Category: PM News

The Ogun State Police Command has apprehended four police officers featured in a viral social media video filmed in the Ijagba-Ota area of the state, as investigations into the incident get underway.

The command also disclosed that disciplinary procedures had been initiated against the officers to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine appropriate action.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, saying the command acted promptly after the video came to its attention.

Babaseyi said the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, had ordered a thorough and impartial investigation to determine the facts of the case.

He stated that the investigation would focus on establishing whether any professional misconduct occurred, adding that the command remained committed to discipline, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.

Babaseyi quoted Ojajuni as assuring members of the public that any officer found culpable would face appropriate action in line with established regulations.

He added that the commissioner had directed that the investigation be guided by available evidence and due process, stressing that the command would not compromise its professional standards.

The police spokesman commended members of the public for drawing the command’s attention to the video and urged anyone with credible, firsthand information relevant to the investigation to cooperate with the authorities.

He, however, cautioned against speculation and the circulation of unverified claims that could prejudice the investigation.

Babaseyi reiterated that accountability and public trust remained central to effective policing, assuring residents that the command would continue to address legitimate concerns, enforce professional standards and protect lives and property across Ogun State.

The Just Friends Club of Nigeria (JFCN) has urged Nigerians to carefully examine the records, plans and promises of political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The club said this would be a major focus of its 8th Annual Public Lecture scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Bolingo Hotels, Abuja.

The event, themed ‘From Concern to Action: Making Our Votes Count in the 2027 General Elections,’ will feature human rights lawyer and democracy advocate, Clement Nwankwo, as the keynote speaker.

In a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Ngozi John-Uyah, the club said it had invited the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) to nominate representatives for a panel discussion.

The discussion will focus on voters’ responsibilities, credible elections and accountability in a democracy.

Other issues to be discussed include voter participation, responsible political engagement and the need for Nigerians to elect leaders who can be held accountable for their promises and actions.

The club said the discussion would also examine how Nigerians could turn their concerns about governance, elections and national development into meaningful action.

The President of JFCN, Chief Amaechi Aloke, said the 2027 general elections would give Nigerians another opportunity to influence the country’s future through informed choices.

‘Elections should be about more than winning power. Nigerians must examine the records, programmes and promises of those seeking office. We invited the major political parties because fairness and accountability are essential to strengthening our democracy,’ Aloke said.

Journalist and political analyst Augustine Okhiria Agbonsuremi will also participate in the panel as a non-aligned panellist.

Agbonsuremi has more than 35 years of media experience. He is the Executive Director of the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development (PRIMORG) and the producer and anchor of Deep Insight with Agbonsuremi.

The keynote speaker, Nwankwo, is the Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC). He has more than 30 years of experience in human rights advocacy, democratic governance, election monitoring and legislative reform.

He co-founded the Civil Liberties Organisation in 1987 and established the Constitutional Rights Project. He also served as the founding chairman of the Transition Monitoring Group, which monitored Nigeria’s 1999 elections.

Nwankwo was also the convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition that has supported election observation and advocated electoral accountability and democratic reforms.

The Just Friends Club of Nigeria is a non-profit organisation that promotes friendship, mutual support, community service and national development.

Since its first public lecture in 2014, the club has featured several prominent Nigerians, including Benjamin Ezra Dikki, Tony Ejinkeonye, Dr Abraham Nwankwo, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, Dr Sam Amadi and retired Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau, a former Chief of Army Staff.

The ancient town of Imesi-Ile in Osun State has been thrown into mourning following the passing of its revered traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Enoch Ademola Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile.

The monarch, popularly known as Baba Daadaa, joined his ancestors on Friday, 16th October, 2026, at the age of 85, after a 21-year reign on the throne. He would have celebrated his 86th birthday next month.

His transition was announced in a statement issued by the Obaala of Imesi-Ile and Chairman of the Owa-Ooye-in-Council, High Chief Tunde Aluko, on behalf of the royal council and the community.

The statement read, ‘With deep sorrow but total submission to the will of Almighty God, we announce the transition to glory of our Royal Father, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Ademola Enoch Akinyemi, Oyoyo II, the Owa-Ooye of Imesi-Ile. Kabiyesi joined his ancestors today, Friday, 16th October, 2026. He was a father to all, a symbol of peace, unity and development, whose reign brought honour and progress to Imesi-Ile land.’

High Chief Aluko added that traditional rites and burial arrangements would be announced by the royal family and the Owa-Ooye-in-Council in due course.

It was gathered that traditional rites were scheduled to commence on Friday night in accordance with the customs and traditions of Imesi-Ile.

In a separate statement, the Imesi-Ile Progressive Association expressed condolences to the royal family and the community, describing the late monarch as a revered traditional ruler whose reign contributed significantly to the town’s growth.

The statement, signed by the association’s President, Mr Samuel Agbeluyi, and General Secretary, Mr Sola Oluwadare, read, ‘IPA honours the enduring legacy of our departed monarch, particularly his remarkable developmental initiatives, cordial relationship with successive governments, and unwavering commitment to the preservation of Imesi-Ile’s rich cultural heritage.’

The association noted that his leadership fostered communal harmony and strengthened relationships among residents.

It also highlighted his contributions to preserving the town’s cultural identity and promoting its historical significance, particularly through support for the growing international recognition of the Kiriji War celebration.

According to the association, the recent Kiriji celebration was particularly significant as it marked one of the monarch’s last major public outings.

The IPA announced the suspension of all its major public outings until further notice in deference to traditional rites and in honour of the late monarch.

Commenting on the death, the Baba Egbe Odo of Ijana Methodist Church, Imesi-Ile, Chief Olusola Fabiyi, described the demise of the revered Oba as a huge loss to the town.

He said, ‘Kabiyesi was not sick. He still held meetings with chiefs, and even associates till late evening on Thursday. He was still in Osogbo the same day. He was loved. He did a lot for the town. His reign witnessed a lot of progress. We pray that his soul rest in peace.’

Also mourning the monarch, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East Senatorial District, described his death as a monumental loss to Ijesaland, Osun State and Nigeria at large.

In a statement signed by his Head of Media and Public Enlightenment, Omole Olusegun, the lawmaker said, ‘It is a big loss to us in Ijesha land, the state, and the nation. We can only console the family and the industrious people he led, and mourn him gracefully because he came, he saw, and he conquered.’

The Ogun State Police Command has taken a 56-year-old man, Madarikan Emehinola, into custody over a suspected arson incident that claimed the life of his 40-year-old wife, Igbagbo Erobe, in the Igbo-Edu area of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.

The incident was reported at the Abigi Divisional Police Headquarters on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following information that a residential building had been set ablaze, resulting in the woman’s death.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the police had taken Emehinola into custody in connection with the incident.

Babaseyi stated that the deceased’s body had been deposited at a mortuary for post-mortem examination to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.

He added that the case was being prepared for transfer to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

According to the police spokesman, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, assured the public that the case would be investigated diligently and professionally in accordance with the law.

Babaseyi said Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that allegations involving serious crimes would receive appropriate investigative attention.

The police urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly and provide credible information that could assist in preventing crime and supporting ongoing investigations.

A five-storey building under construction on Durban Street, Wuse II, Abuja, has partially collapsed, the National Emergency Management Agency said.

NEMA, through its Abuja Operations Office, said it received an alert about the incident at approximately 6:30 pm on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

In a statement issued by its Press Unit on Sunday, the agency said it immediately activated relevant stakeholders, including the FCT Fire Service, while its AYA Emergency Response Ambulance Bay team was deployed to coordinate search and rescue operations at the scene.

‘Findings at the scene indicated that the incident was minor and involved a five-storey building under construction that had been partially pulled down,’ the statement partly read.

The agency confirmed that no life was lost in the incident, adding that only one worker was injured and evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

The incident comes weeks after a three-storey building collapsed in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, on September 7, 2026, hours after officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Department of Development Control reportedly sealed the property and ordered occupants to vacate it over concerns about its structural safety.

According to reports, the building had shown signs of distress before the collapse. No casualties were reported in the initial updates on the incident, which prompted the deployment of emergency responders to the scene.

The Wuse incident followed a more fatal building collapse in the Durumi 3 area, near Gudu Market, Abuja, on May 16, 2026. A three-storey building under construction collapsed, killing at least five people and injuring several others.

Following the incident, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike ordered an investigation into the collapse, with the developer and an engineer linked to the project facing possible arrest.

The minister also warned developers to comply with building regulations and allow relevant authorities to inspect construction sites.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu over the welfare of retired police officers, saying a former Assistant Commissioner of Police was found begging at the Central Mosque in Abuja.

Atiku said one of his media managers recognised the retired officer and brought her plight to his attention, prompting an intervention.

He accused the administration of abandoning police retirees to hunger, illness and humiliation, while demanding an urgent salary review for serving officers and an answer on the Police Exit Bill.

In a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the retired ACP had previously sought work and indicated that she was willing to clean to survive.

‘I am relieved that we could help her. But what if my staff member had not recognised her? How many other retired officers are in the same position, with no one to call?’ he asked.

‘Our intervention could help one woman in that moment. It could not give her the secure retirement she earned.’

Atiku also recounted a conversation with a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who said his monthly pension was N29,000.

According to him, the retiree disclosed that more than 120 members of his association had died in the past three years.

‘Bola, sit with these officers. Look them in the eye. Tell them how you expect them to live,’ Atiku said.

He said the same retiree had seen a former colleague gathering firewood for sale in Bauchi to raise money for food.

The former vice-president alleged that some serving police officers had withdrawn 25 per cent of their pension savings to feed their children as rising food, transport and medical costs overwhelmed their salaries.

‘Their pay cannot sustain them today, so they are spending the money meant to protect them tomorrow,’ he said.

Atiku demanded a police salary review following the pay increase approved for members of the Armed Forces.

He also criticised the handling of the Police Exit Bill, which he said was sent to Tinubu in March but remained without a publicly communicated decision in October.

Citing Section 58 of the Constitution, Atiku said the President had 30 days to signify assent or withhold it.

‘The Police Exit Bill was sent to Bola in March. It is now October,’ he said.

‘Bola, a bill gathering dust cannot buy food or medicine. Tell Nigerians what you have done with it.’

He urged the National Assembly to publish the bill’s formal status, demand an explanation for the delay and determine the constitutional steps available.

Atiku said retired officers had protested outside the National Assembly with their wives and children, seeking action on their pensions.

‘Bola Tinubu should be ashamed that it has come to this,’ he said.

Outlining his proposed Police Dignity Guarantee Plan, Atiku pledged to audit and settle verified pension arrears and gratuity claims if elected, with published payment dates.

He also promised a pension floor subject to review as living costs change, insured healthcare for serving and retired officers, and timely support for families of personnel killed in service.

Other proposals included home verification for retirees unable to travel because of illness, clearer records of contributions and entitlements, and designated contacts to resolve payment disputes.

‘Those who protect this country must be able to protect their families. And when their service ends, Nigeria must keep its word to them,’ he said.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates have been declared winners of all the 21 Chairmanship positions and 239 councilor seats in Saturday Local Government elections in Kogi.

The Chairman of Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC), Mr Mamman Nda-Eri, made the declaration while announcing the results at the commission’s headquarters in Lokoja on Sunday.

Nda-Eri said the election was conducted across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs), 239 electoral wards and 3,508 polling units.

He said the collation of results from all the LGAs had been completed, with APC candidates securing the highest number of valid votes in all the seats contested.

The chairman consequently declared the APC candidates were elected to lead the 21 LGAs and represent the 239 wards in the state.

He commended political parties, security agencies, accredited election observers, journalists, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and voters for their cooperation and peaceful conduct before, during and after the election.

According to him, the commission conducted voter education and engaged relevant stakeholders ahead of the election to ensure a level playing field for the 12 political parties cleared to participate in the exercise.

Nda-Eri said the commission did not receive any petition challenging the electoral process before or during the election.

He added that Certificates of Return would be issued to the elected chairmen and councillors on a date to be announced by the commission.

The KOSIEC chairman also commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for providing the necessary logistics and enabling environment for the commission to discharge its responsibilities independently.

Meanwhile, some election observers described the exercise as one of the most peaceful grassroots elections in the state’s recent history.

The European Union is set to provide pound 20 million in defence assistance to Nigeria to help the military tackle insecurity across the country.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, disclosed this during a meeting with the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

The assistance will be provided under the European Peace Facility, an EU programme that supports peace and security. An EU technical team is expected to visit Abuja in November to discuss how the funds and support will be delivered.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the minister’s aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the meeting focused on security cooperation between Nigeria and the EU.

Musa thanked the European Union for its continued support for Nigeria’s efforts to address insecurity. He also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

The minister said relative peace was gradually returning to the country because of the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

However, he identified kidnapping along major highways and attacks on isolated communities as major security challenges that still needed to be addressed.

Musa also disclosed that Nigeria was expecting 10 attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and other important military equipment through the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

On regional security, the minister warned that the shrinking Lake Chad Basin, which supports more than 50 million people, could create further security problems.

He said preventing terrorists from using islands in Lake Chad as operational bases remained a major priority for the Multinational Joint Task Force, which works to combat terrorism in the region.

Musa also called for greater attention to people affected by conflicts under the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration programme. He stressed that military personnel affected by the conflict should also receive proper support.

Earlier, Mignot praised the minister’s efforts to improve Nigeria’s security situation and invited him to a meeting of defence ministers scheduled to take place in Brussels later in the year.

The EU ambassador also commended a recent conference involving former and serving commanders of the Multinational Joint Task Force. Representatives of the African Union and the Lake Chad Basin Commission attended the meeting.

Mignot said the planned visit by the EU technical team in November would help finalise arrangements for delivering the pound 20 million defence assistance.

The Leke Abejide Support Group (LASG) has congratulated the re-elected Chairmen of Yagba West, Yagba East and Mopamuro Local Government Areas of Kogi State, describing their victories as a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in them by the electorate.

In a congratulatory statement released to the press, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of LASG, Bashorun MD Eseyin, extended the group’s congratulations to Hon. Tosin Olokun of Yagba West, Hon. (Dr.) Joshua Dare Monday of Yagba East, and Hon. Ademola Bello of Mopamuro.

Eseyin conveyed the group’s message on behalf of the Director General, Dr. Yomi Charles Olorunshola, the entire National Executive Council, and members of the support group.

According to the statement, the re-election of the three chairmen demonstrates the love, trust, and confidence the people of their respective local government areas have in their leadership.

The group noted that their renewed mandates present an opportunity to consolidate on previous achievements, strengthen grassroots governance, and pursue policies and programmes that will improve the welfare of residents across the three local government areas.

LASG further urged the chairmen to remain committed to inclusive governance, accountability and the delivery of democratic dividends, stressing the importance of translating the confidence of the electorate into tangible development and improved living conditions for the people.

The support group expressed optimism that their continued leadership would contribute to the growth, unity, and prosperity of Yagba land while wishing the three chairmen successful and impactful second terms in office.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 8,725 kilogrammes of powdered tramadol worth more than ?6.98 billion at the Apapa Port in Lagos, arrested an 85-year-old grandmother in Edo State and seized large consignments of illicit drugs across several states.

The seizures were recorded during intelligence-led operations in Lagos, Edo, Ondo, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, leading to multiple arrests and the recovery of cannabis, tramadol, diazepam and other controlled substances.

The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the operations in a statement issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, saying operatives had uncovered drug consignments concealed in cargo, vehicles and other seemingly ordinary items.

Babafemi said the largest seizure occurred at the Apapa port, where officers, working with the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies, uncovered a shipment of powdered tramadol from India on October 2.

He stated that the consignment had been declared as maize starch but laboratory tests confirmed it was tramadol hydrochloride powder.

According to him, the drugs were separated from their concealment on October 14 and weighed 8,725 kilogrammes, packed in 349 bags, with an estimated street value exceeding ?6.98 billion.

In another operation at the Tincan port, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives discovered 55 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud, valued at ?165 million, concealed inside a Toyota Sienna vehicle shipped in a 40-foot container on October 12.

He added that officers at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport intercepted a female passenger, Fatimah Ahmad, on October 16 while she was preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, through Addis Ababa.

Babafemi said 511.75 grammes of cannabis were found hidden inside a gallon of palm oil in her possession. He stated that Ahmad identified her cousin, Abubakar Yahaya, as the person who gave her the item, leading to his arrest at the airport car park.

Babafemi disclosed that six suspects were arrested during raids in Warake, Ivhiaro and Ewe/Irue communities in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State between October 15 and 16.

He said the suspects included 85-year-old Grace Ehimeka, who was allegedly found with 179 kilogrammes of skunk in Warake.

Other arrests included Ayo Aigberadion, 53, allegedly found with 220.8 kilogrammes of skunk; Ali Garba, 57; Habib Braimoh, 45; Musa Mubid, 35; and Hope Okoro, 35.

According to Babafemi, Mubid was found with cannabis, cannabis seeds, tramadol, Swinol and diazepam, while Okoro was arrested with 237 grammes of Loud.

In Ondo State, Babafemi said operatives raided a cannabis farm in Okemoro Isinbode camp forest on October 17, destroying an estimated 7,500 kilogrammes of skunk cultivated on three hectares of land.

He stated that five suspects were arrested during the operation: Asikpo Ekpeyoung, 43; Solomon Okpani, 22; Ubong Friday, 35; Joseph Friday, 22; and Ekenimi Seth, 35.

The NDLEA spokesman added that officers recovered 92 bags of skunk weighing 1,267 kilogrammes, alongside 11 kilogrammes of cannabis seeds and three kilogrammes of fresh stems.

In a separate operation in Owo, operatives reportedly recovered 375 kilogrammes of cannabis from 25 bags after tracking 53-year-old Okunebe Ndidi to a hideout in Ameyinti on October 16.

Babafemi said NDLEA operatives also raided a store at Idumota Market in Lagos on October 14, arresting Elizabeth Chidera Kalu and recovering 10,600 ampoules of diazepam injection and 6,500 tablets of Molly.

He added that two men, Idowu Daudu and Ahmed Oniyinde, both aged 35, were arrested in Mushin on October 15 with 59.95 kilogrammes and 61.23 kilogrammes of skunk, respectively.

In another operation, Babafemi said officers intercepted a truck along Iyana Oba after it left Trade Fair Market, recovering 18,000 tablets of tramadol 250mg concealed in cartons labelled as Rambo insecticide.

The suspects arrested were identified as Tajudeen Adeduntan, the truck’s loading manager, and his assistant, Azeez Sikiru.

In Bauchi State, Babafemi said officers intercepted a Volkswagen Golf wagon at Ragwam village in Katagum Local Government Area on October 14, recovering 894,800 pills of tramadol capsules and Exol-5 tablets from Shamsu Garba, 35.

He added that operatives on patrol along the Bauchi-Gombe Road recovered 291 blocks of cannabis weighing 265 kilogrammes from an abandoned vehicle at Tudun Natsira village on the same day.

In Kano State, two suspects, Ali Abdullahi, 38, and Ibrahim Adamu, 23, were arrested along the Zaria-Kano Road on October 13 with 30,100 tablets of tramadol 225mg. A day later, officers arrested 54-year-old Murtala Dayyabu at Niger Street, Malan Kato, with 100,000 tablets of Exol-5.

Babafemi further disclosed that three suspects-Mohammed Sani, 48; Zaharadeen Shafiu, 29; and Yakubu Abdullahi, 20, were arrested at Kayimi village in Kaduna State with 496.5 kilogrammes of cannabis.

In another Kaduna operation, John Ayo David, 39, was arrested at Food Palace on Ali Akilu Road with 49,500 tablets of tramadol 225mg.

In Abuja, operatives arrested 42-year-old Odo Jonas Ejike in the Utako area on October 17 with 29,500 capsules of tramadol.

Babafemi said NDLEA commands and formations across the country also sustained their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns during the week, delivering awareness lectures in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities.

He listed activities at schools and institutions in Oyo, Gombe, Lagos, Kogi, Cross River, Rivers, Edo and Kano states among the outreach programmes.

The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers and men of the Apapa, Tincan, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Lagos, Edo, Bauchi, Ondo, Kano and Federal Capital Territory commands for what he described as professional and intelligence-driven operations.

Marwa urged them and other personnel nationwide to sustain pressure on drug trafficking networks while maintaining the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.