Jones Michael, a 32-year-old Nigerian national who worked as a footballer, has been arrested in India for allegedly possessing methamphetamine worth ₹15 lakh (about ₦27.9 million).

According to The Times of India, Michael was apprehended last Saturday near the Vijayamangalam toll gate in Erode, Tamil Nadu, by a team from the Prohibition Enforcement Wing led by Inspector Sivahami Rani, acting on a tip-off.

Investigations revealed that Michael was staying in India without valid immigration documents. His passport had expired in 2023, and authorities suspect he may have entered the country illegally by sea.

“His passport had expired in 2023, and it is likely that he illegally entered the country by sea,” Rani said.

He has been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act as well as the Foreigners Act and is currently in judicial custody at Coimbatore Central Prison.

Police also arrested a local resident, Melvin, 49, from Perundurai, for renting accommodation to the Nigerian without verifying his identity or legal status.

Segun Sowunmi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged the party to make every effort to bring back Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, into its ranks.

Sowunmi gave the advice on Friday while playing host to Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’.

Recall that Obi left the PDP in May 2022 for the Labour Party, reportedly complaining of massive bribing of delegates and vote buying during the party’s presidential primary. 

Obi also cited the existence of a party clique collaborating against him.

However, three years down the line, Sowunmi urged the PDP to work to bring Obi back.

‘’One of the people who was a PDP member, a South eastern man who felt based on the balance of play that the South-East was excluded, Peter Obi, was allocated 6.2 million votes, you lose the election, you run to the Supreme Court you lose, at least you were adjudged to have lost.

“Any deep-thinking, fair-minded Nigerian man who is in the political party called the PDP ought to know that the greatest, necessary next step is to have the conversation about: ‘How do you bring Peter back’ now that the energy driving him is organic,’’ Sowunmi said.

The PDP is said to have been embroiled in crisis since the 2023 presidential election, in which its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, lost to President Bola Tinubu.

After the suspension and removal of Iyorchia Ayu, Ambassador Umar Damagum, who was originally the Deputy National Chairman (North), was appointed acting chairman.

Meanwhile, efforts by the North Central zone to replace him with a substantive chairman have created deep divisions within the party.

Similarly, the position of National Secretary has become the subject of a legal battle between Anyanwu and Ude-Okoye, pushing the agenda to replace Damagum.

Sowunmi said the internal wrangling and sudden spring in defections to the All Progressives Congress, APC, are self-inflicted and should have been sorted out a while back.

“There is a level of activity that you can blame your bullies for, but there is a certain level of recurring, continuous lack of creativity that you have you have to hold yourself responsible for.

“One of the things that people do is fall prey to the frail nature of President Bola Tinubu. I know him for his intellectual capacity. He will look frail, but his brain is that of a giant, so most times people underestimate him to their own peril.

‘’The painful thing is that my own side is choosing to pretend that it is an easy material to defeat in politics. What do they know that he doesn’t know,” he asked.

Hours after the Department of Homeland Security ordered the storage of Harvard University’s enrollment of foreign students, the institution has sued the Donald Trump administration and filed a restraining order to temporarily block the decision.

“We condemn this unlawful and unwarranted action,” President Alan Garber of Harvard University wrote to the school’s community on Friday.

Mr Garber said the revocation of Harvard’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme “imperils the futures of thousands of students and scholars across Harvard and serves as a warning to countless others at colleges and universities throughout the country who have come to America to pursue their education and fulfil their dreams.”

In the lawsuit, Harvard accused the administration of a “campaign of retribution” given that the school had rebuffed Mr Trump’s demand to cancel Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes and to intensify scrutiny of international students’ political ideologies.

The Trump administration and Harvard have continued to lock horns after the president accused the Ivy League institution of not adopting adequate security measures to protect Jewish students from protests that erupted in the wake of the Israeli-Gaza war.

All of Mr Trump’s efforts to pressure Harvard to give in to his demands, including halting over $2 billion research funding and threatening to strip the university’s tax-exempt status, failed as the Ivy League institution refused to cave.

“Harvard can no longer enrol foreign students, and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status,” said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in a statement on Thursday.

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, has firmly denied allegations of collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also defended his relationship with former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, amid mounting criticism within the party.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Damagun addressed the accusations directly, dismissing claims that he is a puppet of the APC and reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.

“May God be judge between me and whoever slandered me, and may God judge us, if I am working for the APC,” he said, referring to allegations that he met with President Bola Tinubu in England. He emphasised his long-standing commitment to the PDP, stating, “I have a history, since I joined the PDP in 1999, I have never defected. Those who dislike me will have to find ways to either praise or criticise me to get what they want.” Damagum also responded to criticisms regarding his relationship with Wike, a prominent figure in APC government.

He acknowledged their association but denied any wrongdoing. “For all those who accuse me of having links with the Minister of FCT, I know him or have had links with him, and many of them have had links with him. My only fault here is that I did not allow them to do what they wanted with him,” he said.” The PDP chairman expressed disappointment over the defection of some party members to the APC, describing it as a loss but denying any mistreatment of those who left. “We must be sad. Whenever you lose someone, you don’t feel happy, even if it’s just one person you’re grieving for,” he said, while insisting that none of the defectors could claim they were wronged by the party.

Addressing internal divisions within the PDP, Damagum admitted that disagreements are inevitable in any political party but maintained that the PDP remains united.

“PDP is one. It was true that there are internal problems, because a party never lacks problems because its leaders are people, and people are in it, and everyone has their own interests,” he declared.

Damagum defended his leadership style, stating that he adheres to principles and refuses to yield to individual whims. He pointed to the aftermath of the party’s election losses as a period of heightened complaints but reiterated his commitment to steering the PDP with integrity.

Gunmen suspected to be armed robbers have invaded a private radio station, Rhythm 94.7Fm in Yenagoa, carting away valuables, including mobile phones, recorders and operational gadgets belonging to staff on duty.

Blueprint learnt that the gunmen broke into the station situated at Swali community in Yenagoa, the state capital around 4:40pm on Saturday, and returned the next day.

Though no life was lost during the operation, the staff of the station are said be traumatised.

Reacting to the incident, Bayelsa State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) condemned the attack, describing it as a rape on the entire media family in Bayelsa and on press freedom.

A statement issued by the NUJ Bayelsa Council Chairman, Tonye Yemoleigha, and the Secretary of Council, Stanley Imgbi on Monday reads partly “The state council was informed that the gunmen on two separate days, Saturday, May 17, at about 2: 10pm and on Sunday, May 18, at 4: 40p.m attacked the station and carted away valuables.

“Some of the valuables collected include mobile phones, recorders and operational gadgets belonging to staff on duty,” Yemoleigha said.

He called on the security apparatus, particularly the Commissioner of Police, to fish out those behind the crime and bring them to book.

He further urged that a police patrol van be stationed around the media house, as is the case in several strategic points in Yenagoa because of the isolated location of the radio station.

The NUJ Bayelsa boss, however, expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost during the attack.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said the Federal Government has jettisoned the national carrier project, stressing that it is now focused on supporting the growth of local carriers. 

Keyamo also expressed dismay over the condition of the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, saying plans were in progress for government to demolish it and build a new one. 

Keyamo spoke in Lagos at the launch of a book titled: ‘100 Years of Civil Aviation in Nigeria: History, Issues and Prospects,’ written by New Telegraph Newspapers’ Aviation Editor, Mr Wole Shadare.

Keyamo said the President Bola Tinubu administration was committed to drafting policies that would support the development of domestic carriers.

The Minister, who said recent policies put in place by government showed this commitment, referenced, among others, the revised insurance regulation on leased aircraft.

According to him, this would make aircraft more accessible and reduce airfares along domestic routes.

He said: “We have shifted focus to ensure growth and development for local operators through our policies”, adding that air traffic operators have been trained and retrained, just as revenue leakages had been addressed to boost earnings.

The minister also disclosed that almost all foreign airlines had complied with his directive to patronise local caterers for in-flight catering.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said Nigeria currently has 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide and over 2,100 licensed pilots, which showed that the country’s aviation sector was growing. 

According to Kuku, the air transport sector contributed $1.7 billion to the country’s gross domestic product, GDP, with private airlines connecting cities efficiently and international carriers recognising Nigeria as a critical market.

Kuku said despite challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, regulatory frameworks and financing requirements, there was still substantial potential for growth.

She said: “Upon Nigeria’s attainment of independence in 1960, we were faced with a pivotal question: How could we convert colonial-era infrastructure into a sovereign aviation powerhouse? Our national carrier, Nigeria Airways, emerged as a response, yet it soon faced challenges stemming from mismanagement and operational inefficiencies. By the early 2000s, we found ourselves at a crossroads—adapt or risk obsolescence.

“This juncture precipitated a remarkable transformation. The private sector took the initiative, introducing fresh capital, contemporary management practices, and a competitive spirit. Companies such as Air Peace and Arik Air did not merely fill the void—they revolutionised our aviation landscape. The current figures sum up this transformation: 39 certified airline operators, 31 airports nationwide, over 2,100 licensed pilots, a workforce comprising thousands, ranging from engineers to air traffic controllers.

“Nigeria has emerged as a testament to the efficacy of market-driven solutions. Our aviation sector now contributes approximately $1.7 billion to our GDP. Private airlines are connecting our cities with unprecedented efficiency, and international carriers increasingly regard Nigeria as a critical market. Last year, over 16 million passengers traversed our domestic terminals, while international passenger numbers exceeded 3.5 million. These figures are indeed impressive, yet there remains substantial potential for growth.”
The book’s author, Shadare, on his part, described the 25-chapter book as a comprehensive account of the aviation industry’s evolution in Nigeria over the past 100 years.

According to him, it would aid scholars and researchers in understanding the industry’s history and prospects.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, says airlines transporting passengers without valid entry visas, landing, and exit cards into Nigeria will be penalised.

Tunji-Ojo warned stakeholders during a sensitisation programme on implementing the e-visa, landing, and exit cards initiative in Lagos on Friday. 

The minister said no foreigner shall be allowed entry into Nigeria without a valid visa.

He said although Nigeria is making entry more accessible by introducing e-visas, this would not compromise national security.

He urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure that airlines adhere to the 2025 Nigeria visa policy.

Tunji-Ojo said the e-visa would improve border security and promote tourism and sustainable economic growth. 

“I plead with the NCAA to regulate. That is why this meeting is a strategic collaborative effort of the ministry, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the NCAA,” he said.

“For the airlines, I know you are here to do business, but you also have a responsibility in terms of national interest and security. 

“Before anybody comes into Nigeria, please see their visas, not just proof of payment or their tickets.

“It is not acceptable in the UK, U.S., Canada and other countries, and it will not be acceptable in Nigeria anymore.”

The minister said making the application for e-visa, landing, and exit cards easy is necessary to open Nigeria’s frontiers to investors.

He also said as of May 22, the NIS received a total of 5,814 applications for e-visa, approved 5,671, rejected 66, and queried 62 since the introduction on May 1.

‘E-VISA WILL IMPROVE IMMIGRATION DATABASE’

He said the e-visa process will improve the NIS database with information about travellers, and processed in 48 hours.

Tunji-Ojo described the features of the e-visa, landing, and exit cards, saying they are equipped with a barcode that reveals passengers’ biodata and travel logs.

“That you applied for a Nigerian visa does not mean you will have the visa; you will need to meet certain criteria for the visa to be issued,” he said.

In his welcome address, Chris Najomo, the director-general of the NCAA, said introducing the e-visa and the associated landing and exit card systems is a milestone.

Najomo said the new process marks Nigeria’s journey toward enhancing air travel facilitation while maintaining the highest aviation security standards and operational efficiency.

“The e-visa showcases one of the practical ways we continually align with global best practices by complying with the ICAO provisions of Annex 9,” Najomo added.

“It is inherently designed to improve the experience of travellers while strengthening our border control mechanisms.

“The importance of seamless inter-agency collaboration cannot be over-emphasised to ensure effective implementation of these systems without compromising safety, security or service delivery.”

On her part, Kemi Nandap, controller-general of the NIS, called for more inter-agency collaboration to further strengthen the implementation of the e-visa, landing, and exit cards initiative.

The Lagos police command says it has arrested Kaniru Oyedun, one of the inmates who escaped from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ilesa, Osun state.

Benjamin Hundeyin, police spokesperson in the state, told TheCable on Friday that the 39-year-old inmate was apprehended in Ayobo area of Lagos. 

Hundeyin said the feat was achieved due to measures put in place by the command to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the state. 

“Kabiru Oyedun ‘m’ aged 39 was rearrested following his escape from Ilesa Correctional Centre,” Hundeyin said.

“He was trailed and arrested in Ayobo on May 21, 2025 at about 5:30pm by operatives of the Command attached to Ayobo Division.

“This is largely due to the proactive and preventive measures put in place by the Lagos state police command to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the state.” 

On Tuesday, seven inmates escaped from the Ilesa correctional centre following a heavy rainfall that damaged the facility’s perimeter wall.

On Wednesday, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) released the names and images of the escaped inmates. 

NCoS also offered N5 million reward for anyone with useful information that would lead to the recapture of the fleeing suspects.

The escaped inmates are John Micheal (34), Tobi Akin (19), Eze Nweze (40), Ninalowo Yusuf (28), Matthew Ogunjimi (20), Kabiru Oyedun (39), and Olalekan Ajofoyinbo (45).

Adeola Omotoso, daughter of ace actress Jumoke George, has opened up about her ordeal in Mali.

Last week, in an interview with fellow actress Biola Bayo, George revealed that Adeola, 41, had been missing for four years.

On Monday, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), confirmed that Adeola had been found and returned to Nigeria.

Dabiri disclosed that the actress’ daughter was “trafficked” to Mali under the guise of seeking greener pastures.

Recounting her ordeal in an interview with Biola, Adeola explained that her journey began when she met someone who offered to help her travel to Mali for work.

She said when she got to the country’s capital, she was told she had been “bought” and would have to work as a prostitute to repay 1.5 million CFA francs. 

“I met someone who introduced traveling to Mali to me. She said she knows someone who owns a pharmacy and asked if I could travel there to handle the business,” she said.

“I agreed but didn’t inform anyone at home. We travelled by road for four days through Cotonou, Togo, Ghana, and other countries.

“When I got to Bamako in Mali, I called the contact I was given. When I got to the person’s house, she said she is my madam and that she bought me from my sister. She said I’ll work to pay her 1.5 million CFA francs.

“I was very confused and tried to confirm if I was at the right address. She said I was there for prostitution. I told her I can’t do it and would rather die. She threatened me and I told she’s free to do whatever she wants.”

Adeola said for refusing to comply, she was stripped of her phone and travel documents, leaving her stranded.

She said she was later taken to a brothel but managed to escape after meeting a sympathetic man who helped her secure a job with a food vendor.

“We later went to where we would stay. When we got there I knew I wouldn’t be able to survive. I told her I can’t work as a prostitute but I can do other jobs to pay her. She took my phone and travel documents,” she added.

“But I met a man there and explained my ordeal to him. He helped me in finding a job with a food seller in another location.

“While working as a food seller there I heard stories and saw Nigerians who died because of prostitution.

“I wanted to raise some money so I could come back home and I didn’t want to return home empty. I thought about calling my mum and kids but I couldn’t call because I felt ashamed of myself.

“I left home since four years and have nothing to show for it. I was suffering but didn’t know what to do. I even told my roommate to not post me on social media if I die.

“I don’t know how good my mum is before God that made him save me from all the evil that was about to befall me in Mali.”

Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom state, has formally announced his intention to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). 

Speaking at the state executive council meeting on Thursday, Eno cited the internal wrangling in the party as reason for his decision. 

In a video published by Channels Television, the Akwa Ibom governor said he loves the PDP, but expressed concerns over the current leadership crisis rocking the party. 

“I love the PDP; I want to stay in the PDP, but clearly, I don’t have a roadmap to guarantee that I’ll be able to have a smooth sail in the elections — not because we won’t win elections,” he said.

“In this state today, with the work that all of us have done, even if we contest on a zero party, we will win this election. There’s no doubt about it. We’ve worked very hard, but we know that at the national level, our party is not coming together.”

Eno claimed the PDP leadership crisis at the national level can lead to election defeat on “technical grounds”.

“Every day, secretary this and that — and so you take your form, they send it to INEC, and then you run all the elections, you perhaps win the elections,” he added.

“On technical grounds, because the wrong person signed your form, you lose everything.”

Over the past few months, Eno has been hinting at his plans to defect from the PDP and join the ruling All Progressives Congress.

‘DEFECT OR RESIGN’

Speaking further, the governor asked his commissioners and other political appointees to defect with him to APC or resign their positions.

The Akwa Ibom governor said political appointees who want to remain in the PDP are free to do so — but not as members of his cabinet.

He said any political appointee who will not join him in the APC would be engaging in anti-party affairs.

“It is no longer news that I’m leaving the party,” he said.

“I am told that some of you are saying that you will not come, you are free, absolutely free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council.

“So, you better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is fully to me.

“You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party (affairs), It is not possible, it’s not a threat, it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come, you should normally not even expect it.”

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Eno added that he would not consider any of his political appointees who refuse to defect with him to the APC as his “enemies”.