Category: PM News

The coroner at the JIC Taylor Courthouse in Lagos Island has suspended the hearing into the death of 21-month-old Master Nkanu Nnamdi Esege, the son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband, Ivara Esege.

Magistrate Atinuke Adetunji, who is overseeing the inquest, announced the suspension of proceedings, pending further directives from the chief coroner, Justice Mojisola Dada. The suspension came after a request from the Attorney General’s office to delay the hearing.

When the matter was called, counsel from the Attorney General’s office, Adebola Araba, informed the court that the AG had directed him to request the postponement until after a scheduled meeting between the AG and all involved parties. The meeting, set for May 12, 2026, was cited as the reason for the delay.

Araba told the court, “I have been directed to inform the court that a meeting between the AG of Lagos State and all counsel in this matter has been fixed for May 12, 2026. We urge the court to suspend the hearing of today and reschedule for after the meeting.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Adeyinka Aderemi, who represents the parents of the deceased, confirmed that a letter from the AG’s office, dated April 23, 2026, had indicated the meeting would take place on May 5. However, the letter was updated to reflect the new date of May 12. Aderemi expressed frustration, explaining that the change came late, and the parents were expecting the hearing to continue as planned.

Magistrate Adetunji questioned why the AG’s office failed to inform the court directly about the letter, which was not communicated in advance. Araba responded that he was unaware of the contents of the letter and had only been instructed to inform the court about the rescheduled meeting.

Counsel for Atlantis Paediatric Hospital, Abiodun Layanu (SAN), and counsel for Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital, Taiwo Osiptan (SAN), also confirmed receiving the letters from the AG’s office, noting that the hearing would follow the court’s decision on the matter.

Aderemi, representing the Esege family, voiced concern over the lack of coordination and the impact on the parents, particularly the father of the deceased, who was present in court and had prepared to provide a sworn statement. “The interest of the parents is not being carried along,” Aderemi said. “If there is restorative justice, the AG should have taken action sooner.”

Magistrate Adetunji, after hearing from all parties, ruled to suspend further proceedings in the inquest until after the scheduled meeting with the Attorney General.

The inquest into the death of Master Nkanu began on February 25, 2026. Nkanu, who was initially admitted to Atlantis Paediatric Hospital in Lagos for a worsening illness, was later referred to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital for diagnostic procedures, including an MRI, lumbar puncture, and the insertion of a central line. Sadly, the child passed away on January 7, 2026, following these procedures, just hours after being admitted to Euracare.

Popular TikTok content creator, Cindy of Oshodi, has broken her silence following the circulation of her leaked intimate video that has stirred widespread reactions across social media.

The 13-minute clip, reportedly uploaded on an adult website, features the influencer alongside an unidentified man. Its emergence has reignited conversations about privacy, digital exploitation, and the pressures faced by online personalities.

Rather than focus solely on the scandal, Cindy’s response has shifted attention to a broader narrative, which was her personal struggles before fame and the realities many young creators face behind the scenes.

In a video shared on her TikTok page, she explained that the footage dates back to between 2019 and 2020, a period she described as one of financial hardship and limited guidance.

“I wouldn’t have said anything at first,” she noted, “but for those who genuinely care about me, I owe you honesty. I’m sorry for letting you down.”

She added that the decisions captured in the video reflected a difficult time in her life, highlighting how desperation and lack of support can push individuals into choices they later regret.

Cindy also used the moment to draw attention to the often-unseen struggles of content creators, pointing out that public expectations rarely align with the financial realities many influencers face.

The incident has since triggered mixed reactions online. While some critics have used it to question the integrity of social media personalities, others have called for empathy, stressing issues of consent, privacy breaches, and the long-term impact of digital leaks.

By Nehru Odeh

Orhan Pamuk, Turkish writer and winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2006 is dead. Swedish writer and journalist Ingrid Carlberg made this known via a post on X on Wednesday.

The post reads:

“The Swedish Academy now receives from Istanbul the sad news of the sudden death of the writer Orhan Pamuk, Nobel Prize in Literature for 2006. ”

Pamuk, a novelist, screenwriter and academic, was one of Turkey’s most prominent novelists; and sold over 13 million books in 63 languages, making him the country’s best-selling writer.

His novels include Silent House, The White Castle, The Black Book, The New Life, My Name Is Red and Snow.

He was the Robert Yik-Fong Tam Professor in the Humanities at Columbia University, where he taught writing and comparative literature. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2018.

Born in Istanbu on 7 June 1952, Pamuk was the first Turkish Nobel laureate. He was the recipient of many literary award.

His bestselling novel, My Name Is Red won the 2002 Prix du Meilleur Livre atranger, the 2002 Premio Grinzane Cavour, and the 2003 International Dublin Literary Award.

Pamuk was educated at Robert College secondary school in Istanbul and studied architecture at the Istanbul Technical University, a subject related to his dream career, painting.

He left architecture school after three years to become a full-time writer, and graduated from the Institute of Journalism at the University of Istanbul in 1976.

From ages 22 to 30, Pamuk lived with his mother, writing his first novel and attempting to find a publisher.

He described himself as a Cultural Muslim who identifies with Islam historically and culturally while not believing in a personal connection to God.

Pamuk started writing regularly in 1974. His first novel, Karanlk ve Ik (Darkness and Light) was a co-winner of the 1979 Milliyet Press Novel Contest (Mehmet Erolu was the other winner). This novel was published with the title Cevdet Bey ve Oullar (Mr. Cevdet and His Sons) in 1982 and won the Orhan Kemal Novel Prize in 1983. It tells the story of three generations of a wealthy Istanbul family living in Nianta, the district of Istanbul where Pamuk grew up.

Pamuk won a number of critical prizes for his early work, including the 1984 Madarali Novel Prize for his second novel Sessiz Ev (Silent House) and the 1991 Prix de la Decouverte Europeenne for its French translation. His historical novel Beyaz Kale (The White Castle), published in Turkish in 1985, won the 1990 Independent Award for Foreign Fiction and extended his reputation abroad.

On 19 May 1991, The New York Times Book Review wrote, “A new star has risen in the east–Orhan Pamuk.” He started experimenting with postmodern techniques in his novels, a change from his early works’ strict naturalism.

Barack Obama took a series of thinly veiled jabs at his successor, Donald Trump, during a conversation with Stephen Colbert, while also hinting at an unconventional political future as a potential “ambassador for Earth” in the event of an alien invasion.

The former president made the remarks during an interview from his presidential center, where he criticized Trump’s tenure and suggested that the bar for what it takes to be president had “changed.” Obama’s comments on the political landscape were punctuated by a bizarre suggestion that he could represent Earth in the event of extraterrestrial contact.

“I think I would be a good emissary for the planet,” Obama remarked with a smirk, adding, “I’ve got some experience in statecraft, diplomacy. I’m friendly. So, I actually think I could do a pretty good job.” His comment about intergalactic diplomacy drew laughter from Colbert and the studio audience.

During the interview, Colbert lightheartedly suggested that Obama should consider running for president again, a notion Obama quickly dismissed. “I think it’s a stupid idea,” Colbert admitted, to which Obama responded, “Well, you know, the bar has changed,” drawing cheers from the audience.

Obama continued to take jabs at Trump when Colbert asked about the powers of the president. He stressed that the White House should not be able to direct the Attorney General to prosecute political enemies, a clear reference to actions taken by the Trump administration. “The attorney general is the people’s lawyer, not the president’s consigliere,” Obama said.

The former president also criticized the use of the presidential pardon power, suggesting it should not be used to reward political allies or donors. He added that Trump had politicized the military, deviating from the norms that made it loyal to the country, not to one individual.

Obama’s remarks also extended to his successor’s controversial actions, including the corruption and politicization of various offices within the administration. “A good policy would be that the president shouldn’t have a bunch of side hustles,” Obama said, alluding to Trump’s business interests while in office.

Colbert jokingly pointed out that Obama could have earned money in the way Trump did by selling products like sneakers, prompting Obama to quip, “I have enough self-respect not to do that.”

The conversation took another turn when Colbert asked Obama about his previous statement regarding the possibility of alien life. Obama clarified that while he had not seen any evidence of extraterrestrials, he hoped they existed and would like to represent Earth if they ever made contact. “I’m putting in a plug now: First contact. I think I would be a good emissary for the planet,” Obama said with a grin. “The government is terrible at keeping secrets. If aliens exist, they’d probably be revealed by a security guard taking a selfie with one.”

Obama’s comments didn’t end there. He also criticized the current state of the Republican Party, lamenting its shift from a traditional conservative stance to one more focused on tapping into “the worst impulses.” He did, however, praise New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, calling him “an extraordinary talent,” but pointed out that the left often struggles with connecting to regular people. “Can you talk plain English to folks? Not gobbledygook,” Obama said.

Meanwhile, the former president also addressed the controversial construction of his presidential center, which has faced criticism due to its soaring costs and impact on the surrounding community in Chicago’s Jackson Park. Originally projected to cost $300 million, the center’s price tag has now ballooned to approximately $850 million, sparking outrage from locals who feel the project has displaced them without proper consultation.

By Ifeanyi Olannye

former Chief Press Secretary to ex-governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State Mr Olisa Ifeajika has defended the senatorial ambition of his former boss while absolving him of alleged stealing of N1.3 trillion state fund while he was in office.

Ifeajika said this at a news briefing in Asaba on Tuesday while reacting to allegations of the missing of a whopping N1.3 trillion, raised by a youth group in the state.

The media aide insisted that Okowa is a serious contender for the Senate in the 2027 General Election and is not culpable of the allegedly missing N1.3 trillion state fund.

He also warned that people should shun politics of thuggery, lies and insults.

He said that though it was time for politics, opponents should campaign without twisting facts to distract the public by sending wrong information to smear decent people.

“As far as we are concerned, by the statement we gave out in 2024, no N1.3 trillion is missing anywhere.

“What came into the state for the eight years Okowa was governor was N2.65 trillion and we gave account of how that money was spent.

“We were all witnesses to the event about the allegation that while Okowa was on vacation outside the country in 2024, he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to defend allegations levelled against him.

“When he returned, as a law abiding citizen, he reported to the EFCC in Port Harcourt, where he responded to the petition.

“First, Okowa was not arrested, he went to honour an invitation by the EFCC and he was never detained.

“And after responding to the allegations, which took him one day, he came back to Asaba, his base.

“At Okowa’s return from the EFCC, I, as the CPS, came out with a statement to the facts and the so allegedly missing N1.3 trillion and we gave account of what came into the state as revenue for the eight years he was governor.

“For two years now, the statement has not been controverted and nobody has come to say Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, you lied, this facts you presented are not true,” Ifeajika said.

He further said that it was rather shameful that certain individuals could come to demand that Okowa was culpable of a “missing” N1.3 trillion and should be committed to prison.

He said that if the senator was culpable, the EFCC had a job to do, adding that people should not play politics with everything.

He debunked the allegation that Okowa and indeed the movement of the entire State Government’s structure from PDP to APC was to shield him from prosecution for alleged fraud.

“To move from PDP to APC was borne out of full consultation with relevant stakeholders in the state; from Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori, the past governor, leaders and to the lowest strata in the party, whether to remain or leave the PDP.

“Today, the implosion our leaders saw then in PDP has happened.

“So, the movement to APC was never to shield anybody nor avoid any investigation,” Ifeajika said.

He further said that, as governor, Okowa pioneered the domestication of Health Insurance Scheme in Delta, which gave rise to the contributory health scheme, where patients only pay N7,000 premium annually to access health care.

He said that, in spite the distractions, Okowa had fully answered the call by the leaders and stakeholders from Delta North, led by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, to contest for the Senate in 2027.

Ifeajika, who is the Executive Assistant to Gov. Oborevwori on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, lauded the present administration for its impactful projects, policies and programmes.

“Gov. Oborevwori is doing very well. He has taken governance to the next level.

“If the detractors have any other thing to throw up, let them do but for N1.3 trillion, health services or any other matter, they have failed,” Ifeajika said.

(NAN)

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to 10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.;u;u

The facility provides loans ranging from 500,000 to 5 million under a general category, and 5 million to 10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.;u;u

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure. Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.;u;u

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.;u;u

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively. Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers. This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”;u;u

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB). “By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”;u;u

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.;u;u

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.;u;u

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open. Apply now.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opposed efforts to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stating that the application does not meet the constitutional and legal requirements for such a move.

According to reports, INEC in its filing before the court, rejected the application to deregister the party, insisting that none of the constitutionally recognized grounds for deregistration had been met. INEC stated that the power to deregister political parties is strictly regulated by law and cannot be exercised arbitrarily or under political influence.

“The power to deregister political parties is neither discretionary nor subject to political pressure, but strictly governed by extant laws and constitutional provisions,” INEC stated in its submission to the court.

The commission emphasized that there was no evidence that the ADC had breached any registration requirements or failed to meet the necessary electoral performance thresholds, which are key criteria for deregistration.

Legal analysts say that INEC’s stance significantly weakens the case and could lead to its collapse, given the commission’s central role in regulating political parties in Nigeria.

The filing has also been interpreted in some circles as an institutional pushback against attempts to use the judiciary for partisan purposes.

Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, criticized the move to deregister the ADC, describing it as politically motivated. “What we are witnessing is the unravelling of a poorly scripted political ambush designed to cripple opposition voices,” Shaibu said.

Shaibu added that INEC’s filing validates concerns about the legal vacuum surrounding the case. “The fact that INEC itself has come forward to puncture the legal vacuum of this application speaks volumes,” he said, arguing that the move was not about law but intimidation.

Shaibu further warned that attempts to weaken political competition threaten Nigeria’s democracy. “No democracy survives where the ruling party seeks to eliminate competition through the back door,” he said. “Nigeria is bigger than any administration, and its democratic space cannot be shrunk to accommodate political insecurity.”

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia, on Tuesday, approved the immediate commencement of a feasibility study for the state’s proposed Azumini-Obeaku Seaport and Inland Waterways Corridor project.

Otti announced the approval at a meeting with officials of China Harbour Engineering Company Limited, held in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area of the state.

He directed the company to expedite the study and shorten its proposed timeline.

“Somehow, deep in my mind, I know that this is the approach. It is good to understand the details and all that is required.

“So, you can take it that approval has been given for the feasibility study to commence.

“But then, six to seven months is a long time and if we can shorten it, that will help,” he said.

The governor also directed relevant government agencies to expedite action and commence the process of obtaining Federal Government’s approvals for the project.

“We need to start the process immediately, hoping that the feasibility study will return positive because the study may also show that the project is not viable,” he said.

He further advised the company to undertake an inspection visit to the proposed project site ahead of the study.

According to him, the proposed location is about 19 nautical miles from the high sea, a situation that may require dredging activities.

Otti expressed the optimism that the project would be realised, if properly pursued.

Earlier, the Marketing Manager of the Company, Mr Nicholas Liu, said that the company was interested in partnering the Abia Government to actualise the project.

Liu said that the company had extensive experience in infrastructure development in Nigeria, including its involvement in the execution of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project.

He identified government’s commitment, funding arrangements, public-private partnership structure and phased development as critical factors for the success of such projects.

He also underscored the importance of conducting a feasibility study and made recommendations on the implementation of the project.

(NAN)

The Minister of Education, According to the minister, the misuse of honorary titles has become widespread over the years, with many recipients presenting honorary awards as earned academic qualifications.

Alausa warned that such misrepresentation would now be regarded as academic fraud and could attract legal as well as reputational consequences.

“The recent trend we’ve seen with the award of honorary degrees has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” Alausa said.

“We’ve seen awards being used for political patronage, financial gain, as well as the conferral of awards on serving public officials, which, as part of the ethics guiding honorary awards, should not happen.”

Under the new regulation, honorary degree recipients are no longer permitted to prefix “Dr” to their names.

Instead, recipients are expected to state the honorary distinction after their names in formats that clearly identify the award as honorary.

The minister gave an example such as “Chief Louis Clark, D.Lit. (Doctor of Literature, Honoris Causa)” to illustrate the approved format.

Alausa added that all honorary certificates and references must clearly contain the words “Honorary” or “Honoris Causa” to avoid confusion with earned academic qualifications.

The policy also limits Nigerian universities to awarding only four categories of honorary degrees — Doctor of Laws (LL.D), Doctor of Letters (D.Lit), Doctor of Science (D.Sc), and Doctor of Humanities (D.Arts).

In addition, universities without active PhD-awarding programmes have been barred from conferring honorary doctorate degrees.

According to the minister, the restriction is aimed at curbing the growing trend of newer institutions awarding honorary doctorates despite lacking established postgraduate research programmes.

Concerns over the indiscriminate award of honorary degrees have persisted within Nigeria’s academic community for years, with critics accusing some institutions of using such awards for political influence and financial patronage.

Alausa recalled that the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities had attempted to address the issue in 2012 through the “Keffi Declaration,” but the initiative lacked legal backing and was therefore ineffective.

He noted that the new FEC approval now gives the policy executive and legal authority.

The National Universities Commission (NUC), alongside the Federal Ministry of Education, is expected to issue implementation directives to vice-chancellors, registrars and governing councils across Nigerian universities.

The minister also disclosed that convocation ceremonies would be monitored to ensure compliance with the policy.

The The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Dr. According to him, the new intelligence unit will receive security-related information, including videos, photographs and audio evidence from members of the public through the dedicated lines: 0911 019 5555 and 0916 201 1179.

Ogunsan described the development as a strategic intervention designed to deepen intelligence-led policing and improve the state’s overall security architecture amid the growing complexities of managing security in a megacity like Lagos.

He said the initiative was introduced to bridge communication gaps between residents and security agencies by providing a confidential platform for citizens to share actionable intelligence.

“Today marks a significant step forward in our collective commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Lagos State,” Ogunsan stated.

“The Lagos State Security Trust Fund is establishing an Intelligence Unit dedicated to receiving security-related information from members of the public and ensuring its timely transmission to relevant security agencies,” he added.

The LSSTF boss stressed that the tip lines were designed strictly for messaging purposes and not for emergency calls, explaining that residents are expected to submit information through videos, pictures and other digital evidence.

He noted that the platform would support security agencies in making informed operational decisions through credible intelligence provided by members of the public.

Ogunsan maintained that security remained a collective responsibility, insisting that the effectiveness of security agencies largely depends on timely and credible information from citizens.

“While our security agencies continue to work tirelessly to maintain peace and order, the role of citizens in providing credible information cannot be overstated,” he said.

He further clarified that the initiative was not created to duplicate the functions of existing emergency response agencies, but to complement ongoing security efforts across the state.

“We are not trying to take the job of Command and Control Centre or other agencies; it is a support from us as an interventionist agency,” Ogunsan explained.

The LSSTF chief also warned against the misuse of the platform through the submission of false or fabricated information, saying such actions could undermine security operations and attract serious consequences.

He assured Lagos residents that all credible information received through the security tip lines would be treated with strict confidentiality, while measures had been put in place to protect the identities of informants.

Ogunsan described the initiative as a partnership-driven security approach involving the government, security agencies and residents.