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The Edo State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, has warned that old age will not shield drug traffickers from prosecution.

Officer stated this in a statement on Monday in Benin, following the arrest of an 85-year-old grandmother with a large consignment of illicit drugs.

The octogenarian, Grace Ehimeka, popularly known as Mama Grace, was arrested on October 16, 2026, in her residence at Warake community in Owan East Local Government Area with 15 bags of cannabis weighing 179kg.

She was arrested alongside five other suspects during coordinated raids that yielded a total of 407.39kg of cannabis and other banned substances.

‘The NDLEA Act is clear: you cannot hide under the canopy of old age and perpetrate acts that violate the law. The octogenarian was apprehended in her house at Warake. This is a bad example for her children and grandchildren,’ Ofoyeju said.

The NDLEA boss said the operations were based on credible intelligence and covered Warake, Ivbiaro and Ewe-Uzeba communities.

According to him, 57-year-old Ali Garba was picked up in Ivbiaro on October 15 with 5.85kg of cannabis sativa, while 45-year-old Habib Braimoh was arrested the same day in the same community with 100 grams.

In Warake, 35-year-old Musa Mubid was arrested with 2kg of cannabis, 309 grams of cannabis seeds, 114 grams of loud and 135 grams of pharmaceutical drugs including tramadol, swinol and diazepam.

On October 16, operatives arrested 53-year-old Ayo Aigberadion in Ewe/Irue, Owan East, with 220.8kg of cannabis sativa, while 35-year-old Hope Okoro, an indigene of Ndukwa West LGA of Delta State, was arrested in Auchi town with 237 grams of loud.

Other recoveries include 546 grams of loud, 114 grams of tramadol, 4 grams of diazepam and 3 grams of swinol.

Mama Grace, who confessed to owning the drugs, blamed hardship for her involvement.

‘I am a widow and started selling cannabis over two years ago just to survive. My family members have warned me to stop, but I kept postponing my decision to stop. Officers, if you give me another chance, I will never sell cannabis again,’ she pleaded.

Ofoyeju reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid Edo of illicit drugs and urged residents to provide timely information to support the agency’s operations.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians living in the United Kingdom to reconsider sending money to relatives who frequently seek financial assistance, arguing that such support does little to address the country’s underlying problems.

Obi advised Nigerians in the diaspora to encourage their family members at home to vote for leaders capable of delivering good governance and improving the economy.

He spoke on Sunday during a town hall meeting with diaspora supporters in Manchester, UK, where he attributed Nigeria’s economic difficulties to poor leadership.

According to the former Anambra State governor, financial assistance from Nigerians abroad may ease the suffering of their relatives temporarily but does not tackle the governance failures responsible for their hardship.

‘You have people at home in Nigeria today who are begging you for money. Tell them no!’ he said.

Obi also defended his record as governor, particularly his management of public funds, arguing that his approach to financial prudence set him apart from other state chief executives.

‘I’m not saying I’m a saint, but I saved money. I’ve not seen one governor who has saved 10 per cent of what I saved. No governor has done it.

‘Let’s start with this one that is less corrupt. That’s how other countries change.’

He said his interactions with Nigerians reinforced the importance of citizens taking collective responsibility for the country’s future.

Obi maintained that meaningful national development would require Nigerians to look beyond immediate financial relief and demand accountability and responsible leadership from those in public office.

He further urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general election, describing it as a crucial opportunity to influence the country’s direction through their votes.

The United Nations has highlighted Nigeria’s rural electrification programme as a successful example of expanding electricity access through targeted subsidies and private investment.

The recognition is contained in the World Social Report 2026, released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA).

The report identifies Nigeria’s Electrification Project as an example of how developing countries can expand access to affordable energy among underserved populations.

Citing earlier World Bank data, the UN said the programme supported the establishment of 125 mini-grids and the sale of more than one million solar home systems.

It said these interventions provided electricity access to more than five million Nigerians and supported the creation of over 5,000 green jobs.

The report described Nigeria’s use of subsidies for rural mini-grids as a successful policy experience in combining affordable electricity with private-sector participation.

It explained that targeted financial support could help lower electricity costs for poorer households while encouraging investment in underserved communities.

The UN also identified Nigeria and Ghana as countries pioneering the integration of solar panels into agricultural land.

According to the report, such initiatives could enable farmers to generate electricity while continuing food production on the same land.

It said integrating renewable energy with agriculture could strengthen food security, improve water management and expand economic opportunities in rural communities.

The report also assessed Nigeria’s performance in a new framework measuring economic transformation alongside social inclusion.

Nigeria recorded a transformation score of 44.30 and an inclusiveness score of 56.36, producing a combined index score of 100.67.

The assessment forms part of a comparative analysis covering 168 countries and examining economic, digital, energy and social development over 2000-2024.

The UN emphasised that economic growth and technological progress did not automatically guarantee that vulnerable populations would benefit from development.

The Federal Government has released ?4.04 billion in severance benefits for 600 former employees of the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited, ending another phase of the workers’ prolonged struggle for their outstanding entitlements.

The Federal Ministry of Finance announced the release on Monday, October 19, 2026, in a statement signed by Maryann Duke, Senior Special Assistant on Communications and Press Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

According to the ministry, the payment covers Batches 010 and 011 of verified beneficiaries and represents the second tranche of the government’s severance settlement programme.

The ministry disclosed that the gross entitlements of the 600 beneficiaries amounted to ?4,251,043,000.19, from which ?212,552,150.01 was deducted, leaving a net payment of ?4,038,490,850.18.

The latest release follows the ?18 billion severance settlement announced in September for 2,700 former Nigeria Airways workers across the first nine batches.

The government explained that payments were being processed in batches to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries with verified records received their entitlements.

‘The Federal Government recognises the prolonged wait experienced by former employees and their families and remains committed to resolving legitimate outstanding claims through an orderly and transparent process, while safeguarding public funds through appropriate verification,’ the statement read.

Nigeria Airways, once Nigeria’s national carrier, ceased operations in 2003 and was subsequently liquidated in 2004, leaving thousands of former employees pursuing unpaid severance benefits for more than two decades.

The Ministry of Finance reaffirmed its commitment to settling outstanding obligations through established payment procedures.

‘The Ministry of Finance will continue to support the implementation of approved government obligations in line with established procedures and the applicable payment process,’ it added.

Another confrontation erupted around human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday after a lawyer allegedly described him as a ‘tout’, provoking an angry reaction from his supporters.

The incident occurred before proceedings began in Sowore’s ongoing cybercrime trial over social media posts in which he described President Bola Tinubu as a ‘criminal’.

The lawyer, identified only as Yakubu, reportedly made the derogatory remark, triggering a heated exchange with Sowore’s supporters.

The confrontation quickly escalated into a shouting match, with some supporters allegedly threatening to teach the lawyer a ‘lesson’ after the day’s hearing.

The incident unfolded ahead of proceedings presided over by Justice Mohammed Umar.

Monday’s confrontation follows a similar incident on March 24, 2026, when Sowore engaged in a heated argument with Senior Advocate of Nigeria Musibau Adetunbi at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Adetunbi had challenged the activist for granting an interview to journalists inside a courtroom, insisting that the venue was not meant for press briefings.

Sowore rejected the objection, accusing the senior lawyer of attempting to intimidate him.

The confrontation subsequently drew criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which backed Adetunbi and called for respect for courtroom decorum.

Another heated exchange occurred on August 3 during Sowore’s trial, when his lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, clashed with prosecuting counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, over allegations that the defence was deliberately delaying proceedings.

Justice Umar cautioned both lawyers over their conduct before adjourning the case.

Sowore is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations arising from his social media criticism of President Tinubu.

President Bola Tinubu has approved an 18-month extension of the tenures of the heads of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), allowing both service chiefs to remain in office until 2028.

Under the approval, the tenure of the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, has been extended until May 26, 2028, while that of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, will now end on June 30, 2028.

The presidency said the extensions followed a recommendation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to address a succession gap in the two services and give their respective boards sufficient time to appoint successors.

Tinubu commended both officials for the reforms recorded under their leadership and charged them to consolidate the gains made in their respective agencies.

The development was announced on Monday in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.

Nwakuche was nominated by Tinubu as Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service in December 2024 and was confirmed by the Senate in March 2025.

Similarly, Nandap was nominated as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service on February 21, 2024, and received Senate confirmation on March 1, 2024.

The extensions will allow both officials to continue overseeing their respective services while the process of appointing their successors is given additional time.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has sworn in Mr Olayemi Sanusi and Mrs Adenike Ademokun as commissioners, charging them to place the interest of the state above personal considerations, political differences and sectional loyalties.

Abiodun gave the charge on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where he urged the new commissioners to demonstrate integrity, humility, fairness and commitment to public service.

The governor charged them to remain accessible to the people, listen attentively to their concerns and exercise prudence in the management of public resources, stressing that their appointments must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

LLHe also emphasised the importance of continuity in governance, urging the commissioners to preserve institutional knowledge, maintain proper records and ensure that ongoing projects and programmes were completed.

Abiodun advised them to familiarise themselves with the priorities of his administration, understand the status of existing projects and bring fresh energy, sound judgment and a strong sense of responsibility to their assignments.

‘Public confidence grows when citizens can see that those they entrusted with leadership understand their needs and act to address them,’ he said.

The governor further urged the new commissioners to embrace teamwork, respect the professionalism of the public service and collaborate effectively with the ministries, departments and agencies under their supervision.

‘Your ability to listen, inspire confidence, make informed decisions and translate policies into outcomes will determine the contribution you make to our collective mission.

‘Bring your experience to bear, remain willing to learn and support your colleagues in the pursuit of common objectives,’ he said.

Abiodun noted that the value of public office should be measured by the problems it helps to solve and the opportunities it creates, adding that the responsibility before members of the State Executive Council was to consolidate existing achievements, address unfinished priorities and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous Ogun State.

Describing the period as the final lap of his administration, the governor said the remaining months required urgency, discipline, political maturity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

‘We are now in the final lap of this administration. This period demands urgency, discipline, political maturity and a steadfast pursuit of excellence.

‘Your appointments, therefore, come at a very significant moment. You are joining a government with substantial achievements and important responsibilities still to fulfil.

History will assess our stewardship through the consequences of our decisions and the difference our service has made in the lives of the people.

‘Let us, therefore, approach the months ahead with a clear sense of purpose and a determination to make every opportunity count,’ he said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in commissioners, Mrs Adenike Ademokun expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them, assuring the governor that they would not take the appointments for granted.

She pledged their commitment to giving their best in support of the administration’s efforts to sustain development and improve the welfare of residents across the state.

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, to disclose the state’s financial records dating back to June 2023, amid mounting questions over how his administration has managed public funds.

Justice Hamza Mu’azu of the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, issued the order following a lawsuit filed by Joseph Waya, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The court directed the governor to make available records of the state’s federal allocations, internally generated revenue, loans, grants, government contracts and other sources of public funding.

The disclosure also covers foreign donations, personnel costs and pension payments.

Waya had approached the court after accusing the Alia administration of failing to provide comprehensive financial information he requested under the Freedom of Information Act on September 8, 2025.

The court upheld his right to access the records and ordered the state government to comply.

The ruling comes amid controversy over claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, that Benue receives about ?30 billion monthly from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

The Benue State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged Alia to explain how the funds have been spent or publicly dispute Wike’s figures.

The opposition party also alleged that combined federal allocations to the state government and its 23 local government areas had exceeded ?1.3 trillion since Alia assumed office in May 2023.

It demanded detailed accounts of expenditure on security, healthcare, education, agriculture and infrastructure, questioning what residents had gained from the increased allocations.

The court’s directive, however, arose from Waya’s freedom of information lawsuit and does not amount to a finding of financial misconduct against Alia or his administration.

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has revealed a longstanding personal bond with Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, recalling how they shared a bunk bed at boarding school nearly five decades ago.

Otedola made the revelation on Monday after hosting a dinner in honour of Hamzat, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 Lagos State governorship election.

In a post on his X account, the businessman described Hamzat as a man of integrity and expressed confidence in his leadership qualities.

‘Yesterday, I hosted dinner in honour of @DrObafemiHamzat, the incoming Governor of Lagos State. A man of the highest integrity, with whom I shared a bunk bed at boarding school 49 years ago,’ Otedola wrote.

He also highlighted the qualities that, according to him, have characterised their relationship over the years.

‘My experience of his character over the years has been defined by his honesty, sincerity, fairness and strong moral principles,’ he added.

The dinner attracted some of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures, including Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu.

Hamzat secured the APC governorship ticket in May after winning the party’s primary election in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 polls.

According to the announced results, he received 657,917 votes, while his challenger, Olanrewaju Jim-Kamal, polled one vote.

The deputy governor has held the position since 2019 under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He is now seeking to succeed Sanwo-Olu, whose second term in office is due to end in 2027.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Monday swore in six newly appointed Permanent Secretaries. The appointments brought the number of Permanent Secretaries appointed under Sanwo-Olu’s administration to 135.

The new Permanent Secretaries are Dr Olawale Adegbite, Mrs Folashade Thomas-Orogan, Mr Adebayo Haroun, Mrs Olayinka Oye-Bamgbose, Mr Olatunbuson Ogunbanwo and Mrs Toyin Adekoya.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also swore in chairmen and members of the Local Government Service Commission and the Audit Service Commission in Lagos State.

The members of the Audit Service Commission are Mrs Arinola Dawodu (Chairman), Hon. Bukola Ogunnowo, Ms Omotayo Gbajabiamila-Olamona, Hon. Bowale Shosimi and Hon. Sunday Kappo, while members of the Local Government Service Commission are Hon. Akeem Bamgbola (Chairman), Hon. Adeyinka Durosinmi, Mr Ahmed Seriki, Mr Shamsideen Olaleye and Hon. Folashade Olabanji-Oba.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged the new appointees to hit the ground running and ensure effective service delivery to the residents of Lagos State.

The Governor urged them to uphold the highest professional standards and ensure the effective implementation of government policies and programmes.

He said: ‘These appointments recognise your experience and service, but they also place greater expectations on you. At this level of public service, the task is not simply to occupy an office or oversee an institution. It is to make that institution work effectively and ensure that its contribution to the development of Lagos State is clear and measurable.

‘Our vision of a Greater Lagos requires a public service that can translate policies into results. The people of Lagos must be able to see the difference that effective governance makes in their daily lives.

‘I expect you to discharge your duties with integrity, fairness and a strong sense of accountability. Be accessible and responsive in the performance of your functions. Encourage initiative, support collaboration and address administrative challenges with professionalism.’

Speaking earlier, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Olabode Agoro, noted that the appointments represented another significant milestone in the pursuit of excellent service delivery and governance.

Agoro assured Governor Sanwo-Olu that all the appointees were fully ready for the tasks ahead, noting that ‘they are full of zeal and enthusiasm to make their contributions towards the development of public service and the State as a whole.

‘These appointments underscore the commitment of the present administration to meritocracy, professionalism, accountability and transparency. I am confident that the wealth of knowledge and expertise you will bring on board will continue to strengthen our institutional capacity.’

The appointees, in their Votes of Assurance, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for entrusting them with the responsibility of taking Lagos State to greater heights and pledged to perform their duties efficiently.