Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Tension flared in Sokoto on Wednesday as a coalition of political parties and youth groups staged a protest at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office, demanding the immediate resignation of the commission’s national chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan over alleged bias and injustice.

The protesters, operating under the Coalition of Political Parties and comprising members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party, and other registered parties, accused the INEC leadership of working in the interest of certain political actors to the detriment of others.

Addressing journalists during the demonstration, one of the protest leaders said the group was in Sokoto in solidarity with Nigerian youths to press home two key demands which include the immediate resignation of the INEC chairman and intervention by the Federal Government.

“We are here to demand the resignation of the national chairman. We are also calling on the Federal Government, both the executive and legislative arms, to ensure he exits that position honourably”

He alleged that the commission’s leadership was acting the “bidding of its employers,” claiming that certain interests were being favoured to dominate the electoral process.

The protesters further decried what they described as the unjust removal of a political party from INEC’s portal, insisting that such actions undermine democratic principles and political inclusiveness.

In a charged remark, the activist urged security agencies to exercise restraint, noting that both citizens and security personnel face similar economic realities.

“We are all Nigerians. We go to the same markets and buy at the same prices. If they are deployed to disperse us, we are ready. This is a struggle for democracy,” he added.

The demonstration, however, remained largely peaceful as security operatives monitored the situation around the INEC premises.

Responding, the INEC Head of General administration and procurement Hussaini Tanko Yahaya who received a protest letter from the group assured them that their grievances would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.

“We have received your letter and will acknowledge it accordingly. All the issues raised will be taken up with the commission,” an official said.

He said that the commission remains committed to addressing concerns through appropriate channels.

The protest comes amid growing political tension and heightened scrutiny of electoral processes ahead of future elections in the country.

Coalition Protests At INEC Office In Sokoto, Demands Amupitan’s Resignation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, in Maitama on Wednesday admitted a factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, to bail in the sum of N100 million.

Turaki, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs between 2013 and 2015, is facing trial over allegations that he supplied false information to the police in a petition submitted in 2022.

He was brought before Justice Peter Kekemeke on a single-count charge marked CR/647/2026, filed by the Nigeria Police Force under the authority of the Inspector-General of Police.

The charge, dated November 15, 2025, states: “That you, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, m, of No. 37 T.Y. Danjuma Street, Asokoro, Abuja, on or about October 5, 2022, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, gave false information to the Inspector-General of Police via a petition dated October 5, 2022.”

Police prosecutors said the alleged offence is punishable under Section 140 of the Penal Code.

Earlier, on March 26, the court had issued a warrant for Turaki’s arrest after he repeatedly failed to appear for arraignment. However, the order was lifted on April 1 when he presented himself in court and indicated readiness to face trial.

At Wednesday’s proceedings, Turaki entered a not guilty plea.

His counsel, Abulaziz Ibrahim, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, citing Sections 36(5) and 36(6)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, alongside Section 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. He argued that the charge is bailable and stressed that his client remains innocent until proven otherwise.

Highlighting Turaki’s profile, the defence noted his decades-long legal career and public service. “My Lord, this defendant is also the authentic leader of the PDP. He is an elder statesman, a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a respected community leader with various chieftaincy titles,” Ibrahim said, while asking that bail be granted on self-recognition.

The prosecution, led by Usman Rabiu, opposed the request, alleging that the defendant had evaded service of court processes and only appeared after being declared wanted. While acknowledging that bail rests at the court’s discretion, he argued that such discretion should be exercised cautiously and urged the court to remand the defendant.

In his ruling, Justice Kekemeke held that bail is a fundamental right and that the court is empowered to grant it where appropriate. He also noted that Turaki eventually submitted himself to the court voluntarily before the arrest warrant could be enforced.

The judge further ruled that the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence to show that the defendant was likely to abscond.

Consequently, the court granted bail in the sum of N100 million, with one surety in like amount. It directed that the surety must be either a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with at least 20 years’ standing or a lawyer with over 40 years of practice.

The matter was adjourned until June 11 for commencement of hearing.

Factional PDP Chairman, Turaki docked, granted N100m bail

Yusuf Buhari, son of late President Muhammadu Buhari, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Sandamu/Daura/Mai’Adua Federal Constituency in Katsina in the forthcoming general elections.

According to a media post by former presidential media aide, Bashir Ahmad, Yusuf made his decision known on Wednesday when he visited the Katsina State Governor, Dr Dikko Radda.

He wrote, “Today, Yusuf Buhari, son of our late boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, visited the Governor of Katsina, Dr Dikko Radda, as he formally declared his intention to contest for the House of Representatives seat representing Daura, Sandamu and Mai’Adua Federal Constituency.”

DAILY POST reports that Yusuf will be contesting under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It was gathered that Yusuf made his decision known after wide consultations with key stakeholders and political allies, especially in Katsina State.

2027: Muhammadu Buhari’s son formerly declares for House of Reps

The federal government, on Wednesday, arraigned five of the alleged masterminds of a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu through a coup d’état.

The defendants were docked before trial by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Following their plea of innocence to the charge, the court ordered that they should be remanded in custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The remand order followed an application by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who was in court to personally handle the case.

Meanwhile, the court slated Monday to commence a full-blown hearing of the case.

Before the matter was adjourned, the defence lawyers, led by Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, prayed the court to order the DSS to grant them access to their clients.

They said such access would enable them to effectively prepare the defence of their clients who have been in detention since they were arrested.

Among those listed as defendants in a 13-count treason charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026 is the erstwhile governor of Bayelsa State—who also served as minister of state for petroleum resources under the late former president Muhammadu Buhari—Timipre Sylva.

The former governor, who is said to be currently at large after escaping from the country before the alleged coup plot was leaked, was arraigned in absentia.

The other defendants in the charge are retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, serving Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, and three others—Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani.

The allegations against the defendants border on treason, terrorism, failure to disclose security intelligence, and funds laundered in furtherance of acts of terrorism.

According to the FG, the defendants, sometime in September 2025, conspired among themselves to levy war against the state to overawe President Tinubu, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code.

It was alleged that the defendants had prior knowledge of a planned treasonable act involving one Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and others but failed to alert the appropriate authorities.

The FG maintained that they rendered assistance to Colonel Ma’aji, as evidenced by their refusal to disclose the coup plot to either the president or a peace officer.

Moreover, the defendants were accused of failing to take preventive steps, as they “did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence”.

Other allegations against them centred on terrorism-related offences under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

They were said to have conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Specifically, the serving police inspector, Ibrahim, and another defendant, Umoru, were accused of participating in meetings linked to terrorist activities.

The FG alleged that they acted “in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

The defendants were further accused of providing support for terrorism.

The prosecution told the court that they knowingly and indirectly rendered support to facilitate acts of terror.

Tracing some of the transactions it said were linked to terrorism financing, the FG alleged that one of the defendants, Goni, “indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000, which forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing”, while another defendant, Sani, allegedly retained N2 million from a similar source.

The charge also disclosed that Umoru had accepted a cash payment of N10,000,000 without going through a financial institution.

It was alleged that he also retained an additional N8.8 million suspected to be proceeds of terrorism financing.

Likewise, Inspector Ibrahim was accused of taking possession of N1 million linked to the same alleged scheme.

All financial-related counts in the charge were brought under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Some of the counts in the charge read: ‘That you, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (Rtd); Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (Rtd); Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (AP776373); Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Kashim Goni; Abdulkadir Sani; Timipre Sylva (still at large); and others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowing that Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji (N/10668) and others intended to commit treason, did not give the information thereof with all reasonable despatch to either the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or a peace officer and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.’

“That you, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (Rtd); Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (Rtd); Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (AP776373); Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Kashim Goni; Abdulkadir Sani; Timipre Sylva (still at large); and others, sometime in the year 2025, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowing that Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji (N/10668) and others intended to commit treason, did not use any reasonable endeavours to prevent the commission of the offence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40(b) of the Criminal Code Cap C38 LFN 2004.

“That you, Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana (Rtd); Captain (NN) Erasmus Ochegobia Victor (Rtd); Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (AP776373); Zekeri Umoru; Bukar Kashim Goni; Abdulkadir Sani; Timipre Sylva (still at large); and others, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired with one another to commit an act of terrorism in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim (AP776373) and Zekeri Umoru, sometime in the year 2025 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, in a bid to further a political ideology which may seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, knowingly participated in meetings connected with an act of terrorism and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 2(3)(d) and 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Bukar Kashim Goni, in September 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N50,000,000.00 (fifty million naira) only in your First Bank Account Number 3021511166 from A & A Express Link Concept, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

“That you, Zekeri Umoru, in September 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without going through a financial institution accepted a cash payment of the sum of N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) only from Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji and thereby committed an offence contrary to Sections 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.

“That you, Zekeri Umoru, in September 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, indirectly retained the aggregate sum of N8,800,000.00 (eight million, eight hundred thousand Naira) only in your Zenith Bank Plc account number 2006041878, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

“That you, Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, in September 2025, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly took possession of the sum of N1,000,000.00 (one million naira) only from Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji (N/10668), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, to wit: terrorism financing, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the remand of six defendants in the custody of the Department of State Services after they were arraigned on a 13-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism.

At the sitting, which commenced at about 1:46pm, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the court that the charge was ready and sought leave to have it read to the defendants.

Proceedings were briefly stalled after the third defendant informed the court that his counsel was indisposed, while counsel to the sixth defendant said his client understood only Arabic and Hausa, prompting the court to stand down the matter to secure an interpreter.

When the court reconvened at about 2:18 pm, all six defendants took their pleas and denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to the 13 counts.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution applied for their remand in DSS custody and urged the court to grant an accelerated hearing of the case, a request that was not opposed by most defence counsel, although the first defendant’s lawyer indicated an intention to file a bail application.

Ruling, the trial judge ordered an accelerated hearing, directed that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody with access to their lawyers, and adjourned the matter till April 27, 2026, for commencement of trial

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Liam Rosenior’s position as Chelsea head coach is becoming increasingly uncertain following Tuesday’s damaging 3-0 defeat by Brighton.

It’s understood he may be sacked as early as Sunday if Chelsea lose FA Cup semi-final tie with Leeds United.

Last week, Rosenior received public and private backing from the club’s hierarchy but none was forthcoming on Wednesday, sources have indicated to BBC Sport.

In addition, a number of players are understood to be unconvinced by the 41-year-old, who moved to Chelsea from their French partner club Strasbourg just over three months ago.

While the players have a day off, the club’s leadership are at the training ground.

It is understood Rosenior’s position is being discussed internally as part of a range of options after the loss, which further damaged their season’s aim of Champions League qualification.

Chelsea fans turned on Rosenior at Amex Stadium, while the head coach publicly criticised his players after the loss.

He said his his team’s performance in the defeat by Brighton – a fifth successive league loss without scoring, which is their worst run for 114 years – was both “indefensible” and “unacceptable”.

Chelsea are seventh in the Premier League, five points adrift of a top-five spot and Champions League qualification, with four matches remaining.

Rosenior signed a five-and-a-half-year deal in early January following the departure of Enzo Maresca.

Before the Brighton defeat, Rosenior said he felt “100%” support from the club’s ownership

Last week, influential co-owner Behdad Eghbali said the hierarchy remain behind Rosenior, adding: “Of course, it’s a results business, but we think he can be successful long term.”

Rosenior is becoming a point of frustration, according to multiple figures close to Chelsea players.

The extent of that frustration varies. Some describe him as a friendly character who means well, while others enjoyed working with him at his previous club, Strasbourg, part of the same BlueCo ownership group.

Others, notably several Spanish-speaking players, are understood to have preferred working under Maresca. That was reflected in interviews given by Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernandez.

Decisions to rotate goalkeepers and limit minutes for certain players, including Josh Acheampong, who often features briefly from the bench, have caused some discontent.

Perhaps most concerning is the atmosphere within the leadership group. One source inside Chelsea said senior players are often quiet when invited to give their views during near-daily team meetings.

Rosenior is not the only issue at Chelsea. Players are also concerned about the financial consequences of failing to qualify for the Champions League again while on incentive-based contracts.

Others have broader frustrations, having joined a club they believed would challenge for trophies but who are now consistently falling short.

Chelsea would point out that forward Cole Palmer has publicly reaffirmed his commitment to the club in the past week, while midfielder Moises Caicedo has signed a new contract. Captain Reece James has also recently extended his deal.

Those deals were sorted before this five-game losing run.

Chelsea Move To Sack Coach is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Governing Board and Intellectual Property Steering Committee to enhance transparency, improve investors’ confidence, and stimulate economic growth.

Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, inaugurated the board on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oduwole described CAC as the legal framework of Nigeria’s economy, playing a vital role in business registration, governance, and economic stability.

She noted that the appointment of the board members reflected careful consideration by President Bola Tinubu, given the importance of the commission to national development.

She expressed optimism that the new board would strengthen Nigeria’s business ecosystem and enhance the country’s global reputation.

According to her, CAC plays a critical role in registering businesses, managing records, and ensuring compliance nationwide.

She urged the board to drive reforms that would promote transparency, attract investment, and support infrastructure and job creation.

The minister also charged the board to prioritise digital innovation, improve financial growth, and simplify processes for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises.

She emphasised the need for integrity, stakeholders’ collaboration, and great measurable results during the tenure.

She revealed that CAC processes had been largely automated, assuring Nigerians of continued improvements, strong oversight, and sustained efforts to strengthen the commission.

She commended the board members, management of the ministry, and other relevant stakeholders for their roles in strengthening Nigeria’s business environment and supporting institutional development.

Oduwole also expressed confidence that their expertise would elevate CAC’s performance.

Responding, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, Chairman of the governing board, said that the committee’s priority would be to identify challenges in technology, timelines, and trust, and fix weaknesses while strengthening existing systems for improved service delivery.

According to him, the board will play a strategic role, not operational. We will provide direction and ensure management delivers efficient and effective services.

“We seek an open-door policy from the minister to support reforms requiring policy backing and coordination.
“We are committed to working to boost investment inflows.

Ida thanked the president and the minister for the trust reposed in the committee, while pledging to deliver under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We appreciate the minister and the entire ministry. We are inheriting a strong institution.

“To Nigerians and global stakeholders, we pledge to discharge our duties effectively and ensure that business registration is faster, cheaper, and more transparent,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, urged the board to strengthen synergy in border management and prioritise modernising registration processes to support industrialisation and trade.

He assured that the ministry would provide policy guidance, emphasising digital transformation, regulatory compliance, and strong corporate governance as key to ensuring that the commission delivered effectively for Nigerians and the business community.

Strengthen Nigeria’s Business Ecosystem, FG Tells CAC Governing Board is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Celebrity lawyer and human rights activist, Chukwuma Daniels, has said that the recent wedding of Adaobi Alagwu has rekindled public discussion around her past dispute involving businessman Tunde Ayeni.

Alagwu recently held her wedding ceremony on April 4, 2026, an event that attracted significant public attention and social media reactions.

She is now married to Honourable Akarachi Amadi Etinosa, whose presence at the ceremony also drew interest from observers.

Speaking on the development, Daniels said the renewed attention reflects how public figures often remain subjects of discussion long after major personal controversies.

He noted that Alagwu first came into the public spotlight during a widely reported dispute involving Ayeni, which generated extensive media coverage and legal exchanges at the time.

According to him, the recent wedding has now brought those past events back into public discourse.

“A few years ago, Adaobi Alagwu was at the center of a widely followed public controversy involving businessman Tunde Ayeni,” Daniels said. “Her recent wedding has, however, reopened conversations about that period and how individuals evolve beyond public disputes.”

He added that the situation highlights how social and media narratives often resurface when individuals involved in past controversies experience new life milestones.

“It also shows how public perception can shift over time, especially when people move into new phases of their personal lives,” he said.

Daniels further observed that while public interest is expected, caution should be exercised when revisiting past events, especially where accounts remain contested.

“Adaobi dusted herself off, she kept her head high even when the smear campaigns were at their worst.

“This piece is not just about one woman’s wedding. This is a loud reminder to every young girl currently “managing” an old uncle with money: the bill always comes due. The public disgrace, the court cases, the late-night tears are real. But so is the possibility of redemption. Adaobi didn’t stay down. She didn’t become bitter. She became better. She chose growth over grudges, and the universe rewarded her with a younger, richer, prouder man who isn’t afraid to show her off.

“So yes; congratulations, Adaobi, you took the worst chapter of your life and turned it into the plot twist nobody saw coming.”

Paternity scandal: Nobody saw it coming – Lawyer Daniels reacts to Adaobi’s wedding after dispute involving Ayeni

The Senate has condemned recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents on military formations in Borno State, which led to the deaths of several soldiers, including senior officers.

Among those killed were Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimoh, Col. Mohammed Isya, Capt. A.M. Esmat, Lt. Kelvin Festus, and several other personnel.

In response, the Senate directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to conduct a comprehensive operational and logistical audit of the incidents.

The upper chamber said the audit should examine the circumstances surrounding the attacks in Benisheikh and Monguno, assess equipment adequacy, review rules of engagement, and identify gaps requiring urgent attention.

It also urged the Armed Forces to strengthen compliance with rules of engagement and international humanitarian law, enhance training on civilian protection, and investigate any allegations of civilian harm during operations to ensure accountability.

The resolutions followed a motion titled “Urgent Need to Curb Attacks on Military Formations by Boko Haram Insurgents,” sponsored by Senate Whip, Tahir Mohammed Monguno, and co-sponsored by Ali Ndume and Shehu Kaka.

Also expected to act on the directive are the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of other intelligence agencies.

Speaking during deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence that the insurgency would eventually be defeated, while emphasising the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen national security.

The Senate reiterated its commitment to supporting measures aimed at protecting military personnel and restoring stability in affected communities.

Senate condemns Borno attacks, orders audit of military operations

A former president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Senator Tony Nwoye, has been named the new Minority Whip of the Senate….

The post Tony Nwoye emerges Senate minority whip appeared first on Tribune Online.

Justice Oyeyemi Ajayi of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday adjourned the trial of alleged members of the One Million Boys gang until 11 May 2026….

The post Court adjourns trial of ‘One Million boys’ till May 11 appeared first on Tribune Online.