… faces possible death penalty American singer and Tiktok star D4vd has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, as prosecutors disclosed details of the charges against him. The 21-year-old artiste, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was formally arraigned on Monday on a first-degree murder […]
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In line with their shared vision to drive growth and innovation in West Africa, Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) and CEVA Logistics have announced the signing of a Joint Venture (JV) agreement. This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing integrated logistics solutions in Nigeria and the broader West Africa region.
The agreement, which has been approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria, was formally signed recently. CEVA Logistics will hold a majority stake in the newly established joint venture.
This collaboration brings together CEVA Logistics’ extensive global network and expertise with Lagos Free Zone’s strategic location and infrastructure. The JV establishes the first global logistics leader-operated warehouse within Lagos Free Zone, home to Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port. This facility positions importers to seamlessly access West African markets, particularly multinational manufacturers serving the region. Speaking on the strategic joint venture, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Lagos Free Zone, Adesuwa Ladoja said, “This partnership with CEVA Logistics underscores our commitment to creating a one-stop solution for manufacturing and trade businesses in Nigeria. By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa.
Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”
Ladoja noted that Lekki Port, with its modern infrastructure, serves as a critical entry point for goods entering West Africa. Importers leveraging the free zone warehouse facilities at Lekki Port will benefit from duty-free exports to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) markets, creating a streamlined and cost-effective logistics solution.
She added that the advantage is further reinforced by the Lagos Free Zone Green Channel — a Nigeria Customs Service–approved logistics corridor launched in February 2026 that enables cargo to move directly between Lekki Port and Lagos Free Zone in hours rather than days, significantly reducing demurrage costs and giving manufacturers the supply chain predictability needed to compete in time-sensitive regional markets.
In his remarks, the Vice President, Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, stated, “We are proud to partner with Lagos Free Zone in this strategic venture. Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS. This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa.”
Rambaud disclosed that the partnership will mark a new phase of enhanced logistics solutions, leading to a seamless journey for global trade in West Africa, a region with its dynamic and youthful population that represents a key growth market for global manufacturers, especially in the FMCG sector. The logistics journey to this region requires a deep understanding of trade lanes, local port operations, and customs procedures. By combining CEVA Logistics’ global capabilities with Lagos Free Zone’s integrated infrastructure, the JV will enable businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring a seamless journey for goods from global origins to West African destinations.
About Lagos Free Zone
Promoted by Singapore-based Tolaram, Lagos Free Zone is the first privately-held deep sea port-based free trade zone in Nigeria. Centrally located in Lagos State, the commercial hub of West Africa’s largest economy, the zone covers an area of 860 hectares. It is fully equipped with world-class infrastructure, a single window clearance for ease of doing business, and is home to Lekki Deep Sea Port, which allows for access to regional and international markets. LFZ aims to be the preferred industrial hub in West Africa with world-class infrastructure and is currently home to global brands like ADM, Tata International, Kellogg’s, Colgate, Arla, Dufil, Lekki Port among others as its current tenants.
About CEVA Logistics
CEVA Logistics, a world leader in third-party logistics, provides global supply chain solutions to connect people, products and providers all around the world. Headquartered in Marseille, France, CEVA Logistics offers a broad range of end-to-end, customized solutions in contract logistics and air, ocean, ground and finished vehicle transport in 170 countries worldwide thanks to its approximately 110,000 employees at more than 1,700 facilities. With 2025 revenue of US$18.3 billion, CEVA Logistics is part of the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions.
Activist Aisha Yesufu has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, following its recent statement on a purportedly fabricated X account linked to its chairman, Joash Amupitan.
Reacting via her verified X account on Tuesday, Yesufu said the development raises concerns about the credibility of the electoral body ahead of future elections.
Her remarks come amid ongoing public debate over INEC’s clarification regarding the alleged fake social media account attributed to its chairman.
Recall that INEC had released a statement on Monday detailing how a fabricated X account was used in a coordinated attempt to frame Amupitan following a forensic investigation that it said found no link between him and the viral posts attributed to his name.
The commission said the probe, conducted with the support of independent cybersecurity experts, established that the account @joashamupitan and the controversial post, “Victory is sure,” were products of digital manipulation and impersonation.
However, Yusuf insists that the INEC chair cannot be trusted.
“This more than anything shows INEC under Joash Amupitan cannot be trusted to conduct free, fair and credible election. By this desperation to deny something that is so glaring, Amupitan has offered himself as a tool to be used,” she wrote.
INEC Under Amupitan Cannot Be Trusted – Aisha Yusuf is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
The Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Thomas Bariere Ariar, has assured residents that those responsible for the attempted assassination of a traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty, King Baridam Suanu Yormaadam, will be brought to justice.
Dr. Bariere gave the assurance during a visit to the monarch at his palace in Bangha, Nyo-Khana, following his recovery from injuries sustained in the attack earlier this year.
King Baridam was reportedly shot at close range by unidentified gunmen on January 25, 2026, while travelling in his vehicle.
The incident left both the monarch and his driver seriously injured and triggered concern across the Khana community.
After weeks of medical treatment, the traditional ruler has since returned home.
Addressing members of the traditional council, chiefs, and security personnel during the visit, the council chairman condemned the attack and reiterated his administration’s responsibility to protect lives and property.
He stated that the local government was working with security agencies to ensure that those behind the attack are apprehended and prosecuted.
Dr. Bariere also disclosed that arrests have been made in connection with the incident, adding that suspects in custody are providing useful information that could aid further investigations.
The chairman further stressed the need for residents to remain vigilant and united, warning that efforts to destabilize the peace of Khana would not be tolerated.
In his response, King Baridam Suanu Yormaadam expressed appreciation for the visit and support shown during his recovery.
He said the attack on his life would not go unpunished and affirmed his commitment to pursuing justice through lawful means.
The monarch also reiterated his dedication to peace and security in Nyokhana and called on residents, particularly youths, to work together to safeguard their communities against criminal activities.
Rivers LG Chairman Assures Monarch Justice After Assassination Attempt is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has cautioned motorists and residents in Ekiti State against practices that could damage newly rehabilitated federal roads, including indiscriminate parking of heavy-duty vehicles, petroleum product spillage, and vandalism of public infrastructure.
The Director of West Operations, Engineer Francis Isabiyi, gave the warning during an inspection of Sukuk-funded road projects across the state. The visit was part of a nationwide assessment of federal road interventions financed through the Sukuk bond initiative.
The inspection covered key project sites, including a 1.2-kilometre stretch passing through Ikunri Modern Market (Alubarika Market) in Ikunri-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area, and a 1.6-kilometre section linking Itawure to the Osun State boundary.
Speaking with journalists at Ikunri, Isabiyi expressed satisfaction with the quality of work executed, noting that FERMA’s targeted sectional repairs have restored severely damaged portions of the road.
He explained that the agency’s intervention strategy focuses on rehabilitating critical segments of federal roads rather than embarking on full reconstruction, adding that similar projects are ongoing across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Describing the inspected route as a major trunk corridor, Isabiyi said it connects Abuja through Ifaki, Ikole, and Omuo, with onward links to Lagos, Ilorin, and Kogi State, while also serving key institutions and communities within Ekiti.
He, however, stressed the need for public cooperation in preserving the infrastructure, lamenting that newly repaired roads are often compromised by human activities.
“Indiscriminate parking of trucks on rehabilitated sections leads to diesel and petrol spillage, which weakens the road surface. Communities must discourage such practices,” he said.
“We also face challenges of vandalism, including the removal of guardrails and theft of installed streetlights. These are public assets and should be protected.”
At the Itawure axis, the Zonal Director, Southwest , Alonge Babatunde, also rated the project satisfactory, noting that although minor issues were observed, they would be addressed promptly. He added that the project remains within its six-month completion timeline and commended the contractor for steady progress.
Babatunde urged motorists to avoid overspeeding on the improved road, noting that the rehabilitation has significantly reduced accidents and vehicle breakdowns.
He further highlighted the economic benefits of the project, stating that improved road conditions would enhance mobility, boost commercial activities, and support local businesses.
Residents and road users who spoke during the inspection expressed appreciation to the federal government for the intervention, citing improved safety, reduced travel time, and better economic prospects.
At Ikunri, commuters noted that the once deplorable road has become motorable, while others called for the extension of repairs to adjoining areas still in poor condition, particularly around Ayedun.
Similarly, at the Itawure axis, drivers and traders described the rehabilitation as a major relief, urging the government to sustain infrastructure development across the state.
FERMA warns residents against abuse, damage of rehabilitated roads in Ekiti
Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has deferred the bail application of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to the first week of June 2026.
El-Rufai is currently being prosecuted on several counts relating to alleged financial impropriety and abuse of office by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Speaking with journalists after the session, El-Rufai’s counsel, Ukpon Akpan, faulted the continued postponement of the bail hearing by the presiding judge, describing it as “politically motivated”.
The former governor reportedly arrived at the court around 9 a.m. in a convoy, accompanied by officials of the ICPC and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s supporters assembled outside the courtroom, while security agencies maintained order and restricted movement around the court vicinity.
The development means that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain will remain in custody till June, when the court will decide whether to grant him bail, or keep him in detention.
El-Rufai to remain in custody till June as court defers bail application
Operatives of the Niger State Police Command have dismantled a suspected interstate car theft network, arresting suspects and recovering two stolen vehicles in coordinated operations across Minna and Bida.
The Police Public Relations, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement on Tuesday said the arrests made by the State Intelligence Department (SID), followed actionable intelligence.
According to him, one of the suspects, 49-year-old Abdulfatai Abdulganiyu from Kano, was tracked to a hotel along Mandela Road in Minna, where he was found in possession of a stolen Honda CR-V.
Police investigations revealed that the vehicle had been stolen in Kano and transported to Niger State for sale.
“The suspect allegedly received the car from an accomplice, identified as Musa Abdulrazak, and drove it to Minna in search of a buyer,” the police spokesman stated.
Further findings led to the arrest of a second suspect, Nura Umar, 28, in Bida.
The PRO disclosed that Umar was found with another suspected stolen vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, which he reportedly purchased for ₦1.1 million, while paying ₦700,000 upfront.
According to police sources, Umar admitted that the suspect had supplied him with the Corolla earlier in April and had promised to deliver another vehicle before his arrest.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Police bust interstate car theft syndicate, recover stolen vehicles in Niger
British boxer Lawrence Okolie failed a doping test before his heavyweight fight against Tony Yoka.
The 33-year-old is scheduled to fight Frenchman Yoka, a 2016 Olympic champion, in Paris on Saturday, 25 April.
Fight promoter Queensberry said it was told on Monday night by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada) that Okolie “returned an adverse finding following an anti-doping test conducted ahead of the show in Paris this Saturday”.
It said it would provide an update on whether the fight will go ahead “in due course”.
Former world champion Okolie said he hoped “sense prevails” as he explained the failed test came after treatment for an injury.
“Before anyone starts imagining the worst, following my bicep injury last year, I sustained an elbow injury on the same arm during this camp,” Okolie said in a statement posted on social media.
“I had a treatment on it and now we are here. I truly hope sense prevails.
“I will of course be fully co-operating with all relevant authorities and I’m confident any investigation will clear my name.”
Okolie won world titles at cruiserweight and bridgerweight before moving up to heavyweight in 2024.
He is undefeated in three heavyweight fights and stopped Ebenezer Tetteh last December in his most recent outing.
Okolie Fails Doping Test Before Yoka Fight is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
An Oyo State High Court presided by Justice G. A. Opayinka has been asked to subpoena necessary parties to testify against the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Afam Osigwe, SAN, in a suit seeking to stop the bar election scheduled for July 2026.
In the suit numbered 1/221/2026, the plaintiffs, who are members of the NBA, had asked the court to halt all actions towards the conduct of the election, pending the determination of the matter.
The plaintiffs in the suit are Ibrahim Lawal, Esq, Raymond Oki, Esq, Omotan Olusola Ogunmodede, Esq, and Chief Gabriel Ojo Adekunle Ijalana, Esq. The Incorporated Trustees of the NBA, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, the Body of Benchers, the Attorney General of the Federation (in his capacity as Chairman, General Council of the Bar), Aham Ejelam, SAN, Ibrahim Aliyu Nasarawa, Esq, Muhamad M. Nuhu, Esq, Uju Okafor, Esq, and Ume Maduka, Esq, are the 1st to 9th defendants, in that order.
In an exparte order dated March 4, 2026, Justice Opayinka had granted the reliefs sought in an exparte motion moved by the applicants
The judge ordered: “The 5th to 9th defendants/respondents are hereby restrained by themselves, their agents, privies or assigns from parading or holding themselves out as the chairman, secretary or members of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) or from performing, undertaking or participating in any acts, step or process whatsoever in furtherance of the conduct of the 2026 National Officers’ Election of the Nigerian Bar Association, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for Interlocutory Injunction dated 19th February, 2026.
“The 2nd defendant (NBA President) is restrained from taking any steps whatsoever towards the constitution and composition of the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, or from participating in, supervising, influencing or otherwise interfering in any manner whatsoever with the conduct of the said 2026 NBA National Officers’ Election, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The suit is still pending before the court, which had, following the ex-parte order, adjourned the matter to March 12, 2026, for hearing of the motion for interlocutory injunction.
However, in a fresh twist in the matter, lawyers, under the aegis of the Nigerian Law Society, NLS, and the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, ALDRAP, through their counsel, Adetoun S. Akwarandu, have asked Justice Opayinka to subpoena some persons to “testify against the NBA President and his media team’s pattern of refusal to comply with Rule 33 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023”.
Rule 33 of the Rules of Professional Conduct for Legal Practitioners, 2023, prohibits lawyers involved in pending or anticipated litigation from making extra-judicial statements that could prejudice or interfere with a fair trial, judgment, or sentence, ensuring the sub-judice rule is maintained.
Akwarandu, in an amicus curiae brief of argument addressed to Justice Opayinka, dated March 17, 2026, listed the parties to be summoned to give evidence as Rasheed Murtala Abdul-Rasheed, SAN, former NBA publicity secretary, Niko El-Farlo, Dr. Clinton Tonye Jaja, and Jimoh Hammed, Esq, Convener of the Advocacy for Bar License Freedom, ABLIF.
Parts of the amicus curiae brief read, “Our client, on behalf of several Nigerian lawyers, both individually and collectively, respectively requests your Lordship to invoke Order 41 Rule 16 of the Oyo State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2022, and sections 20 and 83(3) of the Evidence Act, 2011, as amended to issue a subpoena for the under-listed necessary parties.
“Our client informed us that the testimonies of the above-mentioned lawyers are relevant to establish the fact that both the President of the NBA and his cronies are in the habit of violating the rule relating to matters that are sub-judice.
“Our client seeks this intervention, considering that if your Honourable Court does not apply the relevant laws and impose the necessary penalties and sanctions, the respect and reputation of your Honourable Court will forever be taken for granted.
“Our client makes this request on behalf of over 2,500 right-thinking lawyers, who are under the umbrella of the Nigerian Law Society, NLS, and the Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners, ALDRAP.”
In an addendum to the amicus curiae brief, dated April 7, 2026, ALDRAP sought the admission of a public statement allegedly made by NBA President “which is germane to the determination of the ongoing lawsuit”.
Referring to the said public statement, ALDRAP said the NBA President had admitted to nominating both the chairman and secretary of the NBA electoral committee as NBA nominees to occupy positions in the Body of Benchers.
Alleging that the move could influence the NBA election in favour of preferred candidates, ALDRAP noted that out of over 200,000 members of the NBA, individuals not saddled with the responsibility of conducting the election should have been nominated for the positions. The association stressed that the assignment of conducting the election requires neutrality and impartiality.
ALDRAP further noted that the pending lawsuit against the NBA election is asking the court to order the chairman and secretary of the electoral committee to step aside.
A woman identified as Oluwasola Victoria Adebayo has reportedly died under distressing circumstances while waiting for her daughter to complete the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ondo State.
The incident occurred at Ilara-Mokin Junction in Ifedore Local Government Area, where the deceased had accompanied her daughter to a JAMB examination centre.
Eyewitnesses said that shortly after arriving at the venue, Adebayo complained of feeling unwell before suddenly collapsing. Bystanders immediately rushed to her aid in an attempt to revive her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
At the time the tragedy occurred, her daughter was inside the examination hall, unaware of the situation as she continued writing her paper.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the incident was reported to the authorities, adding that necessary procedures were followed before the body was released to her son after preliminary investigations.