NGOwnership & classification
Founded: 2011
Ownership
Premium Times is a Nigerian online newspaper launched in 2011 and owned/operated by Premium Times Services Limited, co-founded by veteran investigative journalist Dapo Olorunyomi, who serves as publisher and CEO. It is closely linked to its affiliated non-profit, the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism / Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (PTCIJ/CJID).
Funding
Funded through advertising, subscriptions and, significantly, grants from international foundations and press-freedom donors. Its non-profit arm has received support from bodies such as the MacArthur Foundation and Luminate to fund investigative and accountability reporting.
Affiliation & stance
An investigative, accountability-focused outlet with no party or government ownership; its reporting has repeatedly exposed corruption and drawn pressure from Nigerian authorities. As a privately owned, donor- and commercially-funded paper free of party/state control, it is INDEPENDENT (CENTER tags are reasonable).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Center
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 879
82/100
Factual
78/100
Objective
1091
Articles
1067
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Call me Tony: A parable of corporate Nigeria, By Temitope Lakisokun
The article discusses a controversy surrounding a young trainee who addressed UBA Chairman Tony Elumelu by his first name, sparking a debate about Nigerian societal norms and corporate culture. The author argues that the incident reflects broader issues in Nigerian society regarding respect, hierarchy, and generational differences. The piece draws parallels to historical moments like the 1975 dismissal of civil servants under Murtala Mohammed, suggesting that such events contributed to systemic corruption. The author critiques the adoption of Western corporate practices in Nigeria, arguing that these changes often lack deeper consideration for local cultural contexts and fail to address underlying structural problems.
Hope for cancer patients as scientists report breakthrough in personalised cancer vaccines
Scientists in the United States have reported encouraging results from a personalized cancer vaccine called intismeran autogene, developed by Moderna and Merck. The vaccine targets high-risk melanoma patients who have undergone surgery but remain at risk of recurrence. According to Merck, the treatment, combined with Merck’s immunotherapy drug Keytruda, reduced the risk of cancer returning or death by 49% and the risk of metastasis or death by 59% in a Phase 2b trial involving over 1,000 patients. The vaccine works by using a customized mRNA sequence based on the patient’s tumor mutations to train the immune system to attack cancer cells specifically. Experts have praised the findings as a significant advancement in cancer treatment, highlighting the potential of mRNA technology in oncology.
MOVIE REVIEW: ‘God when?’ goes wrong in Funke Akindele’s ‘Where Is Mr Right?’
The article is a movie review of 'Where Is Mr Right?', a Nigerian romantic comedy directed by Tunde Olaoye and starring Funke Akindele. The film follows Bomi, a successful event planner who is single and yearns for marriage. Despite her career success, she feels incomplete without a partner. Bomi idolizes a seemingly perfect couple, Bridget and Temi, whom she observes jogging daily. After befriending Bridget, Bomi meets Bridget's brother, who initially seems like her ideal match. However, her happiness is disrupted when she becomes involved in a murder investigation. The film transitions from a traditional rom-com into a suspenseful crime thriller, which some viewers find unpredictable and abrupt. The reviewer notes that while the twist adds excitement, the shift in tone lacks sufficient foreshadowing, making the change feel sudden rather than organic.
101-year-old great-grandma arrested for selling drugs in sachets
A 101-year-old great-grandmother named Esther Ogunmabo was arrested by Nigerian authorities for allegedly selling cannabis in Ilisan, Ogun State. According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), she was found with 90 grams of skunk cannabis and claimed to sell it to locals. She stated she began the illegal activity after her provisions shop was destroyed by fire, and her daughter in Lagos supplies the drugs. The NDLEA spokesperson noted that due to her age, she was granted bail and referred for counseling, while her daughter was also arrested. Separately, the agency reported intercepting a boat carrying illicit drugs bound for Cameroon, seizing over 42.6 kg of narcotics. Additionally, they mentioned their first seizure of drugs imported from Thailand via maritime routes, involving cannabis indica valued at over N4.4 billion.
Dispatch rider dies in Lagos accident
A dispatch rider died in a multi-vehicle accident involving two trucks at Ijesha, Lagos State, according to a statement by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). The incident occurred at inward Mile 2 and was attributed to reckless driving and improper road usage by the truck drivers. LASEMA's Eagle Response Team responded to the scene and coordinated with the Nigeria Police Force to evacuate the deceased and secure the area. The agency emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to prevent such fatalities. This follows rising concerns about road safety for dispatch riders, with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) noting an increase in dispatch-related road incidents.
‘Some people are trying to profit from my father’s illness’ — Ogogo’s daughter alleges
Kira, the daughter of Nigerian actor Taiwo 'Ogogo' Hassan, accused individuals of profiting from her father's terminal cancer diagnosis. She claimed that some people were creating misleading videos and offering expensive 'solutions' to exploit the family's situation, despite the family having previously stated they did not seek financial aid. Kira expressed deep emotional distress over her father's condition, describing him as a loving figure who cared for others. She also shared personal moments involving her father's relationship with her maternal grandfather, highlighting the emotional impact of the situation.
INTERVIEW: How Bajju Diaspora can transform development back home — Agwam Bajju II
Agwam Bajju II, the new paramount ruler of the Bajju Chiefdom in Nigeria, discusses his focus on securing a permanent palace since taking office in 2022. He highlights the challenges faced by his predecessor, who was unable to complete the palace due to lack of resources. Agwam Bajju II explains that while the late leader secured the land and initiated the project, the current administration has struggled to finalize construction. He mentions that the Kaduna State Government has not provided any support for the project, a situation he claims is common among other chiefdoms in the region. Additionally, he talks about efforts to strengthen ties with the Bajju diaspora, particularly after visiting the UK and witnessing the launch of the Bajju UK and Europe Association. The interview covers various topics including education, security, agriculture, youth development, and tourism.
Yiaga validates INEC results, raises vote-buying concerns
Yiaga Africa, a civil society organization, validated the results of the 2026 Osun State governorship election as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating they align with their independent statistical estimates. However, Yiaga raised concerns about allegations of vote buying and voter inducement during the election. Their verification process involved monitoring 289 out of 300 polling units and deploying 300 observers across the state. According to Yiaga's estimates, the Accord party would receive between 50.3% and 54% of the votes, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would get between 1.4% and 2.1%, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) between 43% and 46.8%. These figures closely match INEC's official results. Yiaga emphasized that their findings pertain only to the accuracy of result tabulation and do not address broader issues regarding the election's conduct. They noted that if there had been significant manipulation at higher levels, INEC's results would fall outside their estimated range. Additionally, Yiaga acknowledged improved performance by INEC despite challenges such as the last-minute inclusion of the Social Democratic Party
2027: Melaye vows to sue over Zacch Adedeji’s role in Tinubu’s campaign
Senator Dino Melaye, a former Kogi West senator and leader of the African Democratic Congress, announced plans to file a legal challenge against the appointment of Zacch Adedeji as chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (FIRS) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 election. Melaye criticized President Bola Tinubu for chairing his own campaign council, calling the arrangement 'disgraceful' and suggesting it reflects a lack of trust within the ruling party. He accused Tinubu of fearing internal instability within the APC and questioned the legitimacy of Adedeji's dual role as FIRS chairman and fundraiser for Tinubu's campaign, alleging potential conflicts of interest. Melaye emphasized that Adedeji, as a public servant, should adhere to public service rules and ethics guidelines, which he argues are being violated by his involvement in the campaign.
Soldiers kill suspected bandit, arrest two kidnappers in Benue
Military forces under the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), conducted operations in Benue State, Nigeria, resulting in the death of a suspected bandit and the arrest of two suspected kidnappers. Acting Media Information Officer Ahmad Zubairu stated that troops acted on credible intelligence to target illegal checkpoints and engage suspected criminals in firefights. One suspect, nicknamed 'Cool Nigga,' was killed during the encounter, while others fled, leaving behind a motorcycle. In a separate operation, two individuals, Terhile Iyo and Vershima Emmanuel, were arrested in Logo Local Government Area and accused of attempting to kidnap a local resident. They were detained for further investigation. These actions come amid a surge in attacks and kidnappings in the region, including the recent rescue of 13 kidnapped passengers and ongoing security challenges affecting rural communities.
Tinubu suspends three permanent secretaries over fresh fake agency, orders alleged promoter’s arrest
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has suspended three permanent secretaries following the discovery of a new fake agency called the National Brands Development and Made in Nigeria Special Project Office, which operated within the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The alleged promoter of this fake agency, George Buchi Nwabueze, has been ordered for arrest. According to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) chairman, Musa Aliyu, Nwabueze used multiple aliases including 'George Nathan,' 'Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze,' and 'Prince Geroge Buchi Nwabueze.' This development stems from ongoing ICPC investigations into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). The ICPC previously identified two additional fake agencies during its probe, and the commission has recommended legal action against the self-proclaimed director-general of PFIPC, Adeniyi Adeyemi, for alleged forgery and impersonation.
Release Tinubu’s records, Atiku tells FBI
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar, running as the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress in the 2027 election, has called on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to release records related to current President Bola Tinubu, provided it is legally permissible. Atiku argues that Nigerians have a democratic right to access information about Tinubu's background, especially as the nation approaches a general election. He criticized the FBI's claim that releasing such records might endanger lives, stating that Nigerians are already facing significant threats due to insecurity and economic hardship. Atiku further accused Tinubu's administration of exacerbating these issues through policies that have raised the cost of living, including transportation, food, and healthcare. He emphasized that his request is based on principles of democratic accountability and transparency, not an attempt to involve the U.S. in Nigeria's internal affairs.
Calabar Mall Fire: Five arrested with stolen items – Police
The police in Cross River State, Nigeria, arrested five individuals suspected of stealing items from the SPAR shopping mall in Calabar, which was partially destroyed by a fire on Saturday. The suspects, identified as Victor Daniel, Gideon Asuquo, Okafor Michael, Ochi Joseph, and Veronica Ebi, were found with stolen goods during the incident. The fire, believed to have started due to an electrical fault, prompted authorities to warn against looting. While no casualties were initially reported, videos showed significant damage and evacuations. A content creator estimated the loss in the millions of naira, highlighting the impact on local businesses.