News October 13, 2026 Reps Clear Okunbor of Financial Mismanagement, Other Allegations, Recommend PINL Contract Extension

The House of Representatives Subcommittee on Host Communities has cleared the Managing Director of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), Dr. Osahon Okunbor, of allegations brought against him and the company by the Niger Delta Oil-Producing Communities Reform Movement (ND-OCRIM).

In its report dated October 7, 2026, and signed by the Subcommittee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Dumanmene Dekor, the lawmakers declared the allegations unsubstantiated and recommended the dismissal of the petition and discontinuation of further investigation.

The petition, dated September 5, 2026, accused PINL of improper implementation of its pipeline surveillance contract, mismanagement of contract funds and neglect of surveillance personnel's welfare. It also raised allegations concerning personal expenditure linked to Okunbor and demanded a forensic review of the company's finances.

However, the subcommittee found no evidence supporting the allegations, noting that the petitioners failed to honour three separate invitations on September 14, September 22 and October 5, 2026, despite being given opportunities to substantiate their claims.

PINL, on its part, appeared before the lawmakers and submitted documentary and geotagged photographic evidence detailing its operations and achievements.

The report specifically declared that no evidence supported any allegation against Okunbor, while describing PINL as a well-organised company with a strong operational structure and positive relations with its host communities.

The lawmakers also acknowledged the company's contribution to improving crude oil production, noting that crude receipts through the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) rose from three per cent in May 2022 to 98 per cent in September 2026 following PINL's engagement.

Other achievements highlighted included the remediation of 2,049 illegal pipeline connections, destruction of 1,010 illegal refinery clusters and restoration of operations at OML 11 after an 18-month shutdown.

The report further recognised PINL's engagement across 215 host communities, employment of over 35,600 surveillance guards, provision of more than 5,000 scholarships and skills training for over 4,000 women and girls.

Consequently, the subcommittee recommended that the Federal Government extend PINL's pipeline surveillance contract in recognition of its contribution to securing critical national oil infrastructure.

It also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining reforms in the oil and gas sector, alongside the National Security Adviser, NNPC Limited and pipeline security providers, including PINL and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

The lawmakers further recommended a vote of confidence in the President, the National Security Adviser, NNPC Limited and the named surveillance contractors for their contributions to national security and improved pipeline protection.

News October 12, 2026 2027: Shettima holds closed-door meeting with Bello, Badaru, other ex-governors

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is holding a closed-door meeting with former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, former Jigawa State Governor Abubakar Badaru and other political figures at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The delegation, identified as leaders of the National Directorate of Arewa for Asiwaju Movement, arrived at the State House at about 4pm and proceeded to the Vice-President’s wing.

However, Shettima was still attending a separate meeting at the President’s wing, which began around 2pm, when the delegation arrived.

The earlier meeting had the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, and the Special Adviser to the President and Coordinator of the Presidential Livestock Reform, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in attendance, among others.

Jega is a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Although the purpose of the delegation’s visit was not immediately known, it was gathered that the meeting was a courtesy visit.

Also present at the Villa were former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong, Director-General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), and Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman, among others.

The meeting comes two days before the planned inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council on Wednesday, October 14, at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja.

It also precedes the party’s planned campaign flag-off in Kaduna State on October 24, ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The Director-General of the campaign council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, announced the dates to State House correspondents on Friday after briefing President Bola Tinubu at the Villa.

Yari said the campaign would move to Port Harcourt and Maiduguri after the Kaduna flag-off. He added that the full campaign schedule would be released after the council’s inauguration.

Tinubu is seeking re-election in the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Crime News October 12, 2026 FG to arraign PFIPC’s Adeyemi afresh as court strikes out ‘forgery, impersonation’ charge

A federal high court in Abuja has struck out the eight-count criminal charge filed against Adeniyi Adeyemi, director-general of the fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Mohammed Umar, presiding judge, struck out the charge on Monday following an application by the federal government to terminate the trial, pending Adeyemi’s fresh arraignment before the high court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Rotimi Oyedepo, director of public prosecutions of the federation (DPPF), told the court that the attorney-general of the federation had reviewed the case file and identified issues with the charge initially filed by the inspector-general of police (IGP).

Oyedepo, a senior advocate of Nigeria, said the review found that the alleged forged documents involved in Adeyemi’s operations of the purported agency fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal Capital Territory high court and not the federal high court.

He added that a fresh charge had been filed before the FCT high court and that the government intended to arraign Adeyemi afresh without delay.

The prosecution subsequently prayed the court to strike out the existing charge.

Ibrahim Angulu, Adeyemi’s lawyer, did not oppose the application.

Umar consequently struck out the charge.

Adeyemi has been in police custody since he was arrested in Osun state on July 14.

Prior to his arrest, a federal high court in Abuja ordered his arrest after he failed to honour the court’s summons.

Adeyemi was the mastermind of the fictitious PFIPC that operated like a government agency, receiving an allocation in the 2026 budget, occupying an office at the federal secretariat and also recruiting staff, without any legal standing or presidential declaration.

He had alleged that Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff, collected N400 million through a proxy for the appointment letter into the fictitious agency.

Following public outcry, President Bola Tinubu ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the PFIPC scandal.

News October 12, 2026 Fake governorship list in circulation- INEC warns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked a fraudulent online publication claiming to be a special announcement by the commission on governorship candidates in six states.

The commission identified the affected states as Zamfara, Gombe, Delta, Plateau, Yobe and Kano.

INEC disclosed this in a public notice issued on Monday and shared across its official social media platforms.

“The Commission wishes to categorically inform the general public that the publication is FAKE and did not originate from INEC,” the statement read.

The electoral body urged members of the public to disregard the publication and refrain from sharing it.

It also advised Nigerians to rely on its official notices, press releases and other information published through its verified communication channels.

“The Commission further wishes to clarify that any information suggesting that INEC has issued a special announcement concerning governorship candidates in the aforementioned states is false,” it added.

INEC urged the public to remain vigilant and verify electoral information through its official channels to avoid being misled by fraudulent publications.

The commission listed its website as inecnigeria.org, its X and Instagram handles as @inecnigeria, its Facebook page as INEC Nigeria and its news portal as inecnews.com.

For enquiries and further clarification, INEC provided its call centre number as 0700-2255-4632, short code 4632, telephone numbers 090844444333 and 09050858629, and email address [email protected].

The commission reiterated its commitment to “keeping the public accurately informed and urged Nigerians to obtain electoral information only through its official communication channels.”

The warning comes two days after INEC published its final lists of candidates for the February 6, 2027 governorship elections, with reports of omissions involving candidates in some states.

PlatinumPost reported on Saturday that the Peoples Democratic Party’s governorship candidates in Ogun and Gombe states, Ladi Adebutu and Isa Pantami, respectively, were missing from the published lists.

The same applied to the NDC candidate in Kano, Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo

The documents did not state the reasons for their omission.

Events News October 12, 2026 Floodgates of Congratulations as NIMENA National Chairman Eferebo Bags Democracy Heroes Award

The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA), Engr. Dr. Sylvanus L. Eferebo, has bagged the Maritime Innovation and Technology Leadership Award at the 2026 Democracy Heroes Award Africa.

Eferebo received the recognition at the 15th edition of the award ceremony, themed “Elevate,” held on Friday, October 9, at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The award, presented under the Special Honour 2026 category, recognises his contributions to marine engineering, technological innovation and leadership in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

His recognition comes amid efforts to strengthen indigenous expertise, promote research and innovation, and develop local capacity to support Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy ambitions.

Eferebo is a seasoned marine engineering professional with more than two decades of experience in technical consulting and leadership within Nigeria’s maritime and offshore engineering industry. 

He holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Marine Engineering, a Master of Technology degree in Naval Architecture and Ship Construction, and a PhD in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE). 

He also serves as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Somatrix Marine Limited, a firm involved in marine consultancy, ship design, marine surveys, construction management and research and development.

He also doubles as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Center for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD) Rivers State University.

Beyond his professional practice, Eferebo has contributed to engineering regulation and maritime policy. He has served as Principal Technical Consultant to the House Committee on Nigerian Content Development in the 10th National Assembly and chaired the COREN Sector Committee on Engineering Regulation, Monitoring and Enforcement for Maritime. 

As NIMENA National Chairman, he has prioritised professional standards, membership development, indigenous research, innovation and stronger collaboration among government, industry and academia, with the broader objective of positioning Nigerian maritime professionals for greater opportunities locally and internationally.

The award adds to the professional recognition he has received for his contributions to engineering. In January 2026, NIMENA celebrated his elevation to the rank of Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, describing the achievement as a testament to his dedication and impact on the profession.

Meanwhile, the award has attracted congratulatory messages from prominent personalities, including the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, as well as friends, associates and well-wishers, who have joined in celebrating the NIMENA chairman’s achievement.

The 2026 Democracy Heroes Award Africa, organised by Face of Democracy Nigeria Projects, celebrates individuals whose contributions to leadership, public service, democratic development and national progress have made a notable impact.

The ceremony brought together distinguished Nigerians from different sectors, including public office holders and professionals, to recognise their contributions to governance and development.

Entertainment News October 12, 2026 Funny Bruno Takes Lagos by Storm: A Night of Comedy Shutdown at Muson Centre

Abuja's comedy sensation, Funny Bruno, proved that talent truly knows no bounds as he successfully transplanted his highly anticipated comedy show to the heart of Lagos. Following a string of successful events in his base in Abuja, the comedian boldly took his show to the big city with "Funny Bruno Live in Lagos: Next Level." The prestigious Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos, played host to this spectacular event on Saturday, September 5th, starting at 6 PM.

The event was nothing short of a total shutdown. It was a night where comedy royalty gathered, and the "package" was fully delivered to a packed house. Attendees were treated to an unforgettable evening of laughter, as the venue was filled to the rafters with fans eager to witness Funny Bruno's Lagos debut.

The lineup was a testament to Funny Bruno's influence in the entertainment industry. The stage was set ablaze by an incredible roster of A-list entertainers, including the legendary Funny Bone, the energetic Akpororo, MC Monica, Abarie.com, MC Shakara, Mog Akpos, Laff Doctor, Short Family, Comedian Slim Saint, MC Abilitea, Ejiiro, Kenny Joker, MC Nappy, Wafi Comedian, MC 2 Kingdom, and MC Shaggi. Each performer brought their unique style and A-game, ensuring the audience was in stitches from start to finish.

The massive success of this "Next Level" edition was powered by the immense support of the headline sponsor, The Doppel Homes Limited, alongside other key partners like Kristal X Global, House of Funny, and Bruno Nig Ltd. The event's grand scale was evident in its tiered ticketing structure, ranging from Regular (10k) and VIP (30k) to exclusive table packages like the Single Table (250k), Gold Table (2M), and Premium Table (3M).

Funny Bruno's foray into the Lagos comedy scene was a resounding triumph. It not only showcased his growth as an entertainer but also proved that his brand of humor resonates perfectly with the Lagos audience. If this "Next Level" edition is anything to go by, Funny Bruno's trajectory in the entertainment industry is incredibly bright.

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News October 12, 2026 AA RANO with Credible Kings and Queens of Investments in Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire, to BRAND DRAFT Capital Investments in Africa.

At the ongoing economic Movement for Africas to build and invest in Africa, Nigeria Billionaires Network Collaborates with Cote D'Ivoire Billionaires Network to BRAND DRAFT Capital Investments at BRANDS LICENSING AFRICA, scheduled to hold in Abidjan on 15th & 16th of October 2026. Kings & Queens of Investments in both countries will build strong synergy and  exchange Economic values towards building Pipelines of Generational Wealth in Africa within FORMIDABLE Sectors. 

AA RANO for Oil & Gas, Brit Holdings for Foods & Agro, Skyewise Group for Automotive, De Chico Group for Manufacturing, Ph Airportcity for Real Estate, Zenith Carex for Logistics & Freight, ...................ICT & Hospitality, 4stone Capital Limited for Asset Management, Capital Metriq Swift Bank for Banking & Educational, Charlie Boy for Entertainment are Brands of Legacy from Nigeria Billionaires Network, whiles, NSIA GROUP: Jean Kacou Diagou, PETROIVOIRE: Sebastian Kadio Moroko, KPANDJI AUTOMOBILE: Kouame Ngoran, PETROCI HOLDING: Fatoumata Sanogo, FOANI: Ali Quattara, GICOBAT PLUS: Koffi Alla, DESTINY COCOA: Elvis Yvon Sika, FIDELIS FINANCE: Abdoulaye Sory, SOMAN FINTECH: Jean Edouard Kacou, SIPRA GROUP:  Sylvan Gotta, are Kings and Queen of Investments from Cote D'Ivoire Billionaires Network.

According to Noble Eze Oluchukwu, CEO Noble & Gold Consulting and initiator of BRAND DRAFT, he stated that Africa has been layed back because of National and Economic divide in the Continent. Hence, Brand Draft was birthed to revamp Ecosystem of Brands of Legacy in different countries within Africa, towards building Pipelines of Generational Wealth by exchanging Sustainable Values for many Generations. He further reiterates that this Economic Movement is quite Strategic, with Systems and Sustainable Structures put in place for Kings and Queens of Investments within Formidable Sectors in various countries in Africa will Crest their Legacy Signature on paired countries, for INDUSTRIAL HALL OF FAME FOR AFRICA, thereby leaving an Indelible mark of Legacy and Generational Wealth for Brand Drafting Capital Investment into paired Countries. Contacts of Agreement will be established for Brands Drafted into eachCountry to ensure all Stakeholders involved adopts a WIN-WIN Philosophy.

Faman Toure, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries confirmed that the visit of Delegates from Nigeria Billionaires Network to the Chamber was quite timely, because Kings and Queens of Investments in their Country have been seeking leverage to collaborate with Nigerias Kings and Queens of Investments. Hence, Brands Licensing Africa was organized for both countries to exchange Economic Values for Africa. 

It was during this Strategic Economic board meeting that Brands of Legacy in Nigeria where recommended and presented before the Chamber of Commerce. They will be honored and crested in COTE D'IVOIRE INDUSTRIAL HALL OF FAME FOR AFRICA, for Brand Drafting Capital Investments into the Country.