Category: PM News

The family of late Mary Habila has on Friday petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, seeking an order directing the immediate release of her remains for burial.

The family’s lawyer, Kaile Yusuf, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on the family’s efforts to retrieve Habila’s body.

Yusuf said Habila, a staff member attached to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, died on June 27 in Ebonyi and her remains remain in official custody.

He said the family had fulfilled police requirements for the body’s release but had yet to receive approval to proceed with burial.

The lawyer said the briefing also aimed to correct alleged misinformation and false claims about Habila’s profession and personal character.

According to him, Habila was a qualified nurse, not a physiotherapist, and served at David Umahi University of Health Sciences before her deployment to the minister’s office.

He said she worked with the minister for about three years and remained a civil servant, supported by her appointment letter and salary records.

Yusuf described the continued withholding of the body as unjustified and alleged attempts by unnamed persons to politicise the matter.

He said the family petitioned the IGP against the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, seeking immediate release of the remains for burial.

The lawyer said the family rejected repeated requests for an autopsy, citing personal, cultural and traditional reasons.

He also dismissed allegations questioning Habila’s character, insisting such claims were false and should not distract from the family’s request.

Yusuf said the petition sought transfer of the matter to the Force Headquarters and disciplinary action against officers found to have acted unlawfully.

Also speaking at the briefing, Habila’s father, Tanko, appealed for the immediate release of his daughter’s body, saying the family only wanted to give her a befitting burial.

He said the family was not accusing anyone over the death and maintained it had cordial relations with Habila’s workplace before the incident.

A colleague, Anita Baki, described Habila’s death as sudden, clarified she was the physiotherapist, and reaffirmed that the deceased served as a nurse.

Mary Habila died on June 27 in Ebonyi while serving as a staff member in the Office of the Minister of Works and her remains have since remained in police custody.

The family said it has complied with police requirements for the body’s release but opposes an autopsy on personal, cultural and traditional grounds, insisting only on a dignified burial.

The Supreme Court has restored the final forfeiture of seven luxury properties linked to former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, overturning an earlier Court of Appeal judgment that ordered a fresh hearing of the case.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, upheld the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), setting aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division.

The judgment, read by Justice Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the November 1, 2024 ruling of the Federal High Court in Lagos, which ordered the final forfeiture of the assets to the Federal Government after finding they were reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The ruling brings to an end Emefiele’s legal challenge against the forfeiture order secured by the anti-graft agency.

The forfeited assets include two fully detached duplexes on Hakeem Odumosu Street, Lekki Phase 1; an undeveloped parcel of land on Oyinkan Abayomi Drive, Ikoyi; a bungalow and a four-bedroom duplex in Ikoyi; an industrial complex under construction on 22 plots of land in Agbor, Delta State; eight apartment units on Adekunle Lawal Road, Ikoyi; and another duplex on Bank Road, Ikoyi.

The Federal High Court had also ordered the forfeiture of $2.045 million in cash and share certificates belonging to Queensdorf Global Fund Limited Trust, which were not contested by the defendant.

Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court had granted the EFCC’s application for final forfeiture in November 2024 after holding that the Commission had sufficiently established that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities.

However, in June 2025, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision, ruling that some parties claiming ownership of the assets were denied fair hearing and directing that the matter be returned to the trial court for fresh proceedings.

Dissatisfied with the judgment, the EFCC approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the trial court’s decision was properly reached and should be restored.

The apex court agreed with the Commission, nullified the Court of Appeal’s judgment and reinstated the final forfeiture order, effectively vesting ownership of the listed properties and cash in the Federal Government.

The appeal was argued for the EFCC by a legal team led by former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), while Emefiele was represented by Senior Advocates of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo and Labi Lawal.

The African Action Congress, AAC, has unveiled a dedicated mobile application to serve as the official digital platform for supporters of its 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore announced the launch in a video shared on Thursday via his verified Instagram account, @yelesho, describing the application as a key tool for citizens who want to participate in his campaign.

Addressing Nigerians, he said: ‘Felllow Nigerians, real change begins with action and action begins with you.

‘That is why we launched the SoworeNow app, with this app you can get verified campaign updates, you can join rallies and connect with other supporters to promote the movement.’

Released in July 2026, the SoworeNow app is intended to strengthen nationwide mobilisation by bringing campaign activities, volunteers and supporters together on a single platform as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general election.

The application provides verified campaign information, official statements and regular updates on the movement’s activities. It also features Movement AI, an artificial intelligence assistant that responds to users’ questions in multiple languages.

Supporters can use the platform to locate campaign events, receive notifications about rallies and engage with other verified members through a moderated online community.

The app also includes a peer-to-peer feature that allows users to request mobile data support from fellow supporters.

In addition, it contains election-focused tools, enabling users to report suspected electoral irregularities, register as polling unit agents and monitor live election collation.

AAC members who link their official membership identification can access digital membership cards through the platform, while active users are rewarded with points under a gamified engagement system.

The campaign said the application is available at no cost and emphasised its privacy features.

‘The application is entirely free, contains no third-party tracking, and can be downloaded through the official mobile marketplaces.’

Nigerian government on Friday denied report that is planning to ban export of raw cocoa.

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

However, the Minister said the government is promoting value addition to maximise earnings from cocoa as a commodity.

Kyari said reports suggesting that the Federal Government planned to ban the export of raw cocoa beans did not reflect its policy.

‘Our objective is value addition, not an export ban,’ he said.

He said that under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government was committed to building a globally competitive cocoa industry by encouraging increased local processing while maintaining Nigeria’s position as a reliable cocoa exporter.

The minister said raw cocoa exports would continue to play an important role as the government expanded domestic processing capacity.

According to him, the goal is to create an enabling environment that attracts investment in cocoa processing, boosts farmers’ incomes, creates jobs and increases export earnings from every tonne of cocoa produced.

Kyari said the policy also aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural exports through improved traceability and compliance with international standards, ensuring continued access to premium global markets.

‘The message is clear: the Federal Government is not banning raw cocoa exports.

‘We are promoting value addition so that Nigeria captures more value from its cocoa while remaining competitive in the global market,’ he said.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed that a total of 1,516 Nigerians fleeing from xenophobia attacks in South Africa were evacuated back home in seven batches during the recently concluded voluntary repatriation exercise undertaken by the Federal Government.

NEMA said this in a statement by Manzo Ezekiel of its press unit on Friday.

According to the statement, the 1,516 Nigerians voluntarily returned home from the South Africa between 11th June and 15th July 2026 through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, aboard Air Peace and South African Airways flights.

NEMA, which coordinated the exercice on behalf of the Federal Government listed other agencies involved in the voluntary repatriation exercise to include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Port Health Services and security agencies

The agency listed other relevant stakeholders that participated to ensure the safe, orderly and dignified return of the affected Nigerians to include MTN.

Giving further detail of the exercise, NEMA said: ‘The first batch of 258 returnees arrived on 11th June, 2026, aboard Air Peace. This was followed by the second batch of 66 returnees on 24th June via South African Airways. The third batch of 298 returnees arrived on 30th June, while the fourth batch of 266 returnees arrived on 3rd July aboard Air Peace.

‘The fifth batch of 284 returnees arrived on 9th July, followed by the sixth batch of 39 returnees on 10th July via South African Airways. The seventh and final batch, comprising 305 returnees, arrived on 15th July 2026, bringing the total number of returnees to 1,516.

‘Throughout the exercise, NEMA played a leading operational role in coordinating the reception of the returnees and arrangements for their onward transportation to various destinations, alongside partner agencies.

‘The Agency commends all stakeholders whose collaboration contributed to the successful completion of the exercise.’

It added that NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office, led by the Head of Operations on behalf of the Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, diligently carried out the Agency’s responsibilities throughout the exercise, ensuring the successful reception, processing, and onward movement of the returnees.

‘The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all relevant stakeholders to continue providing coordinated humanitarian support during emergency evacuations, voluntary repatriation, and other humanitarian operations, in line with its statutory mandate of coordinating disaster management and humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’

The NNPC Exploration and Production Limited (NEPL)/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) has deepened its investment in local communities with the graduation of over 110 young Nigerians from its Youth Entrepreneurship Programme (YEP).

The graduands were equipped with practical renewable energy skills and start-up support to build sustainable livelihoods, serve their communities and contribute to Nigeria’s clean energy future.

Held under the theme: ‘Lighting Up the Nation: Empowering Youths in Renewable Energy Solutions’, the YEP graduation ceremony featured exhibitions of practical solutions developed by participants during the programme, including solar home systems, mini-grid prototypes, solar dryers, biogas digesters and energy audit tools.

The programme is designed to help young people convert technical training into income-generating enterprises, while also addressing real needs in homes, schools, health centres and small businesses that require reliable, affordable and cleaner energy solutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Operating Officer, Seplat Energy Plc, Samson Ezugworie, described YEP as a strategic investment in people, communities and the nation’s future.

‘The Youth Entrepreneurship Programme is here to stay. We have sustained it over the years with our Joint Venture partner because we believe that investing in young people is fundamental to nation-building,’ he said.

Ezugworie said the programme goes beyond skills acquisition by providing graduates with take-off grants to support the launch of their businesses and enable them to begin creating value within their communities.

‘Today, we celebrate your achievement, but tomorrow, we want to celebrate your impact. Your contribution should extend beyond personal success to creating opportunities, solving problems and transforming communities,’ he added.

Also speaking, the Director, External Affairs and Social Performance of Seplat Energy Plc, Chioma Afe, noted that the YEP reflects the JV’s commitment to building community resilience by connecting young people with skills that are relevant to the future of work and the evolving energy landscape.

‘Across Nigeria, families, schools, healthcare facilities and small businesses are seeking reliable, affordable and cleaner energy. By equipping young people with renewable energy skills, we are helping them create new sources of livelihood while empowering them to become problem-solvers in their communities,’ she said.

According to Afe, the initiative was conceived to bridge the gap between learning and enterprise, ensuring that training translates into practical outcomes for individuals, families and local economies.

She added that YEP forms part of the JV’s broader education and community development ecosystem, which includes the PEARLS Quiz Competition, undergraduate scholarships, the Seplat Teachers Empowerment Programme (STEP), solar-powered STEAM laboratories and energy access initiatives across host communities.

In his remark, the Managing Director of NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, Nicolas Foucart, who was represented by Olubukonla Oyegbami, reaffirmed NEPL’s commitment to sustaining partnerships that expand opportunities for young people and strengthen community development.

Meanwhile, the NEPL/Seplat JV has commissioned an upgraded classroom block and modern learning facilities for the visually-impaired unit at Ihogbe College, Benin City, under the JV’s Diversity and Inclusion programme.

The gesture is a further demonstration of its commitment to inclusive community development, and has expanded access to quality education for underserved learners and reinforcing its commitment to inclusive community development.

The project included the renovation of three classrooms, an administrative office and an inverter room, as well as the provision of specialized learning equipment to improve teaching and learning outcomes for visually impaired students.

The intervention is expected to provide a more supportive learning environment for students with visual impairment, strengthen the capacity of teachers, and improve access to quality education for learners who require specialized support.

Together, the initiatives demonstrate the NEPL/Seplat JV’s strategic approach to creating long-term value in its host communities through education, enterprise development, youth empowerment, energy access and social inclusion.

The Federal Government has officially renamed the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway.

The authorities say the move acknowledges President Bola Tinubu’s vision for the landmark infrastructure project.

Minister of Works David Umahi whonannounced the decision during a media briefing in Abuja, also revealed that the President had approved several major road initiatives, including a 400-kilometre expansion of the Fourth Legacy Highway and the reconstruction of sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with reinforced concrete pavement.

Umahi explained that the Ministry of Works decided to rename the coastal highway in honour of Tinubu, citing the President’s long-standing commitment to the project.

‘That (coastal) highway is named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway. By the powers conferred on me as Minister of Works, in consultation with my Permanent Secretary, the Minister of State, directors and staff of the ministry, we decided to name it after him because of his dream for it.

‘He had that dream about 27 years back as governor of Lagos State. It is one thing to dream and another thing to have the grace of God to actualise that dream.’

The minister described the first phase of the 750-kilometre coastal highway, which runs from Victoria Island to Lekki, as a significant engineering achievement. He said the 47.47-kilometre six-lane road includes a 25-metre-wide central reservation designed to accommodate a future railway line.

Umahi further disclosed that the Fourth Legacy Highway has been expanded following presidential approval. The project, initially planned to connect Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe and Biu, will now continue into Taraba State.

‘The greatest story is that yesterday President Bola Tinubu approved the addition of 400 kilometres to our Fourth Legacy Road. That is an 800-kilometre road now extended to 1,100 kilometres, and that is unprecedented.’

He also announced presidential approval for the dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road, the rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete technology, the completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State and the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lao Bridge.

According to Umahi, the projects are part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to strengthen transport links, support economic growth and modernise road infrastructure across the country.

MCO Penny has expanded its operations to Abuja, opening a new branch in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of its drive to improve financial inclusion for Nigerian civil servants.

The FCCPC-licensed fintech said the expansion reflects its commitment to providing accessible financial services to public sector workers, a segment it believes has historically faced challenges accessing traditional banking and lending solutions.

Founded by business leader and public sector expert Michael Collins, MCO Penny focuses on delivering financial products designed specifically for civil servants. The company said its mission is to bridge the financial inclusion gap by offering responsible, transparent and convenient financial solutions.

The new Abuja office will provide the company’s full range of services, including IPPIS-backed loans for civil servants, deposit savings accounts and fixed deposit investment products, complementing its existing operations in Lagos.

Speaking on the expansion, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MCO Penny, Michael Collins, described Abuja as a strategic milestone in the company’s growth.

‘Abuja represents a natural and important step in our growth. Civil servants across the FCT deserve the same trust, speed and transparency that our Lagos customers have come to expect from us. This branch is our commitment to bringing that experience closer to them,’ Collins said.

According to the company, its digital lending platform enables eligible customers to complete loan applications online, with approved funds disbursed within hours. It said the process is designed to simplify borrowing while promoting responsible lending practices.

‘Our goal is to remove the stress and stigma of borrowing. Civil servants work hard for this country; they deserve support that’s fast and fair,’ Collins added.

MCO Penny said the Abuja branch will be supported by dedicated customer experience and investment banking teams to ensure efficient service delivery.

The expansion also aligns with the company’s broader growth strategy, which includes other businesses under the MCO Group, such as MCO Quick Ride Rentals.

Collins said the company would continue to combine technology, industry expertise and customer-focused services to improve financial access for Nigerians in the public sector.

Established with a focus on public sector lending, MCO Penny provides loan facilities, savings products and fixed deposit investment services through its branches in Lagos and Abuja. With more than a decade of experience in the sector, the fintech says it remains committed to expanding access to inclusive financial services across Nigeria.

The father of Mary Habila, the 26-year-old nurse who died at the residence of Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Ebonyi State, has rejected calls for an autopsy, insisting that his only demand is for his daughter’s remains to be released for burial.

Habila Wisdom said the family’s decision was not based on any suspicion of foul play but on the pain of losing their daughter and the desire to give her a proper burial without further delay.

Speaking in an interview aired by Trust TV News, the grieving father said the prolonged wait over the circumstances surrounding her death had become too difficult for the family to bear.

‘We don’t keep the death of a little child up to so long, just like this. That is why I am here to say once again and for all, I need the corpse of my daughter to take her for burial. That is what I am standing on,’ he said.

The father maintained that the family had no accusation against anyone over the death of the young nurse, describing her relationship with her workplace and the minister’s household as cordial.

‘I am not suspecting anybody because death can occur. Even as we are standing here, one can fall here now and die. So we are not suspecting anybody. It has happened, it has happened,’ he said.

Mary Habila was reported to have died on June 27 inside a room at Umahi’s compound in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, where she had travelled alongside other members of the minister’s medical team for an official assignment.

The Ebonyi State Police Command said she was brought dead to the David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Uburu, after which the matter was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

However, the police have insisted that an autopsy is necessary to determine the actual cause of death, a position opposed by the family, which has approached the Ebonyi State High Court seeking to stop the investigation.

Umahi, who recently reacted to the controversy, maintained that there was no foul play involved, describing Habila as ‘like a daughter’ and saying she had worked with him for about three years.

The minister also said he had supported her medical treatment in the past, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her death would be properly addressed.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intensified its battle against drug trafficking on Friday with the declaration of a drug baron and his three associates wanted over methamphetamine factory discovered in Owerri, Imo State.

The agency also announced blockage of nearly over N9.8 billion funds as well as seizure of four exotic cars and other assets linked to the wanted suspects.

Spokesperson for NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Friday identified the wanted drug kingpin as Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna (a.k.a Odogwu).

The three associates of the drug baron declared wanted are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka; Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke (a.k.a Ekene Okwunaga).

He said the suspects are wanted over their involvement in the establishment of a clandestine laboratory, production of methamphetamine and drug money laundering.

Babafemi added that they were declared wanted based on the order of Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo state, following an application by NDLEA in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 filed before the court on 3rd July 2026.

According to him, NDLEA went to court to obtain the court order following discovery of a methamphetamine producing clandestine laboratory where 18.4 kilograms of the illicit substance and other items were recovered by operatives of the agency at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba local government area of Imo state on 25th February 2026.

‘Investigations later linked the wanted suspects to the meth lab and have since then gone into hiding,’ said the NDLEA spokesperson.

He added that based on forensic investigation of the meth syndicate by NDLEA operatives, bank accounts linked them with a combined balance of N9,840,873,566.66 have been frozen.

Babafemi said the NDLEA has also secured interim forfeiture orders covering multi billion naira assets owned by members of the syndicate including: a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) marked RLU 148 AJ; KJA 563 FZ; BWR 249 DY and FST 208 HU.

He quoted Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) as commending the officers and operatives involved in the operation.

Marwa, Babafemi said, described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks and disrupt the financial architecture that sustains them.

‘This latest operation reaffirms our unwavering commitment to tracking down drug kingpins and their collaborators, no matter how sophisticated their network or how long they attempt to evade justice.

‘The discovery of this clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Njaba, and the subsequent freezing of nearly ten billion naira in illicit funds, alongside the forfeiture of a filling station, multi-storey buildings and four exotic SUVs, sends an unambiguous message that the illegal drug business is no longer a safe haven for criminals seeking to launder their ill-gotten wealth through legitimate enterprises.

‘I want to assure Nigerians that the Agency will not relent in going after the fleeing suspects and anyone else linked to this syndicate.

‘We will continue to deploy financial and forensic intelligence to trace, freeze and forfeit assets acquired through drug trafficking, just as we will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law against fugitives who think they can hide from justice.

‘I appeal to members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to volunteer such information to the nearest NDLEA office or through our confidential lines, as we remain committed to ridding our communities of the scourge of drug trafficking and its attendant social and economic harm’, Marwa stated.