Category: PM News

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has stirred heated controversy after accusing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, of having an affair with his ex-wife while they were still married.

In a viral video shared on his Instagram page, the outspoken monarch alleged that his former wife was introduced to him from Canada as part of a grand conspiracy to end his life and destabilize his reign.

‘My things are hidden. None of you can endure what these people have done to me. They packaged a woman for me. I didn’t know her from Canada. It was a setup. She was in my house for over three years, communicating with them and plotting my death,’ Oba Akanbi said.

He further claimed that the woman, who bore a child during their marriage, poisoned him twice and made multiple assassination attempts while secretly working with the Ooni of Ife and his allies.

‘She had a child, whom I don’t even know if he’s my child now. I have to confirm that through DNA,’ the monarch declared.

Oba Akanbi also alleged that after he sent the woman away, the Ooni arranged accommodation for her and the child and was allegedly with her at a hotel.

The monarch concluded by warning that his feud with the Ooni of Ife would ‘never end.’

A Kaduna man, Solomon Ilemona Emmanuel, who presented himself as SANTI XII on Facebook for the purpose of internet fraud has been jailed and ordered to forfeit over N6.2 million to the Federal Government following his conviction for fraud.

According to EFCC, Ilemona who as a ‘picker’ in the internet fraud ecosystem, receives illicit money through a Chinese vendor and transmits to members of his syndicate was convicted by Justice M.J Zubairu of the Kaduna State High Court, sitting in Kaduna on Monday, September 29, 2025.

He was prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a one-count charge, bordering on impersonation and of internet fraud.

His charge reads: ‘That you Solomon Ilemona Emmanuel (a.k.a SANTI XII) sometime in June, 2025 in Kaduna, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, fraudulently presented yourself as one SANTI XII on Facebook (a social media platform) to unsuspecting victims and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 142 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law 2017.’

He pleaded ‘guilty’ to the charge, prompting the prosecution counsel, M.J.Argungu to urge the court to convict and sentence him accordingly.

Justice Zubairu, thereafter convicted and sentenced him to three years imprisonment or to pay N200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) fine. In addition, he forfeited a Tecno Camon Pro mobile phone and had earlier restituted the sum of N6,057,488.13 (Six Million Fifty Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Eight Naira, Thirteen Kobo) to his victims.

Emmanuel was among those arrested in Kafanchan axis of Kaduna State by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC following intelligence that exposed their fraudulent internet activities. He turned out to be a picker who receives illicit money through a Chinese vendor and transmits to members of the syndicate.

A civil society group, the Alliance for Energy Stability and Economic Growth (AESEG), has urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

The group said Tinubu’s leadership has restored investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

In a statement by its president, Dr. Suleiman Garba Danladi, the group pointed to the recent deal where Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPco) and Nigerian Agip Exploration Limited (NAE) bought TotalEnergies’ 12.5% stake in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118.

According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Shell paid $408 million for 10% while Agip paid $102 million for 2.5%.

Dr. Danladi said these transactions show growing confidence in Nigeria’s oil sector and praised Tinubu’s reforms.

‘President Tinubu’s reforms are bringing results.

Shell is strengthening its stake, Agip is showing commitment, and the regulator is protecting government interests. This progress needs continuity in leadership,’ he said.

The group also noted that last week, the NUPRC cancelled an $860 million deal involving TotalEnergies and Chappal Energies because of failure to meet financial obligations.

AESEG said this shows that only serious investors are now welcomed, which will boost revenue, jobs, and energy security.

Dr. Danladi highlighted the importance of the Bonga oilfield, Nigeria’s first deepwater project, which contributes greatly to crude oil output and foreign exchange.

He said keeping such assets in experienced hands will help Nigeria move towards producing 2 million barrels of oil per day again.

According to AESEG, Nigeria’s oil sector is at a ‘delicate stage’ where oil majors are leaving onshore but investing more in deepwater.

The group warned that changing leadership in 2027 could hurt investor confidence.

‘The oil majors are watching closely. They like the current reforms but also value stability. A change in 2027 could disrupt the progress,’ Dr. Danladi added.

AESEG stressed that Nigeria’s future growth depends on consistency, urging citizens to support policies and leadership that keep investor confidence strong.

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a strong warning to Goodluck Jonathan regarding his political future, particularly over reports that the former president may join the 2027 presidential race.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele cautioned Jonathan to tread carefully if he intends to contest under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to the cleric, the PDP is under a spiritual curse, and any aspirant who chooses to run on its ticket will face significant obstacles that demand extraordinary effort and divine intervention.

He stressed that while Jonathan has the option of considering other political parties with stronger prospects than the PDP, running under the PDP would require him to embark on intense preparation, spiritual dedication, and serious work to overcome the challenges tied to the party.

‘If Jonathan wants to come out of PDP, he will do a lot of work because there is a curse on the party already. There are other parties he can contest from that will give him better chances than PDP,’ Primate Ayodele stated.

The cleric further warned that Jonathan’s biggest challenge might not just come from the political platform but from the people around him.

He predicted that the former president would be surrounded by individuals who would give him misleading advice, which could derail his ambitions.

‘Jonathan will be blindfolded; wrong advisers will destroy his dreams. If he contests and eventually loses, he will be embarrassed by his past and face public disrespect,’ Ayodele cautioned.

Primate Ayodele therefore urged Jonathan to be certain of his decision before making any political move, emphasizing that his choice of platform, advisers, and spiritual preparation will determine whether his ambition strengthens his legacy or damages his reputation.

Commuters and motorists have expressed hope of relief from traffic jams following the reopening of Ogudu-Ifako Bridge following the completion of repair works on 400 metres of its four expansion joints by Lagos government on Tuesday.

A commuter, Ms Adebisi Adesesan, expressed relief, noting that the reopening would ease traffic. ‘We suffered long hours during the closure, but this is worth it,’ she said.

A commercial driver, Mr Taofeek Shittu, said the reopening would reduce fuel costs and travel time. ‘Traffic was terrible. This reopening is a big relief for us,’ he noted.

A section of the bridge was closed to vehicular traffic on June 28 to enable construction.

The Ogudu/Ifako Bridge inbound Alapere was originally expected to be ready in 100 days, but the repair works were completed in just 73 days.

The first four phases of the project, covering the Ogudu/Ifako inbound Alapere stretch, were completed between June 28 and Aug. 16.

The fifth to eighth phases, which covered the Ogudu/Ifako inbound Oworoshoki axis, commenced in August and have also been successfully completed and reopened to traffic.

Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Mr Olufemi Daramola, and Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Seun Osiyemi, led a team to inspect the project and certify the works.

Daramola stated that the project, initially scheduled for 101 days, was finished in 78 days due to cooperation from stakeholders and commitment from the contractors.

He explained that defects on the expansion joints, if left unattended, could have compromised motorists’ safety and further weakened the busy bridge.

According to him, the early completion was possible through combined efforts of contractors, security agencies, and the patience of Lagos residents throughout the repair period.

‘We undertook this repair to guarantee safety. Thankfully, with the cooperation of the people, we have been able to deliver ahead of schedule,’ Daramola said.

He commended residents for their endurance during the partial closure, stressing that the bridge is now fully opened to vehicular movement without restrictions.

The special adviser revealed that the next point of attention for government engineers would be the Maza-Maza area, where similar maintenance works are planned.

Also speaking, Osiyemi expressed gratitude to Lagos residents for their understanding, promising that the state government would continue its infrastructure renewal drive.

‘This success belongs to everyone. Lagosians endured the inconveniences and supported the process. We sincerely appreciate your perseverance and patience,’ the commissioner said.

He urged the people to protect the facilities, stressing that they are funded with taxpayers’ money and designed to provide long-term benefits.

Osiyemi recalled that the administration had delivered similar repairs at Odo-Iyalaro and Apongbon bridges, with several other projects currently underway across the state.

‘Our focus remains the delivery of safe, durable and sustainable infrastructure for a greater Lagos. We will need the same cooperation in future projects,’ he added.

Music legend Lionel Richie has lifted the lid on one of Michael Jackson’s lesser-known quirks and it’s wild.

In his new memoir, Truly, Richie recalls that the King of Pop, despite his global fame, often went days without changing clothes, earning him the teasing nickname ‘Smelly’ from producer Quincy Jones.

‘Michael would laugh, realizing he hadn’t changed or washed his clothes for a couple of days,’ Richie writes. ‘We all have our quirks.’

According to Richie, Jackson’s eccentric style of living was partly down to life on the road, performing in elaborate stage costumes or relaxing in loose pajamas and slippers at home.

But it didn’t stop there, the superstar reportedly wore his jeans and underwear until they were literally falling apart. Fans and staff often grabbed his outfits as souvenirs, leaving him with few options but to keep wearing them.

Richie recounts a hilarious moment when Jackson came to visit him looking particularly unkempt. The singer was handed clean jeans and underwear, encouraged to shower and left his old clothes behind.

‘There on the carpet were his old jeans and underwear, just lying there like roadkill,’ Richie writes. ‘What do I do but laugh? MJ was here.’

Even with his unusual hygiene habits, Richie reminds fans that Jackson was a musical genius, able to pick apart 15 different mixes of a single song. But off-stage, he was just like Richie says: ‘Winging it every minute.’

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has officially opened an investigation into the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was murdered during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, described the crime as a ‘cruel and senseless act’ and assured the public that no stone would be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

A statement issued Tuesday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed that intelligence and operational assets have been deployed to track down the killers.

‘The Commissioner of Police has ordered a discreet and comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,’ the statement read. ‘He further directed the deployment of intelligence and operational assets to identify, track, and apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime.’

The police urged Abuja residents to support the probe by providing timely and useful information, stressing that community vigilance was key to forestalling similar tragedies.

This renewed investigation follows a disturbing trend of journalists and media workers falling victim to violent crimes in the FCT.

Two principals of Ilugun High School in Elega, Abeokuta, Ogun State identified as Mrs Olukoga Alaba and Mrs. Olabisi Ladipo have been suspended by the state government indefinitely following death of a student linked to the school.

The Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Abeokuta.

Arigbabu spoke while reacting to a viral video, where students were seen vandalising school properties.

The Commissioner explained that the principals representing the junior and senior schools respectively were suspended due to their involvement in the incident.

According to him, the principal of the junior school was reportedly involved in the collection of illegal fees, which led to a protest by the students.

‘In the ensuing protest, security agents were invited to calm nerves, which subsequently led to a melee.

‘We have all become aware of the unfortunate incident that took place at Ilugun High School (Junior), Elega. I stand before you this evening to confirm that, sadly, the incident did happen in the school.

‘First, let me on behalf of the state government express our deepest condolences to the parents and family of the deceased. We feel their pain and our prayers are with them at this difficult time.

‘However, our preliminary investigations have revealed a very disturbing twist; the young man who lost his life could not be confirmed as a bona fide student of the school.

‘He was identified by three different names, Babalola Ayomide, Salako Jimoh, and Afolabi Babalola.

‘Yet, none of these names appear in our official state education database, the OGSERA platform, which authenticates all school enrolments. This points to the likelihood of an illegal enrolment,’ he said.

According to the commissioner, an investigation confirmed that the principal of Ilugun Junior High school was involved in collecting illegal fees from students.

In response to the findings, the government has decided to suspend both the junior and senior principals of Ilugun High School.

He added that a thorough investigation would be conducted to get the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident.

He disclosed that to stay informed about school activities, the government, through the Teaching Service Commission, has established a Whistleblower scheme to report illegalities, wrongdoings, and other misconduct.

He assured that the state government remains dedicated to ensuring free education for all school-age children, regardless of their location, gender, economic status, religion, or political affiliation.

The Lagos State Government has announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan ahead of the Electric Powerboat Racing Championship, Africa’s first-ever E1 Series event, scheduled to take place on the Lagos Inland Waterways, Victoria Island Lagoon, from Saturday, 4th to Sunday, 5th October 2025.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the diversions were necessary to ensure smooth traffic flow and the successful hosting of the international event.

‘There will be a total road closure at 1st Lekki Junction inward Ozumba Mbadiwe. In view of this, motorists are advised to make use of alternative routes that have been carefully mapped out to minimise disruptions,’ Osiyemi explained.

According to the government’s plan, motorists from Ajah heading towards Lekki are expected to make a U-turn at the Lekki 1st Junction by the pedestrian bridge, before linking Yesufu Abiodun Street to Maroko Police Station, City of David, Ligali Ayorinde, Ajose Adeogun, Eko Hotel Roundabout, and onward to Ahmadu Bello Way.

Other alternatives include using Ogonbo Road through Abraham Adesanya to connect Okun Ajah and the Coastal Road, while motorists from Lekki heading to Ikoyi or the Mainland can use Admiralty Way to access the Lekki Link Bridge. Those going towards CMS can connect Yesufu Abiodun, Oniru Road, Aboyade Cole, and Ligali Ayorinde.

Osiyemi assured Lagosians that ample parking has been provided at Fidelity Bank, Access Bank, and the Law School premises on Victoria Island.

‘We have also deployed LASTMA officials strategically along all routes to manage traffic and guide motorists. The coastal road will remain open to traffic throughout the two-day event,’ he added.

The Commissioner appealed for patience, describing the diversion as part of the traffic management strategy for the historic championship.

‘We urge motorists to cooperate fully with traffic officials. This event places Lagos on the global stage, and together we can ensure its success,’ he said.

The E1 Electric Powerboat Racing Championship is expected to attract participants, tourists, and international spectators, marking a milestone for Lagos as Africa’s first host city for the groundbreaking sporting event.

In a bid to prevent diseases among the children in Lagos State, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has emphasized the importance of immunization, urging parents to vaccinate their children and wards for a healthier future and a disease-free society.

The Deputy Governor, who made this charge today at an ‘Inaugural meeting of the Lagos State Taskforce on Immunization and Primary Health Care Services’, held at the Conference Room, Office of the Deputy Governor, Roundhouse, Alausa, Ikeja, said vaccination remains one of the most effective means of protecting the children in the community.

According to Hamzat, ‘Vaccination remains one of the most effective and reliable means to protect children from life-threatening illnesses, ensuring their growth and development in good health.’

He added that immunization is a collective responsibility that will not only secure the well-being of individual families but also contribute to building a healthier future and a disease-free society for Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

The Deputy Governor also charged religious leaders and traditional rulers to collaborate with the state government in sensitizing the people on the importance of vaccination and nutrition for their own children, noting that religious houses are always welcome to visit the government for clarification and enlightenment on the different policies put in place.

He noted thus: ‘Our royal fathers must also help us in the community to spread the good news that we have been able to sustain our health conditions because of vaccination.’ Using COVID-19 as an example, Hamzat said contagious diseases have been eradicated in society because of the immunization process carried out, and such can be extended to other illnesses.

While emphasizing the importance of the inaugural meeting, Hamzat pointed out that it was crucial to include all stakeholders, such as the State Executives, members of the Primary Health Care Board, Traditional Rulers, Local Government Chairmen, Religious leaders, and others, because of the need for everybody to have an understanding of the severity of the challenge.

Similarly, in his address, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Lawal Aina, charged the Local Government Chairmen in the state to encourage the people in their constituencies to ensure their children and wards embrace the immunization programme to ensure a disease-free environment.

‘I want to admonish us to intensify our efforts to do our best in encouraging our people to bring their children out for vaccination, as health education is a key responsibility of the chairmen in ensuring the good and well-being of the people,’ said Lawal.

In his opening remarks, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated that the primary objective of primary healthcare is to increase the coverage for immunization within the state.

Prof. Abayomi added that human beings are living longer now because the world has advanced technologically to produce effective vaccines that eliminate both infections that cause immediate sickness and diseases that can lead to complications such as liver cirrhosis with hepatitis, cervical cancer with HPV, and malaria, which can cause significant depletion.

He noted that to improve the immunization uptake in Lagos, it is important that the state government work on the aspects that make access to the primary healthcare more attractive to citizens, urging traditional rulers, Local Government chairmen, and stakeholders to collaborate with the government to further boost the capacity of the primary healthcare.

‘So, we are working diligently on renovating our primary healthcare platform. We know that many of you want to provide infrastructure to the state, and at the moment, we are doing 47 PHCs. So, I will be appealing to you to tag into this medical infrastructure transformation,’ the Commissioner concluded

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary HealthCare Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustapha, explained that the establishment of the Taskforce reflects the second ‘H’ in the THEMES + agenda of the State Government.

He said that it is a strong commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) governance, driving accountability, and ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving vaccines and essential health services, adding that the Taskforce has been constituted to provide a high-level platform for coordination, oversight, and problem-solving in the delivery of immunization and other PHC services.