JUST IN: Kano Rep Jibrin Rejoins APC, Backs Tinubu’s 2027 Bid

  The lawmaker representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has announced his return to the All Progressives Congress and declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. Jibrin, who had left the APC in May 2022, made the announcement during a political gathering in his hometown, Kofa, Bebeji Local Government Area of Kano State on Sunday. Announcing his defection on his Facebook page on Monday, Jibrin said his supporters had unanimously resolved to abandon the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement to align with the APC. He wrote, “Today, in a show of solidarity, I was warmly received by thousands of my constituents in my hometown of Kofa, Bebeji, Kano. “The gathering resolved to leave the NNPP/Kwankwasiyya, join the APC, and endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a second term in office. “From the beginning, almost 2,000 scholars from my constituency have prayed special prayers for the President and sought peace, development, and progress for Kiru/Bebeji, Kano, and Nigeria altogether.” Jibrin’s return to the APC comes barely two months after he resigned from the NNPP, following his expulsion over alleged anti-party activities and non-payment of membership dues. Reacting to his suspension at the time, Jibrin described the action as “shocking and unjustified,” insisting that an interview he granted in both English and Hausa, which the party cited as the basis for his suspension, did not warrant such a “heavy penalty.” He faulted the NNPP for violating the principles of fair hearing and due process, saying he was expelled without an opportunity to defend himself. The federal lawmaker said that he had accepted the decision in good faith and would not challenge it in court. On claims that he defaulted in the payment of his membership dues, the lawmaker maintained that he had never neglected his obligations. Taking a swipe at the party’s leadership style, the former Director-General of the Tinubu Support Groups accused the NNPP of failing to value its members. Jibrin, however, thanked the NNPP for the support he enjoyed during his stay, and called on his supporters to join him in his “new journey,” while maintaining peaceful ties with those who choose to remain in the party. Jibrin’s return marks a significant boost for the APC in Kano, especially as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

My Enemies Using Regina’s Condition to Blackmail Me — Nwoko

  The Senator representing the Delta North Senatorial District, Ned Nwoko, has alleged that a “syndicate of pull-down-Ned” group is taking advantage of the situation involving his wife, Regina Daniels, to tarnish his image. Nwoko made this claim amid reports of ongoing marital challenges between him and the Nollywood actress. The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the Communication/Technical Action Team, Office of the Senator, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday. He noted that individuals who had targeted him for years were now using the situation to criminalise him before the international community, describing it as a coordinated gang-up. “Beyond this, the talk about me grabbing land in my hometown is false and unfortunate. The truth is that I was allocated a piece of land, for which I made a genuine offer of payment, to establish the University of Sports — a project that exists today and serves the community. “Unfortunately, anyone who seeks progress in our society is often attacked and torn down by their own people. That is the sad difference between us and other ethnic groups.” Nwoko further alleged that certain individuals were exploiting “a young woman who is unwell and has admitted to using drugs.” “The facts are there. Those exploiting her present condition to settle old scores, knowing they have no case against me, will eventually face justice. They must also be careful with the defamatory statements they continue to make because they will be required to prove them. “If by now she has not brought up any credible allegation against me, it means there is nothing illegal about me, except that I want her to seek help for rehabilitation, a condition that existed long before our marriage.” The lawmaker stated that it was on record that Regina had a history of substance use, which could be verified through medical records and in court. “The whole world has read her own accounts of substance use, and her former schoolmates have testified online that she and her sister dropped out of school because of drug-related issues. “Yet some people keep pushing this false narrative to damage my reputation. She openly admitted to using drugs and said she was on bipolar medication. “Her medical records are verifiable, but the enemies of progress are now manipulating her to achieve their aims. If she had any secrets to reveal, she would have done so. She has nothing. “All the current stories being circulated are fabricated and amount to criminal defamation, and those behind this smear campaign will have their day to prove their claims.” Nwoko also addressed public controversy regarding the timeline of his marriage to Regina Daniels. “For clarity, Regina Daniels was born on October 10, 2000. If she has been married for six years, that means she got married at 19 years old, not 17,” he said. He noted that the public witnessed her family giving her out in marriage and that her mother personally brought her to him. “Our customs and traditions do not frown upon polygamy. What I did was to marry her honourably, give her a name, and treat her with dignity. “Our marriage has been public and transparent. Beyond the social media lifestyle, my world revolved around Regina. I pampered her and cared for her deeply, something everyone who has worked with me across Delta, Abuja, and beyond can testify to. “It is, therefore, disheartening to read all this filth being spread online. As the saying goes, when a wall cracks, the lizard finds its way in. Regina has become a weak point through which my political and personal enemies are attacking me. “My decision to marry her properly according to tradition is now being twisted into a tool for political blackmail. This is a witch-hunt that has been ongoing for years, an attempt to stop my developmental strides and tarnish me now that I am a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.  

EPL: Rooney Urges Chelsea Senior Players to Challenge Maresca over Constant Changes

  Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has urged Chelsea’s senior players to challenge head coach Enzo Maresca over his constant changes to the starting line-up. The Argentine manager made seven alterations for Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Qarabag, marking the fifth straight match across all competitions in which he has rotated his team by at least seven players. According to BBC Sports on Friday, it was the fifth consecutive match across all competitions in which Maresca has made at least seven changes to his starting XI. “The players want to play, they want to build relationships,” the former England captain said on the Wayne Rooney Show. “When you keep chopping and changing then the players won’t be happy. I think that will come back to bite them. “If they are getting results all the time, then you can’t question it, but if they’re not, there have to be questions asked,” he said. Rooney believes it is up to captain Reece James and other experienced players in the Chelsea squad to address the issue with Maresca. “I think most clubs now have a leadership group and as a group you have to go and question the manager,” he added. “You hear people talk about ‘player power’ but this isn’t player power. “I’d be concerned if the team kept changing. If I were in that [leadership] group, I’d be speaking to my teammates, saying ‘Look, I’m not happy with this,” he said. Chelsea have made 85 changes in 16 matches this season – by far the most of any Premier League team. But, speaking after the draw in Azerbaijan, Maresca defended his rotation policy. “The [selection] is always because we think the plan with the players is the correct one,” said Maresca. “The intention was to rest Moises [Caicedo], Enzo [Fernandez], Malo [Gusto,] and more players. “They are not able to play every three days. The Club World Cup affected a lot. We tried to rotate. When we win, nobody mentions that but when we don’t, everyone is focused on that.”  

Pretty Mike Gets N50m Bail for Alleged Drug Offence

  A Lagos popular entertainer and nightclub owner, Mike Nwalie, alias Pretty Mike, was granted N50m bail on Thursday following his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged drug-related offences. Nwalie, who owns Proxy Lagos Night Club, was arraigned alongside the club’s supervisor, Joachim Hillary, 32, by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The duo appeared before Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession, and permitting the use of the club premises for illegal drug activities. The NDLEA’s prosecution counsel, Buhari Abdullahi, told the court that the offences were allegedly committed on or about October 26, 2025.

My Father Left Behind 20 Houses, 30 Children – Abba Kyari

  Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, on Wednesday told the Federal High Court in Abuja that several properties linked to him by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency belonged to his late father and were jointly owned by his 30 siblings. Kyari, who opened his defence before Justice James Omotosho, said his late father left behind more than 20 houses in Maiduguri, Borno State. He added that some of the properties were sold to fund his father’s medical bills before his death. He maintained that he could not have declared the properties in his assets form since he had not received his portion. Under cross-examination by NDLEA counsel, Sunday Joseph, Kyari said, “My Lord, I cannot put my interest about the property in the form because the 20 houses belong to my father and not me. If I get my percentage of share, I can put it, but until when I get my own percentage. All the properties left behind by my father belong to all his children and we are about 30 in number.” Kyari is facing 23 counts filed against hum by the NDLEA, which alleged that he and two co-defendants, Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari, failed to fully declare their assets, disguised ownership of properties and converted funds contrary to the law. The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/408/2022, allegedly contravene Section 35(3)(a) of the NDLEA Act and Section 15(3)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. The prosecution has so far called 10 witnesses and tendered 20 exhibits before closing its case. The defendants had filed a no-case submission, but the court dismissed it on October 28, ruling that a prima facie case had been established. Justice Omotosho noted that the ruling did not imply guilt but allowed the defendants to enter their defence, stressing that they remain presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Meanwhile, Kyari argued that the NDLEA failed to prove ownership of the properties tied to him, citing Section 128 of the Evidence Act, which he said requires certified true copies of title documents to prove transactions over state lands. “About four of the properties were sold then,” he noted. Kyari, who holds a BSc in Geography and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 1, 2000, said he was conversant with the asset-declaration process. Asked whether he declared his interest in the inherited properties, he responded that he could not since the assets were collectively owned. “I cannot include my father’s properties in my asset-declaration form because they belong to the entire family, not me. If I get my percentage share, I can declare it, but not before then,” he said. He added that proceeds from some sales were distributed among relatives in need. Kyari also admitted that he initially declined to complete the asset-declaration form when invited by NDLEA operatives, insisting that his lawyers must be present. “Yes, I said I would not make a statement until my lawyers were around,” he said, adding that one officer informed him that refusal to fill the form was a criminal offence. Kyari further testified that the millions of naira traced to his bank accounts came from operational funds released by the police and some governors for security operations. He said that as former Commander of the Anti-Robbery Squad and later head of the Intelligence Response Team, he supervised over 1,000 operations, with funds often routed through his account for disbursement. When asked why funds channelled through the Central Bank of Nigeria were sent to his relatives, Kyari said the money was used to repay loans he obtained from them to fund urgent operations due to bureaucratic delays in official releases. Justice Omotosho noted that whether family properties should be declared would be addressed in the parties’ final written addresses. The NDLEA tendered several bank documents, which Kyari confirmed bore his name. The prosecution then sought an adjournment to obtain additional documents for further cross-examination. Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until November 12 for continuation of the hearing.

Ex-Presidential Chief of Staff Abdullahi Mohammed Dies at 86

  Major General Abdullahi Mohammed (retd.), a former Chief of Staff to ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Umaru Yar’Adua, is dead. Mohammed, who hailed from Ilorin, Kwara State, reportedly died around 1 a.m. on Wednesday in Abuja at the age of 86. Family sources confirmed the development to The PUNCH in Ilorin, describing his passing as a huge loss to the Ilorin Emirate, the nation, and the military community. Born in 1939, the late General Mohammed attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, United Kingdom, and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1958. He rose through the ranks to become the Director of Military Intelligence and played a key role in the 1975 coup that toppled General Yakubu Gowon and brought General Murtala Mohammed to power. Following the change of government, Mohammed was appointed Governor of Benue-Plateau State, serving from July 1975 to March 1976. Under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military administration, he became the Director-General of the National Security Organisation (NSO)—the precursor to today’s Department of State Services (DSS)—a position he held until 1979. After his retirement that same year, he ventured into private business and became Managing Director of Atoto Press Limited, a notable printing company in Ilorin. In 1998, General Mohammed was recalled to public service as National Security Adviser to then Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, a position he held until the transition to civilian rule in 1999. At the advent of the Fourth Republic, he was appointed Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo, a role he retained under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua until his resignation in June 2008. Throughout his career, Mohammed was widely regarded as a disciplined officer, an influential administrator, and a silent power broker in Nigeria’s political and security landscape. Meanwhile, the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU) has described the death of the retired General as a monumental loss to the Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria at large. In a condolence statement issued by union’s National Publicity Secretary, Nurudeen Ibrahim, on behalf of the National President, Alhaji Abdulmumini Abdullahi, the IEDPU said the death of the elder statesman was “even more painful at this critical time when the nation needs the wisdom of tested patriots to navigate its challenges.” The union praised the late Mohammed for his pioneering roles, noting that he was the first son of Ilorin to serve as a state governor and the first to attain the rank of a two-star General in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The statement added, “General Mohammed played critical roles in Nigeria’s history. He was a patriot who fought to keep the country united and later served as National Security Adviser and the first and longest-serving Chief of Staff to the President.” It further recalled that the late General supported the IEDPU for several years, including sponsoring the printing of its annual calendar free of charge. The IEDPU extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Abdulsalami Abubakar, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, over the passing of the distinguished Ilorin-born leader. Abdullahi prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Aljanat Firdaus, while also praying for strength for his family and loved ones to bear the loss.

JUST IN: Police Declare Sowore Wanted Over Planned Protest in Lagos

  The Lagos State Police Command has declared activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, wanted for allegedly plotting to instigate public unrest and obstruct major roads in the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists at the Iyana-Oworo section of the Third Mainland Bridge. Jimoh said that Sowore, who leads the “Take It Back Movement,” ignored earlier warnings from the police not to mobilise protests over the recent demolition of houses in the Oworonshoki area. “We are closing in on Sowore and others involved in coordinating activities intended to disrupt public peace. “Sowore should surrender at the nearest police station or face arrest wherever he is found,” he said. He cautioned that anyone attempting to cause disturbances or block public roads would “face the full weight of the law.” According to the commissioner, intelligence reports indicated that Sowore and his associates were planning simultaneous demonstrations at strategic locations such as the Third Mainland Bridge, Lekki Tollgate, and Freedom Park. Describing the alleged plan as “criminal,” Jimoh warned that it could cause severe traffic disruptions and endanger lives. “It is only someone who needs examination that would attempt to block such a vital route used by thousands daily,” he added. The police chief revealed that 13 suspects connected to the planned protest had already been arrested, while Sowore allegedly fled. He said investigations were ongoing to uncover the sponsors and collaborators behind the plan. Jimoh disclosed that police officers had been deployed across major highways and bridges, where temporary roadblocks and diversions had been mounted. “The Third Mainland Bridge was not designed to hold stationary weight. Any gathering on it could pose structural risks,” he stated. Addressing concerns over the recent demolitions in parts of Lagos, particularly Oworonshoki, Jimoh maintained that affected residents had been compensated. “The government compensated those affected, and the media witnessed it. There is no justification to provoke a crisis under the guise of protest,” he said. He urged residents to go about their normal activities without fear, assuring that the police and other security agencies were on top of the situation. “We are not sleeping. We will apprehend, investigate, and prosecute anyone attempting to undermine public safety in Lagos,” Jimoh declared. The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour, emphasising that “freedom of expression must not turn into public nuisance or risk lives.” Sowore had threatened to stage a protest against the demolition of houses in Oworoshoki following the controversy surrounding the demolitions. Sowore made this known shortly after he was granted bail in Abuja alongside Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor; Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu; and other protesters. But the commissioner cautioned Sowore against mobilising protests over the demolitions. He said that the command had made massive deployments across the city to forestall any planned demonstrations that could lead to public disorder. Jimoh emphasised that the command would not tolerate any attempt to block major highways or disrupt the peace currently being enjoyed in Lagos.

Akpabio Disowns Viral Post Mocking Trump on Christian Genocide Claims

  The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has distanced himself from a viral social media post linking him to comments allegedly mocking United States President Donald Trump over his recent threat of military action in Nigeria, describing the statement as “completely fabricated, malicious, and reckless.” The clarification was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by Akpabio’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, following a post published by a social media platform known as Rant HQ. The controversial post had quoted Akpabio as saying, “The killing is taking place in Nigeria, not in USA, Trump should focus on US. Nigerians are not complaining about the killings, we are fully satisfied with the condition of Nigeria.” The statement, which quickly went viral, drew outrage online and sparked debates amid heightened diplomatic tension following Trump’s remarks accusing Nigeria of widespread Christian persecution. In his reaction, Akpabio’s media office denied ever issuing such a statement — “not publicly, privately, in writing, or in conversation.” “The post is a total falsehood, a product of mischief, and a desperate attempt to incite misunderstanding between Senator Godswill Akpabio and US President Donald Trump, as well as between Nigeria and its international partners,” Eyiboh said. He added that the accompanying photograph used by Rant HQ — showing the Senate President at an unrelated official event — was “deceptively deployed to lend false credibility to a fabricated quote that was never uttered by him.” “Senator Akpabio is a statesman of global repute and a respected advocate of international friendship, diplomacy, and mutual respect among nations. “He holds President Donald Trump in high regard as a historic figure and a leader of a great nation. The US president’s comment, made after designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious persecution, has divided opinion globally. But Akpabio’s office reiterated that the Senate remains focused on legislative duties and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions, urging the media and the public to verify information before dissemination. “The Office of the President of the Senate remains committed to transparency, truth, and responsible communication — both in Nigeria and on the international stage,” the statement concluded.

Killings: Give Military Support, Not Invade Nigeria, SDP tells Trump

  The Social Democratic Party on Monday warned US President Donald Trump and the American government against any attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs under the guise of religious freedom or humanitarian intervention. Instead, the party urged Washington to offer military and intelligence assistance if it is truly concerned about the killings in the country. The warning came through the SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, following Trump’s recent statement designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution. The designation has triggered fresh diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington. In its reaction, the SDP declared that while Nigeria’s security failures were undeniable, its sovereignty remained “non-negotiable.” “The SDP, as a national political party that promotes the true interest of Nigeria, is greatly worried by the prevailing discomfiting development and discourses that bother on seeming threats to the sovereignty of the country,” Aiyenigba said in the statement. The party lamented that the “underwhelming performance” of Nigeria’s security architecture had made the country a subject of international concern. Aiyenigba, however, emphasised that foreign powers must respect the limits of the United Nations Charter and refrain from actions that could amount to aggression. “If the United States is that concerned about the insecurity and killings in Nigeria, it should offer concrete military support and intelligence collaboration to Nigeria like it is doing to its other allies, including Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and others,” the statement added. The SDP further cautioned that President Trump or any other foreign leader “cannot love Nigeria more than Nigerians love themselves,” warning that any U.S. military incursion could end in “sorrow, tears, and blood,” similar to the aftermath of interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. The party also called on President Bola Tinubu to focus on his constitutional duty to secure lives and property rather than political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election. “The task of securing the lives of Nigerians irrespective of their religions and tribes is more important than considerations for the 2027 general election “The President therefore needs to prioritise national security and the betterment of the lives of Nigerians in the remainder of his mandate,” it said.  

2025 World Clean-Up Day: Oyo, UNICEF Champion Sustainable Fashion to Reduce Textile Waste

  The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has reaffirmed its commitment to making environmental protection a cornerstone of sustainable development in the state. This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Barrister Seun Ashamu, during the commemoration of the 2025 World Clean-Up Day held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan. The event, themed “Tackling Textile and Fashion Waste through Circular Fashion,” was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with UNICEF. Barrister Ashamu described the global celebration as a reflection of humanity’s collective determination to build a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable planet. He emphasized the need to sensitize residents of Oyo State on reducing textile waste through reuse and recycling. He said “We can repurpose and reuse textiles in creative ways that reduce the volume of waste generated in our society “Everyone must treat the environment with the same care and respect we give to our bodies and homes. The government encourages residents to do the right thing and will not hesitate to sanction those who pollute the environment.” He noted that World Clean-Up Day, recognized annually on September 20 by the United Nations General Assembly, underscores the fact that environmental cleanliness and sustainability are shared global responsibilities. Highlighting the dangers of textile pollution, Ashamu pointed out that while the global fashion industry drives economic growth and creativity, it remains one of the world’s most polluting sectors. “The fashion industry contributes about 10 percent of global carbon emissions and nearly 20 percent of wastewater production. Every second, one truckload of textiles is either burned or dumped in landfills, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our environment,” he lamented. Ashamu stressed that under the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, Oyo State has made significant progress in improving waste collection and disposal systems, strengthening public-private partnerships, and enforcing environmental sanitation laws. He added that the Ministry has intensified community engagement and environmental education to promote active citizen participation. In his goodwill message, Hon. Rahman Olorunpoto, Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Ecology, and Water Resources, commended the Ministry for its consistent efforts in promoting environmental health and sustainability. “A clean environment goes beyond what we see; it includes how well our surroundings support healthy living and sustainable development,” he said, pledging continued legislative support for environmental initiatives in the state. Also speaking, UNICEF WASH Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, linked textile waste to rising environmental pollution and urged responsible consumption. According to him, “Fast fashion contributes massively to waste. Many items are worn once and discarded. We must rethink our habits to protect our planet,” he advised, warning against the indiscriminate burning of textile waste, which releases harmful emissions. The event featured expert lectures, including Dr. Femi Balogun of the University of Ibadan (represented by Dr. Debra Adeyemo) who spoke on “Tackling Textile Waste through Circular Economy,” and Sanitarian Tijani A. Adegoke, President, Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter), who presented on “Zero Waste Practices: Leave No Waste Behind.” Key stakeholders from ministries, agencies, market associations, youth groups, NGOs, and waste management firms attended the event, pledging their commitment to a cleaner and greener Oyo State. In the same development, the Oyo State Government held a sweeping and sensitization exercise at Oja-Oba Market, Ibadan, aimed at promoting hygiene and environmental awareness. Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni (mni), represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, said the exercise is designed to educate traders and residents on the importance of maintaining a clean environment. In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, explained that the exercise is part of the broader campaign to instill hygiene consciousness in citizens. He noted that Oja-Oba was strategically chosen as both a commercial and cultural hub of Ibadan, urging market men and women to lead by example in maintaining cleanliness. Dr. Ojelabi revealed that Oyo State has improved its ranking on the Sub-National Climate Governance Index from 34th in 2024 to 7th in 2025, a feat he credited to Governor Makinde’s environmental reforms. Market leaders, including Alhaja Sikiratu Adebayo Tantoloun (Iyaloja, Bodija Market), Alhaja Ramota (Iyaloja, Eleyele Market), and Prince Akanni Ojo, representative of the Babaloja-General, commended the government’s initiatives and urged traders to embrace recycling opportunities. “Waste has become wealth globally,” they noted, “and Oyo traders must key into this new economy.”