Category: PM News

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has dismissed allegations that the ruling party shields its members from criminal prosecution, insisting that belonging to the party does not guarantee protection from the law.

Yilwatda said several APC members were already facing prosecution in court, maintaining that the party would not interfere with the legal process to protect anyone.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, the APC chairman rejected claims that politicians facing criminal allegations could escape prosecution by joining the ruling party.

‘Nobody is protected. I don’t want to mention names, but I know members of our party who are undergoing prosecution and appear in court every day,’ he declared.

Yilwatda, however, insisted that the party’s position on prosecution must not undermine the fundamental rights of individuals accused of wrongdoing.

He maintained that suspects must be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, regardless of their political affiliation.

‘As long as you have not been convicted, we assume you’re innocent because that’s what the law says,’ he stated.

‘So, as APC members, we can’t use strict prosecutions to go ahead and deny people their fundamental human rights.’

The APC chairman maintained that party membership did not place anyone above the law, while stressing that individuals facing prosecution remained entitled to constitutional protection until their cases were determined.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over a fraudulent publication circulating online concerning governorship candidates in six states ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission denied issuing the purported special announcement affecting Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano states, warning Nigerians against being misled by the document.

In a public notice, INEC described the circulating publication as fake, stressing that it did not originate from the commission.

‘The Commission wishes to categorically inform the general public that the publication is FAKE and did not originate from INEC,’ the notice stated.

The electoral body urged Nigerians to disregard the publication and avoid sharing it, warning that the circulation of false electoral information could mislead the public.

INEC further clarified that it had not issued any special announcement concerning governorship candidates in the six affected states.

‘The Commission further wishes to clarify that any information suggesting that INEC has issued a special announcement concerning governorship candidates in the aforementioned states is false,’ it stated.

The commission advised political parties, candidates and members of the public to verify electoral information through its official website, news portal and verified social media accounts.

It also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against fraudulent publications, particularly as preparations continue for the 2027 elections.

INEC reiterated its commitment to providing accurate electoral information and called on the public to rely exclusively on its official communication channels.

Segun Ogunwuyi, Chief of Staff to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has resigned from his position, becoming the latest top government official to leave the administration amid a wave of resignations in the state.

Ogunwuyi announced his resignation in a letter dated October 12, 2026, stating that his decision took immediate effect.

His departure comes as several aides of Makinde have resigned from the government over the past two months, raising fresh questions about the unfolding changes within the governor’s administration.

Before his appointment as Chief of Staff, Ogunwuyi served as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives.

In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude to Makinde for the opportunity to serve, describing his time in government as an honour and a fulfilling experience.

‘I respectfully write to resign my appointment as Chief of Staff to the Governor of Oyo State, with effect from today, 12th October, 2026,’ he wrote.

Reflecting on his time in office, Ogunwuyi said he was proud to have contributed to the administration’s efforts to advance the state’s development.

‘Serving the Government and the good people of Oyo State has been a great honour. It has been deeply fulfilling to be part of the exceptional team that has worked relentlessly to deliver the remarkable achievements of this administration.

‘I remain immensely proud of what we have collectively accomplished in advancing the growth, development and prosperity of our dear State. As I take this decision, I do so with profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve, with confidence in the continued progress of Oyo State,’ he stated.

Ogunwuyi concluded the letter by reaffirming his respect for the governor and his commitment to the state and the country.

‘Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and unwavering loyalty to Oyo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the letter read.

His resignation adds to the recent exits from Makinde’s administration, although he did not disclose any specific reason for his decision in the letter.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has denied reports that it plans to resume enforcing Monday sit-at-home orders in the South-East.

The group said it had no plan to enforce the order from October 12, 2026.

IPOB made the clarification in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, in response to an alleged police intelligence report dated October 9, 2026.

The report reportedly warned of plans by IPOB and its Eastern Security Network (ESN) to resume enforcing the sit-at-home order in the region.

However, IPOB said it had not directed its members or the ESN to enforce the order.

The group also denied issuing any voice note or instruction calling for a return of the sit-at-home exercise in the South-East or Imo State.

IPOB called on the Nigeria Police Force to provide evidence to support the allegations in the reported intelligence document. It also asked the police to explain the basis for linking the alleged message to the group or the ESN.

The group maintained that its activities remained focused on achieving Biafran self-determination through peaceful means.

IPOB also restated its position on the forthcoming elections, saying it intended to boycott them.

In addition, the group urged the Federal Government to address the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, particularly hunger and unemployment.

It called on the government to introduce measures that would reduce hardship and address the concerns of citizens.

The police had yet to respond to the allegations or the claims made in the reported intelligence document as of the time of the report.

The Federal Government has withdrawn the eight-count criminal charge against Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged fake Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), following the discovery of loopholes in the case.

However, the government has filed fresh charges against Adeyemi before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he is expected to face a new arraignment.

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, struck out the original charges on Monday after the prosecution applied to discontinue proceedings before the court.

The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice had reviewed the case file and identified defects in the charges initially filed by the Inspector-General of Police.

According to Oyedepo, the review established that the alleged forgery offences fell within the jurisdiction of the FCT High Court rather than the Federal High Court.

He informed the judge that fresh charges had already been filed at the appropriate court and that Adeyemi would be arraigned again without delay.

The prosecution consequently requested that the existing charges be struck out to allow the fresh proceedings to commence.

Adeyemi’s counsel, Ibrahim Angulu, SAN, raised no objection to the application.

Justice Umar subsequently granted the request and struck out the eight-count charge.

Adeyemi was standing trial alongside two other suspects whose whereabouts remain unknown over allegations of conspiracy and forgery.

The accused had allegedly presented himself as the Director-General of the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

The court’s decision terminates the proceedings before the Federal High Court but does not bring the Federal Government’s prosecution of Adeyemi to an end.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued a 44-year-old man during a security operation in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation, conducted on October 11, involved personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters and forest guards.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, Kennedy Anyanwu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said troops of the 195 Battalion (Rear) launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence about suspected kidnappers operating in the area.

According to the statement, the security team encountered the suspects, who opened fire when they sighted the advancing troops.

‘However, the troops responded decisively to counter the attack. The ensuing firefight resulted in the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of the abducted victim, identified as 44-year-old Prince Michael Akao,’ Anyanwu said.

The operation also led to the recovery of three locally fabricated firearms and nine live cartridges.

Other items recovered from the suspected kidnappers included foodstuffs, two torchlights, two cutlasses, five mobile phones, two power banks, two cooking pots, three food plates, a bottle of oil, two pairs of shoes and three pairs of bathroom slippers.

The security team also recovered a head warmer, three packs of cigarettes, illicit drugs, charms, a bucket and clothing materials.

Anyanwu said the rescued man had been taken to a hospital for medical attention and was confirmed to be in stable condition.

He added that the recovered items had been handed over to the DSS Command in Igarra, while the remains of the three suspects were transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Igarra Division, for further necessary action.

The Army said the operation demonstrated its commitment to intelligence-led missions and efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.

‘The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, commitment to intelligence-led operations and determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.

‘It also highlights the importance of effective inter-agency collaboration in strengthening security operations and achieving sustainable results in the fight against criminality,’ the statement added.

The Commander of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage, professionalism and prompt response during the encounter.

He also praised the cooperation among the participating security agencies, noting its contribution to the successful operation.

Balogun assured residents that the brigade would sustain its offensive against kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.

He said troops would continue to carry out aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to deny criminals safe havens, protect lives and property, and provide a secure environment for farming, commerce and other legitimate economic activities.

The commander also urged members of the public to provide security agencies with timely, credible and actionable intelligence, describing public cooperation as essential to preventing crime and consolidating security gains across the state.

President Bola Tinubu has said the Federal Government waived more than ?3.3 trillion in fuel taxes and duties to cushion the impact of rising petrol prices, while expanding alternative-fuel transportation schemes to reduce fares for Nigerians.

Tinubu also disclosed that NNPC Retail was foregoing its profit margin for 30 days, with public transport operators receiving priority, as the government worked towards a ?1,350-per-litre ceiling on wholesale petrol supply costs.

The President stated this in a message posted on his official X account, where he highlighted reported savings by commuters and transport operators using compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles.

He cited the experience of Blessing, whose transport fare from Masaka to Berger in the Federal Capital Territory had reportedly dropped from ?1,500 to ?500, saving her ?1,000 per trip.

Tinubu also referenced Ada and Abigail, who now reportedly pay ?1,600 instead of ?4,000 for journeys between Enugu and Nsukka, saving ?2,400 on each trip.

He further cited Kabir, a taxi driver who said ?10,000 worth of CNG enabled him to make three additional return trips compared with colleagues using petrol.

According to the President, some commuters in Borno State were also paying as little as ?50 per trip on CNG-powered and electric vehicles.

Tinubu said the experiences reflected the objective of government investment in alternative-fuel transportation: reducing operating costs for transporters and translating the savings into more affordable fares for passengers.

Acknowledging the difficulties households faced following the removal of the petrol subsidy, he said the government had a responsibility to provide practical alternatives to ease transportation costs.

On efforts to expand access, Tinubu said the Federal Government was working with state governments through the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and private investors under the National Affordable CNG Transportation Programme.

He disclosed that Ekiti State had received 15 buses, Lagos 20, while Akwa Ibom had 50 buses ready for service. Katsina had introduced 30 CNG hybrid buses and 200 electric tricycles, while Kano had received 30 CNG buses and five electric buses. Another rollout was planned for Edo State.

Tinubu added that Kaduna’s 100 CNG buses had carried more than three million passengers, while over 400 certified conversion centres had converted more than 120,000 vehicles to CNG. He said refuelling infrastructure was also being expanded.

The President said the government would continue working with state governments to make affordable transportation available to more communities, stressing that policy commitments must be backed by sustainable funding and credible implementation plans.

Prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and religious figures have celebrated Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi, Chairman of the Lagos State APC Governance Advisory Council (GAC) and Baba Adinni of Yorubaland, on his 90th birthday, describing him as an experienced leader and a source of guidance.

The tributes were delivered during a special prayer and thanksgiving service held at the Lagos Central Mosque, where political associates, community leaders and religious figures gathered to honour the elder statesman for his contributions to public service, community development and Nigerian politics.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary of the Lagos State Governance Advisory Council, Alhaji Mutiu Are, commended Olusi for dedicating much of his life to serving his political associates, community and country.

Are said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the celebrant’s longstanding commitment to public service and his contributions to the political development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

The Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their commitment to leadership and governance.

Ojelabi also praised the planning committee for organising the thanksgiving service and other activities to mark Olusi’s 90th birthday.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi at 90 Planning Committee, Dr Seyi Bamgbade, said the elder statesman deserved recognition for his contributions to Nigeria’s development and his longstanding support for President Tinubu and his family.

Bamgbade noted that the celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge Olusi’s years of service and his role in the political journey of the ruling party.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State offered prayers for the celebrant, asking Allah to grant him continued strength, good health and more years of service.

The cleric urged younger Nigerians to draw inspiration from Olusi’s dedication to public service and commitment to the common good.

He also called on Lagos residents and political leaders to sustain the state’s tradition of progressive governance and development.

The thanksgiving service formed part of activities marking Olusi’s 90th birthday, bringing together political and religious stakeholders to recognise his decades of involvement in public life and his standing within the Lagos APC.

The World Bank Group says it plans to help attract up to $5.79 billion in private investment to Nigeria in 2026. One of its major programmes is expected to support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The funding will support key sectors, including digital infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and small businesses.

The World Bank Group said the initiative combines financial support, business investments and economic reforms to attract private investors and boost Nigeria’s economic growth.

Digital infrastructure to attract $1.1 billion

Through its Broadband Infrastructure Development (BRIDGE) Project, the World Bank aims to provide an additional 58 million Nigerians with access to affordable internet by 2030.

The project seeks to increase broadband coverage from 92 million people in 2025 to 150 million by 2030.

The first phase is expected to attract at least $156 million in private investment, while later phases could raise the total investment to $1.1 billion by 2030.

The project also plans to connect 38,800 public schools, 16,900 health facilities and 3,400 local government offices to broadband services.

It is expected to benefit an additional 42 million young people and 15 million women.

MSME financing to support 850,000 jobs

The Financial Inclusion for Nigeria (FINCLUDE) programme is expected to attract nearly $1.89 billion in private investment and support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The programme targets more than 250,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly businesses operating in sectors that create many jobs.

It includes a $500 million financing package from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and International Development Association.

At least 30 per cent of the funding is earmarked for businesses owned by women.

The programme aims to improve access to loans and other financial services for small businesses while encouraging job creation.

Agriculture projects to support one million farmers

The Agricultural Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project aims to support one million smallholder farmers, including women and young people.

The project is expected to attract $220 million from agribusiness companies and another $22 million from certified seed producers.

The funding will help strengthen agricultural value chains and improve farmers’ access to quality seeds and other essential farming inputs.

Separately, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector investment arm, helped raise $1.02 billion for Dangote Industries and $282.5 million for Indorama Fertilizer.

The two companies have a combined production capacity of 6.8 million metric tonnes annually.

Their investments are expected to improve access to agricultural inputs and boost productivity for more than 10 million smallholder farmers.

IHS Towers attracts over $1.1 billion

The IFC also helped attract more than $1.1 billion in private investment through a $1.2 billion bond issued by IHS Towers.

The IFC acted as a major investor in the bond, helping the company attract additional funding from private investors.

The transaction highlights how the World Bank Group uses its investments to encourage private businesses to provide funding for infrastructure, including telecommunications.

World Bank links reforms to investment growth

The World Bank Group said Nigeria’s economic reforms since mid-2023 have helped create a more predictable environment for investors.

The reforms include changes to foreign exchange management, public finances and fuel subsidies.

The latest investment plans build on earlier World Bank programmes designed to improve access to finance for businesses and increase agricultural productivity.

In December 2025, the World Bank approved a $500 million financing package for the FINCLUDE programme to improve access to credit for Nigerian small businesses.

The programme particularly targets women-owned businesses and agribusinesses.

In April 2026, the World Bank also approved a $500 million credit for the AGROW Project to improve farmers’ productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and support food security in Nigeria.

The Enugu State Government has lost one of its officials, Chief Lucky Chukwu, a Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah and elder brother of the Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial District, Kelvin Chukwu.

The death has thrown the Chukwu family into mourning, forcing the senator to suspend all political activities and engagements for one week.

Senator Chukwu announced his brother’s death in a statement issued on Sunday, October 11, 2026, through his Head of Media, Ambassador Ogomegbunam Success Nwoye.

The lawmaker described the deceased, a lawyer and politician, as an astute public servant whose death had left the family traumatised.

‘Senator Chukwu, who is mourning his elder brother, has therefore cancelled all his political activities/engagements for a week,’ the statement read.

The senator also appealed to his constituents in Enugu East Senatorial District to join the family in mourning the late Chukwu, whom he described as an ‘erudite son of Nkanuland.’

The statement concluded with a prayer for the deceased.

‘May God rest the soul of Chief Lucky Chukwu,’ it added.

The family did not disclose the cause of death or provide details of the circumstances surrounding his passing.