, killing 12 people and injuring 309.

Yemen’s Houthi group has repeatedly targeted the airport in recent days.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives who frequently seek financial assistance, arguing that such support does little to address the country’s underlying problems.

Obi advised Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their family members at home to vote for leaders capable of delivering good governance and improving the economy.

He spoke on Sunday during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, UK, where he attributed Nigeria’s economic difficulties to poor leadership.

According to the former Anambra State governor, financial assistance from Nigerians abroad may ease the suffering of their relatives temporarily but does not tackle the governance failures responsible for their hardship.

‘You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!’ he said.

Obi also defended his record as governor, particularly his management of public funds, arguing that his approach to financial prudence set him apart from other state chief executives.

‘I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it.

‘Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change.’

He said his interactions with Nigerians reinforced the importance of citizens taking collective responsibility for the country’s future.

Obi maintained that meaningful national development would require Nigerians to look beyond immediate financial relief and demand accountability and responsible leadership from those in public office.

He further urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general election, describing it as a crucial opportunity to influence the country’s direction through their votes.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to explain how nearly $3 billion received as dividends from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) since 2023 was disbursed.

Makinde’s demand followed the Presidency’s rejection of his allegation that the Federal Government was withholding about ?9 trillion in NLNG dividends meant for states and local governments.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor accused the Presidency of evading the central issue surrounding the disputed funds.

‘What happened to the $3 billion received under this administration?’ the statement queried.

Makinde maintained that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), with the support of the Federal Government, had engaged a consultant to reconcile NLNG dividend payments.

He claimed the exercise uncovered a shortfall of approximately ?9 trillion owed to states and local governments, adding that the Federal Government had accepted the findings.

According to him, the report remains in the possession of both the Federal Government and the NGF.

The governor demanded clarification on whether states and local governments had received their shares, how much was paid and the formula used in distributing the funds.

The controversy began after Makinde, speaking at the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement in Ibadan on Friday, alleged that each state was entitled to ?250 billion in NLNG dividends.

He claimed the Federal Government had withheld the money until after the 2027 general election.

However, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga dismissed the allegation as false, arguing that Makinde’s figures were inconsistent with the Federation Account revenue-sharing formula.

Onanuga explained that distributing ?250 billion to each of the 36 states would require ?9 trillion for states alone, excluding the Federal Government and local councils.

He maintained that such a payment would require total NLNG dividends exceeding ?33.68 trillion, approximately $25 billion, in a single distribution.

According to the Presidency, NLNG has paid approximately $21.5 billion in dividends to the federation over 25 years, with less than $3 billion received since Tinubu assumed office.

But Makinde insisted that the Presidency’s response failed to address how the money already received was distributed.

The governor, who is also pursuing the presidency in 2027, maintained that his allegations were based on documented findings and expressed readiness to provide further clarification.

Former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan died on Monday at the age of 71, with family members and friends mourning him.

Below are 15 astonishing facts about him.

1. He was born in Warri North

Uduaghan was born on October 22, 1954, in Warri North Local Government Area, in present-day Delta State. He was of Itsekiri origin.

2. He trained as a medical doctor

He studied at the University of Benin from 1975 to 1980, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree.

3. He also specialised in anaesthesia

Beyond his medical degree, Uduaghan obtained a diploma in anaesthesia and later worked as a consultant anaesthesiologist.

4. He began his career in the steel industry

In 1983, he started work as a medical officer at Delta Steel Company, demonstrating that his professional life began in medicine rather than politics.

5. He worked in several hospitals

Between 1989 and 1994, he worked at hospitals including Westend Hospital in Warri, Benoni Hospitals in Benin City and Shell Hospital in Ogunu.

6. He established a private medical practice

In 1994, Uduaghan set up his own medical practice, adding entrepreneurship to his experience in clinical medicine.

7. He entered government as Health Commissioner

On August 6, 1999, then-Governor James Ibori appointed him Delta State Commissioner for Health. His responsibilities included matters relating to medical staff and health infrastructure.

8. He became Secretary to the State Government

In June 2003, he was appointed Secretary to the Delta State Government, a key administrative position that preceded his governorship.

9. He governed Delta State for eight years

Uduaghan became governor on May 29, 2007, and served until May 29, 2015, with Amos Utuama as his deputy.

10. His first emergence as governor followed an inconclusive election

His 2007 assumption of office followed an inconclusive election. He later contested and won re-election in 2011.

11. He won re-election with more than 525,000 votes

In the April 2011 governorship election, Uduaghan polled 525,793 votes, defeating Great Ogboru, who received 433,834 votes.

12. He supported the creation of sanitation mobile courts

In 2008, Uduaghan and then-Chief Judge Rosaline Bozimo approved the establishment of mobile courts to prosecute sanitation offenders in Delta State.

13. He switched political parties more than once

Uduaghan left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2018, returned to the PDP in 2020 and rejoined the APC in May 2025.

14. He contested for the Senate but lost

In 2019, he contested the Delta South Senatorial District seat but lost to PDP candidate James Manager.

15. He announced his retirement from politics in 2022

After decades in public service and party politics, Uduaghan announced his retirement from politics in 2022, but he returned to the APC in 2025.

The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, has warned that old age will not shield drug traffickers from prosecution.

Officer stated this in a statement on Monday in Benin, following the arrest of an 85-year-old grandmother with a large consignment of illicit drugs.

The octogenarian, Grace Ehimeka, popularly known as Mama Grace, was arrested on October 16, 2026, in her residence at Warake community in Owan East Local Government Area with 15 bags of cannabis weighing 179kg.

She was arrested alongside five other suspects during coordinated raids that yielded a total of 407.39kg of cannabis and other banned substances.

‘The NDLEA Act is clear: you cannot hide under the canopy of old age and perpetrate acts that violate the law. The octogenarian was apprehended in her house at Warake. This is a bad example for her children and grandchildren,’ Ofoyeju said.

The NDLEA boss said the operations were based on credible intelligence and covered Warake, Ivbiaro and Ewe-Uzeba communities.

According to him, 57-year-old Ali Garba was picked up in Ivbiaro on October 15 with 5.85kg of cannabis sativa, while 45-year-old Habib Braimoh was arrested the same day in the same community with 100 grams.

In Warake, 35-year-old Musa Mubid was arrested with 2kg of cannabis, 309 grams of cannabis seeds, 114 grams of loud and 135 grams of pharmaceutical drugs including tramadol, swinol and diazepam.

On October 16, operatives arrested 53-year-old Ayo Aigberadion in Ewe/Irue, Owan East, with 220.8kg of cannabis sativa, while 35-year-old Hope Okoro, an indigene of Ndukwa West LGA of Delta State, was arrested in Auchi town with 237 grams of loud.

Other recoveries include 546 grams of loud, 114 grams of tramadol, 4 grams of diazepam and 3 grams of swinol.

Mama Grace, who confessed to owning the drugs, blamed hardship for her involvement.

‘I am a widow and started selling cannabis over two years ago just to survive. My family members have warned me to stop, but I kept postponing my decision to stop. Officers, if you give me another chance, I will never sell cannabis again,’ she pleaded.

Ofoyeju reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid Edo of illicit drugs and urged residents to provide timely information to support the agency’s operations.

Kano Governor, Abba Yusuf, has assured that Northern Nigeria has confidence confidence in President Bola Tinubu and remained committed to supporting his second-term ambition.

The governor gave the assurance in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

In the statement issued by his Director-General of Media and Publicity, Mr Sunusi Tofa, Yusuf assured President Tinubu of Northern Nigeria’s support for his re-election in the 2027 general elections.

The Governor said the inauguration of the Arewa for Asiwaju (A4A) campaign office in Abuja further demonstrated the region’s commitment to the President’s re-election bid.

According to him, the movement will mobilise support across Northern states and strengthen political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.

Yusuf said Kano, which he described as the North’s largest vote-producing state, would lead other states in driving massive voter turnout for Tinubu.

The governor expressed confidence that the state would play a leading role in securing victory for the President.

The A4A movement, led by former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, aims to promote Tinubu’s achievements and mobilise support for the Tinubu-Shettima ticket in 2027.

President Tinubu will contest against 18 other candidates in the presidential election, according to a list recently published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Some of the other candidates and their parties are Abubakar Atiku of African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Peter Obi of Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). Others are: Adewole Adebayo of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Oluseyi Makinde of Allied People’s Movement (APM), Donald Duke of People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Chibuzor Okereke of Labour Party (LP) and Omoyele Sowore of African Action Congress (AAC).

The only two female presidential candidates, which constitute 11.1 per cent of the number, are: Okwori Fredrick of National Democratic Party (NDP) and Dr Esther Okereke of National Redemption Party (NRM).