Category: PM News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered 2.3 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), valued at N4.485 billion, in Lagos following an investigation into an alleged case of stealing and criminal conversion.

The recovery was made on Monday, August 17, 2026, by operatives of the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 from Mamemo Ibru of Ibafon Oil and Gas.

The investigation followed a petition by Prudent Energy and Services Limited, which alleged that petroleum products entrusted to Ibafon Oil and Gas for storage had been unlawfully converted, resulting in a substantial shortfall in its stock.

According to the petition, periodic withdrawals from the stored products reduced the outstanding balance to 2,574,031 litres.

However, a subsequent physical measurement and reconciliation exercise showed that only 206,761 litres remained in the storage tanks, leaving a deficit of 2,367,270 litres.

The EFCC said investigation established that Ibafon Oil and Gas is involved in the purchase and sale of AGO and also operates a storage depot where petroleum products belonging to the company and its customers are kept.

The commission further alleged that Ibru, leveraging his position as owner of the company, authorised the removal of petroleum products in excess of the quantity belonging to Ibafon Oil and Gas, resulting in the alleged conversion of the petitioner’s products for his own use.

Following the EFCC’s intervention, the recovered petroleum products were handed over to Prudent Energy and Services Limited.

The development forms part of the commission’s investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged diversion and conversion of the petroleum products.

Afrobeats star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has disputed a report that gunmen attacked the convoy of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Davido, who is the governor’s nephew, said the gunfire reported during the governor’s visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, was the result of a separate confrontation outside the palace and had nothing to do with the governor’s entourage.

‘Lies! It was a fight outside the palace that had nothing to do with us! The people love excellency!’ Davido wrote on X.

The reaction followed reports that gunmen allegedly attacked Adeleke’s convoy shortly after his visit to the monarch, triggering an exchange of gunfire with security personnel attached to the governor.

The incident reportedly occurred after Adeleke left the palace hall, where he had met with the Ataoja, shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo.

Adeleke arrived at the palace at about 3:15 p.m. in a motorcade of roughly 20 vehicles after leaving the INEC headquarters.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, the governor and his entourage were received by Oba Oyetunji, and Adeleke reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch.

The eyewitness said the situation became tense after the meeting ended and the monarch had offered prayers.

She said Adeleke had already left the palace hall through an exit traditionally reserved for the monarch and his wives and had entered the vehicle conveying him and some close aides when heavy gunfire was heard.

‘He was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace when we started hearing heavy gunshots,’ she said.

The eyewitness alleged that the attackers arrived in an unregistered Sienna space bus through the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo.

She said the shooting lasted between 12 and 15 minutes, during which the governor’s security personnel exchanged gunfire with the assailants before they eventually fled the scene.

Davido’s account, however, differs from the description of the incident as an attack on the governor’s convoy. While acknowledging that a fight occurred outside the palace, he insisted that it was unrelated to Adeleke and his entourage.

The circumstances surrounding the reported shooting, including the identity and motive of those involved, remained unclear.

The reported incident occurred on the same day Adeleke received his certificate of return after winning a second term in the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke defeated his closest challenger, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), with 511,067 votes to 444,815, a margin of 66,252 votes.

The development also came shortly after Adeleke pledged to forgive his political opponents and govern all residents of the state.

The governor said he had no reason to remain bitter against those who opposed him during the election and called on them to join hands with his administration to move Osun State forward.

A high-level meeting involving Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, Oladipupo Olaleye, has highlighted Aare Oladipupo Laleye’s continued engagement with prominent political figures and leaders across the country.

The meeting brought together three figures with notable connections to public service and Nigerian political affairs. Laleye, who serves as a Senior Special Assistant/Personal Assistant (Special Duties) to Governor Ademola Adeleke, was pictured alongside the governor and the former president during the engagement.

The photograph captures Hon Oladipupo Laleye seated between Governor Adeleke and former President Obasanjo, with the trio appearing relaxed as they shared a moment during the gathering.

the access and responsibilities associated with his role within the Osun State Government, where he has served as one of Governor Adeleke’s aides since the administration came into office.

His appointment as a Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties placed him within the governor’s team responsible for handling assignments and engagements connected to the administration.

The meeting with Obasanjo also provides another glimpse into Laleye’s growing presence around senior political and public figures. Former President Obasanjo remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent statesmen, having served as the country’s military head of state and later as an elected civilian president.

For Olaleye, engagements of this nature form part of his public-service journey and his work within the Adeleke administration. His responsibilities have taken him into various government and community engagements, allowing him to interact with political leaders, government officials and other stakeholders.

Governor Adeleke, who assumed office in November 2022 after winning the Osun State governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, has continued to lead the state’s administration with a focus on development and governance.

The meeting therefore brings together different generations of Nigerian political leadership, with Obasanjo representing decades of national political experience, Adeleke representing the current political leadership in Osun State, and Olaleye participating as a member of the governor’s team.

The photograph from the gathering has also drawn attention to Laleye’s continued involvement in political and government circles, particularly through his role supporting Governor Adeleke.

While details of the specific discussions at the meeting were not publicly disclosed, the gathering underscores the importance of dialogue and interaction among political leaders and public officials.

For Oladipupo Laleye, the engagement adds

A civil society group, Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET), has commended National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Olufemi Oluyede and the federal government for their efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and protect vulnerable communities.

CESJET said the outcome of the second session of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group in Washington showed that the government was making progress in addressing security concerns that contributed to Nigeria’s designation by the United States as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).

The second session, held on August 12, was hosted by Allison Hooker, US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, while the Nigerian delegation was led by Ribadu. The discussions focused on protecting Christian communities in the Middle Belt, strengthening judicial and security institutions, and deepening military-to-military cooperation.

CESJET noted that Ribadu’s role in the engagement demonstrated the importance of sustained coordination between Nigeria’s security institutions and international partners in confronting terrorism.

‘The NSA Nuhu Ribadu deserves commendation for providing strategic direction to Nigeria’s security engagement with international partners. His efforts have helped move the conversation from diplomatic concerns to practical cooperation on intelligence, counter-terrorism, accountability and protection of vulnerable communities,’ the group said in a statement on Monday and signed by Comrade Charles Abakpa, its Executive Director.

The group said the discussions with the US were particularly significant because they provided an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate measures taken to address concerns around violence, religious freedom and accountability.

The civic group also commended Oluyede for what it described as improved coordination among the armed forces and stronger cooperation in the country’s counter-terrorism campaign.

‘General Olufemi Oluyede deserves recognition for the renewed emphasis on operational coordination and inter-service cooperation. The fight against terrorism cannot be won by one service acting alone. The growing integration of intelligence, air power, ground operations and other security capabilities is critical to degrading terrorist networks and protecting communities,’ the statement read.

The organisation noted that military-to-military cooperation was one of the key areas discussed during the Washington engagement, with both countries examining ways to strengthen intelligence sharing, technical capabilities and operational cooperation.

The group also noted the government’s progress on terrorism prosecutions. In April, Nigeria commenced another phase of terrorism trials involving more than 500 suspects, while the government has reported hundreds of convictions.

Recent military figures indicate that troops operating across Nigeria’s various theatres neutralised 317 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 314 suspects and rescued 221 kidnapped civilians in a month.

The group said the reported progress should encourage the government to sustain its security reforms rather than become complacent.

‘Security gains must ultimately be measured by the safety of ordinary Nigerians. The government must sustain the momentum, protect civilians and ensure that perpetrators of violence, regardless of their affiliation, are brought to justice,’ it said.

CESJET also welcomed discussions on the resettlement of internally displaced persons to their ancestral communities, describing safe and sustainable returns as an important measure of the government’s success in restoring security.

The group urged the federal government to deepen its partnership with the US while maintaining Nigeria’s leadership of its own security response.

Elsooltaan International for Digital Solutions, the digital transformation arm of Elsooltaan Group, is expanding its fully managed remote team model from Egypt to businesses across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and United States markets.

The company said its model enables growing businesses to deploy dedicated teams of developers, designers and marketers based in Egypt while operating under the client’s own brand and supported by a broader range of digital transformation services.

According to Elsooltaan International, the offering is designed for companies seeking the capabilities and technical depth of an in-house digital team without the cost and operational demands associated with building and managing one internally.

‘We are not an agency that sells hours. We are a build-and-run partner. Companies get the team, systems, and technical depth they need without the overhead of building it internally,’ the company’s team said.

Elsooltaan International said its services cover the full digital development cycle, ranging from strategy and brand identity to technology implementation and digital growth.

Its growth marketing services include Google Ads, Meta Ads, SEO/SEM and content marketing, while its technology offering covers website and e-commerce development, mobile application development, and ERP and CRM implementation.

The company said the integrated model allows businesses to access multiple digital capabilities through a single managed team rather than engaging separate agencies or hiring individual specialists.

According to the company, its portfolio includes projects for organisations operating across fashion and lifestyle, education, real estate, legal services, trade and social impact.

Clients and organisations associated with its work include Tanoor, SUMT Solutions Agency, the Japanese Technologic Academy, International Coach Masters, Solid Law Firm, Tarek Abdelaal Law Firm, the African Center for Investment and Trade Exchange, Tech for Africa and the Rafiki Super App, among others.

Elsooltaan International said the diversity of its client base has helped the company develop experience in delivering digital solutions for organisations with different operational and market requirements.

From Egypt to the GCC and US

The company said its strategic expansion is now moving beyond its existing GCC focus toward the United States market, leveraging its operational presence across multiple jurisdictions.

Elsooltaan International currently has offices in Cairo, Egypt; Algeria; the RAKEZ Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates; and Sheridan, Wyoming, in the United States.

The company said the geographical structure enables it to combine Egypt-based digital talent with international market access and support businesses seeking to scale their digital operations across borders.

As demand for remote work and outsourced technology teams continues to grow, Elsooltaan International said its focus remains on providing businesses with dedicated teams capable of handling digital strategy, development, marketing and technology implementation under a managed model.

Elsooltaan International for Digital Solutions is the digital transformation arm of Elsooltaan Group, with operations spanning Egypt, the UAE, Algeria and the United States.

The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives said it has agreed to combine efforts with G-100 towards strengthening democracy and providing Nigerians with a ‘credible alternative’ to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Minority Leader, Rep. Fred Agbedi (ADC-Bayelsa) announced the partnership with G-100 on Tuesday.

He spoke while addressing newsmen after a closed-door consultation meeting with a delegation of the G-100 in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said the partnership was aimed at galvanising opposition political parties for a common front ahead of the 2027 elections.

Agbedi said that the engagement was successful, saying that it marked the ‘consummation’ of the partnership between the G100 and the caucus.

He said that both groups had agreed to combine their efforts towards strengthening democracy and providing Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.

The lawmaker said that the aim was to bring opposition parties, political leaders and presidential aspirants to look beyond individual ambitions for a united arrangement capable of challenging the APC.

‘We had just had a successful meeting and in the meeting we concluded that this is the consummation of the alliance of the caucus and the G-100, fusing into one to ensure that we play an active role in enriching democracy in Nigeria.

‘I want to call on all members of opposition, no matter the party you belong, no matter your ambition, that there is strength in unity and that the opposition should unite to ensure that we wrestle power from the APC in 2027,’ he said.

Agbedi said that prevailing economic and social difficulties in the country had made opposition unity more urgent.

He said that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the broader objective of providing an alternative government.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Salihu Lukman said that the G100 initiative was driven by concern over the political direction of the country and the inability of opposition forces to coordinate their activities.

He explained that the movement was established to persuade opposition leaders and political actors to negotiate a common political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections as against individual, party or organisational interests.

‘As opposition parties, we seem to be fragmented, and if we continue the way we are going, we are almost going to replay the 2023 scenario.

‘It is almost like a case of handing over victory to the ruling party, and then we go back to square one,’ he said.

He said the G100 is prepared to facilitate whatever discussions and negotiations would be required to bring the opposition forces together ahead of the 2027 polls.

Lukman announced that a summit for opposition parties and leaders initially scheduled for Tuesday, has been moved to Aug. 31.

He said the postponement had also created additional time for the G100 to expand its consultations and bring more political actors and Nigerians into the process.

Former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Akinwale Oladipo Lawanson, has been conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by Lagos State University (LASU).

The conferment took place during the University’s 29th and 30th Convocation Ceremony held at the Buba Marwa Auditorium, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

Speaking after the ceremony, Lawanson said the doctorate degree has strengthened his ability to properly define problems, gather and analyse relevant data, and use evidence to arrive at effective solutions.

He urged government officials to adopt data-driven approaches in addressing challenges facing citizens, stressing that sound decisions require proper analysis, evidence and strong management skills.

Lawanson served as Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation from January 2018 to May 2019. He has extensive experience in transportation, infrastructure, logistics, business development, capital markets, insurance, renewable energy and international business.

He holds a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Liberia. He also attended an executive programme at Harvard Kennedy School.

The convocation ceremony was attended by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; some members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries.

The new academic achievement further demonstrates Lawanson’s commitment to continuous learning, leadership and service in the public and private sectors.

President Bola Tinubu has charged Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities to re-direct their approach to education by embracing emerging technological breakthroughs to move the sector forward.

President Tinubu maintained that such action would make educational institutions more productive, innovative and impactful.

He gave the charge in Ilorin on Tuesday at the 37th Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), hosted by the University of Ilorin.

Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, Tinubu described Kwara as a state known for peace, harmony and educational development.

He urged university leaders to return from the conference with practical ideas capable of strengthening their institutions and advancing the nation’s education sector.

Also speaking, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, represented by the Deputy Governor of Kwara, Mr Kayode Alabi, described the conference’s theme, ‘Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,’ as timely and relevant.

AbdulRazaq stressed the need for universities to continuously adapt and innovate while creating enabling environments where staff and students could thrive.

‘I urge universities to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly, while ensuring that critical thinking, creativity and human expertise remain central to learning and research.

‘I also want to encourage stronger partnerships between universities and their host communities, particularly through research, innovation and the development of solutions to societal challenges,’ the governor said.

Prof. Laurence Ikechukwu, the Chairman, Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, said the conference provided an important platform for university leaders to interact, share experiences and develop strategies towards strengthening higher education in Nigeria.

Contributing, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Abdulwahab Egbewole, SAN, expressed appreciation to AbdulRazaq for his continued support for education and the university, particularly the construction of roads leading to the institution.

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Dr Lawal Olorungbebe, described the hosting of the conference as a great honour for Kwara.

Olorungbebe said the gathering would provide university leaders with an opportunity to exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for building a stronger and more responsive education system.

The National Leader of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Sen. Henry Seriake Dickson, has appointed Sani Takori, VinMartin Ilo and Steve Nwosu as Political Adviser, Chief Technical Adviser and Spokesman, respectively.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja, and signed by National Publicity Secretary of the NDC, Osa Director.

According to the statement, the appointments, which take effect immediately, are aimed at strengthening operations, administration and strategic communication around Dickson and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ilo and Nwosu bring to their new roles extensive experience, professionalism, credibility and integrity, while Takori is a tested public administrator with an impressive political and legal career, it said.

Takori, a lawyer, began his career in the old Sokoto State and subsequently served as Registrar, Magistrate, Solicitor-General and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State.

An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Takori served in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.

He also secured his party’s senatorial ticket for his district on four occasions but voluntarily stepped down for candidates who eventually won the elections for the party.

The statement described Takori as a committed party man, noting that he was the Zamfara governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in the 2019 election.

It added that he was a founding member of the NDC and served as its Protem National Secretary when the party was registered.

Takori, a former Local Government Chairman, also served as National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas and Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission.

He was Secretary of the Yarima Presidential Campaign in 2007, having served in the same capacity in 2003.

The 68-year-old politician and lawyer hails from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

Ilo, the new Chief Technical Adviser, is a media executive, broadcast journalist and development and international relations expert with nearly four decades of experience in broadcasting, public service, strategic communications and development consultancy.

An alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Ilo holds degrees in Mass Communication, Development Studies, and International Relations and Strategic Studies.

He began his career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to become a Network Newscaster before joining Africa Independent Television (AIT).

Ilo retired from AIT in 2013 as Director, Special Duties and South-East Operations.

He also served as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State and as a member of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

Until his appointment, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV. He hails from Enugu State.

Similarly, Nwosu, a long-standing associate of Dickson, is a multi-platform journalist, media administrator, consultant and political communication strategist with experience across print, broadcasting and online media.

He is also a columnist and writer of the syndicated satirical weekly column, ‘FRANKTALK’.

A graduate of the University of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, Nwosu has over 30 years’ experience in journalism and media entrepreneurship.

He worked with The Guardian and THISDAY newspapers, where he held positions including Features Editor, Political Editor, Editor of THISDAY Style and Editor of THISDAY on Saturday.

Nwosu joined The Sun Newspapers at inception as pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun and later became Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief.

He later established The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and had a brief stint with PLUS TV Africa as Controller of News.

Nwosu also served on the Editorial Boards of THISDAY and The Sun newspapers.

He is currently the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Edibofa Communication and Publishing Ltd., owners of People’s FM 105.5 Abuja, People’s FM 93.1 Yenagoa, Universal Television Africa and The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper.

For eight years, he served on the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, first as a representative of the West Zone and later as Treasurer.

The statement said the briefs of the three appointees would cover Dickson’s activities as NDC National Leader and as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The South African consulate in Lagos has insisted that visas are still being issued to Nigerians to visit South Africa for tourism and other legitimate purposes.

‘Visas continue to be issued in spite of the ongoing protests and Nigerians are still visiting the country for tourism and other legitimate purposes,’ Prof. Bobby Moroe, Consul General of South Africa said.

He spoke on the sidelines of a round-table organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) with the theme, ‘South Africa’s Xenophobia in Comparative Perspective’.

He emphatically dismissed reports that the mission has stopped issuing visas to Nigerians on the basis of anti-migrants protests in South Africa.

Moroe said applicants who met the requirements for visas to visit his country would never be denied.

‘We wish to make it clear again that Nigerians under these circumstances faced today will never be discriminated against.

‘No basis will justify why your visa is rejected except that you, for one reason or another may not have qualified with the requirements of the visa,’ he said.

Moroe also announced the recent introduction of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital system designed to simplify and speed up travel authorisation for prospective visitors.

He said the system reduced documentation requirements and replaced aspects of the traditional visa application process.

According to him, prospective travelers can apply through their mobile devices, making the process faster, safer and more convenient.