Category: PM News

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday reserved ruling until June 2, 2026, on the bail application filed by Felix Njoku, one of the defendants in the alleged 2.04 billion fraud and money laundering case involving officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

Njoku, a former Director of Finance of the NRC, is standing trial alongside three other senior officials of the corporation over alleged financial crimes.

At the resumed hearing, Njoku’s counsel, Mordecai Adejo, informed the court that he had filed a motion for bail dated February 3, 2026, supported by an affidavit and written address, which he adopted before the court.

Adejo urged the court to allow his client to continue enjoying the interim bail earlier granted, arguing that the defendant had complied with all conditions attached to the temporary release.

According to the defence counsel, Njoku had consistently reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office as directed and had not violated any of the court’s orders.

He therefore prayed the court to grant the defendant bail pending the conclusion of the trial.

However, the prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed (SAN), opposed the application, stating that the EFCC had already filed a counter-affidavit and written address against the request.

Muhammed argued that the defence failed to provide sufficient details regarding the defendant’s family ties within Nigeria and claimed that the anti-graft agency possessed information suggesting that the defendant might abscond if granted bail.

The prosecution further submitted that some of the witnesses expected to testify in the matter were current staff members of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and could be influenced by the defendant if released.

Muhammed also informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with trial and had a witness present in court.

After listening to both parties, Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned ruling on the bail application until June 2.

The court subsequently proceeded with trial as the prosecution called its first witness, Clement Ngbolu, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc.

Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, the witness told the court that he had worked with the bank for about 16 years and was responsible for responding to requests from law enforcement agencies.

Ngbolu testified that Zenith Bank received a letter from the EFCC in June 2025 requesting the statement of account belonging to FC Njoku and Company Ltd.

He stated that the requested documents were generated from the bank’s system, verified, signed and forwarded to the EFCC.

According to him, the EFCC’s letter was addressed to the bank’s Managing Director before it was assigned to him for processing.

During the proceedings, the prosecution tendered the EFCC’s request letter dated June 13, 2025, alongside the bank’s response and account opening documents for FC Njoku and Company Ltd.

The defence did not oppose the admissibility of the documents, following which the court admitted them as exhibits.

The witness also confirmed that the signatories to the company’s account were Njoku Judith Chidima and Njoku Nyaku, while identifying several inflows into the account during his testimony.

Following the witness’ evidence, the prosecution sought an adjournment to continue proceedings.

Justice Abike-Fadipe subsequently adjourned the matter until May 12, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The EFCC had on February 25, 2026 arraigned four senior officials of the NRC before the Lagos State High Court over alleged fraud and money laundering involving more than 2.04 billion.

The defendants include former NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria Edetanle; Felix Njoku, former Director of Finance; Benjamin Chinwuba Iloanusi, a Director in the Procurement Department; and Oche Jerry Ogbole-Inalegwu, Director of Mechanical.

Njoku is specifically facing a 17-count charge bordering on alleged unlawful enrichment and money laundering involving 736.3 million, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The court had earlier granted him temporary release on health grounds, ordered him to surrender his passport and directed him to report to the EFCC twice weekly pending determination of his bail application.

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra said several suspected fake pastors arrested in the state are in custody where they are assisting investigators with useful confessions.

Soludo said this on Sunday while defending his crackdown on alleged fake pastors in th state.

The Anambra State Governor spoke on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during the All Knights Day of the Catholic Diocese of Awka.

According to him, the crackdown on fake pastors is part of social reformation aimed at protecting vulnerable residents from religious exploitation.

“The action forms part of our mission to build a new Anambra free from deception and social vices.

“We remain committed to keeping the state clean and clear of practices that weaken our social values,” he said.

The governor urged political leaders and Nigerians to show courage in pursuing reforms, stressing that leadership must favour what is right.

Soludo commended the Catholic Diocese of Awka for promoting the common good and resisting societal decay.

He also praised the impact of the Anambra Burial Law in reducing excessive funeral spending across communities.

“The law has encouraged befitting living and decent burial for our people,” the governor said.

Soludo approved support for the Knights’ charity visits to orphanages, urging them to remain “the light of the world.”

In his homily, Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor described knighthood as a call to discipline, accountability and sober reflection.

Represented by Diocesan Secretary, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Iheanacho, he urged the Knights to serve with humility and courage.

He warned against elitism and encouraged them to remain close to the people.

“They must preserve their moral voice while remaining connected to society,” he said. (NAN)

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has declared that reviving school football competitions across the country would be the most fitting way to immortalise late Green Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu.

Dikko made the remark while receiving members of Nwosu’s family, representatives of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, and members of the burial committee at his office inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Reflecting on his relationship with the late 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Dikko described Nwosu as one of the most exciting footballers of his generation.

His words, “Henry Nwosu MON started playing for the national team at a very young age.

The history of school sports, particularly the Principals Cup will not be complete without his name. At that very young age he featured for Nigeria at the AFCON in 1980.

He is an example to every aspiring young athlete that it is possible to get to the highest level. His success also encourages us now at the Commission, well aware that there are a lot of talented athletes at the grassroots level and the schools.

Indeed, our work in this respect is being validated with the number of school athletes now representing Nigeria at the highest levels.”

Dikko further stated that Nwosu should be immortalised along the line of his exploits, not just for the national team, but particularly in school sports.

“At the Federal level and in conjunction with the Imo State Government, something should be captured to make sure that his name is engraved in our school’s sports history.

For instance, a school’s sports tournament should be named after him. It is a huge loss for the nation and we will do all we can to ensure that his labours are not forgotten,” he assured.

Dikko further pledged that the commission would support all activities lined up for the burial of the late football icon and will collaborate with the Imo State Government to ensure the late winger receives a befitting honour for his contributions to Nigerian football after consultations with key stakeholders, including the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Earlier, Nwosu’s eldest sister, Mrs Ijeoma Onyewuchi, expressed deep grief over the death of her brother, describing him as the only son among four children whose absence would be greatly felt by the family.

She noted that the former international’s outstanding contributions helped raise the standard of football in Nigeria and appealed to the NSC to support the family in organising a successful burial ceremony.

In a formal proposal presented to the NSC Chairman, the leader of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, Dr. Geoffrey Ogu, praised Nwosu’s discipline, dedication and immense contributions to the growth of football in the country.

He appealed to the commission to ensure the football legend is immortalised and accorded a state burial.

According to Ogu, granting Nwosu a state burial would determine the level of honours, funding and participation by both the Federal and Imo State Governments.

He also called for adequate security arrangements during the burial, approval for the use of national symbols such as draping the casket with the national flag, recitation of the national anthem and observance of a minute of silence in honour of the late football hero.

Ogu also urged both the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to immortalise Nwosu through football programmes and projects aimed at inspiring young talents to serve the country with dedication.

Henry Nwosu died on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the age of 62. He is expected to be buried on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at his hometown, Naze, in Imo State with several activities lined up.

According to the university, the move is part of a broader regulatory review of non-traditional degree pathways in Nigeria’s university system. The HND conversion programme, which has allowed Higher National Diploma holders to upgrade to a Bachelor’s degree, will no longer admit new students once the current admission cycle closes.

While the university has not suggested any disruption for students already enrolled, it indicated that guidance will be issued to ensure affected candidates complete their studies under clear academic arrangements.

The development is expected to affect many prospective applicants who have relied on the programme as a bridge between polytechnic and university qualifications.

For years, the scheme has served as a popular route for HND holders seeking to improve their academic standing and career prospects.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has announced the death of Very Rev. Gabriel Osu, former Director of Social Communications and Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic Herald, who died at the age of 71 after a brief illness.

The development was confirmed on Monday by the Director of Public Affairs of the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

According to Godonu, the respected cleric passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, after battling an illness for some time.

“He had actually been ill for a while before his passing, but he remained committed to his calling,” Godonu said.

Born on September 5, 1954, in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State, Rev. Osu was ordained a Catholic priest for the Lagos Archdiocese on December 5, 1981.

Over four decades in priesthood, he served in several parishes and institutions across Lagos, earning recognition for his contributions to pastoral work, religious communication and Catholic journalism.

His assignments included service at Holy Cross Cathedral, St Gregory’s College and St John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Oshodi.

Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Northern Foreshore, Lekki.

Rev. Osu also served for many years as Director of Social Communications for the Archdiocese, where he played a major role in shaping the Church’s media engagement and public communication strategy.

As Editor-in-Chief of the Catholic Herald, he was widely respected for his writings and contributions to religious journalism in Nigeria.

Describing the late cleric, Godonu said Rev. Osu was known for his warmth, humour and close relationship with members of the media.

“He was a jolly good fellow, very active, humorous and always carried himself with joy,” he said.

“He was kind, loving and related exceptionally well with journalists across the state and beyond.”

The Archdiocese noted that Rev. Osu served as Communications Director for more than two decades with dedication and professionalism.

“He was a gifted writer, a true priest of God, and his absence will be deeply felt,” Godonu added.

Thousands of alumni of Nigeria’s Federal Government Colleges, popularly known as Unity Schools, staged coordinated protests in Lagos, Abuja and Kano over a controversial land concession arrangement involving Federal Government College (FGC) Kano.

The protesters, under the umbrella of the Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA), described the proposed deal as an attempt to commercialise a national educational legacy and weaken the integrity of one of Nigeria’s foremost federal colleges.

The nationwide awareness walk, held on Saturday under the theme “Pro Unitate Better Together,” drew over 2,000 participants from more than 40 Unity Schools across the country.

At the centre of the controversy is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement approved by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), under which Pluck Global Construction Company is expected to invest about 8.5 billion in infrastructure development at FGC Kano in exchange for approximately 30 to 33 hectares of the school’s land.

Alumni groups opposing the project estimate the land value at over 36 billion and insist the concession would permanently erode the institution’s heritage and learning environment.

The protests followed unsuccessful discussions between representatives of the alumni body and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during which old students reportedly offered to independently fund the proposed 8.5 billion infrastructure upgrade without surrendering any portion of the school land.

Speaking during the Lagos rally, National Chapter President of USOSA, Humphrey Nwafor, said the alumni were not opposed to development but rejected any arrangement that would compromise the future of the school.

“We are not enemies of development, but this development must not choke the school,” he said.

“If the government says it lacks sufficient funds to develop the schools, old students are ready to support without giving away one inch of land.”

The dispute, which has intensified in recent weeks, first gained national attention after the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, performed the foundation ceremony for the project and described it as part of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister had argued that the Federal Government could not commit over 8 billion to a single Unity School when there are more than 100 federal colleges nationwide.

However, alumni groups maintain that the proposed concession threatens the original vision behind Unity Schools as centres for national integration, academic excellence and nation-building.

President of the FGC Kano Old Students Association (FGCKOSA), Shoyinka Shodunke, said the institution’s land should remain dedicated to learning and student development rather than residential or commercial purposes.

According to him, the affected land currently serves as a recreational and educational space for students and introducing a mixed-use development close to a secondary school could create security concerns.

Representatives from several Unity Schools, including Kings College Lagos, Queens College Lagos, Federal Government College Odogbolu, FGC Sokoto, FGC Warri and FGC Port Harcourt, joined the demonstrations in solidarity with the Kano alumni.

Meanwhile, Pluck Global Construction Company has defended the project, insisting that the concession followed due regulatory procedures and would significantly improve infrastructure within the school.

Its Managing Director, Musaddiq Ado Bala Talle, stated that the company would only take possession of part of the land after successful completion of the project within 36 months.

Despite the assurances, the alumni groups said they would continue their campaign against the concession and have already gathered over 4,000 signatures in a petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demanding the immediate cancellation of the agreement.

The protesters also vowed to escalate the matter to the National Assembly and the Presidency if the proposed land deal is not reversed.

Nigeria is facing a silent crisis that many people are not paying enough attention to. It is not about politics, insecurity or fuel prices. It is the dangerous decline of reading culture among young people and even adults.

This is becoming a major problem for the future of the country. Reading is not just about passing examinations. It is the foundation of knowledge, critical thinking, communication and national development. Countries that value education and reading usually produce innovators, scientists, writers, researchers and responsible leaders. A society that abandons reading gradually weakens its intellectual strength.

Sadly, Nigeria appears to be moving in that dangerous direction. Many students now read only to pass examinations, not to gain knowledge. Some no longer read at all because they depend on “expo”, malpractice and leaked answers. The rise in examination malpractice in schools is a reflection of a deeper problem: many students no longer believe in hard work, preparation and personal study.

This is why some graduates struggle to write simple applications, communicate clearly or defend their certificates confidently during job interviews. Employers now regularly complain that many graduates lack basic communication and analytical skills despite possessing university degrees.

Social media is also playing a major role in this decline. There is nothing wrong with entertainment or digital platforms. In fact, social media can be useful for learning, business and communication. However, the problem begins when entertainment completely replaces intellectual growth.

As a result, many people now find it difficult to read long articles, books or even important national discussions without losing interest after a few minutes.

This trend should worry parents, teachers and government officials. A country cannot develop beyond the quality of knowledge possessed by its citizens. If young people lose interest in reading, research and learning, the nation will eventually suffer in leadership, innovation, science, technology and even governance.

Nigeria already battles with misinformation and fake news. Many people share false stories online without verifying facts simply because they do not read beyond headlines. Some cannot even distinguish between opinion, propaganda and factual reporting. A stronger reading culture would help citizens become more informed and less vulnerable to manipulation.

The decline in reading culture is also linked to the collapse of libraries and poor investment in education. Many public schools lack functional libraries. In some communities, students have never entered a proper library before. Books are expensive, while reading programmes receive little support.

Parents too must accept part of the responsibility. Some homes no longer encourage reading habits. Children are given phones and tablets at very young ages but are rarely encouraged to read storybooks or educational materials. Many parents themselves hardly read books, newspapers or magazines, making it difficult to build a reading culture at home.

Teachers and schools must also do more. Reading should not be treated as punishment. Schools should organise reading competitions, debates, literary clubs and book review sessions that make learning attractive. Students should be encouraged to discuss ideas and think independently instead of memorising facts only to forget them after examinations.

Government also has an important role to play. Public libraries should be revived and equipped with modern learning materials. Local authors and publishers should receive support. National campaigns promoting reading culture should be introduced across television, radio and digital platforms.

Most importantly, young Nigerians themselves must realise that social media popularity cannot replace knowledge. A viral video may bring temporary fame, but education and knowledge build lasting success.

Many of the world’s greatest leaders, inventors and successful entrepreneurs were shaped by reading. Books expose people to new ideas, improve communication skills and expand the mind beyond immediate surroundings.

Nigeria cannot afford to raise a generation that scrolls endlessly but thinks less deeply.

A nation that stops reading gradually stops growing. And a country that stops growing intellectually risks declining in every other area.

By Taiye Agbaje

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday dismissed a suit instituted by Mr Fubara Dagogo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking to void the party’s recently conducted national congress.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, in a judgment, held that the court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the case, which bordered on the internal affairs of a political party.

Justice Abdulmalik held that issues surrounding candidates’ nomination and purchase of nomination form, including expression of interest form, are non-justiciable.

The judge, who struck out the suit, awarded a N10 million fine each against Dagogo and his lawyer, making a total of N20 million, in favour of all the four defendants.

Dagogo, an aspirant in the recently concluded APC national congress, had filed the suit to challenge his alleged exclusion from the party’s national convention election.

The plaintiff, through his lawyer, Ogochukwu Onyema, named APC and Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, party’s National Chairman, as 1st and 2nd defendants.

Dagogo also listed Victor Giadom, party’s National Vice Chairman, South South, and Sulaiman Muitamma, APC’s National Organising Secretary, as 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.

In the originating summons, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/591/2026 dated March 22 and filed March 23 by his lawyer, Dagogo sought six reliefs.

The aggrieved aspirant prayed the court to nullify the outcome of any party’s national congress for the position of National Vice Chairman, South South, without his physical participation.

He urged the judge to determine whether there could be a legitimate zonal congress for South South APC with his alleged unlawful exclusion after he was duly cleared and paid for his expression of interest (EoI) and nomination forms.

He prayed the court to declare that by virtue of APC’s Payment Acknowledgment Receipt No. 26827 dated March 13 and issued to him, he is entitled to be issued with the requisite EoI and Nomination Forms as an aspirant for the position of National Vice Chairman, South –South Nigeria.

He equally prayed the court to award a general damages of N100 million against the 3rd and 4th defendants for the discomfitures, embarrassments and mental torture, they occasioned to him with their ill conduct.

But the APC, in its earlier preliminary objection filed by the former lawyer, Kayode Okunade, urged the court to strike out or dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction.

Okunade also prayed the court for an order striking out the originating summons filed by Dagogo as incompetent.

The lawyer, in his eight-ground argument, said the subject matter of the suit bordered on the internal affairs of a political party, which was non-justiciable and outside the jurisdiction of the court.

He said Dagogo’s complaint, relating to non-issuance of nomination form despite payment, concerned the conduct of party’s congresses and pre-primary processes, which were within the exclusive domestic jurisdiction of the party.

Okunade argued that the applicant lacked the locus standi to institute the action, having not been duly recognised as a valid aspirant under the APC Constitution and Guidelines.

He said the suit was premature, the applicant having failed to exhaust the internal dispute resolution mechanisms provided under the party’s constitution.

The lawyer, who said the suit constituted an abuse of court process, aimed at inviting the court to interfere in the discretionary powers of a political party, argued that Dagogo had not disclosed any reasonable cause of action against the respondents.

(NAN

BetPawa has paid out more than 295 million in bonuses and end-of-season awards following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, capped by Sporting Lagos’ dramatic Super 4 triumph in Ikenne, Ogun State.

The payments combined the company’s widely discussed Locker Room Bonus initiative with individual and club awards presented after one of the most competitive NNL campaigns in recent years.

League-wide, the Locker Room Bonus scheme generated payouts totaling 287,168,000, with all 5,128 player and official transactions successfully completed during the season.

In addition, betPawa distributed 8.1 million through various end-of-season awards recognising outstanding players, coaches, clubs and football administrators.

Sporting Lagos striker Adebayo Oyedele emerged among the top individual winners after claiming the Highest Goalscorer award and receiving 880,000.

Yahaya Hussaini was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, while former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba won the Best Goalkeeper award.

Paul Offor received the Best Coach prize, while Barnabas Imenger claimed the Goal of the Season award. All four recipients received 880,000 each.

At club level, Smart City FC received 400,000 after emerging as the Best Behaved Team, while Inter Lagos won the Best Supporters Club category.

The Anambra State Football Association also received 400,000 after being recognised as the Best State FA.

The awards ceremony followed a tense finish to the NNL Super 4 tournament, where Sporting Lagos emerged champions after edging Inter Lagos on goal difference.

The final day produced a dramatic conclusion, with Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos and Doma United all entering their final matches with chances of lifting the trophy.

Inter Lagos defeated Sporting Lagos 1-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, but Sporting Lagos still finished top after both clubs ended level on points.

At the second venue, Ranchers Bees defeated Doma United 3-1 to end the Savannah Tigers’ title hopes.

Following their title success, Sporting Lagos received an additional payout of over 2 million from betPawa through an expanded Super 4 reward package.

Unlike the regular-season structure — where only the matchday squad and three technical officials received 56,000 after victories — the Super 4 rewards covered the full 30-man squad and team officials.

With the latest payout included, Sporting Lagos earned more than 18 million from the initiative during the campaign, having already accumulated 16,688,000 in regular-season bonuses.

Inter Lagos and Doma United each earned 11,592,000 during the season, while Ranchers Bees received 9,016,000.

The Locker Room Bonus initiative became one of the defining features of the NNL season, with players and officials across clubs crediting the direct payment structure for increasing competitiveness and motivation.

Season statistics reflected that intensity. Of the 272 matches played, 223 produced winners, while 254 matches recorded at least one goal.

Speaking after the season, betPawa’s Head of Local Marketing and CSR, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, said the initiative demonstrated the company’s commitment to Nigerian football.

“It was a pleasure for us to launch this Locker Room Bonus Sponsorship in Nigeria and hopefully we can also extend to the women,” she said.

For many observers, the combination of direct player bonuses, club rewards and end-of-season recognition made the 2025/26 NNL campaign one of the most financially impactful seasons in the league’s history.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has shifted the closing date for the sale and submission of nomination forms for the 2027 general elections, granting aspirants an additional one week.

Initially, the party had scheduled 10 May as the commencement date for the process. However, the timeline has now been adjusted, moving the deadline to 17 May.

The update was disclosed on Monday in Lagos in a statement issued by the party’s Secretary General, Comrade Ogini Olaposi. He explained that the decision followed a directive from the NNPP Board of Trustees to the National Working Committee, and was approved by the party’s founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam.

According to Olaposi, the adjustment became necessary due to delays by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in uploading the official logo of the party’s recognised leadership, led by Dr Agbo Gilbert Major.

He assured members that the extension affects both the collection and submission of nomination forms, giving prospective candidates more time to complete the process.

The party also confirmed its nomination fee structure for various elective positions. Presidential aspirants are expected to pay 5 million, governorship hopefuls 2.5 million, senatorial candidates 1.5 million, House of Representatives aspirants 1 million, and State House of Assembly contenders 500,000.

However, women and persons with disabilities will not be charged for forms. In addition, incumbent office holders seeking re-election within the party will be granted automatic tickets upon purchase of the nomination forms.

Olaposi further noted that screening of aspirants will proceed as earlier scheduled, despite the extension.

He urged members to remain patient, stating that the issues surrounding INEC’s delay would soon be resolved.

The Board of Trustees, he added, has also tasked the National Working Committee with intensifying preparations to ensure the NNPP fields candidates for all elective positions in the 2027 polls.