Category: PM News

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday presented compensation cheques worth N3 billion to 331 residents whose land and property were acquired for major road infrastructure projects across the state.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that development is pursued with fairness and respect for citizens’ rights.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, the governor said the compensation reflected the state’s resolve to balance infrastructure development with social justice, stressing that government has a moral obligation to protect the interests of citizens affected by public projects.

Sanwo-Olu said the exercise was more than the distribution of compensation cheques, describing it as a demonstration of responsible governance where development is pursued with a human face.

‘Behind every development corridor is a community. Behind every parcel of land is a story. Behind every acquisition are individuals whose lives are directly touched by the decisions of government,’ he said.

According to the governor, whenever the state invokes its powers under the Land Use Act to acquire land for overriding public interest, it assumes a corresponding responsibility to compensate affected property owners fairly, transparently and without unnecessary delay.

‘This is not charity; it is justice. It is not a favour; it is your right,’ he said, adding that sustainable development can only be achieved when public trust is protected through fairness and accountability.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the N3 billion compensation would be paid to 331 Project Affected Persons (PAPs) whose properties were acquired for strategic road projects designed to improve transportation, ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic activities across Lagos.

He explained that every claim underwent a rigorous verification process, including enumeration, professional valuation by certified estate surveyors and confirmation of ownership, to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries received compensation.

The governor said the road projects would enhance connectivity across the state, reduce travel time, facilitate commerce, strengthen regional integration and unlock new economic opportunities for millions of Lagos residents.

He, however, acknowledged that while such infrastructure projects ultimately benefit the larger population, the immediate burden is often borne by individuals whose land and property are acquired.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Sanwo-Olu thanked them for their understanding and cooperation, describing their sacrifices as invaluable contributions to the continued growth and transformation of Lagos.

‘Your sacrifice is acknowledged, your contribution is appreciated, and your partnership in the development of Lagos State will never be taken for granted. Your cooperation is helping to shape a Lagos that future generations will inherit with pride,’ he said.

The governor urged recipients to make prudent use of the compensation by investing in productive ventures, securing the future of their families and rebuilding stronger.

He added that officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau would continue to provide guidance and documentation support to beneficiaries requiring further assistance.

Sanwo-Olu also assured residents whose compensation claims were still being processed that no genuine claimant would be overlooked, urging them to remain patient as the verification process continues.

He warned individuals attempting to exploit the compensation exercise through fraudulent claims that government would not tolerate any form of abuse.

‘The same diligence that protects genuine owners will expose impostors,’ he cautioned.

The governor commended officials of the Lagos State Lands Bureau, estate surveyors and valuers, land surveyors, engineers, town planners, community leaders and other stakeholders for ensuring that the compensation exercise was conducted with professionalism, transparency and integrity.

He said the administration was not merely acquiring land to construct infrastructure but was also strengthening public confidence in government by fulfilling its legal and moral obligations to affected residents.

‘We are not simply acquiring land to build infrastructure; we are building trust and laying the foundation for the Lagos of tomorrow,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Greater Lagos that delivers sustainable development while protecting the rights and welfare of its citizens.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has disowned Okey Ezeala, accusing him of falsely presenting himself as the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary and allegedly collecting money from members with promises of party tickets and political appointments.

The NDC issued the warning in a disclaimer signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq.

According to the party, Ezeala was never elected or appointed as Deputy National Publicity Secretary and is not a member of either its National Working Committee or National Executive Committee.

The NDC said it had received several complaints alleging that Ezeala had been parading himself as a national official and using the claim to transact business in the party’s name.

It further accused him of collecting large sums from members after allegedly promising to secure party tickets and political appointments for them.

The party also linked Ezeala to an unauthorised congress in Abia State, which it alleged was organised through intimidation and resulted in the emergence of an unlawful parallel executive.

‘Mr Okey Ezeala is not elected or appointed by any organ of our great party as Deputy National Publicity Secretary or into our NWC or NEC as a member,’ the statement said.

The NDC maintained that Ezeala does not hold any executive position at the national, state or local government level and has no authority to represent the party.

It warned members and the public against conducting any transaction with him on behalf of the NDC.

The party also asked anyone who may have fallen victim to his alleged activities to report formally to the office of the National Secretary for appropriate action.

It was big gain for Kaduna chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, on Sunday as no fewer than 12,000 members of other parties defected to the party in Lere Local Government Area of the State.

The defectors were received on Sunday at Ramin Kura and Gure/kahugu wards by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Abubakar Buba, who represented Gov. Uba Sani

The event drew party leaders, government officials, community leaders and supporters from Ramin Kura, Lere and Gure/Kahugu wards.

Buba said the administration of Gov. Uba Sani remained committed to justice, fairness and equal treatment of all citizens across Kaduna State.

He said the governor’s rural transformation agenda had endeared the administration to people across the state, regardless of political affiliation.

According to him, ongoing investments in roads, schools and other infrastructure had continued to attract support for the APC.

The commissioner assured the defectors of equal opportunities and full integration into the party without discrimination.

Chairman of Lere Local Government, Alhaji Jafaru Ahmad, described the defections as a demonstration of growing confidence in the APC led administration.

Ahmad commended the new members for what he described as a timely decision to join the ruling party.

Also speaking, APC Chairman in Lere Local Government, Mr Jonathan Shekarau, welcomed the defectors into the party.

Shekarau assured them of equal treatment, saying the APC was committed to delivering good governance and addressing the shortcomings of previous administrations.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr Nathan Azman and Mr Rayyanu Dauda, both former PDP members, said they joined the APC because of Gov. Uba Sani’s inclusive leadership.

They said the administration had demonstrated commitment to equitable development and improved the welfare of citizens.

The representatives appealed to the state government to rehabilitate roads in their communities.

They also called for the completion of a secondary school project abandoned in the area for decades.

The defectors pledged their loyalty to the APC and promised to support the administration’s development agenda in the state.

Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested three members of kidnapping gang targeting Point of Sale (POS) operators in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

The arrest of the suspects identified as Chekwube Chukwu, 32, Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34 and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30 years respectively were disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson for Anambra Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Sunday in Awka.

Ikega said the three were among four suspects arrested over separate kidnapping and robbery incidents across the state recently by the Command.

According to Ikenga, the three suspects were arrested when operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, in collaboration with detectives from the Ogbaru Divisional Police Station, foiled a suspected kidnap plot in Iyiowa, Odekpe, Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

‘The team arrested three male suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered a black Toyota Camry with tinted glasses and Lagos Registration number LND 789HR, believed to have been used by the gang for its operations.

‘The suspects are Chekwube Chukwu, 32, Amarachukwu Nwobosi, 34 and Sopuluchukwu Ifeakor, 30 years respectively,’ he said.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were intercepted while actively attempting to abduct a female POS operator at Atani in Ogbaru LGA, in the morning.

The Anambra police spokesman said that the victim raised an alarm, which attracted the attention of some residents and prompted a swift response by the police following a distress call.

The PPRO said that the timely intervention by the police frustrated the kidnap attempt, leading to the rescue of the victim and subsequent arrest of the suspects.

According to him, further investigation linked the suspects to the earlier kidnapping of another female POS operator, at Dominion Park, Head Bridge, Onitsha, on June 3, 2026, during which she was abducted.

He said that the suspects dispossessed the operator of two POS machines and Android phones and compelled the family to pay a ransom of N3.5 million, before she was released.

He said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the crimes.

Ikenga said that the suspects were currently providing useful information to assist the police in identifying and arresting their criminal receivers and other members of the syndicate operating within the state.

The police spokesman further said that in the afternoon of July 15 2026, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested one Johnbosco Okoye (Bone), 32.

The Anambra Police spokesperson who did not mention the area the suspect was arrested said that the arrest was in continuation with the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of a victim at Okpanam, Asaba, Delta state.

He explained that the victim was abducted, robbed, and forced to pay a ransom before regaining his freedom.

The PPRO said that during a search on the suspect, the operatives recovered one locally fabricated pistol, two live rounds of ammunition, one axe, and one Itel Android phone bearing the victim’s photograph as its screensaver.

He said that the suspect confessed to the crime and efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang currently at large.

Ikenga said that the operations underscore the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and improving public safety in the state.

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across Anambra state.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Gombe State Command, says it has arrested 58 offenders since the launch of its ‘War Against Overloading’ campaign in the state.

The state Sector Commander, Mr Samson Kaura, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Monday.

Kaura said the campaign began in April as part of the corps’ efforts to reduce the high number of casualties resulting from road traffic crashes caused by overloaded vehicles.

He said overloading remained one of the leading causes of fatal road crashes in the state.

According to him, tackling the menace is essential, adding that reducing crash-related deaths requires strict enforcement of load limits, public awareness and responsible behaviour by drivers and vehicle owners.

The sector commander said avoiding overloading was not just a traffic rule but a lifesaving measure that protects drivers, passengers and other road users.

According to him, vehicles are manufactured with specific limits on the number of passengers and the amount of goods they are designed to carry.

‘But we neglect the authorised specifications and overload our vehicles.

‘When these vehicles are overloaded, movement becomes difficult because of the excess weight, which contributes to higher fuel consumption as they cannot move fast enough.

‘The lifespan of the vehicle is also affected because it will not last as long as it is supposed to.

‘If an overloaded vehicle that is designed to carry no more than five passengers is involved in a crash, there will likely be more casualties because it was carrying too many people and goods.

‘That is why we need to nip the issue of overloading in the bud to reduce the number of fatalities from road traffic crashes.’

Kaura urged passengers to avoid boarding overloaded vehicles because of the dangers involved. He also advised vehicle owners to desist from overloading their vehicles, especially during the rainy season.

‘When a vehicle is overloaded, its stability is compromised and controlling it becomes difficult, putting everyone on board at risk,’ he said.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has detained four officers accused of extorting N53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Aliyu (SAN), during an unauthorised stop-and-search operation in Abuja.

Addressing journalists on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, condemned the officers, describing them as ‘thieves’ who had disgraced the police force through their actions.

Investigations showed that the officers allegedly abandoned their assigned duty posts, converged around the Banex area of Wuse and erected an illegal checkpoint where they targeted motorists for extortion. Unaware of the identity of their victim, they reportedly stopped the ICPC chairman and compelled him to obtain cash through a Point of Sale (POS) operator.

According to Sanusi, Aliyu withdrew N53,000, paid the transaction charges and handed over the money, which the officers allegedly shared among themselves.

‘I must say here too that we have about four policemen in custody as we speak who successfully extorted somebody of high importance, unknown to them that this person is a highly placed person in society. In clear terms, they extorted the Chairman of the ICPC.

‘They extorted him of N53,000. They took him to a POS, he withdrew the money, paid the charges and they shared the money among themselves.’

The police chief said the suspects operated as a criminal syndicate rather than law enforcement officers.

‘They are a gang of criminals who left various divisions, clustered together, moved to Wuse Banex and created a checkpoint where they perpetrated this act before fleeing.’

Sanusi disclosed that the command declared the officers wanted before tracking down their leader. His confession, he said, led investigators to the remaining members of the group.

‘We got all of them. We are going to make sure they are severely punished. Those that are going to be dismissed will definitely be dismissed.’

The commissioner also reminded officers and members of the public that the Inspector-General of Police had outlawed the indiscriminate search of citizens’ mobile phones during patrols.

‘You cannot stop anybody on the road and ask the person to bring out his phone for search. If any policeman stops you and asks to search your phone, don’t agree. Call the police emergency lines and we will ask them why.’

He urged residents to promptly report cases of extortion and other misconduct by police personnel, assuring them that erring officers would be identified and punished.

‘We will still enforce the IG’s directive. Some of them are on the task because they are criminally minded. They want to perpetrate such acts. If we get them, they will face disciplinary actions and will be made to face the consequences.’

Bullionmonie Limited has joined numerous well-wishers across Nigeria in celebrating the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose passion for excellence, innovation and national development continues to inspire many.

In a goodwill message issued on Monday by the Business Manager of Bullionmonie Limited, Mrs. Olugbake Rosemary, the company congratulated Ambassador Ajadi on attaining another milestone, while praying for continued divine guidance, sound health and greater accomplishments in both his business and political engagements.

Rosemary noted that Ajadi’s exceptional leadership has remained the driving force behind the steady growth of Bullionmonie Limited, saying his unwavering commitment to excellence and capacity to empower people have earned him admiration within and outside the organisation.

‘On behalf of the entire management and staff of Bullionmonie Limited, I heartily congratulate our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on the joyful occasion of his birthday,’ she said.

‘Your leadership, foresight and unwavering commitment to excellence continue to inspire everyone at Bullionmonie Limited. You have consistently demonstrated that true leadership is about creating opportunities, empowering people and building institutions that positively impact society.’

She further described Ajadi as a man whose influence extends beyond the corporate world into public service, noting that his emergence as the Senatorial Candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for Oyo Central Senatorial District reflects the confidence many people have in his capacity to deliver purposeful representation.

‘Beyond your outstanding achievements in business, your commitment to public service and your aspiration to represent the good people of Oyo Central in the Senate underscore your passion for human development and nation-building. Your vision for a prosperous Oyo Central and a better Nigeria continues to resonate with many people,’ Rosemary stated.

She prayed that the new chapter of Ajadi’s life would usher in greater wisdom, renewed strength and more remarkable accomplishments.

‘Our sincere prayer is that Almighty God grants you long life, good health, greater wisdom, strength and abundant success in all your endeavours. May your noble vision for the welfare of your staff, the development of Oyo Central Senatorial District and the progress of Nigeria continue to flourish.’

‘As you celebrate another year today, we rejoice with you and appreciate your invaluable leadership, encouragement and unwavering support. Happy Birthday, Sir. We celebrate you today and always.’

Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo is a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist and politician. Through his various business ventures and humanitarian initiatives, he has continued to create employment opportunities, support youth empowerment programmes and champion initiatives aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

His senatorial ambition under the Allied Peoples Movement has also been driven by promises of quality representation, economic empowerment, educational advancement, youth development and improved welfare for constituents across Oyo Central Senatorial District.

The Gombe State Coordinator of the Ajadi Rescue Movement, Abubakar Kalagal Muhammad, has congratulated Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo on his birthday, saying the celebrant possesses the qualities required to provide transformative leadership in Nigeria.

Muhammad noted that Ajadi’s humanitarian interventions, support for education and commitment to youth empowerment have made him a respected political figure across the country.

He expressed confidence that Ajadi’s political aspirations would continue to receive widespread support.

‘On behalf of Ajadi Rescue Movement in Gombe State, I sincerely congratulate Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo on this special occasion of your birthday. We celebrate your life of sacrifice, compassion and service.’

‘It is my earnest prayer that God grants you a convincing victory in the 2027 senatorial election and enables you to deliver exceptional representation that will make your constituents proud.’

‘I also pray that your successful performance in the Senate will prepare you for an even greater assignment. By God’s grace, may you contest the 2031 presidential election and emerge victorious as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’

Muhammad reaffirmed the commitment of the Gombe chapter of the Ajadi Rescue Movement to strengthening the movement’s structures and mobilising support for Ajadi’s political aspirations across Nigeria.

Nigeria’s military says troops fighting insurgency in the North-East have arrested two foreign nationals in Borno State, including a Sudanese man suspected of collaborating with terrorists.

The arrests were made by personnel of the 115 Task Force Battalion under Operation Hadin Kai during a security operation in the Lassa, Dille general area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area on Saturday.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Military Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said the operation formed part of intelligence-led efforts aimed at disrupting terrorist activities and preventing foreign infiltration into the region.

According to him, the Sudanese suspect, identified as 32-year-old Musa Fashir, is believed to have links with terrorist groups operating in the North-East.

The statement read: ‘Troops of Sector 4, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), while sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre, have apprehended another foreign terrorist fighter and an alleged illegal immigrant during a security operation in Lassa, Dille General Area of Askira/Uba Local Government Area, Borno State.’

Goni added: ‘During the operation, troops arrested one Musa Fashir, a 32-year-old Sudanese national suspected to be a foreign terrorist fighter and collaborator. Preliminary intelligence indicates that the suspect has established links with terrorist elements, further highlighting attempts by foreign actors to support insurgent activities in the region.’

He disclosed that the troops also detained a 36-year-old woman, Mary Florence, who identified herself as a Ghanaian national residing in Nigeria illegally.

‘Troops also apprehended Mary Florence, 36, who claimed to be an illegal immigrant from the Republic of Ghana. The circumstances surrounding her presence in the area, as well as the authenticity of her claims, are currently under investigation,’ Goni said.

The military spokesman stated that both individuals remain in custody while investigators verify their identities, examine their activities and determine whether they have connections with terrorist organisations or other transnational criminal networks.

According to him, the arrests underscore the impact of intelligence-driven operations in tracking down terrorist collaborators and preventing the movement of foreign fighters into the country.

‘The successful arrests further demonstrate the effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai’s intelligence-driven operations and the vigilance of troops in denying terrorists and their collaborators freedom of action,’ he said.

He added that the operation reflects the military’s determination to dismantle terrorist logistics and support structures across the North-East.

‘Operation Hadin Kai remains resolute in its mandate to neutralise terrorists and dismantle their logistics, financing and support networks.

‘Members of the public are encouraged to sustain their support by providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as collective vigilance remains critical to the restoration of lasting peace, security and stability in the North-East,’ he added.

Yoruba Nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, says more than 80,000 people have signed up for the Iru Ekun Security Network, exceeding the organisation’s initial recruitment target.

According to a statement from his media office on Monday, the security outfit has witnessed overwhelming public support across the South-West, a development Igboho described as evidence of the region’s determination to confront kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes through community-based initiatives.

The statement also claimed that communities where the network has become operational have recorded fewer cases of abduction. It added that every prospective member undergoes detailed screening to ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds or questionable character are not admitted into the organisation.

Speaking on the recruitment exercise, Igboho said the response had surpassed expectations.

‘It is delightful to announce the impressive level of interest and enthusiasm demonstrated by our people in the Iru Ekun Security Network. We projected 50,000 personnel, but we have already registered over 80,000 in Yorubaland.

‘The security outfit has been officially launched in Oyo and Osun. We have also perfected plans to launch it in Kwara State on Thursday. Critical stakeholders, including Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, are partnering with us in the state.

‘While we forge ahead lawfully in combating crimes, especially kidnapping and other terrorist acts capable of breaching the peace and safety of our rural communities, Nigerians should continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to collaborate with local communities to tackle insecurity.’

Igboho further maintained that the South-West had experienced a sharp decline in kidnapping incidents, attributing the improvement to intelligence gathered by local communities and cooperation with federal security institutions.

He said the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services had worked closely with the network, helping to strengthen public confidence in ongoing security efforts.

He said: ‘Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Commissioners of Police in the South-West, Kwara and Niger states have greatly supported our operations. Without their backing, the successes we have recorded would not have been possible.’

Igboho also acknowledged the support of South-West governors for the initiative and called on Nigerians, regardless of ethnic or religious background, to treat security as a shared responsibility.