Author: Daily Post Nigeria

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, has appeared before the governorship election screening committee of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of the primaries.

Chinda, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had, reportedly, quietly defected to the APC a few days ago.

The lawmaker is said to be one of the two allies of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, who bought the forms, with the other being Dax Kelly.

DAILY POST reports that other buyers include Governor Sim Fubara and Tonye Cole.

Chinda appears before APC governorship screening committee

Nigeria midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has expressed his desire to remain at Olympic Marseille beyond this summer, DAILY POST reports.

Nnadi linked up with the Ligue 1 club from Belgian Pro League outfit, Zulte Waregem during the winter transfer window.

The 22-year-old has however struggled for regular playing time at the club.

The defensive midfielder has featured in six league matches for Marseille, mostly coming off the bench.

Nnadi has been linked with an exit from Les Phocéens this summer.

The player has however ruled out that possibility, insisting that he is ready to fight for his place.

“I don’t know what the future holds, but I want to stay and prove that I belong to this club. I deserve to be here. I think I’ve reached the most difficult point,” Nnadi was quoted by L’Equipe.

Transfer: Nnadi rules out Olympic Marseille exit

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Sadiya Umar Farouq, a former minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, wanted for alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds. 

In a statement shared on its website, the anti-graft agency said “anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts” should contact the EFCC offices through the number listed on the page.

“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja,” the wanted notice reads.

Umar Farouq was minister from 2019 to 2023 in the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

EFCC is investigating the ministry she oversaw over an alleged N37bn fraud.

On April 16, 2026, a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Apo issued an arrest warrant against Umar Farouq.

Jude Onwuegbuzie, the presiding judge, also “granted an order of arrest against Bashir Nura Alkali, a permanent secretary in the ministry.”

The order was granted following an application by the EFCC after the defendants failed to appear in court for their scheduled arraignment.
 
Umar Faruoq and Alkali, alongside one Sani Mohammed, are facing a 21-count charge bordering on breach of trust and abuse of office as filed by the EFCC.

The commission had alleged that the defendants misappropriated about $1.3m and N746.6m.

According to EFCC, part of the funds, meant to be refunded to the ministry after payments made under a social intervention programme, was allegedly converted for personal use.

EFCC Declares Ex-Minister Wanted is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Anxiety is growing in Taraba State following the alleged arrest of the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, by suspected operatives of the Department of State Services.

Bodejo, who is seeking to contest the Taraba Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, was reportedly arrested on Thursday evening shortly after meeting supporters in Jalingo, the state capital.

The Miyetti Allah leader was said to have received a large welcome from supporters drawn from the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district during his visit to the state.

Reacting to the development, the Abdullahi Bello Bodejo Central Zone Senatorial Campaign Council condemned the alleged arrest, describing it as politically motivated and a threat to democratic engagement.

In a statement issued in Jalingo by the Director-General of the campaign council, Alhaji Adamu Isa Kurmi, on Saturday, the organisation alleged that Bodejo was arrested shortly after visiting the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat as part of consultations ahead of his senatorial ambition.

The statement claimed that Bodejo was taken away from the Blue Nile Hotel in Jalingo at about 6:30 pm by plain-clothes operatives suspected to be DSS officials and moved to an undisclosed location.

“The campaign council views this development as a violation of the aspirant’s fundamental rights and an act of intimidation against his planned consultations with party leaders and supporters across Taraba Central Senatorial District,” the statement said.

The council also alleged that the large crowd that accompanied Bodejo from the Jalingo airport through major parts of the city to the APC secretariat may have unsettled his political opponents.

According to the organisation, the aspirant had complied with all legal and political requirements connected to his senatorial bid, including the purchase and submission of nomination and expression of interest forms.

It further stated that relevant security agencies had been formally informed ahead of the visit and that acknowledgement copies of the notifications were duly obtained.

The campaign council appealed to supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, while noting that Bodejo’s legal team had already begun efforts to secure his release.

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS and other security agencies had yet to issue any official statement regarding the alleged arrest.

Tension in Taraba over alleged arrest of Miyetti Allah leader Bodejo

With just hours to go before the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), the excitement is already impossible to ignore. Somewhere in Lagos right now, your favorite celebrities are probably meeting up with their stylists, make-up artists, getting everything locked and ready down to the last detail. Who wouldn’t want to snatch up that Best Dressed Award?

Every year, the AMVCA gives us moments to obsess over, unforgettable fashion statements, viral red-carpet interviews, emotional award speeches, and of course, the brands that know exactly how to own the moment. This year, Johnnie Walker wasted no time setting the pace with its unforgettable Icons Night.

More than just another pre-AMVCA gathering, Icons Night felt like a love letter to Nollywood’s journey. Rooted in Johnnie Walker’s iconic “Keep Walking” philosophy, the evening celebrated progress, legacy, and the relentless spirit it takes to build greatness over time. And honestly, the guest list alone told the story. Legends like Patience Ozokwor (Mama Gee), Joke Silva, Jide Kosoko, Bimbo Akintola, Shaffy Bello, Saheed Balogun, Susan Peters, Patrick Doyle, Zeb Ejiro, Gloria Young, Nobert Young, and Nkem Owoh (Osuofia), alongside many others, gathered under one roof to celebrate the industry they helped shape.

One of the most emotional highlights of the evening came as legendary filmmaker Zeb Ejiro received a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his incredible contribution to Nollywood. The recognition was paired with a rare Johnnie Walker Gold series presentation, a timeless symbol of distinction that reflected the depth, rarity, and impact of his journey. It was one of those moments that reminded everyone in the room that Nollywood didn’t become a global cultural force overnight. It was built step by step, story by story, by people who refused to stop pushing forward.

And that’s what made Icons Night feel so special. Beyond the glamour, the music, and the perfectly curated experience, it celebrated resilience. It honored the pioneers who opened doors, broke barriers, and created opportunities for the new generation of storytellers now taking African cinema to the world.

But Johnnie Walker didn’t stop there. To crown the celebration, the brand is teaming up with headline sponsor Don Julio to host Blue-42, an exclusive after-party experience bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry leaders, and cultural tastemakers. It marks the first time two of the world’s most celebrated premium spirits brands are collaborating in honor of African talent and culture, and honestly, it feels like the perfect AMVCA match-up.

Guests at Blue-42 will get to experience Johnnie Walker through bespoke cocktail expressions crafted by expert mixologists, adding another layer of sophistication to an already iconic awards weekend.

If there was ever a masterclass on how brands should show up at the AMVCA, Johnnie Walker may have just delivered it. By staying true to its “Keep Walking” philosophy, celebrating legacy while embracing the future, the brand has managed to create moments that feel bigger than sponsorships, moments that genuinely honor the culture.

Now, all that’s left is for the cameras to roll, the stars to arrive, and the magic to unfold.

Johnnie Walker is bringing something different to AMVCA 2026 – here’s what to know

Nigerian rapper and singer, Shallipopi, has revealed why he switched from rap music to singing.

Featuring in a recent episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast, the ‘Cast’ hitmaker explained that he was originally a rap star but embraced Amapiano for financial reasons.

According to him, Amapiano is more lucrative than rap music.

“I have been rapping for a while. I am a trap star. They made me do Amapiano. It is Amapiano that bring food to the table, so we will do it. I will drag it with them,” he said.

Shallipopi said rap was his “first love” but he struggled to make a fortune from it partly due to Nigerian music fans’ orientation and lack of support.

On why he rejected the Headies award for Best Rap Song, which was won by his song ‘Cast’ last year, Shallipopi said he rejected it because the organisers attempted to box him as just a rapper.

He insisted that they should have given awards in both singing and rapping categories.

Amapiano more lucrative than rap – Shallipopi claims

Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Police Command have arrested one Emmanuel Odiniya, father of former Big Brother Naija housemate, Ilebaye, over suspected domestic violence.

DAILY POST earlier reported how reality TV star cried out for help during an Instagram Livestream on Friday night.

A viral video clip captured moments where the father was brutally assaulting the celebrity, raising concerns amongst Nigerians.

Responding to the concerns, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Saturday said the lady was immediately rescued and taken to hospital after the alarm.

“At about 12:00 a.m., the FCT Police Command responded to a distress call from Royal Anchor Estate, Wuye, Abuja, reporting an ongoing physical assault on Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya Emmanuel by her father, Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya.

“Following the report, a patrol team from Wuye Division, supported by operatives of the Department of Operations, FCT Police Command, was immediately deployed to the scene. The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer was also present to monitor the operation.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered that the gate to the residence was locked. After several attempts, access was gained into the compound at about 2:30 a.m. Ms. Ilebaye Odiniya, who was found with visible bruises, was rescued alongside her brothers and rushed to NNPC Hospital, Abuja, where she received medical attention.

“Hon. Emmanuel Odiniya is currently in police custody, while a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police spokesperson said in a statement.

Police arrest ex-BBNaija winner Ilebaye’s father over assault after viral video

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has declared a former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, wanted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds.

This was announced in a notice shared via the agency’s official website on Saturday.

“Farouq, 52, is an indigene of Zamfara State and her last known address is EN008, Okpo River, off Agulu street, Maitama, Abuja.

“Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should contact EFCC offices,” the notice read.

Phone numbers through which the anti-graft agency could be contacted towards the arrest of the ex-minister were provided in the notice.

Farouq, who was appointed by late former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2019, was the youngest minister in the federal cabinet during the administration.

DAILY POST reports that a Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, had on April 16, 2026, issued an arrest warrant against Umar Farouq.

BREAKING: EFCC declares ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister, Sadiya Farouq wanted

A cruise ship affected by a hantavirus outbreak is expected to arrive at the Spanish island of Tenerife in the early hours of Sunday, according to the cruise operator.

“Preparations regarding our point of arrival, quarantine and screening procedures for all guests, and the onward travel plans for all guests and affected crew are being led by organisations from several countries,” Oceanwide Expeditions said in a statement.

The company said the agencies involved include the World Health Organization, Dutch authorities and Spanish officials, who are coordinating response measures.

It added that no one aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise liner HV Hondius was showing symptoms as of Friday evening.

After docking at the port of Granadilla in Tenerife, local authorities are expected to take over medical procedures and determine arrangements for passengers’ possible return journeys, Oceanwide Expeditions said.

The Hondius had remained anchored for several days off the coast of Cape Verde after reports of the outbreak emerged.

The ship is now sailing toward Tenerife.

Three people an elderly Dutch couple and a woman from Germany have died in connection with the outbreak aboard the cruise ship, which departed from southern Argentina on April 1 with fewer than 150 people on board.

The WHO on Friday confirmed six hantavirus cases, including the three deaths, while two additional cases remain under investigation.

Cruise ship hit by Hantavirus outbreak set to arrive in Tenerife

Former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Gabriel Toby, has paid a courtesy visit to Apple Garden Estate, located in Banana Highland, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and owned by Mercy Divine Properties Ltd.

During the visit, the elder statesman commended the Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Divine Properties, Mercy Amatemeso, for her remarkable achievements and contributions to the real estate sector.

Dr. Toby also praised her husband, Amatemeso, alongside the staff and management of the company for their unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the brand.

According to him, “In the past, people used to say that behind every successful man, there is a strong and supportive woman. But today, I can confidently say that behind every successful woman, there is also a strong and supportive man. I must commend your husband for standing firmly behind you, and I also appreciate the staff and management of Mercy Divine Properties for believing in this vision and working tirelessly to sustain it.” 

He encouraged the CEO to remain focused and continue building a legacy capable of impacting lives positively and contributing to development in Rivers State and beyond.

Responding, the CEO of Mercy Divine Properties, Mercy Amatemeso, thanked the former deputy governor for the visit and his words of encouragement.

She described the visit as a great honour and source of motivation to continue striving for excellence.

“We are deeply honoured by your visit and fatherly advice. Your encouragement means a lot to us and will inspire us to continue giving our best in service, innovation and estate development,” she said.

Former Rivers Deputy Governor, Dr Gabriel Toby, visits Apple Garden – A landmark moment for Mercy Divine Properties