The Federal Government has revealed plans to appoint Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols, following the recent controversy over his behaviour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this known on Wednesday in a statement detailing resolutions to recent incidents of unruly conduct at Nigerian airports. According to Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban from one year to one month and will collaborate with him to promote awareness on acceptable behaviour in the aviation sector. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will coordinate the engagement process. ”The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. ‎ ‎”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has sounded the alarm over a worsening mental health crisis in the nation’s prisons, revealing that 8,246 inmates are currently suffering from various mental illnesses. The revelation came on Tuesday at the third public hearing of the Independent Investigative Panel on Alleged Corruption, Abuse of Power, Torture, and Other Inhumane Treatment by the NCoS, in Abuja. Officials further disclosed that the service spends over N4 million monthly on sanitary pads for inmates. Testifying before the panel, Dr. Glory Essien, Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Medical Services, described the dire impact of prison conditions on the psychological well-being of inmates. “We have 8,246 inmates with mental health conditions in our custodial centres,” The PUNCH quoted her as saying. She continued: “From the moment someone is brought in—those who have seen a custodial centre know what I mean—the police escort them to the gate, it’s opened, they’re admitted, and then that gate locks behind them.” “That instant loss of freedom can trigger something. Some begin to show signs of disturbed behaviour almost immediately, as if something in their mind has shifted,” she said. Essien added that the prison system depends on a network of specially trained inmate-leaders who help officials spot prisoners exhibiting signs of psychological distress. “These leaders are trained to alert the staff when they notice concerning behaviour. “They might say, ‘This inmate seems dazed, hasn’t eaten, hasn’t spoken to anyone.’ That helps us intervene early,” she said. Despite these efforts, the scale of mental health issues far exceeds the available resources. “If you’re in a facility housing 500 to 1,000 inmates, and you’re the only attending doctor, nurse, or psychologist, it’s simply not possible to monitor everyone individually. “That’s why we rely on these trained inmates to help us identify those in need, so we can provide care as best we can,” the ACG noted. She also underscored the logistical challenges of delivering mental healthcare in correctional facilities. “Mental illness is chronic—it’s not like malaria where you give a dose and it clears up,” she said, pointing to transportation issues, limited drug supplies, and staff shortages as ongoing obstacles. “We’re not operating in a five-star environment. “But with the little we have, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of our work,” she said. Contributing to the discussion, the Assistant Controller General of Corrections in charge of Pharmaceutical Services, Mohammed Bashir, spoke on issues relating to drug supply and the treatment of mental health conditions. “The Federal Government has actually been doing its enormous best to see that it caters to the health needs of the inmates. Money has been appropriated, but is the money enough? No. “Out of 81,122 inmates in 256 correctional facilities nationwide, about 2.3 percent are female,” he said. Bashir revealed that a single item, such as sanitary pads for menstruating inmates, costs over “four million naira monthly.” On mental healthcare, Bashir confirmed that a psychological services unit has been created within the service to focus on treatment. “We have a partnership with this psychiatric and psychological association. We have the consultants that usually go to about 12 designated custodial centres that have a large number of these cases,” he said.

The recent Ibom Air incident, in which a passenger was arrested and remanded after a heated altercation with airline staff, has reignited discussions about aviation safety protocols, particularly the insistence that passengers switch off or place mobile phones in flight mode during take-off and landing. While many travellers see the rule as a mere formality, aviation experts stress that it is rooted in safety and operational considerations. Below are three key reasons behind the regulation, and why disregarding it can escalate into serious consequences — as seen in the Ibom Air case. 1. Preventing Radio Frequency Interference Airplanes rely on highly sensitive navigation and communication systems. Even small amounts of radio frequency interference from active mobile devices can disrupt cockpit instruments, especially during the critical phases of flight such as take-off and landing. While modern aircraft are better shielded, the risk — however minimal — is significant enough for aviation regulators to maintain the precautionary rule. 2. Ensuring Passenger Attention During Safety Instructions Flight attendants give crucial safety demonstrations before take-off, and passengers are expected to be alert in case of sudden instructions. An active phone call, text exchange, or social media scroll can distract travellers from noticing emergency briefings or hearing urgent crew announcements. The Ibom Air altercation reportedly began after a passenger failed to comply with crew instructions, underscoring how non-compliance can quickly lead to operational and legal issues. 3. Compliance with International Aviation Laws Most global aviation authorities — including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) — mandate that airlines enforce the rule on phone use. Disobeying a crew member’s lawful instruction is a punishable offence under aviation law, regardless of whether the phone’s signal actually interferes with the aircraft. In the Ibom Air case, the refusal to follow this simple safety protocol contributed to the passenger’s arrest and eventual remand in prison custody. Airlines stress that these rules are not about inconvenience but about ensuring the safety of all on board. As the Ibom Air incident shows, ignoring them can carry not just safety risks but also legal consequences that extend well beyond the flight itself.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has given the Federal Government until September to conclude the prosecution of former National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and money laundering. Justice Peter Lifu fixed September 24, 25, and 26 for the prosecution to present any remaining witnesses and tender all exhibits in support of the decade-old case. Dasuki, first arraigned in 2015, is facing a seven-count amended charge and is expected to open his defence once the prosecution closes its case. At the last hearing, prosecution witness Monsur Mohammed, an exhibits keeper with the Department of State Services (DSS), testified that following Dasuki’s arrest, his residences in Abuja, Kaduna, and Sokoto were searched for arms and cash. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Mr Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), the witness listed items recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja home at 46 Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro. These included two Compact Discs of Freedom Radios on Jokolo, two GTBank chequebooks, two Blackberry phones, a Nokia phone, a flash drive, an Apple laptop, and a bank statement. Others were a Visa card, a radio station approval letter granted to Afri-Media Integrated Ltd, a CD on the arrest and execution of Mohammed Yusuf, \$500, and 533 Saudi riyals, as well as an HSBC account book and a Habibson Ltd chequebook belonging to Abubakar Ibrahim. The court admitted these as Exhibits MSD 015 to 034 without objection from Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr Ahmed Usman. From Dasuki’s residence in Sabo Birni, Sokoto State, \$150,000 was allegedly recovered and deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria, with the prosecution indicating plans to present the cash in court. No items were found at his house on Sultan Abubakar Road, Sokoto. The federal government’s counsel sought an adjournment to enable the DSS to bring other items allegedly recovered during the execution of four search warrants on Dasuki’s properties. Granting the request, Justice Lifu directed the prosecution to be ready to close its case in September and for Dasuki to commence his defence. The matter was adjourned to September 24, 25, and 26.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has postponed the enforcement of the tinted glass permit requirement for vehicles until October 2, 2025. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the extension comes in response to a surge in applications on the official portal, indicating greater public compliance. He said, “The Inspector General of Police has approved a further extension of the grace period for the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit requirement for vehicles with tinted windows, with the new enforcement date now set for October 2,2025. “This decision follows a significant surge in applications via the official portal, reflecting heightened public compliance with the directive. In light of this, the Force considers it imperative to allow sufficient time for the meticulous scrutiny of applications to ensure that the permit is issued only to eligible and qualified individuals, in line with national security considerations. “ Adejobi said the extension would also enable further fine-tuning of both digital and physical verification processes to preserve the integrity of the permit system and prevent abuse. He said, “Members of the public are further encouraged to report all forms of extortion, hidden charges, or unauthorised processing to the appropriate Police authorities, including via the dedicated hotline: 09169967000. “The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation of the Nigerian people and remains committed to balancing public convenience with robust security measures for the safety of all.” This marks the second extension granted by the police since announcing the enforcement of the tinted glass permit in late April. At the time, motorists were given a 30-day window starting May 1 to apply for the permit or regularise existing ones.

The Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI) has accused a self-styled Warri Youth Council (WYC) of launching a smear campaign against Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, alleging the attacks are driven by ethnic bias. In a statement issued on Sunday, IPDI National President Comrade Ozobo Austin and National Secretary Peter Luke said the Itsekiri were not part of the original 2009 amnesty proclamation but were later included “purely as a privilege, not a right,” following appeals from influential quarters, including the late National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi. The group stressed that the Itsekiri community initially rejected the programme, claiming their youths were “enlightened, educated, and peaceful,” but later sought inclusion after witnessing its success. They described the current agitation as “blackmail, mischief, and double standards,” insisting the Itsekiri “cannot eat their cake and have it. Read the full statement below: IJAW PEOPLE'S DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, IPDI Press Statement 10th August, 2025 ITSEKIRI DIDN'T EMBRACE AMNESTY PROGRAMME, WHAT IT ENJOYS IS A PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT Our attention has been drawn to a pseudo and non-existent Itsekiri group under the camouflage of Warri Youth Council, WYC, to blackmail the revered and most performing administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro. We are not perturbed of their criminal agenda, knowing fully well the Presidency and all well-meaning Niger Delta people could attest for the credible performance of Dr Otuaro. It is becoming evident that the incessant attacks by the Itsekiri on the Administrator of the PAP Dr. Otuaro is borne out of primordial sentiments because he is a Gbaramatu Ijaw man. However, it is ignorance that makes the cat to attack a lion for a fight and believe that they are of the same breed if they all have black spotted skins, what the Itsekiris miscreants and mischief makers do not know is that IPDI is a revered rights advocacy group, known for its proactiveness in the defense of Niger Delta rights against oppression and marginalization over the years, so describing IPDI as faceless group is laughable and it shows the level of ignorance among Itsekiri youths. It is succinct to state unequivocally that Itsekiris are trouble makers, being descendants of a banished prince Giniwa of Benin. We are still maintaining our earlier stand that the itsekiris were not part of the Presidential Amnesty Programme during the proclamation but they were later considered and included into the Amnesty Programme following an appeal by their daughter who was married to the late National Security Adviser, Gen Owoye Andrew Azazi. We state further that the Itsekiri should not abuse the privilege but be grateful to Dr Otuaro for the additional slots given to them to add to the earlier Five Hundred Slots. We wish to reiterate that no disarmament and demobilization of the presidential Amnesty programme was held in Koko, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, the first, second and third phases of the programme were held in Agbarho and 3 battalions in Delta State. The Itsekiris only submitted a political list of their Five hundred slots given to them by the then administrator of the program, Dr Kingsley KuKu, and that should not in any way be seen as disarmament. It is an abrupt and reckless attempt by the Itsekiris to now forcefully be crying for inclusion through blackmail, the Itsekiris, who distanced themselves from the Presidential Amnesty Programme only to have a change of mind after seeing the success of the program do not merit a single slot. We are aware that they wrote several publications to applaud the federal government for disarming the Ijaw people, alleged that the Ijaw killed their people. They stated further that Itsekiris were not militants and will not embrace the program, stressing that their youths were enlightened, educated and peaceful but unfortunately the same people are now shamelessly crying for inclusion. It is public knowledge that the Itsekiris declined the Presidential Amnesty granted by the late President Yar Adua. Anyone who is interested can access the body of information in the public domain. The Itsekiris can't eat their cake and have it. They are a people of double standard, they speak with both sides of their mouths. We are not surprised about the new tactics and strategy of these ungrateful lots. One may be tempted to ask whether their monarch, the Olu of Itsekiri is providing guidance to the Itsekiri youths, or is he the one instigating them because it is playing out that the average Itsekiri youth is lacking guidance. It is worthy of note that it was not the National Assembly that compelled the then administrator Dr KuKu to accept the Itsekiris into the amnesty program, their petition failed. The National Assembly after hearing from KuKu saw that the Itsekiri didn't have a case, the then National Assembly only appealed to President Jonathan and Hon. Kuku on humanitarian grounds for the Itsekiris to be included on the basis of impacted community and 500 places was negotiated for them, case was dismissed. Also their daughter who was married to the then NSA, late General Owoye Andrew Azazi influenced with the appeal. Those slots were given to the Itsekiris for training and not for monthly stipends. It is dubious and criminal to claim otherwise, more so when such claims are predicated on overseas scholarships. Not even those who paid the ultimate price for the Niger Delta struggle lay claim to such exclusivity. The Itsekiri nation is known for blackmail, mischief making, campaign of calumny, envy. The relentless attacks and pull down attitudes against Dr. Otuaro, is a script by the Itsekiris well known to Niger Deltans and the rest of Nigeria. The PAP Administrator shouldn't be detered nor respond to such correspondences which are full of lies and more lies. They cannot cow him to get what they want. He is a son of the struggle and can't be derailed by blackmail and peddling of falsehoods by the Itsekiris. We wish to state again that it is not the Itsekiri's right to benefit from the Presidential Amnesty Program since they were not part of those captured by the Presidential Amnesty ab initio, what they enjoy now is a privilege given to them by the magnanimity of President Goodluck Jonathan Presidency. It is not the Itsekiri that produces the bulk of crude oil in the Niger Delta, the Ijaws are the major producers of oil revenue to the federal coffers and not the Itsekiris. So it is mischievous for them to claim PAP delegates are being paid with oil money from Itsekiri. It is an empirical and irrefutable truth to say the funds are derived from Ijaw land and not from Itsekiri. We state again that the Itsekiri does not have the monopoly of violence, and can't threaten to cow constituted authorities with threats to achieve their selfish demands, no body is afraid of protest, if they like the full Itsekiri nation should go to Abuja to protest, since it is their stock in trade. They don't build nor create, just like the biblical story that took place in King Solomon's palace, 1 Kings 3:16 - 28 of the woman who falsely claimed to be the mother and wants the child cut into two while the true mother with love wanted the baby to be intact and alive even if it means losing the child momentarily, the Itsekiris inherently loves to lay false claims, throughout their history subterfuge has been adopted and elevated as statecraft and when they fail they opt for destruction. It is an evil that must be called for what it is and be stopped. The Itsekiri nation should not provoke the Ijaw youths, we can match them quid pro quo and make a quick walk over them from anywhere they are protesting against Dr Otuaro if the need arises. We are using this medium to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and the National Security Adviser to caution the Itsekiris and their youths, if the government fails to call them to order, their activities may disrupt peace and stability in the Niger Delta. Signed Comrade Ozobo Austin National president Peter Luke National Secretary

The World Bank has approved \$300 million in financing to help Nigeria boost resilience and improve access to essential services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities in the country’s northern region. In a statement on Monday, World Bank Nigeria said the approval—granted on August 7, 2025—will support the *Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project*, which targets selected local government areas most affected by conflict-related displacement. According to the Bank, the initiative aims to benefit as many as 7.4 million people, including approximately 1.3 million IDPs, through an integrated development approach aligned with Nigeria’s long-term growth agenda. The statement read, “The World Bank has approved on August 7, $300m in financing for the Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project (SOLID). “This initiative will enhance access to essential services and economic opportunities for Internally Displaced Persons and host communities in selected Local Government Areas in Northern Nigeria. “By adopting an integrated development strategy, the SOLID Project seeks to help both IDPs and host communities move towards greater self-sufficiency and resilience, in line with Nigeria’s long-term development goals.” The Bank stated that ongoing conflict and insecurity in the region have displaced over 3.5 million people, putting significant strain on local infrastructure and services in areas where IDPs have settled. It added that the influx has heightened competition for scarce resources, limited livelihood opportunities, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters such as flooding, while local governments struggle to meet the needs of both residents and displaced populations. The project will build on the Nigerian government’s existing initiatives, previous international interventions, and the earlier World Bank-funded Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project, which focused on short-term recovery. It will prioritise developing and maintaining climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting social cohesion and community resilience through participatory planning and economic cooperatives, supporting livelihoods to enable economic activities for both IDPs and host communities, and strengthening institutions to respond to demographic pressures caused by displacement.

Tantita Security Services has partnered with the Delta Social Media Summit for its 3rd edition, scheduled for August 28 at the Mariam Babagida Leisure Park, Asaba. Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, praised the summit as a platform that showcases the creativity and entrepreneurial talent of Deltans, which he believes can drive job creation. Meeting with the summit’s convener, Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, Chief Pondi commended the initiative’s role in empowering young people through digital engagement and enterprise. Reaffirming Tantita’s commitment to economic growth, Chief Pondi stressed the company’s dual mission of creating opportunities for Deltans while safeguarding Nigeria’s oil resources. He noted that the firm’s success in tackling oil theft and pipeline vandalism has boosted crude oil production and curbed environmental damage. Ossai Ovie Success lauded Tantita’s support, citing its positive impact on oil infrastructure security and regional development. Both parties believe the partnership will enhance innovation, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in the Niger Delta.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday to Wednesday. In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected morning thunderstorms on Monday in the northern region, alongside moderate rainfall over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba States. Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Taraba, and Adamawa States. The agency also warned of a high likelihood of flooding in parts of Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States within the forecast period. **“For the Central Region, there are prospects of light rain over parts of Niger State during the morning period. “In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and Kogi States. “There is a high possibility of flood occurring over parts of Plateau, Nasarawa and Niger States during the forecast period,”** it stated. Over the southern region, NiMet predicted cloudy skies in the morning with intermittent light rains in Ebonyi, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States, while moderate rainfall is expected later in the day across Enugu, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Osun, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. Flood risks remain high in Delta, Imo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. **“For Tuesday, morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Yobe, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, Adamawa, Katsina and Kaduna States. “Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over parts of Bauchi, Borno, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto and Gombe States during the afternoon/evening hours,”** NiMet stated. Light rains are predicted for the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue, and Kogi States in the morning, with thunderstorms and light rains likely later in the day in the same region, including Kwara State. In the south, light morning rains are anticipated in Oyo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Cross River, Lagos, and Bayelsa States, followed by more widespread rainfall later. **“For Wednesday, morning thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States. “Thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected over the entire region during the afternoon/evening hours. Light rains are anticipated over parts of Kwara, Niger, Kogi and Plateau States of the central region during the morning hours,”** it said. Thunderstorms with light rains are expected across the central region later in the day, while the southern region will see morning light rains in Enugu, Ebonyi, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, and Bayelsa States, with continuous rainfall expected in the afternoon and evening. **“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. ” The states with the possibility of flash floods should activate the emergency response system immediately. “To avoid leaching of nutrients, farmers should refrain from applying fertiliser and pesticides right before the rains. “Ensure warm clothing for vulnerable persons due to low night-time temperatures. “Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collisions. “Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. ‎ “Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,”** it advised. NiMet further urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for effective flight planning and encouraged residents to follow regular weather updates via its official website, [www.nimet.gov.ng](http://www.nimet.gov.ng).

Crystal Palace edged Liverpool on penalties to claim this season’s Community Shield on Sunday. Liverpool struck early as debutant Hugo Ekitike found the net within four minutes. The Eagles drew level soon after when Ismaila Sarr was fouled in the box, with Jean-Philippe Mateta converting from the spot. The Reds regained the lead almost immediately when Jeremie Frimpong’s cross looped over Dean Henderson into the goal. But with minutes remaining, Sarr broke through to equalise at 2-2, forcing a penalty shootout. Henderson pulled off a string of brilliant saves to secure Palace’s victory, adding the Community Shield to their FA Cup triumph earlier in the year.