President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday returned to Abuja after concluding his annual working vacation in Europe.
Tinubu arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and was received by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule.
Also at the airport were his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the President’s return in a statement issued on Monday.
He said Tinubu concluded his work vacation ahead of schedule and would resume official duties on Tuesday.
The President departed Nigeria on September 4 for France, intending to split his annual holiday between France and the United Kingdom.
During his stay in Paris, Tinubu held a private luncheon with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace.
Both leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and pledged to strengthen partnerships for mutual prosperity and global stability. (Channels)
The Nigerian military is set to immortalise its history and honour fallen heroes with the establishment of a world-class Armed Forces Museum in Abuja.
The proposed facility will occupy about 10 acres of land in the Federal Capital Territory and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.
Also, the museum will not only preserve artefacts and records of military service but also generate jobs for veterans and civilians, create sustainable revenue through tourism and corporate partnerships, and provide immersive multilingual educational experiences for schools nationwide.
Speaking during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Defence Headquarters and Empower 54 Africa Initiative on Wednesday, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the project as a legacy initiative designed to preserve Nigeria’s military heritage and ensure that the sacrifices of service members are never forgotten.
“Museums are vital custodians of national memory. We want a museum that restores Nigeria to a global standard, serves as a pride to our service members and families, and ensures that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten,” Musa said.
Earlier, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, explained that a multidisciplinary steering committee had been constituted to ensure the project meets international standards.
The committee includes representatives from the military services and heritage preservation experts.
“After extensive research and due diligence, we selected Empower 54 as our strategic partner for implementation. Their proven project management capabilities and experience in building sustainable partnerships are key to delivering a world-class facility within the specified timelines,” Bankole said.
He added that the museum, to be known as the Armed Forces Museum, was chosen from three proposed names, reflecting the unity of the services under one national identity.
Nigeria’s Armed Forces have played a central role in the country’s history since its independence in 1960.
From peacekeeping operations across Africa to major engagements in the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), counter-insurgency campaigns against Boko Haram and ISWAP, and ongoing efforts to stabilise communities affected by banditry, the military has consistently been at the heart of national security and regional peace.
Despite this legacy, Nigeria has lacked a centralised, modern museum that documents these contributions in line with global practice.
Countries like the United States, Britain, and South Africa already boast military museums that serve as both educational centres and tourist attractions, preserving artefacts, oral histories, and stories of valour for future generations.
The proposed Armed Forces Museum is expected to consolidate these efforts under one roof, creating a unified national institution. (Punch)
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Wednesday officially recognised the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress.
This development followed a period of internal restructuring within the party, which culminated in the emergence of new national officers aimed at repositioning the ADC ahead of future electoral contests.
Alongside Mark, other principal officers now officially acknowledged by INEC include Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Mani as National Treasurer, Akibu Dalhatu as National Financial Secretary, and Professor Oserheimen Aigberaodion Osunbor as National Legal Adviser.
With this formal endorsement, the ADC leadership is expected to commence a nationwide reconciliation and mobilisation effort, as the party seeks to strengthen its presence across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The leadership transition began on July 2, when outgoing National Chairman Ralph Nwosu announced the appointment of David Mark as interim chairman and Aregbesola as interim secretary.
Nwosu said the previous leadership had voluntarily stepped down to allow for fresh direction and leadership.
However, the process was delayed due to improper documentation from the Excos. INEC had yet to update its records at the time, still listing Nwosu and Said Abdullahi as National Chairman and Secretary, respectively. Other listed officers included Kelvin Alagoa (Treasurer), Ifeyinwa Ntima (Financial Secretary), and Barr. Ujunwa Onwuasoeze (Legal Adviser).
As per INEC regulations, parties must submit formal documentation—including resolutions, verified signatures, and evidence of due process in order for leadership changes to be recognised. (Punch)
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday refused a bail application filed by five men accused of being members of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group and of carrying out the deadly attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
Recall, on June 5, 2022, during Pentecost Sunday Mass at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in State, which claimed the lives of more than 40 worshippers and left over 100 others injured.
On August 11, 2025, five suspects were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on nine terrorism charges. The men were alleged to belong to the Al Shabaab terrorist group and accused of plotting additional attacks. They all pleaded not guilty and were remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services.
The trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, dismissed the application, holding that the terrorism charges against the defendants were capital offences and that releasing them on bail would pose a significant security risk.
The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — had, through their lawyer, Abdullahi Awwal Ibrahim, filed a bail application dated August 11, 2025 and argued on August 19.
Their counsel argued that the defendants had secured “reliable and responsible sureties” to stand for them if granted bail.
However, the plaintiff – the Department of State Services, represented by Dr Callistus Eze, opposed the application, warning that the men might abscond due to the gravity of the charges and the strength of evidence against them.
The DSS also argued that admitting them to bail could intimidate witnesses and jeopardise the trial.
Justice Nwite agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the defendants had failed to provide cogent and verifiable reasons for their release and had not presented credible sureties. He added that granting them bail would amount to “judicial risk”.
The judge also noted procedural defects in the bail application, pointing out that the names of the five defendants were not listed on the motion paper as required by law. In addition, the application was supported by a joint two-paragraph affidavit, contrary to the requirement that each defendant must provide a separate affidavit.
The five accused are facing multiple terrorism-related charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, including Membership of Al-Shabab’s Kogi State cell, participation in meetings where the Owo church attack was planned.
Possession of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and AK-47 rifles, detonating explosives at St Francis Catholic Church in June. 5, 2022, resulting in the deaths of more than 40 people and injuries to over 100 others.
The horrific attack at St Francis Catholic Church shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation both locally and internationally. It was one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in Nigeria in recent years, raising concerns about the spread of extremist networks beyond the North-East, where Boko Haram and ISWAP have been most active.
Justice Nwite ordered that the accused remain in DSS custody and granted an accelerated hearing of the case, fixing October 19, 2025, for the commencement of trial. (Punch)
The Kano State Police Command has arrested three suspects linked to an armed robbery incident at Abuja and recovered a stolen vehicle.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement on Wednesday.
“On the directives of the Commissioner of Police, the Command in a sustained surveillance operation and in collaboration with the local Vigilante apprehended the suspects on 6th September 2025,” he said.
Haruna gave the names of the suspects as Ismail Imran, 20, Abdulaziz Yahaya, 31; and Musa Ibrahim Isah, 29 years old; all of Rigasa Quarters, Kaduna State.
He said during the operation, a 2014 model Toyota Corolla S with Registration No. KWL-78 DN, blue in color with a broken windscreen was recovered.
Haruna further explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was stolen during an armed robbery attack on 5th September 2025, at approximately 02:00am, at Durumi, Abuja.
“The vehicle’s owner confirmed that the suspects attacked his family, critically injured one and made away with the vehicle”, he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, stating that the success of this operation underscores the importance of community-centered policing as espoused by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun,
“The suspects are currently helping the investigation to unravel the full extent of their criminal activities”, he said.
The Kano State Police Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
“We assure the public of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state,” he added.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, PUNCH Online reported the arrest of 107 suspects involved in various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, illicit drug trafficking, thuggery, motorcycle and motor vehicle theft and other social vices within August.
The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, made this known while giving an update on the current security situation in the state at the command’s headquarters, Bompai.
He said the suspects who were apprehended within the last month included eight armed robbers, eight kidnappers, three human trafficking suspects and 14 suspected drug dealers. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector, emphasizing the urgent need to address the longstanding challenges that have hindered effective healthcare delivery.
According to the president, the government is determined to pursue innovative solutions that will directly tackle the hydra-headed problems confronting the sector, with a special focus on improving the enabling environment for hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.
He spoke on Tuesday at the National Stakeholders Dialogue on Power in the Health Sector, held at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Continental Hotel, Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, the President assured Nigerians that his administration is working assiduously to promote sustainable energy solutions to power medical facilities nationwide.
Tinubu added that these efforts are part of a broader plan to restore confidence in public healthcare, improve outcomes, and ensure that quality services are accessible to all citizens, regardless of their social or economic status
The president said : “Today, we face a pressing issue that affects every Nigerian: the persistent power supply crisis in our tertiary hospitals and public health institutions. In surgical theatres, maternity wards, intensive care units, laboratories, and emergency rooms across the country, power outages too often compromise safety, interrupt care, and cost lives. This crisis demands our immediate attention and concerted action.
“These outages cannot continue, and under our administration, they should not. Lives are at stake. We must act now.
“Let me therefore affirm unequivocally that my administration is fully committed to the transformation of our health sector by targeting innovative solutions at the hydra-headed challenges bedevilling the sector, including the sub-optimal, inefficient and often uneconomical electricity supply that drives up the cost of services, disrupts care, compromises quality and increases patient dissatisfaction. This initiative to advance energy solutions in our hospitals is not an isolated intervention. It is an integral part of the strategic direction of the Renewed Hope Agenda to address energy poverty in Nigeria by decentralising and deploying tailor-made solutions and promoting private sector participation”.
He assured the private sector and investors that Nigeria is open for business in health, energy, and infrastructure.
The President also reiterated his government’s commitment to create the enabling environment for return on investment and partner with credible investors in renewable and hybrid energy systems.
According to him, the national dialogue is a launching pad for collaborative action, strategic alignment, and shared responsibility in powering our nation’s health institutions.
“Through the Energy Transition Plan and our Power Sector Reform initiatives, we are building a robust foundation for cleaner, more resilient, and more decentralised energy delivery systems across Nigeria. These efforts are deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity,” he stated.
He said his administration is aligning the Energy Transition Plan to focus on expanding off-grid solar and hybrid systems for critical public infrastructure, creating incentives for private sector participation through supportive regulations and fiscal measures, promoting public-private partnerships as drivers of sustainable energy deployment as well as leveraging blended financing to attract investments from development partners, international financial institutions, and local financiers. (Vanguard)
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has declared solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in the push for the unionisation of tanker drivers and all employees of the Dangote refinery and its allied companies.
Recall that NUPENG had declared its intention to stop loading fuel today over allegations that the Dangote refinery planned to ban the drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.
In a statement released on 7Monday, the association’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said, “On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.”
PENGASSAN warned it may be forced to take drastic action if the matter remains unresolved.
“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” the association threatened.
PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of resisting unionisation since its inception despite several diplomatic interventions.
“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the Association since its inception. All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward,” the statement read in part.
The union said it fully supported NUPENG’s demand for total unionisation across the refinery and its affiliates, saying this was in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation and in line with Nigerian labour laws.
It declared its firm support for NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just petroleum tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies.
“The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” the statement added.
The union also urged urgent dialogue from all stakeholders to avert disruption.
It urged all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address the pressing issues.
“Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.
“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, a meeting of all stakeholders has been summoned in Abuja by the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammadu Dingyadi, to settle the crisis. (Punch)
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday inaugurated a 1,200-capacity auditorium he facilitated at Abalti Army Barracks, Surulere, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that, the auditorium, named Bola Tinubu Hall, is one the projects facilitated by the Chief of Staff at the barracks.
At the inauguration, Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the military deserved better recognition and dividends of democracy even when they do not ask like the electorate.
He said, “The military has done so well in stabilising this country and this democracy.
“And that is why when you talk about dividends of democracy, normally it is the civilians, our people, our electorate that talk about and ask for dividends of democracy.
“But you guys don’t ask for it. It is given to you naturally because we understand the role you play in Nigeria.
“If you are doing that, it behoves on us, as elected officials, and unelected officials as I am now, to make sure that you live in a comfortable environment, that you operate within a comfortable environment that will make your work easier.
“That’s why we commission projects here on a regular basis. This is another one of them: over 1,000 capacity hall, it is furnished, fully air-conditioned, with an 80 kVA generator and it is ultra-modern.
“And why do we do that? We do that because the army, the military is an integral part of any democracy.”
According to him, without security, there cannot be democracy.
Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s leadership commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the officers and men of the military.
He expressed the President’s gratitude for the role the men and women in the military play, and for sacrificing, sometimes even paying the supreme sacrifice, to keep the country one.
According to him, the facility allows the military to host events, to do training and conferences as well as help to generate revenue.
Gbajabiamila added that he was working to pull down the old bungalows in the barracks and replace them with a multi-storey residential building, “which will be our next project for this barracks”.
He added that efforts had been made to build and inaugurate an ultra modern new residential building at the nearby police barracks, “Yours is coming, too”.
He added, “I want to thank you for all that you have been doing, not just in Surulere, but for what you’ve been doing for everyone, even outside Surulere.
“We thank you for how you have been able to maintain peace and security within Surulere
“The traditional role of the military, even constitutionally, is to protect the territorial integrity of our country, but sometimes you are called upon to step outside that traditional role to maintain internal security.
“And not once have you wavered in that call to duty. May God continue to bless you. May God continue to keep all of you.
“May you continue to serve your motherland dutifully, responsibly and with the same commitment and faith that Nigeria will continue to be one. Nigeria will continue to be strong.”
According to him, the nation’s democracy is growing and doing well, noting that the President has full commitment towards the welfare of the men and women in uniform.
“I have served many presidents, I have seen many presidents and I have worked with many presidents. They all have the same commitment towards our men and women in uniform. They all have commitment towards you.
“But I have not seen one that has the kind of commitment, the kind of passion, like President Bola Tinubu does for you,” he added.
Speaking, Mr Muiz Dosunmu, the Vice Chairman, Surulere Local Government, who described the council as the best in Nigeria, said that council had been relating peacefully with the Abalti Barracks community.
He said that the cooperation and collaboration between the two parties had facilitated many notable projects in the barracks.
“Surulere is leading in all facets: development, education, sports, health infrastructure. We have tried to be the best and people can see, we don’t need to blow our trumpet unnecessarily.
“We believe we can do more than we are doing and we promise to do more than what we are doing. We are not leaving any man behind, everybody is being carried along, involved and integrated, as advised by the chief of staff to the President.
“We keep promising that we will always be the vocal point of whatever is happening in Nigeria,” he said.
He applauded Gbajabiamila for doing his best not for the council alone ,but for the state and the country.
In his keynote address, Director of Nigeria Army on Corps, Lt.-Col. Michael Toriola, who described Gbajabiamila as a role model, philanthropist and a man with a good heart, commended the chief of staff vision and commitment to the welfare of the military.
Toriola applauded Gbajabiamila for building the Hall and other projects that had been put in place in the barracks out of his magnanimity.
“Sir, we appreciate you. This is a true reflection of your commitment to the well-being of officers, our family and men. It underscores the importance of creating an environment where we can perform and thrive.
“The completion of this facility (Bola Tinubu Hall) goes beyond mere infrastructure, it represents progress, professionalism and a deep pride in service.
“As we commission this gigantic hall today, may it stand as a lasting symbol of our shared commitment to excellence and service,” he said.
The event was attended by many APC leaders including a member representing Surulere Constituency I in the House of Assembly, Mr Desmond Elliot, officers and men of the Nigerian Army. (Nation)
The Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes, Joshua Wang, has opened up on the cancellation of the broadcast deal with the Nigeria Premier Football League, confirming The PUNCH’s initial report on why both parties ended the partnership.
StarTimesand the NPFL signed a five-year deal worth N6bn in 2023, but the agreement has been terminated after two years.
The PUNCH understands that StarTimes ended their deal as the official broadcast partners of the NPFL following a poor return on investment, especially in the patronage of their decoder and offerings by Nigerians.
Wang also affirmed this in Abuja, during an event orgaised by the NPFL.
“Since StarTimes has been the broadcast partners of the NPFL, during the past two seasons, we have tried to meet our promises to promote and broadcast the NPFL,” he said.
“But unfortunately, we are here because of these economic issues; we are not making it as a business partner for the pay TV business to be sustainable.
“Everything is business; we don’t have the capability to continue. I also heard last week that our partners NTA have taken over the broadcast.”
Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, also revealed that the five-year deal didn’t pass the two-year probation that both parties set.
“Signing with StarTimes that time, we said that the first two seasons are probatory, after that we would discuss again on how to go further,” Elegbeleye said.
“Our last match in Lagos between Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors was live on NTA. We will still be going ahead with that until we finish the current discussion regarding the broadcast.”
Last week, Elegbeleye led the NPFL board to meet with the management of the NTA to seal a new broadcast partnership for the league, but the future of the arrangement is currently uncertain, no thanks to the premature reshuffling of the station’s management by President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu appointed Rotimi Pedro (whom the NPFL board met) as the new DG of the NTA on August 20, but the appointment was reversed after the President ordered the reinstatement of Salihu Abdullahi Dembos to complete his three-year tenure as the NTA DG on Tuesday. (Punch)
A residential building was, on Thursday morning, gutted by fire at Olugbile House, Iyalamu area of Oyo town in Oyo State.
Investigations by PUNCH Online revealed that the incident occurred around 5:00 am as a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.
Though no life was lost, it was further gathered that two out of eight rooms were affected, while household items and properties were destroyed.
Confirming the incident in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday, the State Chairman of Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, said the agency’s personnel immediately mobilised to the scene.
He said, “Upon arrival at the scene of the incident, our officers met two rooms out of eight rooms of an ancient residential building on fire. They quickly swung into action, and the fire was subdued and prevented from spreading beyond the two rooms.
“The fire was completely extinguished, the occupants, sympathisers and onlookers were sensitised on fire prevention, particularly the importance of having fire extinguishers at every household in the state.
“The fire incident was a result of a lighted cigarette stub left unattended by one of the occupants and ignited combustible materials, which set the house ablaze.
“No casualty was recorded; the agency was able to save properties worth millions of naira. Report fire incident and give correct address, contact our emergency lines: 08067439223 and 08054353501 or 615.”
PUNCH Online reports that the incident highlights recurring fire outbreaks in Oyo State, often traced to negligence such as improper handling of electrical appliances, cooking gas, and cigarettes.
According to the Oyo State Fire Service, dozens of residential and market fire incidents have been recorded since the beginning of 2025, resulting in millions of naira in losses.
Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to adopt strict fire safety measures, including installing basic extinguishers, avoiding unsafe smoking habits indoors, and promptly reporting fire outbreaks to emergency lines.
Fire outbreaks tend to increase during dry seasons when harmattan winds make combustible materials more flammable, making early response critical to preventing large-scale damage. (Punch)
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