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Unruly Behaviour At Airport: KWAM 1 Tenders Public Apology

August 8, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Embattled Fuju Star, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM 1, has put aside his ego, and tendered an unreserved apology over the incident which involved him at the Local Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025, with Staff of ValueJet Airline.

In a statement, he personally signed on Friday, the Singer expressed regret over the controversy but maintained that the flask he carried on the day contained only water, not alcohol as alleged.

He wrote: “The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was, to say the least, unfortunate.

“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me.

“Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask contained only water — not alcohol,” he said.

The Juju Maestro explained that the flask was empty during two separate security checks and was only filled with water at the Airport lounge before he proceeded to the tarmac.

He stressed that he had not yet boarded the aircraft, “let alone being deboarded,” and said his account could be verified through CCTV footage.

The Fuji Star further apologised to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, ValueJet, and Nigerians at large.

“I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident.

“It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols.

“My unwavering patriotism and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt.

“I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades,” he said.

He further added that he remained committed to his role as a cultural ambassador for Nigerian music and thanked his fans for their support.

Benue Assembly Tackles Gov Alia, Gives Conditions Before It Screens Commissioner-Nominees

Ayodele Oni

August 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Benue State House of Assembly has given conditions to Governor Hyacinth Alia to be met before the Commissioner- nominees sent to the Assembly will be screened.

The Governor had sent a list containing names of new Commissioners to the Assembly for screening and approval following the dissolution of the State Executive Council.

The House, however, declined the correspondence from the Governor, accusing him of treating members with levity and failure to implement earlier resolutions of the Assemblyl.

A statement on Friday by Terver Zamber, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, revealed that the resolution was reached during plenary on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.

Moving a motion of urgent public importance, Shimapever Jiji informed the House that the Governor has consistently refused to honour resolutions passed by the Assembly and has treated members with total disregard.

Seconding the motion, Thomas Dugeri stressed that the Governor has failed to address pressing issues earlier raised by the legislature, adding that his conduct undermines the dignity and independence of the House.

The statement added that “contributors to the debate emphasised that the decision was not to stall governance, but to compel the Executive Arm to respect legislative independence and uphold existing agreements.”

They reiterated that they are not opposed to the screening of Commissioners, but insisted that the Governor must first comply with outstanding resolutions.

The House demanded that the Governor immediately: provide official vehicles to the affected members; give effect to the suspension notices issued to the SUBEB Chairman; enforce the suspension of the Otukpo Local Government Council Chairman; and implement the suspension of the Executive Secretary, Benue State Sports Lottery and Marketing Board.

“Until these demands are met, the Assembly resolved not to honour or entertain any further correspondence from the Executive Arm,”it added.

KWAM 1 Asked: ‘Do You Know Who I Am?’ – ValueJet Pilot Tells Her Story

The Source

August 8, 2025

By Gideon Njoku

Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, the Pilot who was in command of Valuejet Flight VK201 from Abuja to Lagos, and who has been suspended along with her co-Pilot, Flight Officer Ivan Oloba, over a serious incident on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, which involved Juju Artist, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popular as Kwam 1, has reportedly told her own side of the story.

KWAM 1, billed to travel on the flight was prevented from doing so after he exhibited an unruly attitude inconsistent with Aviation rules.

He wanted to board the flight while carrying a flask, allegedly, filled with alcohol. When told he couldn’t do that as it was against Aviation protocol, he insisted, and proceeded to splash the contents on an Aviation Security personnel, as well as the Captain who came down to intervene.

However, the incident took an ugly turn when he went and stood in front of the aircraft to stop it from taxing to take off. After several appeals which were in vain, Captain Ogoyi proceeded with her duty, an action which could have had serious consequences on KWAM 1, and, perhaps, other people.

Her license as well as that of the co-pilot has been temporarily suspended while investigation is continuing.

But Kwam1 faces more serious issues. Not only has he been banned from flying for the next six months, he could face prosecution as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has written to both the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister for Justice, seeking his arrest and prosecution.

But, reportedly, telling her own side of the story, the Captain narrated:

“During boarding which commenced as scheduled at 8:10 am, KWAM1 approached the aircraft at about 08:15–08:20 carrying a gold flask of unknown content.

“Ground staff requested, as per standard procedure, to verify the content of the flask but he vehemently refused.

“He was seen drinking from the flask and the ground staff suspected that it contains alcohol, a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

“Instead, he responded with comments such as, “Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.”

“As he reached the foot of the aircraft, security personnel reiterated that he could not board without complying with the inspection. He became confrontational, causing a disruption.

“To manage the situation and prevent further delay, I exited the cockpit and approached Mr. Ayinde to engage him amicably.

“Without warning, he opened the flask and poured its contents on me, the security personnel, and some nearby passengers.

“Following this assault, airport security intervened, and other passengers were allowed to continue boarding.

“The Head of Security advised that Mr. Ayinde should not be permitted to travel on the flight due to his behaviour. I agreed, prioritising the safety of my passengers and crew.

“After shutting the aircraft doors, I observed that Mr Ayinde was still near the aircraft, obstructing movement. I made a Public Announcement to inform passengers of the delay while security personnel worked to remove him from the area. Once he was moved out of sight, I commenced taxiing and departed for Lagos at approximately 08:50.

“This incident caused significant delay, disruption, and posed safety risks to passengers, crew, and the operation of the flight.”

Even though the viral video of the incident has been confirmed by the Minister for Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, Kwam 1 denies any unruly behavior, says the flask contained nothing but water, and emphasises: “I am the victim.”

INEC, NCoS Collaborate On Prisoners’ Voting Right

Ayodele Oni

August 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

Inmates within Nigeria’s Correctional Centres, will soon enjoy democratic rights, especially voting during elections.

In a move to broaden civic participation and uphold democratic rights of the inmates, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) have renewed their commitment to ensure that eligible inmates are not disenfranchised in future elections.

The pledge was reinforced during a courtesy visit by the Comptroller General of NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Welcoming the NCoS delegation, Prof. Yakubu commended the agency’s longstanding role in election security through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

He emphasized that the right to vote remains a fundamental human right, especially for inmates awaiting trial, drawing comparisons with countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa where prisoners are allowed to vote.

Citing legal precedents from the Federal High Court and Court of Appeal in Benin affirming awaiting trial inmates’ voting rights, Yakubu stressed that the exercise of such rights must be voluntary and backed by clear legal provisions.

He called for legislative engagement to interprete or amend Section 12(1)(e) of the Electoral Act 2022 to accommodate inmate voting fully.

The INEC Chairman revealed that a joint technical committee had been set up by both agencies to examine modalities for implementation, including voter registration within facilities, creation of polling units, voter education, and involvement of political parties, election observers, and the media.

He also praised the advocacy of Civil Society Organizations like the Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO) and welcomed the National Assembly’s supportive stance.

In his remarks, Comptroller General Nwakuche lamented the exclusion of inmates from Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that over 66 percent of the country’s 81,000 inmates are awaiting trial and therefore presumed innocent.

He stressed that even convicted persons retain certain constitutional rights, including the right to vote.

“Anybody can find themselves on the other side of the law,” Nwakuche said, urging society to uphold fairness and constitutional guarantees for all.

He assured that NCoS is ready to provide data, logistical access, and institutional backing to ensure inmates can register and vote.

Palliatives Intervention: FG Pays Second Tranche Of N35,000 Wage Award To Civil Servants

Ayodele Oni

August 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the second tranche of the N35,000 wage award arrears to civil servants, reaffirming its commitment to cushioning the economic impact of recent policy reforms on federal employees.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) confirmed the disbursement, noting that it forms part of the palliative wage intervention introduced after the removal of fuel subsidies.

Director of Press and Public Relations at the OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, explained that the government had earlier paid one month out of the five-month arrears owed under the wage award scheme. With the current payment, only three months remain outstanding.

The N35,000 monthly wage award was introduced as a temporary measure to ease the financial burden on public servants following the spike in living costs triggered by subsidy removal and other economic reforms.

It was a product of negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour to forestall industrial unrest.

Amid speculation that the government had abandoned the scheme, the OAGF clarified that payments are being made in phases, and the administration remains fully committed to honouring its pledge.

“The Federal Government has not reneged on its obligation. The wage award arrears will continue to be paid in instalments of N35,000 per month until the outstanding balance is completely settled,” the statement assured.

The renewed payment is expected to calm rising tensions among labour unions, which have recently intensified demands for salary adjustments in the face of soaring inflation and economic hardship.

Motorists Risk Six Month Jail Term As Police Begin Enforcement Of Tinted Permit

Akinwale Kasali

August 8, 2025

By Akinwale Kasali

Motorists across the country using tinted glasses risk jail term if they fail to get valid permit.

This follows an order by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which stated that from Tuesday, August 14th, an enforcement on Tinted Vehicle Permit will commence.

According to Police Statement, punishment for not having a Valid Tinted Vehicle Permit for Motorists include payment of fine or six months imprisonment, or both as the case may be.

“Penalties for Offending Without a Valid Permit If you drive with Tinted Windows without a Permit, you can face the following upon conviction:

* Fine: ₦2,000

* Imprisonment: Up to 6 months

* Or both”

It was also noted that offenders will be Charged to the Federal High Court where their fate will be determined.

It would be recalled that the IGP had postponed the enforcement of the tinted permit to August 12, from an earlier day, as announced in June.

The postponement was due to the outrage following the announcement of the permit, in order to enable Nigerians put their documents in order.

The statement reads: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has approved an extension of the grace period for the enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit requirement to the 12th of August, 2025.

“This extension comes on the heels of several concerns and feedback expressed by members of the public regarding the reactivation of the digital Tinted Glass Permit application process.

“In line with our commitment to delivering transparent, inclusive, and citizen-focused policing, the Force wishes to affirm that it has not ignored the voices of Nigerians. Rather, these voices have been instrumental in guiding ongoing reviews of the process to ensure it remains user-friendly, secure, and accessible to all.

“The extension of enforcement is also intended to give room for additional enhancements and refinements to the application process, ensuring that no member of the public is unduly disadvantaged.

“The NPF is actively working to simplify and improve both the physical and contactless application options including enhanced verification mechanisms and streamlined procedures to reduce delays and eliminate undue inconveniences.

“Members of the public are reminded that the authorized platform for the application and renewal of the Tinted Glass Permit is accessible via http://possap.gov.ng.

“Citizens are also encouraged to report all unauthorized or hidden charges as well as extortion in the course of application or biometric capturing to the appropriate Police authorities, including via the dedicated hotline: 09169967000.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to public safety, digital innovation, and continuous improvement in service delivery, and appreciates the cooperation and patience of the Nigerian people as these reforms are carried out”, the statement reads.

Court Upholds Ekiti PDP Ward Congress

Ayodele Oni

August 8, 2025

By Ayodele Oni

A High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti, has nullified the list of Ward Excos of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the State unilaterally submitted by the sacked Caretaker Chairman, Dare Adeleke, to the National Working Committee, (NWC) of the party.

The list of the Ward Excos of the Party became a contentious issue in the State following submission of names of those that did not participate in the ward Congress.

In Friday’s judgement in a Suit Number: HAD/63/2025 filed by a member of the party, Afolabi Adedeji against PDP & 4ORS, Justice Omotoso of the Ekiti State High Court validated the winners of the ward congress election held on the 15th of March 2025.

The Congress was conducted and signed by the returning officer, Afolabi Adekanmbi, who was the Chairman of the ward Congress election committee appointed by the PDP NWC to oversee the election and return the winners.

The Court held that election guidelines are for serious purposes, and once followed to the latter and winners emerge, denying winners of their victory amounts to a total miscarriage of justice.

The Court held further that it was proved beyond reasonable doubt that the winners of the March 15th 2025 ward congress election across the wards followed the PDP ward Congress election guidelines from the begining to the end, leading to their eventual victories.

“The winners with evidence paid to the National PDP bank account in UBA for congress forms and obtained the forms, stood for the ward congress election, won, and were given duplicate result sheets as evidence of participation and victories.

“After this, the election was further subjected to Appeal panel review by the National working committee of PDP where the appeal panel in their reports further confirmed and ratified the election as free, fair and credible, thus validating the process and winners as true winners.

“This is the end of the process according to PDP guidelines and constitution!

“Not allowing the winners to enjoy their victories amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul, and no decent society will allow this to fester.”

The Court, therefore, ordered the Defendants; PDP NEC and NWC including the acting National Chairman of the Party, Ilya Damagum, the National Organising Secretary of PDP, Umar Bature as well as the INEC and their proxies to recognise only the authentic winners of the march 15th 2025 ward Congress election.

The Court also ordered that it is only these authentic winners that can legally participate in the remaining local government and state congresses of PDP for the purpose of electing local and State excos of the party in Ekiti state, and any action taken different from the above is a nullity.

The Court also nullified the LG congress of PDP, which was hurriedly carried out during the pendency of the suit and all other actions taken by any organ of the party or INEC during the pendency of this case were declared a nullity.

Former Abia Deputy Governor Resigns From PDP To Challenge Senator Orji Kalu

Suleiman Anyalewechi

August 8, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The ranks of the troubled Peoples Democratic party PDP on Friday August 8, 2025, further shrinked in Abia State ,with the resignation of the immediate past Deputy Governor of the State, Rt Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu.

Oko Chukwu’s exit from the PDP was contained in a letter dated August 5, 2025, and addressed to the party ‘s chairman in his Ndi Elu Ward, Nkporo, Ohafia Local Council of the State.

The former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and stalwart of the PDP for the past two decades, informed that his decision to part ways with the party that had offered him sanctuary for this long was a personal, but difficult one to make.

He, however , expressed appreciation to the PDP for the opportunities afforded him to serve the people.

Although he offered no reasons for abandoning the PDP, his exit is coming on the heels of his recent visit to, and endorsement of Labour Party’s Governor Alex Otti for a second term in office at his country home in Nvosi, Isialanwa Ngwa local Council of the State, last week.

During the visit, Oko Chukwu extolled the leadership qualities and performance-nature of the Governor’s two years in office, with an assertion that his second term in office is guaranteed.

Expectedly, his endorsement of an LP-led Abia State Government instantly alerted the PDP hierarchy to his imminent exit, as the leadership not only condemned the visit, but also described him as an ingrate.

In a statement immediately after Oko Chukwu’s visit to Governor Otti, the Abia State Chairman of the PDP, Comrade Abraham Amah, noted that while the Party recognizes the right of members to make political choices, it nevertheless takes great exception to followers who are patently ungrateful.

The Abia PDP chairman, described the decision of the former Deputy Governor to treat the PDP with ignominy after years of hugely benefitting from it as classic case of ingratitude.

He insisted that Oko Chukwu’s decision to romance with the LP Government in the State is being driven by selfish political motives.

Although Oko Chukwu, in his resignation letter, did not reveal his destination, there are strong indications that he will first be aligning with LP, pending when the ADC arrangements in the State would have been clearer.

It is also highly speculated that he will be confronting Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in the race for the Abia North Senatorial District seat in 2027, having been assured of the backing of not a few power brokers both in the Zone and Abia State in general.

Already, a smearing media war has erupted between some forces in his Ohafia Local Council and the camp of Kalu in Bende Local Government in the count down to the Senate contest.

Chief David Ogba, a known political ally of Governor Otti from Ohafia Local Council last week, pointedly, in a statement told Kalu, a former Governor of the State ,that his time at the red chamber of the National Assembly has come to end.

Meanwhile, the PDP has described the exit of the former Deputy Governor as not a loss but rather a liberation; a purgation and good riddance to bad rubbish.

A statement issued by the State Working Committee, SWC, on Friday, warned that the public should not be deceived by Oko Chukwu’s reference to personal issues as reasons for exiting the party.

According to the party, Oko Chukwu is fleeing from the consequences of his political irrelevance.

“His ambition to resurface as a Senatorial candidate is not only laughable, it is an insult to the good people of Abia North.

“Here was a man who for twenty long years, occupied prime positions of power under the benevolence of the PDP.

“Twelve years in the Abia State House of Assembly, four of which he served as Speaker. Eight years as Deputy Governor. Twenty uninterrupted years of privileged platform and prominence–with absolutely nothing to show for it.

“He single-handedly managed the Internally Generated Revenue of Abia State for eight solid years. Yet, the State was left in worse fiscal condition with no traceable infrastructure or economic transformation tied to his stewardship.

“In Ohafia, his home LGA, his record is a barren land of wasted years. He delivered no water, no electricity, no meaningful empowerment, and no political legacy.

“His people remain in darkness, both literally and politically, while he basked in the comfort of Government House. What a shameful scorecard

” Let heavens and earth bear witness: Ude Oko Chukwu’s exit was long over due . He came with nothing, he departs with multi billion assets he acquired for himself at the detriment of his community and people. His absence shall be a blessing to our rebirth”, PDP stated.

Kano Exco Approves Supplementary Budget, Forwards To Assembly For Passage

Ayodele Oni

August 8, 2025

Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State — Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Kano State Executive Council has approved an upward review of 2025 budget by injecting additional ₦169,522,463,294.81.

The actual appropriation estimates passed by the state House of Assembly earlier in the year was ₦719,755,417,663.00.

If approved by the legislature, the actual budget will now be ₦889,277,880,957.81.

The State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, who disclosed this at the end of the State Executive Council Meeting, explained that the supplementary appropriation is aimed at strengthening the capacity of the Government to deliver on its core mandates and emerging obligations.

“The Council has directed the immediate transmission of the proposed supplementary budget to the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative action and passage into law.

The Council also approved a number of capital projects which covered roads, health water and other developmental ventures.

“During the deliberations, the Council extensively discussed matters of strategic importance to the development of our dear State.

“Several key approvals were granted, targeted at consolidating the administration’s people-oriented developmental agenda, especially in the critical areas of health, infrastructure, water supply, and rural development.

“The government of His Excellency, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, remains fully committed to its vision of rebuilding a better Kano State.

“These approvals reflect a purposeful and strategic approach to governance, targeting key areas that will bring tangible dividends of democracy to the good people of Kano State.

“We urge the citizens to continue supporting government policies and remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation of these projects, as we collectively strive to move Kano State to greater heights.”

Release Sowore Now Or Charge Him To Court, Obi Tells Police

Tosin Olatokunbo

August 8, 2025

The top opposition leader in Nigeria and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Pete Obi has condemned the arrest and detention of Omoyele Sowore, the Publisher of online newspaper Sahara Reporters.

Obi condemned the arrest in a statement he shared on his X handle on Friday, saying its’ wrong on the part of the Nigerian Police Forces, NPF, to arrest the rights activist after he voluntarily surrendered himself to the police.

The magazine reported that Sowore had on Wednesday accused the police of sending some operatives to brutalize him in the police cell where he was kept in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

During the incident, Sowore alleged that the policemen who attacked him broke his arm, and took him to an undisclosed location.

Not a few Nigerians have trenchantly criticised the alleged act of the policemen, they also called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to reign in his men, and explained to the publci what actually happened to Sowore by investigating the alleged assault.

Recating, Obi said many Nigerians have lost confidence in the police, that they should rove their critics wrong by charging Sowre to court, which is the right thing to do.

in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed displeasure over the arrest of Omoyele Sowore by the Nigerian Police Force.

Obi, in a post on Friday, urged the police to immediately release Sowore or charge him in court, citing concerns over the potential erosion of public confidence in institutions.

According to Obi, Sowore’s arrest is a miscarriage of justice and an abuse of state power, particularly since he voluntarily presented himself for questioning.

Obi said, “I was deeply disturbed to learn of the arrest of Mr Omoyele Sowore… shortly after he voluntarily honoured an invitation by the Nigerian Police Force.

“At the time of writing, no clear or credible charges have been made public, which further casts a troubling shadow over the nature and motivation behind his detention.

“To detain a citizen who came of his own accord, without the public disclosure of clear, lawful charges, is not only a miscarriage of justice but an abuse of state power.

“Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.”

Obi “call on the Nigerian Police to immediately release Omoyele Sowore or charge him formally under the law. Anything short of this would be a further erosion of public trust in the nation’s law enforcement institutions.”

Meanwhile, the police while reacting to his detention said they had to detain him becasue of his refusal to write a statement.

The magazine reports that Sowore, who recently led a protest of retired policemen against NPF management in Abuja, was invited by the police two weeks ago after a petition was written against him.

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