Category: PM News

Kogi-born political activist and public commentator, Comrade Usman Okai Austin, has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the death of 26-year-old physiotherapist, Mary Habila.

According to Okai, Habila was reportedly found dead at a residence said to be linked to the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi.

In a statement, the activist urged the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and make its findings public.

Okai said the investigation should be carried out independently and in accordance with the law, stressing that public confidence in the process would depend on its transparency.

He also noted that the incident has generated public interest and called on the relevant authorities to ensure that all necessary investigative procedures are followed.

The activist appealed to the Federal Government and relevant institutions to support efforts aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the incident.

He further urged members of the public to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their responsibilities without interference, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased.

At the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not released the outcome of any investigation into the circumstances surrounding Habila’s death.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Works has not been charged with any offence in connection with the incident, and there has been no official finding linking him to Habila’s death.

Three sales managers and a woman accused of receiving stolen goods have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over the alleged theft of event equipment valued at N200 million belonging to their employer.

The defendants-Jedidiah Solomon, 42; Danjuma Mohammed, 36; Aminu Ibrahim, 40; and Anestasia Okonkwo, 39, were arrested by operatives of the Tactical Team of Area ‘A’ Command, Lagos Island, following investigations into the alleged theft.

According to the police, the three men were employed by LUXE Rental Services as sales managers responsible for overseeing the rental of event equipment to customers.

They allegedly took advantage of their positions to cart away hundreds of items belonging to the company while the owner was away.

Police alleged that the suspects stole 531 pieces of VIP luxury furniture, 605 event chairs and tables, and artificial decorative flowers, all valued at about N200 million, before fleeing and allegedly selling the items to Okonkwo, who was accused of knowingly receiving the stolen property.

The complainant and Chief Executive Officer of LUXE Rental Services, Ms. Unyime Akpaffiong, reportedly discovered the disappearance of the equipment and the absence of the managers upon her return.

She subsequently petitioned the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Area ‘A’ Command.

Acting on the petition, the command’s Tactical Team launched an investigation and tracked the fleeing suspects to separate hideouts across Lagos, where they were arrested. The suspects later led detectives to the arrest of Okonkwo.

Following investigations led by Inspector Suleiman Olabode and his team, the four defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

The prosecutor told the court that the offences were allegedly committed between 2025 and 2026 in the Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos.

He alleged that the defendants conspired to steal their employer’s property and disposed of the items through the fourth defendant.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravene Sections 411, 287(7) and 323 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence counsel, Augustine Okeh, urged the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, assuring the court that they would not abscond if released.

The presiding magistrate granted each defendant N1 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned until August 19, 2026, for mention, while the defendants were ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

President Bola Tinubu’s reform policies are driving unprecedented infrastructural development and laying the foundation for national progress.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo said this during a dinner organised for the Renewed Hope National Media Tour team at the Government House, Owerri on Friday.

The team, comprising Renewed Hope Ambassadors and officials of the Presidential Communications, inspected federal and state projects in the state since Wednesday.

Addressing the team, Uzodimma said Tinubu’s policies, particularly the fuel subsidy removal, significantly boosted states allocations and internal revenue.

‘The projects you have seen in Imo were only possible because of the reform policies of the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu,’ he said.

The governor also revealed that Imo’s monthly internally generated revenue jumped from N400 million to N6 billion.

He added that the state’s massive debt profile plummeted from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N90 billion currently.

Uzodimma said that the improved allocations were instantly channeled into critical infrastructure to directly benefit the local population.

He said extensive road construction has reduced intra-state travel times, cutting typical two to three-hour journeys down to less than 45 minutes.

Uzodimma said the energy sector also received a boost via the Orashi Power Plant, advancing electricity generation, transmission, and local distribution.

He assured the visiting delegation that the power plant would expand its distribution to additional Local Government Areas by year-end.

‘In Tinubu, I see another Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore who came to power with strong oppositions but became a reference point, in terms of quality leadership and development,’ he said.

Uzodimma, who chairs the Progressives Governors’ Forum, expressed confidence that fellow All Progressives Congress (APC) governors are similarly deploying their increased subsidy revenues to develop their respective states.

‘Our people have already decided that they want Tinubu back as president because without him and his policies, this environment we are enjoying today wouldn’t be possible,’ he added.

Uzodimma said Tinubu’s reforms since May 2023 as well as APC’s national population exceeding 13 million, serve as a practical campaign for a second term.

He commended the team, reminding them that ‘there is no democracy without the media’ to validate sustainable development.

Earlier, the presidential delegation led by Mr Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, commended Uzodimma for his clarity of vision, and commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dare also lauded Uzodimma’s strategic leadership of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, which helped expand the party’s reach to an impressive 32 governors nationwide.

Dare said that the bold economic decisions taken since the administration’s inception in May 2023 have defined the positive trajectory of Nigeria’s governance.

He disclosed that the 58-member delegation had already toured the seven states of the North West, inspecting critical state and federal projects tied to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Expanding their assessment to the South East, he said the team previously visited Ebonyi, Enugu, and Abia states to inspect various developmental infrastructure projects.

The presidential aide explained that the team reported directly to the public by running live commentaries and taking real-time photographs while at the project sites.

‘We saw quite a number of mind-boggling projects, but when we got to the Imo Digital City, we all took a pause,’ Dare said.

He said that the digital hub represents an innovative concept that goes beyond basic brick-and-mortar structures.

‘The facility operates on a public-private partnership model covering cutting-edge artificial intelligence, drone technology, and a telecommunications phone manufacturing sector.

‘This intentional design allows young people in the region to acquire the highly necessary digital skills required to thrive in the 21st century.’

He underscored the need for the APC to actively showcase these governance milestones through its state governors, especially during crucial election seasons.

The Urhobo and Usoko Elites in Lagos on Saturday honoured Engr. Samuel EgubeUh, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as an Outstanding Leader.

He was honoured at an event titled ‘Celebratory Reception in honour of Engr. Samuel Egube,’ hosted by the Urhobo and Usoko Elites in Lagos at the Muson Centre, Onikan.

The group, during the ceremony themed ‘Celebrating Excellence, Service and Impact,’ described Egube as ‘a pride of Urhobo, Isoko and the South-South in Lagos.’

Speaking during the programme attended by members of the Lagos State Executive Council, leaders from Urhobo, Isoko and the South-South, captains of industry and traditional rulers, among others, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that excellence, competence and integrity-not ethnic background-remain the defining principles for leadership appointments in his administration.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Egube’s appointment and continued rise in government were based solely on his professionalism, sound judgment and proven ability to deliver results.

He said Egube has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, first as Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, where he drove people-focused budgeting and measurable performance, and now as Deputy Chief of Staff, coordinating the Governor’s engagements and ensuring effective administration of the Governor’s Office.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described Egube as a dependable adviser whose integrity and competence have earned his confidence over more than two decades of friendship and professional association.

The Governor noted that while the event celebrated one of the Urhobo nation’s finest sons, it also underscored the fact that outstanding performance transcends ethnic and regional identities.

‘We don’t ask where excellence comes from. What matters is the ability to do the job well and serve the people faithfully,’ he said.

Responding to the gesture from his ethnic group, Egube expressed appreciation to the Urhobo and Isoko Elites for the honour, describing it as a source of encouragement to remain committed to excellence in public service.

Egube said he is proud of the honour bestowed on him by the Urhobo and Usoko Elites in Lagos because it is coming from his people, noting that he is happy to have been celebrated by leaders and members of his community and ethnic group for his achievements and contributions to the development of Lagos State.

He said the recognition should inspire young Nigerians to pursue success through discipline, resilience, integrity and productivity, regardless of their background.

Speaking during the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Olorogun Moses Taiga, said, ‘Engr. Samuel Egube represents the very best of what the Urhobo, Isoko and indeed the South-South people have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

‘One thing I particularly commend about the Urhobo and Isoko Elites in Lagos is the decision to celebrate one of our own while he is actively serving and can personally appreciate the love, admiration and encouragement of his people.’

A 26-year-old sales boy, Ebuka Eze, and his alleged accomplice, Nduka Mabel Nwagu, have been arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over the alleged diversion of N115 million belonging to his employer.

The defendants were arraigned by operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), formerly known as the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, of the Nigeria Police Force after investigations into the alleged fraud.

According to the police, Eze, who worked as a sales boy at Apostle KC Enterprises in Mandilas Market, Lagos Island, allegedly sold clothes worth N115 million between 2022 and 2026 but failed to remit the proceeds to his employer, instead converting the money to his personal use.

Police further alleged that Nwagu knowingly received N12 million, believed to be part of the alleged stolen funds, through her Kuda, Opay and Fidelity Bank accounts.

The complainant, Mr. Kingsley Ogbozor Chukwuma, General Manager of Apostle KC Enterprises, reportedly became suspicious after noticing a steady decline in sales despite continued investment in the business. An audit allegedly uncovered the missing proceeds, prompting him to petition the Inspector-General of Police for an investigation.

The petition was subsequently transferred to the VCRU in Lagos, where detectives launched an investigation.

Police said the probe allegedly revealed that Eze diverted the sales proceeds and channelled part of the funds through the accounts of his alleged accomplice.

Following the investigation led by ASP Patrick Okeke and his team, the suspects were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on stealing and receiving proceeds of crime.

Prosecuting counsel, Olugbenga Salami, told the court that the offences were committed between 2022 and 2026 at Apostle KC Enterprises, Mandilas Market, Lagos Island. He alleged that Eze fraudulently converted his employer’s sales proceeds and transferred N12 million to Nwagu through multiple bank accounts.

The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravene Sections 411, 289 and 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence counsel, Augustine Okeh, urged the court to grant his clients bail on liberal terms, arguing that they remain innocent until proven guilty by the court.

The presiding magistrate granted each defendant N5 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

The court adjourned the case until August 28, 2026, for mention and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres until they meet their bail conditions.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have rescued more than 40 kidnap victims, arrested over 20 suspected terrorists, collaborators and other criminal elements during coordinated operations across the country between July 10 and July 16.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja, in a statement on military operations nationwide.

Onoja said then that during the operations the troops also eutralised several terrorists and dismantled criminal networks.

He said that the successes were recorded by troops of Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Savannah Shield, Enduring Peace, Whirl Stroke, Delta Safe and Udo Ka in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in the North-East, leading to the surrender of 10 family members of terrorists, the arrest of six suspected logistics suppliers and collaborators, as well as the rescue of 13 abductees.

According to him, troops also foiled infiltration attempts around Maiduguri, neutralised terrorists during ambush operations and arrested a suspected foreign spy at Mallam Fatori in Borno State.

In the North-West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma arrested terrorist collaborators, neutralised three terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Zamfara and Kebbi states.

He said troops also recovered vehicles and other items from fleeing terrorists while successfully repelling attacks on several communities.

The defence spokesman said troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued four kidnapped victims in Niger and Kwara states, while forest guards neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle, magazines and a Dane gun during an operation in Kwara.

He added that Operation Enduring Peace troops intercepted suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna State, arrested wanted criminal suspects in Plateau State and rescued four kidnap victims after foiling attacks along major highways.

According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested an ammunition courier conveying 60 rounds of ammunition in Nasarawa State and four suspected terrorist collaborators in Kogi State.

He said troops also rescued a school principal, a NECO official and two students abducted during an attack on an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi after sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon them.

Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe sustained the fight against crude oil theft by discovering and destroying illegal refining sites in Rivers State containing stolen crude oil and refining equipment.

He added that troops also neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Edo State, recovered three rifles and ammunition, and rescued three abductees.

In the South-East, Onoja said Operation UDO KA troops arrested suspected members of a proscribed secessionist group, recovered weapons and ammunition and rescued two abductees along the Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism, courage and dedication across all theatres of operation.

According to him, the CDS also applauded the intelligence-led collaboration among security agencies that led to the unconditional rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after 56 days in captivity without any concession to the abductors.

He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that ongoing operations would be sustained until peace, security and stability were fully restored across the country.

As part of his ongoing consultations with critical stakeholders ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), on Friday met with the Egba League of Imams and Alfas at the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta.

The engagement was aimed at strengthening dialogue, promoting unity, and discussing the future development of Ogun State.

The meeting attracted prominent Islamic clerics led by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Muhammed Sa’ad Alade Bamgbola, alongside respected sons and daughters of Egbaland.

Introducing Senator Adeola and the APC deputy governorship candidate, Mrs. Abiodun Adegunwa-Balogun, to the gathering, Ogun State APC Chairman, Alhaji Yemi Sanusi, described the Muslim community as a dependable pillar of support for the party over the years.

He recalled that the prayers and backing of Islamic leaders contributed significantly to the victories recorded by the APC in the 2019 and 2023 elections and appealed for similar support ahead of the 2027 governorship poll.

‘Your prayers and support were invaluable in 2019 and 2023. We have come again to seek your prayers and support for Senator Adeola Yayi to become the next governor of Ogun State. By the grace of God, when we assume office, we will return to seek your continued prayers for a successful administration,’ Sanusi said.

Addressing the gathering, Senator Adeola said his aspiration to govern Ogun State is driven by a genuine desire to serve every resident, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

He praised the religious leaders for their contributions to peace and social harmony, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

‘My visit today is not about campaigning but about listening and reassuring our respected religious leaders that our administration will be inclusive, fair and people-centred. Ogun State belongs to all of us. Whether in the cities or rural communities, my commitment is to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every household.

‘Throughout my years in public service, I have executed projects across Ogun State because I believe leadership is about meeting the needs of the people. God has given me the opportunity to serve, and I remain committed to using that privilege for the benefit of our people,’ Yayi said.

The senator also announced a personal donation of N150 million towards the renovation and expansion of the Egba Central Mosque.

‘I have been informed about the plan to renovate and expand this historic mosque. I am making a personal donation of N150 million, which will be transferred immediately into the mosque’s account. In addition, I will facilitate the rehabilitation of the road leading to this mosque, and work will commence as soon as possible.

‘Everything I have achieved today is by the grace of Almighty God and the prayers of people like you-our Imams, Alfas and Muslim faithful. I ask for your continued prayers and support as we work together to build a more prosperous Ogun State,’ Yayi added.

Responding on behalf of the Muslim community, the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Sheikh Muhammed Sa’ad Alade Bamgbola, commended Senator Adeola for his humility, respect for traditional institutions and commitment to engaging stakeholders.

He prayed for the success of the senator’s aspiration, while urging him to fulfil his promises if elected governor.

‘If your plans for Ogun State and Egbaland are sincere, may Almighty God grant your heart’s desires. Egbaland constitutes a significant part of Ogun State and deserves fair treatment. When you become governor, ensure you fulfil your promises to Egbaland while also ensuring fairness to every other part of the state,’ the Chief Imam said.

Among dignitaries present at the meeting were Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide; former Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Badru; Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Omoyayi); Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako; Ogun State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan; and Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola.

The Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed sadness over the passing of Dame Ezinne Mary Oduah Amaechi, mother of former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

The former Abia state governor in a statement on Saturday, described the late Dame Amaechi as a devoted mother, woman of faith, and respected matriarch whose life was defined by humility, compassion, and commitment to her family, community, and humanity.

He said her passing was a painful loss not only to the Amaechi family but also to all who had the privilege of knowing her, noting that she lived an exemplary life of service, dignity, and grace worthy of emulation.

Senator Kalu extended his heartfelt condolences to Rt. Hon. Amaechi, the entire Amaechi family, friends, and associates, praying that Almighty God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The former Governor of Abia State urged the bereaved family to take solace in the enduring legacy of love, discipline, faith, and selfless service that the late Dame Amaechi left behind.

‘On behalf of my family and the good people of Abia North Senatorial District, I extend my deepest condolences to my dear brother, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and the entire Amaechi family. I pray that Almighty God grants you the strength to bear this painful loss and grant the soul of your beloved mother eternal rest,’ Senator Kalu said.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased and asked God to continue to comfort the entire Amaechi family during this period of mourning.

United States President Donald Trump has joined the debate over England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, questioning manager Thomas Tuchel’s decision to use captain Harry Kane in a defensive role during the closing stages of the match.

England suffered a painful 2-1 defeat after surrendering their lead against Argentina, with Lionel Messi inspiring a late comeback that sent the South Americans into Sunday’s final against Spain.

The tactical decisions made by Tuchel after England went ahead through Anthony Gordon have attracted criticism from pundits and supporters, with many questioning the decision to switch to a defensive approach instead of pushing for a second goal.

Trump, speaking during a reception at Trump Tower, said England may have made a mistake by limiting the influence of their captain.

‘You have a great player in England who I’ve played golf with. And he is Harry [Kane] who has been fantastic,’ Trump said.

‘I think they perhaps made a mistake when they made him a defensive player. They took their best player and put him on defence.’

The US president added: ‘We got to be a little offensive, right? But no, I’m not going to call it, what do I know about coaching? But that was a little unusual.’

Tuchel had introduced a number of defensive-minded changes as England attempted to protect their advantage, moving to a back-five formation as Argentina increased pressure in search of an equaliser.

However, the move backfired as Argentina found spaces late in the game and scored twice to complete a dramatic turnaround.

The defeat has placed attention on Tuchel’s tactical choices, with some England players reportedly disappointed with how the team was instructed to finish the match after taking the lead.

Tuchel, however, dismissed Trump’s comments when asked about the president’s criticism, insisting that decisions made during matches are based on the demands of the game.

Trump also spoke about his involvement in the controversy surrounding USA striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension during the tournament.

Balogun had initially been handed a one-match suspension after receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic, leaving him set to miss the last-16 clash against Belgium.

But FIFA later suspended the automatic ban for 12 months, allowing the striker to feature in the knockout stage.

Trump said he contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the matter, adding that he wanted the situation reviewed.

The president also praised the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, describing it as one of the biggest sporting events ever staged.

FIFA president Infantino said the tournament had exceeded expectations, describing it as a global celebration of football.

Meanwhile, England must now reflect on another missed opportunity after their semi-final exit, while Argentina prepare to face Spain in the World Cup final.

Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to learn from the ongoing Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) national election, saying it proves that secure electronic voting can work in Nigeria.

Speaking after voting in the NBA election, Adeyanju praised the Nigerian Bar Association Electoral Committee (ECNBA) for conducting what he described as a smooth, transparent and efficient electronic voting process.

According to him, the entire process, from registration and verification to voting, took less than two minutes.

He explained that the voting system used each lawyer’s unique Supreme Court enrolment number and a One-Time Password (OTP) for verification, helping to ensure security and credibility.

Adeyanju said the success of the NBA election shows that electronic voting is possible in Nigeria when the right technology and safeguards are put in place.

He called on INEC to closely study the process and adopt similar innovations to improve the country’s electoral system.

‘The NBA election has shown that secure electronic voting is achievable with the right systems. INEC should closely observe this process and learn from it,’ he said.

The activist also expressed hope that the INEC Chairman, who is a Professor of Law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), would take part in the NBA election to see firsthand how effective the electronic voting system is.

Adeyanju added that the adoption of such technology could greatly improve the credibility, transparency and efficiency of elections in Nigeria.