Category: PM News

Ahead of the 2027 presidential election, former Cross River State Governor and Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, presidential candidate, Donald Duke, has warned opposition parties against attempting to defeat President Bola Tinubu separately.

Duke urged opposition parties to unite if they are serious about removing Tinubu from office in 2027.

He stated this in an interview with Symfoni TV, stressing that the political system naturally favours the incumbent and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

According to him, opposition parties must recognise the advantages enjoyed by the incumbent and work together rather than remain divided.

Duke said, ‘We can’t compare ourselves to China; even if the APC did nothing, they are the party in power.

‘If there is a problem on that day, the IG of Police will not go to any of the candidates, but to the president, so everything is in favour of the incumbent; respect that.

‘The only way you can seriously tackle the incumbent is to come together and have a voice; otherwise we will be factionalised.

‘So when you talk of rigging, I think we are rigging it against ourselves, and because of our ego, we need to come together.’

The former governor described Tinubu as a formidable politician, warning that the opposition would be taking a major risk by confronting him without a united strategy.

Duke said, ‘Bola Tinubu is not an average politician. You don’t go to fight a lion who also has horns.

‘Can you imagine a lion with horns? It is already a dangerous animal. Then you now give it horns, and you say go and fight it with a knife and fork. You will be the dinner.’

A legal expert has challenged arguments that the United Kingdom’s present government cannot be held responsible for wrongdoing committed during the colonial era, saying changes in political leadership do not change the identity of the state under international law.

Dr. Asikia Karibi-Whyte, a jurisprudence and international law expert, made the argument during a panel discussion at the University of Lagos following the launch of CO2lonialism, Ecocide and Reparations, a new research report examining the ecological legacy of colonial rule in Africa.

Responding to questions surrounding Britain’s potential responsibility for colonial-era environmental damage, Dr. Karibi-Whyte said the argument that a current government cannot pay for the wrongdoing of previous governments is weak because the law recognises the United Kingdom as a continuing state entity, irrespective of changes in government personnel.

The discussion formed part of a broader examination of whether environmental destruction associated with colonial rule can be incorporated into African reparations claims.

The report documents the ecological consequences of colonial economic systems and argues that these should be subjected to rigorous assessment and monetary valuation.

Dr. Karibi-Whyte also highlighted the Certain Phosphate Lands in Nauru proceedings before the International Court of Justice as an important precedent. The case involved environmental devastation caused by phosphate mining during the colonial period and demonstrated that environmental damage associated with colonial administration can become the subject of an international legal claim.

The report’s lead author, Professor J. G. Nkem Onyekpe, said the ecological dimension of colonial extraction represents a potentially enormous category of historical damage.

He cited a 2022 peer-reviewed estimate valuing resources appropriated from the Global South through unequal exchange at more than $10 trillion in 2015 alone, arguing that a comparable analysis extended across the full period of colonial rule and affected African states could potentially run into the hundreds of trillions.

Professor Nnagugwu Oscar Uluocha, Professor of Geography at the University of Lagos, reinforced the environmental dimension of the argument, describing the ecological damage inflicted on Nigeria under British colonial rule as ‘colossal.’

The report is expected to be submitted to the African Union’s Committee of Experts on Reparations and Legal Reference Group on Reparations as part of efforts to develop a common African approach to reparations.

The Civil Defence, Correction, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has called on applicants shortlisted for employment into Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to check the board’s website for selection of oral interview dates and venue.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, by the Secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulamalik Jubril.

Jubril said that candidates should check for their qualification and invitation letter at the official website https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng.

He added that those to check the website, are candidates who took part in the recently concluded physical and medical screening exercise for recruitment into the four paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior.

The ‘The board has concluded the assessment and shortlisting process into the paramilitary agencies.

‘Consequently, all successful candidates who applied under the Graduate Category are required to visit the official CDCFIB recruitment portal at ‘https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng’ between Monday and Wednesday.

‘Candidates who applied with NCE/OND/SSCE should also visit the same official CDCFIB recruitment portal between Sept. 7 to 9, 2026 to check for shortlisted successful candidates for the Oral Interview,’ he said.

The Secretary said that shortlisted candidates would be requested to select a venue nearest to them, a date and time as well as to print their letters of invitation.

‘Candidates are to appear strictly in the dress code specified in their letters of invitation.

‘For the avoidance of doubt, only candidates who are shortlisted for this final exercise will be granted access to the venue,’ Jubril added.

He warned that the CDCFIB does not and will not send out emails, emphasizing that all communications should be obtained from the portal.

He reiterated that the entire recruitment process was transparent and free of charge.

‘Applicants are therefore advised to disregard any individual or group demanding payment for employment in whatever form and to report such person(s) to the nearest security agency, or person in authority.

‘All candidates are further enjoined to take note of the board portal address highlighted above and official communication channels for updates,’ he concluded.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun on Saturday issued an Executive Order establishing a Coroner Inquest/Panel of Inquiry into the killings and violence that occurred in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area of the state, on Monday.

Adeleke, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, in Osogbo, said the Executive Order would take effect from Aug. 31.

The governor said the panel was empowered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the identities and number of victims.

He said it would also establish the immediate and remote causes of the violence and examine whether criminal responsibility was connected with the deaths recorded during the incident.

Adeleke said Magistrate Ayokunle Shiyanbola had been appointed Chairman of the panel, while Mr Abiodun Badiora would serve as Secretary.

Other members of the panel are AIG Aderanti C. Kayode(rtd.), Mr Dele Akintayo, a representative of the Nigerian Bar Association, Wale Balogun, representing civil society organisations, a community representative from Ikire, and Dr Babatunde Afolabi, the medical/forensic representative.

The governor said the panel was mandated to determine the circumstances leading to the shootings and killings and examine the role of security operatives.

He said the panel would also establish whether live ammunition or other weapons were used and whether their use complied with the law, rules of engagement and human rights standards, among other issues.

According to him, the panel might recommend prosecution, disciplinary measures, compensation for victims and institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence.

‘The inquiry will have powers to summon witnesses, demand relevant police and medical records.

‘It will also inspect the scene of the incident and other relevant locations, receive oral and documentary evidence, and recommend protective measures for witnesses and persons at risk of intimidation or retaliation,’ he said.

Adeleke also directed the preservation of firearms and ammunition records, station diaries, communication logs, incident reports, duty rosters, medical records, autopsy reports, photographs, videos and other materials relevant to the inquiry.

The governor said the Inspector-General of Police, Police Service Commission and Commissioner of Police in the state had been formally requested to take appropriate interim administrative steps concerning any police officer whose continued operational command might prejudice the inquiry or affect public confidence.

Adeleke said the panel was expected to commence sitting within seven days of its inauguration and submit its final report to the state government within 30 days from the date of its first sitting, subject to any necessary extension approved by the government.

The governor assured the people of Ikire, families of the deceased, the injured and the general public that the incident would be investigated thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

Adeleke said no person found culpable would be shielded from justice, irrespective of status, office, political connection or institutional affiliation.

He, however, said all allegations remained allegations until established by credible evidence before the Coroner Inquest/Panel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Police Command had on Tuesday said two civilians were killed while two of its officers sustained serious injuries during an attack by suspected political thugs in Ikire.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said unidentified assailants, suspected to be political thugs, attacked a police patrol team attached to the Ikire Division at about 11 a.m. on Monday along the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.

He said the patrol team, accompanied by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ikire Division, was responding to a distress call over the alleged abduction of one Sunkanmi, whose surname was unknown.

According to him, upon arrival at the location, the officers came under a sudden and unprovoked attack by a group of unidentified hoodlums.

He said the assailants opened fire on the officers while they were inside their operational vehicle and succeeded in snatching an AK-47 service rifle.

‘The hoodlums used the stolen weapon to fire indiscriminately, resulting in the tragic loss of two innocent civilians,’ he said.

The police later said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the incidents.

Two medical doctors identified as Benjamin Oyime and Daniel Otukpa, both working for Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja and two others have been arrested by the police in connection with alleged N8.7 million organ harvesting deal involving two teenagers in Nasarawa State.

The four suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) during a sting operation on 19th August 2026 at about 18:00 hrs in Auta Balifi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

Operatives of the Special Tactical Squad arrested the suspects acting on credible intelligence, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu revealed on Thursday, 27th August 2026.

He identified the other suspects as Emmanuel Ode and David Idoko.

‘The suspects arrested are Emmanuel Ode, male, 23 years, of Auta Balifi, Nasarawa State; Dr. Benjamin Oyime, male, 48 years, of Edo State, a Nephrologist (Kidney Consultant) and Consultant to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja; Dr. Daniel Otukpa, male, 53 years, of Benue State, also a Nephrologist and Acting Director of Clinical Services at Wellington Hospital; and David Idoko, male, 25 years’

According to him, during interrogation, Emmanuel Ode confessed to recruiting victims under false pretenses. He disclosed that on 24th April 2026, he lured one Samuel Ezekiel, 22, to Wellington Hospital, Life Camp, Abuja, where his kidney was allegedly harvested for the sum of $1,250 USD equivalent to ?1,700,000.00 at the current exchange rate.

Iniedu said a second victim alleged that he was lured by the same agent in 2022 to a hospital where his kidney was harvested, for which he was paid the sum of ?7,000,000.00 (Seven Million Naira).

The Force Police Public Relations Officer said investigations revealed that the suspects and their accomplices allegedly targeted vulnerable and uneducated young persons within Nasarawa State and its environs, exploiting their financial desperation to obtain consent for illegal organ harvesting.

He added that evidence gathered by the police indicated that the suspects forged official documents, including victims’ names, National Identification Numbers (NIN), birth certificates, age declarations, affidavits, and consent letters to facilitate these criminal activities.

‘The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its unwavering commitment to dismantling human trafficking and organ harvesting networks across the country and protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the syndicate,’ he said.

The Nigerian Army says its official X account was targeted in an attempted cyber breach on Saturday.

Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

Anele said the incident occurred at about 5 p.m. and was being treated as a cybersecurity breach.

She said immediate technical and protective measures had been activated to secure the account and prevent further unauthorised access.

‘The Nigerian Army assures members of the public, the media and other stakeholders that appropriate measures are underway to fully secure the affected account,’ she said.

The Army spokesperson advised the public to disregard suspicious, misleading, unauthorised or unverified content emanating from the affected account.

She stressed that such content should not be regarded as the official position of the Nigerian Army.

Anele urged the media and public to verify information through the Army’s other official communication platforms pending resolution of the incident.

She said the Nigerian Army remained committed to information integrity, operational security and responsible strategic communication.

Anele appreciated the public for its vigilance, understanding and cooperation, assuring that further updates would be provided as necessary.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has mobilised two contractors to reconstruct a 15.4-kilometre failed section of the Benin-Sapele Expressway following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.

The President gave the order following series of complaints on the deplorable states of the road, Mr Chiedu Ebie, the Chairman of NDDC Governing Board said during the flag-off of the road construction on Friday.

The reconstruction project was flagged off at the Amukpe Roundabout on the Benin-Sapele Road.

Ebie said that President Tinubu directed the commission to immediately address the issues.

‘We have all suffered the delays by road and everything, so today we are here to deal with 15 km stretch of this alignment,’ he said.

Ebie said that the contractors were to work from opposite ends of the project to fast-track its completion.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, said that the interventionist agency decided to deploy contractors on the corridor, following series of appeal from residents and road users.

‘Mr President heard all your complaints and directed the NDDC to immediately come and intervene.

‘The deployment of two contractors is deliberate; they will work from opposite ends of the project to reduce the completion period.

‘We want to also assure you that we are willing to complete this project. We do not want to be on this site for too long,’ he assured.

Ogbuku described President Tinubu as a listening and caring president, whose administration had strengthened the commission to deliver critical projects across the Niger Delta.

‘This is the NDDC of President Tinubu, who is carefully watching what we do, directing everything we do and monitoring all steps. That is why we are also on our toes to ensure that we deliver,’ he said.

The managing director said that the economic impacts of the failed road became so great with vehicles conveying goods trapped for weeks in gridlock.

On his part, the NDDC’s Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Ronin and Fan Limited had been engaged to execute the project.

He said that the reconstruction covered approximately 15.4 kilometres, adding that it would be executed with rigid concrete pavement.

Antai assured that the agency would ensure that the project was done according to specification.

On his part, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, who flagged off the reconstruction work, commended the commission for the intervention.

The governor was represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu.

Oborevwori described the intervention as a major boost to connectivity, economic activities and the wellbeing of residents in the state and motorists.

He said that the intervention underscored the importance of collaboration among governments and agencies in tackling infrastructure challenges across the Niger Delta.

Oborevwori said that the state government had also intervened in several federal road corridors in the state because the ultimate beneficiaries were the people of Delta.

‘The state government has constructed more than five kilometres of rigid-pavement dual carriageway on the Warri axis.

‘Bridges and flyovers have also been constructed on federal road corridors, including Otovwodo Junction, DSC Roundabout, PTI Junction and Enerhen Roundabout and Uromi Junction, Agbor,’ he said.

Oborevwori described the NDDC intervention on the Benin-Sapele corridor as a welcome development.

He said that when completed, it would ease transportation and contribute to the economic growth of Delta and indeed other states on the East West corridor.

Earlier, the Delta representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Mr Monday Igbuya, commended the commission for approving the reconstruction of the highway.

He said that the intervention should be extended to the Amukpe-Abraka-Agbor Road and the Sapele-Warri Road to further improve connectivity across the state.

In their goodwill messages, Sen. Ede Dafinone and Mrs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu commended President Tinubu and the NDDC for the intervention.

Operatives of Nigeria Police Force have arrested a mother identified as Catherine Davou for allegedly plotting with two others to stage kidnapping of her two-year-old child Rito Jesse Davou allegedly for N7 million ransom.

CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer announced this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the parents had reported the abduction of the two-year-old child to the police.

Iniedu, however, said investigations revealed that Catherine Davou conspired with one 34-year-old Nansik Wuyep Sule to stage the kidnapping and create the impression that the child had been abducted, with an initial ransom demand of ?7 million.

He added that Further investigation revealed that the child was kept at Sule’s residence, where a subsequent ransom demand of ?15 million was made.

The Force spokesperson added that another suspect, Luka Emmanuel Butdam, was also arrested for allegedly making calls to the child’s grandmother in connection with the ransom demand.

He added that the child was subsequently located and safely rescued and, after receiving medical attention, handed over to his biological father.

Iniedu added that in a separate investigation, operatives arrested Idris Mohammed a.k.a. Yellow and Mohammed Bello Adams over their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a commercial driver, Idris Zakari Baba, and other related criminal activities.

According to him, investigation revealed that the victim was allegedly lured under the pretext of conveying Mohammed from Abuja to Zaria before being intercepted by armed men, taken into the bush and held until a ransom of ?3 million was paid.

He added that the victim’s vehicle, a 2012 Toyota Corolla, was subsequently traced to Bauchi State and recovered while Mohammed was attempting to sell it.

Iniedu said further investigation also linked the suspects to the reported kidnapping of Pastor David Dahni and his driver, Abdullahi Abubakar, for which a ransom of ?10.5 million was reportedly paid.

The Nigeria Police Force continues to investigate the cases to identify other persons connected to the criminal activities and establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have thwarted a terrorist assault on Kukawa in Borno State, killing several fighters and destroying a number of motorcycles used by the attackers to escape.

The operation involved a coordinated response by ground forces, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

The Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Capt. Mohammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Goni said the attack occurred at about 10:50pm on Friday when terrorists targeted troops of the 101 Special Forces Battalion stationed in Kukawa.

He said the troops quickly engaged the attackers with direct and indirect fire, forcing them to retreat towards the Cross Kauwa axis.

‘During the fierce engagement, several terrorists were neutralised, while others were observed to have sustained gunshot wounds as they fled the area.

‘Subsequent exploitation by troops led to the recovery of terrorist corpses, further confirming casualties inflicted on the terrorists during the encounter,’ he said.

According to him, the fleeing terrorists attempted to escape on motorcycles, prompting the immediate deployment of the Air Component to intercept them.

‘As the terrorists withdrew towards Cross Kauwa on motorcycles, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI was promptly coordinated to interdict their movement.

‘Despite challenging weather conditions, the Air Component successfully engaged terrorists taking cover under trees, neutralising an estimated 10 terrorists.’

Goni said intelligence gathered by MNJTF ISR assets subsequently enabled troops to track about 20 motorcycles carrying the fleeing terrorists towards the Tunbuns/Kangarwa axis.

The intelligence led to another air operation, during which more terrorists and motorcycles were hit.

‘The intelligence enabled the Air Component to conduct a follow-up precision strike, neutralising an additional 15 terrorists and destroying 10 motorcycles, thereby further degrading the terrorists’ mobility and fighting capability,’ he said.

He added that ground troops conducting follow-up operations recovered two motorcycles and killed another terrorist, while also recovering assorted ammunition and other items.

‘During subsequent exploitation operations, ground troops recovered 2 motorcycles, neutralised an additional terrorist and recovered assorted ammunition and other items.

‘Troops have since commenced reorganisation and extensive exploitation of the area, while battle damage assessment and further evaluation of the encounter are ongoing.’

Goni described the operation as another demonstration of the military’s ability to combine ground operations, air power and intelligence to counter terrorist threats.

‘The successful defence of Kukawa once again demonstrates Operation HADIN KAI’s capacity to detect, contain and decisively respond to terrorist threats through effective integration of ground forces, air assets and intelligence capabilities.

‘It also underscores the resilience, courage and professionalism of troops operating across the Theatre.

‘The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, intelligence-led surveillance and coordinated ground and air actions to systematically degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them freedom of action and protect communities across the North East,’ Goni explained.

Operatives of Nigeria Police Force have rescued two female Colombian citizensidentified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa being held hostage by in Lagos.

The victims were fraudulently lured to Nigeria, held against their will, and had their travel documents confiscated by certain Chinese nationals who are currently at large, CSP Ani Iniedu, Force Public Relations Officer said in a statement on Saturday.

Iniedu said the two foreign nationals were rescued by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the National Central Bureau (NCB-INTERPOL), Lagos Annex.

According to him, the rescue operation followed actionable intelligence received from INTERPOL-NCB, Bogotá, on August 26, 2026, regarding two female citizens of Colombia, identified as Maria Camila Rodas Ortiz and Yuliet Fernanda Rios Mesa.

‘?Upon receipt of the intelligence, police operatives promptly launched a covert tracking operation, locating the hideout in Lagos where both victims were safely rescued on the same day.

‘The fleeing suspects abandoned the location upon sighting the approaching team, and efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest all members of the syndicate.

?Indiedu added that the rescued victims are currently in safe custody and receiving necessary support.

According to him, the Colombian Embassy in Accra is working in close collaboration with the Bureau to secure hotel accommodations for the victims and arrange emergency travel documents to ensure their safe return to Bogotá.

‘?The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding the lives and property of all residents within the country, while deepening collaboration with international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crimes,’ the Force spokesperson said.