Category: PM News

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Police operatives arrested 16 suspects and the recovered a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and logistics used by criminal elements across the State in crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes in various parts of Kwara State in the month of April.

Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the spokesperson for the Kwara Police Command who announced this in a statement on Saturday listed the exhibits recovered during various operations within the month to include 98 rounds of ammunition (comprising 20 assault rounds and 78 AK-47 rounds), additional AK-47 live ammunition, multiple locally fabricated firearms including a shotgun, cut-to-size shotgun, pistol, and a revolver rifle, as well as a Toyota Matrix vehicle and mobile communication devices, among other incriminating items.

The police spokesperson also said operatives of the Command successfully carried out a rescue operation at Apata Aje settlement, leading to the neutralization of a suspected bandit during a gun duel.

According to the statement, the Command acted after receiving credible intelligence that on 28th April, 2026 at about 2300hrs, armed men invaded the settlement and abducted two persons.

Based on the intelligence, a combined team of Police operatives and National Forest Guards launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

“During an intensive bush-combing exercise, the operatives made contact with the fleeing suspects, who engaged the team with heavy gunfire. In the ensuing exchange, one suspected bandit was neutralized, while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” the police spokesperson said.

“Further exhibits recovered at the scene and from related operations include live cartridges, expended ammunition, mobile phones (including a Samsung A2S), and suspected criminal charms, all pointing to the organized and armed nature of the criminal network.

“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ojo Adekimi psc, mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates and sustaining pressure on kidnapping and banditry networks across Kwara State,”said Ejire-Adeyemi.

Nigeria’s U-20 girls, Falconets, dominated easily and created a hatful of opportunities as they earned a 2-0 win over their counterparts from Malawi in the first leg of a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final round fixture in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday.

The win brightened Nigeria’s chances of earning yet another spot at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, in which they have been an ever-present since the competition was launched as an U19 tournament in Canada in 2002.

While the final scoreline suggests a routine day at the office, the encounter required a tactical recalibration from Coach Moses Adukwu after an opening 45 minutes in which the Falconets created so many opportunities but simply could not get the ball into the net, partly due to the brilliance of visiting goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi.

From the first blast of the whistle, Nigeria established territorial monopoly, using the width of the pitch, and forcing Malawi’s ‘Young Scorchers’ into a deep defensive block. However, for all the intricate build-up play and attacking intent, the final touch did not get the ball into the net.

Malawi’s rear-guard stood obstinate, absorbing pressure and ensuring that the hosts went into the interval with nothing to show for their dominance.

Things changed almost immediately after the restart. Whatever was discussed in the dressing room translated into a higher tempo and more direct probing. The pressure finally told in the 47th minute.

A fizzed delivery into the danger zone caused panic in the Malawian defence, forcing Maureen Kenneth into an inadvertent touch that settled into her own net.

The own goal acted as the spark Nigeria needed. Ten minutes later, the stadium found its voice again. In a move that showed pure clinical execution, Faridat Abdulwahab picked out Kindness Ifeanyi with a pinpoint assist. Ifeanyi made no mistake, doubling the lead and providing the Falconets with the breathing room their effort deserved.

Malawi attempted a late rally, but Nigeria’s structural integrity remained intact. With a two-goal cushion, Moses Adukwu’s side will travel for the second leg in a week’s time having the upper hand in the fixture.

The win earned the Falconets the sum of 1Million Naira from the President of Remo Stars FC and Beyond Limits Football Academy, Hon. Kunle Soname, who had before the match, promised the team the sum of 500,000 Naira for each goal.

The return leg is scheduled for the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, 9th May, with kickoff set for 3pm Malawi time (2pm in Nigeria).

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will take place from June 19 to July 17, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The tournament will be hosted by three East African countries: Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. However, CAF has not yet decided which country will host the opening match or the final.

The dates were approved by the FIFA Council in Vancouver, Canada. There had been concerns that the host countries might not be ready in time, but CAF President Patrice Motsepe said those concerns have been resolved and the tournament will go on as planned.

Motsepe also said CAF is committed to making the competition a success and is confident the three countries will deliver a great tournament.

This will be the first AFCON to be hosted by three countries. It also marks the return of the competition to East Africa for the first time since 1976, when Ethiopia hosted it.

Lagos socialite and businessman, Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, has fulfilled his promise to gift N50 million to comedian Carter Efe following his victory over singer Habeeb Okikiola.

Carter Efe defeated Portable by unanimous decision at the Chaos in the Ring 4 event held at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

E-Money confirmed the cash reward at the end of the event after being prompted by the CEO of Balmoral Group Promotions, Ezekiel Adamu.

“You know we put our money where our mouth is, and so congratulations Carter on your win. N50 million for you,” E-Money said

Adamu also praised the event, saying it delivered excitement as promised.

“We promised Chaos in the Ring and we have delivered very entertaining fights tonight. There is more coming, thanks to everyone that made this a success and to the fighters for the great display,” he said.

The bout between Carter Efe and Portable was the climax of weeks of online exchanges between both entertainers, who had traded threats ahead of the fight.

Portable had earlier boasted of securing a third belt after previous wins over Charles Okocha and Speed Darlington.

However, inside the ring, Carter Efe dominated proceedings, using his height and reach advantage to outbox the “Zazoo” crooner across three rounds.

All three judges scored the contest 2730 in favour of the comedian, sealing his emergence as the new celebrity boxing champion.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Joash Amupitan has urged staff of the Commission to remain committed to credible and transparent electoral processes ahead of the Ekiti and Osun off cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general election nationwide.

Amuptan said this in his 2026 International Workers’ Day message to staff in Abuja on Friday, titled “The Dignity of Service.”

The INEC boss described the commission’s 14,000 employees as the silent engine driving Nigeria’s democracy forward while urging them to uphold the highest professionalism ahead of the critical electoral milestones across the country in coming months.

Amupitan told the staff that the nation’s stability rests on the dedication of electoral workers, praising their administrative excellence during the recently concluded Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections held earlier this year.

“That success was not a product of chance; it was the result of your collective sweat, late-night strategy sessions, and an unyielding commitment to excellence,” he said.

The chairman noted that despite recent achievements, electoral work demands constant preparation, particularly ahead of upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states and implementation of the 2027 roadmap.

“I charge you to remain the reliable professionals the nation expects. Our task is more than logistical; it is a labour of trust built on integrity and accountability,” Amupitan said.

“Every ballot processed and every result transmitted is a testament to the integrity of the Nigerian worker,” he added, urging staff to remain committed to credible and transparent electoral processes nationwide.

Amupitan reaffirmed commitment to transforming INEC into a workplace of the future, prioritising staff welfare and digital empowerment, while ensuring systems supported efficient and transparent election management across all levels.

He pledged that merit would remain the only currency for career advancement, ensuring all staff were equipped and motivated to meet evolving demands of modern election administration in Nigeria.

The INEC boss urged staff to use the May Day holiday for reflection and strengthening solidarity, emphasising unity and shared purpose in delivering credible elections that inspired public confidence nationwide.

“We are one team, bound by one mission: to deliver an electoral process beyond reproach. Your labour shall not be in vain,” he said, linking credible elections to national prosperity.

(NAN)

By Mohammad Tijjani

The Commander, Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, says the medical outreach organised for residents of Birnin Yero community in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State is part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and give back to neighbouring communities.

Mutkut stated this on Saturday during the Nigerian Army Medical Outreach held in commemoration of the 2026 Combat Arms Training Week.

He said the outreach was jointly organised by the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps Centre and the Corps of Armour as part of activities lined up for the training week.

According to him, Birnin Yero shares close proximity with the Jaji Military Cantonment, making peaceful coexistence and mutual support necessary.

“We sincerely thank God for the opportunity to reach out to our immediate neighbours in Birnin Yero. From Birnin Yero to Jaji is not far, and we are connected in many ways.

“Our families come here regularly for one thing or the other, so there is a need for us to also give back to this wonderful community,” he said.

Mutkut explained that the medical outreach was not intended as a permanent solution to all health challenges but a gesture of goodwill and neighbourliness.

He added that the programme also demonstrated the strong civil-military cooperation existing between the Nigerian Army and the people of the area.

He said ailments targeted during the outreach included malaria, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sore throat, eye infections, ear, nose and throat conditions, as well as refractive eye defects requiring glasses.

The commander added that free investigations such as blood sugar tests, hepatitis B and C screening, and malaria parasite tests were also conducted for residents.

Speaking, the Village Head of Birnin Yero, Alhaji Aburajab Usman, commended the Nigerian Army for organising the outreach and for its continued support to the community.

Usman said the Army has remained helpful not only in providing security but also in delivering medical assistance and other humanitarian services to residents.

Also speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Umar Abbas, said the programme had changed the perception of many residents about the Nigerian Army.

According to him, many people previously feared soldiers whenever they saw them, but the outreach had shown that the Army was friendly and close to the people.

Abbas expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that it had strengthened trust and improved relations between the military and civilians in the community.

He added that residents now better understood that soldiers and their families were part of everyday community life through regular social and economic interactions.

(NAN)

The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive on Saturday as prominent Nigerians converged for the installation of Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun as the Yeye Moremi Oodua, in a ceremony that underscored the enduring significance of Yoruba cultural heritage.

The installation, performed by the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, took place at Afenworo Square, opposite the monarch’s palace, and coincided with the 60th birthday of the philanthropist and founder of the Uplift Development Foundation.

Dignitaries from across political, traditional and business circles attended the colourful ceremony, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Bola Obasanjo.

Speaking at the event, Obasanjo described the Yeye Moremi title as one of the most revered honours in Yorubaland, symbolising courage, sacrifice and service to humanity.

He commended the Ooni for preserving Yoruba cultural heritage and fostering unity across the country.

In her acceptance speech, the newly installed Yeye Moremi expressed gratitude to God and the Ooni, describing the honour as both humbling and a call to greater responsibility.

She pledged to uphold the legacy of the legendary Moremi Ajasoro, noting that the title demands service marked by humility, integrity and compassion.

“This title is not merely ceremonial; it is a call to serve God and humanity,” she said, adding that she would strive to justify the confidence reposed in her.

Also speaking, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde stressed the importance of unity among Yoruba leaders, noting that the gathering reflected a collective commitment to the progress of the region beyond political affiliations.

“This is Yorubaland and there is no political party here today. What we are seeing is unity in the interest of the Yoruba nation,” Makinde said.

In his remarks, the Ooni congratulated Mrs. Amosun, describing her as a compassionate and selfless individual whose life reflects the virtues of Moremi. He urged her to continue promoting cultural values and impacting lives positively.

The monarch also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting traditional institutions and cultural preservation in Nigeria.

The event attracted an array of high-profile personalities, including former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; and other political leaders, lawmakers, traditional rulers and business figures.

Traditional rulers such as the Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo were also in attendance, alongside members of the royal household, adding colour and cultural splendour to what observers described as a historic and unifying event for the Yoruba nation.

The governor made the appeal during a funeral thanksgiving service held in honour of the late monarch at Among those in attendance were Deputy Governor Sanwo-Olu described the late monarch as a steady and principled leader whose reign brought decades of peace and stability to the ancient coastal town. He noted that the Akran’s palace remained a place of openness and justice, where leadership was guided by wisdom and restraint.

He urged the people not to allow grief overshadow the monarch’s achievements, but to honour him by sustaining the values he upheld–preserving cultural monuments, promoting traditions, and strengthening the identity of the Badagry Kingdom.

Following the service, the governor performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I Cultural Park, a project aimed at immortalising the late monarch and boosting cultural tourism in the area.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the late Akran’s nearly nine-decade life and 48-year reign, described as the longest in Lagos’ modern traditional history, were defined by service, humility and unwavering commitment to his people.

He added that the monarch played a pivotal role in safeguarding Badagry’s historical heritage, promoting its festivals, and ensuring that its cultural identity remained intact amid rapid modernisation.

In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus of Makinde also commended the Lagos State Government for ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Blue and Red Line rail systems and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, urging continued support for the proposed Badagry-Sokoto Expressway.

He charged attendees to reflect on the transient nature of life and to live purposefully, noting that individual actions ultimately shape one’s legacy.

The UN has voiced concerns over what it termed the growing attacks on journalists, warning that attacks on media workers must stop.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated this in a message ahead of World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3.

Worldwide, roughly 330 media workers are currently detained along with some 500 citizen journalists and human rights bloggers, according to UN reports.

Similarly, laws on defamation, disinformation, cybercrime, and terrorism are increasingly being used to protect the powerful, while costly legal cases are being used to intimidate and silence journalists.

Turk said practically, no country offers a safe environment in which to be a journalist.

“When attacks on the media are normalised, freedom itself begins to decay, and with it, the foundations of peace, security, and sustainable development,” he warned.

The High Commissioner paid tribute to the courageous reporters and photographers across the world “who document horrific atrocities, expose corruption, and scrutinize business operations.”

He noted, however, that “journalism today has become an insecure and, at times, dangerous profession”.

He regretted that media workers have been “bombed in their cars, abducted from their offices, silenced behind bars, and dismissed from their jobs.”

No fewer than 14 journalists have been killed since January and only around a tenth of killings in the past two decades has led to full accountability.

According to him, covering armed conflict poses the highest risk adding, Israel’s war in Gaza has become a death trap for the media.

“My Office has verified the killing of nearly 300 journalists since October 2023, with many more injured,” he said.

Turk said that local reporters who are covering wars, such as the journalists he met in Sudan “had faced extreme violence, brutality, and even famine”.

According to him, journalists face hostile environments while trying to continue their essential work.

Turk warned that “virtually no country is truly safe for those who speak truth to power.”

The High Commissioner pointed to his recent visit to Mexico, where reporting on corruption, environmental harm or organized crime has exposed journalists, their sources and even their families to grave risks.

“I am deeply concerned that media workers are the primary targets of growing transnational repression and surveillance most recently seen in attacks against Iranian journalists abroad,” he said.

The UN rights chief voiced concern over online harassment and bullying, which disproportionately affects women journalists, three-quarters of whom have suffered abuse such as smear campaigns and threats of sexual violence.

Such attacks “risk creating a disinformation society, in which the media is forced to obscure facts and deny science to operate in safety.”

He also appealed for tech companies to take meaningful action against online abuse and disinformation, and underlined the importance of maintaining independence, transparency, and integrity within media institutions.

In his message for the Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres affirmed that “recent years have seen a sharp rise in the number of journalists killed, often deliberately targeted, in war zones.”

The UN chief noted a popular saying that truth is the first casualty in war.

“Far too frequently, the first casualties are the journalists who risk everything to report that truth not only in war, but wherever those in power fear scrutiny.”

Guterres regretted that press freedom is also under “unprecedented strain” due to “economic pressures, new technologies, and active manipulation”.

The UN scribe urged governments to prevent attacks against media workers, protect them from surveillance, including when working abroad, investigate violations and ensure accountability. (NAN)

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has rejected suggestions that the church has any political affiliation, saying it remains strictly a place of worship for all Nigerians.

He made the clarification during the May edition of the church’s Holy Ghost Service, themed “Excellent Counsel”, where he responded to public perceptions linking the RCCG with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeboye said such assumptions overlook the diverse political representation within the church.

“Some people are saying RCCG is an APC church. I just smile. In RCCG, you will find a governor from the Peoples Democratic Party sitting down with a governor from the Labour Party, APC, and APGA. By the special help of God, we are representative of the whole nation, and that is what we will continue to be,” he said.

He stressed that the pulpit is not used for political expression, regardless of the status of worshippers present.

According to him, church activities are focused on prayer and worship rather than political engagement or announcements.

“If you saw one governor among us today dancing and you were expecting he would be called forward to say something, we don’t do that. But if you come to worship with us, you are welcome. Our duty is to pray for everybody,” he added.

The cleric also commented on Nigeria’s political future, particularly the 2027 general election, stating that ultimate outcomes are already known in the divine order.

“The one that will rule has been decided by God before we were born. He knows the end from the beginning,” he said, urging citizens to remain prayerful while fulfilling their responsibilities.

Adeboye further addressed his participation in past civic protests, explaining that his involvement was based on directives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

“That was because the then chairman of CAN asked all Christians to go out for a peaceful protest. If he talks tomorrow and asks me to march, I will,” he said.

He emphasised that his public actions are guided by the umbrella Christian body on national issues affecting believers.

On his role within the wider Christian community, Adeboye also clarified that he does not assume a national spiritual leadership title.

“I don’t want to be the father of all Christians in Nigeria. I am certified as being the father of RCCG, and that is enough assignment for me,” he said.