Category: PM News

Former senator Ben Murray-Bruce has challenged former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke over his criticism of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, claiming that Duke once praised the vision behind the project he now considers financially unfeasible.

Murray-Bruce made the claim in a post on X on Friday, October 16, while responding to Duke’s concerns about the cost and affordability of the highway.

The former lawmaker recalled travelling with Duke along the coastline where the road is now being constructed, saying the former governor had commended the vision behind the project.

Duke, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), had argued that Nigeria lacked the financial resources to undertake the project, particularly at a time when the government was borrowing to finance infrastructure.

‘It’s just not feasible. We don’t have the kind of money to do it. We’re literally borrowing. We can’t do it,’ Duke said.

Responding, Murray-Bruce acknowledged the project’s high cost but insisted that major infrastructure development required substantial investment.

‘Yes, the Coastal Highway is expensive. We agree on that. But nothing of lasting value in this world is cheap or free,’ he stated.

He defended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the highway, maintaining that the Federal Government had provided the necessary funding.

‘Mr President committed to funding this project, and he is keeping that commitment. There is no funding shortfall,’ he said.

Murray-Bruce also suggested that Duke’s criticism was influenced by his presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 election.

‘Donald, I understand that you are running for president, and that your statement is political. That is the nature of the season, and I respect your right to make your case to Nigerians,’ he said.

‘But we must be careful never to undermine a project of national importance, or the President delivering it, simply for political advantage.’

The former senator also backed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri’s commendation of the highway, describing it as recognition of the quality of the ongoing construction.

‘When Governor Douye Diri commended the road, he was not speaking as a local champion; he was speaking as a statesman who recognises infrastructure of international standard when he sees it,’ Murray-Bruce said.

Comparing the highway to the United States’ historic moon mission, he argued that the long-term importance of major projects should not be judged by cost alone.

‘When mankind went to the moon, it was neither cheap nor free. But it was necessary. So is this road,’ he added.

The Police Command in Cross River has arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged vandalism and theft and of electricity infrastructure in Calabar.

This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, on Friday in Calabar.

Eitokpah said the suspects comprise the principal suspect, aged 36, and three additional suspects arrested during a follow-up operation.

He said their arrest followed the interrogation of one of the suspects, which prompted police operatives to extend their operations to Murtala Mohammed Highway, around Pepsi, and a dumpsite in the Harbour area of Calabar.

The police had earlier reported the alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure at Agbo Ntoe Layout, Boulevard Road 2, off Parliamentary Extension, Calabar. According to Eitokpah, five additional persons were initially arrested for questioning.

‘However, two of them were released after preliminary investigations found them not culpable, leaving three additional suspects in custody alongside the other suspect,’ he said.

The PRO said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offence and determine the individual roles, if any, of the remaining suspects.

He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, as reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure.

Ordue also vowed to ensured that anyone found culpable of vandalism or the unlawful possession or receipt of stolen electricity materials was dealt with in accordance with the law.

He urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the investigation and cautioned against purchasing or receiving materials suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from electricity installations.

He also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The Lagos Government has announced traffic diversion for rehabilitation of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road in Victoria Island area of the state which will begin on Monday, Oct.19 and last 35 days.

The rehabilitation would cover the section of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road from Adetokunbo Ademola/Civic Centre to Samuel Manuwa/BJ, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in statement on Friday.

Osiyemi also announced alternative routes that have been mapped out to aid traffic flow during the rehabilitation of the road.

The Commissioner also implored motorists to plan their movement ahead, obey traffic officials, and cooperate with the interventions put in place to ease traffic.

On the alternative routes, Osiyemi said, ‘Firstly, a contra flow will be set up on the Lagos-bound side, from Samuel Manuwa to Adetokunbo Ademola / Civic Centre, while the other lane is being worked on.

‘Motorists from Bonny Camp / Falomo heading to Civic Centre / Lekki are advised to use Adeyemo Alakija Street by Muri Okunola Park, link Adeola Hopewell, then Akinbo Savage, and connect Bishop Aboyade Cole to link the express from School Corner (Black Diamond) towards Sandfield.

‘Alternatively, they can connect Bishop Aboyade Cole to continue their journey through School Corner (Black Diamond) en route Sandfield,’ he said.

Osiyemi added that motorists from Falomo inwards Akin Adesola could go through IMB to connect the Coastal Road entrance through Adetokunbo Ademola to Eko Hotel Roundabout, to Ajose

Adeogun, to Ligali, en route Black Diamond School Corner.

He said motorists from Bonny Camp are also advised to use Ahmadu Bello Way to connect Eko Hotel Roundabout through IMB / Coastal Road entrance, then proceed on Bishop Aboyade Cole through Adetokunbo Ademola / Eko Hotel Roundabout to Ajose Adeogun to Ligali, en route Black Diamond School Corner.

‘Motorists from Eko Hotel through Adetokunbo Ademola to Civic Centre will be diverted to continue on Bishop Aboyade Cole, continuing their journey through School Corner (Black Diamond) en route Sandfield.

‘Those exiting the 1004 exit gate, and other stakeholders along that route, will be diverted to turn left or make a U-turn in front of the 1004 gate to also continue on Bishop Aboyade Cole to School Corner (Black Diamond), en route Sandfield,’ said Osiyemi.

He noted that motorists from Eko Hotel going to Falomo-Ikoyi would move through Sanusi Fafunwa to connect Akin Adesola, en route the ramp bridge.

Osiyemi said as preliminary works of the project commence at VGC, the State Government would deploy officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to coordinate vehicle movement, reduce congestion and minimise inconvenience.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has seized 59y9 bales of second-hand clothes, seven sacks of second-hand women’s bags, 43 cartons of cigarettes and other contraband in Sokoto.

The Acting Area Comptroller, Sokoto/Zamfara Area Command, Mr Halliru Isa-Abdullahi, told journalists on Thursday that the items worth N722 million in Duty Paid Value (DPV).

Isa-Abdullahi listed other items confiscated to include seven cartons of coffee, unregistered pharmaceutical products, 100 packages of quinine and 500 packages of amodiaquine drugs.

According to him, others are 140 packages of paracetamol, 300 packages of anty-cold, a carton of analgesic injections, four cartons of dynewell syrup and tablets, along with one carton of clear cold.

Isa-Abdullahi added that the effort was in line with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Bashir Adeniyi’s directive, which emphasised consolidation, collaboration and innovation in anti-smuggling operations to secure the borders and protect the nation’s economy.

He said the suspects abandoned the vehicle when they discovered that operatives were trailing them, adding that some repairs were conducted on the truck before conveying it to Sokoto.

The acting area comptroller explained that the command’s concerted efforts in suppression of smuggling activities had continued to yield good results in spite of insecurity in some parts of the states.

‘Operatives of the command ensured blocking and suppression of smuggling, which have successfully led to the seizure of a used DAF truck as a means of conveyance of the contraband items into the country,’ Isa-Abdullahi said.

The acting comptroller urged Nigerians to support the NCS with robust information that could aid in eradicating the menace of smuggling in Nigeria.

He noted that eradicating smuggling would stop people from consuming unregistered drugs that cause grave danger to the health of citizens.

Isa-Abdullahi noted that eradicating smuggling would also boost the economy to enable the Federal Government to provide social amenities to the citizenry.

He further warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from the nefarious act, stressing that no matter their antics, operatives would continue to be a step ahead of them.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has blamed the owner of a fuel tanker for Thursday’s fire that gutted Oluku Market.

The Governor disclosed this on Friday when he visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

Recall that the popular market, located along the Benin-Lagos Road in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, was razed on Thursday, October 15, 2026, after a fuel tanker fell by the roadside and exploded.

Okpebholo described the incident as avoidable, saying the tanker owner worsened the situation by bringing another tanker to transfer fuel without safety precautions.

‘The owner of the affected tanker brought another tanker to evacuate the fuel, which is very wrong. If this had not happened, there would not have been any fire incident,’ he said.

He assured traders that his administration would not abandon them, promising to rebuild the market and support those who lost their goods.

The Governor also disclosed that First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had commiserated with victims and families of the deceased.

‘I spoke to the First Lady this morning and she expressed sadness over what happened yesterday,’ he said.

He cautioned residents against scooping fuel at accident scenes, noting that both state and federal governments had spent heavily on public sensitisation.

‘We are sorry. We as human beings should take precautions whenever something like this happens. Before the explosion, people were scooping fuel. The state and federal governments have spent a lot of money on advertisements to educate the public to stay away from such disasters, but people won’t listen,’ he said.

Governor Okpebholo later visited victims receiving treatment at the Burns and Plastic Ward of the Accident and Emergency Department, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, conducted the Governor, his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Matthew Urhoghide round the wards.

Addressing parents of the victims, Okpebholo again warned residents to avoid fuel scooping and reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the traders’ livelihoods.

Pressdia, a press release distribution and media publication platform, has been announced as an official media partner for ThinkUX 2026, a technology-focused event scheduled for November 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, under the theme ‘The Era of AI.’

The partnership will see Pressdia support publicity and media visibility for the event, helping bring conversations about artificial intelligence, design, and digital innovation to audiences beyond the technology community.

As artificial intelligence continues to influence how businesses operate, digital products are developed, and people interact with technology, ThinkUX 2026 will draw attention to the opportunities and developments shaping the future of digital experiences.

The collaboration reflects a shared interest in connecting innovative ideas with wider audiences and ensuring that important industry conversations receive the attention they deserve.

Speaking on the partnership, Tobiloba Akanni, Integrated Communications Strategist at Pressdia, described the collaboration as an opportunity to strengthen awareness of emerging technologies and their relevance to businesses and professionals across Africa.

‘Artificial intelligence is changing how businesses operate, how professionals work, and how digital experiences are created. But beyond the technology itself, people need to understand the opportunities these changes present. ThinkUX 2026 is creating room for those conversations, and our partnership is about helping those ideas reach more people and generate meaningful engagement,’ Akanni said.

The announcement comes as artificial intelligence continues to attract attention across Nigeria’s business and technology sectors, with organisations exploring its applications in customer service, marketing, product development, business operations, and workplace productivity.

For designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and other digital professionals, these developments are creating new opportunities while raising important questions about skills, responsible adoption, and the future of work.

With ‘The Era of AI’ as its central theme, ThinkUX 2026 will contribute to discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in shaping technology, innovation, and the experiences people have with digital products and services.

As an official media partner, Pressdia will help extend awareness of the event through strategic communication and media publicity, supporting efforts to connect its message with professionals, businesses, and other audiences interested in emerging technologies.

Through its press release writing, distribution, and media publication services, Pressdia helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and organisations communicate important developments, strengthen their credibility, and gain visibility across relevant media platforms.

The platform serves organisations across industries, including technology, finance, real estate, lifestyle, and other sectors where effective communication plays an important role in building public awareness and supporting business growth.

For Pressdia, the partnership with ThinkUX 2026 represents an extension of this work into an industry conversation with relevance for Africa’s growing digital economy.

Akanni explained that the value of technology events extends beyond the discussions taking place at the venue, particularly when the ideas shared can influence how businesses and professionals approach innovation.

‘Some of the most valuable insights from industry events come from the conversations, experiences, and ideas people share. Unfortunately, those insights can remain within a small circle without the right communication. We want to help bridge that gap by supporting the visibility of ThinkUX 2026 and making its central message accessible to a wider audience,’ Akanni added.

The collaboration also highlights the importance of partnerships between technology communities and media organisations in strengthening public understanding of emerging innovations.

While industry events create opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and professional engagement, media communication helps extend their relevance by connecting discussions with people and organisations that may benefit from the information.

This is especially important as artificial intelligence becomes part of everyday business decisions, influencing how companies engage customers, manage operations, develop products, and respond to changing market expectations.

For Africa’s technology ecosystem, greater access to information about emerging technologies can support informed discussions, encourage collaboration, and help businesses identify opportunities relevant to their operations.

ThinkUX 2026 is scheduled to take place at Triple Event Center, 8/9 Commercial Avenue, by Alara Street, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, with activities beginning at 8:00 a.m.

The event’s focus on artificial intelligence places it within a wider conversation about the future of technology and the role of innovation in creating practical solutions for businesses and society.

Commenting further on Pressdia’s involvement, Akanni reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote innovation, knowledge sharing, and meaningful industry engagement.

‘At Pressdia, we understand that visibility is not simply about getting attention. It is about helping the right people discover ideas, understand their value, and recognise the opportunities they create. Our partnership with ThinkUX 2026 reflects that commitment. We are pleased to support an initiative contributing to conversations about the future of technology and innovation in Africa,’ Akanni stated.

The partnership strengthens Pressdia’s involvement in initiatives focused on business development, technology, and innovation, while reinforcing the role of strategic media communication in connecting important industry conversations with broader audiences.

As preparations continue for ThinkUX 2026, the collaboration brings together technology-focused engagement and media communication to support greater awareness of the event and its central theme.

ThinkUX 2026 will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria.

More information about the event is available through ThinkUX’s official communication channels.

Businesses and organisations seeking professional press release distribution, media publication, and strategic publicity services can learn more about Pressdia through its official website.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has unveiled a new Roadster sports car equipped with thrusters, describing the vehicle as a ‘flying’ car during a livestreamed event at SpaceX’s test facility in Texas on Thursday.

The demonstration offered a glimpse of Musk’s latest attempt to push the boundaries of automotive technology, although technical and regulatory hurdles continue to challenge the development of commercially viable flying cars.

During the event, streamed live on Tesla’s X account, the Roadster accelerated up a steep ramp before landing on its wheels.

‘Flying cars are real,’ Musk declared.

However, the billionaire acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding the project, saying the vehicle’s ‘success is not guaranteed’ but adding that ‘it will probably work.’

Musk explained that the car would use ‘ultra high-pressure air tanks’ to generate the thrust needed to lift it into the air.

He described the project as the product of collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX, the rocket company he also leads.

‘This is what happens when you have a collaboration with the world’s best car company and the world’s best rocket company,’ Musk said.

He added that production of the vehicle was expected to begin in 2028.

Flying cars have long captured the imagination of inventors and technology enthusiasts. American aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss unveiled an early flying car prototype in 1917, marking one of the earliest attempts to combine road transportation with flight.

However, the concept has gained renewed attention in recent years as advances in electric motors, battery technology and lightweight materials have opened up new possibilities for personal air transportation.

Despite the progress, developers still face significant challenges, including flight safety, regulatory approval, infrastructure requirements and the cost of bringing such vehicles to market.

Whether Musk’s latest Roadster can deliver on its flying-car promise remains to be seen, particularly as the proposed 2028 production timeline approaches.

Hundreds of Kwankwasiyya Movement supporters on Friday protested at the Kano State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the exclusion of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) governorship candidate, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, from the commission’s list for the 2027 election.

The protesters also accused an INEC official of allegedly colluding with unauthorised individuals to facilitate the substitution of some candidates through documents bearing suspected forged signatures.

Led by the NDC deputy governorship candidate, Mustapha Kwankwaso, the demonstrators submitted a petition demanding Gwarzo’s reinstatement and an investigation into the alleged irregularities.

Speaking to journalists, Kwankwasiyya Movement spokesperson, Dr Habib Mohammed, claimed that several letters containing suspected forged signatures had been submitted to the electoral commission.

‘We are also petitioning against a staff here, whom we believe colluded with some unauthorized people to hide a decision which led to substitution of some of our candidates,’ Mohammed said.

He called on INEC to investigate the allegation and establish how the disputed substitutions occurred.

Mohammed warned that the movement would consider further action if its complaints were not adequately addressed.

Receiving the petition, Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abdu Zango, assured the protesters that their grievances would be forwarded to INEC’s national headquarters for consideration.

‘Basically, what they came to do is to present a complaint about the omission of their candidates. INEC has made the point very clear, the reason for the omission and the fact that there is a window of appeal that has been provided up to the 24th of October,’ Zango said.

He explained that political parties whose candidates were omitted from the published list had until October 24, 2026, to challenge the decision.

‘We received all the complaints and assured the delegation that their petition will receive the necessary attention and we are going to forward it to our national headquarters for consideration,’ he stated.

Zango also commended the protesters for conducting themselves peacefully.

‘I also commended them because that is the most orderly way of presenting such complaints rather than resorting to violence,’ he added.

The electoral commissioner reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to neutrality in the electoral process.

The allegations of forgery and collusion remain unproven, and the commission has not announced any findings against the accused official.

A Metropolitan Police officer in the United Kingdom has been charged with attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault and intentional strangulation over alleged offences against a woman in January 2026.

The officer, PC Harman Singh, attached to the force’s North Area Command Unit, is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 19, 2026.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the allegations were reported in January, leading to Singh’s arrest on Saturday, January 10, on suspicion of attempted rape and two counts of sexual assault.

He was subsequently released on bail pending further investigations.

Following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, the case was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised the charges on Friday, September 4.

The charges include one count of attempted rape, three counts of sexual assault and one count of intentional strangulation.

The police said the woman, who is in her 20s, continues to receive support from officers.

Singh was suspended from duty following his arrest.

His scheduled court appearance will mark the next stage of the legal proceedings. The allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

Police operatives have arrested 95 suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as Aro Bagger, and recovered several firearms and ammunition in a series of coordinated raids carried out across Delta State.

The spokesperson for Delta Police Command SP Bright Edafe announced this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the operations, conducted on 15 October 2026 were carried out in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South, and Okpe Local Government Areas of the state by a combined team of officers from the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and the Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) carried out the raids.

Giving details of the operations, Edafe said in Asaba, police operatives raided a hotel along Abraka Road where suspected members of Supreme Vikings Confraternity had gathered for an anniversary celebration.

He said the operation led to arrest of 67 suspects made up of 55 males and 12 females as well as recovery of two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges and five expended cartridges.

The operatives also recovered 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia, and two branded cult jackets.

In Agbor, operatives of the RRS also arrested 15 additional suspects made up of 14 males and one female also linked to Supreme Vikings Confraternity cult gang.

In Ughelli South, operative of the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit, working with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a hideout in Jeremy Community where they arrested three suspects.

Edafe identified the three suspects as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24.

He added that two other suspects escaped arrest while two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps with cult insignia, and suspected charms were recovered by the combined team of security operatives at the hideout.

The Delta Police spokesperson also revealed that in Okpe Local Government Area, operatives arrested 10 suspects in Jeddo Community in connection with suspected cult activities.

Edafe added that two pump-action guns, three locally made guns, 12 live cartridges, and seven expended cartridges were recovered from the multiple raids.

He added that the suspects and recovered items are currently in police custody as investigations continue.

The spokesperson quoted the Delta Police Commissioner, Samuel E. Erale as commending the officers involved and directing all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical commanders to sustain the pressure on cult groups across the state.

Erale also warned that the Command would not tolerate cult-related activities that threaten public peace while calling on residents to provide credible information to support police efforts.