Category: PM News

By Martha Agas

As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen international confidence in Nigeria’s anti-smuggling and cargo intelligence system, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has formally handed over intercepted stolen luxury vehicles traced to Canada to the Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Nasser Salihou.

The vehicles included a 2019 Lexus RX350, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, 2019 Lamborghini Huracan, 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible.

The others are 2018 Lamborghini Aventador and 2026 Toyota Tundra.

They are all all confirmed to have been stolen and illegally exported before ending up in Nigeria,” NCS spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada said in a statement on Sunday.

Maiwada said the vehicles were handed over at the Tin Can Island Port by Frank Onyeka, the Customs Area Controller of the Command.

According to him, the recovery followed months of intelligence sharing and operational collaboration between the NCS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

The spokesperson added that authorities in Canada had traced a number of stolen high-end vehicles believed to have been smuggled into Nigeria through international shipping channels.

“Internal Customs document dated May 5, showed that the intercepted vehicles included a 2019 Lexus RX350, 2019 Mercedes-Benz G550, 2023 Land Rover Range Rover, 2019 Lamborghini Huracan, 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible.

“Also, a 2018 Lamborghini Aventador and 2026 Toyota Tundra, all confirmed to have been stolen and illegally exported before ending up in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking at the handing over, Onyeka said one of the vehicles, a Toyota Tacoma, was initially concealed inside a container carrying other vehicles and had not yet exited Customs control before intelligence from Canadian authorities triggered immediate intervention.

He said once the alert was received and shipping documentation transmitted through official channels, officers of the command moved swiftly to isolate the suspicious consignment.

He said the officers extracted the affected vehicle and placed it under enforcement custody pending diplomatic verification.

“What looked like a routine cargo movement quickly became an international criminal investigation.

“Once intelligence reached us, we placed the consignment under enforcement watch and secured the vehicle pending confirmation from Canadian authorities,” he said.

He explained that the service deliberately delayed the final release until officials of the Canadian government arrived in person to complete identification and recovery procedures.

“We had people who wanted to step in on behalf of others, but this was too sensitive. We insisted the handover must be directly to the Canadian government to preserve the integrity of the process,” he said.

The operation, he said, reinforces the NCS’ commitment to tackling transnational vehicle theft syndicates that exploit global shipping routes to move stolen automobiles across continents.

According to him, the recovery has revealed the ongoing cooperation between Nigeria and Canada in intelligence sharing, cargo profiling, and maritime enforcement.

He said this was particularly in tackling organised cross-border crimes involving stolen assets, illicit trade, and other fraudulent activities.(NAN)

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Police in Kano have smashed arms-dealing syndicate , with the interception and arrest of the prime suspect, Umar Danladi Usman (35) of Kurna Layin Masallacin Juma’a.

During the operation, police recovered three fabricated AK-47 riffles, five live cartridges, one AK-47 empty shell, one Police ID card suspected to be fake, three dangerous sharp jack knives, and one pair of jungle desert boots.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said the operation was in furtherance of the directives and sweeping reforms of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at tackling violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and streamlined tactical operations that gave birth to the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to him, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the Command, conducted a sting operation around Dandinshe Quarters, Dala Local Government Area, on 9 May, 2026 .

The suspect was apprehended in possession of a Honda Accord vehicle, ash in colour, with registration number TFA 680 AA, fitted with tinted glass.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to procuring the fabricated rifles from Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina state.

The suspect is currently in police custody, while a discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend his accomplices and dismantle the supply network.

Mr. Bakori commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and precision in executing the operation.

He further stated that the success reflected the impact of the Inspector General of Police reforms in eliminating operational overlaps, enhancing inter-unit coordination, and empowering tactical teams for swift, intelligence-driven responses under direct command supervision.

The Kano police boss reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations against illegal arms trafficking, kidnapping, and all forms of violent crime.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and to support the Police with timely, credible information to ensure a safer Kano.

Residents of Ota and neighbouring communities in Ogun State witnessed a historic milestone last Thursday as the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs) commissioned the newly constructed Central Police Divisional Headquarters and a modern 40-Bed Primary Healthcare Centre in the community.

The two projects were aimed at strengthening security and healthcare delivery within the ancient town and surrounding areas.

The commissioning of the projects, constructed and fully equipped by OSSAP-SDGS under the leadership of Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, drew dignitaries from across government institutions, traditional councils, security agencies, healthcare institutions, and community groups, reflecting the significance of the interventions to the socio-economic development of the area.

According to the statement released by Desmond Utomwen, the Special Assistant on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication to the SSAP-SDGs, the atmosphere at the commissioning ceremony was one of excitement, gratitude, and celebration as residents described the projects as long-awaited interventions capable of transforming lives and improving community wellbeing. Speaking at the event, Princess Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by the Secretary of Programme (SOP-SDGs), Bala Mohammed Saulawa described the projects as strategic interventions designed to strengthen peace, security, healthcare access, and sustainable development in the country.

She explained that the Police Divisional Headquarters aligns directly with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

“Today, we are not merely unveiling a structure; we are strengthening the very foundation upon which sustainable development thrives — peace, security, and strong institutions,” she said.

According to her, the intervention reflects deliberate efforts to improve operational capacity, enhance the working environment for security personnel, and build stronger trust between the police and the community.

The SSAP-SDGs further added that the projects are in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, emphasising that the Federal Government remains committed to delivering people-centred infrastructure across the country.

“The construction of this Police Headquarters reflects a deliberate commitment to improving operational capacity, enhancing the working conditions of our law enforcement officers, and fostering trust between the police and the communities they serve. When security institutions are strengthened, communities flourish, businesses grow, and development becomes sustainable,” she added.

On the PHC, Orelope-Adefulire noted that the 40-Bed Primary Healthcare Centre aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Wellbeing and is intended to provide quality, affordable, and life-saving healthcare services to residents, especially women, children, and vulnerable populations.

She added that the investment in healthcare underscores a fundamental principle of sustainable development: “a safe community must also be a healthy community,” she stated.

In his remarks, the Olota of the Ancient and Paramount Ottaland, His Majesty Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, described the day as “historic and memorable” for the people of Ota and Aworiland.

“Today is a historic and memorable day for the Ancient and Paramount Ottaland as we commission two landmark projects; the Ota Central Police Divisional Headquarters and the 40-Bed Primary Health Centre. These projects stand as enduring symbols of progress, improved security, accessible healthcare, and purposeful governance for our people,” the monarch declared.

The royal father expressed appreciation to Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to inclusive national development and praised Dapo Abiodun for providing a peaceful and development-friendly environment in the state. He also paid glowing tribute to Princess Orelope-Adefulire, whom he described as “our illustrious daughter and pride of Aworiland,” commending her dedication to impactful service and community development.

“Through your office, countless communities have benefitted from transformative projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The commissioning of these facilities today further demonstrates your enduring commitment to the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of our people. Ota Awori deeply appreciates your thoughtfulness, loyalty to your roots, and exceptional service to the nation,” he stated.

The monarch further noted the historical importance of the site of the Police Divisional Headquarters, revealing that the axis once served as a major policing post for the district and neighbouring communities.

“Today therefore represents not just a commissioning, but the restoration of an important legacy of peace, security, and public safety in Ottaland,” he added.

The representative of Ogun Commissioner of Police also commended the Federal Government and OSSAP-SDGs for the intervention, describing the new divisional headquarters as a major boost to policing and security operations in the area.

He stated that the project will significantly improve operational efficiency and strengthen our capacity to respond swiftly to security concerns within Ota and adjoining communities. A conducive working environment for officers directly translates to improved service delivery and enhanced public confidence in policing.

He assured residents that the command would continue to deepen community policing strategies and sustain collaboration with traditional rulers, youth groups, and community stakeholders in ensuring peace and public safety.

Community leaders and residents also hailed the projects as transformational interventions that would positively impact the lives of thousands of people.The Baale of one of the adjoining communities, Chief Rasaq Adekunle, described the projects as timely responses to pressing community needs.

“For years, our people have yearned for improved security presence and better healthcare services. These projects will reduce the burden on residents who previously travelled long distances for medical attention and security assistance. We are truly grateful,” he said.

A women leader in the community, Mrs Funmilayo Adebisi, said the healthcare centre would particularly benefit women and children.

“This healthcare centre means hope for mothers, pregnant women, children, and the elderly. Access to quality healthcare saves lives, and this facility will make a huge difference for families in this community,” she stated.

Healthcare professionals at the event also expressed optimism that the facility would help reduce pressure on existing medical centres while improving maternal and child healthcare outcomes in the area.

For many in Ota, the projects represent more than infrastructure; they symbolise renewed hope, responsive governance, and a practical demonstration of how development initiatives can directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the screening of aspirants by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

Wike, who is not a member of the party, emphasized that the issue was outside his purview.

“I am not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” Wike told journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Wike was blunt in his refusal to engage, saying, “What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. Governor Fubara didn’t tell me he has any problem in APC. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet.”

The Minister also discussed the growing political landscape in Rivers State, indicating that his “rainbow coalition” would focus on electoral strength rather than strict party affiliations. “That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will look at where we have strength, compare notes, and vote accordingly,” he said.

Wike also praised the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects across Abuja, including key roads and bridges. He expressed satisfaction with the pace of delivery, saying contractors had committed to completing streetlight installations by the end of May. He also highlighted the steady progress on the Dutse-Alhaji-to-M5 road, which is nearing completion, with only streetlight installation pending.

Several of these projects are set to be inaugurated as part of President Tinubu’s third-anniversary events. Wike expressed pride in the quality of work done by the contractors, adding that the excellence of the projects was evident.

On the issue of alleged harassment by tax enforcement officials, Wike acknowledged the friction around tax collection but said no formal complaints had reached the FCT Administration. “There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” Wike noted.

The company disclosed on Monday that the SEC had approved supplemental Trust Deeds covering the renaming of its legacy mutual funds and the reduction of minimum subscription units for some of the investment products.

According to the firm, the approval followed the successful conclusion of unitholders’ meetings where investors voted in favour of the proposed changes.

Under the new arrangement, the Legacy Money Market Fund has been renamed FCMBAM Money Market Fund, while the Legacy Debt Fund, Legacy Equity Fund and Legacy USD Bond Fund have now become FCMBAM Debt Fund, FCMBAM Equity Fund and FCMBAM USD Bond Fund respectively.

The company said the rebranding forms part of its broader strategy to consolidate its brand identity and align all public-facing investment products with the FCMB Asset Management brand.

FCMBAM stated that the changes reflect its commitment to transparent, disciplined and globally benchmarked asset management services within Nigeria’s financial sector.

Alongside the rebranding exercise, the company also announced a major reduction in the minimum subscription thresholds for three of the funds as part of efforts to make investments more affordable and accessible.

According to the revised structure approved by the SEC, the minimum subscription for the FCMBAM Debt Fund has been reduced from 25,000 units to 1,000 units, while the FCMBAM Equity Fund subscription threshold has dropped from 10,000 units to 1,000 units.

The minimum entry requirement for the dollar-denominated FCMBAM USD Bond Fund was also reduced from 1,000 units to 100 units to encourage wider retail participation in foreign currency investment products.

However, the FCMBAM Money Market Fund will retain its existing minimum subscription threshold of 1,000 units.

Speaking on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of FCMB Asset Management Limited, James Ilori, described the move as more than a routine corporate rebranding exercise.

“This rebranding is more than a name change; it is a statement of intent,” Ilori said.

He noted that the company remained committed to democratising access to professional investment management services and promoting inclusive financial growth.

According to him, the reduction in investment thresholds is expected to lower barriers to entry and attract more retail investors into the capital market.

The company assured existing investors that all investment positions, account records and fund documentation would automatically reflect the new names without affecting clients’ investments or security of funds.

The screening exercise for aspirants seeking to contest under the All Progressives Congress in the Rivers State House of Assembly election has ended.

According to the committee’s report released on Monday, 33 aspirants were cleared to participate in the party primaries, while 65 others were disqualified.

All 29 serving lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were cleared during the exercise.

The screening was concluded on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

The report also stated that the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, picked a nomination form to contest for the House of Representatives.

The committee said some aspirants were disqualified over issues such as:

Invalid party membership records

Failure to provide voter cards or membership slips

Incomplete documents

Conflicting dates of birth

Invalid nominators

Unsworn affidavits

Alleged inducement or bribery

Cleared Aspirants

Maol Dumle

Major M. Jack

Nwabochi Frankline

Ofiks K. Christopher

Enemi Alabo George

Tonye Smart Adoki

Tekenari W. Granville

Azeru Opara

Igwe Obey Aforji

Opuende Lolo Isaiah

Ukalikpe Napoleon

Hope Ugwumadu

Kenneth Minimah

Justina Aniton Okorji

Onyema Rex Nwankwo

Jumbo Soparagh

Wami Solomon

Gift Esede Ali

Ejekwu Chisa Nathan

Peter E. Abbey

Loolo Bulabari Henrietta

Barida Alice Samuel

Ohanuna Bright N.

Kue Yeghene

Nwankwo Chimezie C.

Emeji Gloria Chika

Ejekwu Ezebunwo Leslie

Okpokipoy Peters

Arnold O. Davids

Gerald C. Oforji

Amadi Promise Amadi

Opuene Thompson Atekebo

Amakri Awowari

Aspirants Not Cleared

The 65 aspirants who were not cleared include:

Orubibanugha Timothy

Chime Eguma Ezebulike

Onyema Loveday Hechiaru

Tonye Briggs Oniyide

Chris Okey Ochije

Amua Isioma Henry

Sokari Goodboy Sokari

Chijioke Kemzunum Ihunwo

Ideye Granville

Nwoziri Chukwuemeka Best Bishop

Oba Fred Ajubulaka

Kpeden Kenneth

Chigozie Emem Jnr

Emeji Wisdom Chimele

Gift Okere

Jolly Benjamin Ngbor

Luke Mobene Eneriene

Nwankwoala Paul

Prince Lezina Ngbor

Bobby Abayomi

Victor Oko Jumbo

Reuben Vincent Obu

Bellor Kingsley Waite

Morris Prince Lelesi

Claudius Princewill

Abdurazaq Tamunodiepriye

Fubara Goodluck Ohaka

Berebupakabo Isaac Sekibo

Prince Achor

Sokari Samuel Reginald

Wechie Ndubisi Raymond

Tyger Ebemeniya Dumo

Goodluck G. Menekpugi

Gbosi Mathew Bardagara

Tonye Garrick Tom-George

Prince Emukuighro Fubara

Tamunobaraiba George

Obunezi O. Clinton

Chinondu Wokocha

Akpanah Ibibo

Tamunokuro Alex Somiari

Opakirite Tonye Lawson

Nengisa Akuro-Egerton

Okere C. Chigozie

Igwe Princewill Ake

Karibi Karibi Bobmanuel

Chizobam Oba Wokekoro

Tamunotonye Briggs

Victory Victor Uchendu

Crowther S. Snithers

Green Tamunodienye

Ibima Firstbury Garrick

Atuzie Ntekachi Collins

Gogo-Ogute Isaiah

Murphy Deemua

Adele Justice Nkanitye

Williams Chimadhu

Epelle Sotonye P.

Awoala Daniel Wokoma

Tamunotonye Lolomari

Ejekwe Princewill Amos

Oduye Tom-West

Solomon Deesi Lenu

Legborsi Sunday Yamaabana

Macsunday Uziuke Ugwu

The committee thanked party members, officials, and security personnel for maintaining order throughout the screening exercise.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has retained 150 as the minimum admission cut-off mark for universities for the 2026/2027 academic session.

The decision was announced on Monday during JAMB’s annual Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja, where key stakeholders in the education sector gathered to deliberate on admission guidelines for tertiary institutions across the country.

According to the board, the benchmark was adopted following a vote by vice-chancellors present at the meeting.

The cut-off mark means candidates seeking admission into Nigerian universities through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) must score at least 150 to qualify for consideration by institutions.

JAMB’s policy meeting is convened annually to determine admission procedures, minimum entry requirements and other guidelines for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Education stakeholders at the meeting stressed the need to balance wider access to higher education with the maintenance of academic standards in Nigerian universities.

Earlier at the meeting, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed that candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes and some non-engineering agriculture courses would no longer be required to sit for the UTME, provided they meet specified academic qualifications.

A 50-year-old truck driver, Kasimu Bawa, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for unlawful possession of minerals valued at N2.4million by a Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State

Bawa was arraigned on November 1, 2022, by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Commission on a one-count charge bordering on possession of minerals without lawful authority.

The charge reads: “That you, Kasimu Bawa, sometime in the month of September 2022, at Share, along Tsaragi Road, in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, without lawful authority, came into possession of minerals, to wit: 25 tons of minerals worth the sum of N2,498,000.00 (Two Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand Naira), conveyed in a DAF truck with Registration Number KEY 777ZF and Chassis Number KLRAD85XCOE603462, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8)(b)(i) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1984.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him, prompting a full trial.

During the proceedings, the prosecution called two witnesses, including a Chief Remote Sensing Officer (CRSO) of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), Ifarinde Odeyemi, and the investigating officer. The defence also presented two witnesses, including the defendant.

Odeyemi told the court that laboratory analysis conducted on the seized minerals confirmed them to be lepidolite, a lithium-bearing mineral.

In his final written address, prosecuting counsel, Innocent Mbachie, urged the court to convict the defendant, having proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. He also requested the forfeiture of the truck and minerals to the Federal Government.

Delivering judgment, Justice Justice Abimbola Awogboro found Bawa guilty and sentenced him to two years imprisonment with an option of N5 million fine. The court further ordered the forfeiture of the truck and the minerals to the Federal Government.

The convict’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when he was arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on September 9, 2022, at Share, along Tsaragi Road in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, while transporting 25 tons of suspected illegally mined minerals valued at N2.4 million. He was charged to court and convicted.

The convict was the driver of a truck used in conveying minerals allegedly purchased without a licence by a Chinese national, Gang Deng, who was earlier convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment on October 19, 2022 by the same court.

Opposition political parties are rushing to meet the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for submitting their membership registers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC had earlier extended the deadline from March 27 to May 10, 2026. According to the commission, political parties must submit their membership lists at least 21 days before holding their primaries. Since party primaries are expected to begin on May 30, the final date for submission became May 9.

Several opposition parties told The PUNCH they had either completed the process or were putting final touches to it before the deadline expired.

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) said it had already submitted its membership register in three volumes and claimed it had members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also confirmed compliance with the INEC directive. Party officials said they had completed the process before INEC officials visited for verification. The SDP leadership described its membership strength as encouraging.

The Labour Party (LP) said it had fully complied with the Electoral Act and revealed that it was recording surprising growth in northern Nigeria. According to the party, registration figures from states such as Taraba, Adamawa and Benue were higher than expected.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and African Action Congress (AAC) also confirmed that they complied with the deadline.

INEC explained that submission of membership registers is important because it helps the commission confirm the authenticity of party members and monitor compliance during party congresses and primary elections.

The electoral body said the directive was based on Section 77(4) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires political parties to submit their membership registers at least 21 days before conducting primaries.

As the deadline approached, many political parties reportedly intensified membership registration drives, held emergency meetings and continued coalition talks to avoid problems that could affect aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Monday during the 2025 annual ministerial press briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, to mark the second-term seventh anniversary of Governor Osiyemi said the new Lagos State driver’s licence would be launched within the next few weeks and would operate alongside the existing federal driver’s licence system.

According to him, motorists would have the option of obtaining either the federal licence or the new Lagos-issued licence under the collaborative arrangement between the state and federal authorities.

He explained that the initiative was designed to improve efficiency, reduce delays associated with the current licensing process and promote sanity and safety on Lagos roads.

The commissioner noted that the new system would also support the state’s broader transportation reform agenda, particularly in the areas of digital enforcement, vehicle monitoring and regulatory compliance.

As part of efforts to enhance road safety and remove unroadworthy vehicles from Lagos roads, Osiyemi said the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service had intensified enforcement of the “No Vehicle Inspection, No Roadworthiness Certificate” policy through technology-driven operations.

He disclosed that a total of 1,114,080 roadworthiness certificates were issued during the review period, reflecting increased compliance with vehicle safety regulations across the state.

According to him, the state also recorded significant progress in digital traffic enforcement, with 737,340 traffic violations captured through the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera system.

Osiyemi further revealed that in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Administration Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the state processed 27,067 fresh driver’s licence applications and completed 29,810 licence renewals within the period under review.

This brought the total number of driver’s licences processed to 56,876.

He added that 1,158 International Driver’s Permits were also successfully processed.