Category: PM News

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has denied allegations that it deliberately created artificial scarcity of train tickets on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS) to facilitate their resale at inflated prices through unofficial agents.

The corporation described the allegations, made by Instagram blogger Faizah Raji, who operates the handle @wearegst, as libellous, insisting that it does not buy or sell train tickets and should not be held responsible for transactions involving unauthorised third parties.

In a statement signed by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, on behalf of management, the NRC said Raji had acknowledged in her viral video that passengers were warned to purchase tickets only through approved electronic ticketing portals.

According to the corporation, the blogger claimed that after failing to secure a ticket through the official portal, she purchased one from an agent at twice the approved fare.

The NRC said while her account of the transaction might be accurate, her conclusion that the corporation was behind the alleged racketeering demonstrated a misunderstanding of its ticketing arrangements.

It explained that ticketing services across the standard-gauge rail corridors were operated under public-private partnership agreements, with SecureID/TPS handling the Abuja-Kaduna service, Global Software Digital Solutions managing the Lagos-Ibadan route, and Fane Warri-Itakpe Ticketing Solutions Ltd. responsible for the Warri-Itakpe service.

The corporation said the three concessionaires were approved by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and the Federal Executive Council before 2023.

On the persistent scarcity of tickets, the NRC attributed the situation largely to demand for rail travel exceeding the available seating capacity by more than tenfold, creating a significant imbalance between supply and demand.

The corporation also linked ticket racketeering to fraudulent practices involving the use of multiple National Identification Numbers (NINs) to purchase tickets for resale.

It said the Federal Government introduced the NIN requirement for train ticket purchases following the 2022 train bombing, as part of measures to curb ticket racketeering and strengthen passenger identification.

However, according to the NRC, some scammers devised ways to obtain multiple NINs and use them to secure tickets for unsuspecting passengers willing to pay inflated prices.

To address the problem, the corporation introduced a two-stage passenger verification system in 2025, modelled on procedures at Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Under the system, passengers’ NIN details are checked against the information used to purchase their tickets, while personal identification cards are also required before boarding.

The NRC said its verification system was integrated with the National Identity Management Commission database, enabling officials at Idu and Kubwa in Abuja, as well as Rigasa in Kaduna, to retrieve the photograph associated with the NIN used for a ticket purchase.

It explained, however, that the Rigasa station had inadequate access-control infrastructure, which occasionally allowed associates of scammers to overwhelm security personnel. The additional identity check, it said, was introduced to strengthen enforcement.

The corporation warned passengers against purchasing tickets from third parties or using tickets bought with another person’s NIN or name, describing such practices as unacceptable and economic sabotage.

It added that the electronic ticketing concessionaires had been directed to improve access to their online platforms in line with established ticketing procedures.

Reaffirming its position against ticket racketeering, the NRC said it operated a zero-tolerance policy and that any staff member found participating in or colluding with the practice would face disciplinary action.

The corporation urged passengers and Nigerians to use approved ticketing channels, assuring them that it remained committed to protecting the railway system from criminal activities and safeguarding its reputation.

It added that its objective remained to provide safe, affordable, reliable and convenient rail services capable of making train travel a preferred option for passengers across the country.

The Senatorial Candidate of the Accord Party for Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Mr. Polycarp Nwite Jr. has said the state deserves leadership built on honesty, accountability and service, not sycophancy.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday, Nwite commended the Governor of Ebonyi State for his openness and what he described as ‘genuine intentions to uplift the people.’

He noted that since the creation of Ebonyi State, no governor has granted the common man as much access to be heard and to have concerns addressed.

However, the Accord Party candidate expressed concern that the progress of the state is being hindered by political stakeholders around the administration.

‘The biggest obstacle to the progress of Ebonyi lies in the circle of political stakeholders around the administration. Too many are sycophants whose primary interest is personal enrichment, not the collective growth and development of our communities,’ he said.

Nwite linked the current frustration among citizens to what he called a recycling of the same political actors who surrounded past leaders, including his late father, Senator Polycarp Nwite, and former Governor Sam Egwu.

He recalled that during the creation of Ebonyi State, his father cautioned then-Governor Sam Egwu against surrounding himself with sycophants, warning that it would hinder the state’s progress.

‘Thirty years later, it is disheartening that Ebonyi still grapples with the consequences of that flawed foundation. A state cannot make meaningful progress when truth is sacrificed at the altar of flattery and constructive criticism is ignored,’ he stated.

The senatorial hopeful warned that if the trend continues, Izzi’s first and most prestigious Governor risks being remembered not for the legacy he deserves, but for a government captured by praise-singers.

‘As I seek your mandate to represent Ebonyi North in the Senate in 2027 under the Accord Party, I commit to a politics of truth, service, and inclusion, Nwite Jr. said.

‘Our people deserve representatives who will speak truth to power, defend the interests of the common man, and work for policies that deliver jobs, infrastructure, education, and healthcare to every community in Ebonyi North.’

‘The time to build a new foundation for Ebonyi is now. A foundation where the voice of the people matters more than the noise of praise-singers. Ebonyi deserves better,’ he concluded.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has directed the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, to proceed on a six-month leave amid ongoing administrative investigations into developments within the diocese.

The directive was contained in a letter dated October 13, 2026, signed by the Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and made available to journalists on Friday.

According to the letter, the decision followed reports submitted by administrative panels established to investigate issues in the diocese, particularly a visitation team led by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria.

The Primate reportedly met with Ibezim on October 9 to consider the visitation team’s findings before issuing the directive.

Ndukuba said the leave was intended to allow a thorough investigation, restore peace and promote reconciliation within the diocese.

He clarified that the decision was an administrative measure rather than a disciplinary sanction, citing Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020.

As part of the arrangement, the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, has been appointed Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger for the duration of Ibezim’s leave.

Ezeofor is expected to assume oversight of the diocese and province, while Ibezim has been directed to hand over his responsibilities immediately.

The letter also barred Ibezim from officiating at any activities of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger or Awka Diocese throughout the leave period.

The six-month leave, however, will be subject to review, according to the directive.

The Church’s stated objectives include facilitating the investigation and fostering peace and reconciliation within the Awka Diocese.

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.

The Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, has pledged massive votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, charging members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council to prioritise grassroots mobilisation, discipline and measurable results.

Speaking at the council’s inauguration on Wednesday, Masari assured the President that the votes secured by opposition parties combined would not match what the council intends to deliver.

He described the assignment as a sacred trust, urging members to take the campaign to polling units, wards, local governments and communities nationwide.

‘Stop talking to yourselves and start talking to the people,’ he declared, warning against excessive meetings, inflated electoral claims and promises unsupported by verifiable grassroots results.

Masari said performance would be assessed based on actual delivery, stressing that political influence must translate into tangible electoral outcomes.

He also urged members to shun internal divisions, hate speech and personal grievances, while calling on Director-General, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, to ensure unity, coordination and consistent messaging across the council.

The campaign, he said, must communicate the administration’s policies and interventions in economic reform, education, healthcare and infrastructure, while addressing Nigerians’ concerns with facts.

Masari also emphasised responsible democratic participation, urging political parties to respect electoral laws, reject misinformation and conduct issue-based campaigns. He called on citizens to scrutinise campaign promises and participate peacefully in the electoral process.

‘The task before us is clear: to turn our convictions into action, our organisation into mobilisation, and our mobilisation into votes,’ he said, urging members to demonstrate discipline, accountability and commitment as the 2027 elections approach.

President Bola Tinubu has directed security chiefs to dismantle terrorist and bandit camps, rescue abducted Nigerians and strengthen security ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting between Tinubu and security agency heads at the State House, Abuja.

Musa said the President ordered security agencies to intensify operations against terrorists and bandits, ensuring that all Nigerians held captive were rescued.

‘The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped, wherever they are,’ he said.

He said Tinubu also stressed the need for free, fair and credible elections, assuring Nigerians that security agencies would remain professional and neutral.

‘You can see all heads of security agencies are here. We had an intensive discussion, and Mr President made it very clear he wants a free, fair, and credible election.

‘We must do everything possible to ensure that the country is safe and secure for the citizens to go out and vote,’ he said.

The minister assured political parties and their supporters that security agencies would provide a level playing field without intimidation.

‘All other political parties should understand that the security forces are going to be neutral, we’re going to ensure that we give everybody opportunity to go and serve.

‘So they have nothing to worry about, nothing to be afraid of, and that nobody is going to intimidate them for whatever reasons,’ he said.

Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ professionalism, saying security agencies were working together to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

He said there should be no terrorist or bandit camps anywhere in the country, reiterating the government’s commitment to rescuing abducted persons.

Responding to questions about protecting lives ahead of the elections, Musa said the government had increased recruitment, training and procurement of security equipment.

He disclosed that newly acquired aircraft and helicopters would soon be commissioned by the President.

‘Of recent, I want to assure very soon, Mr President, is coming to commission. A set of new aircraft and helicopters have been bought. I think almost about 10 of them in number,’ he said.

Musa said the planned commissioning demonstrated the administration’s continued attention to security in spite of prevailing economic challenges.

He also welcomed the recent salary increase for Armed Forces personnel, adding that the welfare of police officers, other security personnel and pensioners was receiving attention.

The minister urged Nigerians to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and misconduct by security personnel.

He said: ‘Security is everybody’s responsibility. It’s not only for members of security forces.

‘Everyone has a role to play, and we keep on preaching whatever you see that is going wrong, even with our members that are not doing what is right. Please don’t hesitate to report. Action will be taken.’

Those at the meeting included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam; and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Others were the Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, retired Maj.-Gen. Adeyinka Famadewa; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, also attended.

The meeting further included the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; and Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi.