Author: The Whistler Newspaper

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on Tuesday sealed 30 construction sites across the Federal Capital Territory for violating the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations, 2011, declaring that “environmental compliance is not a choice.”

Briefing journalists in Abuja, Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor said the enforcement action became necessary due to widespread non-compliance in a sector he described as key to national development but which must be properly regulated to prevent environmental and public health risks.

Barikor, who was represented by the Director of Environmental Quality Control, Mr. Elijah Udofia, listed the risks posed by unregulated construction activities to include improper waste management, building on floodplains and eco-sensitive areas, uncontrolled dust emissions, unsafe handling of materials and chemicals, poor site drainage, erosion and sedimentation, as well as negative impacts on nearby communities.

He expressed displeasure at what he called the poor attitude of operators toward compliance, noting that the affected facilities demonstrated unwillingness to fully comply with regulatory requirements relating to environmental documentation and responsiveness to compliance engagements.

“Where regulatory communication is clear, time-bound, and evidence-based, failure to respond constitutes a serious breach of compliance obligations and poses risks to both the environment and public health,” Barikor stated.

He stressed that the Regulations are designed to prevent harm before it occurs and to ensure that construction activities are managed responsibly from the start, warning that the Agency would continue to enforce the law fairly and consistently across the country.

He called on stakeholders to cooperate with NESREA to improve environmental performance in construction activities.

The facilities sealed in Wuye include Primgate Reality, XTadok Nigeria Limited, Real Bees Global Ltd, Infinite Acres Limited, Urban Cribs, Sunvic Investment Company Ltd, Salis Estate, Uruh Ventures, Mielo Smart Homes, and two separate sites belonging to Peak and Hills Engineering & Development Ltd.

In Jabi, NESREA sealed 7 Fifteen and Rockseed International Company Nigeria Ltd. Salajoy Estate in Wuse was also among those shut down.

Katampe had three sites sealed: I&E Construction Limited, IPDC Limited on Gishiri Road, and Buildoptions Limited at Plot 2119, CAD Zone B07.

In Jahi, the affected companies are BTH Concept Limited at Plot 373 Cadastral Zone B08 and Truss Construction & Properties in Jahi II. Kukwaba area along Airport Road saw the sealing of Alpha Pillars Construction Ltd and Mshel Construction Limited at Plot 869.

Also along Airport Road, City Walk (MAG FZC) at Plot 28 C17 Cadastral Zone and Dream City at Plot 21 Cadastral Zone C17 were sealed.

Other sealed sites are Zavati Group at Area 2 Shopping Centre, Brainview Estate in Wuye District at Ahmist Filling Station, Meh Empire Estate at Plot 596 CAD Zone B10 Dakibiyu District, Hectare Industries in Abuja, Urban Shelter at UTC Abuja, Klimart Limited in Asokoro, and Samdus Limited in Asokoro District.

NESREA Seals 30 Construction Sites In FCT is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The victim Mena went to the Effurun main park at Sapele Road to take delivery of a waybill. When he eventually got there, they told him to add money because the pack was a bit heavy. They curiously asked him what was in the waybill, but he told them someone sent him, and they asked him to open it.

When they finally compelled him to open it, they saw a Beretta pistol with 4 live ammunitions. They quickly held him down, but he told them he was sent by his friend to help him pick up the waybill.

He cried for mercy that he was ready to take them to the particular guy that sent him. The leadership of the motor park tied his legs and hands backward, blocked the gate of the park to prevent a possible attack from Mena’s gang and then called ACP Aliyu Shaba to take over the matter, investigate, and unravel the men behind the gun running business.

The Uvwie Area Commander then mandated their patrol team headed by ASP Nuhu Usman, aka Ogbegbe, to go and bring the suspect to the station. Ogbegbe and his team headed straight to the park in order to bring the said suspect, Mena.

On getting there, the moment Ogbegbe saw the pistol, he got angry and was “jolificating” in the euphoria of the crowd hailing him. He cocked his gun and fired Mena’s hand. His team assisted and carried Mena into the vehicle alive.

At this point, Mena was still alive agonising in the pain of Ogbegbe’s trigger-happy bullet. They eventually got to the Ekpan station and instead of Ogbegbe Usman to report to the Area Commander Aliyu Shaba, who sent him to bring the boy, just at the car park, they brought Mena out of their patrol Toyota Seinna Vehicle ASP Ogbegbe shøt him again three times at the station, ending the life of the young man.

Aliyu Shaba, who heard the gunshot on Sunday evening 26th of April when the incident occurred rushed down, ordered that the ASP be tactically disarmed, handcuffed him, chained his legs as well, and detained all of them.

ACP Aliyu Shaba briefed the CP, and they were taken to Asaba yesterday Monday and transferred to Zone 5 Benin today. They would be transferred to Force Headquarters tomorrow and paraded within the week, hopefully. I hope that they will be dismissed and made to face the charges of murder.

I have personally had several issues with Ogbegbe from his days in the defunct SARS, to him heading a team of the RRS before he was transferred to Jesse Division and then brought to Uvwie Area Command. I had confrontation with him at a time, and Ogbegbe threatened to shøøt me many years ago until the then SARS Commander Dadi called him to order.

He held one of my Facebook followers last week, and the guy called me. He introduced himself to me, and I told him to give the phone to Ogbegbe. I said na another thing you don dey find if you nor release that boy. He said, “Comrade na yahoo boy na make he find something for us. I told him that the boy would not give them a kobo, and if he ever extorted him, he would be opening a fresh battle with me.

He eventually releaaed him and later called me that he has released the young man. He told me he is the only son and his mother is in the mortuary, so he is looking for money to bury the mother. I only said nor go impress anybody, do wetin your power carry and I terminated the call.

My grouse is not that he should just be dismissed from the force but properly investigated. What was he covering that led him to shooting Mena on the spot, finding out that he wasn’t dęąɗ, then shooting him again to dęąth before the Area Commander Aliyu Shaba could even see the young man for possible confession?

I strongly suspect that ASP Ogbegbe knows something we do not know. Why kíIIíng the young man in a hurry. This is a case of clear murder and they must face the music. Even if you find him in possession of a pistol, it doesn’t amount to kíIIíng him. This matter must be thoroughly investigated. Taking a delivery of a pistol doesn’t automatically transmit someone into an armed robber.

Mena might have been innocently sent to receive a waybill without knowing what he was receiving. It may be part of the armoury of a confraternity group or many other possibilities. Ogbegbe has serious questions to answer, and we are watching at the police closely. The leadership of the Effurun Motor Park at Sapele Road must also give a statement to how Mena was brutally and extra-judicially shøt at their park. Justice must be served.

Source : Israel Joe 

Former lawmaker who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani, has picked up the All Progressives Congress, APC, Expression of Interest and Nomination forms in a bid to return to the upper legislative chamber in 2027.

Sani picked up the form in Kaduna State on Tuesday ahead of the party’s primary elections.

The 58-year-old politician represented Kaduna Central in the Senate after winning the election in 2015.

The human rights activist has remained a prominent voice in Nigeria’s political landscape, making notable contributions to national issues.

His decision is expected to shape the dynamics of the contest in the district, given his grassroots appeal and political experience.

DAILY POST reports that APC primary elections will commence on May 15, 2026, starting with the House of Representatives, followed by the Senate.

2027: Shehu Sani picks APC nomination form to return to Senate

The Nigeria Police Force says that it has, in collaboration with operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, successfully secured the release of fourteen victims abducted by sea pirates along the Calabar–Oron waterways.

A statement signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid said the victims were rescued following sustained intelligence-driven operations, robust inter-agency collaboration, and coordinated tactical efforts targeting criminal elements operating within the maritime corridor.

It said that, acting on credible intelligence, the joint operatives intensified surveillance and conducted targeted operations across identified flashpoints, leading to the safe rescue of all victims without harm.

“The rescued victims are currently undergoing medical evaluation and necessary debriefing, after which they will be reunited with their families,” the statement said.

It said that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the joint security team for the successful rescue, describing it as a testament to effective inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations.

The Nigeria Police Force assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend all perpetrators involved in the abduction and bring them to justice.

Police, EFCC rescue 14 kidnap victims from Calabar-Oron waterways

Phyna, a former reality show winner, has named Omah Lay as the only Nigerian music star she can have a one-night stand with.

Phyna made the statement during a recent livestream.

Speaking during the livestream, the reality star, who was asked which artiste she could have a one-night stand with, mentioned Omah Lay.

While explaining that she has been crushing on the musician, Phyna stated, “but I feel it is just going to be boring.”

She said: “Actually, a Nigerian artiste that I can have one night with is Omah Lay. I low-key like Omah Lay ooo.”

DAILY POST reports that a one-night stand is a single sexual experience without any further sexual relationship between the participants.

Watch video

Omah Lay is only Nigerian artiste I can have one-night stand with – Phyna

 Statement Issued by Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State 

“I am pleased to announce that following Presidential approval for the upgrade of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, to international status, the maiden international flight from Uyo to Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana, is set to take off on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

The historic flight will be operated by our flagship carrier, Ibom Air, with a return flight scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026.

This milestone marks another major step in our commitment to expanding aviation capacity, improving global connectivity, and positioning Akwa Ibom as a preferred destination for tourism, trade, and investment.

I deeply appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for granting the approval, and the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his support in making this vision a reality. I also acknowledge the contributions of past leaders who laid the foundation for the growth of our aviation sector.”

A former senator representing Zamfara Central, Senator Kabiru Marafa, has dumped the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and defected to the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

This was made known during his visit to the NDC National Leader, Senator Seriake Dickson, at his Abuja residence.

Speaking during the visit, “We warmly receive you into the NDC. This is not decamping; this is a man coming to a house that is probably suited to him, his principles, his values, and what he stands for,” Senator Seriake Dickson said.

This comes just weeks after defecting from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition party due to internal disagreements.

It is gathered that Marafa, who plans to run for governor in Zamfara State, was reportedly denied the ticket in the ADC and has now moved to the NDC, where he has been assured of the governorship ticket.

DAILY POST earlier reported that Senator Kabiru Marafa, a former senator representing Zamfara Central, had joined the African Democratic Congress, citing concerns over “political manipulation” within the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Senator Marafa defects to NDC weeks after joining ADC

The Nigerian Navy said it has, through personnel of Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO, recorded a significant operational success in the ongoing fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta.

The Navy said that on 25 April 2026, FOB FORMOSO personnel, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a well-coordinated raid at Egbama-Angalabiri in Ekeremo Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

A statement signed by Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, said the operation led to the arrest of one Mr. Godwin, also known as “Idiot,” identified as the leader of a notorious pipeline vandalism syndicate operating within the Clough Creek axis.

It said the successful operation followed sustained intelligence and surveillance, which confirmed the suspect’s involvement in recent attacks on critical oil and gas infrastructure, as well as details of his residence and movement patterns.

It said the suspect was apprehended at a nearby night market where he was reportedly extorting illegal levies from traders.

According to the statement, during a follow-on operation to search his residence, naval personnel encountered resistance from armed members of the syndicate, adding that the situation was swiftly brought under control through a coordinated tactical response, forcing the assailants to withdraw.

“A search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of two handheld radios and other technical tools used in illegal activities. Further exploitation of intelligence obtained from the suspect resulted in the arrest of another individual, Mr. Happiness, believed to be an associate, as well as the recovery of one pump-action gun,” it added.

It said the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.

Navy arrests “Idiot”, other pipeline vandals in Bayelsa

The consensus candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State, Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, on Tuesday met with two governorship aspirants of the party following his recent adoption as the flag bearer.

Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, was adopted as the consensus candidate at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abeokuta.

In a bid to unite the party and rally support from other aspirants, he has embarked on a series of engagements with critical stakeholders, especially those who have made their intentions known in the governorship race.

On Tuesday, Yayi and his team met with the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, at the Olusegun Osoba Hilltop in Abeokuta.

He also met the immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Isola, and his supporters at the residence of Elder Joju Fadairo, one of the party leaders, at Ibara Housing in Abeokuta.

Speaking at the meeting with Obasanjo, he pledged to align with her policies and vision, assuring that her manifesto and political direction would be integrated into his agenda.

Yayi also promised to foster unity within the party and work closely with the former senator and her team, stressing that she was among the first to congratulate him after being adopted by the party.

His words: “Immediately after, Iyabo Obasanjo congratulated me, and I was truly excited. I want to promise that at any given opportunity, I will be there for you. I am here as a son of the family to give assurance that we will work together.

“I am ready to inherit your manifesto. I will work in line with your vision. One, two, or three people from your group must be part of my campaign team. Nobody will be left out,” he added.

Meanwhile, the immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom collapsed 24 support groups into Yayi’s 2027 project, stating that his decision was guided by the overriding interest of Ogun State.

According to Isola, his support was driven by the need to end the era of bitter political succession in the state, stressing that his personal ambition must give way to collective progress.

“The love for Ogun State comes first, and I must do all that is necessary in that regard. I have been a strong and committed advocate of the Yewa agenda over the years, and this is the first time the Yewa people are coming together as one without opposition.

“This presents the best chance, and as someone who has benefited from Ogun State, I have a duty to support that aspiration,” he said.

In response, Yayi expressed gratitude to him and clarified that his ongoing consultations with other aspirants are motivated by the desire for harmony and collective progress, pointing out that the party would greatly benefit from Isola’s experience.

Ogun 2027: Yayi meets Iyabo Obasanjo, Sarafa Isola, vows to incorporate manifestoes

 Many Nigerians have taken to social to condemn the execution of a young man by officers of the Nigerian Police,  Effurum Division in Delta State 

The incident captured on a viral video showed the young whose hands were tied to his back being executed in broad daylight in full glare of the public by a police officer 

The Police Command through the Delta State Commissioner under the instructions of IGP Tunji Disu has ordered for the arrest and transfer of the policeman to Abuja for further interrogation 

This is a statement issued by the Delta State Police Command on the incident 

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND

EFFURUN SHOOTING INCIDENT: DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS, TRANSFERS OFFICER RESPONSIBLE TO FORCE HEADQUARTERS TO FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

As CP condoles with family, friends and concerned members of the public, and assures them of justice

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, has condemned in strong terms the extra-judicial killing of a suspect, one Mene Ogidi, aged 28 years, which occurred on 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State.

The unfortunate incident occurred when operatives attached to Area Command Effurun received credible intelligence from members of the public regarding the deceased, who was reportedly apprehended while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

Police operatives were promptly deployed to the scene to take the suspect into custody. However, the police officer leading the team, ASP Nuhu Usman, in clear violation of Force Order 237 and the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force, discharged his firearm, leading to the death of the suspect.

Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the Area Commander, Effurun, to immediately arrest ASP Nuhu Usman and transfer him to the State Headquarters, Asaba, for necessary disciplinary action. The officer has since been queried and transferred to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he will appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee, currently in session, for immediate disciplinary sanction and prosecution.

The Command, in line with the policy of the Nigeria Police Force, emphasizes respect for the rule of law, human rights, professionalism, accountability and public trust. The Command further reaffirms its zero tolerance for lawlessness, recklessness and extra-judicial conduct.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, extends his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased, Mene Ogidi, and assures the bereaved family that the Command is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served.

The CP hereby appeals to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, as all necessary steps are being taken to bring the culprit to justice.

SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD

POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,

DELTA STATE COMMAND,

ASABA

28/4/2026

Another Statement From Force Headquarters Abuja 

EFFURUN SHOOTING: POLICE ASSURE JUSTICE AS OFFICER FACES DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The Nigeria Police Force condemns the fatal shooting of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, which occurred on 26th April 2026 in Effurun, Delta State.

Preliminary reports indicate that operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command responded to credible information from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway regarding a suspect apprehended by members of a transport union while attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol with four rounds of ammunition. 

While efforts were being made to take the suspect into lawful custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, discharged his firearm in clear violation of extant regulations, resulting in the death of the suspect.

The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has directed the immediate transfer of the officer and his team to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where they would face the Force Disciplinary Committee for summary disciplinary measures and prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police extends his condolences to the family of the deceased and assures them that justice will be served in accordance with the law. He further urges members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as the disciplinary and legal processes take their course.

The Nigeria Police Force maintains a zero-tolerance stance on extra-judicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mnipr, mni

Force Public Relations Officer

Force Headquarters, Abuja

28th April 2026