Category: PM News

By Abbas Bamalli

The Police Commissioner in Katsina, Ali Umar-Fage, has assured residents that all the bandits responsible for killing of 11 people in attack on communities in Kankia area of the state would be tracked down and prosecuted.

Umar- Fage said this while announcing that he has already ordered an aggressive manhunt for bandits behind the reprisal attacks

The CP recalled earlier operations recorded major successes against armed bandits operating within the local government area before the deadly attack.

He said this in a statement on Sunday by Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command.

Umar-Fage said operatives on April 29 foiled a cattle rustling attempt in Gadar Yan Tulu and Kartaka villages.

“Police recovered 205 animals, comprising 91 cows and 114 sheep, during the operation,” he said.

Umar-Fage added that on Saturday, officers repelled another attack on Matinjin village.

“Several bandits fled with gunshot injuries, while eight motorcycles linked to their operations were recovered,” he stated.

He said the criminals later regrouped and attacked Jeka da Kolo and Kwalgoro villages on Sunday.

“The attack occurred around noon, killing 11 persons before tactical teams were mobilised to repel the assailants,” he said.

Umar-Fage described the attack as “cowardly and barbaric” and expressed condolences to families of the victims.

The commissioner said additional tactical teams had been deployed to affected communities to strengthen ongoing security operations.

“Bush combing operations and coordinated patrols are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects,” he said.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting life and property across the state.

“We will not relent until peace and normalcy are fully restored,” the commissioner said.

He urged residents to stay calm, remain vigilant and provide credible intelligence to security agencies.

“Further developments will be communicated as investigations progress,” he added.

(NAN)

A fierce political war has erupted in Cross River North as Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe launched a blistering attack on former Governor Ben Ayade, accusing him of distorting facts, spreading falsehoods, and attempting to rewrite his declining political legacy.

In a strongly worded statement, Jarigbe dismissed Ayade’s recent claims as “blatant lies,” accusing the former governor of hypocrisy, ethnic bias, and political irrelevance.

Jarigbe alleged that Ayade once mocked his Hausa traditional attire, describing it as evidence of a “split personality,” and said such conduct exposed deep resentment toward Muslims, contrary to Ayade’s current posture.

“A man who openly derided Muslim traditional attire cannot suddenly present himself as a defender of Muslims,” Jarigbe declared, insisting that Muslim voters across Cross River North overwhelmingly supported him over Ayade.

The senator further challenged Ayade’s political claims, reminding the public that even while Ayade served as governor, his political machinery suffered defeats in Cross River North.

According to Jarigbe, his political structure delivered the Senate seat, two House of Representatives seats, and four House of Assembly seats, while Ayade secured only his immediate constituency.

“We are not political weaklings. We come with real votes because we have worked for our people,” Jarigbe asserted.

Jarigbe also accused Ayade of dishonesty regarding his role in President Bola Tinubu’s 2023 electoral success, noting that Ayade contested against Tinubu during the APC presidential primaries, refused to step down, and later failed to deliver Cross River State for the APC in the general election.

In one of his harshest criticisms, Jarigbe accused Ayade of abandoning the Senate seat out of personal ambition, despite existing political expectations that power should rotate to the North, describing him as entitled and disconnected from current political realities.

He further alleged that Ayade defected from the PDP to the APC only after losing control of the party structure, insisting that the move was driven by political survival rather than loyalty.

Jarigbe praised APC leadership for resisting any attempt to impose Ayade on Cross River North, declaring that the former governor has been rejected by the people.

“He remains a political disaster, and our people will never vote for him again,” he said.

The senator also criticised Ayade’s social media conduct, daring him to reopen public comments on his posts to witness what he described as overwhelming public rejection.

On the issue of zoning, Jarigbe firmly rejected Ayade’s narrative, insisting there has never been formal zoning for the Cross River North senatorial seat.

“No matter how you embellish a lie, it will never become the truth,” Jarigbe concluded.

Iran’s military has warned that it could attack United States forces if they enter the Strait of Hormuz.

This comes after US President Donald Trump announced a plan to help guide ships safely through the area.

Iran said any foreign military presence in the strait must be approved by its forces. A senior Iranian commander warned that if US forces approach the waterway, they would be targeted.

Soon after the warning, Iranian media claimed that a US warship in the area was hit by missiles and forced to retreat. However, the US military denied this, saying none of its ships had been attacked.

The tension is linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Although a ceasefire began on April 8, talks between the countries have not made progress.

President Trump said the US operation, called “Project Freedom,” is meant to help stranded ships leave the Gulf safely. He added that the US would assist ships from countries not involved in the conflict and ensure their safe passage.

Reports say US naval forces will stay near the area rather than enter the strait directly, while still protecting commercial vessels.

The US military has deployed large resources for the operation, including warships, aircraft, drones, and about 15,000 personnel.

Meanwhile, Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. This has disrupted supply and pushed up oil prices worldwide.

There were also reports of attacks on oil tankers near the United Arab Emirates, with claims that drones were used.

Despite the rising tensions, both sides say they are still in talks. Iran says its main goal is to end the war but accuses the US of making unreasonable demands.

US officials say economic pressure is also being used against Iran, including a blockade affecting its economy.

The situation remains tense, with fears that any misstep could lead to further military conflict.

Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned ruling on the no-case submission filed by activist and Sahara Reporters publisher, Omoyele Sowore, in his ongoing cyberstalking trial.

The trial is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of defamatory posts against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The ruling will be delivered on May 8, 2026, after both parties adopted their final written addresses in the case, with Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, arguing for the dismissal of the charges.

Abubakar requested that the court discharge and acquit Sowore, stating that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.

He further argued that the DSS had not provided credible evidence to link Sowore to the alleged offences, which stemmed from social media posts in which he reportedly described Tinubu as a “criminal.”

Abubakar also criticized the prosecution for not calling key witnesses, deeming this omission a fatal flaw in its case. He urged the court to uphold the no-case submission and terminate the trial.

On the other hand, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), counsel for the DSS, opposed the submission. He argued that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence, including witnesses and exhibits, to establish a prima facie case and that Sowore should be ordered to enter his defence. Kehinde insisted that the charges were supported by evidence and urged the court to reject the application.

The case, which involves charges of cyberstalking and making false statements against President Tinubu, stems from two social media posts allegedly made by Sowore on August 25, 2025. The first post, made on his verified X handle (@YeleSowore), accused President Tinubu of lying about the state of corruption in Nigeria. The second post was allegedly made on Sowore’s Facebook account.

The Federal Government, through the DSS, amended the charges before Sowore’s re-arraignment on December 5, 2025, and has accused him of violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, and Amendment) Act, 2024. Sowore has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Umar fixed May 8, 2026, to deliver a ruling on the no-case submission.

The Nigeria Immigration Service has cautioned citizens to avoid unofficial channels when making passport payments, insisting that its application system does not involve any third-party agents.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, the Service Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, rejected claims that a religious organisation was connected to the payment process, describing such reports as inaccurate and misleading.

He explained that all passport applications are processed through a secure, government-approved platform, accessible only via the official portal: .

According to him, this portal remains the only recognised gateway for payments and processing for applicants both in Nigeria and abroad.

“The service has not authorised any religious body, private organisation or individual to act as an intermediary or receive payments on its behalf.

Akinlabi noted that anyone who visits the official portal would easily verify the credibility and transparency of the system.

He warned that websites or agents claiming to facilitate passport payments outside the approved platform were fraudulent and should be ignored.

The spokesperson disclosed that investigations had already begun to trace the origin of the allegations. Early indications, he said, point to individuals attempting to mislead the public or tarnish the agency’s image.

He added that those found responsible would face appropriate penalties.

Reaffirming the Service’s adherence to government financial regulations, Akinlabi said the NIS only partners with licensed and accredited payment service providers listed on its official platform.

He stressed that any payment made through unauthorised channels would be at the applicant’s risk, noting that the Service would not be liable for losses or inconveniences arising from such actions.

The NIS advised Nigerians to remain vigilant by using only the official portal and steering clear of unauthorised agents or third-party platforms.

“The service does not recognise or provide any alternative payment options for passport applications or related services,” he said.

Akinlabi further assured the public that measures were being strengthened to protect the integrity of the system and prevent fraud.

“For further inquiries or assistance, we advise the public to contact NIS via its verified communication channels, including its social media handles on X (Twitter), Instagram and Facebook (@nigimmigration).

“Other contact centre numbers are 09121900655, 09121556359, 09121477092 available 24/7, and WhatsApp lines 0916087800 and 09117717772,” he said.

By Chiazo Ogbolu

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised alarm on increasing attacks on its train operations along the AbujaKaduna rail corridor by suspected vandals and criminal elements.

The alarm followed the latest incident around Kilometer 177 along the AbujaKaduna rail corridor, where some persons reportedly gathered along the rail track and began pelting stones at a moving train.

The attack led to damage of the windscreen of the leading locomotive, Chief Public Relations Officer, NRC, Mr Callistus Unyimadu, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

While condeming the attack, Unyimadu noted in the statement that within the last two weeks, similar attacks have also been witnessed in other locations, including Gidan Busa/Sarki Gora Village, Kakau District, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, among others.

“This development is posing serious danger to railway operations, passengers and operational personnel.

“Management disclosed that similar incidents have so far been recorded in more than six locations along the corridor.

” This, thereby, worsens the already challenging and stressful operational conditions under which the corporation continues to provide essential transport services to Nigerians,” he said.

Unyimadu noted that these persistent attacks not only endangered lives and damaged critical railway infrastructure but also constituted acts of economic sabotage capable of disrupting national transportation.

He pointed out that this undermined the huge investments of the Federal Government in the railway sector.

“Despite the unfortunate development, train operations have continued with necessary safety precautions and strict operational vigilance by railway personnel who have continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in ensuring that passengers reach their destinations safely.

“The management of the corporation specially acknowledges the efforts and support of security operatives working tirelessly with the NRC to secure railway corridors and safeguard passengers and railway assets despite the persistent attacks.

“The corporation is currently working closely with security agencies, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen surveillance along the corridor, identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he said.

He said that the Corporation called on residents and communities along railway corridors to support efforts aimed at protecting railway infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities and discouraging criminal attacks on trains and railway installations.

He said that the continuous attacks on railway operations could negatively affect smooth service delivery, if urgent collective action was not taken to curb the menace.

“The NRC remains committed to ensuring safe, secure, and efficient train operations across the country and assures passengers that every necessary measure is being taken to safeguard lives and railway assets,” he said.

(NAN)

A Lagos Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ojo on Monday heard allegations against a 29-year-old man, Samson Ijuo, accused of involvement in the disappearance of a minor.

Ijuo was brought before the presiding magistrate, O.M. Ogun on a two-count charge of conspiracy and abduction. He denied the allegations.

The police prosecutor, Esther Adesulu, told the court that the defendant acted in concert with accomplices who are still at large. The alleged offence was said to have taken place between June 2025 and February in the Mosafejo area of Ojo.

The prosecution claimed that Ijuo took a neighbour’s underage son to an undisclosed location without informing the child’s parents. He was later apprehended by the police.

According to the prosecutor, the alleged offences fall under Section 269 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Ogun granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000, with two sureties in the same amount.

The matter was adjourned until 20 May for mention.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Obi said his decision was driven by “the urgent need to rescue Nigeria” from its worsening socio-economic and security challenges.

“The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria informed my decision,” he said.

The former presidential candidate revealed that persistent internal crises and litigation within opposition parties played a major role in his exit.

“I left the ADC for the same reason I left the Labour Party-severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed to prevent effective participation in the electoral process,” he stated.

He warned that such developments pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, urging authorities to stop actions that weaken opposition parties.

“Democracy must never become a weapon against the people,” Obi cautioned.

Obi also painted a bleak picture of the country, citing rising poverty, hunger, insecurity and economic hardship as factors that compelled him to seek a new political platform.

“Businesses are shutting down daily. Our young people are losing hope, and many citizens have lost faith in the system,” he added.

He said his move to the NDC, alongside Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was aimed at continuing the struggle for a “new Nigeria” anchored on accountability, competence and compassion.

Obi maintained that the decision was not driven by personal ambition but by a commitment to national interest.

By Desmond Ejibas

Security operatives have disrupted initiation ceremony of Aiye Confraternity, popularly known as Black Axe with the arrest of 13 suspect in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The suspects were apprehended in a forest between Alode and Onne in the early hours of Sunday.

According to an eyewitness simply identified as Lene said about 100 young men had gathered at the location for the initiation ritual.

He said while the initiation exercise was ongoing, police operatives stormed the gathering.

“On sighting the approach of security operatives, many of the cultists fled deeper into the forest.

“However, over 13 of them were apprehended at the scene, while others escaped,” he said.

Lene identified the group as members of Eiye Cult gang

He said the initiation of new recruits was often conducted in the forest to strengthen territorial control in the local government area.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Police Command in Rivers, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

“Yes, I can confirm the arrests. Investigation has commenced,” she said.

Agabe, however, did not provide further details on the operation.

Cult-related activities have remained a security concern in parts of the state.

On Saturday, the Police, along with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, launched a joint operation.

The initiative was introduced to combat rising cases of kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes in the state.

(NAN)

Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti has doubled down on his ongoing feud with fellow Nigerian musician Wizkid, asserting that there is no chance for reconciliation.

In a candid interview with Selah Meditate, Seun firmly rejected claims that their differences had been resolved.

“No, what are you talking about? Please, let’s move on. I don’t want to talk about that,” he said when asked about the possibility of mending fences with Wizkid.

Seun, son of the legendary Fela Kuti, emphasized that his grudge with Wizkid is personal. “My grudge for Wizkid is on for life because you don’t say things about my dad and think it’s fine. No, there is no coming back from that,” he added.

The roots of Seun’s public rift with Wizkid go back to early 2026, when the two were drawn into a war of words on social media.

It all began after Wizkid’s fanbase compared the pop star to Fela Kuti, a comparison that Seun viewed as deeply disrespectful. Seun responded sharply, denouncing the fans and making it clear that no one could ever rival his father’s impact on African music and culture.

The situation worsened when Wizkid, reportedly in response to Seun’s accusations, appeared to make dismissive comments online, which many interpreted as an attack on Seun and his father’s legacy. A public back-and-forth followed, escalating the tension and ultimately leading to Seun’s firm statement that there was no turning back from the feud.

Since then, both Seun and Wizkid have remained at odds, with the dispute continuing to stir conversations across the Nigerian music scene