Author: GANUX

The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has criticised the state’s Peoples Democratic Party chairman, Chris Hassan, over his recent praise for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.

 

Hassan, during a press conference on Thursday, commended Mutfwang for his leadership, development efforts, and the administration’s focus on equity and justice, highlighting the governor’s achievements in less than two years in office.

 

He also urged PDP members to stay calm amid defections to the APC.

 

He noted that Mutfwang’s achievements in less than two years are remarkable and a testament to the solid trust and satisfaction in the leadership and direction of the party.

 

“We are deeply grateful for the support of our party faithful and the good people of Plateau State who have reposed confidence in us. We are aware of a lot of threats of defection across some states. We have noted some isolated cases of defections by a few party members to our political parties.

 

“Let me therefore urge all party members to remain calm and resolute. Defections are not new in political party processes of this nature. However, we are confident that the strength and credibility of the PDP are founded on the struggles of our Plateau people.

 

“We assure the leadership of our party to consolidate on our gains. We will continue to provide the needed platform for the aspirations of our people. Everything is under control and better days still lie ahead for us.”

 

However, the APC hit back in a statement on Friday, calling Hassan’s comments “funny” and “coerced,” questioning the chairman’s relevance and understanding of the state’s issues.

 

The State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Shittu Bamaiyi, who signed the statement, pointed out that the PDP administration has failed to account for the huge funds accruing to the state, including federal allocations and internally generated revenue.

 

He described it as “foolhardy” for the PDP to claim a vote of confidence from the people of Plateau State, given the party’s poor stewardship.

He said, “The beleaguered chairman could be excused because, since the Mutfwang administration came on board, he was not only rendered irrelevant but thrown in the catacomb of frustration, and so, could hardly talk with verifiable data as well as empirically consolidate on the gains of the PDP-led administration in the state.

 

“If he was serious and well-informed, the Chairman could have pointedly mentioned the area where the Mutfwang administration outshone the past APC administration.

 

“It is a notorious fact that the issue of the PDP administration’s non-performance is as sickening as painful to the people of the state when viewed as the backdrop of the three times federation allocation currently being enjoyed as against what was given to the last government.

 

“What is more painful and shameful is the fact that the PDP-led administration has remained mum and also failed to account for the humongous money accruing to it, in the form of federal allocation, internally generated revenue, and other intervention funds.

“Therefore, it is foolhardy, unthinkable and unbelievable for the same people of Plateau State to pass a vote of confidence when the PDP-led administration’s stewardship is in question.

 

“This also brings to question, Chris’s frantic efforts in appealing to his demoralised members to remain calm in the face of desertion from the PDP, which in itself, is a vote of no confidence on the Party and its leadership at all levels,” he stated.

 

The APC Publicity Secretary expressed delight over the serial defections to the party, citing it as a testament to the APC’s growing popularity.

 

He hinted at possible defections from the PDP’s top brass and the Chief Executive to the APC, saying the party will continue to live up to its billings.

 

“If anything, the unsavoury development speaks volumes about the PDP in all respects, hence the rumours making the rounds of the possible defection of the Party’s top brass and the Chief Executive to the APC in the State.

 

The beautiful bride that it is presently, the APC is encouraged and inspired by the serial defections to the Party, and as such, will continue to live up to its billings,” the statement added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission permission to arrest and detain six alleged promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange, recently involved in a massive cryptocurrency investment fraud worth over $1bn.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Thursday following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC and argued by its counsel, Fadila Yusuf.

 

The six individuals named in the motion are Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.

 

They are alleged to be behind a fraudulent investment scheme operated through a platform known as Crypto Bridge Exchange.

 

The EFCC’s application, dated and filed on April 23, sought two key reliefs: the issuance of arrest warrants against the defendants and an order to remand them in EFCC custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.

 

According to Yusuf, the EFCC received intelligence in April 2025 linking the suspects to a sophisticated investment fraud.

 

The suspects allegedly used a company, ST Technologies International Limited, to promote the CBEX platform, persuading members of the public to invest in cryptocurrency with promises of unrealistic returns—up to 100%.

 

“The defendants are at large, and a warrant of arrest is required to bring them in for proper investigation and prosecution,” Yusuf told the court.

In an affidavit supporting the application, the EFCC stated that investors were encouraged to convert their digital assets into the stablecoin USDT (Tether) and deposit them into cryptocurrency wallets linked to the defendants.

 

Initially, investors were granted access to monitor their investments on the CBEX platform.

 

However, once deposits surpassed the $1bn mark, the platform became inaccessible, withdrawals were blocked, and it became clear that the platform was a scam.

 

The EFCC’s investigation further revealed that while ST Technologies was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, it lacked authorisation from the Securities and Exchange Commission to operate investment-related services.

 

Additionally, the suspects had reportedly vacated their known addresses in Lagos and Ogun States, prompting the EFCC to request that they be placed on a red watch list to aid in their arrest.

 

“The investigation has established a prima facie case of an investment scam. Granting this application is in the interest of justice,” the EFCC said.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, stated: “I have listened to the submission of learned counsel for the applicant. I have also examined the affidavit evidence and the exhibits attached, along with the written address. I am of the view, and I so hold, that the application is meritorious. Consequently, the application is granted as prayed.”

 

The ruling now authorises the EFCC to move forward with arresting the defendants and detaining them as investigations continue.

Remo Stars Ladies have made history by qualifying for the NWFL Premiership super six for the first time ever after a 2–2 draw away to Abia Angels in a rescheduled match played on Thursday in Umuahia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

 

The result was enough to send the Ikenne-based club into the playoffs with a match to spare in only their second season in the top flight.

 

Originally slated for Wednesday, the match was halted in the 23rd minute due to heavy rainfall.

 

Knowing that a single point would be enough, the Sky Blue Stars delivered under pressure.

 

Bolaji Olamide gave them the lead in the 35th minute with a superb long-range strike that flew past goalkeeper Christiana Obia.

 

But the advantage lasted only five minutes, as Mary Lucky equalised for the hosts just before the break.

 

The second half remained tense, with both sides creating chances. In the 92nd minute,

 

Olamide struck again to make it 2–1, her 12th goal of the season, but there was more drama to come.

 

Just a minute later, Mariam Abdulrasheed rose highest to head home from a corner, salvaging a point for Abia Angels.

The late equaliser ended Abia’s hopes of reaching the Super Six, while Remo Stars’ celebrations began.

 

Elsewhere, Nasarawa Amazons also earned their super six place with a narrow 1–0 win over Edo Queens in Lafia. Jenat Akekeromowei scored the only goal of the game in the 89th minute, ending the defending champions’ long unbeaten run.

 

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens defeated Rivers Angels 1–0 in the South-South derby thanks to an early goal from Alaba Olabiyi.

 

The Prosperity Girls remain the only unbeaten team in the league and stay top of Group B with 33 points.

 

Naija Ratels kept their playoff hopes alive with an impressive 2–0 win away to Delta Queens in Asaba, with goals from Sofiat Bankole and Rita Tsebee. Ibom Angels stunned Robo Queens 1–0 in Uyo with Uwah Abasiofon scoring the winner, while Confluence Queens edged Ekiti Queens 1–0 in Anyigba through a second-half goal from Hannah Yusuf.

Dannaz Ladies picked up a much-needed 1–0 victory over Heartland Queens in Lagos, thanks to a late strike from Ulumma Korie. Benue Queens came from behind twice to draw 2–2 with Adamawa Queens in Lafia in one of the most entertaining games of the round.

 

With one round of matches left, five of the six playoff spots have now been taken as Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, Edo Queens, Remo Stars Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons have all qualified.

 

The final ticket will be decided between Naija Ratels and FC Robo Queens on the last day. At the other end of the table, Confluence Queens, Benue Queens and Heartland Queens remain in the relegation zone.

A former presidential adviser and ex-member of the House of Representatives, Usman Bugaje, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of using financial inducements to orchestrate the defection of key figures from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Bugaje made the statement during a televised interview on Arise TV on Thursday.

 

He expressed concern over what he described as the monetisation of politics and its implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

 

“For what I know—and I don’t claim to know everything—the APC is basically using money to buy off PDP,” he said.

 

He further noted that in some cases, individuals facing investigations might also be pressured through threats.

 

“Of course, if there are people with records in the EFCC, they might threaten them. They might do these kinds of things, and this has been the practice right from the time of President Obasanjo,” he added.

 

Bugaje stressed that the deeper issue lies in how money has become a central factor in political allegiance, warning that such trends could signal the demise of democracy.

 

“For as long as money is going to be the determining factor, then that’s the end of democracy and that’s the end of politics. We would be heading towards something completely different, maybe on the path of Peru and Fujimori,” he said.

 

Reacting to recent mass defections in Delta State, the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, had said the party was not expecting the wave of departures but insisted that the next election would be a contest between Nigerians and the APC.

Bugaje, however, described the PDP’s response as weak. He argued that the PDP had already lost its ability to function as an opposition party, citing internal failures and a lack of resolve.

 

“There has not been opposition right from the time the Minister Wike did what he did. PDP has lost that opportunity to become an opposition party,” he stated.

 

He cited poor conduct by PDP members in national matters such as emergency rule debates and budget sessions, claiming that the party had failed to hold government to account.

 

Bugaje also pointed to structural flaws within Nigeria’s political parties, recalling his own experience during the merger that formed the APC. He said efforts to introduce merit-based criteria for party leadership were thwarted.

 

“We should develop a criteria for people who are going to hold responsibilities of the party. They all opposed it, except a few of us,” Bugaje said, adding that personal political interests had overshadowed institutional development.

He warned that the dominance of transactional relationships in party politics, where loyalty is exchanged for money or influence, has eroded the values of political engagement.

 

“People who don’t have the character to hold a party, people who don’t have sufficient education to understand the implication of some of the things they do—these are the people now in charge,” he said.

 

Bugaje concluded by affirming his long-standing opposition to these practices.

 

“I fought this as much as I could. I pulled back when I realised that, but I made my point. If you have people who are qualified, who have character, who have got the passion for the party, you can be sure one thing: that party is going to remain intact,” he said.

As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party says the coming vote is shaping up to be more than a conventional contest between parties, but a referendum on the daily struggles of the Nigerian people.

 

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the PDP’s Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, presented the Certificate of Return to Chief Ezenwafor Jude, the party’s candidate for the upcoming Anambra State governorship election. But beyond the local contest, Damagum used the occasion to highlight what he believes is the deeper meaning of the 2027 race.

 

“This election in 2027 is not about how many governors you have or how many leaders. It’s about Tinubu and Nigerians,” Damagum stated, drawing a line between political leadership and the harsh realities faced by citizens under the current administration.

 

He described Nigeria as a country where daily survival has become a challenge for ordinary people and urged voters to see the polls as an opportunity to hold the government accountable.

 

“The ordinary man is feeling the pain, and the decision is his. So I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that it is their election. It is APC versus Nigerians.

 

“It’s not APC versus any governor or senator or anything, but APC versus Nigerians. So I want to urge all of us to close ranks and rescue ourselves from this hardship that is inflicted on us by design, not by any coincidence”, he said.

Damagum’s comments come amid political shakeups within the PDP, especially following the high-profile defection of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, along with the entire state executive council, to the ruling All Progressives Congress.

 

Reflecting on the defection, the PDP leader expressed disappointment, noting the support Delta State had received from the party in recent years.

 

“It’s very sad and unfortunate because to me, if there’s any state that should think that way, not Delta, because the party is very magnanimous. I thank God that in their message, they didn’t say that the party did anything wrong to them other than good,” he remarked.

 

Damagum said the decision to switch allegiance might have been personal, but its emotional weight will linger with the party’s loyalists.

 

“It’s a decision taken by them, but the pains will be in us, not because of anything, but because we have given Delta State all our support, from the emergence of the governor to his predecessor, who also doubled as our vice presidential candidate,” he explained.

 

“I think we’ve done it all for them in Delta State. We least expected this action from them. All the same, this is a party that has seen more than that, but it’s still standing”, he concluded.

Gunmen have reportedly abducted no fewer than 14 passengers along the Makurdi/Naka/Adoka road area of Benue State.

 

The incident happened between 10 and 11am on Thursday, about three kilometres from Naka, the headquarters of the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

 

According to a commercial driver who did not want to be mentioned for security reasons, the vehicles involved were Picnic and Sharon buses; each of the vehicles carried 12 passengers.

 

Confirming the incident to our correspondent through telephone chat, the secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, High-Level Unit, Yakubu Onu, said the two commercial vehicles belong to their members at High-Level Park, Makurdi

 

Onu said one of the vehicles left Makurdi and was heading to Lokoja Thursday morning when it was ambushed by gunmen near Naka.

 

He added that the second vehicle which was ambushed at the same spot, was coming from Ankpa in Kogi State to Makurdi.

 

Onu said, “The First vehicle was going to Lokoja with nine passengers on board and six of them were abducted and taken to the bush.

 

“The second vehicle was coming from Ankpa and coming to Makurdi, eight passengers were abducted at the same spot near Naka.

The NURTW High-Level unit scribe said that three passengers were spared from the vehicle going to Lokoja and that the driver with the three passengers went to the Naka police station to report the incident.

 

“The driver called and told us that after he reported at the police station in Naka, he was asked to proceed on his journey but we have not heard from him,” Onu said.

 

Also confirming the abduction, the traditional ruler of Naka, HRH, Daniel Abomtse, said that the gunmen ambushed two commercial vehicles and went away with some of the passengers.

 

He said one elderly woman, a breastfeeding woman, and some kids with the driver were spared by gunmen.

 

“The incident happened at Okpa near Adoka and bordering Gwer West LGA and there is an ungoverned space around this area that has become a haven of criminals,” the monarch said.

 

The traditional ruler who identified some ungoverned spaces that have been a haven for criminals appealed to the Federal Government to order aerial surveys of the coastal areas of Benue and Nasarawa states.

When contacted, Benue State Command Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said she did not have the report.

 

“I don’t have this report,” Anene said in a terse text message.

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State, Chris Hassan, has expressed confidence that the party’s strength and credibility in the state will not be affected by defections in other states.

 

Hassan stated this during a press conference in Jos on Thursday.

 

He urged party members to remain calm and resolute, emphasising that defections are not new in political party processes.

 

Hassan’s address came barely 24 hours after the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, and all members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State defected to the All Progressives Congress.

 

Hassan commended the state governor, Caleb Mutfwang, for his outstanding leadership and good governance, highlighting the governor’s developmental strides, equity, justice, and service to the people.

 

He noted that Mutfwang’s achievements in less than two years are truly remarkable and a testament to the solid trust and satisfaction in the leadership and direction of the party.

 

The chairman said, “We are deeply grateful for the support of our party faithful and the good people of Plateau State who have reposed confidence in us. We are aware of a lot of threats of defection across some states. We have noted some isolated cases of defections by a few party members to our political parties.

 

“Let me therefore urge all party members to remain calm and resolute. Defections are not new in political party processes of this nature. However, we are confident that the strength and credibility of the PDP are founded on the struggles of our Plateau people.

“We assure the leadership of our party to consolidate on our gains. We will continue to provide the needed platform for the aspirations of our people. Everything is under control and better days still lie ahead for us.”

 

The PDP chairman strongly condemned the recent attacks by Fulani militia in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas that claimed lives in the past two weeks

 

He commended the governor’s swift response and the proactive efforts of the state security agencies.

 

“We strongly commend and support the governor’s call for communities to organise and coordinate local security measures in collaboration with neighbouring communities.

 

“This grassroots-driven approach is a proactive and inclusive strategy that recognises the peculiar security challenges of each locality. It reflects the leadership’s concern and the well-being of its people. Indeed, our governor, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, has once again demonstrated that he is a leader who loves and stands firmly for his people,” he stated.

 

Hassan also acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the military, which have already produced results in dislodging the militia from some areas.

The PDP chairman urged all Plateau citizens to continue supporting the government, stay vigilant, and remain committed to keeping Plateau the state of their dreams under Governor Mutfwang’s capable leadership.

 

“The PDP remains the party of our people and for the people. Together, we shall continue to March towards the greater heights of our beloved state. May God bless us all,” he concluded

 

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a man identified as Kelvin Okoro, for allegedly hacking a Revered Sister to death in the Aluu community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

 

It was gathered that the suspect owed the deceased (Maureen Wecheonwu) an undisclosed sum of money and had been pestering him to offset it.

 

A source who wished to remain anonymous because of the sensitive nature of the matter said Kelvin tricked his benefactor and took her to a lonely place where he allegedly carried out the dastardly act on Thursday morning and immediately fled the scene.

 

The source further said the Reverend Sister’s remains was discovered in a pool of her blood by some natives who alerted a local security outfit in the area.

 

He stated, “What we heard was that he didn’t know how to repay the money. So he called the woman out in the guise of discussing the debt.

 

“Not knowing his evil intentions because the Reverend Sister had been complaining to people in the community that he had refused to pay his debt, so he took her to a lonely path and hit her severely with an object.”

He added that after the discovery of her remains, people started wondering why they hadn’t seen the man, prompting an intensified probe by the vigilante codenamed OSPAC.

 

Speaking further, the source said the Vigilante Commander in the Aluu community, Kingsley Wali, led a search team to his hideout, arrested him and handed over the suspect to the police.

 

He further said the victim allegedly fled with some personal belongings belonging to the deceased after the incident.

 

When contacted, the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation is ongoing.

 

She stated, “Yes, I can confirm. The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.”

US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, accusing him of prolonging the war by rejecting any suggestion of ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace deal.

 

Zelenskyy has ruled out giving up any Ukrainian territory to Russia ahead of peace talks scheduled for Wednesday in London among U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials.

 

“There is nothing to talk about. It is our land — the land of the Ukrainian people,” Zelenskyy said.

 

During similar talks held last week in Paris, U.S. officials reportedly presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to retain control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a peace agreement.

This is according to a European official familiar with the matter, who was not authorised to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

Trump described Zelenskyy’s resistance as “very harmful” to negotiations.

 

“Nobody is asking Zelenskyy to recognise Crimea as Russian territory, but if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago?

“Eleven years ago, it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired,” Trump wrote on social media.

 

NAN

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is currently meeting the striking workers of Nigeria Meteorology Agency in Abuja to resolve the matter.

 

The workers’ strike which has almost brought the industry to its knees started at midnight on Tuesday, after the unions repeatedly warned the management of NiMet of failing to fulfill promises made to it to bridge some lapses bordering on their welfare.

 

Following the impact of the strike, on Wednesday, some airlines such as XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air operated as scheduled, Air Peace operations were grounded by the strike.

 

In a statement posted on its X handle, Air Peace stated that following the strike by NiMet staff, it suspended its operations until the strike issue is resolved.

 

The statement which was signed by the Head of Corporate Communications of the airline, Ejike Ndiulo, read, “Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of CNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over.

“Your safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and will share updates as the situation unfolds.”

 

On Thursday, disruptions became more evident as passengers whose flights had been disrupted were seen sitting at different terminals of the Lagos airport waiting for aircraft to pick them up.

 

In a tweet on his X handle, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, announced around 1:30 pm on Thursday that the minister was meeting the staff members.

 

He said, “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is presently meeting with the striking unions, DG NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo and other stakeholders to resolve the issues.