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16/10/2025

BREAKING: Abuja Court Strikes Out Treason Case Against Whistleblower PIDOMNigeria

16/10/2025

Nnamdi Kanu’s ailment is not life-threatening. He is fit to stand trial - NMA tells court

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) panel appointed by the court has declared that the health condition of Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is not life-threatening and so he is fit to stand trial.

Justice James Omotosho, presiding over Kanu’s terrorism trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, ordered the medical assessment amid conflicting reports from doctors representing the prosecution and the defence.

The panel’s findings, submitted to the court on October 13 by the prosecution team led by Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) and partly read during Thursday’s proceedings, confirmed that Kanu is medically fit to stand trial.

With no objections from either party, Justice Omotosho ruled that the trial could continue. The judge also granted Kanu six consecutive days, starting October 23, to present and conclude his defence.

The court also approved a request by Kanu’s lead lawyer, Kanu Agabi (SAN), to allow private consultations between the defendant and his legal team outside the Department of State Services (DSS) premises, citing fears that conversations could be monitored or recorded.

The judge directed that the private consultation should take place in the courtroom on October 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, with only Kanu and his lawyers present.

The trial has been adjourned till October 23.

16/10/2025

Nigeria Eyes $410bn Renewable Energy Investment by 2060 — VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that Nigeria’s energy transition agenda under President Bola Tinubu is projected to attract over $410 billion in renewable energy investments between 2025 and 2060.

Shettima made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, noting that the plan would position Nigeria and Africa as major players in the global shift towards net-zero emissions.

According to him, more than $23 billion will be needed to expand energy access and connect millions still living without reliable electricity.
“We are blessed with the minerals that power clean technologies, and Nigeria brings youth, ambition, and untapped renewable potential,” he stated.

The Vice President called on stakeholders to seize the opportunity and reaffirm Nigeria’s readiness to lead Africa’s clean energy revolution.
“Beyond access lies our grander ambition to build a power system capable of generating 277 gigawatts by 2060. This vision demands sustained investment, innovation, and homegrown capacity,” he added.

Shettima also revealed that over $400 million in fresh investment commitments had already been secured within Nigeria’s renewable energy manufacturing chain. These investments, he said, cover solar panels, smart meters, battery storage, and recycling facilities, creating more than 1,500 direct jobs across several states.

“These investments show growing global confidence in Nigeria’s clean energy industrialisation drive,” he noted.

Reaffirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to fostering a self-sustaining renewable energy market, Shettima said the government is enhancing local manufacturing incentives, simplifying regulations, and deepening collaboration with state governments and private investors.

16/10/2025

I Can Transform Nigeria’s Direction Within Four Years — Peter Obi

16/10/2025

Customs Officer Found D+ad in Katsina Hotel Room After Night with Three Women

A Customs officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) Lawal Tukur, was discovered d+ad in a hotel room in Katsina metropolis.

According to Zagazola Reports, the incident took place on October 15 at Murjani Hotel, where Tukur had checked in. Hotel workers reportedly found him lifeless around 8:30 a.m. and immediately alerted the authorities.

Sources said empty sachets of unidentified substances were found in a wastebasket in the room. Three women Khadija Ali, 34, from Dutsin Amare Quarters, Katsina; Aisha Lawal, 30, from Ingawa LGA; and Hafsat Yusuf, 22, from Brigade Quarters, Kano were said to have been at the hotel during the incident.

It was gathered that Khadija and Aisha spent the night with the officer, while Hafsat joined them later and also stayed at the hotel.
The deceased’s body was taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina, where doctors confirmed his d+ath before it was moved to the mortuary for autopsy.

The Nigeria Customs Service has reportedly been notified, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of d+ath.

16/10/2025

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu Alleges Some Nigerian Pilots Sm%ke Indian H+mp Before Flights, Calls for Urgent Regulatory Action

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged dr¥g use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some sm%ke Indian h**p before flying passengers.

Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and p++r oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them sm%ke Indian h+mp yes, it’s true,” he said.

He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and dr¥g assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their bl++d pressure or dr¥g level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dang+rous,” he warned.

Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian h**p like cigar+ttes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.

His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alc+hol and cann@bis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.

Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.

14/10/2025

Osimhen Hat-Trick Sends Nigeria to World Cup playoffs

Nigeria beat Benin 4–0 in Uyo to secure a place in the interconfederation playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick, and Onyeka added a late fourth.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the third minute after a pass from Chukwueze. The same duo combined again in the 37th minute, with Osimhen heading in his second goal. Nigeria went into the break 2–0 up and in control.

Early in the second half, Osimhen completed his hat-trick with another header from a Simon free-kick. Benin created a few half-chances but never looked close to scoring.

In stoppage time, substitute Onyeka scored Nigeria’s fourth goal, confirming their place among the best second-placed teams who will compete in the interconfederation playoffs.

The result means Nigeria finish second in Group C with 17 points. South Africa top the group on 18 after a 3–0 win over Rwanda and qualify directly for the World Cup. Benin, who started the day in first place, drop to third and are out of contention.

The win keeps Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive. They will now await confirmation of their playoff opponents.

14/10/2025

BREAKING: DSS Storms Kugbo Market Abuja, Harasses Market Leaders Over Sowore’s Mobilisation For Protest

14/10/2025

President Tinubu Asks Senate To Confirm Prof Joash Amupitan As INEC Chairman

13/10/2025

Clergyman, Uma Ukpai, d!es at 80

Renowned international evangelist and founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, has d!ed.

A statement signed by the family and titled “Glorious Transition,” says the revered clergyman passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

The family described him as “a faithful soldier of the cross” who dedicated over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God.

“With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the triumphant homegoing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who passed on to glory on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80. A faithful soldier of the cross has been called to rest.

“Dedicating over six decades of his life to fiery evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of the power of God, he impacted millions of lives and transformed destinies within Nigeria and across the globe.

“He was a spiritual general known for evangelism, a founding father of faith, a loving husband, a devoted father, and a mentor to many, and his life was a testament to God’s power and love.

“While we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice that he has finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise. Details of the obsequies will be announced in due course by the family.

“We are grateful to God for his extraordinary life and enduring legacy.

“For indeed, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” — Phil. 1:21.”

13/10/2025

VIDEO: Aba residents hail Alex Otti’s water fountain unveiling

Hundreds of Aba residents gathered along Ngwa Road in Abia State to celebrate the unveiling of a newly decorated water fountain near the Orjiuzo Bridge, led by Governor Alex Otti.

The project is part of Otti’s broader urban renewal initiative, which includes road rehabilitation and the regional water scheme aimed at restoring Aba’s industrial vibrancy after years of neglect.

13/10/2025

Ogun State Raises Alarm Over Rising Mental Health Cases, Treats 10,000 Patients in Six Months

Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health, has expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders, with 10,000 patient visits recorded in the first half of 2025, including 1,000 new cases.

Represented by Dr. Kayode Oladeinde, the Permanent Secretary, she spoke at an event marking the 2025 World Mental Health Day, themed “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” Coker highlighted that over 90% of Nigerians with mental health issues lack access to adequate care due to limited services, stigma, and costs.

She emphasized that mental health is a fundamental human right and noted the growing burden in Ogun State. Data from mental health facilities in Abeokuta, Ijebu Ode, Ilaro, and Ota revealed prevalent conditions such as psychosis, neurosis, epilepsy, depr+ssion, and substance use disorders. To address this, the state has formed a 26-member Mental Health Action Committee, chaired by Dr. Abayomi Olajide, a consultant psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta.

Coker called for collective action, urging families to foster open discussions on mental health, employers to create supportive work environments, and religious and community leaders to promote compassion and care access. She also encouraged the media to report responsibly to reduce stigma and inspire hope. The commissioner reassured residents that the government is committed to supporting those struggling with mental health challenges.

Additionally, Coker announced that community mental health hospitals have been established in Abeokuta, Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, and Ota to improve access to care across the state.

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