Category: PM News

Eleven Indian sailors and their merchant vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, who were arrested by operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing 31.5 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria were convicted and fined a total of Six Million US Dollars ($6million) by a Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday.

The Indian crew members and their merchant vessel were arrested at the GDNL terminal, Apapa port Lagos on Friday 2nd January 2026 following the discovery of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine in hatch 3 of their ship by NDLEA operatives

They had arrived at Apapa Port from from Marshall Islands with the Master of the Vessel identified as Sharma Shashi Bhushan.

The other crew members were identified as: Bharati Manoj Kumar; Nevage Sandesh Suresh; Pandey Prashant; Nuttu Anand; Akash Babu; Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad; Melethil Insaf Rahman; Barla Chantanya Krishna; Prabhasukhan Singu; and Jai Parkash.

The were subsequently arraigned on two counts charge before Joseph Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

However, they filed a plea bargain which the prosecution and defence counsel agreed to.

The plea bargain formed the basis of the judgment delivered on the suit by Justice Aneke on Thursday, according to Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Aneke convicted all the 12 defendants under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act and sentenced them to pay the sum of 100,000 Naira each as the penalty for the offence under the Act.

?In addition, the Judge ordered 1st defendant, which is the vessel, to pay restitution in the sum of $5,300,000 or its equivalent in Naira to the Nigerian government.

Also, the three principal officers of the vessel who are the 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants, namely: Sharma Shashi Bhushan; Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad; and Melethil Insaf Rahman are also to pay restitution to the Nigerian government in the sum of 100,000 US dollars each.

The other crew members, the 5th to 12th defendants are to pay their restitution in the sum of 50, 000 US dollars each.

Babafemi quoted the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) as noting that the conviction of the vessel and its crew members sends a resounding message to every drug trafficking network in the world that ‘Nigeria is no longer a safe corridor for cocaine or any other illicit substance.’

Marwa said, ‘This judgment is the third of its kind in recent times, following the convictions of foreign nationals and vessels on similar charges. Let it be known that these are not coincidences, they are the direct result of deliberate, intelligence-led operations by our officers who remain vigilant at every port of entry.

‘The NDLEA will not relent. Whether you come by air, land, or sea; whether you are a Nigerian or a foreign national, if you attempt to use our waters as a narcotics highway, you will face the full weight of Nigerian law. Our courts have spoken, and we will continue to give them reason to speak. The war against drug trafficking is one we are winning and we intend to keep it that way.’

The NDLEA boss commended the officers, men and women of the Apapa Strategic Command of the Agency for their vigilance in identifying the cocaine consignment buried deep within the cargo of a massive commodity vessel.

He specifically expressed appreciation to the Agency’s Directorate of Prosecution and Legal Services for their diligence in the prosecution of the case.

Labour Party senatorial candidate for Nasarawa North, Labaran Maku, has raised alarm over what he described as a plan to compromise the June 20 bye-election in parts of the district.

Speaking at a press conference in Akpata, Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area on Wednesday, the former Minister of Information claimed nine wards in Nasarawa Eggon had been earmarked for electoral manipulation due to their high voter population and perceived support for the Labour Party.

Maku alleged that some political interests were uneasy about the growing popularity of his candidacy and were exploring ways to influence the outcome of the poll.

According to the Labour Party candidate, the party enjoys strong grassroots support across Nasarawa Eggon, Akwanga, and Wamba Local Government Areas, bolstering confidence ahead of the election.

‘We have credible information suggesting moves to interfere with the electoral process because some people have realized that the electorate is determined to vote for change,’ Maku said.

He warned that political thugs were reportedly being mobilised to disrupt voting in strategic locations, stressing that any attempt to undermine the will of the people could trigger tension and erode public confidence in democracy.

Maku called on federal authorities and security agencies to ensure neutrality and resist political pressure that could compromise the credibility of the exercise. He also expressed concern over the redeployment of senior security officers in the state, claiming the move mirrors past controversial election periods.

The former minister further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of imposing an unpopular candidate through non-transparent primaries for the bye-election.

Despite the allegations, Maku remained optimistic about his chances, insisting that voters in Nasarawa North consistently vote based on competence, credibility, and track record rather than party affiliation.

He urged residents to stay peaceful, vigilant, and committed to the democratic process as preparations for the bye-election reach the final stages.

Mexico forward Julián Quiñones etched his name into FIFA World Cup history on Thursday after scoring the first goal of the 2026 tournament to hand the hosts an early lead against South Africa in the opening match of the competition.

The striker struck in the ninth minute at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, capitalising on a costly defensive error before firing home from the edge of the box to put Mexico 1-0 ahead.

The goal marked the first of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Mexico had started the contest brightly and dominated possession in the opening exchanges as they looked to delight the home crowd.

Raúl Jiménez came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute when he connected with a pass inside the box, only for South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to produce a superb diving save to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough eventually arrived four minutes later when Quiñones pounced on a defensive mistake by the South Africans, showing composure to drive the ball beyond Williams and into the net.

The goal sparked celebrations among the Mexican supporters and immediately placed the 29-year-old in the history books as the first player to score at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

South Africa attempted to respond and enjoyed periods of possession, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Mexican defence.

The encounter became increasingly physical as both teams battled for control in midfield. South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena was shown a yellow card in the 17th minute following a reckless challenge, while Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez also entered the referee’s notebook six minutes later.

The House of Representatives on Thursday has moved forward with key constitutional reform efforts and adopted a report that includes provisions for the creation of state police and approving 18 amendment clauses aimed at reshaping aspects of governance and public administration.

The decisions were taken during plenary on Thursday presided over by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas.

Lawmakers endorsed the report after considering recommendations from ongoing constitutional review processes designed to address critical national issues, including security, institutional efficiency and governance reforms.

Among the major highlights of the report is support for the establishment of state police, a proposal that has generated extensive national debate over the years as stakeholders seek new approaches to tackling insecurity across the country.

The approved amendments form part of broader efforts by the National Assembly to update sections of the Constitution and strengthen public institutions. The measures are intended to improve governance structures, enhance service delivery and make government institutions more responsive to emerging challenges.

The adoption of the report marks another step in the constitutional amendment process, with the proposals expected to undergo further legislative procedures as required before they can take effect.

The Federal Government has dismissed claims circulating about the appointment of a certain Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi under a purported body known as the ‘Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council’, describing the organisation as non-existent and the appointment as fraudulent.

In a formal disclaimer issued from the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Presidency said it had become aware of attempts by the individual to present himself as holding an official role under the current administration.

‘It has come to the notice of the Federal Government of Nigeria and specifically the Office of the Chief of Staff to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR that a certain Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, under the auspices of an alleged organisation styled as the ‘Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council’ is portraying himself to the general public, as having been appointed by my office,’ the statement read.

The government categorically rejected the claim, stressing that no such structure exists within the administration.

‘Such an office does not exist under this administration and no appointment has been made in that regard,’ it stated.

The disclaimer further urged diplomatic and institutional stakeholders to disregard any correspondence linked to the alleged body.

‘Foreign and Diplomatic Missions, Financial and Multilateral Institutions, Development Organisations, Security Agencies and so on are hereby advised to note the contents of this Notice,’ it added.

The statement was signed off by Gbajabiamila, reinforcing its official position and warning against misinformation capable of misleading members of the public and international partners.

‘Thank you,’ it concluded.

The Presidency’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over individuals and groups allegedly impersonating government structures to gain credibility or influence.

Senator Seriake Dickson has said he is more qualified to contest Nigeria’s presidency than prominent opposition figures, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, but chose not to seek the office.

Dickson spoke on Wednesday during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he addressed issues surrounding the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, its leadership, and the party’s relationship with Obi.

The former Bayelsa State governor said the NDC gave Obi its presidential platform without demanding any payment, insisting that both Obi and his running mate did not pay ‘one naira’ to secure their nominations.

According to him, the party should be credited for making Obi its sole presidential candidate, rather than being portrayed as a beneficiary of Obi’s presence.

Dickson said the narrative that Obi was doing the NDC a favour was misleading, stressing that the party was the one that provided the platform for his presidential ambition.

He also dismissed reports of a crisis in the NDC, describing Obi as a cherished member of the party and insisting that both sides were working well together.

The senator blamed the alleged tension on some supporters of Obi, whom he accused of attacking the party while claiming to support its presidential candidate.

Dickson said: ‘If we didn’t like them, if they are not people who have confidence in me or I have confidence in them, we wouldn’t offer the platform.

‘And they didn’t pay one naira. They didn’t pay shishi. Nobody pays shishi.

‘So, if a presidential candidate didn’t pay shishi to be made sole presidential candidate, and a vice-presidential candidate didn’t pay shishi to become sole vice-presidential candidate, that same party cannot be the one saying…’

He added: ‘I think I have to be given the credit. There is no one more qualified than me to run for the presidency. And for some reasons, I did not want to.

‘So don’t make it look like anyone is doing me and the NDC a favour. No one is. Rather, the NDC is the one granting a platform, and that narrative is important.’

Dickson warned that genuine supporters of Obi should not undermine the party that gave him a platform.

‘You cannot be supporting Peter Obi, if you are genuinely supportive, and at the same time discouraging me, the leader, or the platform itself. That is nonsense,’ he said.

The former governor also disclosed that several politicians had approached the NDC before Obi joined the party, including Senator Aishatu Binani from Adamawa State.

‘Before Peter, I received Binani from Adamawa and several other people for five months. People should be careful. As we move on, the platform is there,’ he said.

Dickson maintained that Obi remains a valued member of the NDC and that there is no internal crisis in the party.

‘Peter Obi is a cherished member of the party, and on our own, we have made him the sole presidential candidate. And that counts for something.

‘And we are working well together. There’s no crisis. It is these supporters who I don’t know what they gain by disparaging the platform,’ he said.

Nigerian streamer and content creator Peller has revealed that he and his fiancée, Jarvis, are expecting their first child together.

While speaking during a live stream session, Peller spoke about his preparations for fatherhood, stating that his focus has now shifted to welcoming the baby.

‘The only thing on my mind now is how to welcome my baby, because my baby is pregnant, Jarvis is pregnant,’ he said.

He expressed that the news has brought him joy and a strong sense of responsibility as he prepares to step into fatherhood for the first time, expressing excitement about the journey ahead.

The announcement came shortly after Peller proposed marriage to Jarvis in a private ceremony in Ghana.

Detectives of Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Zone One police headquarters, Kano, have arrested four men allegedly involved in an armed robbery operation at Hotoro Yandodo Quarters, Kano, in 2024.

A group of armed men, armed with guns and cutlasses, had on 18th May 2024 invaded the residence of one Yunusa Haruna Aliyu at Hotoro Yandodo Quarters, Kano, and robbed him of several valuables, including a motor vehicle, Honda Accord 2015 model, mobile phones, jewelry, luxury wristwatches and other personal belongings valued at millions of naira.

Upon receiving the case for further investigation, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone One Headquarters, Kano, AIG Garba Ahmed, directed detectives of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Consequently, detectives embarked on an intelligence-driven investigation, which led to the arrest of three principal suspects, namely: Yakubu Adamu, alias Danfulani, 28 years old, of Hadejia Road, Kano; Abubakar Hassan, alias Baba, 21 years old, of Kawo Hotoro Quarters, Kano; and Barhama Ayatullah, alias Mai Zangi, 25 years old, of Brigade Quarters, Kano.

Further investigation also led to the arrest of Abdulgaffar Sidi, alias Abdul, 25 years old, of Brigade Quarters, Kano, who was identified as the receiver of the mobile phones stolen during the robbery operation.

Investigation further revealed that the stolen Honda Accord motor vehicle was taken out of the country and sold in Maradi, the Republic of Niger.

Efforts are ongoing to recover the vehicle and apprehend other members of the criminal syndicate who are currently at large.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police reiterated the commitment of the Zone to ensuring that all criminal cases are diligently investigated and that offenders are brought to justice irrespective of when the offence was committed.

Members of the public are urged to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information that will aid crime prevention and criminal investigations.

The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an entertaining international friendly on Wednesday night, with Francisco Conceicao’s late strike proving the difference in a fiercely contested encounter.

The match, played as part of preparations for upcoming international competitions, saw both sides produce moments of quality, but it was the hosts who emerged victorious after a dramatic second half.

Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto latched onto a well-weighted pass from Diogo Dalot before calmly slotting past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to give the Europeans a deserved lead.

The Portuguese continued to dominate possession and created several chances, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes both going close as Nigeria struggled to gain a foothold in the contest.

However, the Super Eagles gradually grew into the game and found a route back eight minutes before half-time.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru split the Portuguese defence with a precise pass, allowing Akor Adams to race through on goal and fire a low effort beyond the goalkeeper for the equaliser.

The goal restored confidence to Eric Chelle’s side, who ended the first half strongly after weathering sustained Portuguese pressure.

The second half witnessed a flurry of substitutions from both managers as they sought to test different tactical options and personnel.

Portugal nearly regained the lead early after the restart when Joao Felix rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort from the edge of the box.

Nigeria responded with changes that saw the introduction of Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Terem Moffi, Zaidu and Samuel Chukwueze as Chelle searched for fresh energy.

The decisive moment eventually arrived in the 75th minute.

Conceicao produced a moment of brilliance, embarking on a dazzling run before weaving past Nigerian defenders and firing a low shot into the bottom corner beyond the reach of Okoye.

The superb individual effort left the Super Eagles chasing the game in the closing stages.

Nigeria pushed forward in search of a second equaliser, with Alex Iwobi orchestrating attacks from midfield and Moffi attempting to stretch the Portuguese backline.

Paul Onuachu was also introduced late on as the Super Eagles threw additional bodies forward.

Despite their late pressure, Nigeria could not find a breakthrough as Portugal held firm to secure victory.

The result will nevertheless provide valuable lessons for Chelle and his technical crew, who continue to assess players and build cohesion ahead of future competitive fixtures.

Troops of Operation UDO KA have uncovered a suspected safe house belonging to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Enugu State.

This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

The army said the operation was carried out by troops of 82 Division Garrison and Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Enugu State Command.

According to the report, the operation followed intelligence obtained from suspects arrested during earlier operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of IPOB/ESN elements in the region.

It stated that troops successfully traced the suspected safe house located in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The army said a search of the apartment led to the recovery of eight AK-47 rifles and 12 AK-47 magazines.

Other items recovered are one tear gas gun, two tear gas cartridges and 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

It further stated that troops recovered 10 pairs of uniforms allegedly belonging to IPOB members.

According to the report, all recovered items were handed over to the DSS Enugu State Command for further investigation and necessary action.