A video circulating on social media on Tuesday captured a jubilant crowd of supporters accompanying Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan back to the National Assembly as she resumed her legislative duties following months of suspension.
In the footage, the Kogi Central lawmaker was seen walking surrounded by cheering supporters. A man was also heard offering prayers for her, to which she responded, “Amen.”
PUNCH Online reports that Akpoti-Uduaghan resumed her duties shortly after regaining access to her office in Suite 2.05 of the Senate Wing, which was unsealed by the Deputy Director of the National Assembly Sergeant-at-Arms, Alabi Adedeji.
Upon resumption, the senator, who had been suspended, remained resolute, stating she had “no apology to tender.”
She said, “In retrospect, it is actually amazing how much we have had to pay in the past six months, from the unjust suspension to the recall. But we survived the recall, blackmail, and that crazy lady on Facebook.
“It is amazing what we had to endure, and I give God Almighty the glory and my deepest appreciation to the people of Kogi Central and Nigerians at large. To my husband, I love you dearly. I pray all men support their wives in the same manner you have supported me.
“In everything, sometimes it is good to push the institution to the test. We cannot cower in the face of injustice. No one is more Nigerian than us. Senator Akpabio is not more of a senator than I am. He is not the governor of this place…
“It is so unfortunate that we will have a National Assembly run by such a dictator. It is totally unacceptable.”
The video of her return has been widely shared on social media, with commenters praising her resilience and the warm welcome from her supporters. (Punch)
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday led tributes as his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, clocked 65, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima, governors, lawmakers and prominent Nigerians extolling her as a symbol of strength, compassion, and service to the nation.
In a moving midnight tribute, the President described his wife as his confidant, counsellor, and steady anchor through decades of political struggle and public service.
“As you celebrate your 65th birthday today, I honour not only the love of my life, but also a woman whose quiet strength and enduring grace have been my steadying anchor,” Tinubu wrote.
He praised her sacrifices during years of political exile and leadership challenges, adding that her support amounted to national service.
“Nigeria owes you more than many will ever know,” he said.
The First Lady had earlier announced that she would dedicate her birthday to raising funds for the completion of Nigeria’s long-delayed National Library project in Abuja.
She urged well-wishers to donate to an “Oluremi@65 Education Fund”.
Vice-President Shettima, in his message, lauded Mrs Tinubu as a “symbol of womanhood, strength, and compassion,” describing her as a mother of the nation whose quiet resilience has touched millions.
“When the history of this administration is written, her name will be inscribed in gold,” he said.
From the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Senator Barau Jibrin, joined in the celebration.
Akpabio hailed the First Lady as “a pillar of love and strength to her husband, the less privileged and the nation at large,” while Barau described her as a patriot whose contributions to nation-building have spanned decades—from her New Era Foundation in Lagos to her 12 years in the Senate and now through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
State governors also paid glowing tributes.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu called her “a great ambassador of our dear state,” praising her philanthropy and public service.
Ekiti Governor Biodun Oyebanji said she remained “a special gift to the nation and a pillar of support to the President.”
Kogi’s Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo branded her “an Amazon and a source of inspiration to millions,” while Delta’s Governor Sheriff Oborevwori commended her empowerment programmes as “a beacon of hope for vulnerable citizens.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, though of the opposition PDP, joined the chorus of praise, describing Mrs Tinubu as “an incredible woman of unimaginable importance” who championed women’s rights during her three terms in the Senate.
Other political figures, including Kano NNPP chieftain Musa Kwankwaso and NIWA Managing Director Bola Oyebamiji, also showered encomiums, calling her a virtuous woman of integrity and humility.
Born on September 21, 1960, Oluremi Tinubu first came into national prominence as Lagos State First Lady (1999–2007), where she established the New Era Foundation.
She later represented Lagos Central in the Senate for 12 years before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady in May 2023.
Over the years, she has tied her advocacy to education, women’s empowerment and youth development, most recently through her Renewed Hope Initiative, which has launched programmes to support widows, empower small-scale farmers, and provide scholarships and food palliatives to families. (Punch)
Following the devastating inferno that gutted Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island on Tuesday, six additional victims were confirmed dead yesterday, after the initial four persons on the fateful day.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2025 election, Peter Obi, had in separate messages, expressed their condolences to family members, management of Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, United Bank for Africa, UBA, and United Capital Plc over unfortunate incident.
The latest six casualties were employees of United Capital Plc, a financial and investment services firm, situated on the third and fourth floors of the building.
Meanwhile, Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, in a statement earlier, confirmed 10 persons dead.
In her response, titled; “Update on the report of fire incident at Afrialand Towers Broad Street, Lagos,” simply stated, “Further investigation with the Afriland team however, revealed that 10 adults male including female were confirmed dead afterwards.”
Recall that the management and staff of FIRS, had earlier in a statement on Wednesday, by the Special Adviser on Media to the FIRS chairman, Dare Adekanmbi, confirmed the death of four staff members to include: Mrs. Ekelikhostse George (Assistant Director), Mr David Sunday-Jatto (Assistant Director), Mrs. Nkem Onyemelukwe (Senior Manager) and Mr Peter Ifaranmaye (Manager).
One of the deceased, Jatto, it was gathered was in the office on the fateful day to hand over officially to his successor after been redeployed to another branch when the tragedy claimed his life.
The raging fire it was gathered by emergency agencies, originated in the inverter room located in the basement of the building while smoke spread across multiple floors and engulfed the structure, trapping occupants in the process.
“It is with a heavy heart that FIRS announces the tragic loss of four of its staff members during the fire incident at Afriland Towers, Broad Street, Lagos, on Tuesday.
“FIRS is one of the tenants occupying the Towers with our Medium Tax Audit and Onikan Emerging Tax Office housed on the sixth and seventh floors.
“Our Security and Safety officials quickly mobilized and contacted the fire service as soon as they were alerted. On getting to the scene, thick dark smoke was already billowing out of the building.
“The Management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. They offer their condolences to the grieving families and are in touch with the families of our departed colleagues whose commitment to excellence, dedication and professionalism were never in doubt. We will provide all the necessary support at this trying time.
“We are working in collaboration with all relevant agencies in Lagos to get to the root cause of the unfortunate incident. While this is going on, we will be reviewing safety measures across FIRS offices in both rented and owned buildings nationwide,” the statement reads.
However, statement by United Capital Plc yesterday, reports came in from another affected firm management, confirming the loss of six members of staff to the tragic incident, raising the total death toll to 10 so far.
A statement by United Capital Plc, made available to the media yesterday confirmed six of its staff dead in the incident.
The statement read in part; “It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
President Tinubu in a statement by his Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, called for more caution, training, and alertness to avert future occurrences.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the management and staff of Afriland Properties Limited, the FIRS, UBA, and particularly those who lost loved ones in the inferno, and the injured who are currently receiving medical attention.
He commended the emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, first aiders, medical personnel, and members of the public for their quick intervention with their deep sense of responsibility during the evacuation operations.
Tinubu prayed that God Almighty will receive the souls of the departed and grant quick recovery to the injured.
Sanwo-Olu who described the tragedy as “unfortunate,” expressed shock over the ugly incident that claimed the lives of people and the destruction of properties.
The Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, in a statement issued on Thursday, said: “It is with a heavy heart that I received news of the fire outbreak. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the management and staff of all the organisations that lost their loved ones in the ugly incident. I wish the injured persons a speedy recovery.”
He pledged the government’s continued support for further prevention and arrest of such ugly incidents.
Obi mourns
“I like to sincerely extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all the families and companies affected by the tragic fire, as well as the traders at Mandilas Market and adjoining plazas along Taiwo Street, Lagos Island, whose stores were engulfed in the fire. It is deeply heartbreaking that valued lives and livelihoods were lost in this devastating incident.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in its reaction, raised alarm over the recent spate of devastating fires in Lagos and called for probe. (Vanguard)
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)
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