Category: PM News

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said that his recent trip to Morocco was personal and not political.

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku dismissed rumours that the visit had any political purpose.

He explained that the former vice president travelled to Marrakech to attend and chair a wedding ceremony on Saturday.

Atiku presided over the wedding ceremony of Cherina and Muna Okey Ezeibe in the Moroccan city. According to his aide, the event was based on a long-time personal friendship and had nothing to do with politics.

Shaibu said the groom’s father, Mr. Okey Ezeibe, has shared a close relationship with Atiku for many years.

While speaking at the event, Atiku described marriage as a sacred institution built on love, patience, sacrifice and mutual respect.

He also prayed for peace, happiness and prosperity for the couple.

The wedding attracted dignitaries and guests from different African countries, including the bride’s father, Mr. Lassina Zerbo, former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso.

Shaibu described the gathering in Marrakech as a celebration of African unity, friendship and shared cultural ties.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police to intensify community policing efforts through regular town hall engagements and improved public accessibility within their respective Commands.

Disu issued the directive during the Emergency Conference with Commissioners of Police and members of the press at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Anthony Placid, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police said in a statement.

Disu, according to the statement, told the Commissioners that effective policing cannot succeed without the trust, cooperation, and active participation of the people.

The IGP also reiterated that security remains a collective responsibility requiring strong collaboration between the Police and communities.

Placid further revealed that ss part of the initiative, Commissioners of Police have been directed to hold regular interactive sessions with critical stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organizations, market associations, transport unions, women groups, and other community-based institutions.

Disu also directed the Commissioners of Police to make their contact details accessible to recognized community leaders within their states, in order to strengthen communication, improve responsiveness, and build public confidence in policing operations.

“The IGP noted that community-driven intelligence remains vital in combating crime and addressing emerging security threats, stressing that stronger police-community relationships will enhance public safety and operational effectiveness nationwide.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to a people-centered and accountable policing system anchored on partnership, transparency, and mutual trust,” Placid said

Rihanna has finally responded to swirling rumors of tension between her and her longtime partner, A$AP Rocky, at the 2026 Met Gala. The couple was seen in what appeared to be a tense moment while seated in a sprinter van after attending the high-profile event.

But on Thursday, the pop star took to social media to set the record straight, sharing a behind-the-scenes video from the night that subtly reassured fans that all is well between the couple. The video, captioned “met recap,” showed Rihanna and Rocky laughing, smiling, and clearly enjoying each other’s company, dispelling any suggestions of a rift.

In the footage, Rihanna, 38, can be seen having her makeup applied, smoking a blunt, while A$AP Rocky, 37, raises a glass in a celebratory toast. The couple appeared at ease, with no sign of the tension that had previously made headlines.

Earlier, a source told TMZ that the couple was exhausted after the intense day of Met Gala celebrations, and the apparent tension in the van was simply the result of fatigue.

They clarified that Rihanna’s reaction had nothing to do with her partner’s interaction with Italian fashion designer Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert. According to TMZ, Rocky and Engelbert were merely engaged in a friendly conversation and there was no romantic undertone to the exchange.

The couple’s publicist also weighed in on the situation. Backstage Live Event, which captured the viral footage, commented on Instagram, assuring fans that Rihanna and Rocky are “very much in love” and that Rihanna was not unhappy at all during the interaction. The videographer also confirmed that everyone involved was familiar with each other, dismissing any rumors of discord.

The couple, known for their fashionable and late arrivals to major events, arrived at the 2026 Met Gala fashionably late, just in time to show off their highly-anticipated looks. Rihanna wowed in a sculptural Maison Margiela gown, which she described as “giving oyster,” while Rocky sported a custom pink Chanel robe in a tribute to their daughter, Rocki, born in September 2025.

The pair, who also share sons RZA, who turns four on May 13, and Riot, aged two, have faced public speculation about their relationship before. In 2025, Rihanna revealed her third pregnancy during the Met Gala, adding to the couple’s growing family.

President of the LoveWorld Ministry, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has weighed in on the recent concerns surrounding the Hantavirus, declaring that it is a “trick” and that it was created a long time ago.

Speaking during his latest Rhapathon service, the prominent cleric urged his followers to pray for clarity if they are unsure about the virus, assuring them that they would receive answers from God.

The pastor, known for his outspoken views, compared the Hantavirus to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that both were part of a scheme led by “a spirit” inspiring those behind these crises.

He reiterated his previous stance during the COVID-19 pandemic, where many believed it was God’s judgment on the Earth. Pastor Chris rejected this notion, emphasizing that the pandemic was the work of the devil, designed to deceive people into thinking it was divine retribution.

He particularly pointed out the actions of Christians in government positions who, during the pandemic, were complicit in church shutdowns, even going so far as to arrest and imprison believers for holding church services. “They arrested some and threw them in jail for holding church service,” he said, criticizing those who enforced these restrictions.

Turning his focus to the Hantavirus, Pastor Chris dismissed it as a “stupid virus” and a continuation of the deception. He claimed that the Hantavirus was not new but had been known to authorities long before the recent concerns, referencing its mention in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic as evidence that it was premeditated.

“These viruses are all part of the trick,” Pastor Chris said. “They knew about the Hantavirus because they created it a long time ago. It’s all nonsense, and we will not be deceived again.”

The recent global attention on Hantavirus began in early 2026, when multiple countries reported a rise in infections linked to the disease. Hantavirus, primarily transmitted through rodent urine and droppings, has caused concern due to its potential for severe respiratory symptoms and high mortality rates.

Countries such as China, India, and several nations in Europe, including Spain and Italy, have been battling outbreaks. Health officials in these regions are working to curb the spread, as fears of another global pandemic loom.

In a heartwarming celebration filled with love, prayers, and admiration, one of the strongest members of Team Makinde and the Chief Executive Officer of Bullion Records, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has celebrated his beloved wife, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi, on the occasion of her birthday today, Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Speaking during a private prayer session held in the early hours of the morning at his residence, Ambassador Ajadi described his wife as a rare gem whose unwavering love, support, and devotion have remained a pillar of strength in his personal and professional journey.

“Behind a successful man, there must be a good woman,” Ambassador Ajadi said while expressing gratitude to God for the gift of his wife. “Oyindamola embodies kindness, passion, patience, loyalty, and perseverance. Today, as she celebrates another beautiful year of life, I am reminded once again of how blessed I am to have her beside me.”

The businessman and politician further poured out emotional and romantic birthday wishes to his wife, appreciating the joy and peace she has brought into his life.

“Happy birthday to you, my darling,” he said. “I celebrate your special day with my heartfelt, romantic, and sweet wishes that make you feel cherished and deeply loved. My love, every year with you is better than the last. Happy birthday to the one who makes my heart skip a beat. Love you forever.”

Ambassador Ajadi also offered fervent prayers for his wife, asking God to continually guide, protect, and prosper her in all areas of life.

“Oyindamola is not just a wife and a mother; she is a beacon of love, wisdom, and support. I vow to always celebrate her and cherish every precious moment we share together. May Almighty God bless her with long life, sound health, endless joy, divine wisdom, peace of mind, and abundant prosperity. May her days be filled with happiness, favor, grace, and fulfillment beyond expectations,” he prayed.

He added, “I celebrate a beautiful soul today. On your special day, I want to shower you with all the love and affection in my heart. May your light never dim, may sorrow never come near your dwelling, and may God continue to uplift and strengthen you in all you do.”

The birthday celebration attracted goodwill messages and prayers from family members, friends, political associates, colleagues, and admirers, many of whom described Mrs. Ajadi as a humble, supportive, and virtuous woman whose kindness and warmth continue to positively impact lives around her.

As she marks another milestone, Mrs. Oyindamola Ajadi remains a source of inspiration to many, with loved ones joining Ambassador Ajadi in praying for greater accomplishments, divine protection, and many more fruitful years ahead.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for urgent action to combat xenophobic violence against African migrants in South Africa, demanding that the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) lead a mass educational and sensitisation campaign across communities and workplaces to protect migrant workers.

In a powerful letter dated May 7, 2026, addressed to the President of COSATU in Johannesburg, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the recent killings and destruction of businesses owned by African migrants, describing the attacks as the result of economic hardship and failed government policies. Ajaero warned that South Africa could not claim to defend the working class while allowing African migrants to be hunted and killed.

“We cannot claim to fight for the working class while allowing a section of that class to be hunted like wild animals,” Ajaero stated. He urged COSATU to spearhead a mass campaign within every union, community, and workplace, educating South Africans that migrant workers are not the cause of poverty, but victims of the same oppressive system.

“We must break, once and for all, the racist myth that a fellow black African from across a colonial border is our enemy,” Ajaero added.

The NLC also condemned the passive response of the South African security forces, accusing them of complicity in the violence. Ajaero called for a full deployment of state resources to protect migrant workers and their properties, stressing that perpetrators must be swiftly prosecuted and compensation provided to families who have lost loved ones or livelihoods.

The NLC further warned that xenophobia was a threat to working-class unity across Africa, undermining collective bargaining power and weakening the fight against exploitation. “Xenophobia is not good for anybody, especially the world of work, because it fractures working-class unity and weakens our collective bargaining power against capital,” Ajaero explained.

To address the crisis, the NLC proposed an emergency meeting of African trade union centres under the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation and the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity. This meeting would aim to develop joint mechanisms for protecting migrant workers across the continent.

Ajaero cautioned that if the xenophobic violence in South Africa is left unchecked, it could spread across the continent. “Xenophobia is a cancer that, if not excised in South Africa, will metastasise across the continent,” he said.

Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets, have officially punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, after surviving a difficult afternoon in Lilongwe to emerge 3-2 aggregate winners over Malawi’s Young Scorchers.

Despite a narrow 1-2 defeat in the second leg on Saturday, the foundation laid in Ikenne seven days ago where an own goal by visiting defender Maureen Kenneth and a superb strike by Kindness Ifeanyi secured a 2-0 cushion, proved enough to sustain Nigeria’s proud record of never missing a World Cup final tournament at this level.

The hosts, backed by a vocal home crowd, wasted no time in testing Nigeria’s structural resolve.

The Falconets found themselves behind early in the first half when a defensive mishap allowed a Malawian forward to nod home the opener and ignite belief in the home team’s comeback.

Nigeria came close to responding with clinical precision. Kindness Ifeanyi, a constant threat on the right flank, delivered a tantalizing cross into the heart of the box.

Favour Nkwocha met it with power, but her effort rattled the woodwork, denying the Falconets a vital equalizer. The Young Scorchers took their 1-0 advantage into recess.

Tension escalated in the 55th minute. Another uncharacteristic lapse in the Nigerian backline gifted the Young Scorchers their second goal of the afternoon. At 2-0 on the day and 2-2 on aggregate, the tie was on a knife-edge, and the Falconets’ impeccable qualification record was under genuine threat.

With the match drifting towards a stalemate, Coach Moses Aduku turned to his bench for a spark.

It arrived in the 62nd minute via Precious Oscar. The substitute demonstrated elite pressing, pouncing on a Malawian defender who was caught dwelling on the ball. Oscar dispossessed her opponent and kept her composure to fire past the goalkeeper, restoring Nigeria’s aggregate lead and deflating the Lilongwe atmosphere.

Though the result marked a rare occasion where Aduku failed to mastermind an away victory, following dominant displays in Rwanda and Senegal earlier in the cycle, the ultimate objective was achieved.

The Falconets managed the remaining minutes with professional grit to ensure that Nigeria’s flag will fly, as always, at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.

This year’s finals will be staged by Poland, 5th 26th September.

At the end, the Nigeria contingent expressed deep appreciation to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Ibrahim Miringa, who alongside the mission’s Staff, had made the contingent’s stay in the southern African country a very pleasant experience.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Borno Police spokesperson, Nahum Kenneth Daso, has narrated how an Inspector serving with the Command, Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai” was killed by lightning last Wednesday.

Daso, who said the deceased Inspector was widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty said the incident occured on Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19pm.

According to him, the late Garba was coordinating vehicle parking opposite Borno State Police Command Headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu when a strong wind that later ushered a heavy rainfall started.

“As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty,” Daso said.

According to him, while ASP Wazani Adamu survived the lightning strike, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba who was the direct impact sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.

Read the full post by Daso below

THE RAIN CAME WITH TEARS: A Dedicated Officer’s Life Cut Short by Lightning

The rain often comes with its own blessings, but this one arrived with a heartbreaking streak of tragedy.

It was on a quiet Wednesday, 7th May, 2026, at about 2:19pm, when Inspector Abdulkadir Garba, popularly known as “Buratai” a Police Officer widely respected for his dedication, commitment, and passion for duty was carrying out his routine responsibility of coordinating vehicle parking opposite Borno State Police Command Headquarters alongside his senior colleague, ASP Wazani Adamu.

As strong winds began to gather, both officers reportedly attempted to seek shelter before the rain started. But in a sudden and devastating moment, a loud thunderclap echoed through the atmosphere, followed instantly by a powerful lightning strike that hit both officers while they were still on duty.

While ASP Wazani Adamu survived in what may be described as a miracle, unfortunately, Inspector Abdulkadir Garba who was the direct impact sadly lost his life with partial burns on his body.

In a cruel twist of nature, a man who stood daily under the scorching sun and uncertain weather to maintain order and serve humanity lost his life, not to violence or conflict, but to the force of the storm.

Inspector Abdulkadir Garba was more than a Police Officer to many, he was a familiar face, a hardworking officer, and a symbol of dedication to service. His sudden passing has left shock, grief, and painful memories in the hearts of colleagues and members of the public who knew him.

Sometimes, life reminds us how fragile and unpredictable it can be. One moment, duty calls. The next moment, eternity answers.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Former Kano State governor, Kwankwaso spoke amid renewed controversy surrounding the unresolved case following allegations by a former aide to ex-Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle, who reportedly claimed that some police officers boasted about having knowledge of Dadiyata’s disappearance.

Reacting in a statement posted on his official X account, Kwankwaso said he was encouraged by the decision of the Inspector General of Police, Kwankwaso said he and his associates had continued to pray and demand justice since Dadiyata was abducted in 2019.

“I have been made aware of the recent testimony by a former aide to a former state governor, in which he alleged that police officers claimed responsibility for the disappearance of Abubakar Idris Dadiyata in Kaduna,” Kwankwaso said.

The former governor noted that the latest move by the police leadership offered fresh hope that the truth behind the controversial disappearance could finally emerge.

“It is therefore reassuring that the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into this matter. I commend the Inspector General for this decisive and long overdue action,” Kwankwaso added.

Dadiyata, a lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State and a vocal social media commentator, was abducted by unidentified gunmen on August 2, 2019, shortly after arriving at his residence in Barnawa, Kaduna State. Since then, neither his whereabouts nor those responsible for his disappearance have been officially established.

His disappearance sparked outrage across Nigeria, with civil society groups, activists and political supporters repeatedly demanding an independent investigation into the case.

The controversy deepened recently after Kano-based lawyer Abba Hikima Fagge reportedly petitioned the police over allegations involving two senior police officers.

The petition followed claims by former political aide Muhammad Musa Kamarawa, who alleged that the officers threatened him and claimed involvement in Dadiyata’s disappearance while he was in detention in Kaduna.

Kwankwaso urged police authorities to place the officers named in the allegations under close monitoring to prevent interference with the investigation.

He also called on the government to compensate Dadiyata and his family if investigations confirm he is still alive and eventually reunited with them.

“I urge the police authorities to place the named individuals under close surveillance to prevent any interference with the process,” Kwankwaso stated.

He added that Dadiyata’s family deserved justice and support after years of uncertainty and emotional trauma.

Kwankwaso also praised Nigerians and human rights advocates for sustaining public pressure on authorities over the years.

“I equally commend the general public for their sustained advocacy and resilience in keeping this case alive, as well as Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge for his pivotal role in this latest development,” he noted.

“We remain hopeful that this investigation will finally deliver truth and justice,” Kwankwaso said.

To Kill a Monkey.

The actor secured the award after edging out a strong lineup of nominees in one of the most competitive categories of the night.

Franklin’s performance in the acclaimed production earned praise from movie lovers and critics alike for its emotional intensity, commanding screen presence and strong character interpretation.

The category featured several established Nollywood stars and rising talents, including Simileoluwa Hassan for The Yard, Lateef Adedimeji for andgtingerrr, Gabriel Afolayan for Colours of Fire, Femi Adebayo for King of Thieves 2, Lateef Adedimeji again for Red Circle, Femi Branch for Owambe Thieves and Uzor Arukwe for Behind the Scenes.

The announcement triggered loud applause from guests and entertainment stakeholders at the award ceremony as Franklin mounted the stage to receive the recognition.

The AMVCA remains one of Africa’s biggest entertainment platforms, celebrating excellence in film, television and digital storytelling across the continent.

Franklin’s latest triumph further strengthens his reputation as one of Nollywood’s talented actors known for delivering compelling performances across diverse roles and genres.

His victory also added to the growing success of To Kill a Monkey, one of the productions that attracted significant attention during this year’s awards season.