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The Abia chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed reports that the Federal High Court issued an order compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate or prosecute the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

The party’s Legal Adviser, Vigilus Nwankwo, described the claims as politically motivated, aimed at discrediting the minister ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an interview monitored on Arise News, Nwankwo clarified that the court merely granted Amobi Ogah an order of leave, a procedural approval to apply for an order of mandamus, and not a substantive order directing INEC to act.

He said: ‘The court is yet to make any order compelling INEC. What was granted was only an order of leave for him to apply for an order of mandamus. He is yet to apply for that order, so it has not been granted.’

The APC legal adviser stated that the suit was part of a wider political scheme to weaken Onyejeocha’s growing influence within Abia politics, describing it as a pre-emptive move ahead of future elections.

‘All this tango is coming because of the future elections in 2027. The Minister is being targeted because she remains the face of the APC in Abia and enjoys strong grassroots support,’ Nwankwo said.

Nwankwo further maintained that the basis of the suit had already been settled during the 2023 election litigation process. He explained that both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal made no findings against Onyejeocha when Ogah challenged her election victory.

According to him, the present case amounts to issue estoppel, as it seeks to reopen a matter already determined by a competent court. He added that the Court of Appeal’s decision to void the election was based on technical grounds, specifically the non-presentation of polling agents as witnesses, rather than any allegation of forgery.

Onyejeocha said she remains focused on her responsibilities in President Tinubu’s administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda and will not be distracted by politically motivated claims.

It had been widely reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja granted a member of the House of Representatives, Amobi Godwin Ogah, leave to compel the INEC to prosecute the Minister of State for Labour, Onyejeocha, for alleged forgery of election results in 62 polling units during the 2023 general elections.

Justice M.G. Umar of the Abuja Federal High Court, in his ruling dated September 23, 2025, on an ex-parte motion brought by Ogah, said he was satisfied that the applicant had placed relevant materials in his affidavit to warrant the judgment.

Onyejeocha had dragged Ogah, representing Isikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, to the National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal after the 2023 elections, claiming victory.

But Ogah accused her of forging the results she tendered before the tribunal and Onyejeocha eventually lost the case.

Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), a subsidiary of Thor Explorations and operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold project, Segilola Gold Mine in Osun State, has participated as a Gold Sponsor at 2025 Nigeria Mining Week in Abuja.

During the week, SROL hosted its Second Annual Stakeholder Reception at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

The event convened over 100 industry’s top voices, policymakers, regulators, financiers, legal experts, and development partners. Also present were Faruk Yabo, permanent secretary of Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development; Prof. Innocent Bariko, director general of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency; Simon Nkom, director general of Mining Cadastre Office; and Prof. Olusegun Ige, director general of Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA).

They were joined by senior representatives from Babalakin and Co., ENR Advisory, VUKA Group, Africa Finance Corporation, Bank of Industry, and other key institutions shaping Nigeria’s mining.

The reception served as a strategic forum to align visions across sectors, foster transparency, and reaffirm SROL’s commitment to responsible mining as a driver of economic and social development in Nigeria.

Segun Lawson, chief executive of Segilola, lauded stakeholders who supported its journey, saying ‘it took courage to build what we have. It takes courage to do things differently, to build mines not just for profit, but for people, planet, and posterity.

”At Segilola, we chose a path grounded in responsibility and driven by innovation, committing to a sustainable future for Nigerian mining.’

Guests engaged with the tangible results of SROL’s livelihood restoration programs, community-led initiatives designed to build resilient and diversified local economies. These efforts exemplify the company’s inclusive development model and its enduring commitment to sustainable growth.

Throughout the Nigeria Mining Week, SROL played a leading role in shaping discussions around the future of the industry.

As a Gold Sponsor, the company contributed to high-impact conversations through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and thought leadership sessions focused on regulatory evolution, sustainable finance, and sector-wide transformation.

SROL’s exhibition booth served as a hub of engagement for stakeholders eager to connect with the team behind Nigeria’s pioneering gold mine.

As Nigeria’s mining renaissance gathers momentum, Segilola Resources Operating Limited stands at its forefront-proving that responsible mining can drive lasting transformation. The Second Annual Stakeholder Reception was not merely a reflection of progress but a reaffirmation of SROL’s vision for a future where communities, industry, and sustainability thrive together.

Gunmen believed to be kidnappers have abducted 15 passengers between Obarenren Community and Idunwongie Community along the Benin-Akure highway.

The passengers were travelling in Hummer Bus marked KJA 119 XF.

All the 15 passengers were taken into the bush by the kidnappers.

But Deputy spokesman for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said eight of the passengers including three children have been rescued unhurt.

Ikoedem said policemen from Ekiadolor Division were swiftly deployed to the scene.

She said the operatives pursued the kidnappers into the forest and successfully rescued eight victims, including three children, adding that the operatives were still in the bush to rescue the remaining eight passengers.

ASP Ikoedem said: ‘However, seven other passengers are still unaccounted for as efforts are intensely ongoing to locate and rescue them. An aggressive manhunt for the perpetrators is currently in progress, with a full complement of technological support to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while the driver of the vehicle is assisting the police with investigation.

‘The Edo State Police Command assures the public that no effort will be spared in ensuring the safety of all residents and commuters within the state. Members of the public are encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation.

‘Anyone with useful information is encouraged to kindly contact our emergency Control Room Numbers 08077773721, 08037646272.’

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), has said the agency recorded 45,853 arrests of drug traffickers and users, secured 9,263 convictions, and seized over 8.5 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in the past 30 months.

He added that 26,613 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated in the agency’s treatment facilities nationwide.

Marwa said that the agency’s unwavering commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda has yielded remarkable results in the ongoing war against drug abuse and trafficking.

He said said this on Wednesday, when he presented commendation letters and awards to 220 personnel for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties while 15 senior officers were decorated with their new ranks.

Marwa further revealed that the agency carried out 9,848 sensitisation activities under its flagship War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, reaching schools, workplaces, markets, motor parks, worship centres, and communities across Nigeria.

‘These figures are not just numbers; they reflect the growing impact of our renewed intelligence-driven operations and the collective national resolve to make Nigeria a drug-free nation,’ Marwa stated.

He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s resolve to sustain the momentum, noting that the agency’s efforts are aligned with the Tinubu administration’s drive for a more secure, productive, and healthy society.

‘The fight against drugs is a fight for the soul of our nation,’ he said. ‘Our commitment remains total, and our results so far show that Nigeria is winning this battle, one community at a time.’

He commended operatives of the NDLEA for raising the momentum of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking across the country in the past two and a half years of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

British Council, in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, and support from Investment Climate Reform (ICR) facility, has launched Impact Advisory Group (IAG) to strengthen access to finance for MSMEs and bridge the N3 trillion funding gap hindering their growth in Nigeria.

This was unveiled at the National Roundtable on MSME Financing: ‘Sustaining Impact: Achieving N3 Trillion Inclusive Financing Options for MSMEs in Nigeria,’ in Lagos.

It brought together government representatives, development partners, financial institutions, and private sector leaders to chart coordinated strategies for inclusive MSME financing and policy reforms.

Country Director of British Council, Donna McGowan, said the partnership reflects the council’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s reform ecosystem and promoting inclusive economic growth.

‘As ICR programme winds down, sustaining outcomes are a priority,’ McGowan said. ‘IAG is a platform to sustain business environment reforms, promote access to finance for women-owned businesses, and establish mechanisms for accountability and coordination among stakeholders.’

Convener of IAG and Chief Executive of Octovio Development, Nelson Okwonna, said the group was set up to harmonise efforts of government, private sector, and donor actors in the MSME ecosystem.

‘We realised interventions for MSMEs operate in silos.’The IAG seeks to connect those efforts, close the funding gap, and ensure impact is scaled beyond donor cycles.’

Representing SMEDAN’s chief, a director, Dabureje Onesi-Lawani, stressed the agency’s resolve to improving MSME competitiveness through data-driven policy and public-private collaboration.

He said: ‘SMEDAN has benefited from ICR facility in initiatives as National MSME Policy (2021-2025) and studies on women’s access to finance, but sustaining the impact requires a platform like IAG.

‘The collective effort that begins today is aimed at closing the N3 trillion funding gap, and every stakeholder must be part of that process.’

National Escrow Member of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief Kola Akosile, emphasized the private sector’s role in formalizing and supporting MSMEs.

‘MSMEs make up the backbone of our economy but remain grossly underfunded,’ he said. ‘At NACCIMA, we are collaborating with SMEDAN and the CAC to onboard one million MSMEs into the formal sector within a year, offering free chamber memberships to support growth and accountability.’

Similarly, Mr. Iliya Anthony, Managing Director of the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency, shared insights from the Kaduna model, where the government has disbursed over ?3 billion to small businesses.

‘Kaduna is leading by example,’ Anthony said. ‘We believe access to finance, markets, and training must go hand in hand. Another ?1 billion will be rolled out next month to support more SMEs and promote financial inclusion for women in rural areas.’

A key highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SMEDAN and IAG’s implementing partners, EFInA, FATE Foundation, Sterling One Foundation, Africa Venture Philanthropy Alliance (AVPA), Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), and Octovio Development Company, to sustain and scale inclusive financing reforms nationwide.

During the roundtable, Okwonna delivered a lead presentation titled ‘Achieving ?3 Trillion Inclusive Financing for MSMEs in Nigeria,’ describing what he called the ‘MSME financing paradox.’

‘Private sector loans have grown to ?77 trillion, yet less than two percent reaches MSMEs,’ he said. ‘Only about 25.9 percent of women entrepreneurs have accessed formal financing despite MSMEs contributing 46 percent to GDP and 87.9 percent to employment.’

Participants later engaged in breakout sessions on Asset Financing, Trade Finance, Agricultural Finance, and Start-up Equity Financing. Recommendations included creating state-level matching funds and de-risking instruments for MSMEs, promoting blended finance, expanding equity and impact investment, and strengthening digital trade finance infrastructure.

In his closing remarks, Director of Programmes at the British Council, Mr. Chikodi Onyemerela, praised the collaboration between government and private partners.

‘This launch represents more than an event it is a movement toward sustainable MSME growth, we must continue this collective effort beyond donor cycles to ensure financing reforms reach every level of Nigeria’s economy’, Onyemerela said.

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the standard and quality of completed and ongoing projects executed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in all Tertiary Institutions across Nigeria to ensure value for money.

In its resolution following a motion sponsored by Aderemi Oseni (APC, Oyo), the House asked the Federal Ministries of Education and Finance, the National Universities Commission, TETFund, and Development Partners to work out modalities to refurbish the First-Generation Universities to restore the glory and quality of the Universities.

Leading the debate on the motion, Oseni recalled that First-Generation Federal Universities in Nigeria in the early 60s exuded glory, glamour, quality and class from inception, and were also the pride of the nation in those days, adding that the standard and quality of these first-generation universities, in terms of quality of teachers,

students and infrastructure attract them to foreign students and international recognitions across the world.

He expressed concerns that these first-generation universities which include the University of Ibadan, the University of

Nigeria, Nsuka, and Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, amongst others, seem to have lost the glory they exuded in the 60s due to years of neglect and unintended abandonment of infrastructure and facilities in the Universities.

He alleged that these years of neglect have resulted in decay and dilapidated infrastructure of the institutions’ lecture halls, hostels, auditoriums, etc. The beautiful zoos in the Universities that attracted tourists from far and near are either empty or non-existent.

He said Tertiary Education Trust (TETFund) intervention projects initiated to ameliorate the infrastructure gap in the universities, have executed a number of projects in selected Universities, which are of poor quality, with newly completed works deteriorating faster

than projects built over 60 years ago.

He said there was the need for the Federal Government to refurbish the First-Generation Universities in Nigeria to return to their former the glory and investigate the quality of works executed by TETFund to justify value for monies spent on the projects.

Paris St Germain posted record revenue in the 2024-2025 season of 837 million euros ($976.11 million), the Champions League winners announced in their financial results.

PSG, third in the Deloitte Football Money League in January, beat their previous revenue high of 806 million euros.

The Ligue 1 club generated 367 million euros of commercial revenues and 175 million euros from matchday income, with the Parc des Princes sold out for 170 consecutive matches.

The 2024-2025 season was one for the history books as PSG won their first Champions League title plus the Ligue 1 crown, French Cup and Trophee des Champions before losing in the Club World Cup final.

‘This performance shows the maturity of the project since the arrival of its main shareholder QSI, and confirms the solidity of the club’s economic model, now among the most successful in the world’, PSG said in a statement.

Qatar Sports Investments took over the club in 2011.

Revenue from the Club World Cup up to the quarter-finals was included in this season’s financial report, while the latter stages will be reflected in next year’s results.

Despite record revenue, PSG registered an annual loss although the club did not disclose the deficit. Last season, PSG reported a loss of approximately 60 million euros.

Filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has expressed gratitude t fans and supporters for overwhelming love and enthusiasm for her film, ‘Love in Every Word: The Wedding’.

In a post on Instagram, she thanked them for celebrating her work and making her feel seen and appreciated.

The actress acknowledged the impact of their support on her career, stating that it reminded her why she tells stories to touch hearts, make people laugh, and glorify God through love.

Oboli wrote: ‘My dearest besties, I honestly don’t even know where to start. Every view, every comment, every post, every share. you’ve poured so much love into LOVE IN EVERY WORD: THE WEDDING, and my heart is so full. You stayed up late, you celebrated like it was your own win, and you made and are still making history with me.

‘There were moments I cried reading your comments because I could feel your love through the screen. You made all the hard work worth it. You reminded me why I tell stories, to touch hearts, to make people laugh, and to glorify God through love.

‘From the bottom of my heart, thank you. You are the reason this dream keeps growing, and I’ll never take you for granted’.

Rapper Oladips has recounted his experience with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing how he was picked up during a night raid in his estate and detained for several days.

Speaking in a recent interview, the rapper said the incident occurred around 3 a.m. when officials entered his neighborhood.

‘Nigeria just happened to me. It was just a normal night and they entered my Estate going from house to house. They came to my house as well. It was like 3 a.m. The crazy thing is that I knew they were inside the compound, but I don’t do fraud, I don’t do yahoo,’ Oladips said.

‘I was on my bed pressing my phone because that’s none of my business- na person wey do fraud go dey run. Next thing, I heard a loud noise from downstairs. They broke my kitchen door, entered my house, and were like, ‘Hey, hey, where’s your phone?’ I don’t even have a laptop, just two phones. They collected them and took me to their office.’

He explained that he was detained for several days and later released after the investigation.

‘They didn’t find anything on my phone. One of their oga asked if I pay tax, so they just held me for that. I spent four, five days in that cell,’ he said.

Oladips noted that he considered taking legal action but decided against it due to the process involved.

‘I feel like when I came out I should have sued them because they collected money from me before they released me for nothing, absolutely nothing. I spent four, five days in their cell. But you know Nigeria – before I now sue them and start fighting for the money they collected from me, I’ll spend another money,’ he added.

‘The system is just messed up because I don’t know why I was locked up till date. They suffered me. You know Nigeria, before I’ll sue them and start spending money, it’s crazy. I can’t go through all of that stress, that was why I locked up,’ he said.

The Senate has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s nominees as the new Service Chiefs after an intensive closed-door screening that centred on Nigeria’s deepening security challenges.

At the end of the over two-hour session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Upper Chamber unanimously approved the appointments of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General Waheedi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral Idi Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff and Air Vice Marshal Kennedy Aneke as Chief of Air Staff.

The Service Chiefs, while answering questions from Senators before the executive session, promised sweeping reforms to modernise the Armed Forces, boost troop morale, promote local arms production, use of technology, and deepen cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

General Oluyede said his leadership would drive a ‘technology-driven, self-reliant’ defence system that reduces dependence on foreign arms.

He said: ‘We cannot continue to rely on foreign suppliers for our weapons. It is economically unsustainable and strategically risky.

‘My focus will be to build a strong local military-industrial base that can produce what we need to defend the nation.’

He pledged to make intelligence-led, data-driven warfare the backbone of joint operations, while prioritising welfare, healthcare, housing, and education for soldiers’ families.

‘Morale is the backbone of fighting power,’ he said.

Oluyede also called for a comprehensive reform of the police to enable it to take charge of internal security, so as to free the military to focus on external defence.

‘The military alone cannot secure Nigeria. Security is everyone’s business,’ he added.

Senators praised the nominees’ strategic focus, with Borno North Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno commending Oluyede’s experience in the insurgency war, while Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) urged him to treat troop welfare as non-negotiable.

Rear Admiral Abbas, the new Chief of Naval Staff, promised to overhaul maritime operations, expand drone surveillance, and intensify the fight against piracy and oil theft.

He also said that there was no need for setting up the proposed Coast Guards, as the Navy is already performing their expected role.

‘The Navy’s constitutional roles already cover what a Coast Guard would do.

‘What we need is better funding and modern surveillance systems,’ he said.

He said the Navy had deployed drones to monitor remote creeks and set up a Special Operations Command in Makurdi to boost patrols on the Benue-Lokoja waterways.

Abbas also said there is need for victim-centred reintegration of repentant militants, saying: ‘Deradicalisation must include justice and healing.’

Aneke, the new Chief of Air Staff, vowed to transform the Air Force into a ‘combat-ready, disciplined, and intelligent’ service anchored on drone technology and rapid-response capability.

‘Modern warfare is technology-driven. Unmanned aerial systems perform many missions better and safer than manned aircraft. We will invest in them,’ he said.

Aneke assured senators that Nigeria’s $1.2 billion Super Tucano aircraft fleet remains operational and vital to ongoing counter-insurgency operations.

‘They are flying every night in the North-East and North-West. Each missile costs about $100,000, the price of peace,’ he said.

He promised to prioritise pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and personnel welfare, while seeking legislative support for defence technology funding.

Together, the new Service Chiefs outlined a unified vision, one built on synergy, innovation, and welfare, to secure Nigeria’s land, sea, and airspace.

General Oluyede vowed to drive joint operations with Rear Admiral Abbas to safeguard maritime assets, and Air Vice Marshal Aneke to ensure air dominance.

All three reaffirmed loyalty to President Tinubu’s defence reform agenda and promised to deliver tangible results in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.

‘We are here to serve. Every naira invested in the military must translate into peace, safety, and pride for Nigerians,’ Aneke said.

With their confirmation, the Service Chiefs now form the core of Tinubu’s new security architecture, tasked with restoring stability to the North-East, ending banditry in the North-West, and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity across all fronts.