Author name: NBMA

PRESIDENT TINUBU CHANGES SERVICE CHIEFS

President Bola Tinubu has made changes in the hierarchy of the Service Chiefs in furtherance of the efforts of the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the national security architecture. The President appointed General Olufemi Oluyede to replace General Christopher Musa as the new Chief of Defence Staff. The new Chief of Army Staff is Major-General W. Shaibu. Air Vice Marshall S.K Aneke is Chief of Air Staff while Rear Admiral I. Abbas is the new Chief of Naval Staff. Chief of Defence Intelligence Major-General E.A.P Undiendeye retains his position. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, expresses most profound appreciation to the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa and the other Service Chiefs for their patriotic service, and dedicated leadership. The President charges the newly appointed Service Chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them to further enhance the professionalism, vigilance and comradeship that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria. All appointments take immediate effect. 232 Views

Soldier Kills wife, commits suicide in Niger State!

A soldier by the name, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi has been ‘confirmed’ to have killed his wife and committed suicide. The tragic incident which occurred on 11th of October, 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident. Lance Corporal Femi who was serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty within the Cantonment, and had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment. The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly. 247 Views

Armed robbers linked to the robbery that caused the death of Arise News staff, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, Arrested!

According to the Police, the suspects are: 1. Shamsudeen Hassan ‘m’ from Malumfashi LGA Katsina state 2. Hassan Isah ‘m’, 22 years from Zaria kaduna State 3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba ‘m’, 27 years from Musawa LGA katsina state 4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume ‘m’ 20 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state 5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba ‘m’ 28 years from Igabi LGA kaduna state 6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. dan-sule ‘m’ 21 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state 7. Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu ‘m’ from katsina lga katsina State 8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska ‘m’ 23 years from chikun lga kaduna state 9. Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan ‘m’ 30 years from malumfashi lga katsina state 10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby ‘m’ 27 years from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna state 11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati ‘m’, 25 years from Zaria LGA, Kaduna state 12. Musa Umar a.k.a. small ‘m’ 31 years from Maiduguri LGA Borno state. Shortly after the robbery incident, four (4) of the suspects shamsudeen hassan, alkamu, sirajo and one other person were apprehended through the tracking of phones stollen from the apartment during the robbery. During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment. Sani Sirajo confessed to have tried to hold Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight. Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove the white honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation. The four suspects admitted that they each received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime. Recovered exhibits include: One (1) fabricated ak-47 rifle Thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition One (1) locally made pistol One (1) pump-action gun Two (2) live cartridges Four (4) mobile phones of the victims Two (2) sharp knives One (1) cutlass Nine (9) torchlights used during the operation In continuation of investigations, yesterday, 08/10/2025, acting on a tip-off and actionable digital intelligence also provided by us, the remaining members of the gang, Musa umar a.k.a. small, Hassan Isah and other accomplices involved in the Gishiri robbery were intercepted while enroute to an already planned armed robbery operation scheduled to hold at maitama in the early hours of this morning. All suspects have confessed to the crimes, investigation is ongoing. 316 Views

Amid alleged certificate forgery, Uche Nnaji resigns as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology!

Uche Nnaji has stepped down as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology due to allegations of certificate forgery. Nnaji has been under fire for allegedly falsifying credentials submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial confirmation. PREMIUM TIMES’ investigation revealed that Nnaji did not complete his university education and that the bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented to Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Senate were forged. In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Bola Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation. Nnaji’s resignation letter thanked the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria, citing blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Nnaji’s service and wished him well in future pursuits. 278 Views

Lagos Police arrests notorious robbery kingpin and hired assassin responsible for Allen Avenue gold jewellery robbery.

Lagos Police Command has confirmed the arrest of John Samuel, a notorious armed robbery kingpin, hired assassin, and murderer behind the Allen Avenue gold jewellery armed robbery attack. On 19/09/2025, at about 1400hrs, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command successfully tracked, trailed, and arrested John Samuel, a notorious armed robber, hired assassin, and murderer, later identified as John Samuel, 28 years old, from Akwa Ibom State, in his hideout at Epe. The suspect, who was recently released from prison on 18/08/2025, fired and wounded a businessman, Gbenga Obama, and robbed him of an expensive gold necklace and other valuables in broad daylight at Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. John Samuel, an ex-convict, is vicious and notorious for armed robbery, assassination, and murder of some of his victims. He was released recently after serving a six-year jail term for the capital offence of armed robbery. After his release from prison, he returned to crime and criminality with even more viciousness. He is notorious for shooting at victims before dispossessing them of their valuables. CCTV footage of the 18/08/2025 incident obtained clearly captured the suspect when he fired at the victim with an English pistol before dispossessing him of his gold necklace jewelry while his accomplice waited on a motorcycle for their escape. The victim, who sustained serious gunshot wounds during the attack, has since been treated and discharged. The suspect, John Samuel, confessed to selling the stolen jewelry for ₦4 million, far below its actual value. The Lagos State Police Command is currently intensifying efforts to arrest other members of his gang and bring them to justice. They will all be prosecuted on completion of investigation. 285 Views

Widow caught using fake pregnancy to smuggle cocaine in Lagos.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, a 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, attempted to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using a fake pregnancy as a means to avoid detection. The widow, a mother of one and owner of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago palace way, Okota Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba area of the state on Friday, 22nd August 2025, while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja. A follow-up operation at her house in Ago palace area led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine. According to Ezewuike, she inherited the illicit trade from her late husband, who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years. 340 Views

Yinka Ayefele’s Music House catches fire!

The Music House of Dr. Yinka Ayefele, a renowned musician, located in Ibadan, Oyo State, has been engulfed in a devastating fire. The Music House, which serves as the headquarters of Fresh FM, a radio station owned by Ayefele, is reportedly on fire. Two other radio stations, Tiwantiwa and Blast FM, owned by Ayefele, are also housed in the building. The scene is chaotic, with flames billowing out of the building, according to eyewitnesses. However, the Head of Operations, Oyo State Fire Service, Alh. Adeleke Ismail, has confirmed that the fire has been brought under control. 392 Views

NCAA, FAAN drop criminal case against Comfort, reduce K-1 travel ban to one month.

The Nigerian aviation sector has experienced a surge in dramatic incidents, including K-I’s shameful display and Ms Comfort’s confrontation with Akwa Ibom’s cabin crew and airport security. In an effort to ease the escalating tension, Festus Keyamo, the Aviation Minister, issued a press release outlining the final decision: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS 1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent. 2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space. 3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability. 5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached: THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON (a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct. (b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week. (c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently. THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1) (d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. (e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police. (f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA. AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions. 7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus. FINAL COMMENTS 8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved. 9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) Wednesday, August 13, 2025 407 Views

Wanted General Overseer arrested in Lagos for cross-border drug trafficking.

After months of fleeing abroad to evade arrest, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele (alias Abbas Ajakaiye) has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for masterminding multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria. Prophet Adefolusho was arrested at his church located in Okun Ajah, Ogombo road, Lekki area of Lagos on Sunday 3rd August 2025 by NDLEA officers who waited for him since morning to conclude the Sunday worship service in the evening before moving in on him the moment he stepped out of the church premises. The arrest came after he had evaded arrest twice and fled to Ghana to hide since June when operatives started trailing him following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis linked to him. The first seizure of 200kg of the psychoactive substance was made at Okun Ajah beach on 4th June 2025 while another consignment of 700kg of the same substance was recovered from his delivery van on 6th July 2025. In his statement, he admitted ferrying the illicit consignments through the waterways from Ghana into Nigeria, adding that he had fled to the West African country to hide after he escaped arrest twice in the recent past. 374 Views

VP Shettima to Escort the Remains of Ex-President Buhari from the UK

Former President Buhari passed away today in London at approximately 4:30 pm, following a prolonged illness. President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his sincerest condolences. President Tinubu has also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to escort the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria. Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President, in 2015 and 2019. He also served as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985. President Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader. 384 Views

Nurse to Be Prosecuted as Case Closes on Mohbad’s Death

The Lagos State Government’s inquest into the death of Afropop sensation Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, has concluded with a call for the prosecution of Feyisayo Ogedengbe, an unlicensed nurse who treated Mohbad in his final moments. Coroner Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi acknowledged the bullying and harassment Mohbad suffered at the hands of his former promoter, Naira Marley, and Sam Larry, but found no direct link between them and Mohbad’s immediate death. The court noted that cultural factors influenced Mohbad’s father’s decision to conduct a hasty burial, emphasizing the importance of following proper legal and medical procedures. The court also found that Mohbad’s wife should have ensured proper medical care after he sustained an injury a few days before his death. The inquest concluded that Mohbad’s death resulted from a combination of factors, including failures by his family, public institutions, and the music industry. 344 Views

JAMB Fixes 150 As The New Cut-Off Mark For Admission Into Universities!

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set a benchmark of 150 as the cut-off mark for admission into universities in the country. This resolution was passed on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Furthermore, the cut-off marks for colleges of nursing, colleges of agriculture, and colleges of education have been set at 140, 100, and 100 respectively. “The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions),” JAMB announced on its X handle. 368 Views