Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has approved the appointment of Mr. Ben Solomon Dalhatu Kure as the new Managing Director of the Kaduna State Media Corporation (KSMC).

Mr. Kure takes over from Mr. Ahmed Maiyaki, who was recently named the Commissioner for Information. The governor urged him to build on the achievements of his predecessor, whose leadership transformed KSMC into a strategic platform for effective public information dissemination and management.

A public communication expert and political strategist, Mr. Kure brings a diverse background in public service, banking, and political advisory roles. His previous appointments include Chairman of Jaba Local Government (2016–2017), Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency (2018–2019), and Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Kaduna State Governor (2019–2021). He also held managerial roles in Oceanic Bank/Ecobank Nigeria, Zenith Bank, and Broad Bank.

Mr. Kure holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Peace and Strategic Studies, and a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Planning. He is a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and a Member of the Institute of Management Consultants (MIMC).

Governor Sani congratulated the new appointee and wished him divine guidance and protection in his new role.

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the conviction of 21 foreign nationals linked to a major cybercrime syndicate, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing fight against internet fraud and threats to national security.

According to a press release on Sunday, 10th August 2025, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the syndicate was uncovered during a coordinated police raid on November 3, 2024, in Jahi, Abuja, following actionable intelligence. The operation led to the arrest of 130 suspects, including 113 foreign nationals—mainly of Chinese and Malaysian origin—and 17 Nigerian accomplices. The suspects were accused of engaging in large-scale internet fraud, hacking, and other offences capable of undermining the country’s economic stability and security.

After months of painstaking investigations, backed by digital forensic evidence and expert testimonies, the suspects were arraigned in court on December 2, 2024. On August 1, 2025, a competent court found 21 of the defendants guilty and sentenced them accordingly. Prosecution of the remaining suspects is ongoing, with the Police working closely with the Ministry of Justice to ensure full accountability.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the convictions send a clear warning to both local and foreign cybercriminals that Nigeria will not be a haven for such crimes. He pledged that the Force will continue deploying advanced technology, fostering international cooperation, and conducting thorough investigations to dismantle organised cybercrime networks.

Further updates on the prosecutions will be provided as the trials progress.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested six suspects in connection with armed robbery and kidnapping in Doma Local Government Area, and an armed herder in Keana, in separate operations that underscore the Command’s crackdown on violent crime.

Acting on credible intelligence from a patriotic citizen, operatives of Doma Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, stormed a notorious hideout at Yelwa Ediya, arresting Darda’u Shehu, Yunusa Malami Hashimu, Musa Abubakar, Ibrahim Musa, and Mohammed Musa, all of Yelwa Ediya Village, Doma LGA.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the May 26, 2025, kidnapping of a serving councillor, during which they stole an Infinix Note 30 smartphone valued at ₦250,000 and a Tecno handset worth ₦20,000. They also admitted to mounting a roadblock on the Doma–Yelwa road on July 19, 2025, where they attacked one Ibrahim Haruna and stole his Bajaj motorcycle valued at ₦970,000, which was later sold. Police recovered ₦100,000 — proceeds from the sale — buried in the bush, along with one Bajaj motorcycle.

In a separate incident, at about 12:30 a.m. on August 10, 2025, operatives of Keana Division responded to a distress call over herders grazing on farmlands in Gidan Zaki Hassan, Kuduku, Keana LGA. On being confronted by locals, the herders opened fire before fleeing. Working with community members, police arrested 20-year-old herder, Suleman Mohammadu, and recovered an AK-47 magazine containing six live rounds of ammunition.

Commissioner of Police, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, directed that all suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution. He reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminals and urged residents to remain law-abiding while providing credible information to aid police operations.

Mr. Reji George, the Managing Director/CEO of Presco Plc has joined millions of Nigerians to commiserate with the family of late Chief Audu Ogbeh, who died yesterday, August 9, 2025.

In a post on his Facebook page, Mr. George said Chief Audu Ogbeh had a gentle and steady presence on Nigeria’s political and social landscape. He added that Chief Ogbeh’s tireless dedication and significant contributions, particularly in agriculture, public service, and youth development, have left a lasting impact on the country.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Audu Ogbeh—a gentle and steady presence on Nigeria’s political and social landscape. His tireless dedication and significant contributions, particularly in agriculture, public service, and youth development, have left a lasting impact on the country.

George said Chief Ogbeh’s leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria will be remembered with great respect and admiration.

“His leadership, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria will be remembered with great respect and admiration.

“Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We pray that God grants his family, friends, and all who admired him the strength to bear this loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has narrated how a former military administrator of the state, Navy Captain Omoniyi Olubolade (rtd), avoided a bloody crisis during his time at the helm of affairs.

Olubolade was the third military administrator of Bayelsa from June 27, 1997, to July 9, 1998, after the state was created by the late military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, on October 1, 1996.

Speaking during the funeral service in honour of the late Olubolade, who was also a former Minister of Special Duties and also Police Affairs, at the St. John Military Protestant Church, Bonny Cantonment, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, Governor Diri recalled an incident when youths stormed the Government House, Yenagoa, to release some of their colleagues held for an alleged crime.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, on Sunday, quoted the governor as saying that Olubolade was in a position to react brutally as a military administrator but decided against it to prevent bloodshed, especially of innocent Bayelsans, a decision he said was propelled by his love for the people of the state.

Governor Diri noted that if it were someone else in the saddle at the time, there would have beena  loss of lives.

He hailed the dedication and sincerity of purpose with which the late Olubolade served Bayelsa, maintaining that he will be missed by not only his family and the people of Ekiti but also by the people of Bayelsa.

He also observed that the late Olubolade was always dressed in the Ijaw attire, giving credence to his love for Bayelsa.

He said: “Once, I asked him why he did not react violently when youths stormed the Government House to release their leaders detained there. He told me that he reacted differently because even as the military administrator, he did not want innocent blood to be spilled.

“At moments like this, you are lost for words to even comfort the family and so you just believe in God and God alone.

“The man lying in state was a man of honour and impact, who added value to Bayelsa State and Nigeria. He lived a life of service, patriotism, and cultural acceptance.

“Olubolade symbolically held a dual citizenship in Nigeria. Almost every time you saw him, he was dressed in Bayelsa attire. He prepared for this journey, and he knew that his 70th birthday, which he celebrated lavishly in Yenagoa, was perhaps the end of his life. We love him, all of us from Bayelsa, but God loved him the most.”

During the service of songs on Friday, the Bayelsa governor immortalised Olubolade by naming a civil servant’s quarters he built after him.

In his remarks, the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Oyebanji, expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government for according Olubolade a befitting burial.

He said the former military administrator was committed to the development of Bayelsa and left unforgettable marks everywhere he served.

He said, “Navy Captain Olubolade’s genuine care and concern for others was evident to all. He also brought up his children in a godly manner.

“Though he has left us, he will be deeply missed and will never be forgotten. May God comfort the family.

“Let me appreciate the government of Bayelsa State for giving our brother a befitting burial.”

In her remarks, Dame Patience Jonathan, who represented her husband, former President Goodluck Jonathan, eulogised the late naval officer, who she said left an indelible mark everywhere he served.

She said his legacies will endure and urged his family to look up to God for comfort.

The former Nigerian First Lady also lauded Governor Diri for supporting the family and giving the departed a befitting burial, expressing confidence that the Bayelsa government will continue to stand by the Olubolade family.

The funeral events were attended by a large delegation from Bayelsa, including the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, national and state assembly representatives Senator Konbowei Benson, Hon. Fred Agbedi, and Hon. Monday Obolo, who represented the Speaker of the State Assembly; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; the Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Peter Akpe; and other members of the state executive council.

Also in attendance were Olubolade’s successor, Col. Edor Obi (rtd), the wife of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha; the immediate past deputy governor and chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), former House of Reps member Prof. Steve Azaiki, chairman of the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo; and the Ebenanaowei of Bomo Kingdom, King Joshua Igbugburu, as well as other leaders from the state.

…… Says He Has Earned the People’s Confidence

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has declared that the Niger Delta will support only President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

He stated this in his remarks at the closing ceremony of the ‘Stream 1’ batch 3, three-day strategic leadership, alternative dispute resolution and mediation training organised by the PAP for its stakeholders in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, on Friday.

Otuaro reiterated that President Tinubu has genuine intentions for the Niger Delta and is determined to sustain the prevailing peace in the region while galvanising development activities and socio-economic growth through his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged the people of the region to unite firmly behind President Tinubu’s second-term ambition for the greater good of the area.

He also cautioned the Niger Delta people to beware of political manipulators as activities gradually gather momentum towards the 2027 contest.

The PAP Boss urged the people of the region to be wary of the antics of desperate politicians with the intent to cause mischief in the region.

Otuaro stressed that President Tinubu has proven in the past two years that he has the best of intentions for the region, noting that his administration, when re-elected, would consolidate on the laudable gains it has so far recorded.

He noted that President Tinubu had given unprecedented encouragement to the PAP, particularly his approval of an increase in the programme’s budget to enable it to expand opportunities in formal education, vocational training and post-training empowerment schemes for ex-agitators and beneficiaries.

Otuaro expressed optimism that President Tinubu would do much more for the region as he had demonstrated strong commitment and the political will to deliver on his mandate in the past two years.

The PAP helmsman said, “As Niger Delta people, we will support only His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in 2027. Let us not allow anybody to deceive us that, come 2027, there is a new and better agenda. That is not true, and we are wise enough to know.

“We are sure that President Tinubu has the best agenda for the country and indeed the Niger Delta, and he is the only candidate that we will all support.

“The President has proved that he has genuine intentions to sustain the peace, security, infrastructure and human capital development, and the socio-economic advancement in our region. He means well for us, and this is incontrovertible.

“We shall therefore fully support him. Supporting him is the right thing to do. Anywhere the President goes, we go. And that will be our mandate because the Niger Delta is our agenda.

“Though the elections are several months away, we must be aware of political manipulators who are out with their agenda of mischief.

“We must watch out as Niger Delta people. Let’s not allow anybody to use anyone against us and the agenda of the president. We are so focused that we cannot be distracted. We know what is working for us and what is good for our region, and we will work to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President.

The PAP helmsman urged the people of the Niger Delta to shun divisiveness and work together in unity for the betterment of the area and to lay a solid foundation for the future.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP) has elected Desmond Utomwen as its new Chairman, following a keenly contested election held over the weekend. Utomwen secured the majority of votes against his opponent, Chukwudi Uzochukwu.

The election, widely regarded as transparent and credible, was monitored by the National President of AMP, Amb. Dr Queen Blessing Ebigieson. The Chairman of the Association’s Electoral Committee (AMPEC), Amb. Imaobong Abia officially announced the results.

Other members of the newly elected Executive Committee include Alhaji Idris Aminu – Vice Chairman, Eze Nnedinso Patience – Secretary, Daniel Okwa – Publicity Secretary, Chiamaka Maureen Uchechi – Welfare Secretary, and Mercy Maduka Nnochiri – Social Secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Utomwen described the outcome as “a new dawn” for AMP FCT, emphasising unity and collective progress.

“This victory is born out of a passionate desire to reposition our Association, empower our members, and establish the FCT as a thriving film production hub — not just in words, but in visible actions and sustainable results,” he said.

A seasoned filmmaker and industry advocate, Utomwen is no stranger to leadership within AMP, having served two terms as Publicity Secretary from 2019 to date. During his tenure, he championed visibility, member engagement, and inclusivity. Beyond AMP, he has produced numerous films and spearheaded high-impact initiatives, most notably the SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards—a nationally recognised festival that leverages storytelling to drive social change, spotlight emerging talent, and attract global attention to local narratives.

Pledging to bring his experience and vision into his new role, Utomwen outlined his four key priorities: Professional development and funding access for members, Strategic partnerships to open new doors locally and internationally, enhanced welfare, inclusion, and visibility for members and transforming the FCT into a dynamic filmmaking hub in Nigeria.

The new chairman’s victory signals a fresh chapter for AMP FCT, with members and stakeholders expressing optimism that his leadership will foster growth, innovation, and greater opportunities for filmmakers in the region.