Category: News

Buhari, in a statement, on Wednesday, by his spokesperson, Mallam Garba Shehu, called for steadfast support for the APC government as it marks its second year in office, explaining that reforms would achieve success gradually, not overnight.

The former president warned that necessary reforms and desired changes must not fall victim to nettlesome domestic politics.

He expressed support for the ongoing efforts by the administration to curb poverty and inflation, which he said had hit the poorest families the hardest, adding that the task of reducing poverty and inflation mustn’t be left only for the government.

“The private sector and all of us as citizens must join in all ways we can,” he said.

Buhari urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and stay confident about the country’s future, saying, “Our expectations from our governments should not get heavy.

“I am wishing President Tinubu heartfelt congratulations on his two years in office. May you keep leading with wisdom and care.”

The incident was said to have occurred on Monday evening while the churchgoers were returning from a Bible study session in the Kasemola area of the Ogbese community.

A message from the leadership of the church announced the incident stating this: “Good morning, beloved. Kindly pray along with us. Three of our members were kidnapped yesterday after bible study at Kasemola inside the Ogbese axis.”

The entire community is now gripped in fear as the church members are praying for the safe release of their brethren.

The Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

He stated that a combined team of detectives of the command, the Nigerian Army as well as Amotekun Corps are already combing the bush around the said community to rescue the victims.

He appealed to residents of the area to remain calm and assist the security agencies in the ongoing rescue efforts. Channels TV

FCTA on Monday commenced the sealing of over 4,000 properties in Abuja for non-payment of ground rent.

Among the properties sealed on Monday were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat and buildings occupied by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Access Bank, Total Energy, and Ibro Hotel, all located in Wuse Zone of the federal capital.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike had last Friday directed the FCTA to take possession of the revoked properties.

However, in a statement on Monday evening, the FCT Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said President Tinubu had intervened and that by the intervention, the owners of the properties now have two weeks to settle the outstanding ground rents with associated properties.

“Today, May 26, 2025, we commenced enforcement on the 4,794 properties revoked for non-payment of Ground Rent, from 10 to 43 years.

“Properties owned by government institutions, corporate organisations and individuals were affected. This demonstrates the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s commitment to carrying out its functions without fear or favour.

“However, the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has intervened. Therefore, by Mr. President’s intervention, holders of the affected properties now have 14 days (two weeks) to settle the outstanding ground rents, with associated penalties,” the statement said.

Mr Nwankwoeze also said the defaulters will pay penalties in addition to the ground rent owed.

“For properties in the Central Area, the sum of N5 million will be paid by the defaulters as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.

“Those in Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Guzape Districts will pay the sum of N3 million as penalty, in addition to the Ground Rent owed.

“Defaulters in Wuse I, Garki I and Garki II will pay N2 million as penalty in addition to the Ground Rent owed,” he said.

The director added that “all those who purchased properties from other people, but are yet to register their interests by obtaining the mandatory Minister’s Consent and registering their Deeds of Assignment now have 14 days (two weeks) to do so at the FCT Department of Land Administration.”

He added, “Furthermore, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, has granted a 14 days (two weeks) grace period to all property holders in the FCT to pay up their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O)/Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) bills, or risk revocation of those titles.

“Going forward, the minister has advised property owners in the FCT to ensure that they pay all necessary bills and charges on their properties as at and when due, so as to enable the government to continue to carry out necessary developmental projects for the benefit of the people.”

Meanwhile, the PDP has reacted to the sealing of its headquarters by the FCTA, describing as the “highest irresponsibility from this government.”

The party also dared the FCTA officials to arrest its members.

The Acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, spoke to journalists after a meeting of its national caucus at the Bauchi State Government Liaison House in Abuja,

“You are aware that our office has been sealed. This is the highest irresponsibility from this government. If they are encouraging it, we’re not going to take it lightly. In fact, they can come and arrest all of us, we are ready for that,” Mr Damagum said. Premium Times

The incident occurred on 25 May at about 8:15 p.m. in Rano Local Government Area, following the arrest of a motorcycle mechanic, Abdullahi Musa, who was alleged to be riding recklessly under the influence of substances.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Kiyawa, on Monday in Kano.

The statement said the suspect was taken into custody and later showed signs of weakness. He was rushed to Rano General Hospital, where he died on 26 May at about 6:00 a.m. while receiving treatment.

“Following the incident, miscreants reportedly mobilised and attacked the Rano Police Division. Parts of the station and two vehicles were set ablaze, while 10 other vehicles were vandalised.”

“The DPO was seriously injured in the attack and later died at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital,” the statement added.

The command said 27 suspects had been arrested in connection with the violence.

It stated that normalcy had been restored in the area and that police personnel were on ground to maintain law and order.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Bakori, who visited the scene of the incident, also paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Rano, Alhaji Mohammed Isah Umar (Autan Bawo 19).

He ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation to determine both the remote and immediate causes of the incident and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.

The police command condoled with the family of the deceased DPO, describing him as a gallant officer, who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their hands, assuring that justice would be served.

It also reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and public order, and called on the public to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations. Premium Times

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Monday, May 26, began implementing its threat to take possession of 4,794 properties across some of Abuja’s most upscale districts, following the revocation of their land titles due to non-payment of ground rent for periods ranging from 10 to 43 years.

High-profile offices and commercial properties sealed off include the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office in Wuse Zone 5, an Access Bank branch, and a Total petrol station in Wuse District, for failing to pay ground rent for periods ranging from 25 to 34 years.

At exactly 2:06 pm, a group of FCTA staff locked the entrance gate of Wadata Plaza, the PDP’s national secretariat located in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

The bill, which was jointly sponsored by Abbas and Daniel Asama Ago,  seeks to make voting in elections in the country mandatory for Nigerians who are 18 years and above. 

The bill, which prescribed a N100,000 fine or a jail term of 6 months for defaulters when convicted, has been widely condemned  since it passed second reading

However, the speaker, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Monday, said he was withdrawing the proposed legislation following extensive consultation with stakeholders.

“From the outset, the Bill was introduced with the best of intentions, which is to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout. 

“Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.

“Nevertheless, the Speaker acknowledges that lawmaking is ultimately about the people it serves, and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

“Rather than compel participation, he is committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.

“This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens,” he stated. Sun

In a statement issued on Sunday morning by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the board confirmed that out of the 336,845 candidates who were rescheduled for the examination, a significant 21,082 candidates were absent.

No explanation was provided regarding the high number of absentees in the rescheduled examination.

JAMB disclosed that it had identified cases of examination malpractice, leading to the withdrawal of results for over 3,000 candidates found to have engaged in fraudulent activities.

The board flagged a disturbing trend involving “Pairing of Candidates with professional mercenaries (after willful disruption of sitting arrangements) who had registered for the UTME for the purpose of gaining access to the examination hall.” 

JAMB expressed concern over the involvement of undergraduate students from tertiary institutions in orchestrating these illicit schemes, further complicating efforts to maintain exam integrity.

“Over three thousand candidates nationwide have been identified as either accomplices or beneficiaries of this extraordinary examination fraud. As investigation progresses, all candidates implicated in these unwholesome activities will have their results withdrawn as soon as incontrovertible proofs are established, even if the results have been released,” the statement read.

JAMB also addressed rumors regarding candidates who allegedly scored highly in canceled sessions, clarifying that such claims are unfounded.

“Misleading questions posed by certain individuals regarding candidates who allegedly scored highly in the cancelled sessions and might desire to retain their previous results are totally unfounded. Only a handful of candidates scored up to 217 in the affected sessions, while 99% scored below 200 marks—indicating that there were no high scorers in the cancelled sessions of the affected six states,” the board stated.

JAMB assured that all results are now released, except for those belonging to candidates involved in examination infractions and those scheduled for mop-up examinations.

Additionally, the board emphasized that recent discoveries by security agencies have necessitated the withdrawal of previously released results for implicated candidates.

Candidates with valid results are not required to recheck their scores, as those affected by withdrawals are being notified through text messages, their registered profiles, and emails.

With its commitment to fairness and integrity, JAMB continues to take stringent measures to uphold the credibility of the UTME examination process and ensure merit-based admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.